It was decided at the 2018 IECC code hearings in Louisville, KY that the Energy Rating Index option will be maintained for the 2018 International Energy Conservation Code.
The Energy Rating Index (ERI) is a new compliance path that was introduced with the 2015 version of the IECC code. This option relies on the Home Energy Rating System (HERS), which assesses projected energy use in homes and offers a score on a scale of 1-100 that conveys energy efficiency. With the ERI option, states and municipalities can write into their energy codes a mandatory score that builders must meet to comply. To learn more about the ERI path or how to comply with the 2015 IECC code requirements, please visit our previous post – 2015 IECC Code: A Look at Builders’ Options.
Another action at the Louisville 2018 IECC code hearing was that the Leading Builders of America proposed to increase the Energy Rating Index scores from (51 to 55) to (57 to 62). This was approved and will make the Energy Rating Index option more attractive to builders.
These actions will be reconsidered at the 2018 IECC final hearings in Kansas City in October.
Within the last month, however, 4 states and 1 municipality have adopted the Energy Rating Index compliance path for their energy codes. Those regions are:
Alabama
Denver, CO
Florida
New York
Utah
Alabama
– required Energy Rating Index score must be 70 or lower. In Alabama in 2015, there were 1,618 homes rated according to the RESNET standards and issued a HERS Index Score. The average HERS score of homes rated in the state was 73. The new residential code went into effect on October 1, 2016.
Denver, CO
– required Energy Rating Index score must be 55 or lower. In Colorado in 2015, there were 10,150 homes rated according to the RESNET standards and issued a HERS Index Score. The average HERS score of homes rated in the state was 57.
Florida
– required Energy Rating Index score must be 58 or lower. In Florida in 2015, there were 15,323 homes HERS rated and issued a HERS Index Score. The average HERS score of homes rated in the state was 58.
The Florida legislature also tasked the Florida Building Commission to determine by October 1, 2016 whether onsite renewable power generation may be used for compliance to the Energy Rating Index option.
New York
– the Energy Rating Index scores are:
IECC Climate Zone 5 – not to exceed a score of 55
IECC Climate Zone 6 – not to exceed a score of 54
The modified NY energy code goes into effect on October 3, 2016.
In New York in 2015, there were 3,802 homes HERS rated and issued a HERS Index Score. The average HERS score of homes rated in the state was 54.
Utah
– The Utah legislature adopted a modified 2015 IECC. In terms of the Energy Rating Index, the new state energy code modified the Energy Rating Index scores requirements to:
IECC Climate Zone 3 – not to exceed a score of 65
IECC Climate Zone 2 – not to exceed a score of 69
IECC Climate Zone 1 – not to exceed a score of 68
In Utah in 2015, there were 1,498 homes rated according to the RESNET standards and issued a HERS Index Score. The average HERS score of homes rated in the state was 61.
The 2016 Utah energy code is a first in that it defines who can conduct air and duct tightness testing required by the Utah energy code: “The following parties shall be approved to conduct testing: Parties certified by BPI or RESNET, or licensed contractors who have completed training provided by Blower Door Test equipment manufacturers or other comparable training.”
In addition, the Utah legislature set the state energy code on a six year cycle.
There are now 10 states that have adopted the Energy Rating Index option as a compliance path to their state energy codes. The states that have incorporated the ERI into their energy code are:
Alabama
Florida
Illinois
Maryland
Michigan
New Jersey
New York
Texas
Utah
Vermont
To learn more about how you can meet your state energy code with the ERI option, consider becoming a certified RESNET HERS Rater. These individuals are building science professionals who commonly work with builders and realtors.
We’re already seeing explosive growth in some of the states that have adopted this option, namely Michigan. Don’t wait until the last minute to arm yourself with the knowledge, skills, and certifications to take advantage of the energy code changes! We’re here to help – getting you trained up and ready to go!
Real Estate Law, or Property Law, is the area of law that governs ownership and usage of residential or commercial land. Land, in its general usage, includes not only the face of the earth but everything of a permanent nature over or under it. This includes structures and buildings, which is why we’re going to talk about LEED for real estate attorneys.
Land can be bought or sold, and due to its high value, there are many local laws that ensure real estate transactions are properly performed and recorded. State and local governments have rules concerning the purposes for which land may be used (i.e., adhering to local zoning laws and not damaging the surrounding environment).
Lawyers and attorneys are responsible for assuring that a contract was properly drafted to account for and allocate legal rights and liabilities. This ability to define the respective rights and responsibilities requires that a lawyer or attorney understand where the concerns lie.
When it comes to LEED certification projects, legal professionals play an important role. Many think that LEED is a knowledge base most aligned with architecture and/or engineering; that’s not wrong. Although a lawyer doesn’t perform any hands-on construction work, there is certainly a legal role within the big picture of the project. There is a fundamental need for LEED subject matter expertise with regard to reviewing contracts and keeping tabs on contractors, architects, engineers, and others involved in LEED certification building projects.
Real estate attorneys may be responsible for advising clients on the changing regulations and requirements related to green building and sustainable development. LEED accreditation helps legal professionals assist clients in navigating the intricacies of the LEED certification process.
LEED Certification & Real Estate Law
LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. Professionals in the construction industry follow the LEED standards during the design, construction, and operations phases to ensure that their structure is as energy-efficient and healthy as possible. With more LEED buildings comes more LEED-related litigation.
