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Zone 4

A Constructible and Durable High-Performance Walls System: Extended Plate and Beam

Home Innovation Research Labs, Inc. will work to make the extended plate and beam system of incorporating insulation more accessible to builders through demonstration projects, technical documents, and code compliance assistance. Findings from these activities could play a critical role in improving the efficiency of home heating and cooling, which typically account for 40% of a home's energy consumption.

Attic Retrofits Using Nail-Based Insulated Panels

Home Innovation Research Labs, Inc. will study a new approach to roof insulation retrofits that can be installed in one step and result in semi-conditioned attics. Findings from this project could play a critical role in improving the efficiency of home heating and cooling, which typically account for 40% of a home's energy consumption.

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 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.

Chesapeake Habitat for Humanity: Affordable Housing Case Study

Author(s)
Maryland Energy Administration,
Steven Winter Associates,
U.S. Department of Energy
Organization(s)
DOE,
SWA,
CARB
Publication Date
Case study describing a Chesapeake Habitat for Humanity rehabilitation project of five 2-story row houses into energy-efficient, affordable housing.

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.

Concord Cape Prototype

Author(s)
Building Science Corporation
Organization(s)
BSC
Publication Date
Case study describing a new construction project designed to achieve an 87% reduction in source energy use when compared to the 2009 Building America Benchmark.

Concord Four Square Retrofit

Author(s)
Building Science Corporation
Organization(s)
BSC
Publication Date
Case study describing a retrofit project designed to show that advanced energy goals could be met today in existing housing.

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.

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.

De-Icing Ice Dams, BSI-097

Author(s)
Lstiburek Joseph W
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Article describing the importance of air sealing, insulation, and roof ventilation in reducing the likelihood of ice dam formation on roofs in cold snowy climates.

Design, purchase, installation, and commissioning of an automated manufacturing system that will process raw steel into prepared components for the fabrication of high-efficiency, low-emissions, biomass-fired boilers.

Advanced Climate Technologies (ACT) is a manufacturer of fully automatic, high-efficiency, low-emission biomass-fired boilers, interested in expanding their manufacturing facility in Niskayuna, NY to include an automated manufacturing system. This project involves the design, purchase, installation, and commissioning of the automated manufacturing system. The automated manufacturing system will allow ACT to process raw steel into prepared components. This will include a state-of-the art multi-tiered automated process that will allow for the cutting, drilling, and nesting of ASME steel plate used for the vessel and component parts of the boiler. By increasing their manufacturing capabilities, the ACT will bring processes in-house that have thus far been subcontracted. This project will eliminate certain inefficiencies in the manufacturing value chain and reduce total manufacturing time for product improvement, cost, and waste. The cost savings will be passed to consumers, directly benefiting the biomass heating market and customers in NY.

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.

Development of the Industry's First Smart Range Hood

Newport Partners, in partnership with Broan-NuTone, will develop and validate a smart range hood that senses pollutants and automatically operates to remove the contaminants efficiently. The proposed smart range hood will be quiet (<1 sone), five times more energy efficient than todays ENERGY STAR models, and will capture nearly 100% of pollutants.

DOE ZERH HIA 2013 Case Study - Dwell Development, Seattle, Washington

Author(s)
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,
U.S. Department of Energy
Organization(s)
PNNL,
USDOE
Publication Date
Case study describing a DOE Zero Energy Ready Home 2013 Housing Innovation Award Winner in Seattle, WA, that scored HERS 34 without PV.

DOE ZERH HIA 2013 Case Study: Mandalay Homes, Phoenix, Arizona

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 2013 Housing Innovation Award Winner in Phoenix, AZ that scored HERS 58 without PV and HERS 38 with PV.

DOE ZERH HIA 2013 Case Study: Nexus Energy Homes, Frederick, Maryland

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 2013 Housing Innovation Award Winner in Frederick MD that scored HERS 43 without PV and HERS 28 with PV.

DOE ZERH HIA 2014 Case Study: TC Legend Homes, Cedarwood, Bellingham, WA

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 2014 Housing Innovation Award winner in the marine climate that scored HERS 43 without PV and 13 with PV.

