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Stretch & Specialized Code Basics, Online Course, July 15, 3 - 5 pm

This course covers the 225 CMR 23.00 MA Commercial Stretch and Opt-in Specialized energy codes applicable from July 1, 2023, and including February 2025 updates. The presentation encompasses the different pathways available for code compliance, requirements for each section (envelope, mechanical, plumbing, and electrical), and an overview of how the different components work together. Participants will also learn how the Fossil Fuel Free Pilot communities program may use the Stretch Code as a tool to help meet building performance and electrification goals. This course is intended for all building industry professionals, including but not limited to architects, engineers, consultants, modelers, developers, owners, and contractors. Learning Objectives -  1. Participants will be able to describe the compliance pathways of the MA State Energy Codes for different building types and sizes. 2. Participants will understand how the Stretch Code impacts project decisions. 3. Participants will be able to assess the implications of the Opt-In Specialized Code. 4. Participants will be able to recognize how the code changes impact existing buildings and interior fit-up projects.

2025 Summer Study on Energy Efficiency in Industry, July 16-18, Charlotte, North Carolina

2025 Summer Study on Energy Efficiency in Industry theme: Industrial competitiveness and the evolving energy landscape.  The industrial sector accounts for one-third of the United States' primary energy use, so ongoing shifts in energy systems present enormous opportunities and risks for this sector. Industrial competitiveness is going to depend on continued investments in innovation, efficiency, and advances in energy solutions.  Research and development have always been a national strength. Ongoing shifts also require innovation in business models across the energy spectrum. Lawrence Berkeley National Lab estimates that only 50% of industrial energy is used productively – leading to an enormous waste of resources. Cost reduction through efficiency is a proven pathway to increasing profitability. Our trading partners are setting new standards for energy and resource efficiency. They continue to advance technologies that improve sustainable performance.   How do you take advantage of the opportunity and minimize the risk? How does your network support you? The 2025 Summer Study on Energy Efficiency in Industry brings together professionals from around the globe to Charlotte, North Carolina – ground zero for recent industrial investment, accompanied by a statewide commitment to modernizing the electricity sector by the year 2050. We will look at policies, funding, operations, and technology to sustain industrial competitiveness for individual firms and the sector at large. We’ll ask how public-private partnerships can act now to develop the workforce we need for success. We’ll compare national and state policy to look for immediate advantage and long-term leverage.  You’ll leave the Summer Study with an expanded network and an action plan to meet your goals.   The following tracks will be the highlight of the conference program: Grids, Pipelines, and Funding Technology and Operations Bringing New Energy to Leadership Collaborating through Complexity: Navigating Industrial Value Chains Participants include: Corporate leaders, energy managers and government relations professionals; equipment manufacturers and engineering services providers; labor representatives; energy efficiency program administrators, evaluators, and implementors; public utility commission and consumer counselor staff members; professionals in the utility sector with responsibilities for efficiency programs, resource planning, regulatory compliance and government relations; energy efficiency solution providers; federal and state energy and economic development officials; energy and sustainability management firms; and energy efficiency, clean energy and equity advocacy organizations. 

RE+ Mid Atlantic, July 10-11, Philadelphia, PA

RE+ Mid-Atlantic is where innovation meets sustainability! Have the opportunity to discover clean energy solutions, network with industry leaders, and propel businesses forward. Engage in dynamic discussions and gain insights from expert speakers. RE+ Mid-Atlantic facilitates discussions with industry buyers, suppliers, distributors, consultants, and other stakeholders to explore solutions, exchange ideas, and discover emerging technologies.  This event is designed to serve and advance the solar and energy storage market by bringing together buyers and suppliers to explore business solutions, new technologies, policy initiatives, and other market factors. Connect with 1,600 industry professionals Meet with 100+ regional and national companies Understand cutting-edge policy, trends, and know-how. Grow your customer base in this regional market

Free Webinar: Advancing the Circular Economy: Certification, Innovation, and the Regulatory Landscape, June 25, 1-2 pm ET

In this webinar, GreenCircle Certified and Interface will share real-world insights into building circular systems, highlighting how product innovation, transparent practices, and regulatory awareness come together to drive sustainability leadership. You will also learn how third-party certification plays a critical role in validating recycled content claims, aligning with regulations, and strengthening market credibility.   Image: NIST

Free Webinar: Ask the Experts: Heat Pump Water Heater Installations, June 27, 12-1 pm, PT

This will be an open discussion about Heat pump water heater installations with plumbers, builders, architects, and energy consultants. To ask participants to share or send in pictures of good, bad, and ugly jobs, so that we can talk through the issues that they had and how they resolved them. Cover the latest research on condensation risk on surfaces and how to avoid problems.  Learning objectives:  Ask the experts about the real-world challenges of installing HPWHs Learn from others in the field about common hurdles in installing HPWHs  Learn how to analyze installs for condensation risk and how to avoid the problem. 

Keep Cooking During Power Outages | Impulse Labs Induction Cooktop

  The demand for induction cooktops continues to rise as more people discover the health, precision, and safety benefits of cooking with energy efficient induction cooktops over fossil fuels and less efficient electric equipment. A recent breakthrough by Impulse Labs is poised to elevate this technology even further – especially when it comes to resilience.  Check out this interview with Green Builder Matt Hoots and Marissa Horwitz from Impulse Labs at KBIS 2025 where Marissa was having a ton of fun showcasing her company’s impressive cooktop and technology. Why is induction cooking important?   Health and environmental impacts are top reasons it's important to consider induction cooktops, and other electric equipment, including water heaters and dryers, in addition to vehicles.  Gas used in cooking releases particulates and chemicals into the air at levels considered unsafe by the EPA and World Health Organization (WHO).  The amounts are higher where ventilation is not sufficient. These pollutants contribute to respiratory and cardiovascular irritations and conditions even with short term exposure, and long term can contribute to or cause asthma, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and other conditions.  Recent studies have linked gas cooking to higher childhood asthma rates.    The environmental impacts of fossil fuel combustion are also significant. On-site combustion in homes and other buildings contributes to pollution and climate-impacting emissions. As researchers at Rocky Mountain Insitutute have pointed out, we should also think of our homes in a sense, at the "end of a pipeline" and system that produces toxic chemicals and leaks throughout, even as this system also provides critical energy.  The nitrous oxides produced by this combustion are the same pollutants produced as a part of vehicle and power plant exhaust, and they also contribute to smog.  The EPA reports that residential buildings generate 13% of US greenhouse gas emissions on site, but this is an understatement that does not consider construction and transportation. Total emissions including offsite generation are typically reported between 27% to 29%, and 40%, including construction.     Marissa reminds us that home appliances are not replaced that often, on average every 8 to 25 years depnding on the type of equipment, so it's important to make healthier and more long term sustainable choices when these opportunities arise when buildng or renovating, or when purchasing new equipment due to failure or changing needs.  It's wise to have a plan for replacing major equipment and when possible to replace the equipment before failure, so that you are not searching for important appliances in an emergency situation when you may not have the time to make optimal choices, or the equipment and service might be more expensive in a rush.  Switching away from fossil fuels to electric powered equipment is called electrification and along with increasing energy efficency and lowering consumption and emissions is part of decarbonization, an overall reduction or elimination of carbon emissions.    How is the Impulse Labs Induction Cooktop different?   Top novel aspects of the Impule Labs induction cooktop include ease of installation, also known as it's plug and play ability, and back up power.  This cooktop "plugs in" to regular 120 volt outlets and therefore does not require an electrical upgrade or renovation.  As mentioned, appliances and major home equipment are not replaced very often, and speed for replacement is often a priority, especially if equipment is replaced due to failure.  This mean means there might not be time to upgrade an electrical panel or otherwise renovate, to say nothing about the funds.  The integrated back-up battery power is also really a breakthrough. Instead of relying on a whole house battery, the cooktop basically recharges itself over time, and can conservatively cook three meals once a power outage has occured.  Marissa and Impulse Labs lead us to consider the idea of a home full of electric appliances that keep working during power outages and one day can perhaps distribute power as and if needed throughout a building.  The Rate it Green team is truly impressed with the Impulse Labs induction cooktop, currently available online with about a 12-week lead time.  Key features and benefits include:    Speed and Power: Where most induction cooktops can boil water in an impressive 3-4 minutes, the Impulse Lab’s cooktop generates a rolling boil in less than 40 seconds.  The cooktop has a 10 kW output, more powerful than typical 4 kW induction cooktops, which are already impressive.   Precision: The Impulse Labs cooktop maintains a set temperature within 1 degree, and it will add power to keep the desired temperature if ingredients are added or the pan shifts.  Precise temperatures can be set, for as long as needed, to cook without burning.   Resilience: The Impulse Labs cooktop has an integrated 3 kWh battery, which allows the oven to function during power outages. The battery can cook 3 meals, estimated conservatively, as it holds enough energy to power a typical refrigerator for a day. Plug and Play: This cooktop needs only 8-12 amps, in comparison to a typical 30-60 amps.  It can be hardwired in, or just plug this induction cooktop in without upgrading an electrical panel - a perfect solution for retrofits.  Safe: Like other induction cooktops, the burn risk from cooking with this cooktop is much lower, as only the pan is heated and not the cooktop.  The surface remains warm from the hot pot’s surface contact only, and this cools rapidly. The stove also has LED rings that indicate temperature.  Ventilation needs are also reduced with induction cooking, as there’s no combustion as with gas cooking and also because precise temperature controls means cooks can stay below the smoke point, though Matt and Marissa strongly affirm that ventilation is still always ideal due to the particulates and emissions that result from cooking.  Bold, Modern Design: The Impulse Labs cooktop has a sleek modern look to envy,  inducing fun hockey puck-like handles that detach for cleaning.  Cooktop or record player? Maybe that can be a future feature! Either way, the look is a plus.  Easy to Clean: Did we mention the removable dials?  Impulse Labs is Partnering with brands like Thor to bring this first product to market.  We’re excited to see more!  Imagine taking combustion out of the home for health and reducing energy bills and emissions.  Imagine appliances playing a significant role in enabling a smoother energy transition to a cleaner, healthier, and more affrodable future.   The Impulse Labs cooktop technology really seems to offer an approachable path to resilience, while still promising looks, performance, and health.  The initial units are for early adapters it seems, but prices will lower as more brands adopt this technology.  That said, the cost of a renovation to install another stove might easily be a far greater investment, to say nothing about a generator to keep the power going.