There is potential for misunderstanding between builders/contractors and their clients as far as what impressive green qualities they can deliver upon. This opens parties up to liability concerns, and a real estate attorney with LEED knowledge will be able to competently provide guidance for the specific issues.
Some potential conflicts in the LEED certification process include:
Failing to achieve LEED certification in the manner that was planned
Failing to earn the desired LEED certification rating (Certified, Silver, Gold, or Platinum)
Losing a LEED certification rating
Failing to qualify for a tax incentive program with the “green” building
Inaccurately advertising a building a “green” building
Failing to achieve LEED certification in the manner it was contemplated will likely cause real-world losses for the owner, so the decision to pursue LEED certification or to construct a building with a particular certification level in mind carries with it legal rights and liabilities. It is also important to account for the consequences of not reaching, or losing, the desired certification level.
Some LEED-certified buildings may be eligible for certain tax incentives or other incentives, whether from federal, state, or municipal governments. There have been lawsuits filed where an owner earnestly believed that once the building earned a LEED certification, they’d qualify for all these tax incentives. But mistakes can happen, which can lead to a project not getting certified, so the owner loses out on that incentive that they had depended upon. Without a contract that allocates responsibility for that, you have a lot of questions that aren’t going to be answered, and that has spurred litigation in the past.
Finally, real estate attorneys can also play a role in areas related to deceptive advertising. A “LEED compliant” building may have been built using the LEED guidelines but never actually earned the certification. As this is a technical distinction, consumers may not see the misrepresentation. An informed attorney will be able to identify these greenwashing errors and/or catch the liability early on in the marketing process.
Real estate attorneys must be able to fully provide their client with all the knowledge and services they require. Considering that LEED has only been around for 15 years, there’s still not a lot of precedent out there for these types of projects, so it’s important to have a knowledgeable legal representative to ensure smooth transactions and clear expectations.
How Do Lawyers Benefit from Having a LEED Credential?
If you work in this industry, you know that LEED Certification is a label for buildings and LEED Accreditation is a label for people. There’s a reason why LEED Accreditation exists. Due to the intricacies of constructing a building with LEED Certification in mind, there must be a team of professionals who are knowledgeable about the LEED standards. Although team members are not required to be LEED-accredited professionals, understanding the technical requirements involved in the project is vital.
And again, although lawyers do not offer hands-on assistance with a LEED project, there are still a number of reasons why they should earn a LEED Accreditation.
The benefits of earning a LEED credential include:
Educating yourself to identify potential pitfalls and liability exposure to builders
Improving services offered to clients and acquiring a new method for building business
Showing an innovative and forward-thinking approach that clients will respect and expect for their transactions and litigation
Showing a life-long commitment to education and a diversity of knowledge
Showing a commitment to and understanding of the green movement
Aligning your knowledge with the interests of prospective and current clients
Which LEED Credential Does a Lawyer Need?
Regardless of one’s occupation or education, all candidates must first pass the LEED Green Associate exam. It is the starting point for everyone because this level offers a comprehensive overview of the LEED certification process.
After passing the LEED Green Associate exam, a real estate attorney may choose to advance to a LEED AP with specialty, such Building Design and Construction (BD+C) or Operations and Maintenance (O+M). These particular specialties are valuable because those are the types of building projects that their clients are likely involved in. Thus, being on the same page in LEED terms will allow for more efficient conversations and informed solutions.
To learn more about how YOU can gain LEED knowledge, give us a call at (800) 460-2575 or enroll in our popular LEED Green Associate Exam Prep course.
Over the years, the demand for solar energy has increased, making it a lucrative business choice with widespread environmental benefits. There have also been new public policies put in place to meet this demand and make solar panels more affordable and appealing to the average homeowner on a modest budget. Since 2010, the cost of solar panels has fallen by 67%, and a 30% tax credit that will be extended through 2019 has been added to continue to attract customers and fuel business. It’s undeniable that we have seen solar growth.
On a more serious note, the need to choose alternative energies grows stronger and more urgent as the Earth’s population rises and the health of our planet becomes more fragile. However, we at Modernize and Everblue firmly believe that the transition to solar energy supply is not just obtainable but necessary and are even more convinced of the way it seamlessly weaves itself into our lives, designs and more importantly our economy – specifically, careers.
The solar power industry created 31,000 new jobs last year, according to the Solar Jobs Census, which was 20 times the national average. What’s more, since the first Solar Jobs Census conducted in 2010, solar growth has led to employment gains in the solar industry by 85% – and it also showed that the installation and maintenance of solar panels created and continues to support more than 173,000 jobs.
There are now more than 705,000 jobs not just within but related to the solar power industry, including those of production, manufacturing, and the materials supply chain. In fact, the solar installation section added nearly 50% more jobs in 2014 than were created in both the oil and gas pipeline construction industry and the crude petroleum and natural gas extraction industry, says the Solar Jobs Census.
With all of this growth behind it, it seems that solar has a bright future ahead. Based off these numbers, predictions estimate that U.S. solar installations will double in 2016, which is a 119% increase, says the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA). Not only does solar have the power to reduce harmful carbon emissions and allow our damaged atmosphere to be resilient and restore itself but more solar panels will also boost the health of our economy, making us less reliant upon foreign suppliers of crude oil. Being armed with all of this information, you have to agree that this is certainly solar energy’s time to shine.
