Jeff Harris, Vice President of Programs for the Alliance to Save Energy (ASE) in Washington, D.C., emphasized the importance of striving for Net Zero Energy during the second day of the Energy Solutions Conference, which is being held by the Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (MEEA) this week at the Intercontinental Hotel in Chicago.
Harris described Net Zero Energy buildings as those that produce as much energy as they use.
According to Harris, buildings are the largest users of electricity and natural gas in the country, accounting for as much as 40% of energy costs. Furthermore, estimates suggest the amount of energy U.S. buildings consume will increase by approximately 23% by 2030.
“Obviously, we need to act now to reverse this trend,” Harris said. “We simply must do whatever it takes to greatly reduce the amount of energy buildings are consuming.”
While reversing the trend of growing energy consumption in buildings poses significant challenges, it also offers certain opportunities. These include the development of new technologies and the creation of new jobs for those who can implement these technologies.
In closing, Harris expressed his belief that many current building codes are far too static. In order to achieve Net Zero Energy, he sees the need for them to become continually more stringent.
“Today’s best practices need to become tomorrow’s baseline practices,” Harris concluded. “We’re facing a big challenge, but with a lot of hard work we will be able to create the kind of future we are merely envisioning today.”
NFRC representatives are attending MEEA’s Energy Solutions Conference to promote awareness of NFRC’s activities and programs and to call attention to the role they can play in sustainable building and energy efficiency.
The Energy Solutions Conference concludes tomorrow, Friday, January 15.
MEEA Conference
Thursday, January 14, 2010
NFRC Attending MEEA Conference, Looking to Define Role in DOE Efforts
Yesterday morning, the Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (MEEA) kicked off its Annual Energy Efficiency Conference at the Intercontinental Hotel in Chicago.
MEEA adopted the theme “Opportunity Now” for the conference, and its opening speaker’s message was in perfect alignment with this theme.
Dr. Kathleen Hogan, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency in the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable (EERE) at the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), said the stimulus package has created an unprecedented opportunity for building models of energy efficiency that can be used both now and far into the future.
Hogan said the task that lies before the DOE is to see that the stimulus funds are well spent. According to Hogan, the DOE has about $5 billion slated to improve the energy efficiency of low-income homes. This amount is expected to help weatherize approximately 700,000 homes over the next 18 months.
Hogan also highlighted the need for strong measurement and evaluation of energy savings programs to avoid duplicative efforts and said the DOE will focus heavily on leveraging existing programs into new ones. Hogan feels an important aspect of the DOE’s work is to view it as an opportunity to build a blueprint for replicating the programs that emerge as the most impactful.
“There is a tremendous amount of work underway at the DOE, and we intend to be smart about how we invest the stimulus funds,” Hogan concluded. “Our goal is not to look for temporary fixes but to find long-term solutions. We’re in the midst of a new era of opportunity for improving energy efficiency, and we’ll be working aggressively to capitalize on it.”
NFRC is attending MEEA’s conference to more clearly define specifically how its activities and programs fit in with the DOE’s work.
The MEEA conference continues today.
MEEA adopted the theme “Opportunity Now” for the conference, and its opening speaker’s message was in perfect alignment with this theme.
Dr. Kathleen Hogan, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency in the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable (EERE) at the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), said the stimulus package has created an unprecedented opportunity for building models of energy efficiency that can be used both now and far into the future.
Hogan said the task that lies before the DOE is to see that the stimulus funds are well spent. According to Hogan, the DOE has about $5 billion slated to improve the energy efficiency of low-income homes. This amount is expected to help weatherize approximately 700,000 homes over the next 18 months.
Hogan also highlighted the need for strong measurement and evaluation of energy savings programs to avoid duplicative efforts and said the DOE will focus heavily on leveraging existing programs into new ones. Hogan feels an important aspect of the DOE’s work is to view it as an opportunity to build a blueprint for replicating the programs that emerge as the most impactful.
“There is a tremendous amount of work underway at the DOE, and we intend to be smart about how we invest the stimulus funds,” Hogan concluded. “Our goal is not to look for temporary fixes but to find long-term solutions. We’re in the midst of a new era of opportunity for improving energy efficiency, and we’ll be working aggressively to capitalize on it.”
NFRC is attending MEEA’s conference to more clearly define specifically how its activities and programs fit in with the DOE’s work.
The MEEA conference continues today.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Prescott News Says NFRC Helps Consumers Make Better Choices
A recent article in Prescott News says the appearance and arrangement of windows, doors, and skylights can greatly impact the aesthetic appeal and marketability of one’s home.
Choosing the right windows, doors, and skylights, however, may turn frustrating when one contemplates the many offerings of the numerous companies that produce these products.
One of the reasons for this frustration is that there are multiple choices to be made. For example, one must choose among frames constructed of wood, aluminum, fiberglass, vinyl, or even some combination of these materials. Furthermore, one must choose from double pane, triple pane, Low E, tempered, tinted, and laminated glass.
While there is no one solution that will work for all consumers, the key to making the best purchasing decision requires determining what one wants to accomplish. Some may be seeking optimal thermal comfort while others may want to prevent ultraviolet radiation from damaging their possessions.
The National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) helps purchasers compare brands by certifying their energy efficiency ratings. These ratings include U-factor, Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC), Air Leakage, and Visible Transmittance.
The information NFRC provides makes it easier for purchasers to compare products and to choose the ones that best meet their specific needs.
