Sustainability Matters will be providing an amazing material that we will be incorporating into the wall and roof assemblies, called bioPCM:
BioPCMTM absorbs and releases heat using bio-based phase change materials that melt and solidify at room temperature. Unlike other PCM products derived from petroleum or salt hydrates, bioPCM is derived from abundant bio-based materials. When installed in ceiling and wall panels the product works day and night to stabilize indoor temperatures. This simple passive approach to saving energy provides greater comfort for building occupants and more efficient HVAC system.
Our hopes are that during the hot summer months the bioPCM will dramatically reduce, and maybe even eliminate, the requirement for mechanical cooling. Reducing the energy use for mechanical cooling will enable us to install less Solar PV for electrical production, and less battery storage for electricity as well. Imagine if we could build homes out in the hotter areas of San Diego and not need Air Conditioning systems (or at least very small ones instead!)