To begin your journey and learn what it takes to start a career in solar energy, visit our Introduction to Solar series.
Environmental engineers help minimize and manage waste and pollution, protecting the air, water, soil, and ourselves from harmful chemicals. LEED for environmental engineers is such a great fit because their primary interests, indoor air quality and waste management, align with many of the LEED certification requirements.
Environmental engineering – is a branch of engineering concerned with protecting people from adverse environmental effects, such as pollution, while also improving environmental quality. Environmental engineers work to improve recycling, waste disposal, public health, and water and air pollution. These professionals are dedicated to protecting human health and improving environmental conditions.
Environmental engineers may go by a number of names. Among all the options, the most common titles are Air Quality Environmental Engineer, Environmental Remediation Engineer, or Air Pollution Control Engineer.
LEED Certification & Environmental Engineering
LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. The LEED standards offer guidance on how to build, design, or maintain a healthy and energy-efficient building or home. In order for a building or home to earn a LEED Certification rating (Certified, Silver, Gold, or Platinum), the structure must mirror a series of recommended “green” characteristics or strategies. These techniques are known as LEED credits, and these credits make up a number of categories.
Some of the LEED categories that align best with environmental engineering include:
Materials & Resources
Water Efficiency
Energy & Atmosphere
Indoor Environmental Quality
Because the LEED certification requirements revolve around public health and environmental performance, there is a strong correlation between the work that environmental engineers do in their daily responsibilities and the work needed to earn a LEED certification label. Therefore, environmental engineers with a LEED credential will be extremely valuable to LEED project teams who need to meet specific requirements in the above LEED credit categories. A knowledgeable environmental engineer will be able to efficiently and competently breeze through the necessary strategies to earn points on a LEED project.
How to Use LEED?
Because the interests of an environmental engineer are already factored into the scoring system used for LEED certification, environmental engineers can marry their work with a LEED credential and add value to LEED project teams. Their efforts can prove valuable for LEED BD+C (New Construction) building projects as well as LEED EB (Operations and Maintenance) projects.
Specifically, some of the ways in which environmental engineers can contribute to LEED projects include:
Assisting with designs that minimize and control the entry of pollutants
Performing diagnostic tests that measure outdoor air intakes
Designing programs to separate and recycle solid waste
Navigating environmental regulations and funding sources
Designing and constructing systems that purify water
Inspecting the environmental impact of a building site
Due to the range of knowledge that environmental engineers have, there is flexibility with this line of work in regard to LEED certification projects. When working on a LEED project, an environmental engineer may spend his/her time in an office planning designs or working onsite performing inspections.
An important role on any building project is to ensure systematic implementation and review of customized environmental and safety actions. Environmental engineers with LEED knowledge hold a natural leadership position in this regard and may also be responsible for communicating with a variety of technical and non-technical stakeholders on unique project specifications.
At the end of the day, it’s less about “what can LEED do for me?” and more about positioning one’s skill set as a LEED-accredited environmental engineer to meet demand. With LEED being the most popular green building certification program in the world, there is great demand for environmental engineers with LEED knowledge to contribute to projects. Thus, earning a LEED designation will make you more qualified to work on LEED projects.
Which LEED Credential Does an Environmental Engineer Need?
The first step for all LEED candidates is to pass the LEED Green Associate exam. Regardless of education, occupation, experience, or responsibilities, everyone must start at the LEED Green Associate level.
After passing the LEED Green Associate exam, an environmental engineer may choose to advance to any of these advanced LEED AP specialties: Building Design and Construction (BD+C), Interior Design and Construction (ID+C), or Operations and Maintenance (O+M). Given the intrinsic leadership qualities present in environmental engineers and their roles, it makes sense to upgrade to the LEED AP Specialty level and further demonstrate leadership on LEED projects.
Not to mention, LEED AP Specialty credential holders can add one extra point to the LEED projects on their specialty track simply by being a knowledgeable leader on the project. Anyone can contribute to a LEED project, but only a LEED AP with a Specialty can count their expertise in the way of a point. Because the LEED certification labels are delegated according to points earned, this extra point is a stealthy way to tip the scales to a higher certification!
To learn more about how YOU can gain LEED knowledge, give us a call at (800) 460-2575 or enroll in our popular LEED Green Associate Exam Prep course.
With the price of solar panels at an all-time low and dozens of utility programs introducing solar financing options for communities, it has become more affordable than ever for homeowners to install solar panels on their roofs. This increase in demand has led to an explosion of solar PV installation jobs across the country. So installers are actively researching NABCEP Certification and its benefits in order to be the most employable installers that they can be.
Wondering how you can get started with a career in solar?
Visit our Introduction to Solar series to learn more about solar energy and the job outlook for solar contractors.
Let’s also take a look at two common requirements for solar installers:
State Licensing
NABCEP Certification
State Licensing Requirements for Solar Installers
Solar panel installations are commonly regulated at the state, county, and utility levels by way of a professional license. Some states have adopted licensing requirements for the individuals who install solar photovoltaic systems. Generally, if a state does not have specific licensing requirements for solar panel installers, it would fall back to general licensing requirements that would apply to all electrical work. Similarly, if there is no state-wide licensing requirement, there may be a requirement at the county or utility level.
