Library | Building America Solution Center

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 - 10 of 10

HPWH Installation and Design Concepts for Low-Rise Multifamily Buildings

Author(s)

Larson Ben

Organization(s)

Larson Energy Research,

Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance,

NREL

Publication Date

March, 2023

Report describing the identification of barriers and proposed practical solutions for the design, installation, and market adoption of heat pump water heaters in new low-rise multifamily housing, focusing on studio and one-bedroom units.

The Energy In Modular (EMOD) Buildings Method, A Guide To Energy-Efficient Design For Industrialized Construction Of Modular Buildings

Author(s)

Pless Shanti,

Podder Ankur,

Kaufman Zoe,

Klammer Noah,

Dennehy Conor,

Muthumanickam Naveen Kumar,

Rothgeb Stacey,

Louis Joseph,

Swanson Colby,

Wallace Heather,

Blazek Cedar

Organization(s)

National Renewable Energy Laboratory,

NREL,

Oregon State University,

Momentum Innovation Group,

U.S. Department of Energy,

DOE

Publication Date

June, 2022

Report describing use of the Energy in Modular (EMOD) method to design, produce, and deliver affordable, net-zero energy, low-carbon, and healthier buildings through industrialized (factory) construction of modular buildings; modeling of whole buildings and subassemblies of components, pods, panels...

Public Housing: A Tailored Approach to Energy Retrofits

Author(s)

Dentz Jordan,

Conlin Francis,

Podorson David,

Alaigh Kunal,

Davis T

Organization(s)

Advanced Residential Integrated Energy Solutions,

ARIES,

Levy Partnership,

National Renewable Energy Laboratory,

NREL

Publication Date

February, 2016

Report presenting ways public housing authorities (PHAs) can develop packages of energy efficiency retrofit measures the PHAs can cost-effectively implement with their own staff in the normal course of housing operations at the time when units are refurbished between occupancies.

High Performance Walls in Hot-Dry Climates

Author(s)

Hoeschele Marc,

Springer David,

Dakin Bill,

German Alea

Organization(s)

Alliance for Residential Building Innovation,

ARBI,

Davis Energy Group,

National Renewable Energy Laboratory,

NREL,

U.S. Department of Energy,

DOE

Publication Date

January, 2015

Article from NREL on wall construction guidelines for homes in hot climate zones.

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

December, 2012

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.

Measured Performance of Occupied, Side-by-Side, South Texas Homes

Author(s)

Chasar Dave,

vonSchramm Valerie

Organization(s)

Building America Partnership for Improved Residential Construction,

BA-PIRC,

National Renewable Energy Laboratory,

NREL,

Florida Solar Energy Center,

FSEC,

U.S. Department of Energy,

DOE

Publication Date

September, 2012

Report summarizing a case study about the performance of three occupied homes built in 2009 in San Antonio, Texas.

Advanced Strategy Guideline: Air Distribution Basics and Duct Design

Author(s)

Burdick Arlan

Organization(s)

Integrated Building and Construction Solutions,

IBACOS,

National Renewable Energy Laboratory,

NREL

Publication Date

December, 2011

Document providing guideance and considerations for duct design in an energy efficient house.

Strategy Guideline: Quality Management in Existing Homes

Author(s)

Taggart Jim,

Sikora Jeannie,

Wiehagen Joseph,

Wood Amber

Organization(s)

NAHB Research Center,

National Renewable Energy Laboratory,

NREL,

U.S. Department of Energy,

DOE

Publication Date

December, 2011

Research study providing a comparison of selected retrofit activity typically done, versus that same retrofit activity approached from an integrated high performance remodeling and quality management perspective.

Solar Ready Buildings Planning Guide

Author(s)

Lisell Lars,

Tetreault Tim,

Watson Andrea

Organization(s)

National Renewable Energy Laboratory,

NREL

Publication Date

December, 2009

Report identifying the important aspects of building design and construction to enable installation of solar photovoltaic and heating systems at some time after the building is constructed.

Building America Residential System Research Results - Achieving 30% Whole House Energy Savings Level in Marine Climates, January 2006 - December 2006

Author(s)

Building America Industrialized Housing Partnership,

Building Industry Research Alliance,

Building Science Corporation,

Consortium for Advanced Residential Buildings,

Davis Energy Group,

National Association of Home Builders Research Center,

National Renewable Energy Laboratory,

Integrated Building and Construction Solutions

Organization(s)

BAIHP,

BIRA,

BSC,

CARB,

DEG,

IBACOS,

NAHBRC,

NREL,

IBCS

Publication Date

December, 2006

Report summarizing research results for the 30% energy savings level and demonstrates that lead builders can successfully provide 30% homes in the Marine Climate Region on a cost-neutral basis.