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1 Building Science for Dry Climates - Introduction

1 Building Science for Dry Climates - Introduction

Author(s)
Home Performance Contractor Academy
Organization(s)
PG&E
Publication Date
Presentation by Home Performance Contractor Academy giving a building science introduction for homes in hot climate zones. Part 1 of 7.

Achieving Zero Net Energy in Multi-family Buildings

This project will demonstrate the potential of breakthrough electric water heating and space conditioning technologies as a pathway to zero net energy. The project will explore the complex, interdependent systems in multifamily buildings and how they work together to achieve zero net energy status for the buildings in a cost-effective manner. Four multifamily buildings, designed to be affordable, will be evaluated in various stages of design and development. These buildings will share a goal of all electric zero net energy construction with 100 percent renewable energy generation, and will utilize innovative new heat pump technologies to serve the buildings water heating and/or space conditioning needs.

An Overview of Building America Industrialized Housing Partnership (BAIHP) Activities in Hot-Humid Climates

Author(s)
Chandra Subrato,
Parker Danny S,
Colon Carlos J,
Fonorow Ken,
Stroer Dennis,
Martin Eric,
McIlvaine Janet E R,
Chasar Dave,
Moyer Neil,
Thomas-Rees Stephanie,
Hoak David,
Beal David,
Gil Camilo,
Sherwin John S
Organization(s)
Florida Solar Energy Center,
FSEC,
University of Central Florida,
UCF
Publication Date
Report summarizing systems research activities for new housing in hot-humid climates, including NightCool, interior duct systems in manufactured housing, ventilation and dehumidification, plug load reduction and solar and conventional hot water.

Approaches to 30% Energy Savings at the Community Scale in the Hot-Humid Climate

Author(s)
Thomas-Rees Stephanie,
Beal David,
Martin Eric,
Fonorow Ken
Organization(s)
Building America Partnership for Improved Residential Construction,
BA-PIRC,
Florida Solar Energy Center,
FSEC,
Florida HERO,
U.S. Department of Energy,
DOE
Publication Date
Report describing partner approaches to achieving the Building America goal of 30% whole-house source energy savings using packages adopted at the community scale, using building projects in Florida as a reference.

Builders and Buyers Handbook for Improving New Home Efficiency, Comfort, and Durability in the Hot and Humid Climate, Volume 1

Author(s)
Baechler Michael C,
Love Pat M
Organization(s)
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,
PNNL,
Oak Ridge National Laboratory,
ORNL,
U.S. Department of Energy,
DOE
Publication Date
Document providing a resource to help builders large and small build high-quality, energy-efficient homes that achieve 30% energy savings in space conditioning and water heating in the hot and humid climate.

Builders and Buyers Handbook for Improving New Home Efficiency, Comfort, and Durability in the Hot-Dry and Mixed-Dry Climates, Volume 2

Author(s)
Baechler Michael C,
Taylor Z Todd,
Bartlett Rosemarie,
Gilbride Theresa L,
Hefty Marye G,
Love Pat M
Organization(s)
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,
PNNL,
Oak Ridge National Laboratory,
ORNL,
U.S. Department of Energy,
DOE
Publication Date
Document providing a resource to help builders large and small build high-quality, energy-efficient homes that achieve 30% energy savings in space conditioning and water heating in the hot-dry and mixed-dry climates.

Building a 40% Energy Savings House in the Mixed Humid Climate

Author(s)
Christian Jeffrey E,
Bonar Jacob
Organization(s)
Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Publication Date
Presentation about building highly efficient, affordable homes that will achieve 40% whole-house energy savings in mixed-humid climates.

Building America Best Practices Series: Builders and Buyers Handbook for Improving New Home Efficiency, Comfort, and Durability in the Marine Climate, Volume 5

Author(s)
Baechler Michael C,
Taylor Z Todd,
Bartlett Rosemarie,
Gilbride Theresa L,
Hefty Marye G,
Steward Heidi,
Love Pat M,
Palmer Jennifer A
Organization(s)
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,
PNNL,
Oak Ridge National Laboratory,
ORNL,
U.S. Department of Energy,
DOE
Publication Date
Document providing a resource to help builders large and small build high-quality, energy-efficient homes that achieve 30% energy savings in space conditioning and water heating in the marine climate.

Building America Best Practices Series: Builders and Buyers Handbook for Improving New Home Efficiency, Comfort, and Durability in the Mixed-Humid Climate, Volume 4

Author(s)
Baechler Michael C,
Taylor Z Todd,
Bartlett Rosemarie,
Gilbride Theresa L,
Hefty Marye G,
Steward Heidi,
Love Pat M,
Palmer Jennifer A
Organization(s)
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,
PNNL,
Oak Ridge National Laboratory,
ORNL,
U.S. Department of Energy,
DOE
Publication Date
Document providing a resource to help builders large and small build high-quality, energy-efficient homes that achieve 30% energy savings in space conditioning and water heating in the mixed-humid climate.

Building America Comprehensive Energy Retrofit, Efficient Solutions for Existing Homes Case Study; SMUD's Fair Oaks Lab Home Remodel

Publication Date
Case study describing Building America and the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD), working together to test a home's energy performance then making retrofits and analyzing the costs as well as the energy savings.
Building Science for Dry Climates 2 Weatherization, Safety, Quality Control

Building Science for Dry Climates 2 Weatherization, Safety, Quality Control

Author(s)
Home Performance Contractor Academy
Organization(s)
PG&E
Publication Date
Presentation by Home Performance Contractor Academy giving building science advice for for homes in dry climate zones, specifically weatherization, safety, and quality control measures. Part 2 of 7.

Building Science for Dry Climates 3 - Combustion Safety

Author(s)
Home Performance Contractor Academy
Organization(s)
PG&E
Publication Date
Presentation by Home Performance Contractor Academy giving building science advice for for homes in dry climate zones, specifically combustion safety and combustion appliance zones. Part 3 of 7.

Building Science for Dry Climates 4 - Pressure and Air Flow

Author(s)
Home Performance Contractor Academy
Organization(s)
PG&E
Publication Date
Presentation by Home Performance Contractor Academy giving building science advice for for homes in dry climate zones, specifically pressure, air flow, and air leakage. Part 4 of 7.

Building Science for Dry Climates 6 - Mechanical Ventilation

Author(s)
Home Performance Contractor Academy
Organization(s)
PG&E
Publication Date
Presentation by Home Performance Contractor Academy giving building science advice for for homes in dry climate zones, specifically mechanical ventilation for air flow. Part 6 of 7.

Building Science for Dry Climates 7 - Duct Testing and Leakage

Author(s)
Home Performance Contractor Academy
Organization(s)
PG&E
Publication Date
Presentation by Home Performance Contractor Academy giving building science advice for for homes in dry climate zones, specifically duct testing and leakage calculations. Part 7 of 7.

