November 17, 2021
BetterBuiltNW November 2021 Newsletter
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
Every month this section features must-read content from past newsletters – just in case you missed it.
- High Performance Home Site Visit Training Videos: BetterBuiltNW & Earth Advantage invite you to experience in-field, on-demand virtual High Performance Home Site Visits with industry leaders showcasing their high-performance building projects.
KEEPING UP WITH NORTHWEST ENERGY CODES
Over the past year, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington have all adopted new energy codes. To help building industry professionals keep up and align with the changes, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington all publish their own suite of resources to help you navigate applicable energy codes. BetterBuiltNW encourages professionals working in these states to review the available resources, listed in the table below, and bookmark them for future reference.
State |
State Code Support |
Idaho |
Official Code Site: |
Montana |
Official Code Site: |
Oregon |
Official Code Site: (codes.iccsafe.org/content/ORRSC2021P1) Code Support Resources: State of Oregon Codes and Standards Support (www.oregon.gov/bcd/codes-stand/Pages/residential-structures.aspx) |
Washington |
Official Code Site: (sbcc.wa.gov/state-codes-regulations-guidelines/state-building-code/energy-code) Code Support Resources: |
Additional Resources
In addition to the general support offered above, states often produce updates that explain how codes are being adopted and interpreted. In Washington state for instance, a recent emergency ruling was posted regarding supply chain impacts to heat pump compressors and the energy code. In Oregon, a new technical bulletin has recently been released regarding HVAC ductwork installation and insulation. In addition to the websites listed above, BetterBuiltNW recommends signing up for state specific-newsletters and distribution lists, shown in the table below, to stay up to date on how the energy codes apply and are interpreted.
Note, these additional resources may include technical bulletins, answers and opinions, and emergency rulings in addition to newsletters, so please review the contents of each page.
State |
Link |
Idaho |
Send an email to energy@idaho.org and ask to subscribe to the code newsletter. |
Montana |
To view previously posted newsletters: https://deq.mt.gov/energy/Programs/code Send an email to carl.little@littlewise.net and ask to subscribe to the code newsletter. |
Oregon |
Click the link below and follow on-screen prompts to subscribe: |
Washington |
Click the link below and see the ‘For Assistance and Updates’ heading to subscribe. |
CONSTRUCTION INSTRUCTION APP RELEASES NEW “GETTING IT RIGHT” SERIES ON BUILDING ENCLOSURE
The Construction Instruction app recently released a series of new building science webinars and live questions and answers focused on building enclosures. These sessions are a solid foundation for folks that are new to building science principles, but also a great refresher for teams who have been building this way for a long time.
- Below are links to all 5 sessions, plus each question and answer (Q+A) session.
Part 1: Thermal Enclosures + Q&A
Part 2: IAQ & Ventilation + Q&A
Part 3: Air Sealing Tactics + Q&A
Part 4: Future of Above Grade Walls + Q&A
Part 5: Special Q&A
The Construction Instruction App is a collection of high-quality animations, videos, articles, and manufacturer product information for building and construction professionals. You can enter any search term to begin exploring building science or finding products. Enter a manufacturer’s name, a brand product name, or a general category of interest -- all will quickly take you to meaningful results and useful information.
PROGRAMS IN THE NEWS
RESNET’s HERS® Rated Homes Grows in 1st Three Quarters of 2021
RESNET recently published an article that describes the growth in HERS-rated homes in 2021. Despite the continued disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, supply shortages, and labor shortages, the demand for HERS grew steadily in the first half of 2021.
Built Green Single-Family Checklist and Handbook
Built Green recently released the 2021 Single-Family Handbook, which provides details, resources, and information regarding each credit of their 2021 Single Family/Townhome Checklist. Click below to access the 2021 updated checklist and handbook:
- 2021 Single-Family/Townhome New Construction Checklist
- 2021 Single-Family/Townhome New Construction Handbook
2021 Built Green Conference and Hammer Awards
Built Green recently recognized outstanding builders and advocates during their annual Built Green Hammer Award ceremony, held on September 16 in Lynwood, Washington. The best projects from the past year were highlighted, and Built Green supporters were recognized for their contributions to the program.
The BetterBuiltNW team would likely to especially congratulate our colleague, Dan Wildenhaus, who received Built Green’s Pioneer award for his building science consultation, technical management, market channel development, and training and presentation services for a variety of programs across the country. Congratulations, Dan!