The IREC Solar Licensing Database is a great resource for finding out what the requirements for solar are in your state.
Most states require a licensed electrical contractor for solar PV systems. States that do not have contractor licensing requirements often have financial incentive programs that include installer requirements, such as pre-approval or, in some cases, NABCEP Certification.
Examples of states that incentivize NABCEP Certification include:
Although intended as a voluntary, value-added credential, NABCEP Certification is now either mandatory or preferred for contractors who seek to install systems eligible for state incentive programs.
Demonstrate Credibility with a NABCEP Certification
Some of the biggest benefits of NABCEP Certification include standing out from competitors and gaining customer trust. Solar certification is instant recognition that an individual possesses advanced technical knowledge and field experience. As with many certification programs, the NABCEP Certification process requires candidates to participate in training, complete multiple solar installations, and pass an exam. This depth of knowledge inspires greater customer trust at face value than simply hiring a professional who claims to have experience installing solar systems.
What’s Driving Solar Certification?
Marketability & standing out from competitors
National recognition & transferability, unlike a state-specific license
Enhanced opportunity for salary increases & promotions
The LEED building commissioning process is a highly effective method to improve the performance of building systems and equipment. Coincidentally, the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards have the same goal of improving building performance.
Building Commissioning – the process of verifying that a building’s energy-related systems and equipment are installed and functioning as intended. Those energy-related systems include HVAC, electrical, plumbing, fire safety, and sometimes building security systems and renewable energy systems. Commissioning offers quality assurance during all phases of new construction.
Buildings that are properly commissioned typically have fewer change orders, tend to be more energy efficient, and have lower operation and maintenance cost.
LEED Certification & Systems Verification
The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) created the LEED standards over 15 years ago to promote sustainability-focused practices in the building and construction industry. These practices offer a holistic approach to green building, with recommendations that relate to water efficiency, materials and resources, indoor air quality, and more. The LEED Certification program honors buildings that were designed, built, and operated with efficiency in mind.
Having recognized the effectiveness and benefits that commissioning would provide in green buildings, the USGBC decided to include commissioning as a component in the LEED Certification process.
A commissioning agent with LEED knowledge will be able to help project teams meet the requirements of LEED Certification and earn points toward a higher LEED label.
Building Commissioning is addressed in the LEED Building Design + Construction (BD+C) Rating System, specifically in the Energy and Atmosphere section:
Fundamental Commissioning and Verification – required prerequisite
Enhanced Commissioning – can earn up to 6 points
Retro-commissioning is also identified in the LEED AP O+M: Existing Buildings Rating System in the Energy & Atmosphere section:
Existing Building Commissioning – Analysis – can earn up to 2 points
Existing Building Commissioning – Implementation – can earn up to 2 points
Ongoing Commissioning credit – can earn up to 3 points
Commissioning is most commonly associated with energy savings but can also positively impact many of the other LEED credit categories.
One of the changes from LEED Version 3 to LEED Version 4 is that USGBC now requires that a commissioning agent be engaged by the end of the design development phase. In general, LEED v4 has placed an increased emphasis on bringing the entire team to the table earlier in the design process.
Because the LEED standards recognize the importance of building commissioning, there has been a growing market for commissioning services. It is important that commissioning agents understand LEED so that they can better provide their services to their clients.
How do Commissioning Agents Use LEED?
Becoming knowledgeable on the LEED requirements is vital for commissioning agents who wish to be successful in entering this rapid growth area. With so much commissioning work coming from LEED projects, having a commissioning agent that is experienced and well-versed with the LEED program makes the commissioning process go much more smoothly.
It is with this knowledge that a commissioning agent can understand the owner’s design intent easier and have an easier time reviewing designs and submittals in accordance with LEED guidelines.
Specifically, some of the ways in which commissioning agents contribute to LEED projects include:
Reviewing design plans to ensure they meet owner’s objectives and LEED Certification requirements
Providing commissioning services required by LEED Certification requirements
Ensuring that equipment and systems are functioning at the efficiency level for which they were designed
Scheduling site visits and tests throughout the construction cycle to ensure on-going efficiency
Modifying control programs to enhance occupant comfort while reducing energy consumption and increasing operational efficiency
Which LEED Credential Does a Commissioning Agent Need?
First and foremost, all professionals interested in earning a LEED credential must first pass the LEED Green Associate exam. It is the first step for everyone.
After passing the LEED Green Associate exam, a commissioning agent will likely want to advance to the LEED AP BD+C or the LEED AP O+M specialty, as they are directly aligned with the values and services that he/she will be contributing to LEED projects. The only difference is whether the building in question is new or existing.
Because commissioning agents often work on LEED projects, the LEED AP specialty credentials themselves can actually add an extra point to the project in question. This is one of the benefits of having a LEED AP working on such a project. LEED Certification is based on the number of points a project earns, so it’s a no-brainer to have a LEED AP BD+C working on a LEED BD+C project or a LEED AP O+M working on a LEED O+M project.
To learn more about how YOU can gain LEED knowledge, give us a call at (800) 460-2575 or enroll in our popular LEED Green Associate Exam Prep course.
Image Source (Commissioning Process Overview): Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
There’s a natural correlation between LEED’s mission and the work of landscape architects. The latter has an innate interest in respecting the natural systems of a site while also optimizing the human experience. LEED Certification standards echo that mentality and support an enhanced human experience as well.