Buried Ducts within Ceiling Insulation of Vented Attics in all Climate Zones - Code Compliance Brief

Publication Date
The intent of this brief is to provide code-related information about buried ducts in vented attics to help ensure that the measure will be accepted as being in compliance with the code. Providing notes for code officials on how to plan review and conduct field inspections can help provide jurisdictional officials with information for acceptance. Providing the same information to all builders, designers, and others is expected to result in increased compliance and fewer innovations being questioned at the time of plan review and/or field inspection.

Climate appropriate HVAC Systems for Commercial Buildings to Reduce Energy Use and Demand

This project will develop and demonstrate a Climate Appropriate Air Conditioning system for commercial buildings. The heart of this system is an intelligent HVAC controller that processes signals from building sensors and system feed-back to maximize system efficiency. This control system will manage two technologies to optimize building energy and peak demand reduction. Getting fresh air into commercial buildings is a code requirement. However, the ingress of hot air into a cooling system and vice versa presents an inefficiency problem. This project will evaluate heat-recovery ventilation (HRV) and indirect evaporative cooling (IEC) to decrease the temperature of the incoming air in the summer and increase it in the winter. Both technologies can be intelligently controlled by the building controller to reduce cooling and heating costs. This project will also research low global warming refrigerants for commercial buildings

Coastal Habitats

Author(s)
Building Science Corporation
Organization(s)
BSC
Publication Date
Case study describing a construction project in Hilton Head, SC utilizing a whole-house performance approach.

Cold Climate Heat Pump Decision Tool

Author(s)
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
Organization(s)
U.S. DOE
Publication Date
The Cold Climate Heat Pump Decision Tool guides contractors and installers through the decision-making process for heat pump (HP) sizing, identifying personalized CCHP recommendations, and applicable tax credits, with a focus on retrofits in cold climates.

Colleyville Eco House Prototype

Author(s)
Building Science Corporation
Organization(s)
BSC
Publication Date
Case study describing a building project in the mixed-humid climate zone.

Comparing Attic Approaches for Zero Net Energy Homes

The project will focus on the performance of different attic assemblies and their associated heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. Field measurements of attic and HVAC system performance will be conducted in two new high performance homes in California with sealed and insulated attics. One home will be built to be about 30 percent better than Title 24 and the other will be a ZNE home. The attic insulation approach will be a new lower-cost approach using blown insulation that does not use expensive spray-foam. The results of the measurements will be used directly to provide technical support for potential changes to Title 24 and provide information to contractors and builders on sealed and insulated attic performance and alternative approaches.

Complete and Low Cost Retail Automated Transactive Energy System (RATES)

This project will develop and pilot-test a complete, low cost, and standards based Retail Automated Transactive Energy System (RATES), and behind the meter energy management solution, that minimizes the cost and complexity of customer participation in energy efficiency programs, while maximizing the potential of large numbers of small loads to improve system load factor, shave peaks, integrate renewable generation and otherwise provide low opportunity-cost resources to the grid.

Construction & Design Considerations in Warmer Climates

Author(s)
Zero Energy Project
Organization(s)
Zero Energy Project
Publication Date
Guidance from Zero Energy Project on construction techniques for warmer climates, such as home orientation, and insulation requirements.

Construction Guide - Next Generation High Performance Walls in Climate Zones 3-5 Part 2: 2x4 Walls with 1” to 1.5” Exterior Insulative Sheathing

Author(s)
Kochkin Vladimir,
Wiehagen Joseph
Organization(s)
U.S. Department of Energy,
DOE
Publication Date
The Guide addresses walls constructed with 2x4 wood frame studs, wood structural panel sheathing (WSP) as wall bracing and added backing for foam sheathing, a layer of rigid foam sheathing insulation up to 1.5 inches thick over the WSP, and a cladding system installed over the foam sheathing in low...

Construction Guide - Next Generation High Performance Walls in Climate Zones 3-5, Part I: 2x6 Walls

Author(s)
Kochkin Vladimir,
Wiehagen Joseph
Organization(s)
U.S. Department of Energy,
DOE,
Home Innovation Research Labs,
HIRL
Publication Date
Part I of the Guide addresses walls constructed with 2x6 wood frame studs, wood structural panel (WSP) sheathing as exterior sheathing, gypsum board as interior sheathing, and a cladding system installed over WSP sheathing in low-rise residential buildings up to three stories in height.

Controlling Moisture in Unvented Attics - Code Compliance Brief

Publication Date
The intent of this brief is to provide code-related information about controlling moisture in unvented attics by installing a vapor diffusion port/vent that would convey water vapor from an unvented attic to the outside when air-permeable insulation materials are installed and can be verified as being in compliance with the related codes and standards for residential construction. Providing consistent information to document compliance with codes and standards to all relevant parties responsible for verifying compliance (e.g., code officials, builders, contractors, designers, etc.) is expected to result in increased compliance and more timely, less challenging and more uniform plan review and field inspections.

Cool Roofs

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Organization(s)
DOE
Publication Date
Webpage from U.S. Department of Energy describing 'cool roofs' and their usage for passive home cooling.

Cost- and Energy-Efficient Attic Designs for CA Homes

Three different attic designs will be refined, tested, evaluated, and demonstrated in new home construction. The team will recommend the best of these approaches to home builders addressing cost-effectiveness and energy-efficiency. The baseline for comparison will be current energy efficiency code practices for attic construction involving ventilated, uninsulated attics containing code compliant ducts. The team will evaluate the new design approaches analytically at the start of the project. Researchers will assess approaches that include methods to produce sealed, insulated attics, as well as, standard vented attics, both of which have been demonstrated and are in limited use in the market today but currently add considerable cost to builders. The team will employ new and novel installation methods and materials that have the potential for energy savings on par with ducts in the conditioned space, but at a cost similar to current practice.

Customer-Centric Approach to Scaling IDSM Retrofits

This project will develop and demonstrate an approach to scale residential retrofits for disadvantaged communities that will focus on customer-centric solutions. This project will develop and demonstrate an innovative approach, focusing on energy efficient retrofit packages that are non-intrusive to occupants and have the potential of reducing energy use by 30 to 40 percent.

Customer-centric Demand Management using Load Aggregation and Data Analytics

This project will demonstrate how a large number of small electric loads, each impacted by and tuned to individual customer preferences can provide load management for both utilities and the California Independent System Operator (California ISO). The recipient will work with an extensive spectrum of leading product providers covering all major distributed energy resources (DERs), such as Nest (thermostats), ThinkEco (plug loads), Honda, BMW (auto), EGuana (smart Inverter) and Ice Energy (Thermal Storage). A variety of price signals will be tested for Time-of-Use customers such as Critical Peak Pricing and Demand Rate. The project will use deep analytics to evaluate individual customer preferences for demand management using microdata from devices and aggregate the responses to meet grid needs at different distribution and transmission levels.

