Library

A research paper discussing the use of foundation heat exchangers for ground source heat pump systems in European climates.

Research project evaluating the pre-and post-retrofit energy consumption of a marine climate retrofit, compare actual energy use to original predictions, and identify opportunities for cost savings in other similar retrofits in this climate.

A guide for homeowners on determining the risks from tornadoes and hurricanes and selecting a safe room type and location, as well as providing detailed plans for safe room construction.

Report presenting safe room designs and showing the homeowner and builder/contractor or local design professional how to construct a safe room for a home or small business.

Fact sheet describing water management in a residential building.

Article describing identification of termite infestations in homes and treatment options.

An introduction to the insect termites.

Study comparing the thermal performance of phase change materials to concrete construction during heat waves.

Fact sheet describing building codes, seismic codes, and code enforcement.

Standard providing industry-backed information for assessing new and existing HVAC systems, evaluating and verifying the cleanliness of HVAC system components, preventing job related hazards and guiding the cleaning and restoration of HVAC systems to a specific level of cleanliness.

Standard 55 specifies conditions for acceptable thermal environments and is intended for use in design, operation, and commissioning of buildings and other occupied spaces; is the current version of the standard, which was published in the year 2021, and is available for preview and purchase at the...

Guide from Energy Star on smart thermostats and offering some guidance for choosing one.

Online course describing the behavior of wildfires for firefighters.

Documents describing Flood Resistant Provisions of codes published by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officers (IAPMO): the Uniform Mechanical Code; Uniform Plumbing Code; Uniform Swimming Pool, Spa and Hot Tub Code; and Uniform Solar, Hydronics and Geothermal Code (Uniform...

Webpage from Southern California Earthquake Center (SCEC) on identifying key problem spots on unreinforced masonry chimneys and how to retrofit them to withstand seismic forces.

EPA WaterSense guidance on urinals.

This study uses a computer simulation approach to examine the energy and indoor air quality implications of passive and hybrid ventilation systems.

A reference guide providing basic tips on using backup generators safely and effectively.

Preliminary results of two monitored lab homes constructed to represent the thermal characteristics of typical existing Florida homes are presented.

Article describing ways to construct or retrofit a home to increase is resistance to high winds, hurricanes, and tornadoes.

A website providing information on sealing the home against rodents and how to trap rodents once they have made their way into the home.

A info sheet providing information on ENERGY STAR certified water heaters and the various criteria water heaters must undergo to become ENERGY STAR certified, including metrics on efficiency and performance.

Resource that provides a directory of individuals that have successfully completed all requirements of at least one WaterSense Approved Certification Method (WACM) through a Home Certification Organization (HCO).

Fact sheet describing how the Environmental Protection Agency ensures labeled homes meet the WaterSense efficiency requirements for whole house water management including a list of requirements and a data chart.

Resource that provides a checklist of program criteria for water-efficient new homes under the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) WaterSense program.

Guide designed to help builders better understand and meet the hot water delivery system criteria as specified in EPA's WaterSense New Home Specification.

Document on the EPA WaterSense webpage describing the technical evaluation process used by EPA WaterSense to authorize home certification organizations to certify homes through the WaterSense program.

Webpage from NW Natural on how to prepare homes with natural gas service for earthquakes and floods, what to do during an emergency, and how to respond after the emergency has passed.

An overview of impacts from weather, climate, and water extremes globally from 1970 to 2019 based on disaster data from the Emergency Events Database (EM-DAT)

Report assessing the performance and cost-effectiveness of a zero net energy community project in Davis, CA.

A website explaining the connection between using compact fluorescent lightbulbs and the amount of mercury released into the environment.

Information sheet outlining the criteria for ENERGY STAR qualified, windows, doors, and skylights.

Guidelines from IBHS on modifications to homes to prepare for a wildfire if evacuation orders are anticipated for the area.

Webpage describing how different amounts and types of snow loads affect the structural integrity of roofs and homes.

Webpage from USFA compiling resources from across the U.S. on Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) information.

Webpage from USDA and U.S. Forest Service with a map of potential wildfire risk across the U.S.

Website describing how wildfires spread and how fuels, weather, and topography influence fires.

Webpage describing ways builders and communities an reduce wildfire risk.

A webpage providing guidance on increasing the wildfire resistance of a home.

A website created by the U.S. Forest Service, containing interactive maps, charts and resources to help communities explore their risk to wildfires.

An example of wildland urban interface construction requirements for new buildings built in very high fire risk zones/areas.

Guide describing "wind safe” room as a reinforced area of a home designed to withstand severe windstorms.

Tax credit for ENERGY STAR certified windows, doors and skylights.

Webpage from American Red Cross describing how to stay safe and prepare homes for severe winter weather such as blizzards.

Webpage describing steps to take to prepare homes for winter weather as well as safety information for after storms have passed.

Catalog detailing the metal connector products manufactured by Simpson Strong-Tie and their applications and strengths.

Manual providing engineered and prescriptive design requirements for wood frame construction used in one and two-family dwellings.

Report describing Net Zero house design with sloped roof assemblies.