Question: Regarding the passive energy CREDIT, what is considered passive energy - no mechanical equipment at all, OR can you included low power fans and pumps as part of a passive design? The reason I ask is that if pumps are not considered passive, then a solar hot water collection system with a small circulating pump is not passive. Also, in order to make the 8 months of passive energy goal on the heating side in a climate like the Pacific Northwest, how do you keep your space temperatures up to an acceptable comfort level in October, March, April and May when you are required to bring in 20 cfm of fresh air per person? If fans were to be considered passive, I could use a heat recover ventilator to temper this air and I\'d be home free.
The credit was envisioned for a commercial project where internal loads would be high enough to allow some shoulder season "free heating" from equipment. This credit has proved difficult for even the most advanced designs, and is being re-written to allow more participation. Stay tuned for version 2.0.