Library

Standard providing a methodology for calculating Energy Rating Index for code compliance.

2015 edition of code establishing a baseline for energy efficiency by setting performance standards for the building envelope (defined as the boundary that separates heated/cooled air from unconditioned, outside air), mechanical systems, lighting systems and service water heating systems in homes...

2015 edition of code establishing regulations involving life and property safety from fires and explosion hazards, including emergency planning, fire department access and water supply, automatic sprinkler systems, fire alarms, and hazardous materials planning and storage.

2015 edition of code establishing a baseline for the design and installation of fuel gas systems and gas fired appliances through performance requirements.

State building code containing general building design and construction requirements relating to fire and life safety, structural safety, energy efficiency, and access compliance; based on the 2021 International Building Code.

Report assessing building codes for the 18 Atlantic and Gulf coast states which are most prone to hurricanes, as of 2018.

Webpage providing guidance on the 45L tax credit, assembling the most relevant information for Northwest builders to maximize their tax credit and build energy efficient homes.

Report telling consumers the risks of radon, how radon gets into a home, and steps consumers can take to reduce radon exposure in their homes.

Factsheet describing how the U.S. DOE's Zero Energy Ready Home program has evolved since 2013. This factsheet includes case studies, statistics about the program and specific building components, and a general outline of program requirements.

Guide for homeowners describing how to find and seal basement and attic air leaks, determine if attic insulation is adequate, make improvements safely, and reduce energy bills.

Article describing utility rates, net metering policies, installation costs, financial incentives, and other info for both consumers who are interested in installing renewable energy systems and for energy justice and clean energy advocates.

Standards book discussing the minimum standards of total system balance of HVAC systems.

Standard outlining materials and installation methods by using commercial building wraps.

Vinyl siding estimating and installation guide for vinyl siding products.

Webpage listing ACCA Manual J and D calculation software that is approved by ACCA.

Standard outlining industry procedure for sizing residential duct systems.

Standard covering equipment sizing loads for single-family-detached homes, small multi-unit structures, condo­miniums, town houses and manufactured homes.

Standard providing a universally accepted definition for quality installation for residential and commercial heating, ventilating, and air conditioning applications.

Document detailing the requirements, roles, and obligations for participants in an organized effort, ensuring that HVAC installations comply with the ANSI/ACCA 5 QI – 2010 (HVAC Quality Installation Specification) QI Standard.

Report providing product manufacturers, fabricators, contractors and installers, design professionals, owners, and real estate developers with technical performance and cost guidance for scalable zero-carbon-aligned new construction pathways and retrofit packages to achieve zero carbon retrofits and...

Report examining the structural properties and applications of an innovative studless building system, detailing its testing regime and providing an engineering guide for architects and engineers.

Acceptance criteria providing guidelines for demonstrating compliance with codes referenced in the criteria related to barriers to water migration in thin-set installations of ceramic tile and stone flooring and shower sub-pan linings.

Factsheet describing the motivation for adopting the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code and how the 2021 IECC Assemblies Tool developed by PNNL can be used to find IECC compliant whole-house assembly drawings.

Factsheet describing the challenges faced when achieving high-performance multifamily homes.

Factsheet describing how window shades can keep out unwanted heat, detailing the most effective products and practices.

Article describing how to detail head flashing above a window.

Report on the design and evaluation of extended plate and beam.

The research report outlines a practical and cost-effective strategy utilizing central HVAC systems to optimize humidity control and ventilation in energy-efficient homes located in hot-humid climates, demonstrating significant improvements without requiring complex equipment upgrades.

Voluntary specification for residential, commercial/multifamily, and industrial water heaters and heating systems.

Report examining the effectiveness of an aerosolized acrylic technique for air sealing existing homes to reduce air leakage and improve energy efficiency.

Wepage by ABBA providing standards concerning air barrier assemblies, divided into building assemblies for walls, roofs and foundations and sub-divided into specific types of walls, roofs and foundations. Air barrier assemblies are made up of air barrier materials and connected with air barrier...

Webpage containing technical manuals and standards from ACCA, covering design, installation and maintenance for residential and light commercial HVAC systems and providing technical guidance in the indoor environment industry.

Webpage describing the functionality and benefits of switching to Air Source Heat Pumps, as well as linking to sets of products, rebates, most efficient ASHPs, and providing consumer aid for purchasing an ASHP.

Wepage containing links to door standards from the Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association addressing a range of features and characteristics of doors.

This specification specifies the test method for measuring heat flow through building assemblies or components.

This specification requires that insulated vinyl siding demonstrate a thermal insulation value of R-2.0 or greater. The specification also establishes other performance requirements and test methods including materials properties and dimensions, warp, shrinkage, impact strength, expansion...

Webpage showing standards developed by ASHRAE that define the roles of and minimum requirements for mechanical and natural ventilation systems and the building envelope intended to provide acceptable indoor air quality in low-rise residential buildings. Additional technical guidance is provided on...

Updated detailed information about Formaldehyde.

Report describing a field investigation of failure rates of whole-house mechanical ventilation systems installed in Florida homes.

Web-based mapping tool offering a fast, reliable way to look up key design parameters specified in Standard ASCE 7-10, 7-16, or 7-22 for a specific address or location which is free to use and can look up data for eight different environmental hazard types: wind, tornado, seismic, ice, rain, flood...

A basic guide walking through the various types of valves useful in mitigating the effects of earthquakes and other seismic events on natural gas pipelines for residential use.

Technical article describing issues and moisture concerns related to weatherization efforts.

Article describing the common ventilation system types, issues, and solutions in New York City's multifamily residential buildings to improve indoor air quality, occupant health, and building durability.

Website providing information about building plans for the ENERGY STAR thermal bypass checklist.

Training module describing the operation, efficiency, consumer and seller benefits, and cost comparison of Heat Pump Water Heaters (HPWH) against conventional gas, oil, or electric water heaters.

An article discussing how different metal roof materials and attachment methods affect the ability of the roof to thermally expand and contract and the durability of different solutions.

Subprogram of the California Statewide Codes and Standards Program designed to help cities and counties to adopt above-state-code ordinances.

Case study characterizing the framing factors for the exterior walls, ceilings, and floors of 180 wood-framed low-rise residential buildings across the United States.

Website providing data indicating climate change.