Course Descriptions

The 2018 IECC for Pennsylvania – Commercial

The 2018 IECC went into effect on February 14, 2022 bringing with it an annual savings of up to 14 percent. This training will include a high-level review of building science concepts including basic thermodynamics (how heat moves), including stack effect, and conditions that result in optimum occupant comfort and productivity. The program will focus on high-impact energy code provisions and items with relatively high noncompliance as found by a recent PNNL commercial energy efficiency field study. Specific topics will include envelope insulation and air sealing, mechanical system control configurations, economizers, kitchen ventilation, energy recovery ventilation, demand control ventilation, and lighting controls. These topics will be framed in terms of entering and reviewing COMcheck inputs and outputs for accuracy regarding the submitted construction documents. Instructors will also present the use of example checklists throughout the program.

Learning objectives:

1. Identify significant changes between the 2015 and 2018 IECC
2. Describe the science behind building energy efficiency and occupant comfort and productivity
3. Identify the energy code provisions with high impact but low compliance rates
4. Describe mechanical system and lighting control configuration requirements

Continuing Education: Three (3) hours. PA UCC, ICC, AIA LU|HSW, BPI

The 2018 IECC for Pennsylvania – Residential

The 2018 IECC went into effect on February 14, 2022 bringing with it significant energy savings, mainly from improved envelope tightness. This training will include a high-level review of building science concepts including basic thermodynamics (how heat moves), including stack effect, and conditions that result in optimum occupant comfort. The program will focus on high-impact energy code provisions and items with relatively high noncompliance as found by a DOE/PNNL field study completed in 2018. Specific topics will include envelope insulation, air sealing, and testing, whole-house mechanical ventilation, HVAC equipment sizing, duct insulation, sealing, and testing, and service hot water pipe insulation and circulating system controls. Instructors will also present the use of checklists and third-party verification forms.

Learning objectives:

1. Identify significant changes between the 2015 and 2018 IECC
2. Describe the science behind building energy efficiency and occupant comfort and productivity
3. Identify the energy code provisions with high impact but low compliance rates
4. Understand how reduced air infiltration rate requirements will impact design, construction, and code enforcement

Continuing Education: Three (3) hours. PA UCC, ICC, AIA LU|HSW, RESNET, NARI, BPI

2018 IECC Residential: Energy Code Plan Reviews and Inspections in 15 Minutes or Less

This 180-minute training offers a comprehensive approach to time-efficient energy code compliance, focusing on quick and thorough document submittals and plan reviews. Participants will gain valuable insights into performing swift yet comprehensive document submittals and plan reviews, considering the prioritization of energy code provisions while managing time constraints. The webinar draws on extensive research and provides practical strategies to facilitate efficient plan reviews.

The training also covers the five required inspections in residential construction: footing and foundation, framing and rough-in, plumbing, mechanical, and final inspections. It benefits not only code officials but also individuals responsible for designing and constructing residential buildings. Participants will learn how to perform efficient and comprehensive site inspections. Sample inspection checklists, worksheets, and forms will be discussed and made available for download.

Learning objectives:

1. Describe a process for inspecting residential construction that includes assessing the highest impact energy code provisions.
2. Describe the inputs to provided forms and checklists such as duct and envelope testing verification and HVAC design forms and integrate them into your organization’s normal compliance documentation or enforcement processes.
3. Recreate a timeline that includes which construction details and verification forms need to be provided/collected and when in the design/construction process.
4. Describe how third-party energy professionals such as duct and envelope testers and HERS Raters fit into the inspection process.

Continuing Education: Three (3) hours. PA UCC, ICC, AIA LU|HSW, BPI

2018 IECC Residential: Air Sealing to 3 ACH50 and Other Envelope Requirements

Relevant market research, including the DOE Residential Field Study, revealed significant noncompliance with 3 ACH50, and multiple other field studies in nearby geographies and uncovered lack of proper insulation installation. This training covers air sealing, air barriers, blower-door testing, identification of potential leakage sites in CAD details, 3D graphics, and photographs, for single family residential including other issues, such as party walls, in low-rise multifamily. This training includes test-your-knowledge questions, and guided discussion of pros/cons of various strategies.

