PSD

C7.1 - Building Systems Commissioning: Saving Money and Meeting Code
2022-09-22 13:00 - 14:00, 2022-10-20 13:00 - 14:00, 2022-11-17 13:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | ONLINE – WEBINAR
Make sure to use the GoToWebinar link to obtain video access, this is required and verified for CEU credit. VIDEO VIEWING IS REQUIRED!
CEU’s: 1 CSL (Topic – Code), 1 AIA, 1 BPI, 1 Code Official
Commercial Webinar – Building Systems Commissioning: Saving Money and Meeting Code
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Building commissioning reduces energy bills, improves comfort, reduces CO2 and other emissions, and… it is the law. According to data from US Energy Information Administration (EIA), in 2018 commercial buildings accounted for over 18% of the energy consumed in the US, with over half that energy dedicated to heating, cooling, and lighting. While most building owners and builders understand the importance of high-efficacy lighting and efficient HVAC systems, the importance of building system commissioning is less widely appreciated. Studies have shown that the operating efficiency of commercial buildings improves by as much as 13% with commissioning.
This course will provide an overview of mechanical systems and lighting commissioning including the benefits to building owners and occupants, the general commissioning process, and a review of energy code requirements and associated documentation. The course will also identify the roles that building owners, builders, code officials, and commissioning agents play in the commissioning process and highlight relevant industry standards and certifications.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
Attendees will be able to…
1. Describe the code requirements for building systems commissioning.
2. Understand the different phases of the commissioning process.
3. Identify the roles of building owners, commissioning providers, builders, and building code officials.
4. Provide and review the required commissioning documentation.

C4.3 - Designers, Builders, and Code Officials Working Together
2022-09-28 14:05 - 15:05 | ONLINE – WEBINAR
Make sure to use the GoToWebinar link to obtain video access, this is required and verified for CEU credit. VIDEO VIEWING IS REQUIRED!
CEU’s: 1 CSL (Topic – Energy), 1 AIA, 1 BPI, 1 Code Official
Com Designers, Builders, & Code Officials Working Together
The role of architects and designers versus builders and building owners regarding energy code compliant design and construction is not always clear. Architects and designers are responsible for providing compliant drawings but may not be tasked with handling third-party documentation or on-site supervision. Conflicts may arise when these roles are not clearly delineated in the scope of work. This module will cover various energy code documentation requirements and construction supervision duties and present various models and best practices for who is responsible for what. Code officials will also benefit from this session by gaining a more thorough understanding of documentation and verification processes.

(C3.2) - What makes a Commercial air barrier, it’s in the details
2022-10-06 13:00 - 14:00 | ONLINE – WEBINAR
Make sure to use the GoToWebinar link to obtain video access, this is required and verified for CEU credit. VIDEO VIEWING IS REQUIRED!
CEU’s: 1 CSL (Topic – Energy), 1 AIA, 1 BPI, 1 Code Official
Commercial Webinar – What makes a Commercial air barrier, it’s in the details
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Continuous air barriers are required by code and paramount to the energy efficiency of a building. There are numerous ways to provide a code-compliant air barrier system, including building wraps, sealed sheathing systems, and liquid- and spray-applied materials. This course will focus on the design and application of those systems, details important to the success of an air barrier system, and where designers and code officials can find additional support. The course will also provide tips on how to review construction details for air barrier continuity and how to inspect them in the field.
Learning Objectives:
1- Air Barrier Basics & Refresher​
2- Air Barriers and Building Science​
3- Key Requirements​
4- Design Considerations​
5- Installation Details ​

(C4.1) - Documentation for Energy Code Permit Applications
2022-10-18 13:00 - 14:00 | ONLINE – WEBINAR
Make sure to use the GoToWebinar link to obtain video access, this is required and verified for CEU credit. VIDEO VIEWING IS REQUIRED!
CEU’s: 1 CSL (Topic – Code), 1 AIA, 1 BPI, 1 Code Official
A significant barrier to energy code enforcement and verification in Massachusetts is the poor documentation of those code requirements on plans and permit application materials. This energy code documentation module will run through what code officials should ask for, and what designers or other permit applicants (GCs, builders) should submit, in terms of proper documentation for permit applications. Handouts include Commercial Permit Applicant Documents Checklists and Plan Review Documentation Checklists to work with along with the presenter. This session will walk through the checklist, COMcheck reports and the reasons behind their requirement by the code and their best usage in plan review and site inspection.