Landscape architecture – the design of outdoor public areas, landmarks, and structures to achieve environmental, social-behavioral, or aesthetic outcomes. It involves the systematic investigation of the natural elements of a site, such as the climate, soil, drainage, vegetation, and slope of the land. Landscape architects also assess existing buildings, roads, walkways, and utilities to determine what improvements are necessary. At all stages, they evaluate the project’s impact on the local ecosystem.
LEED Certification & Landscape Architecture
Landscape architects are trained to think about landscapes as systems. The flow of water, the relationship to the greater watershed, and the interplay of light and local climate effects are all critical aspects of a site’s context.
The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards are designed in much the same way. The LEED standards offer guidance on how to design, build, or maintain an energy-efficient building or home. In order for a building or home to earn a LEED Certification rating (Certified, Silver, Gold, or Platinum), the space must embody a series of recommended “green” characteristics or strategies. Those efforts are best described as LEED credits, and these credits comprise a number of categories.
Many of the LEED credit categories align with the interests of landscape architects and offer a comprehensive view of a given project scope.
Some of the LEED categories that align best with landscape architects include:
Location and Transportation
Sustainable Sites
Water Efficiency
Landscape architects were doing sustainable work long before it became a popular concept. Much of their work centers on best practices driven by ecologically sound principles for vegetation, stormwater, material use, and microclimate effects.
How Do Landscape Architects Use LEED?
Because landscape design and maintenance are factored into the scoring system used for LEED certification, landscape architects can marry their knowledge with a LEED credential and add value to LEED project teams. Their efforts can prove valuable for LEED BD+C (New Construction) building projects as well as LEED EB (Operations and Maintenance) projects.
Landscape architects are frequently part of the design team for a LEED project, collaborating with clients, architects, and contractors. When a landscape architect holds a LEED credential, he/she is able to participate in the design process to support and encourage design integration as necessitated by the LEED standards. By also having knowledge of the LEED certification process, an accredited landscape architect can assist with LEED documentation activities.
Specifically, some of the ways in which landscape architects use LEED knowledge to earn points on LEED projects include:
Designing green roofs
Figuring out grading plans
Practicing xeriscaping
Using local plants that require less water
Planning drainage channels to diffuse rainwater
Recommending mulching projects
Interestingly, most people view landscape architecture as an afterthought. They think landscape architects simply decorate a site with trees and plants. Instead, landscape architects prefer to enter the scene in the beginning so that design considerations can be properly determined and budgeted. By joining a project in its beginning stages, landscape architects can collaborate with engineers and offer creative design ideas and services.
Which LEED Credential Does a Landscape Architect Need?
First, it should be noted that all LEED candidates must pass the LEED Green Associate exam, regardless of education, occupation, or experience. It is the first step for everyone.
After passing the LEED Green Associate exam, a landscape architect may choose to advance to the LEED AP Building Design + Construction (BD+C) specialty or the LEED AP Operations + Maintenance (O+M) specialty. As you can imagine, these specialties dive deeper into the LEED Rating System and offer specific recommendations in line with a landscape architect’s interests and job responsibilities.
Not to mention, a landscape architect with a LEED AP Specialty designation can add an extra point to any LEED projects within the same rating system simply by participating. For example, a landscape architect with a LEED AP O+M credential can add one point to a project seeking LEED O+M Certification due to their qualified contributions. Given that LEED Certification is based on the number of points a project earns, this extra point is an easy and convenient benefit to having a LEED AP on the team.
To learn more about how YOU can gain LEED knowledge, give us a call at (800) 460-2575 or enroll in our popular LEED Green Associate Exam Prep course.
A blog by Joan Glickman of the Department of Energy indicated that there is a 1 in 3 chance that a newly built home in the United States comes with an energy label comparing it to energy code. The label being referenced is the RESNET HERS Score.
It has been difficult to find a similar rating for existing homes, but a new policy that went into effect on January 25, 2016 extends the Federal Housing Administration’s (FHA’s) Energy Efficient Homes (EEH) policy – historically limited to new homes – to existing homes.
What this means is that homebuyers can now have their real estate agent request a Home Energy Score from the seller or have a home scored during inspection as a way of knowing how much a home’s utility bills will be. See full article here.
You’ll notice that the RESNET HERS Score refers to new homes. The RESNET program has been active for the last 20 years. A newcomer to the industry is the Home Energy Score, which debuted less than 5 years ago. Let’s take a look at the Home Energy Score and see how it differs from the RESNET HERS Score.
Background
Home Energy Score – The U.S. Department of Energy, in collaboration with the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (NREL), developed the Home Energy Score as a low-cost and reliable method for estimating the energy use of a home and motivating investment in efficiency improvements.
In Fall 2009, the Vice President and the White House Council on Environmental Quality called upon the Department of Energy (DOE) to create a system that enabled homeowners to easily and affordably find out how their homes’ energy performance compare with other homes nationwide. DOE launched a pilot program, which ran from November 2010 to July 2011. Using the results of the pilots and other research, DOE created the Home Energy Score.
RESNET HERS – A group of mortgage industry leaders got together to set up the National Shelter Industry Energy Advisory Council to establish a way to measure the financial savings generated by energy-efficient features in a home and to credit that home’s energy efficiency in the mortgage loan.
