Achieving Net Zero Energy Homes with Robust Building Enclosures and High-Performance Mechanical Systems - Arrow

For high-performance, net zero energy homes it is critical to get the building enclosure and mechanical systems right. While renewable energy can be added or acquired later, it is not as easy to change the overall efficiency of the building enclosure or HVAC system. The key is to identify cost-effective approaches to get the loads low and efficiencies high. This course explores the DOE Zero Energy Ready Homes specifications along with specific design strategies and technologies that can help you design and construct a successful Net Zero Energy Home today.

Course Outline

• Part 1:  The Power of Zero-Energy Homes

• 1. The Risks of Building Net Zero Energy Homes
  2. Comprehensive Zero-Energy-Ready Home Strategy

• Part 2.  It All Begins with Good Design and Specifications.                       

• Passive Design Principles
• Orientation Matters for energy & comfort
  3. ComPact Form 
  4. Small and Simple is Beautiful
  5. Consider Out Of Sequencing Cost
  6. The Ins and Outs of an Inside corner
  7. Think In Systems!
  8. Design Precedence For Cost Savings
  1. General Design Thoughts

• Part 2b. Pathways to Net Zero energy homes

• Overall Design summary 
• Pathway to Zero: Metrics
• Pathway to Zero: Enclosure Insulation
• Pathway to Zero: Fenestration & Airtightness
• Pathway to Zero: HVAC Equipment
• Pathway to Zero: Ductwork & Make-up air
• Pathway to Zero: DHW & Appliances/Lighting
• Pathway to Zero: IAQ & Renewables
• DOE Zero Energy Ready Home As AN Entry Point
• Zero Energy Ready Home         

• Part 3: It Ends with Excellent Execution

  Part 3A: Develop a Robust Building enclosure

  The Modern Enclosure conundrum

• Wall A: Older, Uninsulated Frame Wall
• Wall B:  Older, Insulated Frame Wall
• Wall C: Typical Frame Wall
• Wall D: “Perfect Wall” w/ CEI
• Wall E: Hybrid Wall w/ CEI

• Net-Zero Energy Home Challenge #1: a Robust Building enclosure

• The Perfect Institutional Wall
• The Perfect Commercial Wall
• The Perfect Residential Wall
• Why Continuous Exterior Insulation (CEI)?
• Robust Building Enclosures
• Select H-P Enclosure Solutions
• Slab Construction
• Foundation Construction
• Wall Construction
• Roof assembly (vented attic)
• Roof assembly (Sloped or conditioned attic)
• Airtightness
• Fenestration Type
• Fenestration Installation

• Part 3b: Develop H-p Mechanical Systems

• Reality Check #1
• Reality Check #2
• Reality Check #3

• Net-Zero Energy Home Challenge #2: Changing Load Profile

• Heating Energy vs. Cooling Energy
• Implications
• Air conditioning vs. Natural ventilation
• Heating & Cooling summary

• Net-Zero Energy Home Challenge #3:  Superb Ventilation

• Always Begin by managing the pollutant
• Ventilation
• Filtration

• Net-Zero Energy Home Challenge #4: Humidity Management

• Humidification

• Net-Zero Energy Home Challenge #5: Pressure Management

• Building Pressures
• Make-Up air

• Net-Zero Energy Home Challenge #6: Efficient Domestic Hot Water

• EPA WaterSense Guide
• Traditional (Trunk & Branch)
• Radial (Branch & Twig)
• Whole House Manifold (Trunk & Twig)

• Select H-P Mechanical System Solutions

• Heating System
• Cooling System
• Filtration
• Ventilation System
• Domestic Hot water
• Make-Up Air

• Part 4: Renewable Integration

• Net Zero Energy Today
• The Power of Zero Energy Homes
• Renewable Options
• Overall Solar Design
• Solar Options
• Storage Systems & Load Management

• Final Comments

Learner Objectives

•    Familiarity with the concepts and definitions for high-performance, net zero energy homes
•    Recognize important building science principles and approaches for net zero energy homes
•    Be able to apply these principles to building enclosure designs and construction 
•    Be able to apply these principles to mechanical system strategies and designs
•    Recognize key design strategies and building systems to achieve net zero energy
•    Exposure to high-performance enclosure technologies and mechanical systems for this marke

Quiz Info

In order to receive continuing education credit(s), you will need to take a 10-question quiz following each hour of the course. To pass the quiz, you will need to achieve a score of 70% or higher. If you are unsuccessful, you will have an opportunity to repeat the quiz. Once you have successfully completed the quizzes, you can download your continuing education certificate(s) showing the credit(s) that you have earned.

Credit Info

This course has been approved for three hours of MN residential contractor, remodeler, and building official continuing education by the Minnesota Department of Labor & Industry and includes the required Energy credit, and three hours of WI Dwelling Contractor Qualifier by the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services. 

If you are eligible to receive continuing education credits, your information will be electronically reported to the appropriate agency within 3 business days of course completion.

Access Info

Your online course is accessible 24/7. The course will be available to you for 180 days from purchase date.

Questions and Comments

Questions and comments related to the curriculum for this course may be submitted to the instructor at education@housingfirstmn.org.