Demonstration of Affordable, Comfortable, Grid Integrated Zero Net Energy Communities

This project will demonstrate cost-competitive ZNE design strategies that combine occupant needs with technology solutions to create new pathways for residential ZNE communities. The project's goals are cost effectiveness for the customer, affordability, overcoming customer apprehension, establishing a track record of new technology for builders, enabling distribution grid integration, creating a planning process for ZNE communities, evaluating community solar and evaluating the impact of future changes to ZNE cost effectiveness. This project will also aim to understand the operation and energy use of the unregulated loads.

Designing Energy Efficient New Homes for a Warm Climate

Author(s)
EXtension Home Energy - Cooperative Extension
Organization(s)
EXtension Home Energy - Cooperative Extension
Publication Date
Article from The Home Energy Community of Practice on designing energy efficient homes in hot climate zones, including home orientation, window location, and roof design considerations.

Designing Houses That Keep Their Cool

Author(s)
Wilson Alex
Organization(s)
Green Building Advisor
Publication Date
Article from Green Building Advisor on strategies to take when building homes to reduce the need for air conditioning, including insulation, windows, site selection, and roofing.

Designing Porous Polymers for Daytime Radiative Cooling

Publication Date
Author(s)
Advanced Materials Lecture Series
Organization(s)
Advanced Materials Lecture Series
Video from Advanced Materials Lecture Series on polymer technologies being developed for reflecting solar radiation in hot climates.

Developing Flexible, Networked Lighting Control Systems That Reliably Save Energy

The recipient will develop low-cost lighting components with open communication interfaces that allow seamless integration into whole-building control and automation systems. The project will target future California Building Energy Efficiency Standards (Title 24), and establish methods by which the site-specific configuration and operation of networked lighting controls systems can be effectively addressed, and more easily implemented by the marketplace

Development and Testing of the Next Generation Residential Space Conditioning System for California

This project will develop a next-generation residential space-conditioning system optimized for California climates. The advanced efficiency solutions integrated into the HVAC system will include: variable-capacity compressor and variable-speed fans using state-of-the-art inverter technology; integrated ventilation to harness fresh air for "free cooling;" intelligent dual-fuel technology to decrease energy cost and empower consumers to choose between electricity and natural gas; zonal control to prevent conditioning of unoccupied rooms; demand-response interactivity to grid flexibility and reliability; advanced fault detection and diagnostics to ensure proper installation, operation, and maintenance; and alternative refrigerants for improved operation and significant reductions in the potential for global warming. How the Project Lead

Direct Current as an Integrating and Enabling Platform

This project will research DC and AC-DC hybrid systems in buildings and develop resource information, end-use templates, and building guidelines that could improve the ability to achieve zero net energy buildings. The feasibility, costs, benefits, market barriers, and customer and education needs will be assessed, including guidelines for residential and small commercial buildings.

DOE ZERH HIA 2016 Case Study Poster: Addison Homes, Invision Zero Home, Greer SC

Author(s)
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,
U.S. Department of Energy
Organization(s)
PNNL,
DOE
Publication Date
Case study poster describing a DOE Zero Energy Ready Home 2016 Housing Innovation Award winning custom spec home in the mixed-humid climate that achieved a HERS score of 0 with PV and 47 without PV.

DOE ZERH HIA 2016 Case Study Poster: Addison Homes, The Emry, Greer SC

Author(s)
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,
U.S. Department of Energy
Organization(s)
PNNL,
DOE
Publication Date
Case study poster describing a DOE Zero Energy Ready Home 2016 Housing Innovation Award winning custom for buyer home in the mixed-humid climate that achieved a HERS score of 21 with PV and 43 without PV.

DOE ZERH HIA 2016 Case Study Poster: Imery & Co, High-Performance Bungalow, Athens, GA

Author(s)
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,
U.S. Department of Energy
Organization(s)
DOE,
PNNL
Publication Date
Case study poster describing a DOE Zero Energy Ready Home 2016 Housing Innovation Award winning custom for buyer home in the mixed-humid climate that used 24-inch on-center advanced framed walls, an unvented attic with R-38 blown fiberglass, and 16 SEER ducted mini-split heat pumps to achieve a HERS...

DOE ZERH HIA 2016 Case Study Poster: Insulsteel Building Enclosures, Sonny Boy Lane, Johns Island, SC

Author(s)
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,
U.S. Department of Energy
Organization(s)
DOE,
PNNL
Publication Date
Case study poster describing a DOE Zero Energy Ready Home 2016 Housing Innovation Award winning custom for buyer home in the hot-humid climate that used R-33, 5.5-inch EPS+steel SIP walls and roof, 6.0-kW PV with battery backup, and solar hot water to achieve a HERS score of 12 with PV and 50...

DOE ZERH HIA 2017 Case Study Poster: Addison Homes, Jocassee Plan, Greer, SC

Author(s)
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,
U.S. Department of Energy
Organization(s)
PNNL,
DOE
Publication Date
Case study poster describing a DOE Zero Energy Ready Home 2017 Housing Innovation Award winning custom spec home in the mixed-humid climate that achieved a HERS score of 13 with PV and 41 without PV.

DOE ZERH HIA 2017 Case Study Poster: Alliance Green Builders, Casa Aguila, Ramona, CA

Author(s)
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,
U.S. Department of Energy
Organization(s)
PNNL,
DOE
Publication Date
Case study poster describing a DOE Zero Energy Ready Home 2017 Housing Innovation Award winning custom for buyer home in the hot-dry climate that achieved a HERS score of -92 with PV and batteries and 43 without PV.

DOE ZERH HIA 2018 Case Study Poster: Addison Homes, Trailside 7, Greenville, SC

Author(s)
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,
U.S. Department of Energy
Organization(s)
PNNL,
DOE
Publication Date
Case study poster describing a DOE Zero Energy Ready Home 2018 Housing Innovation Award winning custom spec home in the mixed-humid climate that achieved a HERS score of 32 with PV and 50 without PV.

DOE ZERH HIA 2019 Case Study Poster: Imery Group, Monroe Farmhouse, Monroe GA

Author(s)
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,
U.S. Department of Energy
Organization(s)
DOE,
PNNL
Publication Date
Case study poster describing a DOE Zero Energy Ready Home 2019 Housing Innovation Award winning custom-for-buyer home in the mixed-humid climate that achieved a HERS score of -13 with PV and 46 without PV.

DOE ZERH HIA 2019 Case Study: Imery Group, Monroe Farmhouse, Monroe, GA

Author(s)
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,
U.S. Department of Energy
Organization(s)
PNNL,
DOE
Publication Date
Case study describing project and performance data and energy-efficiency measures for a DOE 2019 Housing Innovation Award winning home that was certified to the DOE Zero Energy Ready Home criteria.

