You are correct of course, Mark.
I wasn't intending to advocate ignoring anything. My intent was to
bring perspective to the issue.
IMHO, Papercrete is one of the least expensive and most effective
insulators available to create a superinsulated structure. Strawbale
is another, when done properly. Both have their place. Insulation,
while not the only factor, is certainly one of the most important
factors in creating an energy efficient structure.
Sure, do the best you can to address the smaller issues. Just don't
let those issues trap your thinking. When addressing those little
things takes your focus off the overwhelmingly biggest issue, the
energy consumption of homes, it's a losing proposition. Take a step
back and look at the big picture.
A couple of weeks ago, two friends of mine were arguing about whether
it was more efficient to drive with the windows rolled down, or the
air conditioner on. When they got around to asking me what I
thought, I laughed and pointed to the big hulky V8 powered Chrysler
and the rolling crate of a Ford utility van parked in the lot. I
said, "At 10 miles a gallon, it's obvious neither of you really care
about milage." I then proceeded to duck as two empty drink cups were
thrown at me. One missed, the other got me in the leg. The truth
hurts.
Balance. We all need it.
--- In papercreters@yahoogroups.com, Mark Piepkorn <duckchow@...>
wrote:
>
> David Eisenberg, of the Development Center for Appropriate
> Technology, once wrote, "This reminds me of the argument I've heard
> that embodied energy in a building is dwarfed by the operating
energy
> and so is insignificant and can be ignored. I think that the
embodied
> energy is typically quite significant by itself, meaning that
> operating energy is enormously significant... in other words, I
agree
> that the ratio is important and we need to focus our actions where
we
> get the most effective results, but that doesn't justify ignoring
> significant impacts because they are smaller relative to other
impacts."
>
>
> Mark Piepkorn
> www.potkettleblack.com
>
> Sometimes our light goes out but is blown into flame
> by another human being. Each of us owes deepest thanks
> to those who have rekindled this light.
> - Albert Schweitzer
>
>
> At 08:05 PM 8/15/2007, slurryguy wrote:
> >Picture a papercrete builder that uses the worst source of cement,
> >trucked half way across the country, and uses very cement rich
> >mixes. Is this the worst possible scenario for Carbon Dioxide in
> >papercrete construction?
> >
> >As long as that worst case builder builds a very energy efficient
> >house, the TOTAL CO2 emmisions associated with that house over its
> >life span will be minimal.
> >
> >Compare it to the horribly energy wasteful houses that are usually
> >built. There are often megatons of carbon dioxide that are emitted
> >to create the excess energy required to heat and cool standard
homes.
> >
> >Why quibble over a few extra pounds or even a few thousand pounds
of
> >carbon dioxide compared to that?
> >
> >Keep perspective.
>
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