gen.-ec-program-manual

About EarthCraft

Version 2014.4.08 - 1 - EarthCraft Program Manual

EarthCraft House™ is a program of the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association and Southface Energy Institute

About EarthCraft


Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION ...........................................................................................................................5

ABOUT EARTHCRAFT ........................................................................................................................... 5 Background ............................................................................................................................... 5 Regional Presence ....................................................................................................................... 5

BENEFITS ........................................................................................................................................ 6 Green Building ........................................................................................................................... 6 EarthCraft .................................................................................................................................. 6

FAMILY OF PROGRAMS .......................................................................................................................... 7 EarthCraft House ........................................................................................................................ 7 EarthCraft Renovation ................................................................................................................. 7 EarthCraft Multifamily ................................................................................................................. 7 EarthCraft Communities .............................................................................................................. 7 EarthCraft Light Commercial ........................................................................................................ 7

FUTURE OF EARTHCRAFT ....................................................................................................................... 7 PARTNERS ....................................................................................................................................... 8

Government Partners .................................................................................................................. 8 Industry Partners........................................................................................................................ 8 Sponsors ................................................................................................................................... 8

PARTICIPANTS ................................................................................................................................. 10 Program Administrators ............................................................................................................. 10 EarthCraft Technical Advisors ..................................................................................................... 10 EarthCraft Builders, Renovators, Contractors and Developers ......................................................... 10

PROGRAM ADMINISTRATORS ....................................................................................................11

SOUTHFACE .................................................................................................................................... 11 Program Development ............................................................................................................... 11 Training and Certification ........................................................................................................... 11 Administration .......................................................................................................................... 11 Customer Service ..................................................................................................................... 11 Policy and Advocacy .................................................................................................................. 12

GREATER ATLANTA HOMEBUILDERS ASSOCIATION ........................................................................................ 13 Membership ............................................................................................................................. 13 Training ................................................................................................................................... 13 Policy and Advocacy .................................................................................................................. 13

CONTACT INFORMATION ...................................................................................................................... 13

EARTHCRAFT TECHNICAL ADVISORS .........................................................................................14

EARTHCRAFT TECHNICAL ADVISOR BENEFITS ............................................................................................. 14 EARTHCRAFT TECHNICAL ADVISOR GENERAL ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES .......................................................... 14

Technical Assistance ................................................................................................................. 14 Third-Party Verification .............................................................................................................. 14 Administration .......................................................................................................................... 14 Compliance .............................................................................................................................. 14

EARTHCRAFT TECHNICAL ADVISOR CERTIFICATION AND PARTICIPATION ............................................................... 15 Participation in the EarthCraft Family of Programs ........................................................................ 15 Process Overview ..................................................................................................................... 15 Prerequisites ............................................................................................................................ 15 Certification Process .................................................................................................................. 16 Maintenance ............................................................................................................................ 17

EARTHCRAFT MULTIFAMILY MENTORING PROCESS ........................................................................................ 20 Participation in the EarthCraft Family of Programs ........................................................................ 20 Process Overview ..................................................................................................................... 20 Prerequisites ............................................................................................................................ 20 Certification ............................................................................................................................. 20 Maintenance ............................................................................................................................ 23

EARTHCRAFT RENOVATION MENTORING PROCESS ........................................................................................ 24 Participation in the EarthCraft Family of Programs ........................................................................ 24 Process Overview ..................................................................................................................... 24

About EarthCraft


Prerequisites ............................................................................................................................ 24 Certification ............................................................................................................................. 24 Maintenance ............................................................................................................................ 25

EARTHCRAFT FIELD RATER CERTIFICATION AND PARTICIPATION ........................................................................ 26 Basic Labor Support .................................................................................................................. 26 EarthCraft Field Rater ................................................................................................................ 26 Participation in the EarthCraft Family of Programs ........................................................................ 26 Process Overview ..................................................................................................................... 27 Prerequisites ............................................................................................................................ 27 Certification Process .................................................................................................................. 28 Maintenance ............................................................................................................................ 29

EARTHCRAFT TECHNICAL ADVISOR DISCIPLINARY POLICY ............................................................................... 30 Probation ................................................................................................................................. 30 Suspension .............................................................................................................................. 30 Termination ............................................................................................................................. 31

EARTHCRAFT TECHNICAL ADVISOR CERTIFICATION PRE-DRYWALL INSPECTION FIELD EXAM ....................................... 32 Tools Required ......................................................................................................................... 32 Documents Provided ................................................................................................................. 32 Inspection Activities .................................................................................................................. 32 Skills and Knowledge Demonstrations ......................................................................................... 32 Documentation Submittal .......................................................................................................... 33

EARTHCRAFT TECHNICAL ADVISOR CERTIFICATION FINAL INSPECTION FIELD EXAM ................................................. 34 Tools Required ......................................................................................................................... 34 Documents Provided ................................................................................................................. 34 Inspection Activities .................................................................................................................. 34 Skill/Knowledge Demonstrations ................................................................................................. 34 Documentation Submittal .......................................................................................................... 35

EARTHCRAFT FIELD RATER CERTIFICATION PRE-DRYWALL INSPECTION FIELD EXAM(S) ............................................. 36 Tools Required ......................................................................................................................... 36 Documents Provided ................................................................................................................. 36 Inspection Activities .................................................................................................................. 36 Skills and Knowledge Demonstrations ......................................................................................... 36 Documentation Submittal .......................................................................................................... 37

EARTHCRAFT FIELD RATER CERTIFICATION FINAL INSPECTION FIELD EXAM ........................................................... 38 Tools Required ......................................................................................................................... 38 Documents Provided ................................................................................................................. 38 Inspection Activities .................................................................................................................. 38 Skill/Knowledge Demonstrations ................................................................................................. 38 Documentation Submittal .......................................................................................................... 39

EARTHCRAFT TECHNICAL ADVISOR TOOL BOX ............................................................................................ 40

EARTHCRAFT MARKETING..........................................................................................................41

MARKETING EARTHCRAFT PROJECTS ....................................................................................................... 41 EarthCraft Logos ....................................................................................................................... 41 Press Releases ......................................................................................................................... 41 Other Services Available ............................................................................................................ 42 Additional Marketing Materials .................................................................................................... 42

EARTHCRAFT PRESS RELEASE SAMPLE EXHIBIT ........................................................................................... 43

INSULATION INSTALLATION GRADING INFORMATION .............................................................46

GRADE I ....................................................................................................................................... 46 Grade I Interpretation: .............................................................................................................. 46

GRADE II ...................................................................................................................................... 48 Grade II Interpretation:............................................................................................................. 48

GRADE III ..................................................................................................................................... 49 Grade III Interpretation: ........................................................................................................... 49

FINANCIAL INCENTIVES EXHIBIT..............................................................................................50

INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................ 50 FEDERAL AND STATE TAX INCENTIVES ..................................................................................................... 50 MORTGAGE PROGRAMS ....................................................................................................................... 50

IntroductionAbout EarthCraft


UTILITY PROGRAMS ........................................................................................................................... 50 AFFORDABLE HOUSING/QUALIFIED ALLOCATION PLAN PROGRAMS ..................................................................... 50

RADON INFORMATION ...............................................................................................................51

ABOUT RADON ................................................................................................................................ 51 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ............................................................................................................ 51

LIST OF RESOURCES ..................................................................................................................56

BOOKS ......................................................................................................................................... 56 GOVERNMENT AGENCIES ..................................................................................................................... 56 GREEN PRODUCT CERTIFICATIONS .......................................................................................................... 57 GREEN DESIGN ............................................................................................................................... 57 PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS ............................................................................................................ 57 REFERENCES ................................................................................................................................... 57 PUBLICATIONS ................................................................................................................................ 57 WEBSITES ..................................................................................................................................... 57

GLOSSARY .................................................................................................................................58

Introduction


Introduction

About EarthCraft

EarthCraft is a green building certification program designed to address climate, energy and water

issues unique to the Southeastern United States. EarthCraft serves as a blueprint for sustainable single-family homes, renovation projects, multifamily structures, community developments and light-commercial buildings.

Background

The Greater Atlanta Homebuilders Association and Southface Energy Institute developed the

EarthCraft House program in 1999 in response to local demand for a residential green building

certification program. The success of the EarthCraft House program and market demand led to the creation of additional programs to address other building types and sustainable community development. The EarthCraft family of programs continues to grow and expand its mission of helping professionals design and construct healthy, comfortable buildings and communities that minimize negative environmental impacts.

Regional Presence

Building on the success of the EarthCraft program in the metro Atlanta area and Georgia, EarthCraft has expanded its reach to Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina and North Carolina.

EarthCraft Virginia, started as a partnership between Virginia Community Development Corporation

and Southface in 2006, administers single family and multifamily EarthCraft projects in Virginia. *For projects in Virginia, please contact EarthCraft Virginia at www.earthcraftvirginia.org.

1999 •House

2001 •Renovation

2004 •Multifamily

2005 •Communities

2008 •Light

Commercial

Introduction


Benefits

Green Building

The built environment has a massive impact on the natural environment in terms of resource use, greenhouse gas emissions, storm water runoff, waste and ecosystem degradation. Building green gives builders the opportunity to mitigate these impacts. Benefits of a green building can include:

Minimized impact of the project on the site and surrounding ecosystem Increased energy efficiency Increased water efficiency Better storm water quantity and quality control Increased use of durable, low maintenance, recycled, and rapidly renewable materials

Less waste put in landfills

EarthCraft

Honored as the “Green Building Program of the Year” in 2004 and 2008 by the National Association of Home Builders, EarthCraft is recognized as the regional leader in green building. EarthCraft programs offer many benefits to builders, developers and residents.

Environmental EarthCraft homes achieve a minimum of 15% energy savings compared to code-

complaint projects. Green construction protects the natural environment by conserving resources, such as

water, energy and timber.

Programmatic EarthCraft promotes region-specific solutions to green building and land development

that are builder/developer friendly, reliable and third-party verified.

EarthCraft uses proven relationship-based processes that connect program administrators, builders, developers, technical advisors and industry stakeholders.

The EarthCraft program takes a systematic approach to construction that emphasizes

how different components of a building work together and provides a framework for savings through synergistic activities and cost effective trade-offs.

The EarthCraft program provides options to achieve EarthCraft standards and improve environmental performance allowing the builder to identify the best strategies for their construction practices while achieving green goals.

Financial

Higher performing buildings that are more economical for the homeowner and cost little more to build than comparable structures built with standard practices.

EarthCraft projects may be eligible for federal, state or local tax benefits, mortgage incentives and other financial benefits.

Note:

The Financial Incentives Exhibit provides additional information on incentives that may be available.

Introduction


Family of Programs

EarthCraft offers builders, remodelers and developers a variety of programs to meet green building goals.

EarthCraft House

The EarthCraft House program is designed to certify new construction and gut-rehab single-family detached homes, townhomes and duplexes. Any size or type of home can be certified because builders are able to select which program measures are best suited for the project

while meeting minimum thresholds for performance.

EarthCraft Renovation

EarthCraft Renovation offers remodelers and contractors the unique opportunity to certify

projects of various size and complexity in renovation, remodeling and expansion. Renovation projects receive an assessment and recommendations for specific renovation techniques to address environmental performance areas.

EarthCraft Multifamily

The EarthCraft Multifamily program is designed to certify new or renovated low- , mid- and high-rise residential buildings. Multifamily projects are designed to address environmental performance, livability and affordability for each unit as well as the structure as a whole.

EarthCraft Communities

The EarthCraft Communities program is designed to certify sustainably planned and developed communities in urban, suburban or rural areas. The program offers a holistic approach to sustainable development projects.

EarthCraft Light Commercial

The EarthCraft Light Commercial program is designed to certify new or renovated small-

scale commercial buildings of 15,000 square feet or less. Projects receive hands-on support during the design and construction process that focuses on energy- and water-efficient

design strategies.

Future of EarthCraft

As trends in the green building industry evolve, EarthCraft will continue to refine its guidelines and

standards and may develop new programs, such as EarthCraft Historic Renovation, as the market demands. For example, the EarthCraft House program implemented significant changes in 2011 to reflect revised energy and plumbing codes and updates to the U.S. EPA and DOE ENERGY STAR

program. Feedback from EarthCraft participants is critical to advance all EarthCraft programs in the future.

Introduction


Partners

EarthCraft is sustained through support of government and industry partners and sponsors.

Government Partners

EarthCraft complies with energy efficiency standards and partners with sustainability programs of the U.S. Department of Energy, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and state energy offices.

Industry Partners

EarthCraft works with industry partners to further transform the market and provide the highest quality in green building program administration and services. EarthCraft programs are designed to

be compatible with other public and private national energy efficiency, health and green building certification programs.

Sponsors

EarthCraft accepts sponsorship from manufacturers and industry representatives whose products and services comply with the goals of EarthCraft. Sponsors help fund the promotion and

administration of EarthCraft programs. More information on EarthCraft sponsors including contact information for regional representatives is available online at www.earthcraft.org/sponsor-directory.

Introduction


Introduction


Participants

All EarthCraft projects are facilitated by a team of program administrators, technical advisors, builders, renovators, contractors and developers. EarthCraft relies on input from these stakeholders to balance best building science practices with practical implementation approaches.

Program Administrators

Southface Energy Institute and the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association administer the EarthCraft program. The Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association

maintains the EarthCraft membership list and assists with policy, training and marketing activities. Southface develops technical standards for EarthCraft programs, trains program participants, and provides overall program administration.

EarthCraft Technical Advisors

EarthCraft Technical Advisors provide guidance and verification services for EarthCraft projects regarding best building science practices. In addition to being certified Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Raters, all EarthCraft Technical

Advisors must complete a series of trainings and technical exams to become eligible to provide third-party verification services for EarthCraft programs. A list of certified EarthCraft Technical Advisors is available online at http://www.earthcraft.org.

EarthCraft Builders, Renovators, Contractors and Developers

EarthCraft Builders, Renovators, Contractors and Developers design, build and certify EarthCraft projects and educate home buyers, residents and tenants on the benefits of EarthCraft and green building. In addition, EarthCraft Builders, Renovators, Contractors and Developers play a key role in developing EarthCraft program criteria and influencing

local, state and national policies on green building and energy efficient construction. A list of participating EarthCraft Builders is available online at http://www.earthcraft.org.



EarthCraft Builders, Renovators,

Contractor, and Developers




Southface

Program Development

Southface is responsible for EarthCraft program development activities, such as:

Developing EarthCraft program criteria including guidelines and worksheets Marketing EarthCraft at trade shows, conferences and other events Managing a quality assurance program to monitor participants and improve programs

Training and Certification

Southface develops and implements training courses and educational criteria for program participants. Additionally, Southface is responsible for:

Certifying EarthCraft Builders to ensure technical quality, consistency and branding Certifying EarthCraft Technical Advisors to provide third-party verification services of

program requirements Certifying EarthCraft HVAC subcontractors to provide contracting services to EarthCraft

Developers and Builders

Certifying EarthCraft Real Estate agents to provide sales and marketing support to EarthCraft Builders

Administration

Southface administers most aspects of the EarthCraft program, including:

Registering and tracking all projects Invoicing program participants and processing payments Processing project paperwork and maintaining a database of all project data Reporting project and program information to program participants and partners

Issuing certificates to projects that comply with program requirements

Customer Service

Southface provides customer service to program participants by:

Hosting the EarthCraft Hotline* Offering technical assistance to EarthCraft Builders, EarthCraft Technical Advisors and

other program participants Facilitating complaint resolution between EarthCraft Builders and EarthCraft Technical

Advisors

*Southface will not provide project-specific information to anyone other than the contracted EarthCraft client(s), except for confirmation of whether a project has been certified. All project-specific questions should be submitted to Southface via the EarthCraft Builder, Renovator, Contractor or Developer. Homeowner and tenant inquiries must be addressed by the EarthCraft Builder, Renovator, Contractor or Developer.

Southface Energy Institute (Southface) is a nonprofit organization that promotes sustainable homes, workplaces and communities through education, research, advocacy and technical assistance. Southface develops technical standards for EarthCraft programs, trains program participants, and provides program administration.



Policy and Advocacy

Southface advocates for and develops policies for supporting EarthCraft and other green building

programs by providing representation at local, regional and national levels. In recent years, EarthCraft has been incorporated into the state Qualified Allocation Plans in both Georgia and Virginia. Through these programs, affordable housing developers are able to access additional tax credits that drive down the cost of EarthCraft housing even further.



Greater Atlanta Homebuilders Association

The Greater Atlanta Homebuilders Association (HBA) is a nonprofit professional trade association dedicated to promoting, protecting and preserving the homebuilding industry as a viable economic force in the Atlanta area. The Greater Atlanta HBA maintains the EarthCraft Builder membership list and assists with policy, training and marketing activities.

Membership

The Greater Atlanta HBA administers the membership process of the program. Specifically, the Greater Atlanta HBA is responsible for:

Maintaining a list of active EarthCraft Builders

Collecting annual EarthCraft membership fees

Training

The Greater Atlanta HBA supports EarthCraft training by:

Hosting EarthCraft Builder training classes Providing certificates and documentation of class attendance

Managing continuing education credits for trainings

Policy and Advocacy

The Greater Atlanta HBA advocates and develops policy for the EarthCraft program by representing EarthCraft at local, regional and national levels.

Contact Information

Website…………………………………………………………….… www.earthcraft.org

Email………………………………………………………………….. [email protected]

General inquiries: EarthCraft Hotline………………………………………………

404.604.3636

Document submittal and invoicing: Administration…………………………………………………….

404.604.3644

Membership inquiries:

Great Atlanta Homebuilders Association……………

770.938.9900

EarthCraft Technical Advisors, participant complaints: Regional Project Manager……………………………….…

404.604.3610

Fax……………………………………………………………………… 404.604.3681

Mailing Address…………………………………………….…… 241 Pine Street, NE

Atlanta, GA 30308




EarthCraft Technical Advisor Benefits

Becoming an EarthCraft Technical Advisor offers competitive advantages in the growing field of green building. EarthCraft Technical Advisors have the opportunity to:

Offer clients valuable and specialized expertise that can differentiate services Expand business opportunities and broaden professional networks Enhance knowledge of building science by participating in continuing education and by

gaining field experience with a wide-range of builders and developers Participate in Southface events and trainings at a discounted price

Support advancing sustainability in the built environment

EarthCraft Technical Advisor General Roles and Responsibilities

EarthCraft Technical Advisors provide on-site assistance to EarthCraft Builders, renovators,

contractors and developers, verify EarthCraft projects, provide feedback on program guidelines and initiatives and market the EarthCraft programs.