DOE ZERH HIA 2020 Case Study Poster: Ferrier Custom Homes, Coleman Project, Fort Worth, TX

Author(s)
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,
U.S. Department of Energy
Organization(s)
DOE,
PNNL
Publication Date
Case study poster describing a DOE Zero Energy Ready Home 2020 Housing Innovation Award winning custom for buyer homes in the hot-humid climate that used R-17.5 SIP walls, R-31 SIP roof, and triple-pane windows to achieve a HERS score of 2 with PV and 48 without PV.

DOE ZERH HIA 2020 Case Study Poster: Housing Authority of the City of San Buenaventura, Rancho Verde Apartments, Ventura, CA

Author(s)
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,
U.S. Department of Energy
Organization(s)
DOE,
PNNL
Publication Date
Case study poster describing a DOE Zero Energy Ready Home 2020 Housing Innovation Award winning affordable home in the marine climate that used 2x6, 24-inch on-center, R-21 cavity wall insulation, and a 19 SEER mini-split heat pump to achieve a HERS score of 0 with PV and 56 without PV.

DOE ZERH HIA 2020 Case Study Poster: Mutual Housing California, Mutual Housing at Spring Lake Phase 2, Woodland, CA

Author(s)
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,
U.S. Department of Energy
Organization(s)
PNNL,
DOE
Publication Date
Case study poster describing the second phase of Mutual Housing development at Spring Lake. This second phase is building on the success of the first with expanded P.V. systems and improved overall design that enables each unit to have an average monthly energy bill of only $2 and a HERS rating...

DOE ZERH HIA Case Study 2017: Alliance Green Builders, Casa Aguila, Ramona, CA

Author(s)
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,
U.S. Department of Energy
Organization(s)
PNNL,
DOE
Publication Date
Case study describing a DOE Zero Energy Ready Home 2017 Housing Innovation Award winning custom for buyer home in the hot-dry climate that achieved a HERS score of -92 with PV and batteries and 43 without PV.

Effect of Residential Ventilation Techniques for Hot and Humid Climates on Indoor Concentrations and Emission Rates of Volatile Organic Compounds

Author(s)
Hodgson Alfred T,
Moyer Neil,
Beal David
Organization(s)
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory,
LBNL,
Florida Solar Energy Center,
FSEC
Publication Date
A report describing six mechanical ventilation strategies that were evaluated for their ability to control indoor humidity levels over 14-day periods with simulated occupancy.

Efficient and ZNE-Ready Plug Loads

This project will research and develop new technologies and strategies to eliminate or significantly reduce energy use in standby mode by redesigning the power supply for plug load devices. This research project will also develop and demonstrate strategies to remove plug load devices from grid AC power by redesigning these devices to use DC power from photovoltaic power sources.

Efficient Earth-Sheltered Homes

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Organization(s)
DOE
Publication Date
Webpage from U.S. Department of Energy describing using Earth-Sheltered home building techniques in hot climate zones.

Efficient Multifamily Homes in a Hot Humid Climate by Atlantic Housing Partners

Author(s)
Chasar Dave,
Martin Eric
Organization(s)
Building America Partnership for Improved Residential Construction,
BA-PIRC,
Florida Solar Energy Center,
FSEC
Publication Date
Report demonstrating how the initiative achieves Building America (BA) goals of 30%-50% energy savings in multifamily dwellings in the hot-humid climate zone.

Energy 101: Cool Roofs

Publication Date
Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Organization(s)
DOE
Video from DOE on how 'cool roofs' can increase home energy efficiency.

Energy Efficient HVAC Packages for Existing Residential Buildings

This project will develop and demonstrate innovative pre-commercial, cost-effective retrofit packages for cooling and ventilating single family homes. Energy savings, occupant behavior and indoor air quality (IAQ) will be measured for two specific retrofit packages that each includes three innovative technologies: (1) building envelope sealing, (2) two variants of smart mechanical ventilation that include pre-cooling strategies, and (3) compressor-free evaporative air-conditioning. Furthermore, barriers and opportunities towards adoption of such retrofits will be identified through stakeholder interviews.

Energy Retrofit Field Study and Best Practices in a Hot-Humid Climate

Author(s)
Martin Eric,
Sutherland Karen,
McIlvaine Janet E R
Organization(s)
Building America Partnership for Improved Residential Construction,
BA-PIRC,
Florida Solar Energy Center,
FSEC
Publication Date
Research study examining efficiency retrofit opportunities, typical renovation practices, and pathways for achieving U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) goals for existing homes in Florida.

Energy Retrofitting Advanced Technologies in a Hot Climate, Henderson Nevada

Author(s)
National Association of Home Builders
Organization(s)
NAHB,
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development,
HUD,
Office of Policy Development and Research,
PDR
Publication Date
Article from NAHB research center describing home building techniques for homes in hot climate zones.

Evaluating Ventilation Systems for Existing Homes

Author(s)
Aldrich Robb,
Arena Lois
Organization(s)
Consortium for Advanced Residential Buildings,
CARB,
Steven Winter Associates,
SWA,
National Renewable Energy Laboratory,
NREL,
U.S. Department of Energy,
DOE
Publication Date
Report describing the evaluation and selection of ventilation systems for homes retrofitted for energy aesthetic and health/safety improvements in Las Vegas.

Fairburn Community

Author(s)
Building Science Corporation
Organization(s)
BSC
Publication Date
Case study describing a building project in the mixed-humid climate zone.

Field Evaluation of Advances in Energy-Efficiency Practices for Manufactured Homes

Author(s)
Dentz Jordan,
Ansanelli Eric,
Levy Emanuel,
Barker Greg M,
Dadia D,
Rath Pournamasi
Organization(s)
Advanced Residential Integrated Energy Solutions,
ARIES
Publication Date
Report on the field evaluation of whole-building approaches and estimation of the relative contributions of select technologies toward reducing energy use related to space conditioning in new manufactured homes.

Flexible Control Strategies for Plug Loads with Context-Aware Smart Power Outlets to Mitigate Electricity Waste and Support Demand Response

This project will develop integrated plug load control strategies appropriate for different spaces within multiple types of commercial buildings. The project will implement a flexible energy management system (FEMS) to demonstrate the integrated control strategies for plug loads at pilot sites, including installation of smart power outlets and integration of various plug load control strategies with building energy management and/or lighting control systems. The project is designed to demonstrate and measure the degree of effectiveness of the flexible control strategies developed for integrally managing operation of plug loads to achieve energy efficiency and demand reductions.

