Building Performance Institute’s BPI-2101 identifies a standard set of data elements for certificates that document the completion of a whole-house energy upgrade (HEU) or individual energy


The Envelope, Please… J


conservation measures (ECMs) in existing homes. A certificate that complies with the requirements of this standard can be issued to


homeowners by home energy upgrade programs or by entities implementing nationally recognized third- party quality assurance programs for inclusion in Multiple Listing Service (MLS) databases during the home re-sale process. Standardized ways to measure home energy performance will also open the door to Energy Efficient Mortgages, providing more buying power to lenders purchasing new homes as well as existing homes that have been remodeled with energy efficient features.


Whether to satisfy homebuyer demand or achieve code requirements, builders are under increasing pressure to meet stringent energy efficiency tolerances without sacrificing margins or reputation. The decision-making about how the essential home envelope is built is up to the individual builder. In other words, how you will comply with code or attain favorable measurements from auditors and raters is up to your own “magic recipe” of product combinations and applications. Major advancements have been made to help you compare one product to another, and evaluate cost versus benefit and payback period.


For the purposes of this article, we will look at some of your options for the Building Envelope itself and the HVAC equipment you will use to keep the space inside of that envelope conditioned. In our next Focus Section, we will explore Product Innovations, including many which contribute to a more energy efficient home, such as lighting and home automation advancements.


Framing/Walls


Energy efficiency typically starts with the walls, and that begins with the framing. Af- fordability, durability, strength of structure and design flexibility are reasons why wood has traditionally been the predominant choice for house framing. Wood-framed walls fully sheathed with wood structural panels will meet building codes in every region of the country and are easy to insulate. Wood also offers natural resistance to heat transfer. Te Engineered Wood Association says that 2x6 wood framing spaced 24 inches on center can boost the insulating value of a wall more cost effectively than adding rigid foam sheathing to the exterior of the wall. Te additional two inches of wall depth allows more cavity insulation and reduces thermal bridging.


12 GREATER DFW METROPLEX BUILDING SAVVY MAGAZINE VXIII


By Beverly Smirnis


ust like your vehicle is subject to fuel efficiency testing, homes now have a standardized way to be compared. The


Superior Walls’ AG Wall Systems are precast concrete panels faced with DOW® Styrofoam™ rigid foam insulation. They are custom-manufactured at Superior Walls facilities for the specific needs of a project, including built-in openings for windows and doors, and pre-engineered access for wiring or small plumbing el- ements along with smart stud facing for easy drywall installation. The walls for each story of the project are delivered to the residential or commercial job site and installed within hours of arrival.


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