Technical Assistance

EarthCraft Technical Advisors serve as the technical expert on EarthCraft projects by:

Working with EarthCraft Builders to guide EarthCraft projects through the certification process

Advising EarthCraft Builders on best green building practices and EarthCraft program guidelines

Educating EarthCraft Builders of all current EarthCraft program requirements

Providing field technical assistance and training

Third-Party Verification

EarthCraft Technical Advisors serve as the third-party verifier of EarthCraft projects by:

Performing inspections and developing energy models for current EarthCraft Builders on registered EarthCraft projects

Providing accurate, timely and fair inspection reporting, field verification, diagnostic

testing and documentation for EarthCraft projects

Administration

EarthCraft Technical Advisors satisfy administrative requirements by:

Completing and submitting an EarthCraft Builder Memorandum of Understanding for

each EarthCraft Builder

Reporting all inspections and verification activities according to the procedures outlined in this manual

Paying invoices to EarthCraft according to the invoice terms

Compliance

EarthCraft Technical Advisors comply with program requirements by:

Conducting services in full conformity with any and all applicable laws, rules, and regulations adopted by any local, state or federal governmental agency or regulatory body

Obtaining and maintaining any necessary permits, certificates, insurances or licenses applicable to services rendered



EarthCraft Technical Advisor Certification and Participation

The EarthCraft Technical Advisor certification process prepares individuals to perform inspections and diagnostic testing under the guidelines for the EarthCraft House program, which covers all single-family and gut-rehab detached homes, townhomes and duplexes.

Participation in the EarthCraft Family of Programs

All EarthCraft Technical Advisors begin their association with EarthCraft in the EarthCraft House program. Further training is required to serve as an EarthCraft Technical Advisor for EarthCraft Multifamily and EarthCraft Renovation; EarthCraft Communities and EarthCraft Light Commercial

inspection services are currently only offered through Southface. Please consult with the EarthCraft Regional Manager for additional requirements for working with the other EarthCraft programs.

Process Overview

Prerequisites

HERS Rater Certification

EarthCraft Technical Advisor candidates must be certified and active Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Raters. The process for becoming a HERS rater includes the following:

Attend the Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Training

The HERS industry was created in the early 1990’s as a result of work from the various national laboratories, the mortgage industry, and the Federal government on reducing the amount of energy consumed by residences. In the beginning, there were different regional standards for assessing a home’s energy use that were applied without a nationally unified strategy. Today there are national standards developed by Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET) and the National Association of State Energy Officials to ensure reciprocity and consistency of trainings and ratings. The HERS training teaches the knowledge necessary to evaluate home energy performance and offer

suggestions for improvement according to the national standards. Training includes instruction on

Maintenance

Communication and Continuing Education

Professionalism Quality Assurance

Certification

Training Exams Certification FeesTechnical Advisor

Agreement

Prerequisites

HERS Rater Certification Application Interview



how to use the diagnostic equipment and energy modeling software required by the EarthCraft and ENERGY STAR programs. HERS Training is offered by Southface and other RESNET Accredited Training Providers.

Pass the RESNET National Rater Test

The RESNET National Rater Test is an online exam that covers building science concepts and home energy rating procedures. The two-hour test is open book and a score of 80% or greater is required to pass.

Become a Certified HERS Rater

To receive the official HERS Rater certification, all raters need to successfully complete a series of field exams and provisional ratings under contract with a RESNET Accredited HERS Rating Provider, and be assigned a unique rater number. Complete information on HERS certification is available at

www.resnet.us and more information on Southface specific HERS Trainings and Rating Providership may be found at www.southface.org/hers.

Application

EarthCraft Technical Advisor candidates must submit an application for review by EarthCraft program administrators.

Interview

Once applications are reviewed, EarthCraft Technical Advisor candidates must interview with the EarthCraft Regional Project Manager.

Certification Process

The following are requirements to become a certified EarthCraft Technical Advisor:

Training

EarthCraft House Builder Training

The EarthCraft House Builder Training consists of a two-hour online training on building science plus a one-day classroom course that covers the basics of the EarthCraft House program from the EarthCraft Builder’s perspective. EarthCraft Technical Advisors are required to complete this training

and pass the Builder exam within six months of becoming a certified EarthCraft Technical Advisor, and, preferably, prior to attending the EarthCraft Technical Advisor Training.

EarthCraft Technical Advisor Training

The EarthCraft Technical Advisor Training is a multi-day course that covers the basics of the program, including reporting and inspection procedures for EarthCraft Technical Advisors.

The training includes classroom and field components with instruction on pre-drywall inspections, final inspections, diagnostic testing, air sealing, insulation, and heating and cooling standards. During

this training, EarthCraft Technical Advisor candidates will observe an EarthCraft Technical Advisor working on actual EarthCraft projects.

Exams

Field Exams

Field exams are scheduled by the EarthCraft Regional Manager in coordination with each EarthCraft Technical Advisor candidate and administered by EarthCraft staff. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in the skills outlined in the classroom and field trainings, which includes program reporting

and inspection procedures, pre-drywall inspections, final inspections, and air sealing, insulation and heating and cooling standards. Candidates must also demonstrate proficiency in local energy codes and environmental issues, building science, and house-as-a-system approaches to residential construction.



Note:

Please see the EarthCraft Technical Advisor Field Exam page for additional information.

Written Exams

There are two written exams the EarthCraft Technical Advisor candidate must pass. The first is the EarthCraft Builder written exam and the second is the EarthCraft Technical Advisor written exam.

The EarthCraft Technical Advisor written exam is an online exam that covers all topics and skills

taught during the EarthCraft House Builder Training and field exams, and information provided in the EarthCraft Manual. This exam is open book with a 3-hour time limit for completion. A score of 80% or greater is required to pass the exam.

Certification Fees

Payment is required to the organization that administers the training. All fees must be paid in full

before an individual will be certified as an EarthCraft Technical Advisor.

EarthCraft House Builder Training……… $25-175*

EarthCraft Technical Advisor Training… $1,175-1,275

Field and Written Exams (combined)… Free - Included in EarthCraft Technical Advisor Training

Note:

*EarthCraft House Builder Training prices vary based on local training host costs and promotions. Training schedules and pricing may be found at www.southface.org/calendar.

EarthCraft Technical Advisor Agreement

The EarthCraft Technical Advisor Agreement is the legal document that outlines the roles and responsibilities of EarthCraft Technical Advisors and program administrators. An EarthCraft Technical Advisor is considered certified once both parties sign the agreement.

Note:

Please see the EarthCraft Technical Advisor Agreement for additional information.

Maintenance

EarthCraft Technical Advisors are responsible for the following requirements to maintain certification and remain in good standing with the EarthCraft program:


Administration

To provide excellent customer service for all program participants and facilitate a timely certification process, EarthCraft Technical Advisors are required to comply with the following administrative requirements:

Submit paperwork according to guidelines and timelines outlined in this manual Submit reports and respond to surveys as requested by EarthCraft Provide EarthCraft a schedule of fees charged to EarthCraft Builders and a sample

contract used with EarthCraft Builders for EarthCraft projects Maintain current contact information with EarthCraft

Maintain equipment calibrations and appropriate tools* for EarthCraft inspections Provide program feedback to EarthCraft and serve as a liaison between EarthCraft staff

and EarthCraft Builders



Note:

*See EarthCraft Technical Advisor Tool Box page for a list of tools required for EarthCraft inspections.

Participation

EarthCraft strives to stay up-to-date on industry research, technology and strategies, and incorporates new criteria into the program on a regular basis based on industry advances and feedback from program participants. In order to maintain an accurate understanding of EarthCraft program guidelines and requirements, and to stay abreast of new industry findings, EarthCraft Technical Advisors are expected to attend all periodic program updates, continuing education, program development opportunities and networking opportunities offered by EarthCraft. All EarthCraft Technical Advisors are required to attend the following:

EarthCraft Technical Advisor Convening EarthCraft Technical Advisor conference calls

Note:

Preapproved absences may be arranged with EarthCraft.

Minimum Project Certification

In addition to continuing education and participation at EarthCraft events, each EarthCraft Technical Advisor must provide EarthCraft services for a minimum of four projects per year to remain active. The EarthCraft Regional Manager will work individually with EarthCraft Technical Advisors who are unable to meet this requirement.

Professionalism

Conduct

As a representative of EarthCraft, all EarthCraft Technical Advisors are required to maintain high-quality standards for professionalism and conduct. In order to provide consistent verification services and maintain program integrity, each EarthCraft Technical Advisor must:

Act as the HERS rater of record as well as conduct all field inspections Maintain a professional level of conduct and communication at all times Complete accurate, fair and objective inspections and reports

Not disclose any information about a project to parties other than the client or the client’s agent without written permission, except when reporting to EarthCraft

Agree to ongoing professional development

Conflict of Interest

EarthCraft has the right to deny any project certification if it is deemed to have an irresolvable conflict of interest. Each EarthCraft Technical Advisor must:

Avoid any conflict of interest regarding EarthCraft activities and personal or financial interests

Inform the EarthCraft Regional Manager of any potential conflict of interest issues as

soon as potential issues are recognized Represent and warrant that he/she presently has no interest, direct or indirect, that

would conflict in any manner or degree with the performance of EarthCraft Technical Advisor services

Disclose any financial or ownership interest in the residential building being rated or in any improvements to the residential building, to EarthCraft and the Builder/Owner in writing

Not provide any installation services, such as insulation installation, HVAC installation, air sealing, duct sealing, etc., for EarthCraft projects where he/she will be the EarthCraft Technical Advisor

Complaint Resolution

EarthCraft has the right to respond to and resolve all complaints related to services performed by an EarthCraft Technical Advisor. Each EarthCraft Technical Advisor must:



Respond to and resolve any client complaints in a timely manner Inform the Regional Project Manager of any potential project issue or complaint as soon

as possible Submit to EarthCraft any complaints regarding EarthCraft Builders and other EarthCraft

program participants as soon as possible Submit to Southface any complaints regarding EarthCraft staff as soon as possible Submit to Greater Atlanta Homebuilders Association any complaints regarding Southface

as soon as possible

Quality Assurance

Quality Assurance reviews are essential to EarthCraft to maintain the quality of the programs and its participants. These procedures ensure quality standards and enhance the credibility of certified EarthCraft projects.

Quarterly Project Status Updates

In an effort to maintain accurate house records and to keep projects from going uncertified for an undetermined period of time, EarthCraft Technical Advisors will engage in quarterly status updates with the EarthCraft Regional Manager. These updates will also provide formal space for addressing any EarthCraft Technical Advisor concerns, questions and changes in program participation (e.g. desire to become an EarthCraft Technical Advisor for EarthCraft Renovation or Multifamily projects).

Process:

EarthCraft will email the EarthCraft Technical Advisor a list of projects currently registered and the status on file for those projects.

The EarthCraft Technical Advisor will review the list provided by EarthCraft and discuss any discrepancies between the EarthCraft records and the EarthCraft Technical Advisor records. Discrepancies can include omissions, incorrect information, incorrect project status, etc.

EarthCraft will also email EarthCraft Builders an updated project status list quarterly.

The EarthCraft Builder is required to respond with any questions, concerns about

projects on the status list, or any projects missing from the status list. Projects without activity for nine months will be dropped from the EarthCraft program

and will require a $125 fee to reopen, unless a written notification of delay has been received by EarthCraft staff.

File Reviews

EarthCraft Technical Advisors will be subject to 100% Quality Assurance File Reviews.

All project documents may be checked for accuracy and completeness. Incomplete documents or documents not meeting EarthCraft program standards will not

be processed and the EarthCraft Technical Advisor will receive an Incomplete Documentation Notice.

EarthCraft Technical Advisors are encouraged to ask questions as needed about program documentation and requirements through the EarthCraft Hotline and EarthCraft Regional Manager.

Field Reviews

EarthCraft Technical Advisors will be subject to 1% Quality Assurance Field Reviews. If an EarthCraft

Technical Advisor certifies less than 10 homes in a single calendar year, Quality Assurance may occur every two years, at the discretion of the EarthCraft Regional Manager.

EarthCraft Technical Advisors that are also active members of the Southface Energy Rated Homes Providership or the Southface LEED for Homes Providership may be able to have the Quality Assurance Field Review for ENERGY STAR or LEED for Homes count towards the EarthCraft Quality Assurance Field Review if the project meets all of the EarthCraft requirements and the EarthCraft Technical Advisor submits a completed sample EarthCraft Worksheet for the project.



EarthCraft Multifamily Mentoring Process

The EarthCraft Multifamily mentoring process prepares certified EarthCraft Technical Advisors to provide all the services required to verify certification for an EarthCraft Multifamily project; it provides advanced training as well as project oversight on the first two projects.


All EarthCraft Technical Advisors are eligible to offer services for EarthCraft Multifamily projects, but must complete additional training through the EarthCraft Multifamily mentoring process.

Process Overview

Prerequisites

EarthCraft Technical Advisor

Candidates must be certified EarthCraft Technical Advisors in good standing.

Certification

The following are requirements to become a certified EarthCraft Technical Advisor for Multifamily:

On-the-Project Mentoring

On-the-project mentoring provides on-site field training on the first two multifamily projects; it is conducted by EarthCraft staff. The first project mentoring consists of three on-site visits, one at air sealing/HVAC rough-in, one at insulation, and one at Final Inspection. The second project mentoring consists of two on-site visits, one at air sealing/insulation/HVAC rough-in, and one at Final Inspection.

EarthCraft Technical Advisors are required to complete this training on their first two multifamily projects and within eighteen months of starting the mentoring process.

Design Review Shadowing

Maintenance

No additional requirements

Certification

On-the-project mentoring Mentoring FeesSatisfactory performance

on mentored projects

Prerequisites

Must be a certified EarthCraft Technical Advisor in good-standing



EarthCraft Technical Advisor Responsibilities Attend and actively participate in the first project’s Design Review. Facilitate and lead the second project’s Design Review with the assistance of the EarthCraft

Mentor.

EarthCraft Mentor Responsibilities Facilitate and lead the first project’s Design Review with the assistance of the EarthCraft

Mentor. Attend and actively participate in the second project’s Design Review.

Kick-off Meeting Shadowing

EarthCraft Technical Advisor Responsibilities Attend and actively participate in the first project’s Kick-off Meeting.

Facilitate and lead the second project’s Kick-off Meeting with the assistance of the EarthCraft Mentor.

EarthCraft Mentor Responsibilities Facilitate and lead the first project’s Kick-off Meeting with the assistance of the EarthCraft

Mentor. Attend and actively participate in the second project’s Kick-off Meeting.

Air Sealing Mentored Site Visit

EarthCraft Technical Advisor Responsibilities

Prior to EarthCraft conducting the Air Sealing Mentored Site visit on the first building within the development the certifying party must:

Complete visual inspection of the section of the building being inspected prior to insulation application to identify potential air sealing and envelope issues.

Complete EarthCraft Multifamily written reports noting any specific deficiencies, identifying

problem areas (via a thermal enclosure checklist), and suggesting corrective measures. This

report will be reviewed with the EarthCraft mentor during the site visit.

EarthCraft Mentor Responsibilities

During the course of the site visit, the EarthCraft mentor will verify that all of the items listed with in the report are corrected, the dwelling unit envelopes are found to be in compliance with EarthCraft standards, and any deficiencies are correctly noted.

Insulation Mentored Site Visit


Prior to EarthCraft mentor conducting the Insulation Mentored Site Visit on the first building within the development the certifying party must:

Complete visual inspection of the section of the building being inspected at insulation application to identify possible insulation installation and envelope issues.

Produce EarthCraft multifamily written report noting any specific deficiencies, identifying

problem areas (via a thermal enclosure checklist), and suggesting corrective measures. This report will be reviewed with the EarthCraft mentor during the site visit.


During the course of the site visit, the EarthCraft mentor will verify that all of the items above are completed, the dwelling unit envelopes are found to be in compliance with EarthCraft standards, and any deficiencies are correctly noted.

HVAC Mentored Site Visit


Prior to EarthCraft staff conducting the HVAC Mentored Site Visit on the first building within the development the EarthCraft Technical Advisor must:



Provide inspections for a sampling of equipment and duct systems at rough-in for sizing compliance, duct sealing measures, Energy Code compliance, and installation design recommendations on a sampling of each unit type for the section of the building be inspected.

Perform total leakage duct pressure tests on a sampling of systems, one of each unit type, for

the section of the building being inspected. Quantify total duct loss and identify leaks and possible “weak points” in the sampled systems.

Produce EarthCraft written report noting any specific deficiencies, identifying problem areas, and suggesting corrective measures and review this report with the EarthCraft mentor.


During the course of the site visit EarthCraft will verify that all of the above mentioned items are completed, the HVAC systems are found to be in compliance with program standards, and any deficiencies are correctly noted.

NOTE: This visit must be able to be completed during the same site visit as either the Air Sealing

or Insulation site visit; if this is not possible, an additional site visit will be required and invoiced

to the EarthCraft Technical Advisor.

Final Inspection Mentored Site Visit


Prior to EarthCraft conducting the Final Inspection Mentored Site Visit on the first building within the development the certifying party must:

Pressure test 15% of the units within the section of the building being inspected to verify units are meeting or surpassing established infiltration goals, and identify problem areas if necessary.

Visual inspection and verification of fixtures and appliances consistent with efficiencies specified for the project in units tested.

Produce EarthCraft written report noting any specific deficiencies, identifying problem areas,

and suggesting corrective measures and review this report with the EarthCraft mentor.


During the course of the Final Inspection quality assurance inspections, EarthCraft will verify that all of the items below are completed.

NOTE: If project phasing allows, this visit should be scheduled to be completed during a site visit

when additional inspections phases can also be reviewed.

Mentoring Fees

Shadowing Fees

There is no cost for the Design Review or Kick-off Meeting shadowing for the first two projects. If additional shadowing is necessary, the fee shall be $300 plus travel expenses for each meeting.

Site Visit Fees

All fees must be paid in full before an individual will be certified to provide services for EarthCraft Multifamily on a non-probationary status. Each site visit is $600 plus travel fees. For all projects

that have paid the project registration fee directly, one pre-paid site visit (including travel) is included. Projects that have not registered online do not include one pre-paid site visit (this includes all RFPs sent out from Southface for field inspections).



Travel Expenses

Travel expenses will be based on the number of round trips necessary to complete the mentored site visits as well as the distance to the project site. The mileage reimbursement rate is .50 cents/mile and EarthCraft charges an hourly rate of $50/hour for drive time. Travel expenses do not begin applying until EarthCraft travels 30 miles/half hour from our office. Travel by air or rail shall be used as a cost and/or time-saving measure and will be approved by the EarthCraft Technical Advisor prior to booking.

Satisfactory performance on mentored projects

For an EarthCraft Technical Advisor beginning work on multifamily projects the first two projects are probationary. The EarthCraft Technical Advisor’s performance on these two projects determines the EarthCraft Technical Advisors future ability to service EarthCraft multifamily projects. Performance is based on grading conducted by EarthCraft staff at the time of mentored site visits. Grading will be performed on the EarthCraft Technical Advisor’s proficiency verifying the multifamily worksheet

points, verifying the thermal bypass checklist, and diagnostic testing results. The EarthCraft Technical Advisor must receive a score of 80 percent or higher to move beyond the probationary stage.