From the Laboratory to the California Marketplace: A New Generation of LED Lighting Solutions

This project will design and develop innovative LED lighting solutions for three key general illumination product categories. These solutions are a best-in-class medium, screw-base replacement lamp, linear tubular light emitting diode (TLED) replacement lamps and spectrally optimized, dedicated LED luminaires. Product design requirements will be based on consumer light quality and functional performance preferences determined through a series of unique laboratory-based consumer preference and product characterization studies

Gaming System Energy Efficiency without Performance Compromises

This project will provide a detailed market segmentation and baseline energy demand assessment of the gaming market, including development of measurement and benchmarking protocols for gaming software and hardware. Top-selling gaming PCs and games are then cross-benchmarked and retrofitted to achieve maximum energy savings beyond what commercialized products currently can attain.

GreenCraft Greenspoint House Prototype

Author(s)
Building Science Corporation
Organization(s)
BSC
Publication Date
Case study describing a building project in the mixed-humid climate zone.

Healthy Efficient Homes Research & Standards

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory will work with project partners to address several indoor air quality challenges for high performance homes through experimental, analytical and modeling efforts. The long term goal of this project is to significantly reduce the indoor air quality risks that are a barrier to industry adoption of high performance homes.

High Performance Builder Spotlight: Pine Mountain Builders, Pine Mountain, GA

Author(s)
Gilbride Theresa L
Organization(s)
PNNL
Publication Date
Case study describing the processes behind the building of the homes making up the Callaway Gardens community, as well as the challenges brought out due to it's proximity to nature and homebuyers not valuing energy efficiency until they've experienced it.

High Performance Builder Spotlight: ReVISION Home, Las Vegas, Nevada

Author(s)
Theresa Gilbride
Organization(s)
PNNL
Publication Date
Case study describing a 1963 mid-century modern home in Las Vegas that got an energy-efficiency overhaul, improving performance from a HERS score of 123 to 44, or net-zero when the 4.8 kW of photovoltaic panels are added.

High Performance Builder Spotlight: Treasure Homes Inc.

Author(s)
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
Organization(s)
PNNL
Publication Date
Case study describing the family-run Treasure Homes that achieved a HERS rating of 46 without PV on its prototype “Gem” home, located on the blustery shores of Lake Michigan in northern Indiana.

High Performance Builder Spotlight: Treasure Homes, Sacramento, CA

Author(s)
Gilbride Theresa L
Organization(s)
PNNL
Publication Date
Case study describing the 32 home development Fallen Leaf Project and how it's construction technique and materials gives owners as much as 50% savings on their utility costs.

High-Performance Integrated Window and Facade Solutions for California Buildings

This project will develop, validate and quantify energy impacts of a new generation of high performance facade systems and provide the design and management toolkits that will enable the building industry to meet challenging energy performance goals leading to net zero buildings by 2030. Building envelope technologies can be integrated into a cost-effective system that reduces energy-use associated with HVAC and lighting while improving occupant comfort. Technology development activities include highly insulating (Hi-R) windows, energy recovery-based envelope ventilation systems, and dynamic daylight redirecting systems. Supporting tools, data, and design methods will also be developed to enable widespread, reliable, cost-effective deployment throughout California.
How do I build for a hot climate?

How do I build for a hot climate?

Author(s)
Light Home
Organization(s)
Light Home
Publication Date
Presentation from Light Home on how to construct homes in hot climate zones.

How Many Hours-of-Safety Do Our Homes Have in Extreme Weather?

Author(s)
Corvidae Jacob,
Ayyagari Sheha
Organization(s)
Rocky Mountain Institute,
RMI
Publication Date
Article from RMI on how climate change is leading to an increase in critical extreme heat hours and what smart building strategies can be taken to mitigate some of these effects including paint color and insulation.

How to Build a Quality Closed Crawlspace in Climate Zones 3A and 4A

Publication Date
Author(s)
Home Innovation Research Labs
Organization(s)
Home Innovation Research Labs
Video from Home Innovation Research Labs on how to properly build a moisture-free closed crawlspace in climate zones 3A and 4A with climate-specific information to ensure energy efficiency, comfort, and durability.

Identifying Effective Demand Response Program Designs to Increase Residential Customer Participation

This project will test the effectiveness of innovative designs for demand response programs for residential customers using a behind-the-meter customer engagement platform developed by Chai Energy. Each of these innovative demand response strategies integrates a recent approach that energy researchers have shown to be effective in reducing customer consumption. These strategies include providing households with a) tailored energy-analytic feedback, b) aggregated versus single-period incentive information, c) non-financial environmental health benefit frames and d) social comparisons. An additional strategy will explore how the timing of the delivered demand response information affects the magnitude of household participation and response

Innovative Net Zero: ZNE Demonstration in Existing Low-Income Mixed-Use Housing

This project will demonstrate the installation of innovative technologies to retrofit an existing, low-income, mixed-use multi-unit building in a dense urban setting to become zero net energy (ZNE). Innovative strategies include a rapid new technology discovery and assessment approach, to ensure the most current emerging technologies are incorporated, as well as innovative measurement and verification. These approaches and other ZNE design process innovations will be packaged into an advanced ZNE design methodology for use in the demonstration project as well as broad dissemination to the design and innovation community. Numerous technical innovations and pre-commercial technologies are planned for inclusion including dynamic chromatic glass, heat recovery ventilators, variable refrigerant flow, occupancy based plug-load management, advanced light emitting diode lighting systems and a combined photovoltaic-thermal system.

Integrated Whole-Building Zero Net Energy Retrofits for Small Commercial Offices

This project will develop and evaluate cost-effective packages of pre-commercial integrated energy efficiency measures and controls to achieve zero net energy (ZNE) performance for multi-story small commercial offices in San Francisco and Southern California. The packages will target a minimum of 50 percent energy savings when compared to standard building energy use. The packages of energy efficiency measures will be analyzed at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory's FLEXLAB, an advanced facility for testing whole-building integrated systems, to develop and validate solutions under varied climate and use conditions. The simulation models will be validated through results from FLEXLAB testing and a 3-story whole-building demonstration pilot located in San Francisco. Data on energy, occupant comfort, and occupant behavior will be analyzed and packaged into best practices to be replicated elsewhere in the State.

Integrating Smart Ceiling Fans and Communicating Thermostats to Provide Energy-Efficient Comfort

This project will develop an optimal system configuration for smart comfort controlled ceiling fans integrated with learning thermostats. This system will be tested and evaluated for energy performance and occupant acceptance in low income multi-family residential and small commercial buildings in disadvantaged communities in California. This research and development will advance the solution's technology readiness level and support market adoption acceleration.

Intelligent HVAC Controls for Low Income Households: A Low Cost Non-connected Device that Understands Consumer Preferences and Performs Adaptive Optimization

This project will develop a low cost smart thermostat unit that will have simple user interface. Though the test sites are low-income and senior housing, this technology could be adapted to other residential sectors. The smart thermostat will understand user preferences and manage indoor conditions to optimize energy use without requiring internet connectivity. HVAC energy use can be traced to three factors: losses in the ducting system, substandard equipment efficiency and occupant settings. Low income households are mostly renters which makes changes to the duct system or HVAC unit not feasible. By providing automatically optimized thermostat settings this project will determine if smart thermostats are a cost effective method to address HVAC energy use in the low-income and senior housing sectors.