Aquor's House Hydrant - A Modern, Durable and Sleek Outdoor Faucet

Chances are, you might not think of your hose bibb, or outdoor faucet, too often.  But they’re very useful, and some hose bibs are more durable - and good looking - than others.  Green Builder Matt Hoots recently talked to Brennan Blevins about Aquor’s frost-proof hose bibbs, known as House Hydrants. According to Brennan, a quality hose bibb can be one of the cheapest long term upgrades for a home.   There are a number of terms for outdoor building-mounted faucets and they’re similar but not exactly the same.  A spigot is a broad term that applies to even the simplest faucet, inside or outside. Hose bibbs are generally threaded to make it easier for connecting hoses, and they’re generally mounted on the exterior of buildings. Sillcocks are a type of hose bibbs that are also threaded and are generally longer and extend into the heated, or insulated, space inside a wall.  The valve is also located inside the house, all to prevent freezing but a sillcock will look the same as a hose bibb on the exterior. All of these faucet types provide the connection or bridge from indoor plumbing to bring water outdoors for all kinds of uses, including watering plants and grass, washing cars, and filling pools and sprinklers. Some “frost-proof” outdoor faucets, including all sillcocks, extend further from a structure and allow water to drain when the facet is off  to prevent water from freezing inside interior pipes during cold weather and the winter season. Freezing water can break pipes and water lines, resulting in flooding inside homes.   Sometimes the newest ideas are existing innovations that have evolved for new purposes.  In 1999, Aquor Water Systems developed a hose bibb for marine deck washing. Already a leading flush-mounted quick connection on boats and yachts, Aquor’s developed frost-free “hydrants,” or hose bibbs for homes in 2014. The hydrants are made of 100% 216L marine grade stainless steel and have a quick connect system for users to connect and activate water flow with a plug and twist motion.  No handle or knob is needed.  Key to the Aquor design is a wedge shape at an angle that allows the valve to drain and even “winterize itself.”  The valve also seals behind the wall in the insulated part of the a building, preventing freezing even in subzero temperatures.  The hydrant starts to drain automatically when  The functionality sounds great, but who knew an outdoor faucet could look cool.  The hydrants showcase a steel minimalist design and come in several colors and 6 sizes.  They install nearly flush to the wall, which is less intrusive than standard hose bibbs, which can be mounted on other materials which can are and crack.  There are also models with a mixing valve for those who want hot and cold water.  Upcoming products include an outdoor shower, and a fire suppressant.     What are your hose bibb stories? How do you understand the difference between hose bibbs, sillcocks, spigots, and hydrants, and do you know any other terms for outdoor faucets we haven’t thought of? Image: Aquor Water Systems Image: Aquor Water Systems Image: Aquor Water Systems

Clear Drop - Plastic Recycling for Bags and Other Hard to Recycle Items

Pretty soon, there’s going to be an easy way to everyone to recycle or really “pre-recycle” those loose fluffy or crinkly plastic items you never really quite knew how to recycle, or what to do with.  Clear Drop has created a Soft Plastic Compactor that looks like the average trash can but transforms pesty and potentially confusing plastic items into a 12x8x4 inch approximately 3-pound brick.  Each brick is made up of about a month’s worth of the average home’s plastic bags, trays, even plastic wrappers. Check out this brief interview with Green Builder Matt Hoots of Atlanta-based Sawhorse, Inc, and Ivan Abrouzov, CEO of Clear Drop, LLC. A goal of Clear Drop is to make recycling easy and a non-obtrusive part of daily life so that everyone can participate in waste reduction, and even a “ZeroTrash” goal.  Soft plastics compacting also has great commercial potential; Matt points out that food and medical buildings might be able to make great use of this product.   Whether you just want your trash to go away, or you’re looking to recycle those last few things you could never figure out, the company’s Soft Plastic Compactor makes it pretty and even fun to get the recycling ready.  Putting loose plastics into this device sure beats bags piling up in trees or on the side of the road, or realistically just ending up in the trash and landfill.   These plastics will likely require chemical or advanced recycling as they aren’t separated, but there’s a reality of how much separating people are willing to do, and can even realistically do. A key to success - Clear Drop Recycling recognizes we have to make it easy as we all have different motivations and interest levels for recycling.  The company can make it easy for excited recyclers and people who just want less hassle at the same time. Clear Drop plans to launch the Soft Plastics Compactor shortly, and the company is currently lining up recyclers - and pre-orders. Stay tuned for more information!   

Top Green Building Educational Resources - Organizations Consistently Hosting Live, Online, Public Events

If you’re looking to attend a green building webinar or online training, or you would like to know about in-person green building or related events, there are a handful of leading US organizations that stand out more and consistently offer educational content, a good deal of which is free.  We’re pleased to give a loud shout out to these organizations to thank them for their hard work to share information more widely, here and through listings on our open green building calendar.  We try to keep up as we note events, and individuals and organizations are also welcome to post events!    Top organizations that seem to have the most full green building calendars are listed below, and we’ve starred several organizations that consistently offer free educational content.  Please shout if we’ve missed an organization - there might easily be groups hosting events we’re not aware of.   The purpose here is to point people in the direction of resources which regularly provide educational opportunities and that are open to the public.  There are also of course many organizations that host a smaller number of signature events each year, and we’d be happy to list those recurring great local or regional events separately.  We didn’t focus here on libraries of on demand content - we can list those out as well at some point.  Always feel welcome to point out great resources.     California: *Pacific Gas & Energy (PEG&E) Learning Center: PG&E offers a wealth (400+ including recordings) of online and in-person energy and green building related educational classes and longer trainings, including on-demand content, all free. Content is both consumer and profesional facing.  *Southern California Edison: SCE maintains an excellent calendar of free consumer facing and trade professional classes and trainings, online and in person. SCE operates two in-person educational centers, in Irwindale and Tulare. SCE also provides both consumer and professional content.  *Tri-County Regional Energy Network (3C-REN): 3C-REN offers a great variety of free online and in-person courses, for both consumers and trade professionals, including for real estate professionals.  The organization primarily serves California’s San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura counties, but space permitting others are welcome and the lessons go beyond California’s borders.  USGBC California: USGBC California was recently created by combining several regional California USGBC chapters.  This combined entity is hosting an active calendar of events and trainings, some of which are free of charge, which can be unusual for a USGBC chapter.    Connecticut: BuildGreen CT: BuildGreen CT combines the efforts and memberships of 4 formerly separate Connecticut green building related organizations. Since its relaunch as a new entity in 2023, the organization has been hosting a consistent roster of hosted and community partner events.  Georgia: Southface Institute: Southface offers more technical trainings on a regular basis, online and in-person, and there are consumer facing educational opportunities as well. Most events have a fee, but fees seem lower for consumer-facing content than for professional, technical training.     Illinois: Illinois Green Alliance: Illinois Green Alliance consistently lists a range of events, some hosted and some presented by aligned or partner organizations. Hosted events are often free or lower cost, which is not as common for other USGBC affiliates.  Massachusetts:  Built Environment Plus - Formerly known as USGBC Massachusetts, Built Environment Plus is a USGBC chapter which offers many of its own online and in-person opportunities to learn and connect, Most programs are fee-based and some training program investments are more significant, but Massachusetts businesses with fewer than 100 employees can apply for funding for employees to attend events, as long as the application is submitted 21 or more days prior to the event.   *MassSave: Mass Save’s free online training roster currently hosts events on energy codes, stretch codes, and energy modeling. The organization is sponsored by a collaboration of Massachusetts' utilities and energy efficiency service providers. Many of MassSave's services are consumer facing, but the trainings seem more technical.  NESEA: The Northeast Sustainable Energy Association, or NESEA, maintains a full calendar of hosted events, including a now-annual set of Pro Green Building Tours, and regional and aligned organizational events.  Michigan: *GreenHome Institute: GreenHome Institute (GHI) consistently offers a robust set of online courses that are free or can be part of a credential-earning program.  GHI hosts some in-person opportunities as well, such as green building tours and trainings.  GHI is one of the few organizations aside from a great set of California utilities that truly makes the consumer or DIY individual feel welcome in addition to industry professionals.   Missouri: Missouri Gateway Green Building Council: The Missouri Gateway USGBC chapter hosts and lists several events a month, many of which are free.    New York: Building Energy Exchange (BEEx); BEEx hosts online and in-person events throughout the year, many of which are specifically New York-focused, and many of which are free.           Greening USA: GreeningUSA hosts regular free brown bag lunches on a variety of green building and sustainable topics, many of which are virtual (See their Facebook page for upcoming events) as well as a Sustainability Academy.  GreeningUSA also does a good job of making all feel welcome.  Urban Green Council: A USGBC chapter, Urban Green offers a range of online and in-person events, sometimes focusing on the organization’s home city of New York, but often enough more widely applicable. Most events seem to have some kind of a fee.  Pennsylvania: Green Building Alliance (GBA): A USGBC chapter, Green Building Alliance offers a varied calendar of webinars, in-person events, trainings and green building tours. Most events seem to require some fee (GBA distinguishes between free and non-free events better than most, before you decide to click through.) Green Building United: An aligned chapter of the USGBC, Green Building Alliance offers events, usually with some fee, with some consistency not as full a calendar as some of the other organizations listed. The organization hosts a signature regional symposium annually.  Texas: *Austin Energy Green Building: Austin Energy Green Building is a community-owned utility which seems to offer several free events a month.    There are also some top national or non-geographically specific organizations which consistently offer online and/or in-person green building educational opportunities: *Passive House Accelerator: Passive House Accelerator maintains a robust calendar of hosted and partner and aligned organization events, some of which are free.   *US Department of Energy - Better Buildings Initiative: The Better Buildings Initiative aims to enable residential and commercial energy efficiency, resilience and renewable energy, though the free hosted and aligned calendar events have typically been commercial in nature.  United States Green Building Council (USGBC) - USGBC offers a wealth of educational and training opportunities. Some are free, but most have a fee which varies. USGBC offers events targeted to specific geographic areas, aligned with state and local organization chapters, as well as more general topics that are national or global/universal in nature.  Let us know who we should add to this list!   