Maintenance

EarthCraft Technical Advisors providing services for EarthCraft Multifamily have no additional maintenance requirements above those required for all certified EarthCraft Technical Advisors.

Project #1

•3 Site Visits

•Shadow EarthCraft Staff on Design Review and Kick-Off Meeting

Project #2

•2 Site Visits

•Facilitate Design Review and Kick-Off Meeting with EarthCraft Staff shadowing

Subsequent Projects

•1 Site Visit



EarthCraft Renovation Mentoring Process

The EarthCraft Renovation mentoring process prepares certified EarthCraft Technical Advisors to provide all the services required to verify certification for an EarthCraft Renovation project.


EarthCraft Technical Advisors that are certified BPI Building Analyst Professionals or BPI Envelope Professionals are eligible to offer services for EarthCraft Renovation projects, but must complete mentoring on their first EarthCraft Renovation project.

Process Overview

Prerequisites

EarthCraft Technical Advisor

Candidates must be certified EarthCraft Technical Advisors in good standing.

BPI Building Analyst Professional/Envelope Professional

Candidates must be certified BPI Building Analyst Professional or Envelope Professional in good standing.

Certification

The following are requirements to become a certified EarthCraft Technical Advisor for Renovation:

On-the-Project Mentoring

On-the-project mentoring provides virtual training via conference call on the first renovation project;

it is conducted by EarthCraft staff. Upon being selected to provide services for EarthCraft Renovation by the client, the EarthCraft Technical Advisor shall notify EarthCraft of the project so that a conference call can be scheduled between the EarthCraft Technical Advisor and the EarthCraft

Maintenance

No additional requirements

Certification

On-the-project mentoringSatisfactory performance on mentored

project

Prerequisites

Must be a certified EarthCraft Technical Advisor in good-standing

Must be a certified BPI Building Analyst Professional or Envelope Professional



Renovation Program Manager. This call will serve to review the requirements of the EarthCraft Renovation Program as well as discuss project-specific goals and challenges of the first project.

Satisfactory performance on mentored project

For an EarthCraft Technical Advisor beginning work on renovation projects the first project is

probationary. The EarthCraft Technical Advisor’s performance on this project determines the EarthCraft Technical Advisors future ability to service EarthCraft renovation projects. Performance is based on documentation received for certification; the EarthCraft Technical Advisor must certify at least one project within 12 months of the conference call to move beyond the probationary stage.

Maintenance

EarthCraft Technical Advisors providing services for EarthCraft Renovation have no additional maintenance requirements above those required for all certified EarthCraft Technical Advisors.



EarthCraft Field Rater Certification and Participation

EarthCraft Technical Advisors are responsible for comprehensive verification of all EarthCraft program standards. There may be times when an EarthCraft Technical Advisor needs assistance in the field. EarthCraft provides two options for EarthCraft Technical Advisors to obtain field assistance, Basic Labor Support and EarthCraft Field Raters.

Basic Labor Support

Basic Labor Support is defined by EarthCraft as an individual approved by the EarthCraft Technical Advisor to provide basic labor on the job site. Specifically, these individuals may prepare the home

for diagnostic testing, and transport and set-up diagnostic testing equipment under the direct supervision of an EarthCraft Technical Advisor. These individuals may not perform, or interpret the results of, diagnostic testing, or verify any EarthCraft criteria. Basic Labor Support individuals are not monitored by EarthCraft.

It is the responsibility of the EarthCraft Technical Advisor to ensure the Basic Labor Support individual is approved to work on the job site by the builder, renovator, contractor and/or developer.

EarthCraft Field Rater

An EarthCraft Field Rater is an individual that has been certified by EarthCraft to provide energy rater services, on behalf of an EarthCraft Technical Advisor. Under the supervision of an EarthCraft Technical Advisor, an EarthCraft Field Rater may:

Verify the home complies with the performance (energy model) or the prescriptive energy

components of the EarthCraft programs through visual inspections (pre-drywall and final) and diagnostic testing

o EarthCraft Field Raters may only perform diagnostic tests which they have been

professionally trained and certified to perform.

An EarthCraft Field Rater may not:

Verify EarthCraft criteria outside of the performance or prescriptive energy components

Update the EarthCraft Worksheet for the project

Hold an EarthCraft services contract with the builder, renovator, contractor and/or developer

Conduct EarthCraft Design Reviews, Kick-off Meetings, etc.

It is the responsibility of the EarthCraft Technical Advisor to ensure the EarthCraft Field Rater is approved to work on the job site by the builder, renovator, contractor and/or developer.


EarthCraft Field Raters may provide services to EarthCraft Technical Advisors for the EarthCraft

House and Multifamily programs only. EarthCraft Field Raters may not work on EarthCraft Renovation projects, but may work on EarthCraft Multifamily projects that are renovations.

Should it be determined that the EarthCraft Field Rater has completed work outside of the

parameters outlined above, both the EarthCraft Field Rater and EarthCraft Technical Advisor responsible for the project will be automatically suspended from the EarthCraft program.



Process Overview

Prerequisites

HERS Field Rater or HERS Rater

EarthCraft Field Rater candidates must be certified and active Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Field Raters or Raters.

The process for becoming a HERS Field Rater includes the following:

Pass the RESNET National Rating Field Inspector Test

The RESNET National Rating Field Inspector Test is an online exam that covers building science

concepts and home energy field rating procedures. The two-hour test is open book and a score of 80% or greater is required to pass.

Become a Certified HERS Field Rater

To receive the official HERS Field Rater certification, all inspectors need to successfully complete a contract with a RESNET Accredited HERS Rating Provider, and be assigned a unique field rater number. Complete information on HERS Field Rating Inspector certification is available at

www.resnet.us, and more information on Southface specific HERS Trainings and Rating Providership may be found at www.southface.org/hers.

The process for becoming a HERS Rater includes the following:

Attend the Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Training

The HERS industry was created in the early 1990’s as a result of work from the various national laboratories, the mortgage industry, and the Federal government on reducing the amount of energy

consumed by residences. In the beginning, there were different regional standards for assessing a home’s energy use that were applied without a nationally unified strategy. Today there are national standards developed by Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET) and the National Association of State Energy Officials to ensure reciprocity and consistency of trainings and ratings. The HERS

Maintenance


Professionalism Quality Assurance

Certification

Training Exams Certification FeesField Rater Agreement

Prerequisites

HERS Field Rater or HERS Rater Certification

ENERGY STAR V3 Rater Training

Application Interview



training teaches the knowledge necessary to evaluate home energy performance and offer suggestions for improvement according to the national standards. Training includes instruction on how to use the diagnostic equipment and energy modeling software required by the EarthCraft and ENERGY STAR programs. HERS Training is offered by Southface and other RESNET Accredited Training Providers.

Pass the RESNET National Rater Test

The RESNET National Rater Test is an online exam that covers building science concepts and home energy rating procedures. The two-hour test is open book and a score of 80% or greater is required to pass.

Become a Certified HERS Rater

To receive the official HERS Rater certification, all raters need to successfully complete a series of

field exams and provisional ratings under contract with a RESNET Accredited HERS Rating Provider, and be assigned a unique rater number. Complete information on HERS certification is available at

www.resnet.us, and more information on Southface specific HERS Trainings and Rating Providership may be found at www.southface.org/hers.

ENERGY STAR Version 3 Rater Training

Complete the ENERGY STAR Version 3 Rater Training by attending the course offered by an accredited

training provider and passing the written exam. Course availability and pricing may be found at www.southface.org.

Application

EarthCraft Field Rater candidates must submit an application for review by EarthCraft program administrators.

Interview

Once applications are reviewed, EarthCraft Field Rater candidates must interview with the EarthCraft

Regional Project Manager.

Certification Process

The following are requirements to become a certified EarthCraft Field Rater:

Training

EarthCraft House Builder Training

The EarthCraft House Builder Training consists of a two-hour online training on building science plus a one-day classroom course that covers the basics of the EarthCraft House program from the EarthCraft Builder’s perspective. EarthCraft Field Raters are highly encouraged to complete this training in preparation for the exams. The EarthCraft Field Rater must take and pass the Builder exam prior to becoming a certified EarthCraft Field Rater.

EarthCraft Field Rater Training

As each EarthCraft Field Rater is overseen by and reports directly to an EarthCraft Technical Advisor, it is the responsibility of the EarthCraft Technical Advisor to provide thorough field training to the EarthCraft Field Rater candidate. The EarthCraft Technical Advisor is responsible for preparing the EarthCraft Field Rater for the EarthCraft Field Rater Candidate Field and Written Exams.

Exams

Field Exams

Field exams are scheduled by the EarthCraft Regional Manager in coordination with each EarthCraft Field Rater candidate and administered by EarthCraft staff. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in the skills outlined in the EarthCraft Manual, which includes program reporting and inspection procedures, pre-drywall inspections, final inspections, and air sealing, insulation and heating and



cooling standards. Candidates must also demonstrate proficiency in local energy codes, building science, and house-as-a-system approaches to residential construction.

Note:

Please see the EarthCraft Field Rater Field Exam page for additional information.

Written Exams

There are two written exams the EarthCraft Field Rater candidate must pass. The first is the EarthCraft Builder written exam and the second is the EarthCraft Technical Advisor written exam.

The EarthCraft Technical Advisor written exam is an online exam that covers all topics and skills taught during the EarthCraft House Builder Training and field exams, and information provided in the EarthCraft Manual. This exam is open book with a 3-hour time limit for completion. A score of 80% or greater is required to pass the exam.

Certification Fees

Payment is required to the organization that administers the training. All fees must be paid in full before an individual will be certified as an EarthCraft Field Rater.

EarthCraft House Builder Training……… $25-175*

Written Exams………………………………………… Free**

Field Exams……………………………………………… $300*** per exam plus travel

Notes:

*EarthCraft House Builder Training prices vary based on local training host costs and promotions. Training schedules and pricing may be found at www.southface.org/calendar.

**Should the EarthCraft Field Rater candidate fail to pass the written exams on their first attempt, subsequent attempts will cost $75 per exam and per attempt. ***This price may be reduced at the discretion of EarthCraft.

EarthCraft Field Rater Agreement

The EarthCraft Field Rater Agreement is the legal document that outlines the roles and responsibilities of EarthCraft Field Raters and program administrators. An EarthCraft Field Rater is considered certified once both parties sign the agreement.

Note:

Please see the EarthCraft Field Rater Agreement for additional information.

Maintenance

EarthCraft Field Raters are responsible for following the same maintenance requirements as EarthCraft Technical Advisors. Please see the EarthCraft Technical Advisor Certification and Participation – Maintenance section of this manual for more information.

EarthCraft Technical Advisors are responsible for ensuring the EarthCraft Field Rater(s) they are supervising follow all EarthCraft requirements. Should the EarthCraft Field Rater fail to comply with EarthCraft processes and protocols, the EarthCraft Field Rater and EarthCraft Technical Advisor will be subject to disciplinary action, starting with immediate placement on probation subject to additional Quality Assurance visits conducted by EarthCraft Staff for an indeterminate amount of time.

http://www.southface.org/calendar



EarthCraft Technical Advisor Disciplinary Policy

EarthCraft strives to prevent application of the disciplinary policy through regular, open communication with EarthCraft Technical Advisors and program participants. In the event that disciplinary action is required, the EarthCraft Technical Advisor Disciplinary Policy is applied in progressive steps to provide EarthCraft Technical Advisors appropriate opportunities for improvement and prevent termination.

Probation

Probation is the first step in the disciplinary policy and serves as a formal warning while offering opportunities for improvement.

Reasons

An EarthCraft Technical Advisor can be put on probation for the following reasons, including but not limited to:

Deviation from the protocol set forth in this manual Certification documents are consistently out-of-date, turned in late, incorrectly filled out

or consistently reveal multiple errors Consistently delinquent paying invoices to EarthCraft (all payments received passed the

invoice due date will be considered delinquent) Unexcused absence from more than two monthly conference calls in a 12 month period An EarthCraft Technical Advisor’s 1% QA audit exceeds maximum allowable variance for

Worksheet score, documentation completion or field diagnostics Failure to return communication from EarthCraft staff or an EarthCraft Builder within 30

days

Improper use of EarthCraft logos Misleading marketing about EarthCraft program participation An official complaint is filed by a client that warrants probation Any combination of the above regardless of frequency of a specific item

Probation Notification

The EarthCraft Technical Advisor will be informed in writing of the probation, reasons for probation and potential remedies.

Consequences/Actions

The Probation Notification will provide specific directions for expected improvement and compliance by the EarthCraft Technical Advisor. EarthCraft Technical Advisors on probation may have every certification audited, which may result in delays in the project certification process and increase in EarthCraft Quality Assurance fees.

Suspension

Suspension is the second step in the disciplinary policy and serves as a severe warning while offering opportunities for improvement.

Reasons

An EarthCraft Technical Advisor can be put on suspension for the following reasons, including but not limited to:

Failure to correct behavior resulting in EarthCraft Technical Advisor’s probationary status within 30 days, or other approved timeline as specified in the Probationary Notification

Failure to improve accuracy of EarthCraft Technical Advisor’s work during probation.

Probation Suspension Termination



The EarthCraft Technical Advisor continues to deviate from the protocol set forth in this manual

Other serious offenses as identified by the EarthCraft Regional Manager or other EarthCraft staff

Suspension Notification

The EarthCraft Technical Advisor will be informed in writing of the suspension, reasons for suspension and remedies required.


The Suspension Notification will provide specific directions for expected improvement and compliance by the EarthCraft Technical Advisor. Once suspended, an EarthCraft Technical Advisor’s name will be temporarily removed from the list of certified EarthCraft Technical Advisors. No projects will be

certified until the EarthCraft Technical Advisor is removed from suspension. The EarthCraft Technical

Advisor’s certification status will be restored once the violation has been corrected to the satisfaction of EarthCraft as outlined in the Suspension Notification.

Termination

Termination is the third and final step in the disciplinary policy, and is reserved for extreme offenses without offering further opportunities for improvement.

Reasons

An EarthCraft Technical Advisor can be terminated for the following reasons, including but not limited to:

Failure to correct behavior resulting in EarthCraft Technical Advisor’s suspension status within thirty days, or other approved timeline as specified in the Suspension Notification

Demonstrates inability to improve accuracy of work

Demonstrates inability to follow procedures set forth in this manual Other extreme offenses as identified by the EarthCraft Regional Manager or other

EarthCraft staff

Termination Notification

The EarthCraft Technical Advisor will be informed in writing of the termination, reasons for termination and remedies required.


Once terminated, an EarthCraft Technical Advisor’s name will be permanently removed from the list of certified EarthCraft Technical Advisors, and their projects cannot be certified. All certified EarthCraft Builders working with that EarthCraft Technical Advisor will be notified and given a list of current EarthCraft Technical Advisors to work with moving forward. A terminated EarthCraft Technical Advisor may reapply for certification after a period of one year. No fees will be refunded if

terminated. Note: In an effort to provide the best customer service to EarthCraft Builders,

terminated EarthCraft Technical Advisors may work with EarthCraft staff to transfer current projects to another certified EarthCraft Technical Advisor within ten business days of termination.



EarthCraft Technical Advisor Certification Pre-Drywall Inspection

Field Exam

EarthCraft Technical Advisor candidates will be given 1.5 hours to complete the Pre-Drywall Field

Exam. The Pre-Drywall Inspection Field Exam exhibit reviews the documentation provided by EarthCraft to the EarthCraft Technical Advisor candidate, the inspection activities required, the skill and knowledge demonstrations expected and the documentation required for submittal by the EarthCraft Technical Advisor candidate as part of the Pre-Drywall Inspection Field Exam.

Tools Required

Candidates should be prepared with all tools as listed on the EarthCraft Technical Advisor Tool Box Page.

Note:

EarthCraft Technical Advisor candidates taking the exam in Atlanta may arrange for EarthCraft to provide inspection tools as needed to reduce travel complications for the EarthCraft Technical Advisor candidate.

Documents Provided

EarthCraft Program Administrators will provide candidates with the following information:

House Plans Construction Specification Sheet HERS Building Report Preliminary EarthCraft Worksheet EarthCraft House Inspection Notes Manual J load calculation

AHRI Certificate or manufacturer equivalent Additional verification documentation as required by EarthCraft based on items identified

by the EarthCraft Builder on the EarthCraft Worksheet (e.g. Manual D duct design)

Inspection Activities

EarthCraft Technical Advisor must inspect and verify:

Plans represent home as constructed Building Report represents home as constructed Construction Specification Sheet represents home as constructed Manual J and installed HVAC equipment meets EarthCraft standards HVAC systems are inspected for duct sealing, code compliance and installation design

recommendations

AHRI Certificate or equivalent manufacture documentation meets EarthCraft standards EarthCraft Inspection Notes items

Items identified by the EarthCraft Builder on the EarthCraft House Worksheet are in program compliance (some items may require additional documentation to be provided by the EarthCraft Builder at the pre-drywall inspection)

Skills and Knowledge Demonstrations

EarthCraft Technical Advisor must demonstrate:

Understanding of every item on EarthCraft House Inspection Notes Ability to identify issues on EarthCraft House Worksheet that can be verified by field

verification at pre-drywall inspection Understanding of ENERGY STAR and EarthCraft House Manual J load calculation

specifications



Ability to adequately inspect an EarthCraft House for issues that will be liabilities to a home’s EarthCraft House certification

Ability to explain to supervising EarthCraft Technical Advisor rationale behind choices during inspection (e.g. why insulation was Grade II versus Grade III)

Ability to communicate worksheet and necessary issues to be corrected to an EarthCraft Builder in a professional and customer friendly manner

An understanding of local energy codes and other issues addressing a home’s energy efficiency, comfort and durability

An aptitude at performing pre-drywall inspections consistent with the EarthCraft House program

Documentation Submittal

EarthCraft Technical Advisor candidates must generate and submit the following documentation as part of the pre-drywall field exam:

A complete an accurate EarthCraft Inspection Notes Updated preliminary EarthCraft Worksheet

Pre-drywall Inspection Report for the EarthCraft Builder that will aid in the certification of the home being certified

EarthCraft Technical Advisor candidates must follow the Document Naming Conventions when submitting Pre-drywall Inspection Exam Reports to EarthCraft.



EarthCraft Technical Advisor Certification Final Inspection Field

Exam

The Final Inspection Field Exam exhibit reviews the documentation provided by EarthCraft to the

EarthCraft Technical Advisor candidate, the inspection activities required, the skill and knowledge demonstrations expected and the documentation required for submittal by the EarthCraft Technical Advisor candidate as part of the Final Inspection Field Exam. EarthCraft Technical Advisor candidates will be given 3.0 hours plus 2.0 hours per HVAC system to complete the Final Inspection Field Exam.

