Passive House and All-Electric Homes Learning Center

In this afternoon workshop, attendees will learn the basic building science principles behind Passive House and High-Performance construction and review examples and best practices. Learn about the critical layers of a high-performance envelope, including thermal, air, vapor, and water barriers and how they interact and tie-in to the assembly. Multiple types of insulation material and air-barrier systems will be demonstrated and reviewed. Learn what it will take to build to Passive House and achieve the lower HERS scores required by the state’s new building code. This course is geared toward carpenters, contractors, and tradespeople, though all are welcome.  This workshop is held in-person at the Studio for High-Performance Design & Construction classroom: 151R Adams Street, Newton, MA 02458 Read more

We are excited to feature Pioneer Valley Habitat for Humanity showcasing their experiences in building high-performing all-electric homes. Gain valuable insights from the project team as they delve into best practices for building budget-friendly, energy-efficient homes. Learn how they successfully met the Level 2 requirements of the all-electric home incentive, and about the homeowners’ experiences living in these innovative dwellings.  Key features of Pioneer Valley Habitat for Humanity’s all-electric homes include: - Projected HERS Index score of 35 (pre-solar) - High-performance cold climate air source heat pumps - Heat pump hot water heaters and balanced mechanical ventilation - Continuous exterior insulation and advanced air sealing The all-electric home incentive is designed for single family and two- to four-unit homes with high-performance building envelopes, cold climate heat pumps for heating and cooling and all-electric appliances for water heating, cooking and clothes drying.     Featured Panelists: Megan McDonough, Executive Director, Pioneer Valley Habitat for Humanity  Walt Kohler, Construction Team Lead Volunteer Jamie Callan, HERS Rater, Riverbend Design Read more

Various certification programs, incentive programs, and local energy codes require blower door testing to confirm tightness of the building envelope along with individual dwelling units. Successful air sealing programs begin at the design stage of the project and are then carried out through construction via the installing trade contractors. This module will review sample details that should be included in drawing sets to allow for proper air sealing, strategies observed on site of how to implement these details, and review issues seen on projects in efforts to avoid them on future jobs. Note that this module will focus on larger multifamily buildings that are built with Masonry and/or steel stud construction. By the end of this module attendees will be able to: - Understand the fundamental concepts of air sealing from a Building Science perspective as well as the requirements of various code, rating, and incentive programs. - Identify key opportunities for designers to influence air sealing performance from the initial stages of a project. - Describe how air sealing details for various locations on a Masonry / steel stud project are successfully implemented on site. - Evaluate air sealing measures for effectiveness: what works vs. what doesn’t work. Featuring: Michael O'Donnell, Principal Building Systems Consultant, CEM, Phius+ Verifier, Steven Winter Associates Inc. Read more

Various certification programs, incentive programs, and local energy codes require blower door testing to confirm tightness of the building envelope along with individual dwelling units. Successful air sealing programs begin at the design stage of the project and are then carried out through construction via the installing trade contractors. This module will review sample details that should be included in drawing sets to allow for proper air sealing, strategies observed on site of how to implement these details, and review issues seen on projects in efforts to avoid them on future jobs. Note that this module will focus on 2-4 unit buildings (triple deckers, duplexes, etc.) that are wood-framed. By the end of this module attendees will be able to: - Understand the fundamental concepts of air sealing from a Building Science perspective as well as the requirements of various code, rating, and incentive programs. - Identify key opportunities for designers to influence air sealing performance from the initial stages of a project. - Describe how air sealing details for various locations on a wood framed project are successfully implemented on site. - Evaluate air sealing measures for effectiveness: what works vs. what doesn’t work. Featuring: Steve Klocke, RA, Principal Sustainability Consultant, Steven Winter Associates, Inc. Read more

With cutting-edge technologies like heat pumps, electric fireplaces, induction stoves and heat pump water heaters, the all-electric home is already the less expensive, decarbonized and more premium option for new construction. With the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) in August 2022, all electric technologies are getting a major boost in federal incentives for homeowners and builders that will further drive their adoption. This presentation will profile the benefits, costs and strategies around building all-electric and an in-depth update about what the IRA will mean to both consumers and builders in the years to come.  Featuring: Joseph Wachunas, New Buildings Institute Brian Stewart, Founder, Electrify Now Read more

As new home envelopes have become more and more airtight, most in the homebuilding industry have come to understand that proper ventilation is critical. But how much air do we need and what systems should we install? This workshop will discuss the health impacts of ventilation, different ventilation rates and explore various ventilation systems: pros and cons, costs and benefits, and tips for installing the best systems for your project. By the end of this module attendees will be able to: • Understand the principles of air movement and ventilation • List the ventilation code and standard requirements • Identify various types of heat recovery ventilation equipment • Recognize the occupant and building issues resulting from inadequate ventilation • Develop a successful ventilation system upgrade/integration plan Featuring: Scott Pusey, Principal Sustainability Consultant of Steven Winter Associates, Inc. Read more