USGBC California's Wildfire Education Efforts - Working to Rebuild and Prevent Future Loss and Damage

I wanted to take a moment to acknowledge and point people to the great work being done by USGBC California (USGBCCA) regarding wildfires, both in support of the long road to recovery for those affected by these and other fires and to help prevent future crises in California and elsewhere.     USGBC California recently hosted a webinar on Rebuilding for Sustainability & Wildfire Resilience (USGBC-CA Wildfire Defense, which the organization has since posted on YouTube along with several other related videos.  I really appreciated hearing an overview of the work the organization has been doing for years now, as well as the introduction to some top considerations for rebuilding planning for structures as well as for landscaping.  I thought this webinar respectfully represented the tension between rushing and getting it right in rebuilding, and also presented a sincere sprit of community building and a desire for repair in the middle of a pretty much impossible situation.  The people speaking in this recording are all active members of the green building community who design and build well ahead of code requirements and were also affected by these and other fires. These are their communities.  In one of the previous videos mentioned below, a speaker warns that if he’s not available, he may literally have evacuated.      USGBC CA has undertaken a growing list of related activities and created resources including:   Creating a Wildfire Defense Toolkit for homeowners and occupants  Community workshops with assistance to those affected by fires on topics such as energy efficiency, electrification, water conservation, defensible landscaping, fire resistance materials and strategies, renewable energy, and available credits and incentives Professional training for contractors and landscape professionals, including a certificate program  Educational workshops and  panel discussions, including in Spanish  On-site tours of firewire properties  Connecting those in need with those who have materials, other than resources or service or expertise to offer    The organization is also developing a Green Rebuilding Toolkit, and a Rebuilding Certification program. An existing green building BuildSmart trailer will soon be retrofitted to showcase fire resilient materials and building strategies in addition to the 350+ materials library in place.    USGBC CA has created a helpful landing page for Wildfire Resources, and it looks like should remain a valuable place for finding tools and connecting if you have related needs or resources or expertise to share.  You can also find events and training on the USGBCCA Events page.    Additional items of note: Additional YouTube Videos, including: Nature-Based Solutions to Wildfire Mitigation in the Built Environment (CA Green Building Conference) - February 2025 Wildfire Defense Forum & Virtual Tour, presented by USGBC-CA and SCAG - September, 2022 This video refers to Defensible Space dot Org: https://defensiblespace.org/resources/  Upcoming Fire Prevention Trainings (often offered once per quarter) : Wildfire Defense for Construction Professionals, Free and Online, February 12, 4:30-7 pm PT Wildfire Defense for Landscaping Professionals, Free and Onlne, February 24, 4:30-7 pm PT   Additional events: Thought Leadership Series: Climate Risk & Insurance, Hybrid Event, Online and in California, March 13, 4-5:30 PT California Green Building Conference, May 22, San Francisco  - A Recovery and Rebuilding Track has been added  Note that Greenbuild will also be hosted in Los Angeles this year     When I first started to receive information during and right after the recent Los Angeles area fires, I was of course heartened to see people come together in times of crisis in addition to the concern for friends and so many others going through this nightmare.  But I admit I also worried that some of the information could be a little misdirected or maybe just "too soon” in  a sense.*  Partly, I worried some of the information was going to be wonderful for helping to prepare in other places, if everyone listens.  But maybe the ’too soon” part is a worry that prevention information might be critical, but let’s face it, It doesn’t help if you just lost everything to read about how you might have built better.     One thought I have is continuing to worry when thinking about this crisis and others, why don’t we talk about the risks more before, and listen (by taking action) to those who were trying to prepare and warn of the possible losses?  We need to keep thinking about that question, and how we can get information out more widely, and how we can do our best to share needed and actionable information in advance.  How can we become more proactive and not as reactive, and how can we do this more inclusively to address socioeconomic and other barriers as well.  How can we share in ways that inform but don’t overwhelm and respect the perspective of the real people who live in affected communities.  When there are competing needs and budget items, what is even practical and possible for most people to do?  What is the role of the occupant, and what is the role of the public sector? And, importantly, how can all of us in this wider community be of help?     I’ve been pleased to see that some organizations have already been working to build back in addition to new efforts that can make a difference.  Given that the media does tend to move on and that people and organizations do also have other competing needs for their resources, there’s a reasonable concern that some actions will be taken, but not enough to best mitigate longer-term disaster, especially for homes not directly affected by fire.  Even occupants who know they’re more likely to be affected by a future fire sometimes feel overwhelmed and don’t know what to do, or don’t know how to prioritize or how to pick between competing budget items and many eventually end up not taking action.  Add red tape and conflicting policy priorities, and it can be a fight or a never-ending cycle even when someone decides what they want to do.     Addressing wildfire risk and rebuilding  isn’t a new USGBC CA effort, and the organization is committed to continuing these efforts.  Please feel welcome to share the great efforts of other organizations and to share any information about products or services you think can be of help.  We’ll work to support impactful ideas and solutions, and to recognize and point to others who are also doing great work.             *Part of me felt unsettled that some of the information could perhaps be a little opportunistic. But on that last, I don’t want to be unfair.  If a person or organization provides a services or creates a product that can help, then by all means those affected and those who will rebuild need the information.  Look it’s clearly worth the small risk of a slightly less appropriate pitch if one person or one family, or many more, can be helped.  So I take back my cynicism.  This is the same worry that I try to push back against when companies that make great green building products fear being accused of greenwashing and are afraid to properly celebrate what they do so well. We have to just keep doing and keep celebrating great work. I am pointing this out so we can all do better and resist this nagging worry.   What organizations and efforts would you like to highlight?  What challenges can you identify and how can they be overcome? What are your questions? How can we at Rate It Green be of help in sharing information more widely?         

Energy Efficiency, Clean Energy, Environmental - and Green Building - Uncertainty

