Library

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.

Article describing quality of life and economic benefit from trees.

Free online tool for sizing central heat pump water heater systems.

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.

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...

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.

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.

Informational guide describing the benefits, functionality, and cost savings of ENERGY STAR® certified heat pump water heaters, addressing common misconceptions and highlighting incentives.

Comprehensive design guide describing the benefits and details of retrofit methods for buildings and equipment in flood-prone areas. Estimated costs are outdated due to publication date.

Report describing the research gap in the connection between resilience and energy efficiency.

Handbook to help property owners understand the rules, procedures, standards, and criteria that apply to the environmental resource permit (ERP) program under Part IV of Chapter 373 of the Florida Statutes.

Brochure providing information on the design of the EPA Region 8 headquarters in Denver, CO.

Article in the SIPA Technical Bulletin (No. 11) comparing the earthquake resistance of light-frame wood shear wall construction to residential construction with structural insulated panels (SIPS).

Report describing construction site erosion and sediment control practices recommended and required by a county planning department.

Guidance documents describing Erosion Control Blankets (ECBs) use as a construction material that provides temporary cover and support for establishing vegetation on bare soil. ECB holds topsoil and seed (typically grass) in place to minimize erosion during germination of seed.

Factsheet describing steps builders should take to reduce erosion and control sediment on construction sites during home construction.

A publication developed by the U.S. Forest Service for its employees and other federal agency staff describing erosion control methods.

Website providing information on preparing to stay or go, shelter-in-place procedures, and additional resources.

Technical report presenting the results of an evaluation of homes using high-efficiency mini-split heat pumps to supplement the primary heating and cooling systems.

Report describing the performance, cost, and carbon impacts of unitary heat pump water heaters with load-shifting controls in a shared configuration for a multi-family project, highlighting significant savings in energy usage, CO2 emissions, and utility costs.

Webpage providing tips for installing and maintaining an evaporative cooler.

A webpage by the DOE on tips for saving energy with an evaporative cooler.

Image of design wet bulb temperatures in the U.S. and where evaporative cooling is most appropriate.

Flyer from the City of Ellensburg WA describing what an excess flow valve is, how they work, and associated costs.

Website for gas utility customers describing the installation of excess flow valves to stop the flow of natural gas into a home in the event of a line rupture.

Webpage describing what excess flow valves are, how they work, and the installation process.

Utility webpage describing the monetary costs associated with excess flow valves for TECO in Florida.

Guidebook meant to provide public officials with information on excessive heat event.

The main objective of this expert meeting was to bring together a group of experts intimately involved with issues related to assessing the performance of residential high efficiency water heating systems.

Expert meeting describing meeting details for recommendations for applying water heaters in combination space and domestic water heating systems.

Webpage from Ready.gov explaining what qualifies as 'extreme heat', how to be safe during an extreme heat event, and how to prepare for extreme heat in homes