The strategies were ranked on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 as the best, in each of the following six categories:
aesthetic
While aesthetics is an issue dependent upon personal preferences, certain approaches will obviously score higher. For instance, open space and appropriate use of daylighting are well-known ways to improve the livability and user appeal of a space. In fact, the aesthetic appeal of units applying these options can actually drive up property values. Our evaluation of this criterion tries not to make controversial judgments, but rather credit techniques that can add visual appeal to a space. Likewise, it recognizes possible visual flaws with otherwise technically sound ideas — in particular when technical strategies lead to ‘visual clutter’ that can not be easily addressed. Although this category is not always applicable, it can carry significant weight in highly visible strategies.
energy
Some of these technologies use significant amounts of energy, some do not, and some add energy to the grid/home. These are compared on our 1-5 scale with the highest values adding energy and the lowest values using it. Greenhouse gas emissions and carbon equivalence are the main metric we use to compare the energy used/deferred by the technologies utilized. Similarly, embodied energy in production and transport are considered as an up-front cost to the lifetime of a product. For strategies and technologies that contribute to the use or reduction of municipal water, the embodied energy of the water is used to rate that option on an energy scale.
environmental
We determined the best method to approach environmental concerns was to address direct impacts on the environment in terms of VOCs, HAPs and other toxins that are detrimental to the occupants, the local eco-system or the broader environment. This can include impacts related to stormwater runoff as well, which carries toxins, contributes to peak flow, and causes river degradation. This decision was motivated by a need to differentiate energy and environmental factors. Energy usage has inherent environmental impacts (green house gas emissions), but we included these in the energy section of the decision criteria to keep concepts separate.
financial
To evaluate costs of alternatives, we must address both the payback period and initial cost of a strategy. The payback period, or the time before the initial cost difference is offset by economic savings, is the most influential factor in technological affordability. However, the initial cost is important because, even with an excellent payback period, high cost can inhibit some low- income clients from utilizing a strategy. Each part of cost must then be considered to paint an accurate picture of economic impacts.
social
Social implications include how well a strategy can benefit or connect a community, improve labor practices, generate ethical economic development, allow for easy maintenance for the low-income homeowner, and many other issues. It is a challenge to determine and measure what ethical production issues arise from an approach. For the ecoMOD XS designs and the ecoMOD3 SEAM design, accessibility or ease of use for the aging population is an extremely important factor in this category. Some technologies may limit mobility, while others may increase social connections for seniors. Obviously such a vague category depends upon unique considerations for each strategy. However, because social justice is a fundamental concept of the ecoMOD project, it is an essential criterion to include.
technical
This metric considers the technical feasibility of a particular strategy as determined by the site, climate, and specific design. We focus mostly on feasibility of implementation without consideration of cost and environmental impact, as those are covered elsewhere. Additionally, we have focused on the ability of units to be integrated into a modular building scheme, including construction feasibility and ease of installation. Other important concerns include how “well-established” a technology is and any anticipated need for continuing maintenance or troubleshooting.