Anyone who tells you they know for sure what will happen with the IRA, or Inflation Reduction Act, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, or IIJA, or the Bipartisan Infrastructure Act, and a host of related clean energy, energy efficiency, health and environmental and infrastructure-related funding, has a crystal ball, or they’re just incorrect.  Regardless of someone’s personal politics, this is and will clearly remain a confusing time, and the uncertainty isn’t good for anyone involved in these industries or in any of the directly and indirectly related fields.     What are the most clear and immediate risks? Even already planned hires may not be made, at least in the near future Plants and investments that can be canceled or delayed will be- this is already happening  People are going to be laid off Important work will not get done, and delays are already occurring to do uncertainty and inaccessible funds  Immediately upon settling back into the Oval Office on January 20th, Donald Trump signed a host of executive orders, three of which have direct renewable energy and environmental impacts: Withdrawing from The Paris Agreement, again  Halting all offshore wind projects “Unleashing American Energy,” which attempted to immediately stop distributing funds for grants and loans under the IRA and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Act, including residential solar credits (dating back in some form to George Bush), energy efficiency upgrade credits, EV credits, EV infrastructure investments, and home energy efficiency rebates.     This was the start of a court battle between a number of nonprofits and the Trump Administration as well as a separate legal battle between 22 states and the Administration to stop the withholding of committed funds.  Currently the Administration has rolled back some parent freezes or cancelations but not all, and yet the situation is not clear.  Some organizations have not been notified their funds are indeed committed, and some funds have become available while other payment systems remain literally locked.  Meanwhile, 3 separate federal judges have ruled that the Administration is not authorized to withhold funding that has already been approved by Congress.     If you are a homeowner or occupant who has already completed projects in 2024 that qualified for federal tax credits or rebates, these commitments should remain in place.  It is not clear what all happen to upgrades completed in 2025, which is one reason there’s a concern that people will put off or even cancel planned work.     If you have fairly based some of your future business and hiring on knowing the IRA tax credits and rebates were coming, it’s very hard to know what to do at the moment. Clearly, the imperative remains and clearly, it was reasonable to count on the federal government to keep commitments.  Let’s hope cooler heads will prevail.   As the folks at Energy Sage remind us, it’s technically illegal for the Executive Branch to refuse to disburse funds already approved by Congress.  So currently, the President has put a 90-day hold on approved spending.     One reason for optimism is that there is bipartisan support for energy efficiency and clean energy initiatives, and certainly for public health project, if not all environmental projects. While Republicans have not yet voiced criticism out loud for freezes and attempted cuts and cancelations, job and investment losses at home will likely cause them stress pretty quickly.  There are significant reasons for bipartisan support of these energy and infrastructure-related projects. In the 3 years since the IRA passed, plans for almost $170 billion have been made to make solar panels, wind turbines, electric vehicles. and more, and 80% of the related manufacturing jobs have been created in Republican districts.  As far as wind goes, wind energy currently makes up 10% of the US electricity supply, and wind is strong in Republican states like Iowa, Oklahoma, and Texas, with major wind projects planned in Montana, North Dakota, and Wyoming, aside from the planned offshore developments that might be in more Democratic states.     Anther reason to have some optimism is that commitments should not only mean something, but they tend to be legally binding.  Tens of billions of dollars have already been committed from the IRA and prior legislation which companies, states and nonprofits have already relied on for investment decisions including hiring given that they were assured of repayment by the federal government.  It’s pretty cynical to think the answer is just “Yes,” to the question, “Do you really want to cause this much confusion and angst and this many  consequences?” There’s a real risk of backfire and tragically missed goals if these freezes and cuts result in massive job loss and company closures and higher prices - and the risks will quickly become clear and even pile up.  The sooner everything gets cleared up and back on track at all, the better.  This kind of instability just does not create desired and promised economic results.      Examples of federal confusion and challenges include (but aren’t limited to, it’s just really confusing): $5 billion in Climate Pollution Grants are currently on hold, including a $500 grant to reduce truck traffic at LA-area airports.  At the EPA, grants paused to reduce air pollution at schools and ports, to monitor pollution levels.  Many Energy Department funds are frozen  A South Coast Air Quality Management District project to replace diesel-powered trucks and trains with electric vehicles is also frozen Maryland and DC are not currently receiving $3 billion for curbing greenhouse gasses ‘ Solar and wind permitting are on hold, currently for 60 days  Heatmap has compliled a list of 50 climate and energy departments and programs that could be targeted according to the January 27, Office of Management and Budget (OMB) memo which paused federal grants. loans and financial assistance programs delineated (unclearly) in recent Presidential Executive Orders, that has since been rescinded admidst much confusion.  It's worth reading this list and really gettting a sense of how many programs and people are potentially impacted.    State examples in the press: 60 recipients, including states and tribes have been unable to access funds for the $7 billion program to help low-income communities install solar panels  A 62 megawatt project in Arizona was about to hire its first 4 employees, but the access to existing funds was cut off.   Plans were canceled to a fund battery cell manufacturing plant, also in Arizona, (NYT)  Minnesota officials were unable to access non-IRA/infrastructure funding for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which may mean HHS can not help 6.7 million households pay heating and cooling bills as planned.  A Minnesota company has already delayed opening a new solar cell factory while tax and immigration policies remain uncertain and perhaps unfavorable  A Montana biofuels plant missed an owed $782 million payment (NYT) $1 billion to modernize the grid is on hold (NYT) The permit process has stalled for a half dozen solar projects on federal lands in Nevada (NYT) The Army Corps of Engineers has stopped the permitting process on over 168 projects (NYT) New Jersey has held off awarding new offshore turbines, and Shell has withdrawn from one of the project.  Offshore wind farms a part of a $25 billion supply chain across 40 states, including Ohio., Louisiana, and Texas.  Virginia, New York City, and Nevada do not know if ordered electric school busses will arrive South Carolina and Florida may not receive port pollution clean up funds (NYT)   The New York Times also reports that over half of $30 billion clean tech factories that had been planned will be delayed or canceled.  Delays and any cancelations or closures cause unemployment and a shrinking economy, which is of course a disaster across any party and state lines.  Closures also then affect existing and planned companies along the supply chain as well as local vendors who might have serviced these operations.  Again, this is where the consequences will become clear quickly, even more than they have already.   There’s some optimism that states have already been here before, and previously when the federal government withdrew from the Paris Agreement, states and municipalities stepped up and led the way, in principle committing 60%+ of the population to the Paris Agreement anyway.  And then there are the somewhat confusing roller coaster court battles underway between nonprofits and the Trump Administration as well as a second case between 22 states and the Administration.  Indeed, on Friday February 7, a federal judge ordered the administration not to  “pause, freeze, impede, block, cancel, or terminate” taxpayer money already allocated by Congress, for the 22 states suing.  A challenge is that we’re seeing almost a “Possession is 9/10s of the law” Wild West where actions come first and consequences may come later, if at all.  This is the third decision in two weeks  in support of containing disbursement of committed funds to nonprofit and/or states so far the orders aren’t being followed in a way we just have not seen before.  Courts move slowly, and it’s faster to damage and dismantle than to rebuild.  Energy and environmental professionals worry we’re losing decades we don’t really have to make sufficient progress, all while failing to profit and compete towards great win-win goals. In other words, this situation just doesn’t seem to make any sense.   Some say that confusion IS the strategy but this much confusion is anti-growth and frankly anti-business.  One has to hope there will be recognition that we need to rethink and destabilize to avoid extreme economic, public health, and environmental impacts.     “I expect thousands of people to be laid off, I expect workers to be furloughed, and I expect construction projects to halt.”  - Jason. Walsh, Executive Director of the BlueGreen Alliance, via The New York Times “We may not survive this...“We can’t make our payroll.” - Chuck Morse, Executive Director, Thrive New Orleans.  Thrive New Orleans was awarded a $500,000 federal grant to teach high school students in disadvantaged areas how to protect their communities from extreme heat and flooding. Mr. Morse has already had to lay off four employees since this funding was frozen. - Washington Post "As of right now, think of everything on a 90-day pause." - energysage.com   “Our access to the funding system was shut down….I’m holding the bag on $17.5 million in NOAA grants I’m unable to get paid for.” - Andrew Gottlieb, Executive Director of the Association to Preserve Cape Cod -WBUR   Pausing federal funding will harm “public health, public safety and the environment.” - MassDEP Commissioner Bonnie Heiple, via court documents provided by WBUR. “Additionally, not moving forward with the implementation of the Massachusetts Solar for All program will delay or prevent the Commonwealth meeting its objectives of delivering good, well paying jobs, including construction, trades, and installation services needed to support the program.”        Additional Reading: Trump freezes IRA funding - Utility Dive Here’s who’s losing out as Trump freezes the Inflation Reduction Act - The Washington Post Trump Is Freezing Money for Clean Energy. Red States Have the Most to Lose. - New York Times EPA cuts off IRA solar money already under contract - E&E News by Politico Federally funded climate projects in Mass. face uncertainty under Trump - WBUR Mass. regains access to some federal funds, but environmental projects still face uncertain future - WBUR Court filing provided by WBUR ‘Never in our wildest dreams’: Mass. environmental projects stall amid federal funding confusion - WBUR Trump orders pause on IRA funding—what does it mean for solar? - energy sage.com -  U.S. Wind Power Faces Huge Challenges After Trump Orders a Crackdown - The New York Times       The image above belongs to Heliene.  The company had been planning to build a new battery cell plant in Minnesota, but those plans are currently on hold due to the current US funding uncertainty. 