Details
Choosing the right windows, doors, and skylights, however, may turn frustrating when one contemplates the many offerings of the numerous companies that produce these products.
One of the reasons for this frustration is that there are multiple choices to be made. For example, one must choose among frames constructed of wood, aluminum, fiberglass, vinyl, or even some combination of these materials. Furthermore, one must choose from double pane, triple pane, Low E, tempered, tinted, and laminated glass.
While there is no one solution that will work for all consumers, the key to making the best purchasing decision requires determining what one wants to accomplish. Some may be seeking optimal thermal comfort while others may want to prevent ultraviolet radiation from damaging their possessions.
The National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) helps purchasers compare brands by certifying their energy efficiency ratings. These ratings include U-factor, Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC), Air Leakage, and Visible Transmittance.
The information NFRC provides makes it easier for purchasers to compare products and to choose the ones that best meet their specific needs.
Details
Monday, January 11, 2010
Maine Governor Announces Weatherization Incentives
Governor John E. Baldacci of Maine has announced a new statewide benefit for homeowners seeking to improve energy efficiency.
Dubbed the “Maine Home Performance Program,” all Maine homeowners may participate. By making eligible improvements they can access rebates of up to $3,000.
The program, administered by Efficiency Maine, is designed to encourage residents of the state to consider improving their homes to save energy. Last year the Legislature passed the Governor’s energy bill that set the goal to weatherize all Maine homes and half of Maine businesses by 2030.
Details
Dubbed the “Maine Home Performance Program,” all Maine homeowners may participate. By making eligible improvements they can access rebates of up to $3,000.
The program, administered by Efficiency Maine, is designed to encourage residents of the state to consider improving their homes to save energy. Last year the Legislature passed the Governor’s energy bill that set the goal to weatherize all Maine homes and half of Maine businesses by 2030.
Details
Friday, January 8, 2010
NFRC 2010 Documents Now Available for Review
One of NFRC's main functions is to promulgate technical standards that establish uniform procedures for determining various energy performance ratings such as U-factor, Solar Heat Gain Coefficient, Visible Transmittance, and Condensation Resistance.
Accordingly, you can now access the NFRC 2010 documents that have been approved by NFRC membership and the NFRC Board of Directors for publication.
Details
Accordingly, you can now access the NFRC 2010 documents that have been approved by NFRC membership and the NFRC Board of Directors for publication.
Details
Thursday, January 7, 2010
BCAP Reports Codes Updates
Below are some of the updates being reported by the Building Codes Assistance Project (BCAP).
Georgia
The Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) State Codes Advisory Committee (SCAC) 2009 IECC Task Force has posted minutes from its meetings on November 16 and December 9. The third meeting of the Task Force is scheduled for Thursday, January 14, 2010 in Atlanta.
New York
On December 16, 2009 the New York State Uniform Fire and Building Code Council moved a proposal to update the state energy code to the final stages of the state’s regulatory process.
South Carolina
The South Carolina Building Codes Council has posted the proposed modifications to the state’s building code, which includes adoption of the 2009 IBC and 2009 IRC (with amendments), but does not include adoption of the 2009 IECC, the state’s current code is the 2006 IECC.
Tennessee
Having been charged to develop a new statewide residential energy code earlier this year, the Tennessee Fire Marshal’s Office has issued a rulemaking proposal adopting the 2006 IECC. The proposal would also mandate state buildings to use ASHRAE 90.1-2007 instead of Chapter 13 of the 2006 IBC.
Texas
The Texas State Energy Conservation Office (SECO) will hold a public meeting to inform stakeholders about the rulemaking and implementation timeline to update the state’s energy codes. The meeting will be on Thursday, January 28 in Austin.
Details
Georgia
The Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) State Codes Advisory Committee (SCAC) 2009 IECC Task Force has posted minutes from its meetings on November 16 and December 9. The third meeting of the Task Force is scheduled for Thursday, January 14, 2010 in Atlanta.
New York
On December 16, 2009 the New York State Uniform Fire and Building Code Council moved a proposal to update the state energy code to the final stages of the state’s regulatory process.
South Carolina
The South Carolina Building Codes Council has posted the proposed modifications to the state’s building code, which includes adoption of the 2009 IBC and 2009 IRC (with amendments), but does not include adoption of the 2009 IECC, the state’s current code is the 2006 IECC.
Tennessee
Having been charged to develop a new statewide residential energy code earlier this year, the Tennessee Fire Marshal’s Office has issued a rulemaking proposal adopting the 2006 IECC. The proposal would also mandate state buildings to use ASHRAE 90.1-2007 instead of Chapter 13 of the 2006 IBC.
Texas
The Texas State Energy Conservation Office (SECO) will hold a public meeting to inform stakeholders about the rulemaking and implementation timeline to update the state’s energy codes. The meeting will be on Thursday, January 28 in Austin.
Details
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
R-5 Window Program Seeks Proposals
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is seeking proposals from manufacturers interested in its R-5 Window and Low-E Storm Window Volume Purchase Program.
The deadline for submission is February 19, 2010.
Final specifications call for a U-factor of .20 or below for fixed windows and .22 or below for operable units. The specifications also require an air leakage rating of 0.30 or below.
Details
The deadline for submission is February 19, 2010.
Final specifications call for a U-factor of .20 or below for fixed windows and .22 or below for operable units. The specifications also require an air leakage rating of 0.30 or below.
Details
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