In April 1995, representatives of the national mortgage industry, the National Association of State Energy Officials, and Energy Rates Homes of America founded the Residential Energy Services Network, or RESNET. RESNET’s task was to develop national standards for home energy ratings and to create a market for home energy rating systems and energy mortgages.
How It Works
Home Energy Score – A Home Energy Score Assessor collects energy information on existing homes during an hour-long home walk-through and scores a home on a scale of 1 to 10.
A score of 10 indicates that the home has excellent energy performance, corresponding with the amount of energy used by the 12% lowest energy-consuming homes. A score of 1 indicates that the home needs extensive energy improvements, corresponding with the amount of energy used by the 20% highest energy-consuming homes.
The Home Energy Score includes:
The Score itself
Facts about the home, including 40 pieces of data and an energy use breakdown
Recommendations to improve the Score and the energy efficiency of the home
The Score only considers the home’s fixed attributes (walls, windows, heating, cooling, and water heating systems) and applies standard assumptions about occupant behavior to all homes. Homeowners may follow up this walk-through with a more extensive whole-house energy audit that includes blower door testing and gives consideration to occupant behavior on a more personalized level.
RESNET HERS – A certified RESNET HERS Rater collects energy information from blower door and duct leakage testing and visual inspection of the home’s systems to assign a relative performance score. The score is based on the Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Index. The lower the number, the more energy efficient the home.
The DOE has determined that a typical resale home uses 130 on the HERS Index while a standard new home is awarded a rating of 100.
A home with a HERS Index Score of 70 is 30% more efficient than a standard new home
A home with a HERS Index Score of 130 is 30% less efficient than a standard new home
To calculate a home’s HERS Index Score, the HERS Rater does an energy rating on a home and compares the data against a “reference home” – a designed-model home of the same size and shape as the actual home, so the score is always relative to the size, shape, and type of house being rated.
A home with a HERS Index Score of 0 is a Net Zero Energy Home. This means that this home produces as much energy through renewable resources, such as solar panels, as it consumes.
How Professionals Earn the Certification
Home Energy Score – Home Energy Score Assessors must:
hold a relevant credential, such as BPI Building Science Principles, BPI Building Analyst, BPI Envelope, HEP Energy Auditor, HEP Quality Control Inspector
score an 80% or better on a 20-question written exam about the Home Energy Score
score an 80% or better on three “Challenge/Practice” homes
score a 90% or better on two test homes
be accompanied by a “mentor” during their first home walk-through
Among the range of BPI certifications, a minimum designation of BPI Building Science Principles Certificate of Knowledge is accepted, but BPI Building Analyst is most common.
The walk-through with the “mentor” counts toward the quality assurance requirement.
RESNET HERS – HERS Rater candidates must:
pass the RESNET Core written exam with a score of 80% or higher
pass the RESNET Practical Simulation exam with a score of 80% or higher on both houses
pass the RESNET Combustion Safety written exam with a score of 80% or higher
pass the RESNET Combustion Safety simulation exam with a score of 85% or higher
complete two home energy ratings – one from blueprints and one from a real home
join an approved RESNET Quality Assurance Provider
pay an annual membership fee for rating reviews
complete a supervised energy rating with a Quality Assurance Designee
perform two energy ratings for practice
submit all ratings to QA Provider
pay a fee for all rating reviews
Upon completion of these steps, a candidate will be awarded the RESNET HERS Rater Certification from their Quality Assurance Provider.
Mentors & Stakeholders
Home Energy Score – To offer the Home Energy Score to homeowners, Assessors work directly with Home Energy Score Partners.
Home Energy Score Partners include various types of organizations (utilities, state agencies, local governments, non-profits, contractor associations, etc.) that administer the delivery of the Score on a local, state, or national basis. The largest Home Energy Score Partner is the Building Performance Institute (BPI), due to its national reach. Partners must be able to score at least 500 homes per year and fulfill quality assurance requirements in order to participate in the program.
As of April 2017, there are 24 partners.
RESNET HERS – A third party, known as a RESNET Quality Assurance Provider, must review all home energy ratings submitted by a HERS Rater to ensure compliance with the RESNET standards.
A Quality Assurance Designee (QAD) is a person who works for a QA Provider in the role of reviewing home energy ratings. A RESNET QAD is an experienced HERS Rater, having completed at least 25 home energy ratings with at least 5 ratings of a particular type (sampled, BOP, survey/audit, EEP). An established QAD must review 5 of the 25 required submitted ratings. Finally, a RESNET QAD must have passed the QAD test.
RESNET Energy Smart Builders are committed to increasing the energy performance of the homes they build. They are committed to having all of their homes energy rated following RESNET’s stringent standards and marketing their homes’ HERS Index Score. The RESNET website maintains a list of Regional and State Energy Smart Builders and a list of National Energy Smart Builders.
The International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) serves as the national model energy code and becomes mandatory when adopted by a state or local jurisdiction. When a builder builds a home, he/she has to meet the current energy code for the jurisdiction in which the home is location. The Energy Rating Index is a new compliance path that was introduced with the 2015 IECC. This option relies on the HERS Index and the consultation of a certified HERS Rater.
Quality Assurance
Home Energy Score – The Department of Energy conducts systematic reviews of the data provided by the assessors. Local and national partners are required to carry out additional quality assurance through on-site assessment of 5% of homes scored.