The Toitu Earth-Sheltered House - Comfortable, Energy Efficient & Unique

Green Builder Matt Hoots of Sawhorse, Inc. will be working on the Toitu House, an earth-sheltered home that really could last several hundred years, as in 500. Some claim an earthen home can even last 1000 years in theory, but we will have to wait to find out.  The name Toitu is a Maori word which is included in a proverb that reminds us to be good stewards of the earth, as ownership is temporary the land remains long after an initial owner is gone. In this video, Matt introduces the Toitu House project and speaks with Igal, the homeowner. Igal explains the dream he and his family have embarked upon, designing and redesigning over years now to get their home just right.  They had an idea that they wanted to minimize impact and embark on something unique and creative, and they have sure done that.  This is a future-facing home EPCOT would be envious of! What does earth-sheltered mean? Earth-sheltered homes can be partially or completely underground and leverage the earth's steady temperature to create a comfortable year-round environment while also operating efficiently and using less energy overall. Additional benefits include resistance to extreme weather and weather events, lower maintenance needs, greater durability and longevity, and noise reduction.   The Toitu house sits on a sloped lot, and most of the building will be underground.  Then the space around the home will literally be filled in with dirt, with the home depth varying from 2 to 20 feet below the earth.  When guests drive up to the home, they may not see the building as it will be built into the hill until they drive down and around to the garage.  The home will largely be made of rolled steel I-beams and layers of steel rebar, with a shell created with shotcrete, and finally waterproofing and protective layers.  Three large openings are planned which will let in abundant light, for a garage, a front entryway, and a bedroom wall.  Igal and his family’s goals included: Less stress and impact on the lot - Soil and grass will remain and not be covered More usable land - The home will literally be under usable area, garden and lawn can be on top of the house Sustainability - Less energy will be required to heat and cool as the earth does this naturally A durable, easy to maintain home – Toitu house might last 500+ years! Igal notes that it seems home appraisals only expect a home to last 30 years. Duable features include: Fewer openings – The doors and windows will be made of fiberglass  Concrete floors Reinforced concrete means there’s also little organic material to rot, and the materials are less intriguing to potential pests Lower UV light will reduce wear and tear Resilience and protection from extreme weather and storms - If a tree falls above an earth-sheltered home, it's not clear who hears it, and there is very likely to be less if any damage.  Sufficient square footage and a few specific amenities – The home includes a pool table, soaking tub, and even a barber chair! The possibility to age in place - A first floor primary bedrooms mean it's possible to enjoy single floor living in a fairly easily maintainable space Curb appeal (or no curb?) - The home will sit “gracefully” on, or really under, the land Igal walks us through a tour of the home, starting with the kitchen as the core of the building.  The building will house 4 people in 3700 sf 4with BRs, room for guests, and even a balcony.  He describes the industrial warehouse theme as in buildings where units were made into or included artsy lofts.  The structure is mostly a vaulted single story with additional height and another story in the bedroom “wing,”  which then reaches 20 feet in the center.  The arched roof makes it feel roomy, and more organic in Igal's opinion.   Ventilation is always critical but perhaps even more so for this project. If the air quality ifs not right, one can’t always crack a window in the same way to get fresh air or to increase circulation as with an above ground structure with more windows.  Getting all of the HVAC right is also essential, as a builder will want to get it right and not have to come back – when it will likely be harder to make certain repairs.  Matt and Igal plan to create focused videos on HVAC.   One note and possible concern is that you really want to get this structure exactly right, as certain changes can not be made later.  For example, you’re not going to easily add a new room.  This need and almost restriction means that thorough planning with a long-term lens is important.  Minimal impact and durability were high on their list, and Igal admits he wanted to build something unique and "cool" as well. (Get it, it stays cool!) To learn more, check out Matt's Interview! Matt and Igal are committed to sharing their experiences through the construction process, so get ready for some amazing leading edge content, and please feel welcome to connect and post and to share your opinion and conversations.  If you have a question, chances are someone else has that same question, too.  We can not wait to see this house, which is targeted for a 2025 completion, and we’re also excited and already inspired, as Matt and Igal are committed to sharing their experiences and lessons as they complete the project.  We’re also so excited about the conversations this house can inspire.  Would you live underground in an earth-sheltered structure? Why or why not? What is your dream home, or your dream project to work on?  What's the coolest project you've worked on, and why? Let's discuss!  

HVAC Energy Efficiency Upgrade - Before and After

I am excited to report that we’ve made significant progress on our HVAC upgrade project!  A while back, I shared an article when I first fully realized how it’s important to have a plan for major home equipment replacement, largely because these decisions have significant potential impact and we don’t make them very often. In addition to higher up front costs, a rushed or suboptimal decision can be particularly costly in terms of energy, health, and comfort. The fact that the decisions are infrequent means that negative effect are extended over years, sometimes even decades.  This also means that great decisions have lasting and amplified positive impacts.   In a sense, our HVAC equipment replacement plan started right when we moved into our home. Our home inspector shared that our boilers were not the most efficient even though they were “good for their time” when installed, but that they would last months or years.  He didn’t know exactly when, but at some point we’d have to replace them. That was almost two decades ago, so I felt we were pushing our luck.  As I became more educated green building products, services, practices, and concepts, and particularly about electrification and energy efficiency and about indoor air quality and our health, I became both excited to undertake this project and honestly anxious that I need to do it as SOON as possible!   Our Project Goals: Replace our existing boilers with current and reliable technology Reduce fossil fuel consumption and emissions, specifically natural gas   Reduce energy consumption Improve indoor air quality, or IAQ Create a better area for our outside HVAC equipment   Our decision to keep gas for our boilers was largely impacted by the fact that we already had gas in this house and that we knew that at very cold temperatures, gas boilers can still be more efficient.  I should also note that we have a gas generator to help in the event of power outages, so it’s not like we were planning to remove gas from the property entirely.  And finally, I will say from a real estate investment perspective, it would be considered odd to remove gas in our area as it’s still seen as a benefit if not an expectation.  So my goal became more to reduce this usage as much as possible.      I was also super excited to reduce our overall consumption.  Heat pumps are typically 300-400% more efficient than you average gas boiler.  As long as electricity rates aren't particularly high, this also means saving money.  An interesting fact is that if we switch to electric powered equipment, the energy efficiency impact of this decision is not likely linear in that the projected savings per year over time can grow as the grid also becomes more efficient.  At the same time, environmental impacts are also further reduced.    The more I learn about indoor air quality, or IAQ, the more I am worried about health effects from irritants and pollutants we don’t even fully understand.  So few of the zillions of existing chemicals are regulated, and volatile organic compounds, find dust, allergens, and other particles and pollutants  are off-gassing, or leaking from products and chemicals into our indoor air space.  We do not fully understand all of the potential short and long term risks from poor air, but we know some and they’re alarming.  The connection between natural gas cooking and asthma alone is worth reconsidering how prizes many have considered natural gas stoves.  Monitoring indoor air is just really taking off as a practice, especially as some more mainstream thermostat brands include some air quality measures in their equipment and it’s not clear that most people are prepared or able to take the steps needed to sufficiently prevent, clear or clean up many of the substances in the air that can cause us harm.  In our project, I wanted to see what steps we could reasonably take to bring in sufficient fresh air and to filter out pollutants. I was and remain interested in continuing to learn what we can keep doing as well.   I had one unusual goal which is also to make the areas where our compressors are located less ugly.  I know that sounds silly, but in all seriousness I had shared in the past that compressor placement is important to consider in colder climates.  Our compressors were pretty close to the ground and were located near an area where our snow tends to build up due to plowing patterns and roof shape.  