I've been reading this forum for months but never actually posted so i thought i'd share a few bits of info i've found while researching energy efficient home.

If anyone hasn't had a look at BuildingScience.com it's full of interesting info, but i found this article (written by a former professor of mine) regarding energy priorities....it seems to be a topic that pops up often around here.

http://www.buildingscience.com/documents/insights/bsi-014-deciding-on-energy-priorities-when-building-new

plus one that's bound to stir debate on here regarding Passive House design and it's relevance on N. American design and construction of energy efficient buildings

http://www.buildingscience.com/documents/insights/bsi-026-passivhaus-becomes-active-further-commentary-on-passivhaus


And one last little bit that may interest some people......the University of Kansas has a course that builds a house every year in a 'sustainable' manner.  Last year it was a LEED platinum, this year it'll be to PassiveHaus standards, you can follow along (under weekly progress) to get an idea what goes into building a home for those on here who are just starting the process themselves

http://www.studio804.com/projects/current/current_overview.html

And just a thanks to the peope who take the time to post their knowledge on here (be it right or wrong ;)  It's good to see so many people take an active interest in building energy efficiently