DOE ZERH HIA 2015 Case Study Poster: Mandalay Homes, The Dells at Cathedral Point, Prescott, AZ

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 production home in the mixed-dry climate that used 2x6 24-inch on-center walls, with R-17 spray foam in cavities + R-4 continuous rigid foam exterior, an unvented attic with R-25 open-cell foam insulation...

DOE ZERH HIA 2016 Case Study Poster: Dwell Development, Emerald Star, Seattle, WA

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 marine climate that achieved a HERS score of 0 with PV and 45 without PV.

DOE ZERH HIA 2016 Case Study Poster: TC Legend Homes, 19th Ave., Bellingham, WA

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 marine climate that achieved a HERS score of -2 with PV and 44 without PV.

DOE ZERH HIA 2016 Case Study: [bundle] Design Studio, Birch House, Bellingham, WA

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 2016 Housing Innovation Award winner that scored HERS 36 without PV and -9 with PV. Building America Solution Center is a resource of the U.S. Department of Energy's Building Technologies Office.

DOE ZERH HIA 2018 Case Study Poster: Insight Homes, Whatley, Millsboro, DE

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 2018 Housing Innovation Award winning production home in the mixed-humid climate that achieved a HERS score of 52 without PV.

DOE ZERH HIA 2018 Case Study Poster: TC Legend Homes, West Seattle Home, Seattle, WA

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 2018 Housing Innovation Award winning custom for buyer home in the marine climate that achieved a HERS score of 0 with PV and 41 without PV.

DOE ZERH HIA 2019 Case Study Poster: C & B Custom Homes, The Meritage, Clarkdale, AZ

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 spec home in the mixed-dry climate that achieved a HERS score of 16 with PV and 51 without PV.

DOE ZERH HIA 2019 Case Study Poster: Clifton View Homes, Lake View Home, Anacortes, WA

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 marine climate that achieved a HERS score of -12 with PV and 44 without PV.

DOE ZERH HIA 2019 Case Study Poster: Deltec Homes, Bluegate Horizon, Mills River, NC

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 0 with PV and 45 without PV.

DOE ZERH HIA 2019 Case Study Poster: Insight Homes, The Morgan, Millsboro, DE

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 production home in the mixed-humid climate that achieved a HERS score of 53 without PV.

DOE ZERH HIA 2019 Case Study: Mandalay Homes, Foothills at the Dells, Prescott, AZ

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: Alter Eco, Bridgeport ZERH Twins, Paoli, PA

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 attached home in the mixed-humid climate that used R-23 SIP walls, R-47 SIP roof, and triple-pane windows to achieve a HERS score of 38 without PV.

DOE ZERH HIA 2020 Case Study Poster: Bellingham Bay Builders, La Pedrera Net Zero Residence, Anacortes, WA

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 home in the cold climate that used 2x6, 24-inch on-center advanced framed walls, R-66 unvented attic insulation, and a 36 SEER mini-split heat pump to achieve a HERS score of -8 with PV and 42...

DOE ZERH HIA 2020 Case Study Poster: C & B Custom Homes, The Antelope Plan, Cottonwood, AZ

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 spec homes in the mixed-dry climate that used 2x6, 16-inch on-center walls, a 16 SEER AC system, and 3.55-kW solar to achieve a HERS score of 11 with PV and 44 without PV.

DOE ZERH HIA 2020 Case Study Poster: Dwell Development, Flora Farmhouse, Seattle, WA

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 spec homes in the marine climate that used 2x6, 24-inch on-center walls, R-50 to R-70 average roof insulation, and triple-pane windows to achieve a HERS score of 51 without PV.

DOE ZERH HIA 2020 Case Study Poster: Healthy Communities, Walnut Farm, Williamsburg, VA

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 production home in the mixed-humid climate that used 2x6, 24-inch on-center walls, R-49 roof insulation, and R-49 blown-in cellulose attic insulation to achieve a HERS score of 9 with PV and 46 without PV...