So I had wondered what to do to protect them, and it seemed great to address this and make our overall project as comprehensive as I could.   What We’ve Accomplished to Date:   Below is a list of our completed installations and action items so far, with some limited explanations.  I say so far as I remain interested in a few last steps, including continuing to learn about and work on indoor air quality.  Installed 2 replacement 96% energy efficient gas boilers (standard today is around 90%) Installed 2 replacement humidifiers to replace older equipment Installed two VRF air sourced heat pumps We had conventional air conditioning prior with gas heating, and now we have a hybrid system. Above 30 degrees, the heat pumps will take over our heating from the gas boilers – We’ll also work to find the balance point, so that we may lower that threshold.  This includes installing two ceiling cartridge units which also address comfort issues in areas where we had insufficient heating previously Moved one existing mini split to an alternate location in our basement where we did not have cooling capacity previously. This mini split was not compatible with our planned equipment in terms of working seamlessly as a part of one system, but we found a way to keep it! Installed 3 ERV’s (1 was a replacement), one in our basement and two on our second floor Installed a remote kitchen exhaust fan and make up air to bring fresh air into the kitchen Pending: We’ve planned for and have done some preparation work to install an additional heat pump for the future where we had a newer heat pump compressor which only delivers air conditioning at this time. We’ve installed the line sets and have made provision for low voltage power so that the future project to replace the compressor for this zone will be far less invasive.  Basically, we’ve don't the construction part of that now!   Project Benefits I am so excited to have made progress on so many of my key HVAC goals and to have idea on how to keep learning and to keep making improvements, particularly where IAQ is involved.  Clearly we had to replace our boilers, and I wanted to get the most efficient equipment reasonably available, that could also be repaired (I didn’t want the Jaguar of boilers). But my plan was to see how much we could to do given this already existing home to increase efficiency, reduce consumption and emissions, and improve our health and comfort.  We are clearly on our way!    We expect to save money from our energy reductions, and I am excited to see how the house will perform, but it’s too soon to calculate our investment returns and savings because we haven’t yet been through a full year with the new systems in place. I look forward to reporting how this all went in a couple of years when we have some numbers.  Most of our new equipment is so much more energy efficient, though I know electric rates mean energy consumption per energy unit can be more expensive than with gas, and I know that ERVs increase energy consumption as they work to bring in fresh air, but we do expect our overall energy bills to be lower. The question really is how long it would take to pay back our investment, and that we do not know yet.  This is all harder to model on existing homes with so many unknowns that can’t be input into a model, but we look forward to finding out over time. Before this project, our home had two 83% efficient gas boilers from the mid 1980s and conventional A/C units which provided cooling only. We had one mini split serving a single zone in a space that had been added to our home more recently.  We knew our boilers had limited life left, and they had recently stopped communicating properly with the controllers. So even if they kept working, we would have to make a significant investment in new control technology.  Prior to this project start, we learned (and smelled) that we had a small gas leak. It was making me so stressed out! So the first thing we did was speed up the boiler replacement. When the old boiler pipes were removed, the areas leaking the gas went right along with them.  We also had an open vented gas system before, which means there was an air gap between our boilers and exhaust pipes.  It seemed likely we may also have had a post-combustion leak of some of this air as well, which was also resolved with our new closed-loop system.    Every time we use our boilers now, we’re using 13% less gas than previously. And when it’s warmer than 30 degrees, we won’t be using any gas to heat and cool our home!  The one older compressor we kept uses heat pump technology.  We do still have gas for cooking, but we installed a remote hood fan to reduce noise, and now everyone is much happier to use the hood.  And using the hood means we’re removing pollutants that result from using gas as a cooking fuel.  We also installed make up air as a retrofit, so that directed fresh air will replace the air the hood removes, which helps ensure we won’t draw this replacement air through wall cracks and crevices that might not be particularly healthy when effectively used as filters. The remote hood is one part of our air quality and comfort improvement efforts.  As long as we use the hood, I know we’re breathing better air when we’re cooking.  The ERVs, or energy recovery ventilators are also a significant part of our IAQ plan. These pieces of ventilation equipment bring in fresh outside air and exchange this air for potentially polluted or even just stale inside air while also working to reduce temperature differences between the two air streams so this exchange can be as energy efficient as possible. Fresh air is important for diluting pollutants, irritants, and allergens, but it is also important to have a robust filtration system. We have a good filtration system it did not make sense to replace at this time, but this is something we may look at again in the future.  I am pleased to have replaced older humidification equipment, but I admit I am paranoid about mildew and mold risk, so I am happy we have plenty of existing dehumidification as well, particularly in our basement.  Temperature is also a part of air quality, and I am happy that our new mini splits will help us properly and efficiently heat two areas of our home that just didn’t get sufficient heat in the past.  Installing mini splits is a great way to repair temperature control challenges without additional construction expense. I feel like I am still beginning my journey regarding indoor air quality. I have studied this topic in theory, and I have made some changes that will improve our IAQ, but I have not yet measured the pollutants we can, and I finally feel ready to embark on this part of the project. As I have written in a piece on IAQ, I worry we’re starting to learn just how worrisome our indoor our should be, and some of what we can do about this, but most of us don’t know enough about what to do if we discover a particular problem, and maybe not everyone has the time or funds to make needed improvements.  So there’s a chance I was too worried about what I might find out. I purchased indoor air quality monitoring equipment some time ago, but I haven’t yet tried it out.  I am also interested in learning all I can about how “tight” or “leaky” our house is in terms of where we might be losing or gaining air, water vapor, and energy. So I am hoping to do some tests like infrared measuring and blower door tests to see what is coming in and out of our building, and how.  I’d like to seal up any leaks for energy efficiency and moisture control purposes, while also making sure we have balanced and proper ventilation throughout.  The ERVs are a big part of making sure we’re bringing in enough fresh air, and I look forward to learning the best plans or schedules for optimal operation.  “Perfecting” IAQ will be my next phase, and I look forward to reporting in!   Have you embarked on an HVAC project you can share, small or large? What were your goals, and have they been met? What challenges did you face? Please feel welcome to comment, and also to submit your own upgrade report! Progress! The unit on the left below is a VRF, or Variable Refrigerant Flow Heat Pump. Note that the variable in VRF relates to the increased levels of refrigerant flow gradation in these systems, resulting in greater control and comfort and energy efficiency.  Where some systems might only have one motor speed, or two motor speeds, the added levels in VRF systems mean that the systems can better match energy use to actual conditions and demands, resulting in less energy use overall. The systems are also hihgly energy efficient and tend to run quieter.   On the right we have a heat pump compressor that only dlivers provides heat. It would need adjusting to provide both heating and cooling. When the zone served the the compressor on the right fails, everything is already set up for the next heat pump unit. We have the plan and we're ready, and it wil be a lot less work since we've prepared, but it could be years.   Our outdoor systems area was not very attractive before this project! And then when it snowed, the equipment was too close to the ground. When it snowed a lot, we had real problems. We found this clever spot for one of the heat pumps, behind the house. I plan to make the base a little more attractive.  Additional/Related Information: Residential Decarbonization – Influencing Consumer Demand Before Inflection/Decision Making Points is Key Building Electrification: Why It Matters to Your Wallet, Health, Comfort, and the Environment Electrification and Decarbonization Content Guide Heat Pumps 101 - Comfort, Health, Savings, Energy Efficiency, and Lower Emissions The Future of Natural Gas Cooking (Are "They" Coming to Take Your Stove Away? Reducing the Natural Gas “Bridge,” for Human and Environmental Health A Rate It Green Content Guide to Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Remote Hood Exhaust Fan Retrofit Delivers Significant Noise Reduction

