Parting Shots

What kind of energy bill might an owner receive the first year in a LEED Platinum home? Try a $50 surplus! Originally featured in the May 2010 issue of SBC, this Habitat for Humanity home in Sacramento, CA, includes raised heel trusses that accommodate a tankless water heater and fresh air ducting. Notably, the home achieved LEED Platinum status without using any FSC certified wood. Building designer and engineer of record Norm Scheel (Norm Scheel Structural Engineering), who also served as the project “energy consultant” and LEED Accredited Professional, reports that, “the electric bill for the [first] year is a $50 credit. No cost to the owner for electricity for the year. She could have used $50 more. Pretty cool, huh?”