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Resources and information about how to incorporate energy conservation and efficiency in home building and remodeling.
Consider using the products below to take advantage of their potential to provide one or more of the following in the homes you build: Affordability, Energy Efficiency, Quality & Durability, Environmental Performance, and Safety.
Guides for designing and building various types of construction
General recommendations and accepted practices
Evaluation of how products and systems perform in real life applications
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A Net-Zero Fossil Fuel Use Home Case Study
Designed so that annually, on average, the consumption of electrical energy from utility sources is offset, or equaled by the production of electrical energy from renewable sources, such as solar energy or wind.
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Advanced Framing: An Examination of its Practical Use in Residential Construction
The case study highlights the advantages of and barriers to widespread adoption of OVE practices.
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Air of Importance: A Study of Air Distribution Systems in Manufactured Homes
This study analyzed the performance of air distribution systems in 24 manufactured homes and compared them with the results of 9 homes built to the more stringent MAP specifications.
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Bern Clothes Washer Study
The small town of Bern, Kansas was selected evaluate the energy and water savings of high-efficiency, horizontal-axis washers.
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Building Integrated Photovoltaic Project
A PV-Metal Roofing Photovoltaic (PV) system was installed in an NAHB Research Center 21st Century Townhouse. This report covers: system installation, balancing of system components, monitoring of PV system performance and survey of visitors' attitudes.
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Institutional Factors Affecting Commercialization of Fuel Cells
An initial review of the economics and regulatory evolution of stationary generation of electric power in the United States explains the origin of some of the barriers and opportunities that confront the commercialization of distributed generation (DG).
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Insulating Concrete Forms for Residential Construction Demonstration Homes
This study examines construction methods, builder perceptions, homeowner perceptions, costs, thermal performance, and energy efficiency, as these issues are impacted by the decision to use an ICF product.
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Measured Performance of Five Residential Geothermal Systems
Data of the performance of five residential geothermal systems in northeastern Ohio was collected and analyzed to characterize performance of the systems in occupied homes and to compare the measured output at design conditions to standard sizing methods.
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Monitoring and Evaluation of the Energy Performance of the 21st Century Townhouse Units
Report by the NAHB Research Center for DOE. This report provides an in-depth analysis of the energy performance of four research townhouses built in 1995-96. Each house was built of a different structural material - autoclave aerated concrete block, steel framing with foam insulation, insulating concrete forms, and structural insulating panels.
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NAHB Research Center Teams With NYS Builders To Install PV Systems
The NAHB Research Center is working with residential builders across New York State to demonstrate the advantages of New York ENERGY STAR® labeled homes and photovoltaic (solar electric) systems.
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Opportunities for Solar Water Heating
A series of focus groups were held with builders, contractors, and architects, all of whom had some familiarity with solar water heating. Overall, they were skeptical about the cost-effectiveness of solar water heaters. They feared bad installations would cause roof leaks and they perceived the solar collectors to be ugly. They made a number of specific suggestions for steps the solar industry needs to take in order for solar water heating to be successful in the residential market.
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Review of Residential Electrical Energy Use Data
This report summarizes electrical energy use data for single-family detached homes available from public and private sources. Data sources summarized in this report include: National annual data from the Residential Energy Consumption Survey (RECS) published by the Energy Information Administration (EIA Monthly data from two builders, Hourly profiles from three utility companies, and Detailed energy use data from field measurements.
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Steel vs. Wood: Cost and Short Term Energy Comparison - Valparaiso Demonstration Homes
Study evaluated the cost and short-term energy comparison of steel and wood construction in the Valparaiso demonstration homes.
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Strategies for Energy Efficient Remodeling: SEER 2003 Case Study Report
The goal of the Strategies for Energy Efficiency in Remodeling (SEER) project is to provide information to remodelers and consumers about opportunities to increase home energy performance.
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Technical Factors Affecting Commercialization of Fuel Cells
Identify the technical and building code issues and electric system interconnection choices related to the use of fuel cells in residential buildings.
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TechPractices: 21st Century Townhomes, Bowie, MD
In 1996 the NAHB Research Center, Inc. built four 21st Century Townhouses to test, demonstrate, gain experience, and disseminate information about innovative home building products, systems, and technologies.
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TechPractices: AFM Study House, Minneapolis, MN
Using readily available building technologies, such as insulating concrete forms (ICFs) and structural insulated panels (SIPs), this 4,964 sf home has an average winter heating bill of approximately $48 per month. Many of the technologies have the added benefit of reducing on-site labor.