Heat Pumps 101 - Comfort, Health, Savings, Energy Efficiency, and Lower Emissions

If you’re even thinking about energy efficiency, or if you’ve been considering HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning system) improvements or building renovations of any kind, you’ve likely heard many mentions in recent communications and news about heat pumps. What are heat pumps, and why are they suddenly everywhere? The short answer is that heat pumps can do the same work as fossil fuel powered equipment when it comes to heating, cooling and related equipment and processes with a lot less energy, while improving air quality and comfort and reducing environmental impact.  Modern heat pumps are more advanced, not surprisingly, but much of the essential technology has been around for quite some time.  First invented in the 1850s, heat pumps have been available for residential HVAC use since the 1960s.  Heat pumps work by leveraging the properties of refrigerants, a class of chemicals which change from lower-pressure liquids to higher-pressure gas and back at different temperatures.  By compressing and expanding refrigerants within closed loop systems, heat can be removed (or essentially added by removing in reverse) as the refrigerant expands and contracts with energy efficiency that almost seems unreal.   There are three types of heat pumps, all named for or really related to the energy source heat will be extracted from: air sourced, ground sourced, also known as geothermal, and water sourced.  Air source heat pumps extract heat from outside air, even in cold weather, and can also use the air as a heat sink as needed in warmer weather.  They work well in a variety of climates and generally save space over traditional HVAC systems.  Ground source heat pumps leverage the difference in temperature between the relatively stable ground and outside air, drawing from the ground in warmer weather, and sinking into the ground in warmer weather.  They work best in more moderate climates where the ground temperature remains more reliable.  The stability of ground temperatures makes ground source systems even more energy efficient, but they are less common as the up front installation costs and amount of work are significantly higher, requiring wells or long loops in the ground for the heat exchange.  The space required for these systems can also pose a challenge.  Water source heat pumps are less common in residential applications due to the requirement of a water body like a pond or lake, more expensive installation costs and considerations, and the requirement of land for the systems, similar to ground source heat pumps.  Here are some essential concepts for understanding heat pumps: Refrigerant is the key driver in how heat pumps work  Heat pumps move energy, they don’t generate it Heat pumps generally transfer energy in two directions Heat pumps really work  Heat pumps are in more equipment than you might think  The time for heat pumps is NOW    Image: iea Refrigerant is the key  Heat pumps work by expanding and contracting refrigerant, a class of substances that change from liquid to gas and back by expanding and contracting at specific temperatures that vary by refrigerant.  Refrigerant is a highly efficient substance for transferring energy.  When air or water flows over copper wiring called an evaporator coil, the refrigerant inside the wires absorbs the heat in the air as it expands and turns into a gas.  This process explains how refrigeration is used to pull warm air out of refrigerators to cool the food inside. The air isn’t being cooled, as much as the heat is being removed from inside the insulated box.  When the refrigerant then flows through copper wires to the compressor, the refrigerant is literally compressed back to a liquid, releasing the heat outside the insulated box.  The transfer of heat at both ends is enabled by a conductive metal coil, tube or plate known as a heat exchanger, and the heat is then passed on to what is known as a heat sink, the space or material that is to be warmed or where waste heat can be exhausted if it is not to be used.     Heat pumps transfer energy, they don’t generate it (So they are very energy efficient, and reduce emissions and energy bills.) Heat pumps work by moving heat through heat exchange using refrigerant instead of converting electricity or another fuel source into heat.  Heat pumps are becoming increasingly popular as this technology is highly energy efficient, literally up to 300%-400%, meaning that heat pumps yield 3-4 times as much energy as they draw in electricity.  Today’s more efficient gas boilers are 95% energy efficient, impressive compared to past technologies but nowhere near as efficient as heat pumps.  According to the Sierra Club, the average US home could reduce emissions more than 45% and energy use more than 50% over the next decade by installing heat pumps and a heat pump water heater in place of or instead  of a gas furnace and water heater.   Heat pump equipment can cost more up front for retrofit projects, but these costs are also offset by energy savings over time.  The Sierra Club estimates that switching to heat pumps for heating, cooling, and water heating would result in an immediate savings of $37 billion annually in the US alone.   Payback times vary by cost differences and equipment efficiency, but building new homes with electric heating, cooling and water heating is consistently cost effective over the life of the equipment. There are several scenarios where retrofit payback is also shorter.  According to the Sierra Club and Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI), these are: 1) when switching from propane or oil heating, 2) replacing both a gas furnace and air conditioning units, and 3) when also incorporating rooftop solar.  Tax credits and other financial incentives from the Inflation Reduction Act and other federal and state programs can greatly shorten the payback period.   Heat pumps generally transfer energy in two directions - and they unfortunately have a confusing name Do heat pumps always work in two directions? That depends on who you ask, but the general answer is yes, because they can work in two directions and often do.  And many say they always do, as a requirement to be called a heat pump.  The name causes a challenge, as some people hear the word “heat” and don’t realize at first that heat pumps working in two directions are cool as well. And some people will call a device that only cools a heat pump as well.   Further confusion results from the fact that some equipment is literally called a heat pump, while other equipment is said to contain heat pump technology.  People often call equipment that contains heat pump technology a heat pump, while there also is a type of HVAC equipment which is actually simply known as a heat pump. (In other words, not all technology that contains heat pumps is called a heat pump!) Even though they are working similarly, refrigerators and air conditioners remove heat in one direction, providing cooling as a result, where there’s general agreement that a heat pump means heat can be removed in two directions  Most heat pumps or equipment containing heat pump technology have a reversing valve that literally changes the direction of the refrigeration and therefore literally switches the functions of the evaporator and condenser.  Some argue that a heat pump must only work in one direction, so be careful to ensure the equipment you research and purchase serves all the functions you intend (one author of this piece bought a “heat pump” that turned out to only cool and not heat, while some manufacturers suggest that heating is essential for a heat pump but that cooling is the added functionality.  This feels counterintuitive in that a heat pump always works by removing heat through the refrigeration phase change, which is technically a cooling function.  Key is that we’re always talking about refrigerants expanding and contracting to move heat.  The question is where the heat is moving from, and where the system can “sink” the heat absorbed.     Heat pumps work!  Heat pumps work efficiently because it’s far easier to move energy than to generate it.  Heat pumps can generate 3 to 4 times the energy required to power the heat pump, and even in colder weather a heat pump can still be 100% efficient.     Given the popularity and ever growing demand for air conditioning equipment and keeping in mind that heat pump technology in certain forms is actually quite common, it’s understandable to wonder why (two-directional) heat pumps weren’t already more popular for HVAC previously.  Keep in mind that heat pumps suffer from some common misunderstandings or misperceptions, and they’re still unfortunately not widely understood.  As mentioned, even the name suggesting that heat pumps only heat is one cause for confusion.  Perhaps the name problem started with air conditioning and refrigerators standing only for cooling?   A significant challenge is that decades ago heat pump technology was not as advanced as it is today. In particular, heat pumps did not work well in colder temperatures, and some building professionals recall earlier efforts in colder temperatures that were just not successful.  One reason was also that electricity prices were higher at times compared to fossil fuels, and this impacted the perceived advantage of heat pumps.  This is counterintuitive in some ways though, as fossil fuel price volatility works in two directions.    Some people also find it hard to believe that even cold outside air can generate heat, but it is the case, as all air above -273 degrees Celsius (known as absolute zero) holds some energy that is available to transfer.  Most air source heat pumps are highly efficient above 30 or 40 degrees fahrenheit, and operate at 100% efficiency even at 20 degrees, and there are cold weather heat pumps that heat effectively at temperatures up to -5 degrees, but can work well as low as -13 and -22 degrees fahrenheit.  This said, heat pumps are not as efficient at colder temperatures.  This is one reason some people keep or still install fossil-fuel systems as back up energy sources in colder climates, or why some households are adding heat pumps for cooling instead of just changing to heat pumps for both heating and cooling.  Selecting a heat pump with electric heat strips to add heating capacity is another option, but this adds to electricity consumption.  In a colder climate, or in a colder season, it is currently more expensive and may require larger and therefore more expensive equipment to heat solely with electricity.  Most homeowners will see savings from cooling with heat pumps, as they are so much more efficient than traditional cooling equipment.    Heat pumps are in more equipment than you might think  Heat pumps are becoming most widely known for heating and cooling building spaces more efficiently, but heat pumps are also used in other equipment.  Within HVAC systems, there are also a number of types of equipment that use heat pumps, which can be confusing.  Heat pumps can exist as stand alone systems or split systems with outdoor compressors and indoor evaporators. They can also be contained in self-contained package units, which are smaller in residential applications and larger in commercial buildings.  Mini split units, which are often ductless, are perhaps the more known heat pump applications.  Ductless mini split systems consist of smaller outdoor units connected to indoor units. They can provide single-zone heating and cooling with a one-to-one connection, or several single indoor units can be connected to an outdoor unit.  The indoor units have commonly been installed on walls (wall-mounted units), but there are now more options available including in-ceiling cassettes which are much less visible, and concealed units where only the supply and return air vent grills are visible. There are also units which can be installed on floors, or suspended from ceilings (larger and typically commercial). Mini split systems can also be ducted, adding to some confusion.  Ducted mini split units can also be visible or concealed.  Heat pump systems can also be installed as part of hybrid or dual fuel systems where heat pumps and a backup heat source such as natural gas can work together, shifting the heat source according to outdoor temperature and demand.  Many heat pump systems are now VRF, or use “variable refrigerant flows.”  VRF systems allow greater zone control and also allow more flexibility than systems which only allow the motor and therefore system to be simply on or off.  This flexibility is important because it facilitates longer run times and therefore lower energy levels on average, allowing less consumption overall with better air quality results.  It may sound obvious, but HVAC systems only work and ventilate and filter when they are on and running.  Longer run times also mean more even air mixing and more even temperatures, as extremes due to system starting and stopping are reduced. Longer run times are similarly helpful for humidity management if humidity equipment is present.  Heat pumps are also increasingly incorporated into water heaters, which are also much more efficient than fossil-fuel powered water heaters.  In this equipment, the heat sink is the water in the water heater that then circulates through the home.  There’s now even a plug-in-water heater, which makes water heating retrofitting easier.  Radiant floor heating systems can incorporate heat pumps to heat the water that circulates through the heating pipes.  Heat pumps are also used in dryers, which operate at about 28% less energy than traditional dryers. Heat pump dryers and the lower-voltage water heaters make installations possible in some situations where higher voltage outlets are not available.  Heat pump dryers are also ventless, which is essential for buildings where vented dryers are not allowed.  These dryers don’t draw and exhaust conditioned air from homes so they don’t cause negative pressure issues, and they also don’t exhaust the fine particles and other pollutants and health hazards produced by combustion processes.  The lack of venting also means that this equipment can fit in smaller spaces.  And finally, heat pumps can be used in swimming pool heaters.    Heat pumps are also used in commercial and industrial HVAC systems and processes, where heating, cooling and drying are involved.  Waste heat and water can provide heat for larger-scale commercial and industrial heat pumps which may require higher input temperatures than residential buildings require.     The time for heat pumps is now  Heat pumps are an energy choice that can become even cleaner over time.  As the electric grid becomes cleaner, existing systems that are already electric continue to amplify these improvements, where fossil fuel systems will miss out, continuing to generate pollutants through emissions and worse, through lower efficiency.  In addition to wider environmental concerns, growing awareness and interest in better indoor air quality, or IAQ will also lead to increased electrification, or a move to electric equipment over fossil-fuel combustion inside buildings.  Another reason to make a switch to heat pumps sooner is that opportunities to replace equipment are spaced apart, by years and even decades.  This means there’s a longer wait each time a decision is made that does not result in a more efficient equipment purchase.  It’s advisable to have an equipment plan in advance, before equipment fails, so that buyers aren’t pretty much forced to buy what happens to be available, or to replace equipment with what is already in place, just as there’s an emergency need.  Demand is Only Going to Grow for Heat Pumps The demand for heat pumps will continue to grow, as the comfort, health, safety, and energy efficiency benefits become more clear, and with available tax credits and other financial incentives.  This is a great time to start planning for heat pump equipment in place of fossil fuel burning systems so that you will be ready when it’s time to replace aging equipment, ideally before a crisis.  For new energy efficient construction, heat pumps are a clear choice for savings and lower emissions.  This is a great time to start a conversation with a trusted HVAC professional who can help you design the optimal system to meet your needs.  It’s worth noting that this is also a great time to consider an HVAC career - as a considerable-size workforce will be needed for retrofitting existing buildings, in addition to new construction.   Have you installed heat pump equipment?  Do you have performance data you can share with others from your projects or from your personal experience? What other top information do you think is essential for understanding heat pumps? Let us know, and add your voice to the conversation!     To Learn more: Heat Pump Systems - US Department of Energy Heat Pump 101: The Lowdown on the Hottest (And Coolest) Appliance You’ve Never Heard Of - Sierra Club Clean Energy 101: Heat Pumps - RMI (Rocky Mountain Institute) 6 Advantages and Disadvantages of Heat Pumps - Triple T Heating and Cooling Heat Pump Primer: Understanding the Technology That Will Drive Decades of Residential Decarbonization -  Pecan Street:  To learn about federal and state financial incentives and tax credits available in your area (US only) see the DSIRE database (Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency): https://www.dsireusa.org/   

