Library

Article from California Earthquake Authority on the benefits of retrofitting homes to withstand earthquake forces, with a focus on foundations, walls, and chimneys.

This Best Practices Manual is the product of Hammer & Hand’s ongoing work to document and internally codify our standard operating procedures for construction practice.

Report examining the cost differences between a typical home and a home constructed using wildfire-resistant materials and design features.

Guide informing builders and developers about efficient building practice for constructing homes with structural insulated panels.

The EPA Burn Wise program promotes the importance of burning the right wood in the right way from the right sources with mission to protect human health and the environment.

Webpage containing California Energy Commission's HVAC design information, including mandatory and prescriptive HVAC requirements for residential and nonresidential buildings following the California Energy Commission's Building Energy Efficiency Standards.

Carpet and Rug Institute website homepage.

Website describing the CRI Green Label Plus low-VOC carpet labeling program.

Online tool for thermal comfort calculations and visualizations SoftwareX 12, 100563 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.softx.2020.100563

ENRGY STAR webpage discussing the basics of certified ceiling fans.

Website that describes two ceiling fan types and their respective ENERGY STAR eligible product types.

Under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), the EPA evaluates potential risks from new and existing chemicals and acts to address any unreasonable risks chemicals may have on human health and the environment. This website explains the implications of such chemicals.

You can save energy and maintain a comfortable swimming pool temperature by using a smaller, higher efficiency pump and by operating it less.

ENERGY STAR criteria that requires clothes dryers meet this set of efficiency and cycle time requirements using eligibility and energy performance metrics.

ENERGY STAR clothes washers key product criteria eligibility and energy performance metrics.

Report covering insulating crawlspaces.

Article describing the use of whole-house fans to provide cooling in the region surrounding Sacramento, CA.

Tool developed by LBNL to calculate potential savings from increasing wall and roof solar reflectance.

Document describing the methodology and results from 2009 to 2019 of the National Association of Home Builders' Construction Cost survey, which collects information from builders on the various components that go into the sales price of a typical single-family home.

Article discussing whether or not to seal and insulate crawlspaces.

Webpage from FireSafe Marin explaining the different landscaping strategies near homes to lower the risk of a home's ignition from wildfire.

Article describing the importance of air sealing, insulation, and roof ventilation in reducing the likelihood of ice dam formation on roofs in cold snowy climates.

A presentation describing the details of the ENERGY STAR Multifamily New Construction program requirements.

Guide informing architects and engineers about designing buildings to be constructed with structural insulated panels.

Report detailing the value of a smart range hood (SRH) that was developed as part of a project aimed at addressing indoor air quality (IAQ) health risks by targeting key pollutants in residential kitchens, with a focus on being consumer-friendly, quiet, effective, and efficient, meeting established...

Website helping communities address coastal issues with data, tools, and training resources.

A guide on the use of rain barrels for greater water efficiency and use in gardens and lawns.

A website by the U.S. DOE highlighting the potential energy savings from upgrading energy inefficient windows with low-emissivity.

Website providing information on U.S. residential and commercial building codes including adoption status.

A PDF containing the SERC Solar PV System Field-Inspection Checklist.

PDF file explaining the DOE's Zero Energy Ready Home National Requirements (Rev. 04).

Homepage for DOE's Zero Energy Ready Homes program.

Information sheet with safety tips for home owners on proper maintenance of clothes dryers.

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.

Website for finding policies and incentives by state for renewables and efficiency.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

Report describing guidance for selecting an electric vehicle charger

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

Website from the U.S. Department of Energy providing consumers with information on saving energy and using renewable energy technologies.

Webpage for finding all the information you need to start shopping for ENERGY STAR certified products, including product details, rebates, and retailers near you.

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.