DOE reviews these assessments as well to ensure consistent scoring across assessors. The results of these reviews are used to provide direct feedback to individual assessors and programs.
RESNET HERS – A Quality Assurance Provider must check 10% of a Rater’s energy modeling files and perform an on-site QA review of 1% of a Rater’s rated homes (or 1 home up to 100) each year.
Providers are responsible for reporting the results of all rating and on-site QA activity to RESNET on an annual basis. Providers are audited at random by RESNET to determine whether the Provider is fulfilling its obligations to meeting the RESNET standards for QA.
Observations & Conclusion
The RESNET HERS Score is far more popular than the Home Energy Score. It appears as though the newcomer still has some lessons to learn and some issues to iron out. Namely, the way the Home Energy Score is assigned – every location has a bucket based on BTU output per year regardless of home size. Big houses automatically use more energy. Therefore, the Home Energy Score benefits small homes. Big homes will do poorly regardless of how relatively efficient it is. The RESNET HERS program compares houses of the same size.
Another problem for Home Energy Score is weather. In San Diego, homeowners won’t use a lot of energy at all because weather is not a factor. All the homes there score really well because they don’t use a lot of energy.
Nevertheless, several states in the U.S. have “adopted” the Home Energy Score. Those states include Connecticut, Colorado, Vermont, Missouri, Alabama, Arkansas, and New Hampshire. However, it’s a little unclear how these states have adopted the score. For example, Connecticut is using it to track progress toward their 80% weatherization goal for 2030….on the other hand, Colorado is linking the score to incentives at point of sale or refinancing in real estate transactions ($750 per score jump, up to $3,000).
The thing is, the Energy Rating Index in the 2015 IECC is the cheapest option for builders, so states with the 2015 IECC, like Michigan, may end having more HERS Scores. The Home Energy Score does not line up with the IECC requirements. In the end, there’s no correlation between the Home Energy Score and the HERS Score because they’re based on different standards and guidelines.
The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards offer guidance on how to design, build, or maintain an energy-efficient building or home. In order for a building or home to earn a LEED Certification rating (Certified, Silver, Gold, or Platinum), the space must embody a series of recommended “green” characteristics or strategies. Those efforts are best described as LEED credits, and these credits comprise a number of categories.
Interior designers can share the same interest in these categories and therefore align their work with the LEED standards. By doing so, a “green” interior designer cultivates an indoor space that is better for the planet and its occupants.
Green interior designers can help their clients earn a LEED Homes Certification. With a LEED credential in tow, an interior designer can be an integral part of achieving that certification.
In such a project, a green interior designer can contribute to the following LEED categories:
Water Efficiency
Materials & Resources
Energy & Environment
Indoor Environmental Quality
Oftentimes, an interior designer will not have control over whole-building operations, so it is his or her job to look for opportunities inside that enable occupants to breathe easier and feel healthier and more productive. The LEED standards are very much concerned with indoor air quality and improved experience, so there is a strong correlation between green interior design and LEED.
How Do Interior Designers Use LEED?
Interior Designers with LEED knowledge can contribute to new home design as well as existing home design. In regard to the latter, they can help their clients make their homes as green as possible. Every little bit helps.
Specifically, some of the ways in which interior designers use LEED include:
Choosing eco-friendly materials and finishes
Sourcing local items
Using responsibly harvested wood
Reusing or repurposing vintage furniture
Educating clients on which products emit harmful chemicals
Helping clients get a better resale value on the home
Interior designers are skilled with making design decisions that are practical. LEED knowledge takes an interior designer’s strategy to the next level by thinking more in “big picture” terms. For example, it might seem “green” for a homeowner to choose a solid-surface countertop with lots of recycled quartz mixed in, but if the product was made overseas and has to travel a long distance to get there, it ends up being less sustainable than originally thought. A green interior designer will be able to identify these confusing situations and make more informed decisions.
Interior designers should be helping their clients make the healthiest design decisions possible, and LEED is the perfect addition to that skill set.
Which LEED Credential Does an Interior Designer Need?
First, it should be noted that all LEED candidates must pass the LEED Green Associate exam, regardless of education, occupation, or experience. It is the first step for everyone.
After passing the LEED Green Associate exam, an interior designer may choose to advance to the LEED AP Homes specialty or the LEED AP Interior Design + Construction specialty. As you can imagine, these specialties dive deeper into the LEED Rating System and offer specific recommendations in line with a green interior designer’s interests and job responsibilities.
LEED AP Homes – for homes and multifamily lowrise as well as multifamily midrise
LEED AP ID+C – for projects in the commercial interiors, retail, and hospitality sectors
A representative from the International Interior Design Association (IIDA) Texas Oklahoma Chapter indicated that their members work on projects of all scales, in addition to about 17% that work in residential. IIDA is the leading commercial interior design association. LEED Healthcare, LEED Interior Design and Construction, and LEED Building Design and Construction are also applicable to these interior designers and are the rating systems that they work toward on a daily basis.
To learn more about how YOU can gain LEED knowledge, give us a call at (800) 460-2575 or enroll in our popular LEED Green Associate Exam Prep course.