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TechPractices: Bill Eich Construction, Spirit Lake, IA
Bill Eich Construction is a residential builder/remodeler located in Spirit Lake Iowa. They have been using frost protected shallow foundations (FPSF) in all their projects since 1985
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TechPractices: Bob Schmitt Homes, OH
Keeping customers comfortable while lowering their energy bills is a goal of most energy-efficient builders. Bob Schmitt Homes (BSH) does this by equipping about 80 percent of their new homes with geothermal systems for heating and cooling and hot water.
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TechPractices: Controlled Environment Structures
Controlled Environment Structures (CES) is a mid-sized builder operating out of Greenville, Michigan that has used R-Control Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) produced by AFM Corporation to build approximately 500 homes and additions over the past 11 years.
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TechPractices: Dunrite Construction Inc., Rolling Meadows Subdivision, Dover, DE
Paul Keeley, of Dunrite Construction, has taken his small residential construction firm a couple steps beyond a simple awareness of R-values, making energy performance a cornerstone of his company.
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TechPractices: EcoVillage at Ithaca, Ithaca, NY
By using an inventive arrangement of distribution systems, homes can be designed and constructed to generate low energy bills but maintain high indoor air quality.
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TechPractices: Environmental Showcase Home, Phoenix, AZ
The intent of the Environmental Showcase Home (ESH) is to demonstrate that products available on the market can make a resource-conserving home without compromising comfort or aesthetics.
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TechPractices: FBC Infill Housing, Louisville, KY
Durable yet inexpensive, these houses are planned with energy- and cost-saving features that make them affordable to would-be home buyers with marginal resources.
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TechPractices: Greenlee Park, McStain Enterprises, Boulder, CO
Greenlee Park, completed in 1997, is the first environmentally sustainable development built by McStain Enterprises, and has since had a big impact on how this company (which averages 250 units a year) builds homes.
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TechPractices: Grove at Patuxent Woods, Patuxent City, MD
In this project for seven affordable houses, it was possible to concentrate shared wastewater treatment systems in areas of the site with adequate soil conditions, allowing four houses to route their septic to a fifth lot, while two other houses shared a septic field.
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TechPractices: Healing House, BBH Enterprises, Dallas, TX
Located in a moderate income Dallas neighborhood, this house achieves its health and energy goals on a moderate ($65/SF) budget by pairing an innovative mechanical and ventilation system with a novel floor plenum design.
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TechPractices: Hillside Oaks, Carl Franklin Homes, Dallas, TX
What happens when you combine the technology of structural insulated panels with a geothermal heat pump system that costs less to operate and maintain than conventional HVAC systems?
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TechPractices: Home Front, Inc., Brian Bishop, Venice, FL
The panelized housing system developed by Brian Bishop of Home Front, Inc. gives homeowners the durability of a non-wood exterior system, the energy efficiency of full thickness foam insulation, and the lower cost of a panelized system that erects quickly without the need for heavy-lifting equipment.
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TechPractices: Island Presentation Partnership, Dewees Island, SC
Combining local climatic responses with new materials, Dewees Island contains a growing population while protecting its sensitive ecosystems.
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TechPractices: Keith Swilley House, Koehnemann Construction, Panama City, FL
This single-family Florida house uses a horizontal loop geothermal heat pump system and an array of energy-saving strategies.
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TechPractices: Long and Gordon, Dove Street, Boston, MA
In an area noted for its crime, a builder teamed up with the City of Boston to tear down a crack house and replace it with durable, energy efficient, two-story homes, strategically placed to tie together and revitalize the neighborhood.
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TechPractices: Palm Harbor Homes, Dallas, TX
Palm Harbor Homes has a line of HUD-Code homes that is the first to qualify for the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Energy Star Homes Program label.
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TechPractices: RBG Residence, Kingston, NY
Energy efficient, comfortable, quiet, and convenient, geothermal heat pumps are an improvement over conventional systems because they use the soil's energy storage instead of relying on fossil fuels.
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TechPractices: Ryan Homes, The Cornell, Rochester, NY
The Cornell is an efficient but small two-story colonial built as a more energy-saving version of an existing Ryan model noted for its efficiency. The Cornell is less expensive to build than the older model and more energy efficient.
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TechPractices: Solar Townhouses, Philadelphia, PA
A builder in Pennsylvania is taking advantage of a new solar mortgage program and coupling it with government grants to make high technology affordable.
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TechPractices: Stone Ledge, Leakwood, KS
With "totally maintenance-free living," this small developer went after a small but discriminating market to show there's always a demand for well-built homes.
