June 22, 2020
BetterBuilt NW June 2020 Newsletter
Are you Building with ‘Good, Better, or Best’ Practices?
BetterBuiltNW recently launched a no-cost online training aimed at helping building professionals identify ways to advance their energy efficient practices along a Good/Better/Best spectrum.
Every month BetterBuiltNW will highlight different programs in the news to keep builders and Raters/Verifiers informed about key updates, program changes, and highlights. This month’s Programs in the News features an update from the EPA ENERGY STAR Homes program and an update from the Built Green program.
EPA ENERGY STAR Homes Program Update
The EPA ENERGY STAR Homes program will be looking at Revision 11 in the second half of 2020. The EPA team will be working with key program partners and stakeholders to begin talking through Revision 11 in the coming months, depending on when sectors of the economy are fully back to work. As a reminder, versions of ENERGY STAR Certified Homes change program standards or homes target efficiencies. Revisions typically change specification/checklist item interpretations, checklists themselves, and processes around certifying homes. There is currently not a published timeline for when Revision 11 might be adopted, so stay tuned for more information.
Built Green Program Update
The King/Snohomish Counties Master Builders Association Built Green program (King/Snohomish Built Green) is collecting market and partner feedback to update the Energy Efficiency sections of both its Single-Family and Multi-Family New Construction checklists and handbooks. These recommendations will focus on how the program can simplify, streamline, and improve the checklist to continue to move the market forward with code changes imminent. The BetterBuiltNW platform will continue to share Built Green updates later in the year.
For information on the EPA ENERGY STAR Certified Homes Program, reach out to your local ENERGY STAR Home Rater. For more information on the Built Green program, reach out to your local Built Green Verifier.
Events
Residential HVAC Design Basics for HERS Raters with Russell King, CalCERTS
July 30, 2020, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m., GoToWebinar
Register now for a RESNET webinar with Russell King, M.E. of CalCERTS, as he covers the basic residential HVAC design principles, including ACCA Manuals J, S and D - load calculations, sizing equipment, and designing the duct system.
Did you know: BetterBuiltNW has an online, free, HVAC Sizing Tool that follows the processes Russ King covers in his training? It's available on our website. In addition, a free orientation/training is available via YouTube.
Register now for the RESNET Residential HVAC Design Basics for HERS Raters webinar.
Top 10 Best Practices for Today’s Homebuilder
New Online Training
Join BetterBuiltNW for three one-hour modules of on-demand online training and learn the latest and greatest techniques being used today to build energy efficient homes. These trainings are offered at no cost and you can earn continuing education units for attending one or more modules.
REGISTRATION
To access the online training, follow these steps:
- Click the link below to access the online training.
- Click “Register Today” to be directed to the BetterBuiltNW online training platform.
- On the platform page, click ‘New User? Register’ to create a new account (if you already have an account, you can sign in without registering).
- Once logged in, click ‘Top 10 Best Practices for Today’s Homebuilder’.
Register and watch the free online training modules.