Low Cost, Large Diameter, Shallow Ground Loops for Ground-Coupled Heat Pumps

This project will address the high cost of ground heat exchangers (GHEs) for water-to-water and water-to-air heat pumps to facilitate the application of efficient ground-coupled heat pumps in California. The project will focus on shallow (20-30 feet deep) and large diameter (2-3 feet diameter) ground heat exchanger designs using helical coil heat exchangers. The project team will develop models, validate them with field data from two existing sites, identify optimal designs, and develop modeling methods that can be adapted for use with Title 24 standards compliance tools. The project will also produce typical design specifications that will support future Title 24 eligibility criteria. A design guide will be developed for use by the industry as a training aid, and a position paper will be prepared for the Department of Water Resources' California Geothermal Heat Exchange Well (GHEW) Standards Stakeholder Advisory Group.

MarketZero: Taking an existing grocery store to scalable near-ZNE

This project will demonstrate a cost-effective pathway to achieving maximum energy efficiency in a grocery store. The project will identify and install a comprehensive costeffective energy efficiency upgrade package that utilizes innovative strategies such as advanced heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems, refrigerants, fans, air curtains, phase change materials, occupancy sensing measures and advanced lighting and controls. The project will also provide new design approaches that allow for rapid technology discovery and incorporation to ensure the most current technologies are implemented into the design.

Measure Results from Affordable Zero Net Energy Homes

The project will implement lessons learned from previous high performance housing research and measure the results in two new houses built in partnership with Habitat for Humanity and homeowners. The houses will be built in a disadvantaged community in Stockton. Each house will include advanced architectural design features, high performance enclosures, advanced heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems, low-cost water heating systems and other advanced energy efficiency measures. One all-electric home and one mixed fuel (combined electric and natural gas) home will be built to demonstrate the respective costeffectiveness of each set of features. In addition to the measured results from actual occupancy, the project will develop a guide to affordable residential zero net energy design and construction, training curriculum, and new class offerings based on the project results for building practitioners.

Meeting Customer and Supply-side Market Needs with Electrical and Thermal Storage, Solar, Energy Efficiency and Integrated Load Management Systems

This project will develop co-optimization strategies for distributed energy resources (DERs) to maximize customer and system value under existing CPUC-approved retail and California Independent System Operator (California ISO) wholesale tariff structures, future market structures and pricing, and the transactive energy pricing signals developed under agreement EPC-15-054. The project will test and configure two DER portfolios: a) one consisting of large retail customers and schools using battery energy storage, solar photovoltaics, and integrated load management, and b) the other consisting of hotels using passive thermal energy storage and energy efficiency. Both will be coupled with integrated load management, to respond to price signals as well as develop operational strategies that provide best practices for wholesale integration subject to the identified retail and wholesale tariffs and operational constraints.

Mobile Efficiency for Plug Load Devices

The goal of the project is to reduce the energy consumption of residential and commercial plug load devices, such as set-top boxes, TVs, computers and game consoles. The project will leverage mobile design practices, hardware components and energy management software kernels, and prove their effectiveness on virtual prototypes and reference designs of targeted plug load devices. Based on these findings, the recipient will develop, tune and deploy the design methodology guidelines for energy efficient plug load designs to the manufacturers of plug load devices and their hardware, software and tools suppliers. The recipient will also define and introduce a widely accepted industry standard through the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) to support the newly developed unified design methodology and secure its long-term adoption and further evolution.

Newporter Apartments: Deep Energy Retrofit Short-Term Results

Author(s)
Gordon Andrew,
Howard Luke,
Kunkle Rick,
Lubliner Michael,
Auer Dan,
Clegg Zach
Organization(s)
Building America Partnership for Improved Residential Construction,
BA-PIRC,
National Renewable Energy Laboratory,
NREL,
U.S. Department of Energy,
DOE
Publication Date
Report demonstrating cost-effective energy savings targets as well as improved comfort and indoor environmental quality associated with deep energy retrofits by a large public housing authority as part of a larger rehabilitation effort.

Optimization of Energy Efficiency to Achieve Zero-Net Energy in Multifamily and Commercial Buildings

The recipient will use EnergyPlus, a building energy modeling tool, to analyze the costeffectiveness of various electricity saving/generation measures for multifamily and commercial buildings in California. For each building type and climate zone, the results will include a cost-benefit analysis for each measure individually and for an optimized package of measures that reduces net electricity consumption to achieve as close to zero net energy as is cost-effectively possible.

Optimizing Radiant Systems for Energy Efficiency and Comfort

This project will develop new practical design and operation tools for radiant cooling and heating systems in order to provide a standardized guidance for radiant systems. The approach will include a combination of fundamental full-scale laboratory experiments, whole-building simulations, development of simplified models for radiant system controls, validation of these new methods in field studies, occupant satisfaction surveys, and an update to Title-24 for radiant systems. The project outcomes will include 1) a simplified tool for calculating the cooling load and cooling capacity of a radiant slab system, including calculation methods with significant direct solar radiation, 2) a simplified online operational tool for radiant slab systems, and 3) updates to the Title 24 Alternative Calculation Method Reference Manual to enable improved modeling capabilities of radiant systems.

Optimizing Use of Non-traditional Waters, Drought Proofing the Electricity System and Improving Snowpack Prediction

The purpose of this project is to fund research that will reduce the stress on current water infrastructure in California. Research will include: (1) development of high water recovery desalination processes for non-traditional waters, (2) characterizing the potential for non-traditional water use in California, (3) development of recycled water scenarios for electricity generation, and (4) improving the characterization of California's snowpack.

Pathways to More Cost-Effective ZNE Homes

The project will provide detailed cost effectiveness modeling of all electric zero net energy (ZNE) homes versus ZNE homes with gas-based heating. Evaluation will include costs of building integration, energy efficiency packages, installed equipment and lifetime investment costs such as energy costs, and infrastructure costs (natural gas pipeline and electricity distribution system). The project will provide both spatial and temporal analysis in providing cost effectiveness assessment in four California climate zones and provide cost evolution scenarios as a function of time, for example as the ZNE industry scales up and under various policy and energy cost assumptions. The analysis will provide policymakers with a better understanding of the costs and benefits of ZNE policy choices between today and future ZNE milestones (2020, 2030), and the trade-offs for all electric versus electric and gas households

Performance Evaluation and Opportunity Assessment for St. Bernard Project

Author(s)
Dickson Bruce
Organization(s)
Integrated Building and Construction Solutions,
IBACOS,
National Renewable Energy Laboratory,
NREL,
U.S. Department of Energy,
DOE
Publication Date
Report providing information about improving the energy efficiency and long-term durability of the buildings that are being reconstructed post Katrina in New Orleans.