DOE ZERH HIA 2020 Case Study Poster: Insight Homes, The Nelson, Bridgeville, DE

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 production home in the mixed-humid climate that used 2x6, 24-inch on-center blown fiberglass wall insulation, OSB roof sheathing, and R-49 blown fiberglass attic insulation to achieve a HERS score of 50...

DOE ZERH HIA 2020 Case Study Poster: Mandalay Communities, Jasper Zero Energy, Prescott, AZ

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 production home in the mixed-dry climate that used 2x6, 16-inch on-center walls, and a 17 SEER central two-stage heat pump to achieve a HERS score of -6 with PV and 45 without PV.

DOE ZERH HIA 2020 Case Study Poster: P3 Builder Group, Way Back Barn, Wainscott, NY

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 buyers homes in the mixed-humid climate that used R-27 SIP walls, a SIP roof, R-47 SIP attic, and triple-pane windows to achieve a HERS score of -22 with PV and 38 without PV.

DOE ZERH HIA 2020 Case Study Poster: S. D. Jessup Construction, Old Winston Rd, Pilot Mountain, NC

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 home in the mixed-humid climate that used 2x6, on-center walls, 19-inch, R-50 blown fiberglass vented attic insulation, and triple-pane windows to achieve a HERS score of 42 without PV.

DOE ZERH HIA 2020 Case Study Poster: United Way of Long Island, Net Positive All Electric Home, Deer Park, NY

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 mixed-humid climate that used 2x6, 24-inch on-center R-33 wall insulation, triple-pane windows and both ductless and ducted mini-split heat pumps to achieve a HERS score of -2 with...

DOE ZERH HIA 2020 Case Study: Healthy Communities, Walnut Farm, Williamsburg, VA

Author(s)
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,
U.S. Department of Energy
Organization(s)
DOE,
PNNL
Publication Date
Case study describing a DOE Zero Energy Ready Home 2020 Housing Innovation Award winning production homes in the mixed-humid climate that used an energy recovery ventilator tied to the home's high efficiency central heat pump with a MERV 13 filter to achieve a HERS score of 9 with PV and 46 without...

DOE ZERH HIA 2020 Case Study: Insight Homes, The Nelson, Millsboro, DE

Author(s)
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,
U.S. Department of Energy
Organization(s)
DOE,
PNNL
Publication Date
Case study describing a DOE Zero Energy Ready Home 2020 Housing Innovation Award winning production home in the mixed-humid climate that used ENERGY STAR labeled appliances, WaterSense labeled fixtures, and 100% LED lighting to achieve a HERS score of 50 without PV.

DOE ZERH HIA 2020 Case Study: TC Legend Homes, Everson Net Positive, Everson, WA

Author(s)
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,
U.S. Department of Energy
Organization(s)
DOE,
PNNL
Publication Date
Case study describing a DOE Zero Energy Ready Home 2020 Housing Innovation Award winning custom for buyer home in the marine climate that used a large south-facing roof which holds over 80 solar panels and large, south-facing windows and concrete floors, which provide passive solar heating to...

DOE ZERH HIA 2020 Case Study: United Way of Long Island, Net Positive All Electric Home, Deer Park, NY

Author(s)
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,
U.S. Department of Energy
Organization(s)
DOE,
PNNL
Publication Date
Case study describing a DOE Zero Energy Ready Home 2020 Housing Innovation Award winning affordable multifamily home in the mixed-humid climate that used water-saving plumbing fixtures and irrigation and efficient hot water distribution by means of a heat pump water heater and PEX piping to achieve...

DOE ZERH HIA 2020 Case Study: TC Legend Homes, Everson Net Positive, Bellingham, WA

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 2020 Housing Innovation Award winning custom for buyer homes in the marine climate that achieved a HERS score of -19 with PV and 33 without PV.

EcoVillage Cleveland

Author(s)
Building Science Corporation
Organization(s)
BSC
Publication Date
Case study describing a building project in Ohio.

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 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.