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TechPractices: Watt Homes of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
Watt Homes, headquartered in Irvine, California, has been building homes for more than 50 years and is currently one of America's fastest growing home builders.
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Evaluation of how products and systems perform in real
life applications
Frequently asked questions, answered by home building professionals
Web-based programs that help the home building process
Recommended Web resources for additional information
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2005 Buildings Energy Data Book
The 2005 Buildings Energy Data Book includes statistics on residential and commercial building energy consumption. Data tables contain statistics related to construction, building technologies, energy consumption, and building characteristics.
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ACEEE - Consumer Guide
This web site of the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy provides useful information about selecting energy efficient HVAC systems and household appliances.
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Advanced Buildings Technologies and Practices
A building professional's guide to more than 90 environmentally-appropriate technologies and practices. Architects, engineers and buildings managers can improve the energy and resource efficiency of commercial, industrial and multi-unit residential buildings through the use of the technologies and practices described in this web site.
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American Solar Energy Society (ASES)
The national society for professionals and others involved in the fields of solar energy.
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Baltimore Habitat for Humanity Rehab: Baltimore, Maryland
Optimized HVAC performance, energy conservation through sustainable design, Optimum Value Engineered Framing, Engineered Wood, High-Efficiency Furnaces, and ENERGY STAR appliances.
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BIBCA - Blow-in-Blanket Contractors Association
The Blow-in-Blanket Contractors Association serves insulation contractors throughout the US and Canada with industry news, training seminars, conventions, material specs, and networking resources. Check out their online newsletters and information for homeowners.
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Building America Best Practices Series: Volume 1 (Hot and Humid Climate)
Builders and Buyers Handbook for Improving New Home Efficiency, Comfort, and Durability in the Hot and Humid Climate
Building America's system design recommendations and process improvements can help all builders interested in re-engineering their home designs to achieve high performance. This best practices handbook helps builders develop durable, comfortable homes that achieve 30% energy savings in space conditioning and water heating in hot and humid climates. The handbook contains chapters for every member of the builder's team—from managers to site planners to designers, site supervisors, the trades, and marketers. There is also a chapter to help homeowners select the best systems for their new home. Also see Building America Best Practices Series Volumes for other climates below.
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Building America Best Practices Series: Volume 2 (Hot-Dry and Mixed-Dry Climates)
Builders and Buyers Handbook for Improving New Home Efficiency, Comfort, and Durability in the Hot-Dry and Mixed-Dry Climates
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Building America Best Practices Series: Volume 3 (Cold and Very Cold Climates) - PDF
Builders and Buyers Handbook for Improving New Home Efficiency, Comfort, and Durability in the Cold and Very Cold Climates
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Building America Best Practices Series: Volume 4 (Mixed-Humid Climate) - PDF
Builders and Buyers Handbook for Improving New Home Efficiency, Comfort, and Durability in the Mixed-Humid Climate
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Building America Best Practices Series: Volume 5 (Marine Climate) - PDF
Builders and Buyers Handbook for Improving New Home Efficiency, Comfort, and Durability in the Marine Climate
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Building Energy Codes Program
DOE's Building Energy Codes Program is an information resource on national model energy codes. Working with other government agencies, state and local jurisdictions, national code organizations, and industry, the program promotes stronger building energy codes and helps states adopt, implement, and enforce those codes.
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Building Energy Software Tools Directory
This directory from the U.S. Department of Energy provides information on 295 building software tools for evaluation energy efficiency, renewable energy, and sustainability in buildings.
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CIMA - Cellulose Insulation Manufacturers Association
The Cellulose Insulation Manufacturers Association (CIMA) is the trade association for the cellulose segment of the thermal/acoustical insulation industry. On this site you'll find technical bulletins, special reports, and more about cellulose insulation.
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Cool Roof Calculator
Developed by the U.S. Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory, this calculator estimates cooling and heating savings for flat roofs with non-black surfaces.
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Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy (DSIRE)
Comprehensive source of information on state, local, and utility incentives that promote renewable energy.
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Department of Energy Insulation Fact Sheet
A good overview of R-value calculation, types of information, link to model energy code and other information.
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Directory of Building Energy Software Tools
This website offers a directory of building energy software tools. Very concise and complete profiles, including strengths and weaknesses, of each software tool, are provided. A standard is REM/Design, a very user-friendly tool particularly for comparing the input of energy upgrades.
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DOE Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Network - Solar
Links to research and development in solar photovoltaics. Links to Building Integrated Photovoltaics - BIPV - solar roofing.