(C4.2) - Third-Party Documentation & Does LEED = Code?
2022-10-19 13:00 - 14:00 | ONLINE – WEBINAR
Make sure to use the GoToWebinar link to obtain video access, this is required and verified for CEU credit. VIDEO VIEWING IS REQUIRED!
CEU’s: 1 CSL (Topic – Energy), 1 AIA, 1 BPI, 1 Code Official
Third party providers can fulfill a variety of code compliance tests and measures with specialized expertise that may not be available or feasible for the design and construction teams. This presentation will discuss minimum third-party documentation for commercial code compliance, including commissioning reports, air barrier test reports, and building energy simulations for performance-path compliance. Noting that many construction and renovation projects may simultaneously pursue LEED or ENERGY STAR® certification, we will also compare these certifications’ energy performance standards with those required by the current Massachusetts energy code (780 CMR 9th edition) to explore the question of whether environmental building certifications are equivalent to code-compliant buildings. We will also provide guidance to assure that special inspections, tests, and certifications are documented for ease of compliance review and verification, and how construction professionals can assure that everyone is on the same page, and path, to compliance.

R3.2 Whole-House Mechanical Ventilation: Options for Code Compliance
2022-10-26 13:00 - 14:00 | ONLINE – WEBINAR
Make sure to use the GoToWebinar link to obtain video access, this is required and verified for CEU credit. VIDEO VIEWING IS REQUIRED!
CEU’s: 1 CSL (Topic – Code), 1AIA, I BPI, 1 Code Official
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Mechanical ventilation is as important to indoor air quality as it is for energy conservation. The second part of the course will cover 2018 IECC, IRC, and Massachusetts amendments relating to whole-house mechanical ventilation system requirements. This will include when whole-house ventilation is required, how to calculate the minimum design airflow rate, and how to verify installed airflow rates. The presenter will also provide an overview of different ventilation systems – exhaust only, supply-only and balanced ventilation (including ERVs/HRVs) – along with pros and cons of each type of system.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
Ventilation Types
Why Ventilate
Calculating Ventilation amount

(C5.1) - 2018 IECC Update
2022-10-26 14:05 - 15:05 | ONLINE – WEBINAR
Make sure to use the GoToWebinar link to obtain video access, this is required and verified for CEU credit. VIDEO VIEWING IS REQUIRED!
CEU’s: 1 CSL (Topic – Energy), 1 AIA, 1 BPI, 1 Code Official
Description:
The International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) is updated every three years to address technological innovations and keep driving the effective use of energy in buildings. Massachusetts legislation requires the Commonwealth to adopt the latest version of the IECC within a year of its publication. While the adoption has not always occurred on schedule, the Board of Building Regulations and Standards is actively reviewing the 2018 IECC with an eye to adopt in the first half of 2019. This webinar will provide a look ahead to the 2018 IECC by highlighting significant changes from the 2015 IECC, including new provisions relating to buried ducts, the building thermal envelope, mechanical ventilation, updated lighting requirements and changes to the energy rating index compliance alternative.
Learning Objectives:
1-Explain the Massachusetts commercial energy code adoption process
2-Discuss how the ICC develops the IECC
3-Identify the key changes between the commercial provisions of the 2015 IECC and the 2018 IECC
4-Discuss the Massachusetts amendments to the 2018 IECC

(C4.3) - Designers, Builders, and Code Officials Working Together
2022-11-03 13:00 - 14:00 | ONLINE – WEBINAR

MA- C1.1 Shining a Light On Commercial Building Solar Ready Requirements
2022-11-16 14:05 - 15:05 | ONLINE – WEBINAR
Make sure to use the GoToWebinar link to obtain video access, this is required and verified for CEU credit. VIDEO VIEWING IS REQUIRED!
CEU’s: 1 CSL (Topic – Energy), 1 AIA, 1 BPI, 1 Code Official
COURSE DESCRIPTION 1.1
A new requirement in the MA 780 CMR 9th Edition, Chapter 13 code amendments require all commercial new construction subject to that code to be designed and constructed to be “Solar-Ready”. This requirement is to ensure that future building infrastructure can take advantage of a market that is expected to become more conducive to renewable energy. This 1-hour presentation further expands on the requirements with guidance for code officials as to what they should expect to look for in plan reviews and site inspections. Draft checklists for those criteria will also be unveiled and reviewed for additional comments and enhancement, for use by code officials and other construction stakeholders.