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 Benefits of Application of Massive Walls in Residential Buildings

Author(s)
Kosny Jan,
Christian Jeffrey E,
Petrie Thomas W,
Childs Phillip W,
Gawin D,
Desjarlais Andre O
Organization(s)
Oak Ridge National Laboratory,
ORNL,
Technical University of Lodz,
TUL
Publication Date
Presentation about results from an insulating concrete form energy efficiency study in Knoxville, TN.

Energy Efficient Crawlspace Foundation Retrofit: Mixed Humid Climate

Author(s)
Del Bianco Marie,
Wiehagen Joseph,
Wood Amber
Organization(s)
NAHB Research Center,
Home Innovation Research Labs,
HIRL,
National Renewable Energy Laboratory,
NREL
Publication Date
Report outlining the steps of translating a new home construction scope of work (SOW) to SOW for retrofit.

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.

Evaluation of a DC Lighting Directly Coupled to Solar Photovoltaic System for Commercial Buildings

Brookhaven National Laboratory will evaluate a DC system directly-coupled to a solar energy system that enables the use of DC power directly for office lighting. This system will use equipment developed by Nextek Power Systems and will being installed in a Suffolk County office buildings. BNL will document the energy savings and value propositions available from this type of system compared to a conventional DC to AC lighting system powered a solar photovoltaic system. This work will provide information that can be used to determine the value propositions for installing this type of system at larger scale in buildings throughout New York State.

Evaluation of Passive Vents in New-Construction Multifamily Buildings

Author(s)
Consortium for Advanced Residential Buildings,
U.S. Department of Energy
Organization(s)
CARB,
DOE
Publication Date
Case study on exhaust ventilation and corresponding outdoor air intake strategies implemented in high-performance new-construction multifamily buildings.

Greenbrier Prototype, Oakdale, Connecticut

Author(s)
Building Science Corporation
Organization(s)
BSC
Publication Date
Case study describing a building project in the cold and very-cold climate zones.

Habitat for Humanity High R-Value Prototype

Author(s)
Building Science Corporation
Organization(s)
BSC
Publication Date
Case study describing a building project in the cold and very-cold climate zones.

High Performance Builder Spotlight: Quadrant Homes, Kent, WA

Author(s)
Gilbride Theresa L
Organization(s)
PNNL
Publication Date
Case study describing Quadrant Homes, a production home builder, and their implementation of an energy-efficiency package provide allowed home owners to achieve energy savings of 40% Building America benchmark.

High Performance Builder Spotlight: Tom Walsh & Co., Portland, OR

Author(s)
Gilbride Theresa L
Organization(s)
PNNL
Publication Date
Case study describing how Tom Walsh & Co. became one of the first production home builders to earn a tax credit for new homes while achieve 50% energy savings in 20 homes they constructed.

Home Energy Guide - Techniques, Tactics, and Tips: Ice Dams

Author(s)
Minnesota Department of Commerce Energy Information Center
Organization(s)
Minnesota Department of Commerce
Publication Date
Article describing the causes that form ice dams, as well as solutions for preventing future ice dams on roofs, focusing on air sealing to prevent hot air leakage.

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.

How to Prevent Roof Damage from Winter Ice Buildup

Author(s)
Dorsi Chris
Organization(s)
Montana State University Extension,
MSU Extension
Publication Date
Article from Montana State University Extension explaining how proper insulation techniques can greatly reduce the risks of ice dams on roofs in cold climate zones.

Integrated Design: A High Performance Solution for Affordable Housing

The Levy Partnership, Inc. will develop low-cost, highly efficient comfort system designs to enable affordably built homes to use heat pumps with superior air distribution systems. This demonstration could result in 50% energy savings over 2009 code requirements.

