Residential New Construction Updates

Course Description

This course will review specific program requirements that are critical for compliance with the ENERGY STAR program, including those that have changed due to ENERGY STAR Version 3.1, and / or the shift to IECC 2015 here in New Jersey. It will also cover specific program requirements that have consistently been compliance issues for raters and builders.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the key components of high-performance fenestration and installation of insulation that conforms to RESNET Grade I criteria.
• Explain fully aligned air barriers for thermal envelopes, kneewalls, showers and tubs, fireplaces, and staircases.
• Analyze proper reduced thermal bridging, including insulated ceilings with attic ceilings above, continuous rigid insulation, structural insulated panels (SIPS) vs. insulated concrete forms (ICFs), Double stud walls, and advanced framing.
• Recall proper Air Sealing Measures for recessed lighting fixtures, above-grade sill plates, attic access panels, drop-down stairs, and whole house fans.
• Investigate HVAC System issues such as static pressure holes, duct quality installation, whole house mechanical ventilation, including rater-measured ventilation rate, manual override and specified fan type.
• Explore the New Jersey Clean Energy Program’s Residential New Construction Program rules and incentives for single family, multi-single, low-rise multifamily, and high-rise multifamily building incentives.

About the Instructor:

Christine Liaukus, RA, CPHC is the Housing and Community Development Program Manager NJIT’s Center for Building Knowledge. At the Center Christine’s  research is focused on improving the energy performance of existing buildings during typical retrofit projects.  Christine has developed training for various New Jersey Clean Energy programs through the NJ Clean Energy Learning Center and has taught high performance building enclosure coursework at the Hillier College of Architecture and Design at NJIT.  and Prior to joining the Center Christine was a Project Architect with the New York firm Chris Benedict R.A. creating environmentally responsible affordable housing. Christine is a member of the Northeast Sustainable Energy Association and was the first Certified Passive House Consultant in New Jersey.

Course Outline

• Overview

• High Performance Fenestration and Insulation

• Fully Aligned Air Barriers

• Fully Aligned Thermal Bridging – Part 1

• Fully Aligned Thermal Bridging – Part 2

• Air Sealing

• HVAC Systems

• EPA – Static Pressure Holes Video

• Residential New Construction Program Rules

• Exam