Upgrading the windows in one's home can improve energy efficiency, and it may not be nearly as difficult as some people might think.
According to the Website, www.doityourself.com, Retrofit windows allow new vinyl windows to fit into older-style aluminum frames. This means homeowners can benefit from energy efficiency without needing to fit new window frames.
The Website also says nearly anyone with the right tools and materials should be able to install retrofit windows quickly and easily – in about one day.
Details
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Friday, January 15, 2010
MEEA Conference Closes with Emphasis on Weatherization Projects
Robin Roy, Vice President of Projects and Policy for Serious Materials served as one of the closing speakers at the Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance’s (MEEA) Energy Solutions Conference.
The conference, which was held January 13 through January 15, concluded today at about noon Central Time.
During Roy’s closing remarks, he emphasized the need to re-energize America by making the best possible use of the $5 billion in stimulus funds available for weatherization projects over the next two years. Roy said that prior to the implementation of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (AARA), the funding available for such projects had been about $250 million annually for nearly 12 years.
“We’re standing on the cusp of a rare and amazing opportunity,” Roy said. “We must take advantage of it and provide retrofits for the nearly 50 million buildings that could benefit from the resulting cost savings.”
NFRC representatives attended MEEA’s Energy Solutions Conference to promote awareness of its activities and programs and to explain the role they play in sustainable building and improving energy efficiency.
The conference, which was held January 13 through January 15, concluded today at about noon Central Time.
During Roy’s closing remarks, he emphasized the need to re-energize America by making the best possible use of the $5 billion in stimulus funds available for weatherization projects over the next two years. Roy said that prior to the implementation of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (AARA), the funding available for such projects had been about $250 million annually for nearly 12 years.
“We’re standing on the cusp of a rare and amazing opportunity,” Roy said. “We must take advantage of it and provide retrofits for the nearly 50 million buildings that could benefit from the resulting cost savings.”
NFRC representatives attended MEEA’s Energy Solutions Conference to promote awareness of its activities and programs and to explain the role they play in sustainable building and improving energy efficiency.
BCAP Reports on Updated Building Codes
Below are some of the most recent updates being reported by the Building Codes Assistance Project (BCAP).
Massachusetts
In accordance with the statutory requirements of the Green Communities Act of 2008, the Board of Building Regulations and Standards (BBRS) has amended the 7th Edition State Building Code (780 CMR). As of January 1, builders must use the 2009 IECC with MA amendments.
BBRS is allowing a 6-month concurrency period, through June 30, 2010, during which either the previous code (the 2006 IECC with the 2007 IECC Supplement and MA amendments) or the new code may be used. Commencing July 1, 2010, the baseline energy conservation requirements of the State Building Code will default to 2009 IECC and MA amendments.
Maryland
As directed by legislation passed in May 2009, the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) published the 2010 Maryland Building Performance Standards (MBPS).
Effective January 1, the MBPS now incorporate by reference the 2009 IECC, as well as the 2009 International Building Code (IBC) and the 2009 International Residential Code (IRC). Each local jurisdiction in Maryland may modify these codes with exception to the 2009 IECC and the energy efficiency chapter (Chapter 13) of the 2009 IBC, which can be made more stringent but not less so. The energy efficiency chapter (Chapter 11) of the 2009 IRC has been deleted and replaced with a reference to the 2009 IECC.
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 in Atlanta. The Task Force is tentatively expected to review all amendments submitted to date up to item 2009-IECC-21.
Hawaii
After the Hawaii Building Code Council approved the 2006 IECC with state-specific amendments on October 13, work has begun on the development of a statewide code to be based on the 2009 IECC. The 2009 IECC subcommittee of the Dept. of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism met on January 12 in Honolulu. Minutes from the Oct. 13, Nov. 4, and Dec. 8 meetings are now available.
Virginia
In July, the Virginia Board of Housing and Community Development voted in favor of adopting a recommendation to update the Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC) to reference the 2009 IECC and 2009 IRC (it currently references the 2006 IECC). The DHCD will hold a public meeting on Monday, January 25 in Glen Allen, at which it will receive public comments on the proposed USBC update. The Board is scheduled to review and finalize adoption of the proposed code changes during the first six months of 2010, with a tentative effective date of September 30, 2010.
Details
Massachusetts
In accordance with the statutory requirements of the Green Communities Act of 2008, the Board of Building Regulations and Standards (BBRS) has amended the 7th Edition State Building Code (780 CMR). As of January 1, builders must use the 2009 IECC with MA amendments.
BBRS is allowing a 6-month concurrency period, through June 30, 2010, during which either the previous code (the 2006 IECC with the 2007 IECC Supplement and MA amendments) or the new code may be used. Commencing July 1, 2010, the baseline energy conservation requirements of the State Building Code will default to 2009 IECC and MA amendments.
Maryland
As directed by legislation passed in May 2009, the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) published the 2010 Maryland Building Performance Standards (MBPS).
Effective January 1, the MBPS now incorporate by reference the 2009 IECC, as well as the 2009 International Building Code (IBC) and the 2009 International Residential Code (IRC). Each local jurisdiction in Maryland may modify these codes with exception to the 2009 IECC and the energy efficiency chapter (Chapter 13) of the 2009 IBC, which can be made more stringent but not less so. The energy efficiency chapter (Chapter 11) of the 2009 IRC has been deleted and replaced with a reference to the 2009 IECC.
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 in Atlanta. The Task Force is tentatively expected to review all amendments submitted to date up to item 2009-IECC-21.
Hawaii
After the Hawaii Building Code Council approved the 2006 IECC with state-specific amendments on October 13, work has begun on the development of a statewide code to be based on the 2009 IECC. The 2009 IECC subcommittee of the Dept. of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism met on January 12 in Honolulu. Minutes from the Oct. 13, Nov. 4, and Dec. 8 meetings are now available.
Virginia
In July, the Virginia Board of Housing and Community Development voted in favor of adopting a recommendation to update the Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC) to reference the 2009 IECC and 2009 IRC (it currently references the 2006 IECC). The DHCD will hold a public meeting on Monday, January 25 in Glen Allen, at which it will receive public comments on the proposed USBC update. The Board is scheduled to review and finalize adoption of the proposed code changes during the first six months of 2010, with a tentative effective date of September 30, 2010.
Details
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Harris Offers Ideas for Achieving Net Zero Energy
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
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
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
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