Tools Required


Note:

EarthCraft Technical Advisor candidates taking the exam in Atlanta may arrange for EarthCraft to provide inspection tools as needed to reduce travel complications for the EarthCraft Technical Advisor candidate.

Documents Provided

EarthCraft Program Administrators will provide candidates with the following information:

House Plans or take-offs Lot Variation Form HERS Building File HERS Building Report EarthCraft House Worksheet EarthCraft House Inspection Notes used at pre-drywall inspection

Manual J load calculation AHRI Certificate or manufacturer equivalent EarthCraft House Testing Sheet Additional verification documentation as required by EarthCraft based on items identified

by the EarthCraft Builder on the EarthCraft Worksheet (e.g. low VOC paint specifications)


EarthCraft Technical Advisor must inspect and verify:

Plans represent home as constructed Building Report represents home as constructed EarthCraft Inspection Checklist items (including verification when possible that no items

checked during pre-drywall have changed) Building envelope and duct system meet program criteria for performance

Items identified by the EarthCraft Builder on the EarthCraft House Worksheet are in program compliance (some items may require additional documentation to be provided by the EarthCraft Builder at the final inspection)

Skill/Knowledge Demonstrations

EarthCraft Technical Advisor must demonstrate:

Ability to prep house and set up blower door and duct blaster diagnostic equipment according to industry-accepted protocols

Understanding of the blower door and duct blaster diagnostic tests and their relevance to the EarthCraft House certification and the home’s overall performance

Demonstrate an ability to use the diagnostic tools to identify performance issues with the house



Ability to gather field information necessary to generate an accurate, confirmed HERS Rating or BOP Checklist for ENERGY STAR verification

Ability to identify and record variations between a house as rated and as actually built in the field

Understanding of every item on EarthCraft House Inspection Notes Knowledge of paperwork and processes necessary for EarthCraft House certification Ability to communicate necessary information concerning the home’s EarthCraft House

certification to an EarthCraft Builder in a professional and customer friendly manner An aptitude at performing final inspections consistent with the EarthCraft House program


EarthCraft Technical Advisor candidates must generate and submit the following documentation as part of the final field exam:

Signed Final Inspection Testing Sheet

Final Inspection Notes Final EarthCraft Worksheet

EarthCraft Worksheet Cover signed by EarthCraft Builder and EarthCraft Technical Advisor

Building File Report (from confirmed Energy Model) Emissions Report (from confirmed Energy Model) ENERGY STAR Compliance: BOP Checklist OR Verification Summary Report (from

confirmed Energy Model) Final Inspection Report for the EarthCraft Builder that will aid in the certification of the

home being certified

EarthCraft Technical Advisor candidates must follow the Document Naming Conventions when submitting Final Inspection Exam Reports to EarthCraft.



EarthCraft Field Rater Certification Pre-Drywall Inspection Field

Exam(s)

EarthCraft Field Rater candidates will be given 1.5 hours to complete the Pre-Drywall Field Exam. The Pre-Drywall Inspection Field Exam exhibit reviews:

The documentation provided by the oversight EarthCraft Technical Advisor to the EarthCraft Field Rater candidate

The inspection activities required The skill and knowledge demonstrations expected The documentation required for submittal by the EarthCraft Field Rater candidate as

part of the Pre-Drywall Inspection Field Exam

EarthCraft Field Rater candidates wishing to provide verification services for EarthCraft Multifamily projects may require two Pre-Drywall Inspection Field exams. The first Pre-Drywall Inspection Field

exam will cover the air-sealing and initial HVAC inspection phases of the Pre-Drywall Inspection; the second will cover the insulation inspection phase of the Pre-Drywall Inspection.

Tools Required


Documents Provided

EarthCraft Technical Advisors will provide EarthCraft Field Rater candidates with the following information:

Plans Construction Specification Sheet Energy modeling report (if applicable)

Preliminary EarthCraft Worksheet

EarthCraft Inspection Notes Manual J load calculation AHRI Certificate or manufacturer equivalent Additional energy-specific verification documentation as required by EarthCraft based

on items identified by the EarthCraft Program Participant on the EarthCraft Worksheet (e.g. Manual D duct design)


EarthCraft Field Rater must inspect and verify:

Plans represent home as constructed Energy modeling represents home as constructed Construction Specification Sheet represents home as constructed

HVAC systems are inspected for duct sealing, code compliance and installation design recommendations

AHRI Certificate or equivalent manufacture documentation is representative of the equipment installed

EarthCraft Inspection Notes items specific to energy efficiency

Skills and Knowledge Demonstrations

EarthCraft Field Rater must demonstrate:

Understanding of every energy efficiency item on EarthCraft Inspection Notes Ability to identify issues on EarthCraft Worksheet related to energy efficiency that can

be confirmed by field verification at pre-drywall inspection Ability to adequately inspect an EarthCraft project for energy efficiency issues that will

be liabilities to a home’s EarthCraft House certification



Ability to explain to supervising EarthCraft Technical Advisor rationale behind choices during inspection (e.g. why insulation was Grade II versus Grade III)

Ability to communicate inspection results and issues to be corrected to an EarthCraft Program Participant in a professional and customer friendly manner

An understanding of local energy codes and other issues addressing a home’s energy efficiency and comfort

An aptitude at performing pre-drywall inspections consistent with the EarthCraft program


EarthCraft Field Rater candidates must generate and submit the following documentation as part of the pre-drywall field exam:

A complete an accurate EarthCraft Inspection report Pre-drywall Inspection Report for the EarthCraft Program Participant that will aid in the

certification of the home being certified

EarthCraft Field Rater candidates must follow the Document Naming Conventions when submitting Pre-drywall Inspection Exam Reports to EarthCraft.



EarthCraft Field Rater Certification Final Inspection Field Exam

EarthCraft Field Rater candidates will be given 1.0 hour plus 2.0 hours per HVAC system to complete the Final Inspection Field Exam. The Final Inspection Field Exam reviews:

The documentation provided by EarthCraft to the EarthCraft Field Rater candidate The inspection activities required The skill and knowledge demonstrations expected Documentation required for submittal by the EarthCraft Field Rater candidate as part of

the Final Inspection Field Exam.

Tools Required


Documents Provided

EarthCraft Technical Advisor will provide the EarthCraft Field Rater candidate with the following information:

Plans or take-offs

Lot Variation Form Energy Model Building File Energy Model Building Report EarthCraft Worksheet EarthCraft Inspection Notes used at pre-drywall inspection AHRI Certificate or manufacturer equivalent

EarthCraft Testing Sheet Additional verification documentation as required by EarthCraft based on items identified

by the EarthCraft Program Participant on the EarthCraft Worksheet (e.g. HVAC Trade

Contractor static pressure test results for confirmation, or Manual J load calculation for room by room air flows for testing)


EarthCraft Field Rater must inspect and verify:

Plans represent home as constructed Building Report represents home as constructed EarthCraft Inspection Checklist items (including verification when possible that no items

checked during pre-drywall have changed) Building envelope and duct system meet program criteria for performance

Skill/Knowledge Demonstrations

EarthCraft Field Rater must demonstrate:

Ability to prep house and set up a whole house infiltration and duct leakage diagnostic equipment according to industry-accepted protocols

Understanding of the whole house infiltration and duct leakage diagnostic tests and their relevance to the EarthCraft certification and the home’s overall performance

Demonstrate an ability to use the diagnostic tools to identify performance issues with the house

Ability to gather field information necessary to generate an accurate, confirmed energy model report or verify compliance with either the ENERGY STAR or EarthCraft Multifamily Prescriptive Path

Ability to identify and record variations between a house as rated and as actually built in the field

Understanding of every item on EarthCraft Inspection Notes Knowledge of paperwork and processes necessary for EarthCraft certification



Ability to communicate necessary information concerning the home’s EarthCraft certification to an EarthCraft Program Participant in a professional and customer friendly manner

An aptitude at performing final inspections consistent with the EarthCraft program


EarthCraft Field Rater candidates must generate and submit the following documentation as part of the final field exam:

Signed Final Inspection Testing Sheet (signed by the EarthCraft Technical Advisor and EarthCraft Program Participant)

Final Inspection Notes Building File Report (from confirmed Energy Model) Emissions Report (from confirmed Energy Model) ENERGY STAR Compliance if applicable: Prescriptive Path Checklist OR Verification

Summary Report (from confirmed Energy Model) Final Inspection Report for the EarthCraft Builder that will aid in the certification of the

home being certified

EarthCraft Field Rater candidates must follow the Document Naming Conventions when submitting Final Inspection Exam Reports to EarthCraft.



EarthCraft Technical Advisor Tool Box

To perform EarthCraft field inspections, EarthCraft Technical Advisors will need the following tools:

Clipboard or electronic tablet Digital Camera Headlamp/flashlight Pen/Pencil(s) Compass Calculator

Extension Ladder (for reaching high ducts in vaulted ceilings and other locations; may be borrowed from the EarthCraft Builder when appropriate)

6’ Frame Ladder 4’ Frame Ladder Tape Measure (at least 25’)

1/4” and 5/16” bolt driver (for removing and replacing air handler covers and HVAC

registers) Screwdriver (for removing and replacing outlet covers and other items during

inspections) Utility Knife (for inspecting duct sealing) Foil tape & Mastic tape (for repairing duct sealing inspection sites) Zip Ties (for repairing duct sealing inspection sites) Blower Door testing equipment

Duct Blaster testing equipment Duct Mask Masking tape Cardboard/Foam Board (for testing duct systems at the blower compartment and for

flow testing in awkward register locations) Fan pressure to fan flow conversion charts if not using the monometer for conversion

Note:

Additional tools may be required depending on the project goals and items selected on the EarthCraft Worksheet.

For example, the project may pursue the supply air flow testing option and request the testing to be completed by the EarthCraft Technical Advisor. To do the supply air flow testing, the EarthCraft Technical Advisor will need a flow hood or other anemometer for measuring supply air flow at each register.

Rental equipment

In an effort to reduce the upfront costs for becoming an EarthCraft Technical Advisor, Southface offers equipment for rent by EarthCraft Technical Advisors. Contact the EarthCraft Hotline for more information on currently available equipment and rental pricing.

EarthCraft Marketing



Marketing EarthCraft Projects

Once you’ve put in the work to create a top-of-the-line EarthCraft project, the next step is getting

the word out. Marketing your project can enhance the profile and reputation of your business, distinguish you from your competition and generate new leads for future work.

EarthCraft program administrators can provide public relations assistance and marketing collateral to help you showcase your best EarthCraft projects. The following materials and services are available.

EarthCraft Logos

EarthCraft logos may be used to market an EarthCraft project which has been submitted for, or has received, EarthCraft certification. The EarthCraft logo identifies a project that meets EarthCraft program criteria, and therefore, should only be used in materials that promote this project. The following terms and conditions apply:

Who may use the EarthCraft logo

Only EarthCraft certified program participants (Builders, Renovators, EarthCraft Technical Advisors, EarthCraft Real Estate Professionals, and EarthCraft HVAC Professionals) in good standing may use the EarthCraft logo specific to their trade EarthCraft certification.

Acceptable uses

EarthCraft certified program participants may use the EarthCraft logo specific to their building type to market registered EarthCraft projects. Acceptable logo placement includes:

Print ads, brochures, flyers, tradeshow exhibit material and signage publicizing a registered

EarthCraft project, and Letterhead, business cards or professional Websites that identify an individual or organization

as an EarthCraft program participant.

If you have another means of publicizing your EarthCraft project, please check with EarthCraft staff regarding use of the logos.

File Types

The following file types are available:

JPG: This is the preferred format for Web and PowerPoint applications. It should always be displayed in color and must be scaled to fit specific applications.

EPS: This is the preferred format for print publications. An EPS can be tailored for four-color printing, two-color spot printing or one-color black-and-white printing. EPS files are infinitely scalable, although printer specific drivers are required. EPS images are ideal for PDF files.

Press Releases

Press releases are an effective way to communicate with the press about an important project or an upcoming event. At its most basic, a well-written press release should identify essential details (who, what, where, when and when) and then expand on the project’s most unique, interesting aspects.

How will you know if your story is newsworthy? While all EarthCraft projects are important

accomplishments, the following types of projects are particularly well-suited to a press outreach effort:

Homes or buildings that represent an important “first,” i.e. the first EarthCraft Light Commercial building in a city, or the first affordable housing development certified under the EarthCraft Multifamily program.



EarthCraft homes or buildings with unique or unusual features, such as extensive storm water mitigation strategies, a green roof, geothermal heating and cooling, solar generation, gray water reuse or a town center revitalization plan.

Projects that have won local, regional or national awards from industry and other trade groups.

The EarthCraft program has developed a press release framework that can be customized to suit your project.

Note:

See EarthCraft Press Release Sample exhibit for additional information about the EarthCraft press release template for program participants.

Other Services Available

EarthCraft program administrators also offer the following assistance to EarthCraft Builders and EarthCraft Technical Advisors to support your public relations efforts:

Provide plaques or certificates to recognize completed projects. Post press releases on the EarthCraft website. Send an EarthCraft speaker to grand opening events.

Photograph EarthCraft projects and events. Write case studies about EarthCraft projects. Include articles and photos of EarthCraft projects in the quarterly Southface Journal of

Sustainable Building, which reaches a regional audience of more than 5,000 people. Offer suggestions about how to best facilitate press events for maximum impact.

Additional Marketing Materials

Print Brochures

Electronic brochures can be downloaded off the EarthCraft website or print brochures can be requested by filling out an electronic form on the EarthCraft website.

Web

The EarthCraft Website provides a thorough overview of the suite of EarthCraft programs.

Other Materials

Additional marketing materials may be available upon request. For more information, or to request materials, please contact EarthCraft.



EarthCraft Press Release Sample Exhibit

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Name Here Email: Address Here

Tel: Number Here

{Builder/Developer} Announces the Opening of {Project Name}

City, STATE – Month ##, YYYY – On {date}, {key attendees and stakeholders} {joined together at/announced} the opening of {building or project name}, a {notable attribute – size, purpose, etc.}. The facility, {basic details}, has achieved {list certifications}, and is {builder/developer name}’s {first,

tenth, newest, etc.} EarthCraft project. “EarthCraft certifications demonstrate a true commitment to high standards of quality and efficiency”

said Tyler Jones, EarthCraft Program Manager. “We applaud {builder/developer name}’s dedication to innovative, sustainable building practices.”

{Background about specific EarthCraft program here – see attached list} To receive its certification, {development/project name} met an extensive list of quality and resource use criteria, confirmed through third-party inspections and confirmation activities. Quote from developer/builder/key stakeholder here about the uniqueness/overall value of the project. ###

About {Builder/Developer}

Historical information: years in business

Mission/vision statement Scope of work: project types, numbers, geographic reach, etc.

About the EarthCraft Green Building Program

EarthCraft is a voluntary green building certification program originally created in 1999 by the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association and Southface. By addressing the climate conditions unique to the Southeast, it serves as a blueprint for energy, water and resource-efficient single-family homes, multifamily structures, renovation projects, community developments and light-

commercial buildings. To date, more than 10,000 EarthCraft projects have been certified in six states across the Southeast.

For more information about the EarthCraft program, please visit www.earthcraft.org

Load Calculation Information for Builders and Designers

September 2012

An accurate load calculation is the first step towards selection and installation of properly sized heating and cooling equipment. ACCA Manual J is an ANSI approved load calculation method endorsed by the HVAC industry.

A load calculation uses information about the building and climate to determine how much energy is needed to keep the indoor temperature at the thermostat set points. The inputs include building features such as the components of the building envelope, home orientation, infiltration, duct leakage, ventilation, occupants and appliances (see reverse for designer checklist).

Builders

This process requires more planning and communication between trade contractors before construction. It is critical to provide a complete construction specification sheet and communicate key features like window overhangs and zoning with the HVAC designer.

Load Calculation Timeline for New Construction

Note: The load calculation process occurs during the design phase and that several iterations may be required before equipment selection. Oversized equipment will not meet minimum green building program requirements.

Load Calculation Results

A basic load calculation will produce three load numbers, which are essential to equipment selection: heating load, total cooling load, and sensible cooling load. The latent cooling load is determined by subtracting the sensible cooling load from the total cooling load. Load calculations can also compute loads for individual rooms if required for more complicated designs.

Green Building Program Load Calculation Requirements

Software used is an accredited ACCA Manual J 8th Edition Software: Wrightsoft Right-J8, Elite RHVAC, Adteck AccuLoads, FSEC EnergyGauge or the load calculation is stamped by a Professional Engineer (Manual J8 abridged edition is NOT an acceptable substitute for software calculations)

Outdoor temperatures are the 99.0% design temperatures published in the 2009 ASHRAE Handbook of Fundamentals for the home’s location

Indoor temperatures shall be 75 °F for cooling and 70 °F for heating Infiltration rate is selected as “average” or better Ventilation type and CFM designed to meet ASHRAE requirements Ceiling,

wall, and floor areas and insulation values reflect specifications Window and skylight areas, U-factors and SHGCs reflect specifications

Note: One window, wall and ceiling will be checked to verify that it matches the construction specifications (areas must be within 10% of actual value).

Eligible Designers

Any HVAC professional or engineer familiar with the residential design process may create a load calculation with the software above. In addition, a Professional Engineer can use an equivalent method as long as the load calculation is stamped.

Designers

To ensure a load calculation will meet minimum green building program requirements, refer to the back of this page for the ACCA designer checklist and residential design considerations. Designers should submit at minimum:

- Component and Project Summary Reports (Wrightsoft) - Project and Total Building Load Report (Elite) - System Summary and System Load Breakdowns (Acculoads)

References

Verifying ACCA Manual J Procedures: http://www.acca.org/Files/?id=68

Manual J Residential Load Calculation, 8th Edition, Version 2, 2006.

ASHRAE Handbook, Chapter 17.1 Residential Cooling and Heating Load Calculations: Residential Features, 2009

Manual J: Load

Calculation

Manual S: Equipment Selection

Manual D: Duct

Design

Occupant Satisfaction

Prerequisite Design Phase Selection

Builder Submits Completed Plans & Construction Spec

Sheet to Designer

Designer Completes a Manual J

Builder and Verifier Review

Manual J

Designer Revises Manual J

Designer Begins

Manual S

http://www.acca.org/Files/?id=68


September 2012

Design for Typical Building Use

Residential systems should be designed to meet representative maximum-load conditions, NOT extreme conditions. Normal occupancy should be assumed, NOT the maximum that might occur during an occasion or social function. Most residential cooling systems use units of relatively small capacity.

Partial Loads

Outside conditions determine the cooling load of a residential system, and because there are few design days in each season, the unit operates at a partial load the majority of the time.

