BASC Search | Building America Solution Center

Climate Consultant

Reference

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

Climate Science Special Report 4th National Climate Assessment Vol 1

Reference

Report assessing the science of climate change with a focus on the U.S.

Builder's Guide to Cold Climates

Reference

Book presenting the best techniques for energy and resource efficient residential construction in the colder climates of North America.

The Importance of Windows in Hot Climates

Reference

Article from Green Building Advisor on the importance of window selection in hot climates, with an emphasis on window glazing.

Climate Change Indicators in the United States

Reference

Website providing data indicating climate change.

How to Design a Home for a Cold Climate

Reference

Article summarizing for potential homeowners items to check or demand from the builder in designing a home for a cold climate.

1 Building Science for Dry Climates - Introduction

Presentation

Presentation by Home Performance Contractor Academy giving a building science introduction for homes in hot climate zones. Part 1 of 7.

Construction & Design Considerations in Warmer Climates

Reference

Guidance from Zero Energy Project on construction techniques for warmer climates, such as home orientation, and insulation requirements.

How do I build for a hot climate?

Presentation

Presentation from Light Home on how to construct homes in hot climate zones.

The Truth about insulation in a hot climate

Video

Video from Horizon Energy on thermodynamics relating to insulation in attics of homes located in hot climates.

U.S. Climate Resilience Toolkit Case Studies

Reference

Website providing guidance for people to find and use tools, information, and subject matter expertise to build climate resilience.

A Practical Guide to Climate-resilient Buildings & Communities

Reference

Guidance document from the UN environment programme on climate-resilient buildings and communities practices, including guidance on heat waves, drought, hurricanes, and flooding.

Climate Change, Extreme Heat, and Health Webinar

Presentation

Presentation describing the health impacts of the extreme heat due to climate change.

High Performance Walls in Hot-Dry Climates

Reference

Article from NREL on wall construction guidelines for homes in hot climate zones.

Building Science for Dry Climates 3 - Combustion Safety

Presentation

Presentation by Home Performance Contractor Academy giving building science advice for for homes in dry climate zones, specifically combustion safety and combustion appliance zones. Part 3 of 7.

Building Science for Dry Climates 6 - Mechanical Ventilation

Presentation

Presentation by Home Performance Contractor Academy giving building science advice for for homes in dry climate zones, specifically mechanical ventilation for air flow. Part 6 of 7.

Vented and Sealed Attics in Hot Climates, RR-0981

Reference

Building science report describing issues with vented attics in hot-humid climates and how sealed attic construction may be a solution.

Cold Climate Building Techniques and Concepts: Cathedral Roofs

Video

Video describing roof and attic construction for cold climates, including cathedral roof design and insulation strategies, from Cold Climate Housing Research Center.

Cold Climate Building Techniques and Concepts: Vapor retarder

Video

Video from Cold Climate Housing Research Center showing how to correctly install a vapor retarder for best air leakage prevention.

Building Science for Dry Climates 7 - Duct Testing and Leakage

Presentation

Presentation by Home Performance Contractor Academy giving building science advice for for homes in dry climate zones, specifically duct testing and leakage calculations. Part 7 of 7.

Building Science for Dry Climates 4 - Pressure and Air Flow

Presentation

Presentation by Home Performance Contractor Academy giving building science advice for for homes in dry climate zones, specifically pressure, air flow, and air leakage. Part 4 of 7.

Designing Energy Efficient New Homes for a Warm Climate

Reference

Article from The Home Energy Community of Practice on designing energy efficient homes in hot climate zones, including home orientation, window location, and roof design considerations.

Coastal Climate Resiliency - Retrofitting Buildings for Flood Risk

Reference

Report describing retrofitting options and methodology for architects, developers, and property owners to use when making decisions about retrofits for common building types in NY.

Cold Climate Building Techniques and Concepts: building a raised floor

Video

Video from Cold Climate Housing Research Center describing building a raised floor in cold climates for air-sealing and insulation purposes.

Building Science for Dry Climates 2 Weatherization, Safety, Quality Control

Presentation

Presentation by Home Performance Contractor Academy giving building science advice for for homes in dry climate zones, specifically weatherization, safety, and quality control measures. Part 2 of 7.

Energy Retrofitting Advanced Technologies in a Hot Climate, Henderson Nevada

Reference

Article from NAHB research center describing home building techniques for homes in hot climate zones.

Roof Eaves Sealed with Self-Adhering Membrane in Cold Climates

Guide

Guide describing how to apply self-adhered asphaltic membranes at eaves in cold climates to help guard against ice dams.

BSC Information - Common Flashing Details for All Climates, Sheet 303

Reference

Brochure providing information about flashing in all cimates.

40% Whole-House Energy Savings in the Marine Climate, Volume 11

Reference

Report providing builders in marine climates with guidance for building homes that have whole-house energy savings of 40% over the Building America benchmark with no added overall costs for consumers.