Library

Article describing the difference between swales and hugels (berms used to create soil from woody debris).

Report covering the rainwater performance of building assemblies.

A quick guide from the California Division of the State Architect (DSA) explaining the three types of gas shutoff devices to stop the flow of natural gas into buildings in the event of an earthquake or rupture of the gas line.

Webpage describing the successes and ongoing efforts of the Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance's Go Ductless ductless heat pump program which successfully encouraged the installation of more than 150,000 minisplit heat pumps in the Northwest between 2010 and 2021.

Webpage describing the advantages and disadvantages of ductless mini-split air conditioner.

Research report with results from field tests in two homes in Austin, Texas, from October 2011 to June 2012 to evaluate the comfort performance of ductless mini-split heat pumps

Designer checklist covering hazards involving ground and surface water, rain and water vapor, HVAC and plumbing, sunlight, insects, decay, and natural hazards, and builder checklist covering all disaster resistance, sorted by building component.

Webpage providing details of an experimental earth tube installation at the Clean Energy Exhibition in Georgia.

Factsheet describing how to secure refrigerators and other major appliances to wall studs using earthquake appliance straps or angle brackets and bolts.

Factsheet describing how to secure televisions, microwaves, computers, and other electronics to prevent damage during earthquakes.

Factsheet describing how to secure water heaters to resist seismic activity.

FEMA guide containing recommendations on how to implement cost-effective measures that can help to reduce the potential hazards associated with earthquakes.

Poster describing earthquake safety tips and protection measures to take at home.

A book describing how to complete an earthquake retrofit plan for wood-frame residential buildings.

Factsheet describing ways to retrofit a home to make it more earthquake resistant.

Webpage providing earthquake safety tips including proactive home structure and utility action items.

Guide provides homeowners ways to prepare for an earthquake and protect a home against earthquake damage.

Reference guide helping families prepare for an earthquake and prevent earthquake-related damage.

A one-page fact sheet outlining the purpose of an earthquake valve and how the valve can stop gas from flowing into a residence or building.

Standard providing minimum functionality requirements for earthquake-actuated automatic gas shutoff devices; applicable to systems carrying natural gas and propane, the devices are used in piping, equipment, and appliances typically found in structures of three stories or less.

Report providing an introduction to the NEHRP recommended seismic provisions for new buildings and other structures.

Website describing what to do for safety in an earthquake and other types of disasters.

Article describing earthship homes.

Factsheet describing methods for securing HVAC units to avoid damage during an earthquake.

Bulletin describing the components of ECM motors and comparing their efficiency with PSC motors.

Article describing quality of life and economic benefit from trees.

Technical report evaluating the effects of heat pump water heaters on heating and cooling energy usage in laboratory homes.

Article presenting a numerical study of wind pressure on the low-rise hip-roof building by varying the roof pitch using computational fluid dynamics computer modeling and wind tunnel testing of hip roofs with different roof pitches: 15°, 20°, 30° and 40°.

Computer simulations comparing International Journal of Advanced Structural Engineering wind pressure differences between a gable-ended roof versus a hip roof versus a pyramidal-shaped roof.

Webpage from U.S. Department of Energy describing using Earth-Sheltered home building techniques in hot climate zones.

Report demonstrating how the initiative achieves Building America (BA) goals of 30%-50% energy savings in multifamily dwellings in the hot-humid climate zone.

Document explaining requirements and recommendations for defensible space, with a focus on sloped vegetation.

Study testing the effect of fan cooling on healthy adults at increased ambient temperatures.

Article describing a case study in which a whole-house battery and PV system was tested in a home with cooling and refrigeration during a hurricane in Florida.

Webpage describing embodied carbon through definition, significance to climate, and importance to policymaking.

Website that lists references that can help you determine how to control you indoor air quality while combating an emergency.

A website with resources for emergency preparedness including videos, guides, and webinars.

A San Diego County standard highlighting the requirements for residential emergency vehicle turnarounds.

A factsheet that provides information and requirements for emergency water supplies for firefighting in Boulder County, Colorado.

Fact sheet describing requirements and recommendations for enclosures and breakaway walls for their use below the BFE, including a diagram of a compliant wall system and examples of systems that have either resulted in increased damages or increased flood insurance premiums; also published in FEMA P...

U.S. Code of Federal Regulations energy and water conservation standards for consumer products including home appliances and HVAC equipment.

Powerpoint on attic ventilation developed as training material for the Weatherization Assistance Program.

Article from NAHB research center describing home building techniques for homes in hot climate zones.

Article by Energy Saver on how to save energy with your thermostat.

Online reference containing general information about geothermal heat pumps.

Report investigating performance and energy savings potential of heat pump water heaters.

Report using pre- and post-system upgrade data to analyze the energy savings associated with Iowa's HVAC SAVE program for space heating.

Paper describing the effects of tree shade on residential electricity consumption and energy savings in summer and winter.

Technical report evaluating the energy savings potential of radiative cooling technologies, particularly photonic 'selective emittance' materials.

Report from ENERGY STAR on HVAC design for homes.