Dehumidification Issues

Dehumidification occurs only during cooling unit operation; excessive sensible capacity results in short-cycling and degrades dehumidification performance. This negatively impacts occupant comfort and may cause building durability issues.

Smaller Internal Heat Gains

Unlike commercial systems, residential systems do not have large internal heat gains from people, electronics or lighting. Instead system loads are primarily heat transfer through structural components and air leakage.

Fewer Zones

Residential systems are generally considered as a single zone or at most a few zones. This results in some hour-to-hour temperature variation or “swing” that has a significant moderating effect on peak loads, because of heat storage in building components. Zoning is discussed at length in Manual RS: Comfort, Air Quality, and Efficiency by Design.

Key Item Check Questions

Design Temperatures

Indoor Design Temperatures

Is the indoor design temperature for Heating: per Local Code OR 70°F (21°C) at 30% RH?

Is the indoor design temperature for Cooling: per Local Code OR 75°F (24°C) at 50% RH? [or 55% for humid climate, 45% for dry climate?]

Outdoor Design Temperatures Is the outdoor design temperature per Table 1 of MJ8 or Local Code?

Windows, Skylights & Glass Doors

U-values and SHGC values Are the SHGC and U-values reasonable for the window types and frame constructions? (see Table 2 of MJ8)

Shading Adjustments Have window shading (curtains, drapes, insect screens, tinting, etc.) adjustments been made?

Overhang Adjustments Have roof overhang adjustments been made?

Total Area Is the total area for the windows & glass doors roughly equal to the area shown on the drawing plans?

Exposure Directions Do the exposure directions [North (N), North-East (NE), etc.] appear correct?

Walls Insulation Are correct wall insulation R-values taken into account when the wall loads are calculated?

Total Area Is the total area for the walls equal to the area shown on the drawing plans?

Ceilings

Insulation Is correct ceiling insulation R-value taken into account when the ceiling load is calculated?

Radiant Barrier If applicable, does the load calculation take credit for a radiant barrier?

Roof color and material Is correct roof color and material taken into account when the ceiling load is calculated?

Total Area Is the total area for the ceilings equal to the area shown on the drawing plans?

Floors Insulation Is the floor insulation and type of construction representative of what is built/planned?

Infiltration Envelope Tightness Is the listed envelope tightness (tight, semi-tight, average, semi-loose, loose) appropriate?

Above grade volume Is the total above grade volume equal to what is shown on the drawing plans?

Internal Gains

Appliances Are the appliance gains 1200 Btuh, 2400 Btuh or a value recommended by MJ8?

Occupants

Is Maximum Number of Occupants = Number of Bedrooms + 1?

- Is Btuh (cooling) = 230 x Number of Occupants?

- Is Btuh (heating) = 200 x Number of Occupants?

Ducts Duct Location If located in an unconditioned space, are the ducts insulated (appropriate R-value)?

Duct Tightness Is the duct tightness category ‘average sealed’ or higher (i.e. notably sealed, extremely sealed)?

Ventilation

Intermittent Fans Fans Are intermittent bathroom and kitchen fans excluded from the infiltration calculations?

Continuous Exhaust Fans Are dedicated exhaust fans (continuous) included in the calculations?

Heat Recovery Equipment Are the heat recovery equipment and/or a ventilating dehumidifier included in the calculations (if applicable)?

Insulation Installation Grading Information



Source: 2006 Mortgage industry national Home Energy Rating Systems Standards

When it is possible to inspect insulation as installed (i.e., new construction), inspectors shall rate the installation as “Grade I, II, or III” according to the following guidelines, regardless of insulation material or installation process. Note that all insulation installation techniques require proper care to

ensure they are completed correctly; if they are not, thermal performance can suffer dramatically. These guidelines apply to cavity fill insulation, continuous rigid insulation, and any other field-installed insulation products. NOTE: Builder Option Package (BOP) requires that insulation be installed to Grade I

Grade I

"Grade I" shall be used to describe insulation that is generally installed according to manufacturer’s instructions and/or industry standards. A "Grade I" installation requires that the insulation material

uniformly fills each cavity side-to-side and top-to-bottom, without substantial gaps or voids around obstructions (such as blocking or bridging), and is split, installed, and/or fitted tightly around wiring and other services in the cavity. To inspect, probe in, around, or through the insulation and/or vapor retarder in several places to see whether these requirements are met. Replace or repair the vapor retarder and insulation as necessary. During inspection (typically before drywall is installed), if the exterior sheathing is visible from the building interior through gaps in the cavity insulation material, it is not considered a “Grade I” installation.

To attain a rating of "Grade I", wall insulation shall be enclosed on all six sides, and shall be in substantial contact with the sheathing material on at least one side (interior or exterior) of the cavity.

For rim or band joist insulation, use the inspection guidelines under “Walls—Insulation value” to assess “Grade I”, “Grade II”, or “Grade III” installation..

For exterior applications of rigid insulation, insulation shall be in firm contact with the structural sheathing materials, and tightly fitted at joints to be considered a “Grade I” installation.

For faced batt insulation, Grade I can be designated for side-stapled tabs, provided the tabs are

stapled neatly (no buckling), and provided the batt is only compressed at the edges of each cavity, to the depth of the tab itself, and provided it meets the other requirements of Grade I.

For sprayed or blown-in products, density shall be sufficient that the fill material springs back when compressed slightly with a hand or finger, and provided it meets the other requirements of Grade.

Grade I Interpretation:

The following illustrations represent the boundary conditions between Grade I and

Grade II, that is, the installation shall be at least this good to be labeled as “Grade I”:



Occasional very small gaps are acceptable for “Grade I”.

Compression or incomplete fill amounting to 2% or less, if the empty spaces are less than 30% of the intended fill thickness, are acceptable for “Grade I”.

The following standards may be applied as a reference: NAIMA, Recommendations for Installation in

Residential and Other Light-Frame Construction—Fiber Glass Home Insulation (PUB # BI402), Recommendations for Installation in Residential and Other Light-Frame Construction—Fiber Glass Loose Fill Insulation (PUB # BI403), CIMA, Technical Bulletin #2 -- Standard Practice for Installing Cellulose Building Insulation, Technical Bulletin #3-- Standard Practice for Installation of Sprayed Cellulosic Wall Cavity Insulation. For other products and materials, manufacturer's installation instructions will apply.



Grade II

"Grade II" shall be used to describe an installation with moderate to frequent installation defects: gaps around wiring, electrical outlets, plumbing and other intrusions; rounded edges or “shoulders”; or incomplete fill amounting to 10% or more of the area with less than 70% of the intended thickness (i.e., 30% compressed); or gaps and spaces running clear through the insulation amounting to no

more than 2% of the total surface area covered by the insulation. To attain a rating of "Grade II", wall insulation shall be enclosed on all six sides, and shall be in substantial contact with the sheathing material on at least one side (interior or exterior) of the cavity.

Grade II Interpretation:

The following illustrations represent the boundary conditions between Grade II and

Grade III, that is, the installation shall be at least this good to be labeled as “Grade II”:

No more than 2% of surface area of insulation missing is acceptable for “Grade II”



No more than 10% of surface area of insulation compressed or incomplete fill, by more than 30% (70% or less of intended thickness) is acceptable for “Grade II”.

Grade III

"Grade III" shall be used to describe an installation with substantial gaps and voids, with missing

insulation amounting to greater than 2% of the area, but less than 5% of the surface area is intended to occupy. More than 5% missing insulation shall be measured and modeled as separate, uninsulated surfaces according to 3.B.5.p. This designation shall include wall insulation that is not in substantial contact with the sheathing on at least one side of the cavity, or wall insulation in a wall that is open (unsheathed) on one side and exposed to the exterior, ambient conditions or a vented attic or crawlspace. The presence of an air-impermeable barrier such as housewrap will be considered to enclose the building cavities.

Grade III Interpretation:

The following illustration represents the boundary conditions between Grade III and the situation whereby one must measure the uninsulated areas; that is, the installation shall be at least this good to be labeled as “Grade III”:

Financial Incentives Exhibit


Financial Incentives Exhibit

Introduction

There are many reasons to build green. Not only does green construction protect the natural

environment, reduce energy and water bills and result in healthier environments, there are several tangible benefits enjoyed by contractors and owners.

Federal and State Tax Incentives

The Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE) provides a comprehensive listing of federal and state incentives at www.dsireusa.org.

In the State of Georgia, the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority (GEFA) is another valuable

resource regarding state incentives. They administer many energy-efficiency and renewable energy incentives including rebates and tax-free holidays.

Programs currently exist for:

Whole-house energy performance

Energy-Efficient Appliances

Duct and Air Sealing

Building Insulation Solar Buyback Programs Clean Energy Tax Credits

Toilet Replacement Programs

Mortgage Programs

Energy Efficient Mortgages (EEM) are mortgages that credit a home’s energy efficiency in the

mortgage. EEMs allow individuals to qualify for larger loans to purchase energy efficient homes, since higher mortgage rates will be cancelled out by the lower costs of operating an energy efficient home. These mortgage programs not only allow individuals to purchase more energy efficient homes, but also allow some individuals to qualify for mortgages that they would not have qualified for otherwise. Contact EarthCraft for current lenders providing EEMs.

Utility Programs

Local utility providers commonly give homeowners monetary incentives to increase the energy

efficiency of their homes. This information is updated at www.dsireusa.org. Types of programs include loans, rate discounts, and rebates. For example, Georgia Power currently provides funding for homeowners to have energy audits performed on their houses free of charge.

Affordable Housing/Qualified Allocation Plan Programs

Southface and EarthCraft have gained practical knowledge of how best to apply green building and community strategies in tax credit developments. Georgia and Virginia have both adopted EarthCraft into the Qualified Allocation Plans. In 2009, ninety percent of tax credit applicants in Georgia

indicated they would pursue EarthCraft construction and 30% of developers received EarthCraft Communities.

http://www.dsireusa.org/

http://www.dsireusa.org/

Radon Information


Radon Information

About Radon

Radon is a naturally occurring gas produced by the breakdown (radioactive decay) of uranium in soil,

rock and water. Air pressure inside your home is usually lower than pressure in the soil around your home’s foundation. Because of this difference in pressure, your house acts like a vacuum, drawing radon in through foundation cracks and other openings. Radon may also be present in well water and can be released into the air in your home when water is used for showering and other household

uses. In most cases, radon entering the home through water is a small risk compared to radon entering your home from the soil, (Consumer’s Guide to Radon Reduction, EPA 1992).

Frequently Asked Questions

Information Provided By Georgia Department of Natural Resources Pollution Prevention Assistance Division

Where can radon be found?

The major source of high levels of radon in homes is soil surrounding and under the house, particularly soil containing uranium. Radon is found all over the U.S. and the world. Some areas have

more radon problems than others because of varying concentrations of radon-producing minerals in the soil, variation of soil types from one place to another and different characteristics found in individual homes. Radon problems have been identified in every state. EPA estimates that as many as 1 in 15 homes have elevated annual radon levels.

What are the health risks?

The Surgeon General has warned that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S.

today. Only smoking causes more lung cancer deaths. If you smoke and your home has high radon,

your risk of lung cancer is especially high. Almost all scientists agree that radon is a health hazard to humans and that it causes lung cancer. Risk calculation and the action level usually raise debate. The EPA has declared radon to be a "Class A Carcinogen," which means that it has been shown to cause cancer in humans. Radon gas decays into radioactive solid particles that can get trapped in your lungs when you breathe. As the particles break down further, they release small bursts of energy that can damage lung tissue and lead to lung cancer. Not everyone exposed to elevated levels of radon will develop lung cancer. The amount of time between exposure and the onset of disease may

be many years. Smoking combined with radon exposure is an especially serious health risk. You can reduce your risk of lung cancer by stopping smoking and lowering the radon level in your home.

What levels are too high?

Radon is measured in picoCuries per liter (pCi/L) of air. A picoCurie is a measure of the amount of radioactivity of a particular substance. A liter is about equal to a quart. The level of radon in outdoor air is about 0.4 pCi/L. The average indoor radon level is about 1.3 pCi/L. EPA has established 4.0

pCi/L as the action level for radon in homes, schools and workplaces. This is a technology-based number, not a health-based level. Current mitigation technology can generally reduce radon levels to 3.9 pCi/L or less. Since radon is a carcinogen, no level is completely risk-free. However, since it is a natural part of the environment there is no such thing as a "0" level.

What is a PicoCurie?

Radioactivity is commonly measured in picocuries (pCi). This unit of measure is named for the French physicist Madam Marie Curie, who was a pioneer in the research of radioactive elements and their

decay. One pCi is equal to the decay of about two radioactive atoms per minute. Because the level of radioactivity is directly related to the number and type of radioactive atoms present, radon and all other radioactive elements are measured in pCi. For instance, a house having 4 pCi of radon per liter of air has about 8 or 9 atoms of radon decaying every minute in every liter of air inside the

Radon Information


house. A 1,000 square foot house with 4 pCi/L of radon has nearly 2 million radon atoms decaying in it every minute.

How does radon get into homes?

Radon is a soil gas that typically moves up through the ground to the air above. Air pressure inside

a home is usually lower than pressure in the soil around the home's foundation. Because of the difference in pressure, a house acts like a vacuum, drawing radon in through dirt floors, hollow-block walls, cracks in the foundation floor and walls, and openings around floor drains, pipes and sump pumps. Any home may have a radon problem. This includes new, old, well-sealed or drafty homes, and homes with or without basements. Radon is generally more concentrated at lower levels, like basements, ground floors and first floors.

My neighbor got a low reading, so I should not have a problem ... should I?

Radon test results from other homes in the neighborhood should not be used to estimate the radon

level in a particular home. Homes that are next to each other can have different indoor radon levels. In fact, one of the highest levels ever found in a home (>3,000 pCi/L) was across the street from a home which measured less than 4 pCi/L. Testing is the only way to know.

Should every home be tested for radon?

YES. Testing is the only way to know if you and your family are at risk from radon. The Environmental

Protection Agency (EPA) and the Surgeon General recommend testing all homes. Testing is inexpensive and easy - it should only take a few minutes of your time. Millions of Americans have tested their homes for radon.

Can you test your home yourself?

Testing is easy and it should only take a few minutes to place a test kit. There are several kinds of low-cost "do it yourself" radon test kits available through the mail and at hardware stores and other retail outlets. The directions should be followed carefully, as the length of time the kits can remain

open varies depending on the lab. The most common commercially available passive test kits are

charcoal canisters, eperm, alpha track detectors, and charcoal liquid scintillation devices. A test kit is placed in the basement or lowest lived-in level of a home, and after a specified amount of time the kit is mailed to the manufacturer to be analyzed.

Short-term versus Long-term testing

The EPA action level of 4 pCi/L actually represents an annual average. Because radon levels tend to vary from day-to-day, and season-to-season, a short-term test (days) is less likely than a long-term

test (months) to provide the year-round average radon level. However, when results are needed quickly, a short-term test followed by a second short-term test, or two short-term tests placed side by side, and the results averaged, can be used. For either approach the test should last at least 48 hours.

Should you hire a contractor to do the testing?

A trained contractor can be hired to do the test. Make certain the person hired is NEHA or NRSB

certified. NEHA stands for National Environmental Health Association and has been contracted by the U.S. EPA to certify radon testers. NRSB is the National Radon Safety Board.

How do I get a list of NEHA or NRSB certified testers and contractors?

These lists are available from the state radon program offices (Southface) or from the website www.radongas.org.

When is the best time to test for radon?

Anytime that windows and doors are normally kept closed is a good time to test. This is generally in

the winter or summer months, when heating or cooling systems are running. For short-term tests, the house should be closed up for 12 hours before the test begins and throughout the test. If a house has been unoccupied and closed up for several months, the result may more closely

Radon Information


approximate what the radon levels would be with people living in the house if the temperature in the house is allowed to return to the normal living range.

What are the testing protocols?

EPA has issued "protocols" or guidelines for radon testing in the home as well as for testing associated

with real estate transactions. The testing procedures or protocols that are used when a house is being tested in connection with a real estate sale are listed in the "Home Buyer's and Seller's Guide to Radon" (EPA 402-K-00-008, July 2000). The standard protocols are provided in "A Citizen's Guide to Radon" (EPA 402-K92-001, May 1992). This guide provides protocols for both short and long-term radon testing.

Are the tests accurate / reliable?

If a NEHA-certified tester is not used, homeowners should either place two test kits side-by-side or

conduct a retest after the first test is conducted to verify results. It is recommended to retest every

year or so as conditions in a home can change over time. In addition to certifying testers and contractors, NEHA certifies the companies that make and analyze test kits. To ensure that you get reliable results, look for a test kit from a company that has successfully completed this certification process. Contact your state radon program office for a list of certified manufacturers and laboratories.

How long does it take to get the results?

The length of time it takes to get results varies with the manufacturer or laboratory, but, generally, results can be expected within a couple of weeks. Some NEHA-certified laboratories will fast track the results when real estate transactions are involved.

How should the house be prepared for a radon test?

Providing "closed house conditions" during short-term tests means that all windows are kept closed, and doors are kept closed except for normal entry and exit. Heating and air conditioning units can be operated as long as they do not introduce outside air. Exhaust or attic fans should not be used.

These conditions should be maintained for twelve hours prior to initiation of the test, then throughout the remainder of the test.

Does it matter if the house has been closed up for several months?

It does not matter if a house has been closed up for months when you test it. In fact, for short-term tests the house should be closed up for 12 hours before the test begins, as well as throughout the testing period. However, to more closely approximate what the radon levels would be when occupied, the temperature could be allowed to return to some "normal" level prior to testing.

What if a radon test was done in a basement, which has an open crawl space area?

Radon tests should only be done in areas that can be used as living space. A basement connected to an open crawl space could not be used as living space without major remodeling. Hence it is an inappropriate test site.

Radon testing and selling your home

EPA has developed specific testing protocols for use during real estate transactions. They can be

found in the "Home Buyer's and Seller's Guide to Radon" (EPA 402-K-00-008, July 2000). For passive tests the recommendation is: "Take an initial short-term test for at least 48 hours. After the first test has been completed, take a follow-up short-term test for at least 48 hours." or "Take two short-term tests at the same time in the same location for at least 48 hours." For either approach, "Fix the home if the average of two tests is 4 pCi/L or more." For an active test, "Test the home with a continuous monitor for at least 48 hours. Fix the home if the average radon level is 4 pCi/L or more."

If your home has radon, can it be fixed?

There are simple ways to fix a radon problem that aren't too costly. Even high levels can be reduced to acceptable levels in most cases. For new homes, consider Radon-Resistant Construction systems, which allow for control measures to be installed cheaply and without major renovation to your home.