Building Tomorrow - 3D Printing's Green Revolution in Construction

Construction technology is advancing after years of lagging digitalization, and 3D printing is becoming the spotlight for revolutionizing construction methodology. Companies like Peri Group, and ICON are exploring the potential of 3D printing to reshape construction. Their collective vision? To minimize environmental impact and make construction faster, more efficient, sustainable, and productive. ICON, for instance, wowed everyone by constructing a single-family home in Austin within eight days, challenging the conventions of conventional construction schedules, which, according to the 2021 report from the U.S. Census Bureau, the average time to build a single-family home is between 7 and 12 months. ICON's 3D printing methodology involves making materials such as Lavacrete, a rock-solid mix of red pulverized lava rock, cement, and water. Then, their trusty 'Vulcan' 3D printer pumps this mixture onto the ground or a slab in record time. With the help of BuildOS software, digital designs spring to life as real homes, cutting waste by a massive 30%! That's not just because it avoids mistakes but because it uses only what's necessary. Any leftovers are easily recycled for future projects.  A significant challenge has been the costs and rules holding this tech back. According to the article "Additive Manufacturing in the Construction Industry: The Comparative Competitiveness of 3D Concrete Printing" by MDPI Applied Science, it is essential to take into consideration the costs of printed construction the skilled labor, a forklift rental, and a two-axle truck capable of transporting the 3D printing components around the site during the printing process, which consumes a large budget. For example, a Kustom StroyBot 6.2 3D printer with a maximum build size of 10 x 20 x 6 meters (LxWxH) starts at $300,000 and can cost up to $950,000, depending on the model and build envelope required. However, speedier construction methods are needed with a housing crisis leaving a shortage of 2 million homes annually in the U.S. This movement isn't just about making it faster; it's about creating more intelligence, being greener, and setting the stage for a sustainable future. Also, this new technology is facing a big challenge, mainly for commercial and public building construction. The reason is related to the building code rules; everything must be tested in many ways before approval, such as fire, water, and structural testing.  It’s a long and expensive process, where the tests are tied to specific formulas and geometries that cannot be changed. 3D printing is evolving to be the next significant advancement in construction. As the costs drop and technology gets even better, its potential to change how we build homes strengthens. The difference between a conventional construction cost and a 3D Printed house cost is significant. According to a recent article in the World Economic Forum, 3D printed houses can cost up to 45% less than houses built with traditional methods, while the cost to build an average-sized 3-bedroom house with conventional building methods is from $250,000 to $320,000, that same 3-bedroom house would presumably cost between $140,000 to $180,000 to build with 3D printing technology. Moreover, the environmental impact of this technological shift must be balanced. According to the United States Environment Protection Agency, the waste report for construction and demolitions shows in the Advancing Sustainable Materials Management 2018 fact sheet that the construction sector generates a staggering 600 million tons of waste in the U.S. annually, with only a fraction recycled, leaving the rest to pollute landfills. Embracing 3D printing in construction could reduce this to 30% to 40% less waste and foster a circular approach by recycling materials like cement and plastic. Furthermore, in collaboration with NASA, ICON spearheads Project Olympics to construct lunar homes for scientists and, eventually, ordinary citizens on the moon. Given the exorbitant cost of transporting materials to the moon, the proposed approach revolves around dispatching a 3D printer to the moon, harnessing lunar concrete extracted from rock chips, mineral fragments, and dust on the moon's surface to erect these structures. This ambitious initiative is to develop homes that can self-sustain on the moon. This leads to the vision extending to easier development of self-sustainable homes on Earth, promoting reduced environmental material usage and paving the way for a more eco-conscious future. This technology will revolutionize the industry and enhance efficiency, rapid prototyping, design flexibility, waste reduction, material durability, and affordable housing, shaping a greener, more sustainable future for construction worldwide.   Tecla house (Copyright © Mario Cucinella Architects and WASP, 2021). Photos by Iago Corazza.   https://www.peri.co.jp/company/press/germanys-first-printed-house-officially-openend.html#&gid=1&pid=1   PHOTO CREDIT: CASEY DUNN PHOTO CREDIT: House Zero, CASEY DUNN     ICON'S Vulcan Home-Sizd 3D Printer   University of Maine     To read more about 3D printing technology: https://www.mdpi.com/2075-5309/12/10/1703 https://www.archdaily.com/963686/the-same-technology-that-will-allow-us-to-address-housing-challenges-on-earth-will-allow-us-to-venture-off-to-space-interview-with-jason-ballard-of-icon https://3dprintingindustry.com/news/study-raisesquestions-about-construction-3d-printing-the-industry-responds-212030/ https://www.aniwaa.com/buyers-guide/3d-printers/house-3d-printer-construction/ https://www.xometry.com/resources/3d-printing/best-3d-printers-for-construction/ United States Environmental Protection. (2018). Advancing Sustainable Materials Management: 2018 Fact Sheet. https://www.nasa.gov/technology/manufacturing-materials-3-d-printing/nasa-looks-to-advance-3d-printing-construction-systems-for-the-moon-and-mars/ https://www.techspot.com/community/topics/nasa-targets-2040-for-3d-printed-moon-homes-for-astronauts-civilians.282563/ https://3dprintingindustry.com/news/nasa-confident-of-3d-printing-houses-on-the-moon-by-2040-225318/ https://detroitmi.gov/sites/detroitmi.localhost/files/2022-03/Cost%20of%203D%20Printers%20for%20the%20Development%20of%20Housing%20in%20Detroit.pdf https://www.peri.com/en/business-segments/3d-construction-printing.html https://www.3dwasp.com/en/3d-printed-house-tecla/ https://www.iconbuild.com/projects Title Image: Edge Buildings, Mulve Gardens by 14 Trees

Stretch & Specialized Code Basics, Online Course, July 15, 3 - 5 pm

This course covers the 225 CMR 23.00 MA Commercial Stretch and Opt-in Specialized energy codes applicable from July 1, 2023, and including February 2025 updates. The presentation encompasses the different pathways available for code compliance, requirements for each section (envelope, mechanical, plumbing, and electrical), and an overview of how the different components work together. Participants will also learn how the Fossil Fuel Free Pilot communities program may use the Stretch Code as a tool to help meet building performance and electrification goals. This course is intended for all building industry professionals, including but not limited to architects, engineers, consultants, modelers, developers, owners, and contractors. Learning Objectives -  1. Participants will be able to describe the compliance pathways of the MA State Energy Codes for different building types and sizes. 2. Participants will understand how the Stretch Code impacts project decisions. 3. Participants will be able to assess the implications of the Opt-In Specialized Code. 4. Participants will be able to recognize how the code changes impact existing buildings and interior fit-up projects.

2025 Summer Study on Energy Efficiency in Industry, July 16-18, Charlotte, North Carolina

2025 Summer Study on Energy Efficiency in Industry theme: Industrial competitiveness and the evolving energy landscape.  The industrial sector accounts for one-third of the United States' primary energy use, so ongoing shifts in energy systems present enormous opportunities and risks for this sector. Industrial competitiveness is going to depend on continued investments in innovation, efficiency, and advances in energy solutions.  Research and development have always been a national strength. Ongoing shifts also require innovation in business models across the energy spectrum. Lawrence Berkeley National Lab estimates that only 50% of industrial energy is used productively – leading to an enormous waste of resources. Cost reduction through efficiency is a proven pathway to increasing profitability. Our trading partners are setting new standards for energy and resource efficiency. They continue to advance technologies that improve sustainable performance.   How do you take advantage of the opportunity and minimize the risk? How does your network support you? The 2025 Summer Study on Energy Efficiency in Industry brings together professionals from around the globe to Charlotte, North Carolina – ground zero for recent industrial investment, accompanied by a statewide commitment to modernizing the electricity sector by the year 2050. We will look at policies, funding, operations, and technology to sustain industrial competitiveness for individual firms and the sector at large. We’ll ask how public-private partnerships can act now to develop the workforce we need for success. We’ll compare national and state policy to look for immediate advantage and long-term leverage.  You’ll leave the Summer Study with an expanded network and an action plan to meet your goals.   The following tracks will be the highlight of the conference program: Grids, Pipelines, and Funding Technology and Operations Bringing New Energy to Leadership Collaborating through Complexity: Navigating Industrial Value Chains Participants include: Corporate leaders, energy managers and government relations professionals; equipment manufacturers and engineering services providers; labor representatives; energy efficiency program administrators, evaluators, and implementors; public utility commission and consumer counselor staff members; professionals in the utility sector with responsibilities for efficiency programs, resource planning, regulatory compliance and government relations; energy efficiency solution providers; federal and state energy and economic development officials; energy and sustainability management firms; and energy efficiency, clean energy and equity advocacy organizations. 

RE+ Mid Atlantic, July 10-11, Philadelphia, PA

RE+ Mid-Atlantic is where innovation meets sustainability! Have the opportunity to discover clean energy solutions, network with industry leaders, and propel businesses forward. Engage in dynamic discussions and gain insights from expert speakers. RE+ Mid-Atlantic facilitates discussions with industry buyers, suppliers, distributors, consultants, and other stakeholders to explore solutions, exchange ideas, and discover emerging technologies.  This event is designed to serve and advance the solar and energy storage market by bringing together buyers and suppliers to explore business solutions, new technologies, policy initiatives, and other market factors. Connect with 1,600 industry professionals Meet with 100+ regional and national companies Understand cutting-edge policy, trends, and know-how. Grow your customer base in this regional market

Free Webinar: Advancing the Circular Economy: Certification, Innovation, and the Regulatory Landscape, June 25, 1-2 pm ET

In this webinar, GreenCircle Certified and Interface will share real-world insights into building circular systems, highlighting how product innovation, transparent practices, and regulatory awareness come together to drive sustainability leadership. You will also learn how third-party certification plays a critical role in validating recycled content claims, aligning with regulations, and strengthening market credibility.   Image: NIST

Free Webinar: Ask the Experts: Heat Pump Water Heater Installations, June 27, 12-1 pm, PT

This will be an open discussion about Heat pump water heater installations with plumbers, builders, architects, and energy consultants. To ask participants to share or send in pictures of good, bad, and ugly jobs, so that we can talk through the issues that they had and how they resolved them. Cover the latest research on condensation risk on surfaces and how to avoid problems.  Learning objectives:  Ask the experts about the real-world challenges of installing HPWHs Learn from others in the field about common hurdles in installing HPWHs  Learn how to analyze installs for condensation risk and how to avoid the problem. 

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