Learning objectives:

1. Understand how to review, install, and inspect details necessary to achieve an envelope leakage rate of 3 ACH50 or less.
2. Differentiate between several air sealing techniques.
3. Identify and resolve common leakage areas like window and door penetrations, attic knee walls, recessed lighting trim kits, townhouse party walls, garage floor separation, behind tubs, showers, and mechanical/electrical/plumbing penetrations.
4. Identify and resolve common problem areas such as cold corners.
5. Identify code requirements for air sealing from 2018 IECC Table 402.4.1.1 Air Barrier and Insulation Installation.

Continuing Education: Three (3) hours. PA UCC, ICC, AIA LU|HSW, BPI

2018 IECC Residential: Residential Whole House Ventilation and Efficient Forced Air Distribution

This 180-minute course addresses the growing demand for education on code requirements related to whole-house mechanical ventilation and forced air distribution. Participants will delve into the building science principles underlying these essential code mandates and gain knowledge on different approaches to achieve compliance. Emphasis will be placed on the significance of duct testing, sealing, and proper installation in optimizing the overall performance of residential heating and cooling systems.

Participants will learn how to calculate the minimum required ventilation rate based on specific house specifications and select an appropriate system that aligns with ventilation rate and fan efficacy requirements. The course will also cover different code stipulations concerning the proximity of ducts to the building thermal envelope. To facilitate the demonstration of code compliance, attendees will be introduced to a customizable Duct and Envelope Testing (DET) reporting form, streamlining the compliance verification process.

Learning objectives:

1. Identify the benefits of tight construction combined with mechanical ventilation.
2. Determine the minimum required ventilation rate for a specific home and identify and resolve common installation problems.
3. Describe the differences and pros and cons of several mechanical ventilation strategies.
4. Determine fan efficacy requirements on a system design.
5. Describe the consequences of leaky duct systems.
6. Describe how to achieve tight ducts.
7. Identify and resolve other common duct installation problems.
8. Utilize the provided duct and envelope testing (DET) form to document or verify compliance with duct testing requirements.

Continuing Education: Three (3) hours. PA UCC, ICC, AIA LU|HSW, BPI

The 2018 IECC and Multifamily Buildings

This 180-minute course focuses on the 2018 IECC requirements specifically tailored for multifamily buildings. This program is designed to provide participants with a deep understanding of the energy code provisions applicable to multifamily residential structures.

Throughout the course, we will explore the energy code requirements relevant to air sealing in multifamily buildings. Participants will gain insights into the specific guidelines and best practices for achieving effective air sealing in both residential and commercial components of multifamily structures. Additionally, the course will include an introduction to the concept of thermal bridging and its implications for energy efficiency in multifamily buildings.

Learning objectives:

1. Identify the differences between the residential and commercial provisions of the 2018 IECC in relation to multifamily buildings.
2. Identify and eliminate the biggest sources of air leakage in multifamily buildings.
3. Describe various, important air sealing design and construction details.
4. Better understand the Energy Code’s requirements for air barrier construction and testing
5. Identify what thermal bridging is, how it occurs and what effect it can have to a building and its occupants.
6. Properly detail slab-on-grade construction to provide a thermal break and other details.
7. Describe the value of continuous insulation and important design/construction details.
8. Identify prescriptive requirements for continuous insulation and proper use of REScheck and COMcheck when pursuing tradeoff.

Continuing Education: Three (3) hours. PA UCC, ICC, AIA LU|HSW, BPI

The 2018 IECC For Large Commercial Building: Mechanical and Lighting Systems

This 180-minute training session focused on large commercial buildings and their energy impacts in accordance with the 2018 IECC. While these buildings are commonly found in urban areas and less prevalent in suburban and rural areas, they significantly contribute to energy consumption on a per-building basis. This program aims to equip design professionals and code enforcement officials with the knowledge and skills to ensure their work results in buildings with energy use intensities that surpass the average standards.

During this training, attendees will have the opportunity to identify the specific locations within construction documents where various mechanical controls and equipment specifications are or should be included. By understanding the lighting power code requirements for both interior and exterior applications, participants will gain valuable insights into achieving energy efficiency in commercial buildings. Through guided discussions, attendees will also explore effective strategies for documenting plans and conducting inspections to ensure compliance with control configurations in the field.