Radon Information


How to reduce (mitigate) radon levels in existing homes

There are two approaches to radon mitigation or reduction. One is to prevent the radon from entering the structure and the other is to remove the radon after it enters the structure. Generally, the best approach is to prevent the radon from entering. Some of the techniques used are soil

depressurization, sealing cracks and joints, pressurizing the building, or a combination of these. Sealing foundation joints and cracks is rarely sufficient as a stand-alone mitigation technique. Soil depressurization, the most common approach, involves running PVC pipe through the slab (or underneath a membrane in a crawl space), then routing it up and through the roof. A fan is attached in the attic area, and the radon is thus drawn from below the slab (or membrane) and vented above the roof where it is quickly diluted in outside air. Pressurization is fairly difficult to maintain, and is less commonly used as a mitigation approach.

EPA recommends that a qualified contractor be used to mitigate homes because of the specialized

technical experience required. Without proper equipment or technical knowledge, one could actually increase the radon levels or create other potential hazards. NEHA certifies radon mitigators that have

taken a course and passed a test based upon the material taught. Contact your state radon program office to obtain a list.

What about new construction?

New homes can be built with radon-resistant features that minimize radon entry and allow easier fixing of radon problems that could occur later. These features cost less if installed during construction than if added to an existing home. Materials and labor cost for the radon-resistant techniques cost less than $100, versus the cost of retrofitting an existing home at $800 to $2,500. In most new homes, use of radon resistant features will keep radon levels to below 2 pCi/L. In many cases, a passive system is all that is needed to effectively reduce indoor radon levels. Nevertheless, occupants of newly constructed homes should test their homes for radon. If the indoor radon levels measure 4 pCi/L or higher, a fan should be installed in the vent pipe to make the system active.

If my radon level is only 4.2 pCi/L, will it help to seal cracks in the floor?

If so, with what?

If your initial test result is 4.2 pCi/L based on a short term test, another test should be conducted as a follow-up. It is possible that the result of such a test would be below 4.0 pCi/L. However, if your home's actual radon concentration is 4.2 pCi/L, sealing cracks in the floor and wall joints is a good first step in solving the problem. A gun-grade polyurethane caulk should be used. This should be considered a first phase, to be followed by another short-term test, and possibly other solutions.

What is a passive radon resistant system?

A passive radon resistant system pulls radon from beneath the home, carries it up through the home in a pipe, and exhausts it above the roof. It differs from an active system in that the active system includes a fan in the pipe as it goes through the attic. The fan in an active system operates continuously, pulling radon-laden air from the soil beneath the lowest floor. In a passive system, the

natural rising of warm air through the pipe continuously exhausts a low flow of air and radon from beneath the lowest floor of the house

How do you install a passive radon resistant system?

First, there is a gas permeable material beneath the lowest floor. This is usually gravel, although other materials can be used. Plastic sheeting is placed above this, and the concrete floor on the sheeting. A 3 to 4 inch plastic pipe runs from the gravel through the sheeting and concrete, up through the house and through the roof. All the penetrations below ground level, such as the

basement floor-wall joint, and plumbing and electrical penetrations, are caulked. This allows the natural convection of warm air moving up the pipe to create a slight vacuum in the gravel beneath the concrete. This vacuum pulls air and radon up the pipe and exhausts it above the roof. The caulking helps prevent air from the living space from being pulled below the floor, and improves the vacuum beneath the floor.

Protocols for Commercial Buildings

Radon Information


EPA has not developed radon testing protocols for commercial buildings. However, EPA has developed testing protocols for schools. These protocols call for initial short-term measurements to be taken simultaneously in all frequently occupied rooms in contact with the ground. Follow-up tests should be performed for every room that initially tests 4 pCi/L or greater. For follow-up tests, use a short-

term test if results are needed quickly; use a long-term test to better understand the average radon level for a school year. See the publication "Radon Measurement in Schools; Revised Edition" EPA 402-R-92-014.

Soil Testing?

EPA does not recommend soil testing for radon prior to construction of new buildings. The reason is that the radon concentrations in soil can be much different from one point on a lot to another. Testing enough locations at enough depths on a site would be very expensive. A much cheaper and more

reliable approach is to use radon resistant techniques when the building is built. These techniques are very inexpensive, help protect the home from radon, and also help solve other problems like moisture in the home. Builders already use many of the techniques. See EPA publications "Radon

resistant Construction Techniques for New Residential Construction" (EPA/625/2-91/032) and "Radon Prevention in the Design and Construction of Schools and Other Large Buildings" (EPA/625/R-92/016) for more information.

Radon in water

In municipal water systems most of the radon will escape to the air during processing. It tends to be the smaller rural water systems and well water which may have elevated radon in water levels. Radon can reach concentrations of many thousands of picoCuries per liter in water. The major health threat is not associated with drinking the water, but rather from breathing the radon that escapes the water and enters the air. An example of this is breathing the air while taking a shower. There is a very rough 10,000 to 1 conversion factor from radon in water to radon in air. For example, 10,000

pCi/L of radon in water would give about 1 pCi/L in air. Similarly, 25,000 pCi/L in water gives about 2.5 pCi/L in air. Individual water supplies can be treated by aeration or installation of granular activated carbon (GAC) absorbers. A GAC system is less expensive than aeration but would still cost

approximately $1,000 to install, plus additional costs to maintain. Depending on the initial radon levels, disposal of the carbon can become a problem over time. If a home has both elevated indoor radon levels and elevated levels in the water, a NEHA-certified contractor should be consulted to determine what strategy

would be the most cost effective in reducing the radon exposure. There are currently no drinking

water standards for radon in water, although standards have been proposed. The final number (in pCi/L) won't be determined until additional studies and analyses have been completed.

List of Resources


List of Resources

Note: The list provided is a snapshot of green building resources available today. Contact your

local green building program provider for more resources specific to your climate.

Books

Must Read Books (Recommended by Linked-In’s “Green Group”) Natural Capitalism by Paul Hawken and Amory Lovins and L. Hunter Lovins The Ecology of Commerce by Paul Hawken

Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things by Bill McDonaugh and Michael Braungart Green to Gold by Daniel C. Esty and Andrew S. Winston

The Sustainability Advantage by Bob Willard

Books by Business Leaders Mid-Course Correction by Ray Anderson, CEO, Interface Stirring it Up: How to Make Money and Save the World with Coupons by Gary Hishberg,

"CE-Yo" of Stonyfield Farm Yogurt True to Our Roots: Fermenting a Business Revolution by Paul Dolan, former CEO of

Fetzer, Current CEO of Parducci Winery, the first carbon-neutral winery in the United States.

Books about Sustainability, Leadership & Business Leadership and the New Science by Meg Wheatley (inter-disciplinary scientist)

Worldchanging by Alex Steffen

Books about Making the Case for Sustainable Business

World Inc. : When it Comes to Solutions - Both Local and Global – Businesses are More Powerful than Government by Brice Piasecki

Deep Economy by Bill McKibben Biomimicry - Innovation Inspired by Nature by Janine M. Benyus Small is Beautiful by E.F. Schumaker

Books about "How-To" Go Sustainable Business Guide to Sustainability by Darcy Hitchcock & Marsha Willard The Sustainability Handbook - The Complete Management Guide to Achieving Social,

Economic, and Environmental Sustainability by William R. Blackburn Plan B. 3.0 - Mobilizing to Save Civilization by Lester Brown Making Sustainability Work: Best Practices in Managing & Measuring Corporate Social &

Environmental Impacts by Marc Epstein

The Triple Bottom Line: How Today's Best-run companies are Achieving Economic, Social, and Environmental Success by Andrew Savitz

The Sustainable Company by Chris Laszlo

Capitalism at the Crossroads: Aligning Business, Earth, and Humanity by Start Har The Economics of Happiness: Building Genuine Wealth by Mark Anielski

Government Agencies

Building America Builders Challenge DOE Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy: Building Technologies Program EPA's ENERGY STAR Programs EPA’s ENERGY STAR for Homes Program

EPA’s Indoor Air Package (IAP)

List of Resources


Green Product Certifications

Greenguard Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)

Green Design

Affordable Housing Design Advisor

NREL – Whole Building Integration for Residential Buildings Whole System Integration Process (WSIP)

Professional Organizations

American Institute of Architects RESNET

Toolbase / Green Building USGBC

References

ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 55-2004 ASHRAE Standard 62.2-2007 – Ventilation and Acceptable Indoor Air Quality in Low-Rise Residential Buildings ASHRAE Standard 90.2-2007 - Energy-Efficient Design of Low-Rise Residential Buildings 2006 (with 2007 supplement) International Energy Conservation Code,

International Code Council International Residential Code (IRC) National Mortgage Industry Home Energy Rating Standard

Publications

Builder Magazine Energy Design Update Environmental Building News Fine Homebuilding Home Energy Magazine Journal of Light Construction

Oikos

Websites

Greenbuildingadvisor.com Buildingreen.com

Pharosproject.net Greenhomeguide.com Buildingscience.com

Glossary


Glossary

Abatement

Reducing or removing any kind of pollution.

Agricultural Bi-products Products developed in agriculture but are not a primary product. This is often converted into building materials, such as straw used in wall panels or entire bales used as building blocks.

Agricultural Fibers Natural fibers, such as cotton, often used as insulation materials.

Air Barrier A material or structural element that inhibits air flow into and out of a building's envelope or shell.

Air leakage The ability of air to hold moisture in the form of vapor.

Air Quality Standards Amount of pollutants approved by predetermined guidelines that are not to be surpassed during a given time in a specific area.

American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) ASHRAE, founded in 1894, is an international organization of 55,000 persons. ASHRAE fulfills its mission of advancing heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration to serve humanity and promote a sustainable world through research, standards writing, publishing and continuing

education.

Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) A measure of a furnace's heating efficiency. The higher the AFUE, the more efficient the product.

The minimum efficiency allowed is 78%. Mid-efficiency units range between 80-82%, and high-efficiency units between 90-98%. Remember that gas furnaces use electricity to power blowers, vents and dampers. This electricity usage can be the primary difference between different brand furnaces with the same efficiency rating.

Argon Low-conductivity fill gas for windows. By substituting the air in a sealed insulated glass window for a denser, lower-conductivity gas such as argon, heat loss can be reduced significantly. Other gases that have been or are being used in windows include carbon dioxide (CO2), sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), krypton (Kr), and argon-krypton mixtures.

Attic Kneewall

Any vertical or near-vertical wall in the building envelope that has conditioned space on one side and unconditioned attic space on the other side. If the building envelope is defined by the insulation installed along the roof deck, the vertical wall is considered an interior wall and thus does not require insulation.

Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) AAC is an inorganic material that contains no toxic substances or pollutants. It does not slowly decompose or off-gas. ACC is highly efficient thanks to its high R-value, thermal mass, and air-

tightness. Since AAC is both a structural and insulation material, it allows the elimination of other materials that can contribute to poor indoor air quality and increase waste. ACC can be used for walls, floors and/or roof. AAC is also completely recyclable. However, ACC does have to be covered with design materials like plaster to prevent erosion by water.

Glossary


Backdrafting Combustion gas spillage that occurs when a naturally vented appliance loses the chimney effect, which normally carries dangerous combustion by-products (carbon dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide) up the chimney. Backdrafting can occur with furnaces, fireplaces, woodstoves,

and water heaters when air pressure in the house is lower than outside air pressure. It is more likely to occur when the wind speed is too low to create suction by the Venturi effect at the top of the chimney. Forces working to depressurize a home such as bathroom exhaust fans, kitchen range hoods, and clothes dryers can cause backdrafting.

Backer Rod Polyethylene foam rope used as a backer for caulking.

Backerboard

A special kind of tile substrate that can be used on floors, walls, and ceilings. One common type is fiber-reinforced cement board, such as Durock (made by USG) or Wonderboard (Custom Building

Products). Another choice is Dens-Shield, a coated, glass-mat gypsum panel made by Georgia-Pacific.

Baffle A device, such as a cardboard plate, used to check, retard, or divert a flow of a material, wind or

sound.

Band Joist Wooden joist perpendicular to the direction of the joists in a floor framing system, closing off the floor platform at the outside face of the building.

Biodegradable A material that is capable of decomposing naturally within a short amount of time.

Bitumen

Any of various flammable mixtures of hydrocarbons and other substances, occurring naturally or

obtained by distillation from coal or petroleum, that are a component of asphalt and tar and are used for surfacing roads and for waterproofing.

Blocking Pieces of wood built into a roof assembly used to stiffen the deck around an opening, support a curb, or for use as a nailer for attachment of membranes or flashing. Blocking may also be used to fill large voids between framing members for the purposes of air-sealing.

Blower Door A large powerful variable-speed fan mounted in a doorway that blows air into (pressurizes) or sucks air out of (depressurizes) a house. It's used to test for air leakage in a house. The size and complexity of the fan varies, but all blower doors have adjustable frames around the fan so that they can fit snugly into most doorways.

Blown-in Insulation

Insulation that is inserted into walls or other areas by being "blown in". Commonly used in attic

floors or other areas that are inaccessible for normal installation, it can also be pumped into wall cavities through small openings in the sheathing.

Bond Break Material A substance or a tape applied between two adjoining materials to prevent adhesion between them.

Boot A duct section that introduces ducted air into conditioned space, connecting the round duct with the

square register.

Bottom Plate In wood stud framing construction, the bottom continuous horizontal member that supports the studs.

Glossary


British Thermal Unit (BTU) The amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of water (about one pint) by one degree F.

Builder Option Packages (BOPs)

BOPs represent a set of construction specifications for a specific climate zone that will enable a home's energy performance to qualify for the ENERGY STAR label. Though constructing a home to BOP specifications negates the need for a full custom HERS rating, third-party confirmation that BOP requirements have been met is still necessary.

Building thermal envelope A boundary that separates conditioned space from unconditioned space.

Brownfields

Idle facilities where expansion or redevelopment is made difficult by environmental contamination.

Building America Building America is a private/public partnership that develops energy solutions for new and existing homes. The Building America project combines the knowledge and resources of industry leaders with the U.S. Department of Energy's technical capabilities.

Building America Builders Challenge

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has posed a challenge to the homebuilding industry to build 220,000 high performance homes by 2012. The initiative is called the Builders Challenge, and homes that qualify must meet a 70 or better on the EnergySmart Home Scale (E-Scale). The E-Scale is a scale that allows homebuyers to understand, at a glance, how the performance of a particular home compares to that of others.

Building Envelope The exterior walls, floor, and ceiling/roof assembly of a building that has continuous insulation and

a continuous air barrier. The building envelope separates conditioned space from unconditioned

space.

Bulk Moisture in a building that comes from rain, drainage, plumbing leaks.

Cantilever Any structural part of a building that projects beyond its support and overhang. Primarily applies to floors and roof trusses.

Capillarity Wicking through porous materials (concrete, fiberglass and cellulose insulation, wood.

Capillary Barrier A material or air space designed to stop capillary action from carrying water into a building.

Ceiling Joist

One of a series of parallel framing members used to support ceiling loads and supported in turn by

larger beams, girders or bearing walls.

Cellulose A fibrous part of plants used to manufacture paper/textiles.

Cellulose Insulation Insulation is made from recycled newspaper with borates to provide fire protection.

Central cut area A central location where all lumber products are to be cut on-site.

http://www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/challenge/energysmart.html

Glossary


Certified Forest Product A product certified as sustainable/suitable for use in a green building. These products are from a managed forest that has passed guidelines for responsible harvesting and environmental conservation.

Chain-of-custody Certification A product that has met certain requirements throughout its life, beginning from its extraction and production all the way to its distribution and sale.

Chase A vertical cavity created by interior framing that connects two or more stories. A groove or indentation cut into masonry to accommodate electric or plumbing lines.

Chlorofluorocarbons

Chemicals used in refrigeration, air conditioning, insulation, or as solvents and aerosol propellants. CFC's are not eliminated in the lower atmosphere, and therefore they float into the upper

atmosphere where their components destroy the ozone layer.

Cladding Protective screen or covering on the outside of a building. e.g. Vinyl, brick and wood siding.

Clean Energy

Energy created from renewable sources with low environmental impact.

Climate Zones: Regions that are defined by the Department of Energy and based on characteristics such as; heating degree days, inches of annual precipitation, and average monthly winter temperatures.

Closed Cell Insulation Closed cell insulation is an expanding spray-applied foam, which insulates by creating an air-seal. Closed cell foam uses a blowing agent to expand the cell walls and increase the initial R-value.

Closed cell foam does not allow vapor transfusion and has an R value of ~6-7 per inch.

Coefficient of Performance (COP) An air conditioner or heat pump’s output in watt-hours of heat moved divided by watt-hours of electrical input.

Cold Climate Zone Greater than 4,600 HDD and less than 8,000 HDD.

Collar

A compression ring around a small circular opening. Collars are used on HVAC systems to attach the flex duct to the plenum.

Commissioning The process of testing and adjusting building mechanical systems after building construction or as a retrofit measure.

Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs)

These lamps use much less energy than standard incandescent or fluorescent light bulbs.

Compressor A motorized vapor pump that compresses the gaseous refrigerant and sends it to the condenser where collected heat is released.

Compost An organic fertilizer made by a composting process wherein bacteria in the soil is mixed with degradable trash.

Glossary


Concrete Masonry Unit (CMU) A hollow concrete masonry unit made from Portland cement and suitable aggregates such as sand, gravely crushed stone, bituminous or anthracite cinders, burned clay or shale, pumice, volcanic scoria, air-cooled or expanded blast furnace slags with or without the inclusion of other materials.

Condensate Line A piece of tubing that moves excess water from the HVAC system or a dehumidifier to the exterior of the house.

Condenser Coil The device in an air conditioner or heat pump through which the refrigerant is circulated and releases heat to the surroundings when a fan blows outside air over the coils. This will return the hot vapor that entered the coil into a hot liquid upon exiting the coil.

Condensing Surface A surface which maintains a temperature that differs from the ambient temperature such that,

when moisture laden air comes in contact with a cooler temperature surface, moisture in the air condenses on that surface.

Condensing Unit The component of a central air conditioner that is designed to remove heat absorbed by the

refrigerant. Heat absorbed by the refrigerant is then transferred outside the conditioned space.

Conditioned space Any area within the building envelope that is directly heated and cooled.

Conduction Occurs when heat moves through a solid.

Conduit A protective sleeve or pipe commonly used for individual electrical conductors.

Cooling Degree Days (CDD): Similar to HDD but for cooling season.

Cooling Load The maximum rate of heat removal required of an air conditioner when the outdoor temperature and humidity are at the highest expected level.

Convection Occurs when heat moves from a liquid.

Coping Protective capping or covering on the top of the wall.

Coping Wedge A coping with one edge thicker than the other, thus with its upper surface sloping one way only.

Used in roof designs, to keep moisture from sitting on seams or other possible entry points.

Cradle-to-Cradle

A procedure that advocates the recycling of waste materials into new products rather than permanently disposing of them.

