The document summarizes information from the NAHB Research Center about improving home energy efficiency. It discusses the Center's mission and research capabilities. It also outlines various Department of Energy programs like the Builders Challenge for energy-efficient home certification and Building America for research partnerships. The Center works on individual efficiency measures, whole-house packages, and quality management tools to provide cost-effective solutions for new and existing homes.

1. Dedicated to improving home building since 1964.
Energy Efficiency in
New & Existing Homes
Greening Midwest Communities
October 20, 2010
NAHB Research Center

2. Overview
 NAHB Research Center
 Builders Challenge
 Building America
 Individual Measures
 Whole House Packages
 Quality Management
 EnergyValue Housing Award (EVHA)
p. 2

3. NAHB Research Center
 Mission:
 Promote innovation in housing technology to
improve the quality, durability, and affordability of
homes
p. 3

4. Research Capabilities
 Testing Laboratory & Market Research Facility
 Thermal (hot box)
 Moisture (laboratory and test huts)
 Structural (testing and design)
 Toolbase.org (builder/trade technical resource)
 Quality management resources
 Market research and diffusion of innovation
 Field testing and monitoring
 Certification programs
 HVAC design
 Cost analysis
p. 4

5. NAHB Research Center
 Cost-effective energy
efficiency solutions
 Existing home remodeling
 New high performance
homes
 Quality management tools
 Technology diffusion
 Industry resources
p. 5

6. Department of Energy
Programs
 Builders Challenge
 DOE’s energy efficiency
certification for homes
 Building America
 DOE’s residential research
& development (R&D)
program
p. 6

7. DOE’s Builders Challenge
 Voluntary certification program
for energy-efficiency
 Minimum requirements
 E-Scale (HERS Index) of 70 or less
 Builders Challenge Quality Criteria
p. 7

8. Dual Certification
NGBS & Builders Challenge
 Dual Certification
 June 29, 09
 NGBS
 DOE’s Builders Challenge
 Seamless Integration
w/ Green Certification
 Green scoring tool
 www.NAHBGreen.org
p. 8

9. Dual Certification
 Building practices leading to high
performance homes
 All practices in Builders Challenge
Quality Criteria are part of the NGBS
(Chap 6,7, & 9)
 Most NGBS silver-level houses can
also meet Builders Challenge
p. 9

10. EnergySmart Home Scale
(E-Scale)
p. 10

11. Building America
 Private/public
partnership sponsored
by U.S. Department of
Energy
 Conducts research on
energy-efficient
solutions for new and
existing housing
 Ultimate goal: market
ready net-zero energy
homes
p. 11

12. Building America Goals
 Construct “high
performance homes”
that are
 Energy efficient
 Durable
 Comfortable
 Healthy to live in
In other words . . . Green.
p. 12

13. Individual Measures & Integration
Research
Existing Homes New Homes
 High R-Roof Insulation  High R-Wall
 Air Sealing  Thermal, Moisture,
Structural, Energy, Cost
 Retrofit Packages
 HVAC
 Design for HPH, GSHP
 Hot Water Systems
 Thermal Mass
 MELs
 Integration/Cost Analysis
p. 13

14. Individual Measures
 System Analysis
 How are systems installed,
operated and maintained?
 How much energy is
saved?
 Test and monitor
systems at the Research
Center’s laboratory
and/or in the field
p. 14

15. Individual Measures
Integrated Rim Header
 Double rim member at
openings
 Joist hangers at
openings
 King studs carry
gravity load and wind
loading
 Eliminates need for
jack studs
15
p. 15

16. Individual Measures
Integrated Rim Header
 Primary purpose:
 Understand deformations
to ensure window
serviceability
 Additional testing is
planned
16
p. 16

17. Individual Measures
Integrated Rim Header
17
p. 17

18. Whole House Packages
 Work with builder partners
 New home construction
 50% savings over 15 yr old home
(BA Benchmark)
 Existing homes
 30% savings over existing
structure
 Whole house approach
 Ensure building & systems function
together to reduce energy use and
minimize costs
p. 18

19. Current Project Locations
New Homes Work
- Systems Research
- Prototype Home
- Community Scale
Existing Homes Work
- Systems Research
- Prototype Home
- Community Scale
p. 19

20. Existing Home Packages
Montgomery County Habitat
 Deliver 12 fully renovated
homes to clients
 Affordability,
 Enhance safety,
 Improve durability,
 Lower the energy cost,
 Adhere to schedule and
budget
p. 20

21. Existing Home Packages
Montgomery County Habitat
R 4.7 original to R 20 retrofit
p. 21

22. New Home Packages
K. Hovnanian NJ
 Mixed Humid Climate
 40% (BA Benchmark)
 HERS Index - 65
 Panelized Walls
 NAHBRC construction
monitoring
 Simplified duct system
12 ft.
 saving 28% supply duct and 70% 9 ft.
return duct material
p. 22

23. K. Hov, NJ Monmouth Description Monmouth Specs
Slab on Grade
Foundation
2’ perimeter insulation 2” XPS R-10
Panelized Walls
Walls Exterior Rigid Foam (1” SIS) R-5
Batt Cavity Insulation R-13
Roof / Attic Loose fill fiberglass R-49
Windows High Performance Windows U = 0.34 / SHGC = 0.26
Gas Furnace
Heating System 95% AFUE
Located in Conditioned Space
Central Unit
Cooling System 15 SEER
Located in Conditioned Space
Ducts Deep Buried Supply trunk/boots sealed w/ spray foam
Water Heater Navien Direct Vent Water Heater EF = 0.98
Lighting 90% fluorescent
Appliances Energy Star (where supplied)
Ventilation Honeywell fresh air ventilation system Control integrated with thermostat
Air Sealing Air Sealing Package Foam over top plates, SIS gaskets, framed
cavities & knee wall air barriers
p. 23

24. HPHQMS
 Scopes of Work (SOW)  Hotspot Inspection Process
 Economics of Quality  ToolBase.org
 Quality Management
Resources p. 24

25. Energy Value Housing Award (EVHA)
 Awards Ceremony
 International Builders
Show
 Orlando, FL
 Jan 11, 2011
 New Homes
 Existing Homes
p. 25

26. Resources
 Building America
- www.eere.energy.gov/buildings/building_america
 Builders Challenge
- www.eere.energy.gov/buildings/challenge
 Dual Certification
- www.nahbgreen.org
 National Green Building Certification
- www.nahbgreen.org
 NAHB Research Center
- Corporate: www.nahbrc.com
- Technical: www.toolbase.org
p. 26

27. Amber Wood
Program Manager, Energy Efficiency
NAHB Research Center
400 Prince George’s Blvd
Upper Marlboro, MD 20774
301-430-6309
(toll-free) 800-638-8556
awood@nahbrc.com
www.nahbrc.org • www.toolbase.org
p. 27