Energy Efficiency

Each year and each code cycle we get closer to developing requirements that will lead to truly energy efficient buildings. But there continues to be a lag between what the codes say and actual good building practice, especially when it comes to thermal bridging.

A growing number of states are showing US leadership on clean energy by adopting energy-saving rules for buildings, appliances, and vehicles, according to the 2019 State Energy Efficiency Scorecard released by the nonprofit American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE).

The Polyisocyanurate Insulation Manufacturers Association (PIMA), released updated versions of their 300 Series Technical Bulletins focused on the use of Polyiso in residential wall systems.

The Foam Sheathing Committee (FSC) technical staff worked with the Brick Industry Association to prepare an International Residential Code (IRC) code change to address the attachment of brick veneers through up to four (4) inches of foam plastic insulating sheathing (FPIS).

One baseball backstop supplier notes that it protects fans from stray or foul balls. In the realm of energy code compliance, a building envelope backstop is needed for similar reasons.

A major benchmark is net-zero energy ready performance. This is best achieved by creating a building that is very efficient in conserving energy first.

It is well known that buildings consume more energy than the transportation or industry sectors, accounting for nearly 40 percent of total U.S. energy use.

On October 1, the 2019 Oregon Zero Energy Ready Commercial Code became effective.

PIMA partnered with SPEER (South-central Partnership for Energy Efficiency as a Resource) to deliver an educational webinar on the code requirements for Polyiso CI used in exterior residential wall construction.

Despite its reputation for being one of the most volatile commodity wood products, OSB is on pace to record the smallest trading range in its history.