November 18, 2020
BBNW November 2020 Newsletter
Resources for Oregon Energy Code Change
Learn about how the Oregon residential specialty code is changing and resources to adapt to the more stringent code. Read more here.
Every month BetterBuiltNW highlights different programs in the news to keep builders and Raters/Verifiers informed about key updates, program changes, and features. This month’s Programs in the News features updates from:
- RESNET Home Energy Rating Standards of Practice Updates
- 20 Years and 20,000 Certifications for Built Green Video
- PHIUS+ 2021 Comment Period
RESNET Home Energy Rating Standards of Practice Updates
The RESNET Home Energy Rating Standards of Practice guides certified RESNET HERS Raters and Field Inspectors in the inspection and testing of a home’s energy performance. The Standards of Practice were adopted to help clients of rating services understand what is and what is not required in a home energy rating.
The RESNET Home Energy Rating Standards was last updated in 2014 and were in a need of an update to reflect current RESNET standards and the incorporation of new rater and RFI activities such as water efficiency ratings and International Energy Conservation Code compliance. The revised standards of practice were considerably streamlined by referring to the RESNET ANSI standards instead of spelling out specific minimum rater features and the contents of rating reports.
20 Years and 20,000 Certifications for Built Green Video
Built Green has reached its 20,000th certification in just 20 years of operation, creating 36,000+ green households in the Puget Sound region. Built Green premiered a new video celebrating their 20,000th certified home and all the positive environmental impacts accomplished over the program’s past 20 years. View the video on Built Green’s website.
PHIUS+ 2021 Comment Period
The next update of the PHIUS+ 2021 standard is out for public comment. The public has until December 7, 2020 to make comments and provide input. Key changes in the PHIUS+ 2021 standard include new provisions in support of electrification and a prescriptive path for single family homes. Visit the PHIUS+ 2021 web page and provide comments using the PHIUS+ 2021 Public Comment Form.
Visit RESNET Home Energy Ratings Standards of Practice to download the revised document, Built Green’s website to view the 20 Years and 20,000 Homes video, and the PHIUS+ 2021 web page to provide feedback.
EVENTS
Installing Ductless Heat Pumps in Cold Climates
Webinar – December 1, 9 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. PST & 4 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. PST
Cold climates with snow or ice present challenges for ductless heat pumps. Learn how to install ductless systems to ensure they run reliably for years. Topics include: (1) siting the outdoor unit, (2) tips for managing snow depths and wind, (3) smart installation of line sets. This webinar is brought to you by the NW Ductless Heat Pump Project.
Register for the upcoming webinar:
How to Size and Select a Ductless Heat Pump in Cold Climates
Webinar – December 2, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. PST & 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. PST
Introducing the new HVAC Sizing Tool from NW Ductless Heat Pump Project and BetterBuiltNW. This innovative design software calculates a home’s heating and cooling requirement and allows users to enter manufacturer performance data to select the right system for the job. Attendees learn real-world design skills and see firsthand that ductless systems perform well in colder climates. This webinar is brought to you by the NW Ductless Heat Pump Project.
Register for the upcoming webinar:
Getting More Savings Out of Ductless Heat Pumps
Webinar – December 3, 9 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. PST & 4 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. PST
New research has identified four low cost techniques that can improve ductless heat pump performance to save homeowners energy and money. You won’t want to miss out on adding these four techniques to your skillset. This webinar is brought to you by the NW Ductless Heat Pump Project.
Register for the upcoming webinar:
Quality Assurance (QA) Checklist: Review and Lessons Learned with the RESNET QA Team
Webinar – December 9, 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. PST
Join the RESNET Quality Assurance (QA) team as they review the RESNET QA Review Checklist and lessons learned to date. The team will introduce the newest version of the tool which will be required to use for all File QA Reviews and Field QA Review as of 1/1/2021.
Register for the webinar today.
2021 RESNET Building Performance Conference
Virtual Event – February 22-24, 2021
Join RESNET for the annual Building Performance Conference. The 2021 conference is shifting to a virtual platform and will offer a robust experience built on the tradition of the RESNET conference with added benefits. The theme of the 2021 RESNET conference is “A New Path to the Future.”
Learn more about the upcoming RESNET conference.