Library

Report comparing a variety of roof insulating strategies to present their advantages and disadvantages according to several comparison criteria.

Document providing an example procedure for establishing acceptance-range criteria to assess results from software undergoing BESTEST-EX.

Guide describing methodologies for assessing and mitigating thermal bridging in building envelopes, featuring detailed performance data, interface solutions, and assembly-specific strategies for energy-efficient construction.

Article describing the control layers (air, thermal, and vapor barriers) needed to build homes successfully in very cold locations.

California Office of the State Fire Marshal's homepage for the Building Materials Listing Program, providing builders, contractors, architects, and others with access to a database of fire alarm systems and fire-resistant construction materials including roof coverings, wall, ceiling, and floor...

California Office of the State Fire Marshal's compiled and searchable list of different building materials and their test results for fire resistance.

A comprehensive list of professional certifications offered by the Building Performance Institute. The webpage includes links to overviews of the different certificates, certification scheme handbooks, and directions for taking certification exams and recertification.

California State Code of Regulations, Title 16, Division 8, Article 3, listing requirements for plumbing contractors.

Website homepage of the California Energy Commission.

Article describing the principle of capillarity in construction materials.

Catalog describing FEMA earthquake-resistant construction resources.

Report describing ventilation system design, including a central fan integrated supply (CFIS) system, made up of a 6-inch outdoor air intake duct connected to the return side of the air handler with a fan cycling control to make sure the fan runs a programmed minimum amount of time.

Website providing disaster preparedness information and resources for residents and building owners in locations susceptible to earthquakes.

A website describing a list of common vocabulary used when describing light bulbs.

A simple three-step guide for homeowners who are looking to replace existing light bulbs with more energy-efficient, higher-performing bulbs.

A list of EPA-certified wood-burning appliances for home heating for a range of budgets.

A website explaining how to quickly clean up a broken compact fluorescent lightbulb.

Climate Consultant is a software tool for helping architects, builders, contractor, homeowners, and students to understand their local climate.

Fact sheet providing guidance and best practices on the selection of building materials used for coastal construction, and discussing flood, wind, corrosion, decay resistance, and protection recommendations; also published in FEMA P-499 “Home Builder’s Guide to Coastal Construction: Technical Fact...

Fact sheet describing the characteristics that make for a successful coastal residential building, including design and construction recommendations; also published in FEMA P-499 “Home Builder’s Guide to Coastal Construction: Technical Fact Sheet Series.”

Installation manual describing proper installation practices, industry standards and the code requirements of roofing tiles.

Website providing building science based guidance and training for residential construction.

Standard covering requirements for the assembly, installation, maintenance, and operation of controls and safety devices on automatically operated boilers directly fired with gas, oil, gas-oil, or electricity, having fuel input ratings under 12,500,000 Btu/hr.

Standard describing prediction, mitigation, and reduction of moisture damage to the building envelope, materials, components, systems, and furnishings, depending on climate, construction type, and HVAC system operation; the webstore allows preview or full purchase.

Fact sheet summarizing NFIP requirements, general guidelines, and recommendations concerning the construction and installation of decks, access stairs and elevators, swimming pools, and accessory buildings under or near coastal residential buildings; also published in FEMA P-499 “Home Builder’s...

Fact sheet describing design and construction practices that reduce the likelihood of flood damage in the event that flood levels exceed the BFE, including illustrations of appropriate construction practices; also published in FEMA P-499 “Home Builder’s Guide to Coastal Construction: Technical Fact...

Document providing design guidance and software tool information for forced-air HVAC systems.

Wildfire resistant home checklist from Murray Milne, a professor of architecture at UCLA, who outlines seven steps to take to improve a home's chance of survival during a wildfire.

Report identifying codes and standards that embody the concepts of resiliency.

Guidelines from PG&E outlining how to stay safe during a flood event by shutting off natural gas and electric service to the home.

Article describing risks of living in wildfire-prone areas of southern California and ways to reduce risks to homes and communities.

Website for the Advanced Manufacturing Office detailing work on R&D projects, R&D consortia, and early-stage technical partnerships with national laboratories, companies (for-profit and not-for profit), state and local governments, and universities through competitive, merit reviewed funding...

Consolidated checklist for the U.S. Department of Energy Challenge Home National Program.

Information about dense pack, cellulose insulation.

Information sheet with HVAC duct insulation, testing, maintenance and performance information.

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

Presentation describing the history of ECM motors, an overview of ECM motor technology, and a lesson on the installation of ECM motors.

The objective of this research was to quantify the field performance of wood-frame walls clad with a variety of common claddings in a mixed-humid climate.

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

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...

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

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

A standard providing minimum energy efficiency requirements for buildings that are not low-rise residential buildings.

Website providing a listing of ENERGY STAR certified interior and exterior storm windows

Report from ENERGY STAR on HVAC design for homes.

A list of clothes dryers that made the EnergyStar Most Efficient list for 2021, delivering cutting technological innovation along with energy efficiency.

Webpage recognizing the most efficient products among those that are ENERGY STAR certified.

Homepage for NREL research, support, and deployment information for the safety and health of workers, visitors, the public, the environment, and laboratory assets.

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).