C2.1 - COMcheck 101 – A New Energy Code Requirement Made Easy
2022-12-14 14:05 - 15:05 | ONLINE – WEBINAR
Make sure to use the GoToWebinar link to obtain video access, this is required and verified for CEU credit. VIDEO VIEWING IS REQUIRED!
CEU’s: 1 CSL (Topic – Energy), 1 AIA, 1 BPI, 1 Code Official
Commercial Webinar – COMcheck 101 – A New Energy Code Requirement Made Easy
COURSE DESCRIPTION
The Massachusetts 9th Edition State Building Energy Code contains a new requirement that ALL commercial building energy code projects have COMcheck reports as part of the permit application. This is a tool for jurisdictions to gather all the relevant energy code information, including a plan review checklist. This also assures that the jurisdiction has a project-specific list of “Mandatory” compliance elements for verification during plan reviews and inspections. This course will familiarize Massachusetts commercial building stakeholders with the US-DOE COMcheck software. By attending this course, you will be able to identify construction specifications needed to complete a compliant COMcheck calculation and you’ll learn how to enter building envelope, lighting, and mechanical components into the software. We’ll also discuss how to create COMcheck compliance reports and ensure they are accurate with respect to the building plans
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
COMcheck Reports

MA – C3.1 Commercial Air Barriers- Three Options for Compliance
2023-05-31 14:05 - 15:05 | ONLINE – WEBINAR
Make sure to use the GoToWebinar link to obtain video access, this is required and verified for CEU credit. VIDEO VIEWING IS REQUIRED!
CEU’s: 1 CSL (Energy), 1 AIA, 1 BPI, 1 Code Official
Commercial Webinar – Commercial Air Barriers-3 options for Compliance
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course will cover Massachusetts 9th Edition energy code requirements for commercial building air barriers, including those in ASHRAE 90.1-2016 and the 2018 IECC. The course will clarify these requirements for better specification by designers and easier review by code enforcement officials. The course is organized around examples that show differences between systems-based, assembly-based, and testing-based compliance options. This introductory course will provide background for a subsequent and more advanced air barrier strategy module.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
1- Examine the basic requirements for commercial building air barriers in the Massachusetts 9th Edition and reference 2018 IECC and ASHRAE 90.1‐2016.​
2- Understand the benefits of the air barrier systems to the environment, building owner, and occupants​
3- Discuss performance test standards relating to air barrier systems, including the NFPA 285 fire test.​
​
4- Determine what complies as a performance-based air barrier system and how to enforce that requirement​

MA – C1.1 2023 Commercial Stretch Code
2023-06-28 14:05 - 15:05 | ONLINE – WEBINAR
Make sure to use the GoToWebinar link to obtain video access, this is required and verified for CEU credit. VIDEO VIEWING IS REQUIRED!
• Stretch Code Background
• Stretch Code – Small vs Large Additions
• Compliance Pathways for Non-stretch and Small Stretch Additions and Alterations
• Prescriptive, Passive House, ERI
• Chapter 5 Existing Buildings – Overview
• Compliance for Large Stretch Code Additions and Alterations
• Maximum HERS Index
• Appendix RB Solar Ready
• Summary

MA - C1.2 2023 Commercial Stretch Code Changes
2023-07-26 14:05 - 15:05 | ONLINE – WEBINAR
Make sure to use the GoToWebinar link to obtain video access, this is required and verified for CEU credit. VIDEO VIEWING IS REQUIRED!
2023 Commercial Stretch and Specialized Code
Part 2: Changes to the Code
This regulation (225 CMR 23) will become effective on July 1, 2023, and aims to be in line with the upcoming 10th Edition of the Massachusetts State Building Code (780 CMR). The objective of this training program is to provide information to code enforcement officials, contractors, and design professionals regarding the updates and changes between the 2018 and 2021 IECC, as well as the new Municipal Opt-in Specialized Code for 2023.
In this course we will take a deep dive into the changes to the commercial requirements of the Massachusetts 2023 Stretch Energy Code. Some highlights include new compliance regulations such as Thermal Bridging and Derating of Exterior Wall Insulation; TEDI compliance, and construction document requirements as the apply to commercial and R-group occupancies.
Learning Objectives
1. Learn how to accommodate the requirements due to code updates.
2. Gain knowledge of how to work with the Thermal Bridge and Derating requirements for Exterior Wall Insulation.
3. Learn the documentation requirements for the new Thermal Distribution Efficiency Index.
4. Comprehend how the changes from the previous code relate to the energy goals of the commonwealth.