Linkage-less Burner Retrofits for Steam Boilers

Steven Winter Associates (SWA) will conduct the retrofit installation and commissioning of (2) steam boiler burners with linkageless burner controls at demonstration sites in NYC. The project will use remotely monitored measurement and verification equipment to provide data collection of the systems pre and post- retrofit. SWA will oversee the installation and commissioning of the systems to ensure optimization of energy performance at demonstration sites. SWA will then develop a best practices strategy for the retrofitting process and the collected data will be analyzed for cost analysis, energy savings, metrics, and payback over both heating and non-heating seasons. The results of the project will be shared with building owners, management firms, building operators, and representatives from municipal and state organizations who are responsible for the evaluation of boiler upgrades in their respective organizations.

Measure Guideline: High Efficiency Natural Gas Furnaces

Author(s)
Brand Larry,
Rose William B
Organization(s)
Partnership for Advanced Residential Retrofit,
PARR,
National Renewable Energy Laboratory,
NREL,
Gas Technology Institute,
GTI Energy
Publication Date
Document covering installation of high efficiency gas furnaces, including when to install a high efficiency gas furnace as a retrofit measure, how to identify and address risks, and steps to follow for the selection and installation process.

Moisture Performance of High-R Wall Systems

Home Innovation Research Labs, Inc. will develop wall system design guidance for builders and improve the durability of envelope assembly systems. Findings from this project could play a critical role in improving the efficiency of home heating and cooling and could reduce HVAC energy use by at least 10%.

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.

Protect Your Home from Ice Dams

Author(s)
IBHS DisasterSafety
Organization(s)
IBHS
Publication Date
List of recommendations from IBHS on how to protect homes from ice dam formation.

Retrofit Contractor Case Study: Neil Kelly, Portland, Oregon

Author(s)
Theresa Gilbride
Organization(s)
PNNL
Publication Date
Case study describing the growth of the home performance division of a Oregon-based remodeling company that saw revenues increase by 109% per year from 2006 to 2012.

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".

Short-Term Test Results: Multifamily Home Energy Efficiency Retrofit

Author(s)
Lyons James
Organization(s)
Building America Partnership for Improved Residential Construction,
BA-PIRC,
National Renewable Energy Laboratory,
NREL
Publication Date
Report summarizing commissioning, short-term testing, and analysis that occurred before, during, and just after the actual retrofit of the Bay Ridge project.

Slab Edge Insulation

Guide describing how to insulate slabs on grade in climate zones 3 and higher.

Structural Support of Windows in Walls with Continuous Insulation

Home Innovation Research Labs will establish performance criteria and conduct comprehensive testing to evaluate the structural performance of continuous insulation walls with windows of varying shapes and sizes, insulation thicknesses, and installation methods.

Technology Solutions Case Study: Complete and Fully Aligned Air Barrier

Author(s)
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
Organization(s)
PNNL
Publication Date
Case study describing the elimination of excessive humidity in the attic of a multi-floor, single-family home that was causing condensation and water damage along the roof and eaves.

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 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.

Thermostatic Radiator Valve (TRV) Demonstration Project

Author(s)
McNamara Michael
Organization(s)
New York State Energy Research and Development Authority,
NYSERDA
Publication Date
This report describes the results of a multiyear research project that investigated the energy savings attributable to thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) installed on one-pipe steam distribution systems.

Toward Simple, Affordable Zero Energy Houses

Author(s)
Christian Jeffrey E,
Beal David,
Kerrigan Philip
Organization(s)
Oak Ridge National Laboratory,
ORNL,
Florida Solar Energy Center,
FSEC,
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Paper describing testing for the first of a series of six near net-zero-energy test houses, using the results to work towards the construction of a true net-zero-energy house.

Ultra-Low Energy Residences

Author(s)
Christian Jeffrey E
Organization(s)
American Society of Heating Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers,
ASHRAE
Publication Date
Case study about affordable housing in a mixed, humid climate.

Ventilation Integrated Comfort System

Steven Winter Associates will work with manufacturing partner Mitsubishi Electric to develop, test, and demonstrate an integrated energy recovery ventilation and heat pump system for residential buildings.

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.

When should I worry about snow accumulation on the roof?

Author(s)
Cold Climate Housing Research Center
Organization(s)
CCHRC
Publication Date
Webpage describing how different amounts and types of snow loads affect the structural integrity of roofs and homes.

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.