Page 40 - Green Builder July-August 2020 Issue

HONORABLE MENTIONS

shower-to-toilet greywater recycling and energy-
efficient fixtures.
The third phase was focused on reducing the
home’s production of municipal solid waste to zero.
Initial efforts focused on reducing the generation
of food waste by researching multiple concepts
around composting.
Following this, much focus was on the residents’
purchasing of products with recyclable materials
to the maximum degree possible, while also
teaching good habits regarding recycling.
Meanwhile, data was collected on ReNEWW’s
efficiency from before and after the retrofit.
There are more than 120 different data streams
monitored, and 30 sensors that monitor
temperature. Electrical monitoring is on every
household circuit and flow meters are attached
to virtually every pipe in the home.
Bon voyage, sustainable style. Customers who need products shipped to them overseas now have a
number of low- or no-carbon ways to do so, courtesy of international shipping company Stena Bulk. In 2019, the ReNEWW House continued
studying innovative techniques for tracking and
COURTESY OF STENA BULK
disposing of traditional waste, including developing
Hånell says. New fuels and new technology such The second phase focused on updating the a smart bin that gives immediate feedback to
as the company’s recently unveiled IMOFlexMAX house’s water systems to achieve the goal of consumers on the quantities and types of trash
vessel design will also be important. “We can net-zero water. This included installing a rooftop that they are producing. ReNEWW is also studying
test and learn through challenges and thus take rainwater collection system and an interior system how to use waste energy, with research ongoing
further steps in developments for the future,” he that filters water for drinking water usage; and into how to reuse waste heat that is generated
says. “Collaboration within the industry will also be implementing water reuse systems, such as throughout the home. GB
a key element, and [we] will continue to develop
new solutions together with customers, partners
and suppliers.”

Whirlpool Corporation
A historic home offers keys to the
future of household resource planning.
OMETIMES, DECIDING HOW to move
ahead with net zero plans requires
taking a step back. For Whirlpool
S Corporation, the answer came in the
form of the ReNEWW (Retrofitted Net-zero Energy,
Water and Waste) House.
According to Whirlpool executives, the
aspirational vision for the West Lafayette, Ind.,
home was to offset all of its energy use with
solar power, rely on locally available water sources
and have waste-handling systems that prevent
any household waste from going to the landfill.
The retrofit also sought to preserve the historic
character of the house, built in 1928 and located
on the Purdue University campus.
The first phase, completed in 2015, focused
on energy capture and retrofitting the home to
include systems and materials such as geothermal
systems, solar paneling, low GWP insulation and Ever inspiring. Whirlpool’s ReNEWW House continues to discover and demonstrate unique and
triple-pane windows. efficient ways to manage energy, water and waste. COURTESY OF WHIRLPOOL

38 GREEN BUILDER July/August 2020 www.greenbuildermedia.com

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