R2.3 2023 Massachusetts Existing Buildings Alterations
2023-08-30 01:00 - 14:00 | ONLINE – WEBINAR
Make sure to use the GoToWebinar link to obtain video access, this is required and verified for CEU credit. VIDEO VIEWING IS REQUIRED!
MA R2.3 Existing Buildings Alterations
In this module we will discuss Existing Building Alterations to buildings 1000 sqft and under, and later 1000 sqft and over. Students will be taken through Stretch Code Introduction and Updates. We will also go over HERS Permit and CO Requirements, repairs, and Solar Ready.
• Introduction
• Existing Buildings Additions
• Additions 1000sqft. and Under
• Stretch Code Introduction
• Stretch Code Updates
• Additions Over 1000sqft.
• HERS Permit & CO Requirements
• Repairs
• Solar Ready and Additions

C1.3 Commercial Stretch Code Solar Ready and EV Ready
2023-08-30 02:05 - 15:05 | ONLINE – WEBINAR
Make sure to use the GoToWebinar link to obtain video access, this is required and verified for CEU credit. VIDEO VIEWING IS REQUIRED!
2023 Commercial Stretch and Specialized Code
Part 3: Solar Ready and EV Ready
This regulation (225 CMR 23) will become effective on July 1, 2023, and aims to be in line with the upcoming 10th Edition of the Massachusetts State Building Code (780 CMR). The objective of this training program is to provide information to code enforcement officials, contractors, and design professionals regarding the updates and changes between the 2018 and 2021 IECC, as well as the new Municipal Opt-in Specialized Code for 2023.
In this course we will look into the requirements of the Stretch Energy Code for solar ready and EV ready provisions. Topics include Potential Solar Zone Area, Zero Energy Buildings, Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment and Automatic Load Management Service.
Learning Objectives
1. Know when a project is exempt from the requirements to provide solar ready zones.
2. Learn how to calculate the solar ready zone when required on a commercial building.
3. Be able to determine the requirements for compliance with the EV Ready Space requirement.
4. Gain knowledge of electrical load management for EV parking demands

C7.1 - Building Systems Commissioning: Saving Money and Meeting Code
2023-09-27 14:05 - 15:05 | ONLINE – WEBINAR
Make sure to use the GoToWebinar link to obtain video access, this is required and verified for CEU credit. VIDEO VIEWING IS REQUIRED!
CEU’s: 1 CSL (Code Review), 1 AIA, 1 BPI, 1 Code Official
Commercial Webinar – Building Systems Commissioning: Saving Money and Meeting Code
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Building commissioning reduces energy bills, improves comfort, reduces CO2 and other emissions, and… it is the law. According to data from US Energy Information Administration (EIA), in 2018 commercial buildings accounted for over 18% of the energy consumed in the US, with over half that energy dedicated to heating, cooling, and lighting. While most building owners and builders understand the importance of high-efficacy lighting and efficient HVAC systems, the importance of building system commissioning is less widely appreciated. Studies have shown that the operating efficiency of commercial buildings improves by as much as 13% with commissioning.
This course will provide an overview of mechanical systems and lighting commissioning including the benefits to building owners and occupants, the general commissioning process, and a review of energy code requirements and associated documentation. The course will also identify the roles that building owners, builders, code officials, and commissioning agents play in the commissioning process and highlight relevant industry standards and certifications.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
Attendees will be able to…
1. Describe the code requirements for building systems commissioning.
2. Understand the different phases of the commissioning process.
3. Identify the roles of building owners, commissioning providers, builders, and building code officials.
4. Provide and review the required commissioning documentation.