Performance Evaluation of a Hot-Humid Climate Community

Author(s)
Osser Rosie,
Kerrigan Philip
Organization(s)
National Renewable Energy Laboratory,
NREL,
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Report providing information about improving the energy efficiency and long-term durability of the buildings that are being reconstructed post Katrina in New Orleans.

Performance-Based IAQ and Optimized Venilation

Southface Energy Institute and partners will develop and validate a performance-based indoor air quality assessment protocol for homes. The assessment protocol and smart ERV solution will achieve annual HVAC energy cost savings of approximately $100 compared to central fan integrated supply system, as well as a 50% reduction in ventilation-related latent loads compared to supply or exhaust ventilation strategies.

Pilot-Scale Evaluation of an Integrated Building Control Retrofit Package

This project will test an Integrated Building Control Package that maximizes energy efficiency for existing commercial buildings. The project will refine novel control algorithms that utilize shared device state and environmental data for lighting, fenestration and heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. Sharing and considering data from multiple device types will further improve overall, sustained, system performance and operation. Control algorithms will prioritize lighting or heating/cooling savings based on climate and building design. HVAC system management will leverage passive ventilatio

Plug Load Reduction App:RYPL

This project will research methods to reduce home idle loads by utilizing smart meter analytics, an engaging smart phone app, a new online crowd-sourced database of miscellaneous electric loads, and an online efficient product marketplace to educate California residents about the idle load of their home and ways to reduce it. The system will be piloted within all three electric investor owned utility territories and measure actual energy savings through smart meter data.

Power and Water Saving Advanced Hybrid Air/Wet Cooling System

This project will integrate water features into a novel heat exchanger which uses high performance porous fins to enhance cooling ability. Bench scale testing has shown the ability of the heat exchanger to enhance cooling through water vaporization and mass transfer. By integrating the proven heat exchanger with water features, this project has the potential to create a low cost and low risk product to reduce electric power and water use of refrigeration systems in California.

Power Management User Interface

This project seeks to reduce computers' energy consumption by improving how users employ existing power management capabilities. Although all computers have the capacity to enter low-power modes such as sleep, and can be shut down when not in use, this potential for energy savings has not been realized in the majority of desktop computers. The majority of desktop computers remain on at full power when they are not being used. The problem is one of user behavior. The project will use a software solution to change user behavior by changing the tool they are using. This approach is firmly based in behavior theory and human-computer interaction research, which have long demonstrated that the interface of a device can change users' behavior. The energy savings of applying such an interface is estimated to be as high as 50 percent per computer, between 139 and 321 kWh per year.

Residential Ground Source Heat Pumps with Integrated Domestic Hot Water Generation: Performance Results from Long-Term Monitoring

Author(s)
Stecher Dave,
Allison Katherine
Organization(s)
Integrated Building and Construction Solutions,
IBACOS,
National Renewable Energy Laboratory,
NREL,
American Society of Heating Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers,
ASHRAE
Publication Date
Report discussing instrumentation methods and field operation characteristics of two GSHPs in test houses, including a comparison between the manufacturers listed COP values and the COPs calculated from field data.

Residential Intelligent Energy Management Solution: Advanced Intelligence to Enable Integration of Distributed Energy Resources

This project will test and validate an Intelligent Energy Management Solution (iEMS) in 100 residences to communicate with a variety of distributed energy resources over different climate zones and behavioral patterns. The intent of the project is to model and measure the potential energy and cost impact associated with the use of the iEMS in homes without affecting occupant comfort. The project will also integrate the use of pilot time-of-use utility rates in conjunction with simulated dynamic pricing signals to optimize customer cost savings.

Rooms Containing Fuel-Burning Appliances - Code Compliance Brief

An entirely new section in the 2015 IECC/IRC regarding fuel-burning appliances basically requires the appliance to be isolated from the building thermal envelope, located either outside or within a separate room if the fuel-burning appliance is supplied by open combustion air ducts. This brief provides an overview of the requirements and further details of approving the actual "room".

San Diego Libraries Zero Net Energy and Integrated Demand Side Management Demonstration Project

This project will integrate pre-commercial energy efficiency measures, building automation and controls system, behind the meter solar photovoltaic and energy storage in three existing public libraries in the City of San Diego. In addition to demonstrating cost-effective pathways to achieving maximum energy efficiency in the small commercial/municipal building sector, the recipient will engage in a multiyear, flexible, and transparent collaboration aimed at uncovering, testing, verifying and publicizing strategies for integrating energy efficiency, energy storage, solar photovoltaics, and other demand side resources to achieve near zero net energy in each library and to evaluate the financial value proposition.

Serenbe Nest Cottages

Author(s)
Butler Tom,
Curtis O,
Kim E,
Roberts S,
Stephenson R
Organization(s)
NAHB Research Center,
Home Innovation Research Labs,
HIRL,
National Renewable Energy Laboratory,
NREL,
Southface
Publication Date
Report describing construction of test homes in Atlanta, GA meeting Building America savings targets and serving as a basis of design for other homes Martin Dodson plans to build within the Serenbe community.

Short-Term Test Results: Transitional Housing Energy Efficiency Retrofit in the Hot Humid Climate

Author(s)
Sutherland Karen,
Martin Eric
Organization(s)
Building America Partnership for Improved Residential Construction,
BA-PIRC,
Florida Solar Energy Center,
FSEC,
U.S. Department of Energy,
DOE
Publication Date
Report evaluating the renovation of a 5,800-ft2, multiuse facility located in St. Petersburg, on the west coast of central Florida, in the hot-humid climate.

Solar-Reflective "Cool" Walls: Benefits, Technologies, and Implementation

Increasing the albedo (solar reflectance) of a building's envelope reduces solar heat gain in the cooling season. Raising envelope albedo can also cool the outside air, boosting energy savings and demand reduction by decreasing the air temperature difference across the building envelope. Lowering urban surface and air temperatures improves air quality by slowing the reactions that produce smog, and delays global warming through negative radiative forcing ("global cooling"). Current data are insufficient to accurately predict savings impacts for different cool wall materials; which prevents cool wall technology from being included in building standards or utility rebate programs.

Sonoma House: Monitoring of the First U.S. Passive House Retrofit

Author(s)
German Alea,
Weitzel B,
Backman Christine,
Hoeschele Marc,
Dakin Bill
Organization(s)
Alliance for Residential Building Innovation,
ARBI,
National Renewable Energy Laboratory,
NREL,
Davis Energy Group
Publication Date
Research study presenting a unique opportunity to both identify and evaluate deep retrofit measures that are practical and potentially cost effective for the retrofit market, as well as review the cost effectiveness of the Passive House design approach for achieving energy savings in deep retrofits.

