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Library

This library contains research reports produced by the Building America program and other building science resources used to support this Solution Center. The materials cover both new construction and existing homes. Use the search box and/or the filters to explore hundreds of residential building resources. Access to some references not produced by Building America may require purchase from the publisher. Documents are listed alphabetically. While we continually update our database, links may have changed since posting. Please contact our webmaster if you find broken links.

Showing results 1 - 21 of 21

A Guide to Preserving Trees in Development Projects

Author(s)
Elmendorf William,
Gerhold Henry,
Kuhns Larry
Organization(s)
Pennsylvania State University Extension
Publication Date
Article describing tree health, environmental considerations, and details on how to preserve trees.

All About Shade Trees

Author(s)
This Old House
Organization(s)
This Old House
Publication Date
Article describing shade trees and how to plant, maintain, and replace them.

Benefits of Trees

Author(s)
Arbor Day Foundation
Organization(s)
Arbor Day Foundation
Publication Date
Article describing the benefits trees provide through quotes and anecdotes.

Building Orientation for Optimum Energy

Author(s)
Gromicko
Organization(s)
International Association of Certified Home Inspectors
Publication Date
Webpage explaining how to site and orient a house to take advantage of the solar path.

Cooling with a Whole-House Fan

Author(s)
Energy Saver
Organization(s)
DOE
Publication Date
DOE Energy Saver webpage summarizing the use of whole-house fans for cooling.

Earth Tubes Exhibit

Author(s)
Clean Energy Exhibition
Organization(s)
Clean Energy Exhibition
Publication Date
Webpage providing details of an experimental earth tube installation at the Clean Energy Exhibition in Georgia.

Evaporative Cooler Tips

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Organization(s)
DOE
Publication Date
A webpage by the DOE on tips for saving energy with an evaporative cooler.

Heat.gov

Author(s)
National Integrated Heat Health Information System
Organization(s)
NOAA
Publication Date
Federal webpage providing information regarding extreme heat and health for the United States.

Home Cooling Systems

Author(s)
Energy Saver
Organization(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
Website providing information on low-energy and standard cooling systems, with a focus on saving energy.

Natural Ventilation

Author(s)
Energy Saver
Organization(s)
DOE
Publication Date
DOE Energy Saver webpage providing a brief summary of natural ventilation for houses.

Passive Design

Author(s)
Green Home Technology Center
Organization(s)
Ohio State University Extension
Publication Date
Website providing guidance on passive heating, cooling, and lighting methods.

Permeable Pavement

Author(s)
City of Mercer Island
Organization(s)
City of Mercer Island
Publication Date
Brochure describing what permeable pavement is, where to install it, and how to maintain it.

SelecTree: A Tree Selection Guide

Author(s)
Urban Forest Ecosystems Institute
Organization(s)
UFEI,
California Polytechnic State University,
Cal Poly
Publication Date
Website tool that can search for trees by name or characteristics and retrieve data describing tree attributes including site preferences and general characteristics and considerations.

Suggested Emergency Food Supplies

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Organization(s)
USDHS
Publication Date
Article describing suggested food supplies, sanitation, safety, and cooking for during and after an emergency.

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map

Author(s)
USDA
Organization(s)
USDA
Publication Date
Interactive map maintained by the USDA showing plant hardiness zones throughout the U.S.

Using Cool Roofs to Reduce Heat Islands

Author(s)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Organization(s)
EPA
Publication Date
Webpage describing the use of cool roofs to reduce heat islands and and benefits and costs.