April 26, 2023
BetterBuiltNW April 2023 Newsletter
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
Every month this section features must-read content from past newsletters – just in case you missed it.
Noyes Development Leverages Above-code Building to Sell Homes—Even in a Recessed Economy
Learn how Noyes Development did something unusual in the middle of a recession: going all-in on building above-code, not only to differentiate themselves from competitors, but because it made sense from a values and ethics standpoint. To read this article, click here.
45L Resource Survey
The BetterBuiltNW team wants to support builders, Raters, contractors, and other residential new construction stakeholders in the Northwest to meet the 45L Tax Credit requirements and take advantage of this financial benefit. This short survey will help us identify your priorities, and we will use these responses to develop resources and provide support to help you meet 45L Tax Credit requirements. To complete this survey, click here.
Programs in the News
RESNET: U.S. Department of Energy Posts FAQs for the Zero Energy Ready Homes Program: The recently extended and reformed 45L federal tax credit for energy-efficient homes includes a $5,000 tax credit to builders whose homes are certified by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Net Zero Energy Ready Home program. The U.S. DOE list of frequently asked questions is available online and will grow over time. These questions focus primarily on program operations such as how to register for the program, how to certify homes, and common questions on program requirements. To read this article, click here.
RESNET: Public Comment Period Extended to 5/1/23 on Proposed QA Standard Amendment: To ensure adequate public review and commenting on the proposed Addendum 72, RESNET has extended the deadline for submitting comments to Monday, May 1, 2023. Click here to read the article.
RESNET: Congratulates 2023 EPA ENERGY STAR® Award Winners: RESNET congratulates the HERS® Rating Providers, Energy Smart Builders, and Suppliers Advisory Board Members who have been recognized for the 2023 ENERGY STAR Awards. Congratulations to New Traditions Homes from Vancouver, Washington, for being recognized as a Partner of the Year for Sustained Excellence! To read this article, click here.
RESNET: Launches RESNET-Rated Home Label: RESNET has launched the new Rated Home Label. The simple one-page label is now available for all homes in the RESNET Registry. This consumer-friendly label provides information on the home’s ratings and certifications. To read this article, click here.
RESNET: Duct and Envelope Leakage Default Values Standard Expires 6/10/23: As part of its emergency response to the COVID-19 pandemic, RESNET adopted an amendment to its standards (Exception 3) to allow certified RESNET HERS® Raters to enter defined duct and envelope leakage data into the HERS rating in lieu of field testing. Click here to learn more.
Built Green: Now Accepting Built Green Conference 2023 Session Submissions: Built Green is planning their annual Built Green Conference, and invites anyone with the following skills to submit a proposal for a breakout session:
- Experience with implementing trailblazing building strategies that can be demonstrated in a case study.
- Insight on reducing carbon emissions through energy and material efficiencies.
- Expertise on innovative incentive policies that promote green home construction and retrofits.
- Describe a compelling story of incorporating equity into your company or projects.
All submissions must be received by Friday, May 19, 2023. To learn more and download the proposal submission form, click here.
Energy Vanguard: Do Airtight Houses Need Makeup Air? Learn more about the challenge of negative pressure in homes that feature excellent air tightness, and why makeup air may not always be needed. To read this article, click here.
Energy Vanguard: Six Reasons to Do Single-Head Mini-Split Heat Pumps: Understand the advantages of installing one-to-one mini-split heat pump systems to maximize temperature control, resiliency, reduced thermostat confusion, simpler installation, and more. To read this article, click here.
Energy Vanguard: How to Kill the Performance of Your Insulation: Did you know there are various ways builders can hurt the performance of insulation when designing new homes? This blog describes those ways and the benefits of incorporating exterior continuous insulation into a home’s design. To learn more, click here.
Note: For additional information, check out the BetterBuiltNW Continuous Exterior Insulation Factsheet, which can assist builders in meeting new codes and in building homes that produce comfort at the lowest home operating cost.
Earth Advantage: It is Time to Recognize Sustainability as a Business Opportunity in the Real Estate Industry: A multiple listing service (MLS) is the primary source of original listing information for the sale of new homes. This article discusses what happens when the MLS does not have important home performance data, such as energy costs or climate-friendly features. The article also encourages the industry to add home performance data to MLS systems, so builders can sell more homes. To read this article, click here.
Washington State Energy Program: Technical Questions and Answers: The spring issue of the Washington State University Energy Program’s Rater News has an extensive question and answer section on fenestration and the Washington State Energy Code, Residential. Note: this article is part of a longer newsletter. To read just this section, click the Technical Q&As Answers
link at the top of the newsletter. To read the newsletter, click here.