Welcome to the Building America Update, a monthly newsletter. Read this month's feature story, or select the other newsletter topics below for more information. You can also Subscribe to receive the email version of Building America Update or browse newsletter archives.

Feature Story
Event
Announcements

Providing Building Science Solutions at RESNET

Join DOE leaders Sam Rashkin and Eric Werling along with other Building America experts at the 2016 Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET) Building Performance Conference. RESNET, which takes place February 29-March 2 in Scottsdale, Arizona, is a national forum that addresses home energy ratings, existing home retrofits, building codes, and energy policy. At this year's event, the wide range of speakers includes several individuals from Building America teams and DOE national laboratories. Find presentations by Sam, chief architect of the DOE Building Technologies Office, and Eric Werling, director of the Building America Program, below. 

ENERGY STAR: The Year Ahead and Zero Energy Ready Homes: Looking Ahead

Monday, February 29, 2016
Presenters: Dean Gamble and Sam Rashkin

Come be the first to learn what’s in store for ENERGY STAR Certified Homes and DOE Zero Energy Ready Homes. On the ENERGY STAR front, hear how Rev. 08 is already having a positive impact on partners, and where EPA will focus its efforts in 2016 to help our partners be even more successful. For DOE Zero Energy Ready Homes, learn how it works with Building America’s new research road map, paving a path to the home of the future.

Why 0 in 3? Zero Energy Ready Homes from Niche to Norm

Tuesday, March 1, 2016
Presenter: Sam Rashkin

We’re at the dawn of a major transition in housing. First, there is a growing innovation imperative that profoundly impacts the housing industry. Builders can no longer afford to sit on the sidelines ignoring proven innovations like those included in Zero Energy Ready Homes. Second, the housing industry is confronting significantly greater building science risks, even with code minimum homes. The comprehensive performance measures included in Zero Energy Ready Homes help builders mitigate that risk. That’s why DOE believes Zero Energy Ready Homes will be available throughout the nation over the next three years. Learn the concepts and messages behind the compelling business case driving this prediction.

Building America's Top 3 Building Science Challenges to Delivering High-Performance Homes

Tuesday, March 1, 2016
Presenter: Eric Werling

Advancements in building codes and voluntary standards are improving the performance of new homes. That’s what we’re after at the Energy Department. But, as we improve homes, new challenges arise. The Building America Program has identified the top three building science issues associated with increasing home performance - moisture managed envelope solutions, optimal comfort systems, and optimal ventilation and indoor air quality solutions.

This session will explore these three major building science challenges to high performance in homes and present Building America’s strategy to develop technical and market solutions that manage risk and overcome barriers to implementation.