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Image:

The frequency, duration, and intensity of extreme heat events have increased every decade since the 1960s

The frequency, duration, and intensity of extreme heat events have increased every decade since the 1960s
Case Study:

The Habitat for Humanity of Metro Denver Zero Energy Demonstration Home

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The IR image on the right shows the sun is heating the southeast-facing wall of this concrete-block house to 36C (97F); this corner of the home would not be a good place for a cool room due to lack of shading and insulation

The IR image on the right shows the sun is heating the southeast-facing wall of this concrete-block house to 36C (97F); this corner of the home would not be a good place for a cool room due to lack of shading and insulation
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The light-colored exterior roll-down shades on this building, and the shaded entryway provide very effective control of solar heat gain

The light-colored exterior roll-down shades on this building, and the shaded entryway provide very effective control of solar heat gain
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The national risk of heat wave in the United States as of 2023.

The national risk of heat wave in the United States as of 2023.
Case Study:

The New American Home 2004 Las Vegas, Nevada

Case Study:

The New American Home 2011 Orlando, Florida

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The number of days per year that the temperature exceeds 90°F is expected to increase throughout the contiguous U.S. when comparing mid-century (2036-2065) to near-present (1976-2005)

The number of days per year that the temperature exceeds 90°F is expected to increase throughout the contiguous U.S. when comparing mid-century (2036-2065) to near-present (1976-2005)
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The operable windows in this house are located at occupant level to provide comfort ventilation.

The operable windows in this house are located at occupant level to provide comfort ventilation.
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The patio roof on this home provides full shade to large glass doors and windows, reducing the home's heat gains.

The patio roof on this home provides full shade to large glass doors and windows, reducing the home's heat gains.
Presentation:

The Real Bang for the Buck Home Retrofits - Huge Adders from Non-Energy Impacts

The Real Bang for the Buck Home Retrofits - Huge Adders from Non-Energy Impacts
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The reverse block method for seismic retrofit bracing of a cripple wall uses a 2x4 attached to the sill plate to provide a means to attach the plywood cripple wall sheathing to the sill plate

The reverse block method for seismic retrofit bracing of a cripple wall uses a 2x4 attached to the sill plate to provide a means to attach the plywood cripple wall sheathing to the sill plate
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The south face of this home has an overhanging second floor, a pergola, and a roof eave to provide effective window and door shading for both floors in the summer without blocking view, diffuse daylighting, breezes, or ingress/egress

The south face of this home has an overhanging second floor, a pergola, and a roof eave to provide effective window and door shading for both floors in the summer without blocking view, diffuse daylighting, breezes, or ingress/egress
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The standard asphalt shingle roof on this Florida home readily absorbs solar energy, allowing it to heat up to 140°F (60°C) as shown in the thermal image on the right

The standard asphalt shingle roof on this Florida home readily absorbs solar energy, allowing it to heat up to 140°F (60°C) as shown in the thermal image on the right
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The thermal image on the left and normal picture on the right show the cooling effect of a shade tree on walls and ground surfaces as compared to unshaded areas of the property (darker colors are cooler while lighter colors are hotter in the left image).

The thermal image on the left and normal picture on the right show the cooling effect of a shade tree on walls and ground surfaces as compared to unshaded areas of the property (darker colors are cooler while lighter colors are hotter in the left image).
Video:

The Truth about insulation in a hot climate

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The universal retrofit foundation plate is used to connect the concrete foundation to the sill plate as part of a seismic retrofit

The universal retrofit foundation plate is used to connect the concrete foundation to the sill plate as part of a seismic retrofit
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The USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map can be a valuable reference in determining appropriate landscape plants for your climate .

The USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map can be a valuable reference in determining appropriate landscape plants for your climate .
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The white TPO membrane roof on the row house on the right performs extremely well at reflecting solar energy and maintaining cool surface temperatures while the black EPDM membrane roof on the left heats up rapidly in the sunlight

The white TPO membrane roof on the row house on the right performs extremely well at reflecting solar energy and maintaining cool surface temperatures while the black EPDM membrane roof on the left heats up rapidly in the sunlight
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The window awnings on this house provide a simple but very effective way to reduce solar gains while still allowing view, daylight, and ventilation through the windows

The window awnings on this house provide a simple but very effective way to reduce solar gains while still allowing view, daylight, and ventilation through the windows
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There are many landscaping strategies that can be used to reduce the cooling load and energy consumption of a home and its neighborhood.

There are many landscaping strategies that can be used to reduce the cooling load and energy consumption of a home and its neighborhood.
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There are multiple options for exterior shading of east and west facing glazing systems to avoid direct beam radiation

There are multiple options for exterior shading of east and west facing glazing systems to avoid direct beam radiation
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There are three potential locations for an attic radiant barrier – adhered to the underside of the roof decking, hanging from the rafters, or on the ceiling insulation

There are three potential locations for an attic radiant barrier – adhered to the underside of the roof decking, hanging from the rafters, or on the ceiling insulation
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Thermal mass causes a time lag in the transfer of heat as well as a dampening of peak temperatures, as shown by this plot

Thermal mass causes a time lag in the transfer of heat as well as a dampening of peak temperatures, as shown by this plot