Cradle-to-Grave A procedure advocating the disposal of waste materials by means of landfill, incineration, etc. rather than recycling.

Cripple Stud A short wood stud occurring over door or window headers or under windowsills.

Glossary


Cupola Vault on the top of the building that is commonly spherical designed to allow daylighting into the building. Due to using vertical windows with overhangs, cupolas typically reduce the solar heat gain compared to using skylights for daylighting.

Curtain Wall Thin protective external wall in front of the main frame of a building, now usually made of glass and light metals.

Cycling losses The loss of heat as the water circulates through a water heater tank, and/or inlet and outlet pipes.

Damper A flap to control or obstruct the flow of air or other gasses; specifically, a metal control flap in the

throat of a fireplace, or in an air duct; controls that vary airflow through an air outlet, inlet, or duct; a damper position may be immovable, manually adjustable, or part of an automated control

system.

Damp-proofing A process used on concrete, masonry or stone surfaces to repel water, the main purpose of which is to prevent the coated surface from absorbing rainwater while still permitting moisture vapor to

escape from the structure. "Damp-proofing" generally applies to surfaces above grade; "waterproofing" generally applies to surfaces below grade.

Daylighting Using natural light in many different ways in a building. By using various design methods, this light decreases reliance on electricity by using windows and skylights.

Decking A material used to span across beams or joists to create a floor or roof surface. The wood material

installed under roofing material to support the roofing.

Design for the Environment (DfE) An environmentally sensitive design model which reducing environmental damage through careful planning and material selection.

Design Temperature Reasonably expected minimum (or maximum) temperature for a particular area.

Winter design temperature - 99% of the time the outdoor temperature is above this

value. Summer design temperature - only 1% of the cooling season is hotter than this value.

Dew point The temperature at which water vapor condenses into water.

Diffusion When water moves at the molecular level through porous materials.

Distribution uniformity The measure of uniformity of applied irrigation water over an area. DULQ is the ratio of the average of the lowest 25 percent of measurements to the overall average measurement

Domestic Hardwood Deciduous trees whose wood is the only in the U.S. and where the growth of new trees exceeds the removal rate.

Dust Spot Efficiency

A measure of a filter's collection efficiency for fine particles.

Glossary


Dormer A projection from the roofline including one or more windows, usually differing in pitch, of various sizes, predominantly used to introduce light into half-story areas and attics.

Downspout

Vertical pipe usually made from sheet metal or plastic, which carries water from the roof gutters to the ground or a storm drain.

Draft Diverter A device located in gas appliance chimneys that moderates draft and diverts down drafts that could extinguish the pilot light or interfere with combustion.

Draft Inducer A fan that depressurizes the venting system and exhausts combustion air.

Drainage Board

Commonly refers to a sub grade drainage plane applied to the exterior of foundation walls.

Drainage Plane Drainage planes are water repellent materials (building paper, house-wrap, foam insulation, etc.), which are typically located behind the cladding and are designed and constructed to drain water that passes through the cladding. They are interconnected with flashings, window and door

openings, and other penetrations of the building enclosure to provide drainage of water to the exterior of the building. The materials that form the drainage plane overlap each other shingle fashion or are sealed so that water drains down and out of the assembly. The drainage plane is also referred to as the "weather resistant barrier" or WRB.

Dried In Commonly refers to the point in construction when the house is able to stay dry in the rain due to the roof decking, felt or tar paper, wall sheathing and house-wrap being installed.

Dry-bulb temperature The temperature of air that is determined by using a conventional thermometer.

Drywall Gypsum interior wallboard used to produce a smooth and level interior wall surface and to resist fire. Also called sheetrock.

Duct A pipe, tube, or channel used to distribute air throughout a house.

Duct Board A reinforced fiberglass board with a foil air-barrier, used to create ductwork. Primarily for fabricating trunk assemblies and plenum boxes.

Duct Boot A piece of sheet metal connecting a heating or cooling duct and a vent.

Duct leakage to outside

The amount of duct leakage that leaves the building envelope and is tested separately from total duct leakage.

Duct Trunk The main line of a duct system that extends from the plenum with branch take-offs that distribute air to each room.

Earth Sheltered Design A home designed to be built partially or completely below ground, either by digging into existing

ground or by covering over parts of the house. This design utilizes the constant temperature of the soil to improve energy efficiency and reduces environmental impact.

Glossary


Earth's Thermal Energy A little below the surface, the earth keeps a constant temperature close to the human comfort level, and this type of heating can be used efficiently for geothermal heating systems.

Eave

Lower section of the roof forming an overhang and comprised of a fascia, soffit and soffit molding. The word eave comes from the Old English word "off", meaning over.

Efficacy The lamp output per unit of energy input to the lamp. Therefore, it is the ratio of lamp output to wattage consumption, expressed in lumens per watt (LPW).

Efficiency The absolute percentage of light produced within a fixture that is not absorbed within the fixture,

but actually leaves the fixture.

Embodied Energy The energy that is necessary to make a product. It is also the molecular energy already existing in a product's content.

Emission The release of any gas or vapor into the environment from a particular source, including

smokestacks, chimneys, and motor vehicles.

Emissivity The ability of a material to emit radiant energy from its surface.

Energy Corner Also called a California Corner. An energy corner is an advanced framing technique, which reduces the amount of lumber used in a framed corner. This technique also allows the corner stud cavity to be fully insulated and reduces thermal bridging.

Energy Efficiency Products or systems designed to use less energy for the same or higher performance. It can also save money on utilities by being less reliable on fossil fuels and depending more on renewable resources.

Energy Factor Indicates a water heater's overall energy efficiency based on the amount of hot water produced per unit of fuel consumed over a typical day. The higher the energy factor, the more efficient the water

heater. However, higher energy factor values don't always mean lower annual operating costs, especially when you compare fuel sources.

Energy Guide Label Label required by the FTC on appliances that show (1) an estimated annual cost of operation and (2) how that unit's efficiency compares to all other comparable models.

Energy Modeling

A computer model used to analyze a building's energy systems in order to project its possible consumption rate.

Energy Recovery A process of attaining energy from waste.

Energy Recovery Ventilator A device that draws stale air away from a building and transfers the heat or coolness of that air to the outside air being pulled into the house, which also decreases energy costs along with reducing

indoor pollutants.

Glossary


ENERGY STAR HERS Index Target The HERS Index of ENERGY STAR Reference Design Home multiplied by the size adjustment factor (SAF).

Envelope Leakage Ratio (ELR)

The volume of air in cubic feet per minute moved through the fan to maintain a 50 Pa pressure difference between the house and outside.

SFBE

CFMELR 50

cfm50

Environmental Aspect The way a manufacturer's activities or products can relate positively or negatively with the environment.

Environmental Audit An assessment of a company's (or person's) compliance with environmental requirements.

Environmental Impact Any positive or negative change to the environment resulting from manufacturing processes.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) A U.S. governmental organization designed to set and enforce environmental regulations.

Fluorocarbon

A non-flammable liquid or gas used as propellants; often used in spray cans, they are classified as ozone-depleting substances.

Evaporative Cooler A device for cooling homes in a dry climate that cools the incoming air by humidifying it.

Evaporator Coil The heat transfer coil of an air conditioner or heat pump that cools the surrounding air as the

refrigerant inside the coil evaporates and absorbs heat.

Exfiltration Air leaking out of a building.

Expanded-extruded Polystyrene Foam Insulation (XEPS) A type of closed cell foam insulation with a density of 1.5 pound per cubic foot and an average R-value of 5 per inch. XEPS has a higher compressive strength than MEPS, making it better suited for use on roofs or in wall panels. XEPS also has excellent resistance to moisture absorption.

Often used as the insulation for Structural Insulating Panels (SIPs) and as Insulating Concrete Forms (ICFs).

Expansion Valve A valve that meters refrigerant into the evaporator of an air conditioner or heat pump.

Exterior Wall The wall area above ground level that is a direct barrier between conditioned space and ambient outside air.

Extruded Polystyrene A type of insulation much like the expanded version, but much more structurally sound.

Felt Sheets, consisting of a mat of organic or inorganic fibers, unsaturated, saturated, or coated with coal tar pitch or asphalt.

Fenestration

Window or door openings in a building shell.

Glossary


Fiberglass Insulation A type of insulation, composed of small diameter pink, yellow, or white glass fibers, formed into blankets or batts, or used in loose-fill and blown-in applications.

First Hour Delivery

Rating based on the combination of the usable stored volume of hot water in a tank plus the recovery capacity for the first hour of operations.

Flashing Waterproof material used to prevent leakage at intersections between the roof surface at walls or penetrations.

Flex Duct Flexible ductwork manufactured in various diameters, made from spiral wire covered in plastic and

commonly insulated, for use in the transfer of air in heating, cooling and ventilating systems. Usually installed in a single, continuous piece between the register and plenum box or trunk line, a

flexible duct usually has an inner lining and an insulated coating on the outside.

Floating Slab Technique Concrete floor that is unconnected to the foundation wall.

Floor Joist

A support beam, commonly installed in parallel with other beams to create a structural floor system, after which floor sheathing is fastened. The framing members that support the floor.

Flue A channel within an appliance or chimney for combustion gases to exit the building. See backdrafting.

Fluffing The practice of installing blow-in, loose-fill insulation at a lower density than is recommended to

meet a specified R-Value. (More air than insulation)

Fly Ash An ash residue created from combustion processes. Some electrical plants create a non-toxic fly ash that can be a substitute for Portland Cement.

Foil Tape A UL listed duct tape made of a thin aluminum foil with an adhesive backing. Foil tape is not as durable as mastic and may not be an approved method of sealing duct work in all green building

programs.

Footing A masonry section, usually concrete, in a rectangular form wider than the bottom of the foundation wall or pier it supports. The part of a foundation system that actually transfers the weight of the building to the ground.

Formaldehyde

Colorless, pungent, toxic (the cause of many cancers or respiratory ailments) material used to as a component in glues for wood products.

Fossil Fuel Fuel (such as coal, oil and natural gas) produced by the decomposition of fossilized plants and animals.

French Drain A trench filled with gravel, often with a perforated pipe on the bottom, to carry off intercepted

subterranean drainage.

Fuel Cell A device used to convert energy into electrical power that is cleaner than most power sources.

Glossary


Full Spectrum Lights Lights that imitate the natural light spectrum and are therefore considered healthier.

Furnace A unit which draws in cool air from an occupied space and passes the air through a heating

chamber, combustion or electric, and then is returned to the occupied space; a heat system using air as the distribution.

Furring Thin wood, or metal applied to a wall to level the surface for lathing, boarding, or plastering, to create an insulating air space, and to damp proof the wall.

Gable The triangular section of an end wall formed by the pitch of the roof.

Gasket

Elastic strip that seals a joint between two materials.

Generator A power plant producing electricity for a large number of people.

Geothermal Heat A technology that utilizes the warmth from subsurface water to heat buildings, and it also extracts

this heat to put back into the ground for cooling.

Global Warming A significant variation from one climatic condition to another due to human activities.

Green Building A building constructed to incorporate design techniques and materials, which then minimize its environmental impacts.

Green Electricity Provider

A utility that generates or invests in electricity from renewable sources and sells it for a small premium over standard electricity costs.

Green Power See Renewable Energy

Greenhouse Effect The warming of the Earth's atmosphere due to a buildup of gases in the air.

Greenhouse Gas

Any gas contributing to the greenhouse effect (carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide) by staying in the atmosphere and intensifying the sun's heat as it radiates to the earth.

Greywater

Wastewater that doesn't contain contaminates and can then be reused for irrigation after filtration.

Ground Coupled Water Source Heat Pump (Geothermal) Heat pump that uses the ground or large body of water to transfer heat to and from the refrigerant

in the unit. The unit circulates water through a heat exchanger into a closed loop buried in the ground or by pumping water from a well through the unit. Ground or water temperatures are more constant and are warmer in winter and cooler in summer than air temperatures. Geothermal heat pumps operate more efficiently than "conventional" or "air source" heat pumps.

Gutter A channel to collect rainwater and snow melt at the eaves of a roof; a shallow channel constructed of steel, copper, aluminum, or plastic compounded with other materials to increase strength and

wearing or rust resistance, positioned just below and along the eaves of a building for collecting and diverting water from a roof.

Glossary


Gypsum A hydrated sulfate of calcium occurring naturally in sedimentary rock. In roofing, a type of lightweight deck made from this pulverized rock. Used in concrete, wallboard, sheets, building blocks, formboard, coreboard, backing, and plaster.

Halocarbons Manmade chemicals that, when released into the atmosphere as greenhouse gases, can disrupt global climate patterns. Their most common use is in refrigeration and air conditioning technologies.

Hardwoods Generally one of the botanical groups of trees that have broad leaves in contrast to the conifers or softwoods. The term has no reference to the actual hardness of the wood.

Harvested Rainwater Rain channeled by gutters to a storage unit and can then be reused for different things.

Header A joist that supports other joists; a short joist into which the common joists are framed around or over an opening.

Heat flow

The tendency of air to move from hot to cold.

Heating Degree Days (HDD) How much and how long the temperature is below 65°F during each day, season, or year. It indicates the severity of winter and is used to determine the demand for energy needed to heat a building.

Heat Pump A combination heating and cooling device. In the winter it extracts heat from air as cold as 20

degrees, and in the summer it works in reverse to become an air conditioner.

Heat Recovery Systems Mechanical devices used to capture waste heat from another system to replace the heat that would otherwise come from a primary energy source.

Heating Degree Day (HDD) Each degree that the average daily temperature is below the base temperature (usually 65ºF) constitutes one heating degree-day. The USA is divided into 5 climate zones based on HDD, which

is used when comparing energy consumption and insulation needs of buildings.

Heating Load The maximum heating rate needed by a building during the very coldest weather.

Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF) A measure of an electric heat pump's heating efficiency. This wintertime counterpart of the SEER

rating varies from a minimum of 6.8 to 7.5 for mid-efficiency equipment to over 8.0 for high

efficiency. Typically, as the SEER rating increases, so does the HSPF. For the longer heating season of colder climate, this number is more important than the SEER.

High-performance Building Similar to a green building, these structures specifically aim to be energy efficient, safe, and healthy.

High-quality Duct System An alternative system in which all the ducts are sealed with fibrated latex material and fiberglass

tape, and then run outside to avoid significant heating and cooling losses and potential health threats caused by de/pressurizing a house.

Glossary


Hot dry/mixed dry Climate Zone Less than 4,600 HDD and less than 20” of rain per year.

Hot humid Climate Zone Less than 4,600 HDD and more than 20” of rain per year; average monthly winter temperature

stays above 45°F.

House Wrap Polyethylene barrier wrapped around a house to save energy.

Hydropower (hydroelectricity) Clean energy technology that uses moving water to produce electricity. Water flows through a hydraulic turbine, which spins and then rotates generators and converts rotational energy into electricity.

IC-Rated

Rated for insulation contact. Often used for can lights that may be in contact with insulation.

Indigenous Materials Building with materials that are produced in an area near to where the construction is taking place. This reduces building costs and helps to boost local economies.

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)

The amount of indoor pollution sources (paint, carpet, wood treatments, mold, etc) which can release different harmful gases (such as carbon monoxide) and can cause health hazards if the air isn't properly ventilated.

Infiltration The exchange between conditioned room air and outdoor air through cracks and openings in the building enclosure. Air leaking into a building.

Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF)

Alternative construction products that can provide dramatic improvements in energy efficiency. Instead of a traditional wood frame, polystyrene blocks or panels are used as forms. Steel reinforcement is then placed both horizontally and vertically in the forms and concrete is poured inside. ICFs improve a home’s energy efficiency, are resistant to rot, provide soundproofing, and are typically treated to withstand fire.

Integrated Pest Management A cost-effective way to prevent pests by using less invasive techniques to both animal and

occupant alike.

Lead A toxic pollutant, typically found in older homes, that is a component of lead-based paint.

Intermediate Zone A zone located between the building’s conditioned spaces and outdoors, like a crawl space or attic.

Inverter

A device that that converts direct current electricity (from for example a solar photovoltaic module or array) to alternating current for use directly to operate appliances or to supply power to an electricity grid.

Jack A mechanical device for lifting heavy objects.

Jack Stud A partial stud nailed next to full studs to support the header at door (and some window) openings.

Jamb The side or top piece of a window or doorframe.

Glossary


Joint Compound “Mud” A wet gypsum material applied to sheetrock joints.

Joist A, usually horizontal, structural member used as a floor, ceiling or roof framing member.

Junction Box A metal or hard plastic electrical rough-in box, usually square or octagonal, housing only wire or cable connections.

King Stud The last full-length wall stud adjacent to a trimmer stud at a door or window opening.

Latent Heat The change in heat content that occurs with a change in phase and without change in temperature.

Refers to the moisture load in a home.

Life Cycle Assessment Analyzing a product's entire life from raw materials through manufacture, use, and disposal.

Low Biocide Paint that does not contain toxic additives, such as fungicide or pesticide.

Low-E Coating

Microscopically thin, virtually invisible, metal or metallic oxide layers deposited on a window or skylight glazing surface primarily to reduce the U-factor by suppressing radiative heat flow.

Low-E Windows Low emissivity windows that reflect heat, not light, thereby keeping spaces warmer in winter and cooler in summer.

Low-flow toilet

A toilet that uses less water than a traditional unit, therefore lowering costs by using water more

efficiently.

Low-pressure Drop Air Filters High efficiency air filters with an extended surface, which allows for more filtration without an increase in horsepower.

Manual D Manual D is the ACCA (Air Conditioning Contractors of America) method for designing duct systems. Contractors often find it a laborious process and most duct systems are just installed, not

designed. The amount of time necessary to design a duct system is certainly warranted in tract construction where the design is used repeatedly and for custom homes where the total cost of the home warrants a proper design. In short, designing a duct system is essential for proper equipment performance and customer comfort.

Manual J load calculation Manual J load calculation is a widely accepted method of calculating the sensible and latent cooling

(and heating) loads under design conditions. It was jointly developed by the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) and the Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute (ARI).

Mastic A thick creamy paste used to permanently seal ducts, seams, and cracks in building materials. Comes in tubs and tubes and typically costs $10 per gallon. Look for mastic that is fiber reinforced. Use instead of duct tape. Duct tape’s adhesive dries out and therefore does not create a permanent seal.

Mixed humid Climate Zone Less than 4,600 HDD and more than 20” of rain per year; average monthly winter temperature drops below 45°F.

Glossary


Model Energy Code (MEC) The Model Energy Code (MEC), published and maintained by the International Code Council (ICC) as the “International Energy Conservation Code” (IECC) as of 1998, contains energy efficiency criteria for new residential and commercial buildings and additions to existing buildings. It covers

the building’s ceilings, walls, and floors/foundations; and the mechanical, lighting, and power systems.

