Event Description

Learn the basics of design and construction for Zero-Energy Building (ZEB) and Near ZEB for new construction & existing homes and buildings. These "green" buildings not only reduce our carbon footprint by saving energy, but are also extremely comfortable, quiet, healthy, and affordable when planned correctly. Participants will gain an understanding of what it means to set ZEB Energy Use Goals for projects, how to plan for achieving ZEB goals without reducing function, and how to achieve ZEB construction at the lowest cost.

This course will cover the fundamental subjects for achieving ZEB, including principles of life safety, fundamentals for healthy homes, principles of heat loss/gain, principles of insulation performance, principles of pressure plane integrity (air-leakage control), and the use of modeling tools and methods for determining paths to success. Discussions will include: functionality and durability; construction assembly choices that impact efficiency and cost; how design layout impacts HVAC systems' cost and plumbing costs; solar gain impact on buildings' inside living spaces; bulk water management; moisture management; fresh air management; and how capital investment will eliminate annual expenses to achieve a "return on investment" that is a net or positive cash flow from day one.