C5.1 - The Energy Code and Existing Buildings (Commercial) - Part 1
2025-11-05 12:30 - 14:00
C5.1 – The Energy Code and Existing Buildings (Commercial) – Part 1
T02-07-3163
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course will provide a review of IECC Chapter 5 [CE] provisions with an emphasis on situations where work performed on existing buildings requires them to meet the energy code like new construction. This includes additions, new thermal envelope assemblies built as part of an alteration, window replacements, new heating, cooling and duct systems, new service hot water systems, new lighting where 10 percent or more of the luminaires are replaced, changes from unconditioned to conditioned space, and commercial spaces converted to dwelling units. The course will provide numerous examples and ask attendees to identify the energy code requirements for each scenario.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
1- Determine when construction in existing buildings needs to meet the energy code like new construction
2- Determine situations where exception apply
3- Understand various prescriptive energy code requirements for existing building projects requiring compliance like new construction
4- Describe documentation necessary to take the historic buildings exemption

C5.2 - The Energy Code and Existing Buildings (Commercial) - Part 2
2025-11-05 14:15 - 15:45
C5.2 – The Energy Code and Existing Buildings (Commercial) – Part 2
T02-07-3164
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course will provide a review of IECC Chapter 5 [CE] provisions with an emphasis on situations where work performed on existing buildings requires them to meet the energy code like new construction. This includes additions, new thermal envelope assemblies built as part of an alteration, window replacements, new heating, cooling and duct systems, new service hot water systems, new lighting where 10 percent or more of the luminaires are replaced, changes from unconditioned to conditioned space, and commercial spaces converted to dwelling units. The course will provide numerous examples and ask attendees to identify the energy code requirements for each scenario.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
1- Determine when construction in existing buildings needs to meet the energy code like new construction
2- Determine situations where exception apply
3- Understand various prescriptive energy code requirements for existing building projects requiring compliance like new construction
4- Describe documentation necessary to take the historic buildings exemption

C4.1- Electrifying the Energy Code- Part 1
2025-11-12 12:30 - 14:00
C4.1- Electrifying the Energy Code- Part 1
T02-07-3134
COURSE DESCRIPTION: The first part of the program will cover IECC Appendix CA: Solar-Ready Zone along with related requirements including mandatory access and set back areas required by the Fire Code of New York State in Section 1204 Solar Photovoltaic Power Systems. This section will also discuss what it means to include a “collateral dead load” in gravity and lateral design calculations for the roof.

C4.2- Electrifying the Energy Code- Part 2
2025-11-12 14:15 - 15:45
C4.2- Electrifying the Energy Code- Part 2
T02-07-3141
COURSE DESCRIPTION: The second part of the program will cover the EV Charging Station Capable requirements and provide detailed coverage of the five additional power distribution packages in NYStretch Appendix CC. A particular emphasis will be placed on how to accomplish the requirements for the more complex packages, including electrical energy monitoring and interoperable automated demand-response.

C6.1 - Foam without Flames – Part 1 – Thermal Bridging
2025-11-25 12:30 - 14:00
C6.1 – Foam without Flames – Part 1 – Thermal Bridging
T02-07-3230
COURSE DESCRIPTION Reducing thermal bridging is one of the keys to reducing energy waste in buildings and, to that end, the prescriptive energy code contains requirements for continuous insulation for roofs, above-and below-grade walls, and mass floors. This program will provide an overview of the thermal envelope requirements in the ECCCNYS [CE] and NYStretch [CE] as they relate to continuous insulation. This will be followed by a discussion the types of construction as categorized by the Building Code of New York State (Types I, II, III, IV, V) and associated fire-resistance rating requirements and fire separation distance requirements, and NFPA 285 test for vertical and lateral flame spread as they relate to exterior foam applications.

C6.2 - Foam without Flames – Part 2 – Fire Rated Assemblies
2025-11-25 14:15 - 15:45
C6.2 – Foam without Flames – Part 2 – Fire Rated Assemblies
T02-07-3237
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Reducing thermal bridging is one of the keys to reducing energy waste in buildings and, to that end, the prescriptive energy code contains requirements for continuous insulation for roofs, above-and below-grade walls, and mass floors. This program will provide an overview of the thermal envelope requirements in the ECCCNYS [CE] and NYStretch [CE] as they relate to continuous insulation. This will be followed by a discussion the types of construction as categorized by the Building Code of New York State (Types I, II, III, IV, V) and associated fire-resistance rating requirements and fire separation distance requirements, and NFPA 285 test for vertical and lateral flame spread as they relate to exterior foam applications.