Learning objectives:

1. Identify the types and basic functions of common and complex HVAC systems.
2. Identify where ventilation and related equipment are required including economizers, demand-controlled ventilation, and energy recovery ventilation.
3. Identify fan power limitation calculations and how to determine if systems meet code limits.
4. Know when commissioning is required and identify what is needed to show compliance.
5. Identify the 2020 ECCCNYS code requirements for commercial lighting systems.
6. Identify lighting power density calculations and how to determine if building and space types meet code limits.
7. Identify how to do calculate exterior lighting power allowances.
8. How to provide evidence of lighting functional testing.

Continuing Education: Three (3) hours. PA UCC, ICC, AIA LU|HSW, BPI

The 2018 IECC: Prioritizing Enforcement for Commercial Buildings

Join us for an informative course that explores the findings of a comprehensive study on commercial buildings’ energy code provisions. The study revealed that 21% of the provisions examined were responsible for a remarkable 81% of potential energy savings. This research provides a valuable framework for prioritizing energy code enforcement efforts based on the balance between the time required to verify a code provision and its potential for energy savings.

Given the time constraints faced by code enforcement officials and their commitments to life-health safety priorities, this course will focus on high-impact requirements for commercial building envelopes. By understanding and effectively enforcing these provisions, participants will be equipped to prioritize their efforts, enhance compliance, and optimize the realization of energy savings outlined in the 2018 commercial energy code.

Moreover, this course will also delve into high-impact requirements for commercial building mechanical and lighting systems. By addressing these critical aspects, attendees will gain the necessary knowledge and tools to prioritize their efforts, improve compliance, and maximize the energy savings potential embedded within the energy code.

Learning objectives:

1. Identify energy code envelope requirements with the greatest energy impacts and prioritize energy code documentation.
2. Describe a process for creating and reviewing plans that includes documenting and assessing the highest impact energy code provisions related to envelope.
3. Identify how to integrate provided construction details verification forms and checklists into normal compliance documentation or enforcement processes.
4. Identify permit application specifications that enable a simplified plan review process as well as a process for providing or collecting verification forms.
5. Identify the energy code requirements with the greatest energy impacts and prioritize energy code documentation.
6. Describe a process for creating and reviewing plans that includes documenting and assessing the highest impact energy code provisions.
7. Identify how to integrate provided construction details verification forms and checklists into normal compliance documentation or enforcement processes.
8. Identify permit application specifications that enable a simplified plan review process as well as a process for providing or collecting verification forms.

Continuing Education: Three (3) hours. PA UCC, ICC, AIA LU|HSW, BPI

The 2018 IECC: Case Studies on Simple Commercial Buildings

Join us for an engaging course that explores the 2018 IECC requirements through real-world case studies. This program will provide in-depth coverage of various building types, including a retail building, a 6-story mixed-use apartment building, an HVAC system for a grocery store, and an office buildout within an existing building.

The course will kick off with a detailed examination of owner-installed building envelope requirements specifically tailored to a typical retail store. Participants will gain valuable insights into the essential elements that contribute to an energy-efficient retail building.

Next, we will shift our focus to tenant-installed items, delving into topics such as single-zone HVAC systems and lighting. Through practical examples and case studies, attendees will develop a comprehensive understanding of the HVAC and lighting requirements for tenant spaces.

The third portion of the program will be a plan review exercise, designed to actively engage the audience and enhance knowledge retention. Participants will have the opportunity to apply their learning and collaborate with peers to analyze and evaluate building plans, ensuring compliance with the energy code.

Furthermore, the course will feature a comprehensive study of a 6-story mixed-use apartment building, emphasizing the envelope requirements necessary to achieve energy efficiency and comfort in multi-story residential structures.

Learning objectives:

1. Describe prescriptive insulation requirements for a simple retail building case study and required inputs for COMcheck when tradeoffs are being used.
2. Determine mechanical system requirements for single-zone HVAC systems with the use of COMcheck certificates and checklists.
3. Identify and resolve areas of confusion with tenant fit outs.
4. Compare building drawings with accompanying COMcheck documentation and identify inconsistencies.
5. Describe prescriptive insulation requirements for several framing types and required inputs for COMcheck when tradeoffs are being used.
6. Determine mechanical system requirements for single-zone HVAC systems with the use of COMcheck certificates and checklists.
7. Identify and resolve areas of confusion with tenant fit outs.

Continuing Education: Three (3) hours. PA UCC, ICC, AIA LU|HSW, BPI

This training and/or document is provided through support and funding from the U.S. Department of Energy’s State Energy Program and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.