December 28, 2021
BetterBuiltNW December 2021 Newsletter
PROGRAMS IN THE NEWS
Master Builders Association: Report on Housing in the Puget Sound region
Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties recently released a report on crucial housing metrics in the Puget Sound region, including housing supply, median home prices, and building permit activity. Read the full report on Master Builder’s website.
U.S. Department of Energy: Zero Energy Ready Homes and the Year Ahead
“Zero Energy Ready Homes” have grown from a niche product unfamiliar to many, to a standard offering in the marketplace found in stretch codes, utility programs, and affordable housing programs. The U.S. DOE Zero Energy Ready Homes program is moving to Version 2 in 2022, which will incorporate more proven innovations and establish ZERH as the stepping off point for future zero emissions homes. Click here to listen to this session, learn more about these exciting program advancements, and share your input and questions.
RESNET: Code and Standard Updates
Grading of Insulations is Going Away
Proposed addendum BSR/RESNET/ICC 301-2019 Addendum E-202x will revise Standard ANSI/RESNET/ICC 301-2019 to update Appendix A and Section 4.2.2.2 on calculations and inspections for insulation installation grading. The major change made by the Appendix update is the transformation of the current 3 grade scheme into a 2 grade scheme. Read the full announcement on RESNET’s website.
Approval of Interim MINHERS Addendum 61i
RESNET approved an exception to standard ANSI/RESNET/ICC 301-2019 that allows use of default air leakage values instead of onsite test determined air leakage for use where warranted during the federal declared emergency for the COVID-19 pandemic. Read the full announcement on RESNET’s website.
Draft Standard for Public Comment: Draft PDS-01 of MINHERS Addendum 60: Combustion Safety Field Training
RESNET Standard Development Committee 200 approved Draft PDS-01 of MINHERS Addendum 60, Combustion Safety Field Training, for public review and comment. Proposed Addendum 60 amends the RESNET Mortgage Industry National Home Energy Rating Standards (MINHERS), Chapter 2 to clarify training requirements for combustion safety field training. Read the draft addendum, comment form, and comments received on RESNET’s website.
After the comment period, RESNET Standard Development Committee 200 will consider and respond to each of the comments submitted and make appropriate changes to the next draft. Any substantive changes will be submitted for public comment by Dec. 1, 2021 at: https://www.resnet.us/articles/resnet-releases-public-comment-draft-combustion-safety-field-training/
RESNET: RESTalk EP 84—Update on the 45L Federal Builders’ Tax Credit
The Federal Tax Credit for Builders of Energy Efficient Homes, commonly known as 45L, can be challenging for builders to navigate, as technology and performance in housing has advanced rapidly in the last 15 years. RESNET recently posted a 25-minute podcast that helps builders understand updates and possible changes that are coming in the 45L federal builders’ tax credit with the advent of a new administration and changes in Congress in the last year. Click here to access the podcast and other 45L resources.
Built Green: Resiliency and Peace of Mind—Coupling Solar with Battery Storage
Solar batteries, when connected to a home solar system, provide an attractive return on investment, increase the value of properties, and help the country take steps towards energy independence. Built Green recently released an article that explains why solar and battery systems are a good investment, highlights available incentives, and provides an overview of available battery systems. Read the article on Built Green’s website.