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Energy Design Tools
These energy design programs from UCLA School of the Arts and Architecture assist in the planning of energy efficient homes.
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Energy Efficient Rehab Advisor
This Advisor describes the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) guidelines for conducting energy efficient housing rehabilitation. HUD recommends following these guidelines when undertaking any type of renovation project in single family and multifamily housing, whether it is privately-owned or public housing.
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Energy Efficient Rehab Advisor
Programmable thermostats offer savings, comfort and convenience. A programmable thermostat costs $85-$125 and can save $100-$300/household/year on heating and cooling costs and make your home more comfortable. You can set a program for your thermostat to follow, so you don't have to think about adjusting the temperature manually.
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Energy Performance of Buildings Group, Lawrence Berkeley Lab
The Energy Performance of Buildings Group (EPB) works on problems associated with whole-building integration involving modeling, measurement, design and operation. It is mostly focused on the movement of air and associated penalties involving distribution of pollutants, energy and fresh air.
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ENERGY STAR
ENERGY STAR is a government-backed program helping businesses and individuals protect the environment through superior energy efficiency.
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ENERGY STAR® Heating & Cooling Equipment
Learn about energy efficient and cost saving heating and cooling equipment and where to find ENERGY STAR® products.
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EnergyValue Housing Awards (EVHA)
The EnergyValue Housing Award (EVHA) awards builders of energy efficient homes.
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EPS Molders Association
EPS Molders Association provides the construction industry with the latest information on expanded polystyrene (EPS) product manufacture, use and performance. This site offers technical information and industry news.
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EURIMA - European Association of Insulation Manufacturers
European Association of Insulation Manufacturers (EURIMA) represents the interests of all major mineral wool producers throughout Europe. This site contains plenty of good information about mineral wool insulation.
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Florida Solar Energy Center
Education and research organization. Phone: 321/638-1000
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Home Energy Magazine
Home Energy Magazine disseminates objective and practical information on residential energy conservation, performance, and comfort. Content includes residential comfort issues, covered by the people researching and employing innovative design, building, and remodeling practices and products.
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Home Energy Saver
The Home Energy Saver computes a home's energy use on-line based on methods developed at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. By changing one or more features of the modeled home, users can estimate how much energy and money can be saved and how much pollution prevented by implementing energy-efficiency improvements.
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HUD Community Planning and Development: Energy
Find out how HUD addresses Energy Policy issues. Information on initiatives, news, energy efficiency in HUD programs, laws and regulations, and more.
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ICAA - Insulation Contractors Association of America
The Insulation Contractors Association of America was created to be the only national voice representing both small and large residential and commercial insulation contractors. This site has information for consumers, builders, and code officials.
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Illuminating Engineering Society of North America
The Society publishes nearly 100 varied publications including recommended practices on a variety of applications, design guides, technical memoranda, and publications on energy management and lighting measurement. In addition, the Society publishes Lighting Design + Application (LD+A) and the Journal of the Illuminating Engineering Society (JIES).
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Integrity Gasket Systems
Acoustical & Thermal Construction Gaskets
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Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC)
Supports market-oriented services targeted at education, coordination, procurement, the adoption and implementation of uniform guidelines and standards, and consumer protection. Phone: 518/458-6059
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La Red de Comunidades Inteligentes
Nos alegra mucho el ofrecerle este menú de información y servicios sobre como su comunidad puede adoptar el desarrollo sustentable como una estrategia para el bienestar.
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Leakage Diagnostics, Sealant Longevity, Sizing and Technology Transfer in Residential Thermal Distri
This report documents the technical results of a larger study conducted by Lawrence Berkeley Labs. Issues covered include field testing of duct leakage diagnostics, duct sealants and longevity testing, duct system interactions with system sizing and capacity, and technical transfer and support activities.
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Life Cycle Cost Estimate for 1 ENERGY STAR Qualified Programmable Thermostat(s)
Programmable Thermostat Savings Calculator
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Lighting Research Center
The Lighting Research Center (LRC), part of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, provides objective information about lighting technologies, applications, and products.
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Lighting Systems Research Group
Part of the Building Technologies Department of the Environmental Energy Technologies Division at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. Case studies, articles, and FAQs about their lighting research.
