[Greenbuilding] R-value --- not the entire story

[Patricia Ewanski]

Corwyn,

>Have you looked at: 
>http://www.ornl.gov/sci/roofs+walls/research/detailed_papers/dyn_perf/index
.html

No I didn't see this but will follow up now. Thanks!

>> So, then I figured it was time to possibly find a second and/or third 
>> variable that I could use to compare the different wall systems that 
>> would take this thermal mass effect into account. So, my question 
>>is...what second or second/third parameter(s) do I use to compare these
wall systems?
>>  
>I would plot them against either dollar cost or embodied energy (or
'environmental harm' if >tilting at windmills is your style)

Yes, the cost and environmental comparisons will be done but I still need to
somehow rank wall technologies on some sort of energy performance scale for
the people who want me to do this for them. I've already told them that this
is something that the best building scientists are still arguing about and I
didn't think I could do it. They basically told me that they don't care and
do it anyway. So, I'm doing my best to come up with some answer within the
limited time they've given me. I know that my post was frustrating to read.
It was equally frustrating for me to write. 

>> My end goal is to create a list of 8-10 wall systems, ranked from most 
>> to least energy-efficient for Southwestern climates (i.e. Tucson, AZ).
>> 
>well, 2x4 stick built is one wall system, others can be many different
thicknesses, 8-10 might >involve so much pruning as to be useless.

I agree. I'm just doing what the boss wants me to do...and trying my best.
Hence my email to you all. 


Patricia