Moisture flow The tendency of moisture to move from wet to dry.

Molded Expanded Polystyrene (MEPS) Also known as beadboard. A closed cell material used in foam insulation. Has an average R-value of 4 per inch of thickness and a density of one pound per cubic foot when used as foam board.

Spaces between the foam beads can absorb water; therefore a vapor diffusion retarder is necessary if water transmission through the insulation might present a problem for the user. Often

used as the insulation for Structural Insulating Panels (SIPs) and as Insulating Concrete Forms (ICFs).

Monolithic Slab Slab that is part of the footings. Used to describe something without seams; formed from a single

material.

National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) A non-profit organization that administers the only uniform, independent rating and labeling system for the energy performance of windows, doors, skylights, and attachment products. www.nfrc.org

Natural Infiltration Rate The rate of air leaking into or out of a home at a natural state.

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

A federal agency that conducts research in order to prevent work-related injury and illness.

Net rated exhaust flow Flow through an exhaust system minus the compensating outdoor airflow through any supply system that is interlocked to the exhaust system.

On Center Framing (OC Framing) Method of indicating spacing of framing members by stating the distance from center of one to center of the next.

Open web joist A metal joist where the edges are reinforced by a lightweight structural steel in a zigzag pattern, creating a strong yet lightweight framing member.

Open-combustion Heater A heater that takes its combustion air from the surrounding room. Add risks of negative pressure. Should be accompanied by an Oxygen Depletion Sensor (ODS).

Glossary


Oriented strand board (OSB) Structural panels engineered from strategically layered long wood strands that can be used for:

Wall sheathing - excellent strength and racking performance under all types of exterior cladding.

Roof sheathing - uniformly sound and extra rigid to handle snow and wind loads. Subfloors - strong, rigid and impact-resistant for underlayment, carpet or tiles. Single-layer floors - Use OSB directly under carpet, lightweight concrete or hardwood. Underlayment - uniformly thin yet strong and finely sanded, OSB provides a smooth and

uniform base for vinyl or tile. Structural insulated panels - OSB foam-core panels offer high strength, R-value, and

easy installation.

I-joists - a high quality support system that minimizes deflection, provides for long spans and minimizes floor squeaking.

Rimboards - an engineered product to carry building wind and seismic loads to the foundation.

Outgas Emission of fumes into the air; these emissions are often caused by building materials that contain

certain chemicals.

Oxygen Depletion Sensor (ODS) A safety device for unvented combustion heaters that shut gas off when oxygen is depleted.

Packaged Unit An air conditioner that contains the compressor, evaporator, and condenser in a single unit.

Pan Flashing A sheet metal flashing that covers an equipment platform and is designed to counter flash the base

flashings surrounding the platform.

Partition Wall

Wall that subdivides space but does not provide structural support.

Pascal A unit of pressure or stress equal to one Newton per square meter.

Passive Design Building design that uses natural processes such as radiation, convection, absorption, and

conduction as support.

Passive Cooling/Heating A building structure designed to increase ventilation and retention of heating/cooling within its building components.

Passive Solar Design Using design methods to capitalize on heat and light from the sun, thereby reducing the need for

electric systems.

Percent Grade To evaluate the proposed slope of a driveway, road, etc. a calculation is done by dividing the rise and fall of the grade by the distance over which the rise and fall is measured. This decimal figure is then multiplied by 100 to obtain the percent grade.

Perm A measurement of how much water vapor a material will let pass through it per unit of time (vapor

permeance).

Pervious Paving Material that allows water to penetrate to the soil below, thereby decreasing the amount of water needed by the water system.

Glossary


Pile A column-like member supporting the structure from the ground.

Pitch Slope of a roof. Pitch is the ratio of vertical rise to horizontal run.

Plenum The piece of ductwork that connects the air handler to the main supply duct.

Polyethylene Plastic polymer used for vapor barriers, air barriers and foam backer rod.

Polyisocyanruate (PIR) Plastic foam insulation sold in sheets, similar in composition to polyurethane. See polyurethane.

Polystyrene

Rigid plastic foam insulation, usually white or blue in color.

Polyurethane (PUR) Closed-cell foams that contain a low-conductivity gas in the cells, usually yellow in color. The high thermal resistance of the gas gives these foams an R-value of between R-6 and R-7 per inch. Available as a liquid spray, poured foam and also as rigid board. Can also be made into laminated panels with a variety of facings. Over time, the R-value of the foam drops as some of the gas

escapes and air replaces it. When manufactured, the initial R-value is roughly R-9 per inch. Experimental data on this type of foam indicates that most thermal drift occurs within the first two years after manufacture and slowly decreases until it stabilizes at about R-7 per inch. It then remains unchanged unless the foam is damaged.

Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) Content Materials that have been recovered after use.

Poured Wall

Concrete wall that is poured into forms and set-up in the place where it will remain.

Pressure boundary Responsible for slowing the flow of air through a building. Also known as an air barrier.

Psychometrics The science of the relationship between air, water vapor, and heat. The measurement of water vapor and heat in an air sample.

Purlins

Framing members that sit on top of rafters, perpendicular to them, designed to spread support to roofing materials.

Radiant Barrier A thin, reflective foil sheet that exhibits low radiant energy transmission and under certain

conditions can block radiant heat transfer; installed in attics to reduce heat flow through a roof assembly into the living space.

Radiation Heat moving from a hot surface to a cool surface with nothing in between.

Radon A radioactive gas that occurs naturally, but when trapped in buildings can cause health problems such as lung cancer.

Rafter A beam that follows the roof’s slope and supports the roof.

Recovery Efficiency A water heater’s efficiency at actually heating incoming water.

Glossary


Recyclable Content Materials that have potential to be recovered from recycling.

Recycled Content Percentage of recycled materials in a product.

Refrigerant A special fluid used in air conditioners and heat pumps that heats air when it condenses and cools air when it evaporates.

Refrigerant Lines Two copper lines that connect the Condenser (outdoor) Coil to the Evaporator (indoor) Coil.

Register A grille covering a duct outlet.

Relative Humidity The percent of moisture absorbed in the air compared to the maximum amount possible. Air that is saturated has 100% relative humidity. The ratio of current absolute humidity to highest possible humidity.

Renewable Energy Energy resulting from natural sources; they can then replenish themselves over short periods of

time (sun, wind, moving water, organic plant, biomass, geothermal heat).

Retrofit An energy conservation measure that is applied to an existing building. Also means the action of improving the thermal performance or maintenance of a building.

Return Duct The central heating or cooling system contains a fan that gets its air supply through these ducts,

which ideally should be installed in every room of the house. The air from a room will move

towards the lower pressure of the return duct.

Ridge The horizontal line of a rooftop.

Rigid Insulation Used to Control Condensing Surface Temperatures when installed above roof deck

Rim Joist The outermost joist around the perimeter of the floor framing.

Roof Truss A triangular structure used to support a roof. Multiple trusses are used to assemble the framework for a roof.

Roofing Underlay A building paper that covers roof frame prior to the cladding being fixed. Reduces air movement and helps avoid the risk of water ingress.

Rough Opening The framed opening in a wall where a window or door unit will be installed. Openings are built slightly larger than the window's frame to allow room for installation.

Rough-In Installation of the drain, waste, vent, and supply lines in a structure to the proposed location of each fixture.

R-Value

A measurement of thermal resistance.

Glossary


Scissor Truss The scissor truss is used to create a vaulted ceiling along the entire span. The slope of the bottom chord is usually equal to 1/2 of the slope of the top chord. Large scissor trusses are often shipped in two pieces and field spliced. For diagrams of other truss shapes visit

http://www.cwc.ca/products/trusses/shapes.php.

Scupper An opening for draining off water, as from a floor or the roof of a building. An outlet in the wall of a building or a parapet wall for drainage of water from a flat roof.

Sealed-Combustion Heater A heater that draws combustion air from outdoors and has a sealed exhaust system.

Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating (SEER)

Applies to air conditioners or heat pumps. Measurement of how efficiently an air conditioner or heat pump cools air.

Semi-conditioned space Any area inside the building envelope that is not directly heated and cooled (e.g. basement with insulation on the walls but no HVAC supply registers).

Sensible Cooling Load

The heat gain of the home due to conduction, solar radiation, infiltration, appliances, people, and pets. Burning a light bulb, for example, adds only sensible load to the house. This sensible load raises the dry-bulb temperature.

Sensible Heat The heat absorbed by a substance, which raises its temperature. Heat, that when added or removed, causes a change in temperature but not in state. Heat that result in a temperature change.

Sensible Heat Ratio (SHR) Percentage of sensible heat load to total heat load. Percentage of total heat load minus latent heat load.

Sensible Infiltration Air leakage that increases the temperature (degrees F or C) of a space.

Septic Tank A sewage-settling tank in which part of the sewage is converted into gas and sludge before the

remaining waste is discharged by gravity into a leaching bed underground.

Sequencer A bimetal switch that turns on the elements of an electric furnace in sequence.

Severe Cold Climate Zone 8,000 HDD or greater.

Sheathing

Sheets of material (plywood) that are applied across floors, rafters or studs. (2) Outer covering of electrical cable.

Sheathing Paper Moisture resistant paper, which is applied under a final covering of roofs or walls, to serve as a barrier against the weather.

Sheetrock Brand name for drywall.

Sink Gases and vapors absorbed onto surfaces such as carpet, drywall, etc, and can later be re-emitted.

Glossary


Site Preservation Minimizing the disruption of a building on its surrounding environment (reusing existing structures on a site, rather than building upon unused land; or avoiding building on top of environmentally fragile land that could interfere with natural ecosystems).

Slab Large horizontal pour of concrete, which serves as a foundation of a building.

Smart House Electronic controls and sensors that regulate heating, cooling, ventilation, lighting, and appliance operation for energy conservation purposes.

Soffit The underside of the roof overhang or porch ceiling that covers the rafter bottoms. This horizontal

surface usually has vents to allow air into the attic.

Soil amendment Any material, such as lime, gypsum, sawdust or synthetic conditioner that is worked into the soil to make it more amenable to plant growth.

Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) Primarily used in southern climates; measures the amount of solar radiation transferred through

the windows to the interior of a home. The lower a window's solar heat gain coefficient, the less solar heat is transmitted.

Solar orientation Buildings can maximize the benefits of solar orientation by reducing glazing on the eastern and western façades while concentrating glazing on the southern façade and, in air conditioning climates also the northern façade.

Solar Water Heater

Heat from the sun that is absorbed and then transferred by pumps to a storage unit, which is then transported to the hot water of a home through a heat exchanger.

Solar Photovoltaics (PV) These convert sunlight directly into electricity by using materials made from semiconductor materials. This material does not create any pollution, noise, or other environmental impact.

Sone Sound rating. Often used with fan ratings. An extremely quiet fan is <1.0 sone.

Spec House Dwelling constructed prior to being sold. The builder "speculates" that a buyer will be found, thus the term "spec" house.

Split System Refrigeration or air conditioning installation, which places condensing unit outside or away from

evaporator. These units are connected together by a supply and return refrigerant lines. Also

applicable to heat pump installations. A combination heat pump or air conditioner with indoor components such as a furnace or blower coil. To maximize effectiveness, Split Systems should be matched.

Square Footage of Building Envelope (SFBE) SFBE = Area of Slab + Insulated Walls + Insulated Floor over Garage + Insulated Ceiling separating the Conditioned Space from the Attic

Stack Effect

The draft established in a building from air infiltrating low and exfiltrating high. The movement of air into and out of buildings. It is driven by buoyancy.

Glossary


Standby losses The percentage of heat loss per hour from the stored water compared to the heat content of the water (water heaters with storage tanks).

Structural Insulated Panels (SIP)

Panels made using expanded polystyrene (EPS) or polyisocyanurate rigid foam insulation sandwiched between two structural skins of oriented strand board (OSB), but other surfaces are also available. It can be used in walls, ceilings, floors and roofs. They provide energy efficiency and use less materials and labor.

Stud A vertical framing member used to build a wall.

Subfloor

The sheathing over the floor joists and under the flooring.

Sump Pump An electric pump that removes water which collects in a sump pit in the basement.

Sunspace Room in a building, usually with glass walls and roof, designed to collect solar heat.

Tail Beam

A joist with one end resting on a wall and the other on a header.

Tail Joists Relatively shorter joists that join against a header or trimmer in floor framing.

Take-offs House measurements for use in a software program.

Tankless Water Heater

A water heater that heats water before it is directly distributed for end use as required; a demand

water heater.

Tarpaulin A water resistant covering.

Technical Nutrient A material designed to return into the technical cycle.

Therm Measurement unit of heat equal to 100,000 BTU.

Thermal Break A piece of relatively low conducting material between two high conducting materials.

Thermal Bridge A conductive element, such as a metal channel, that bypasses a less conductive element, such as insulation.

Thermal Buffer

A gap between a space and its exterior used to reduce the heating/cooling load.

Thermal By-pass An opening between spaces that air can move through, thereby violating air tightness.

Thermal Drift Occurs overtime when the R-value of foam insulation drops as some of the low-conductivity gas escapes and is replaced with air.

Glossary


Thermal Envelope The shell of a structure that creates a barrier from the elements.

Thermal Flywheel A space that collects heat then releases it in a continuous pattern.

Thermal Mass The ability of a material to retain heat. Denser materials have greater masses, so they retain more heat. A material used to store heat, thereby slowing the temperature variation within a space. Typical thermal mass materials include concrete, brick, masonry, tile and mortar, water, and rock or other materials with high heat capacity.

Thermal resistance A measure of how easily heat energy flows through a material. It is provided by insulation and

referred to as a material's R-value.

Thermal Shock/Stress The damage to a roof resulting from expansion and contraction that are the result of sudden extreme temperature changes. Thermal Shock often occurs when a cold rain shower suddenly cools a roof during a hot day.

Thickened-End Slab

A concrete slab that is thicker at the perimeter to support the walls of the structure.

Tie A wood member that binds a pair of principal rafters at the bottom.

Tight Construction The elimination of gaps and holes in a building's exterior through proper air sealing and ventilation. It reduces waste and makes a home more energy efficient.

Ton of Cooling

A cooling unit of measure. Each ton equals the cooling effect of 12,000 BTUh. Air conditioners are generally sized in tons.

Tongue and Groove Lumber machined to have a groove on one side and a protruding tongue on the other side so that pieces fit snugly together, with the tongue of one fitting into the groove of the other.

Top Plate The top horizontal member in a framed wall, installed over the vertical studs.

Total duct leakage The amount of total leakage that leaves the duct system.

Toxic Any material or waste product, which can cause injury if inhaled, swallowed, or absorbed through

the skin.

Transformer

An electrical component used to reduce voltage to a level safe for various devices. Transformers are used to reduce voltage from high-tension lines for use in residential and commercial structures. Smaller transformers are used to reduce voltage from the wall socket to a household electrical device such as a computer.

Trestle A metal or wood framework, usually built to support a bridge.

Trey Ceiling

Similar to vaulted ceiling, mainly found in master bedrooms.

Glossary


Trough A drainage ditch. A framing member installed above and perpendicular to the ceiling joists.

Truss

Rigid, prefabricated framework of girders, struts, bars and other items and is used to support a roof or other load bearing elements, such as bridges, etc.

Turtleback

Type of vent used in a vented attic assembly along the roof that looks similar to a turtle’s back.

Type-X Gypsum Wallboard Fire-resistant wallboard manufactured by adding fiberglass. Used between garages and living areas and other areas where additional fire protection is desired or required by code.

U-factor A measurement of heat loss through a window. The lower the U-value, the greater a window's resistance to heat flow and the better its insulating value. Is the inverse of the insulating factor, the R-value.

U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) A national organization whose mission is to accelerate the adoption of green building practices,

technologies, and standards.

Unconditioned space Any area outside of the building envelope, but still attached to the house. Examples of unconditioned spaces include vented attics, vented crawlspaces, garages, and basements with ceiling insulation and no HVAC supply registers.

Urban Heat Islands Dark-colored surfaces absorb heat from the sun more than light-colored surfaces. In urban areas, a

combination of dark surfaces and a lack of shade intensify this effect. One solution is the use of lighter-colored materials in building construction. The use of well-placed vegetation to increase shade or green roof systems can also minimize these effects and increase energy efficiency.

Vapor Barrier A material with a perm rating of less than 0.01. It prevents moisture from diffusing through the material.

Vent Baffle

Tube installed between the insulation and roof decking in an attic to maintain a channel for ventilation.

Vent Chutes Attic vent chutes maintain an air channel for ventilating cathedral ceilings, eaves and other tight spots. The most common chutes are made from fragile foam plastic. ProVent makes a vent chute

from recycled PET plastic that is more durable than regular foam plastic and has molded ribs for

added rigidity.

Visible Transmittance (VT) An optical property that indicates the amount of visible light transmitted. The higher the VT, the more light is transmitted. A high VT is desirable to maximize daylight and view.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) Materials that evaporate from organic products and can cause acute and chronic illnesses.

Waste-to-Energy

Incinerating waste products in order to generate steam, heat, or electricity.

Glossary


Water Efficiency Products, such as low-flow water fixtures, which use less water than traditional products, while still sustaining the same performance

Weep Holes

Holes drilled for the purpose of allowing water to drain out of an area in a building where it has collected.

Whole-building Design The integration of a building's systems to maximize environmental and financial functioning by considering energy systems, building materials, design methods, site preservation, and indoor air quality so that a structure can run at its maximum efficiency.

Whole House Fan

Fan installed in attic to cool the whole house to the outside temperature. Requires adequate number of windows to be open to prevent negative pressure and backdrafting of combustion

appliances. Does not remove humidity and allows pollutants into home.

Wind Turbine A mechanical system that "captures" wind to generate electrical power. Surplus electricity is then stored in a battery storage system for future use, or power is restored back into the utility, thereby

lowering usage rates.

Wind-Washing The phenomenon of air movement that occurs due to wind entering building enclosures typically at the outside corners and roof eaves of buildings. Wind-washing can have significant impact on thermal and moisture movement and hence thermal and moisture performance of exterior wall assemblies.

Xeriscape

A landscaping design that accounts for water and energy efficiency yet requires less maintenance

by exemplifying good planning, efficient irrigation processes, soil improvement, easily foliage conservation, and good maintenance.

Zero Energy House Any house that averages out to net zero energy consumption. A zero energy home can supply more than its needs during peak demand, typically using one or more solar energy strategies, energy storage and/or net metering. In a zero energy home, efficiencies in the building enclosure and

HVAC are great enough that plug loads tend to dominate and so these homes must have the added focus of high efficiency appliances and lighting.

Sources:

Multiple sources, including:

ENERGY STAR-http://www.energystar.gov

Service Magic Corp.- http://www.servicemagic.com/article.show.Green-Building-

Glossary.13478.html

Southface Energy Institute- http://www.southface.org