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National Association of State Energy Officials (NASEO)
A nonprofit association that provides energy news and information as well as links to state energy offices and programs. Phone: 703/ 299-8800
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National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
Highlights of this site include: the NREL publications database, the New Energy Information Locator, Solar radiation data and maps, wind energy resource maps, facilities guide to DOE labs, recent press releases and research in progress. Phone: 303/ 275-3000
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National Renewable Energy Laboratory's (NREL) Photovoltaic (PV) Research
NREL PV research is focused on decreasing the nation's reliance on fossil-fuel generated electricity by lowering the cost of delivered electricity and improving the efficiency of PV modules and systems.
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North Carolina Solar Center
Toll-free hotline, a referral network of professionals,technical and design assistance, free publications, curriculum materials for team training sessions, tours of the demonstration Solar House, and a reference library. Phone: 919/ 515-5666
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Pacific Gas and Electric Company
The Pacific Energy Center offers this tutorial on energy-saving tips around the home.
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PV Power Resource Site
Contains educational and historical information as well as comprehensive lists of PV businesses.
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Residential Compliance Using REScheck
The REScheck (formerly MECcheck) materials have been developed to simplify and clarify code compliance with the Model Energy Code (MEC), the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), and a number of state codes. Download REScheck software to your computer, or use REScheck online.
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Residential Energy Consumption Survey
Department of Energy's Energy Information Administration conducts the Residential Energy Consumption Survey (RECS), which provides information on the use of energy in residential housing units in the United States.
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Resource Conservation House Video
Available at the NAHB Research Center Bookstore, this professional-quality VHS video shows the house in various phases of construction. Features shown include: cast-in-place concrete foundation forming system utilizing panels made with post-consumer polystyrene recycle; frost-protected shallow foundation under the garage slab; steel framing; wallboard containing recycled wastepaper; hard-board siding made from sawmill scrap; ceiling panels and insulation made with newsprint recycle; energy-efficient windows; earth-coupled heat pump; roof panels made from recycled computer housings; and deck materials or trim made from wood substitute products.
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SEER 2003/2004: The Zero-Energy Remodel
Asdal Builders is working with the NAHB Research Center through the Department of Energy's Building America Program for Existing Homes to restore a 19th century Victorian home with the latest energy-efficient technologies.
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Simply Insulate
The North American Insulation Manufacturers Association (NAIMA) has created this website to aide homeowners with their building decisions and provide tips on choosing and installing insulation.
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SIPA - Structural Insulated Panel Association
The Structural Insulated Panel Association (SIPA) is a non-profit trade association representing manufacturers, suppliers, fabricators/distributors, design professionals, and builders committed to providing quality structural insulated panels for all segments of the construction industry. This site has a lot of technical information about SIPs.
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Solar Electric Power Association
Nonprofit organization that creates and encourages partnerships to expand the PV market. Phone: 202/857-0898
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Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA)
The national trade association of solar energy manufacturers, dealers, distributors, contractors and installers. SEIA's primary mission is to expand the use of solar technologies in the global marketplace. Phone: 202/ 628-7745
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Southface Energy Institute
Southface promotes sustainable homes, work places and communities through education, advocacy, technical assistance and research.
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SunAngle
Allows one to find solar angles for all latitudes and longitudes at any time of day. This tool can be very useful to the architect, builder, or home owner in locating and sizing overhangs.
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The Energy Conservatory
The Energy Conservatory manufactures precision diagnostic equipment used to solve comfort, energy use, durability, and air quality problems in buildings. Their website offers articles, technical bulletins, and other resources on building envelope testing.
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The Home Energy Saver Library: Residential Energy Computer Software
Software and online tools to help calculate, evaluate, and rank potential energy-efficiency in new or existing buildings.
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Virtual-Web Energy Demonstration Construction Center (VEDCC)
The goal of the Virtual web Energy Demonstration Construction Center (VEDCC) at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette is to provide relevant information on energy and efficient building practices to targeted groups that live and work in Louisiana.
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Water Conservation - City of Austin, Texas
Details of the city of Austin's Water Conservation Program as well as information about the city's rain barrel program.
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Water Use Efficiency Program
This web site provides an overview of EPA's Water Efficiency Program which is primarily concerned with municipal water use.
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WaterWiser: The Water Efficiency Clearinghouse
The Links section of this site si good for accessing information on all aspects of water conservation. Sites pertaining to water conserving appliances, drip irrigation, xeriscape, landscaping, and community water conservation programs are listed by category.
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Wind Energy
Home page of the American Wind Energy Association
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YourHomePlanet Environmental Building Design & Green Building Construction Searchable Web Portal
Search over 60 categories with information on Green Buildings, Eco Construction products, Sustainable Architecture, and more.
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