Earlier this week, Everblue staff members were invited to join a private webinar hosted by the Building Performance Institute (BPI) to learn about the new BPI Healthy Home Evaluator Certification. With a pilot testing phase set to launch on April 4, BPI’s Matt Anderson took some time to explain the history of the new BPI HHE designation and logistical details for debuting this certification.
For more information about BPI Certification in general, visit our BPI Energy Auditor overview series.
Why did BPI create the Healthy Home Evaluator credential?
BPI’s mission has long been to raise the bar in home performance contracting, thereby allowing for safer, healthier, and more energy-efficient homes. In early 2015, several organizations got together in a room to discuss an area of opportunity in the home performance industry: environmental risk assessment in healthy homes.
21.8 million people report having asthma in the United States
4.6 million cases are estimated to be attributable to dampness and mold exposure in the home
The BPI Healthy Home Evaluator Certification means to place greater emphasis on this part of the home energy audit. Certified individuals like BPI Building Analysts are already qualified to perform whole-house energy audit inspections, where they can identify dampness and mold, but there is a slight disconnect between those problems and the occupant’s actual health issues.
An individual with the BPI Healthy Home Evaluator designation will be able to perform a similar home energy audit as a BPI Building Analyst while also paying special attention to healthy home characteristics.
The Difference Between BPI Building Analyst and BPI Healthy Home Evaluator
The BPI Healthy Home Evaluator (BPI HHE) distinction builds upon the knowledge of BPI Building Analyst. In fact, BPI HHE candidates must possess an active BPI Building Analyst Certification to qualify for the new designation. As we’ve mentioned, there is some crossover of responsibilities between a BPI BA and BPI HHE, but the latter will focus more on environmental health and safety hazards.
Must be a BPI Building Analyst OR HEP Energy Auditor to pursue BPI HHE
HHE candidates do not need an approval letter, as has been required for the HEP EA and QCI certifications
What does a BPI Healthy Home Evaluator do?
Given that a BPI HHE candidate already has extensive energy auditing training (via BPI Building Analyst or HEP Energy Auditor), he/she will conduct in-depth healthy home environmental risk assessments. This work builds on whole-house diagnostics and then adds healthy home aspects.
After assessing and characterizing the environmental health and safety hazards in the home, the BPI Healthy Home Evaluator will offer a report of his/her findings to the homeowner. The homeowner will then take these results to a licensed healthcare professional for additional consultation and customized recommendations.
A BPI Healthy Home Evaluator is NOT a doctor.
A BPI Healthy Home Evaluator does NOT certify homes.
A BPI Healthy Home Evaluator DOES look for conditions in a home that can be related to an individual’s health issues.
A BPI Healthy Home Evaluator DOES recommend for a homeowner to seek additional recommendations from a licensed healthcare professional.
For liability reasons, a BPI Healthy Home Evaluator will want to be careful with his/her language and recommendations. This person should not say, “You (do not) live in a healthy home” or “This is causing your asthma.”
The Role of Healthy Home Evaluations
With regard to Medicaid, the Essential Benefit Rule states that preventive services must be recommended by a physician or other licensed practitioner of the healing arts within the scope of their practice under state law.
Preventive services means services recommended by a physician or other licensed practitioner of the healing arts acting within the scope of authorized practice under State law to 1) prevent disease, disability, and other health conditions or their progression; 2) prolong life; and 3) promote physical and mental health and efficiency.
Healthy homes are part of Medicaid and Medicare. There has been some talk that these programs may recommend and/or reimburse these healthy home evaluations. Several states are working on programs related to this: CT, KS, KY, MA, MD, MI, MO, NY, OH, OR, PA, TX, WA.
Will upgrade work be reimbursable? We don’t know yet. Conversations are happening on this as well.
A licensed health practitioner may prescribe that this healthy home assessment be done by an HHE.
Above and beyond the traditional home energy audit, the HHE may perform lead sampling, surface sampling, and/or tape sampling for mold inspections
An energy auditing professional with knowledge or expertise in the areas of indoor air quality, mold, moisture, or insulation may be interested in the BPI Healthy Home Evaluator Certification.
When will the BPI Healthy Home Evaluator Certification be available?
The official pilot launch for BPI Test Centers is April 4. BPI will be offering the HHE exam at the ACI Conference in Austin, TX. BPI Test Centers, like Everblue, will be able to test their instructors and proctors at this time and then develop exam prep curriculum.
About the BPI Healthy Home Evaluator Exam
Written exam only (50 questions)
Time limit TBD after pilot, allowing 2 hours for now
Passing score TBD after pilot, will be set by psychometric analysis of 200 respondents
Cannot be self-proctored
All BPI testing procedures for written exams apply
Can take the exam 6 times in a one-year period
Right now there is only one version of the exam. BPI plans to have two versions so that candidates in a room will have separate exams.
The BPI Healthy Home Evaluator Certification is a full certification, as opposed to a certificate of knowledge. It is valid for three years, and a credential holder must retain an active BPI BA or HEP EA certification throughout. Recertification is by examination only, and again, candidates must be an active BPI BA or HEP EA at the time of HHE recertification.
Special thanks to Matt Anderson for discussing this topic and to BPI for launching such a relatable and important body of knowledge. Our instructors and curriculum team will be focusing on the BPI HHE Certification over the next few weeks so that we can launch training soon. If you’re interested in this credential, remember that you must first have the BPI Building Analyst or HEP Energy Auditor certification.