Sunnyvale Marine Climate Deep Retrofit

Author(s)
German Alea,
Siddiqi Aqdus,
Dakin Bill
Organization(s)
Alliance for Residential Building Innovation,
ARBI,
Davis Energy Group,
U.S. Department of Energy,
DOE
Publication Date
Research project evaluating the pre-and post-retrofit energy consumption of a marine climate retrofit, compare actual energy use to original predictions, and identify opportunities for cost savings in other similar retrofits in this climate.

Super Energy Efficient Design (S.E.E.D.) Home Evaluation

Author(s)
German Alea,
Dakin Bill,
Backman Christine,
Weitzel Elizabeth,
Springer David
Organization(s)
Alliance for Residential Building Innovation,
ARBI,
National Renewable Energy Laboratory,
NREL,
Davis Energy Group,
U.S. Department of Energy,
DOE
Publication Date
Research study determining how well high performance envelope and innovative cooling system interact to cost effectively reduce cooling energy use in this hot-dry climate.

Supplemental Dehumidification in Warm-Humid Climates, BA-1310

Author(s)
Rudd Armin
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
This document covers a description of the need and applied solutions for supplemental dehumidification in warm-humid climates, especially for energy efficient homes where the sensible cooling load has been dramatically reduced.

TaC Studios New Construction Test House

Author(s)
Butler Tom,
Curtis O,
Kim E,
Roberts S,
Stephenson R
Organization(s)
NAHB Research Center,
Home Innovation Research Labs,
HIRL,
Southface,
U.S. Department of Energy,
DOE
Publication Date
Report evaluating a test home built in Atlanta, GA in the mixed-humid climate zone. The report outlines the features of the house, discusses the implementation of the energy efficient design, and presents the results of short-term characterization testing.

The Importance of Windows in Hot Climates

Author(s)
Ueno Kohta
Organization(s)
Green Building Advisor,
GBA
Publication Date
Article from Green Building Advisor on the importance of window selection in hot climates, with an emphasis on window glazing.

The New American Home 2004 Las Vegas, Nevada

Author(s)
National Renewable Energy Laboratory,
U.S. Department of Energy
Organization(s)
DOE,
NREL
Publication Date
Case study describing whole house building techniques in the hot-dry climate.

The Truth about insulation in a hot climate

Publication Date
Author(s)
Horizon Energy
Organization(s)
Horizon Energy
Video from Horizon Energy on thermodynamics relating to insulation in attics of homes located in hot climates.

The Value Proposition for Cost-Effective, DR-Enabling, Nonresidential Lighting System Retrofits in California Buildings

This project will identify, quantify and evaluate the incremental costs and benefits of demand responsive (DR) lighting controls system requirements in the California Energy Code across existing, non-residential building stock. The project will focus on the incremental costs and benefits associated with adding the DR functionality to enhance general lighting upgrades in existing, non-residential buildings to enable them to act as DR resources.

Transactive Incentive Signals to Manage Electricity Consumption for Demand Response

The Recipient will develop Transactive Load management (TLM) signals, expressed in the form of proxy prices reflective of current and future grid conditions, and implement software to calculate such signals. These signals will be designed to provide customers sufficient information to optimize their energy costs by managing their demand in response to system needs. The signals will be transported via proven and available protocols and networks for use by projects that will test the efficacy of the TLM signals using the demand response projects awarded under agreement EPC-15-054.

Unlocking Plug Load Energy Savings through Energy Reporting

This project will develop an interoperable protocol that can be implemented in all plug-load devices, unhampered by proprietary restrictions which will implement energy reporting to enable plug-load devices to transmit operating information - such as identity, power consumption, and functional state - through a communications network to a central entity. After a communication infrastructure is established for plug-load devices, the data flow can be reversed to send control signals to individual devices. The central management system that this project will demonstrate is well positioned to provide comprehensive control over diverse plug-load devices.

Ventilation System Effectiveness and Tested Indoor Air Quality Impacts

Author(s)
Rudd Armin,
Bergey Daniel
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC,
U.S. Department of Energy,
DOE
Publication Date
This report describes how twenty homes were tested and monitored in the Zone 2 climate of Houston, Texas, U.S.A., to evaluate the humidity control performance and operating cost of six different integrated dehumidification and ventilation systems that could be applied by production homebuilders.

Very Low-cost MEMS-based Ultrasonic Anemometer for Use Indoors and in HVAC Ducts

This project will develop low-cost, low power, accurate, calibration-free, and compact airflow sensors (anemometers) for measuring: (1) room airflow in occupied commercial buildings; and (2) volumetric air flow in heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. The technology will save energy by using the collected data to correct current wasteful HVAC malfunctions that result in inefficient systems and uncomfortable buildings. The anemometers will be wireless, able to be inexpensively installed in existing buildings, and operate on a battery for years and communicate wirelessly via the internet to the building's control system. The device will also sense temperature, its orientation, and its location

Volatile Organic Compound Concentrations and Emission Rates in New Manufactured and Site-Built Houses, RR-0803

Author(s)
Rudd Armin,
Hodgson Alfred T,
Beal David,
Chandra Subrato
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC,
Florida Solar Energy Center,
FSEC
Publication Date
Report describing concentrations of 54 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and ventilation rates that were measured in four new manufactured houses over 2 - 9.5 months following installation and in seven new site built houses 1 - 2 months after completion.

West Village Community: Quality Management Processes and Preliminary Heat Pump Water Heater Performance

Author(s)
Dakin Bill,
Backman Christine,
Hoeschele Marc,
German Alea
Organization(s)
ARBI,
Alliance for Residential Building Innovation,
National Renewable Energy Laboratory,
NREL,
Davis Energy Group
Publication Date
Report evaluating performance/efficiency of central heat pump water heaters and quality assurance/quality control processes in system startup, operation and efficiency program participation.

Winchester/Camberley Homes New Construction Test House Design, Construction, and Short-Term Testing in a Mixed-Humid Climate

Author(s)
Wiehagen Joseph,
Mallay David,
Wood Amber
Organization(s)
NAHB Research Center Industry Partnership,
National Renewable Energy Laboratory,
NREL,
U.S. Department of Energy,
DOE
Publication Date
Report outlining the features of a test house built in Silver Spring , Maryland, and discussing the implementation of the energy efficient design, and reports on the short-term testing results.

Zero Energy Residential Optimization - Community Achievement (ZERO-CA)

The project will serve as proof of concept for large-scale deployment of zero net energy (ZNE) single-family homes in California. The objective is to construct ZNE homes without creating undue cost burdens on businesses or consumers, while assuring that changes to home design do not pose health, safety or other risks to occupants. Additionally, the project will provide industry and regulators with a better understanding of the assumptions associated with site energy use and renewable energy generation and will provide resources to builders to assist them with controlling costs on ZNE home construction.