Insulation Institute Blog

Posts Categorized: Energy Efficiency

2009 Called. It Wants Its Energy Code Back

As advocates for building energy efficiency, Insulation Institute and many other organizations support the development and adoption of model residential building energy codes like the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). Unfortunately, code adoption is literally “all over the map,” in the United States. Twenty-two states have a version of the energy efficiency code that meets or exceeds the 2009 IECC. Ten states meet or exceed the 2015 code, and 12 states have no statewide code at all, according to the Building Code Assistance Project. For those who support energy code adoption, it can seem like an uphill battle to advocate for newer energy codes, particularly when there are lots of misconceptions about the purpose behind the codes.

Details »
2009 Called. It Wants Its Energy Code Back

Our Insulation Field Trip

The Insulation Institute is committed to addressing and educating the market on quality installation, conducting training sessions and developing an extensive guide on how to get Grade I installation. Since we represent the insulation industry, we like to get out in the field from time-to-time and see how the products our members manufacture are installed. 

So, when we had an opportunity to visit two Maryland homes currently under construction just after the insulation had been installed we jumped at the chance.

Details »
Our Insulation Field Trip

5 Priority Air Sealing Locations for New Homes

Achieving an energy efficient, durable and comfortable home starts with framing and includes air sealing and insulation. Regardless of the type of insulation used, whole-home air sealing is a must to minimize air leakage and maximize thermal performance. It’s also an essential part of meeting new home airtightness requirements. As states adopt new, more stringent home energy efficiency codes, builders must redouble their efforts to ensure that new homes are properly air sealed. But where are the areas within the building that are leakier than others?

Details »
5 Priority Air Sealing Locations for New Homes

Blow the Insulation, Not the Budget

Maximizing cost effectiveness is every builder’s goal and every home buyer’s expectation. Each year, an impressive group of builders is recognized by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) for their forward-thinking approaches to delivering Zero Energy Ready homes. The most exemplary of the annual winners achieve this extraordinary target while keeping costs in line. Utah-based Garbett Construction is a 2017 Housing Innovation Award winner, and its winning Elizabeth model delivers notably affordable high energy performance, using proven energy-efficient construction practices and economical blown-in fiberglass insulation.

Details »
Blow the Insulation, Not the Budget

Free Grade I Training Coming to Four States

According to U.S. Department of Energy 20 percent home’s energy is wasted because the home is under insulated and improperly air sealed.[1] For builders, this can wreak havoc on productivity, resulting in call backs, jeopardizing code compliance, reducing HERS scores, and resulting in homes that are less energy efficient and comfortable for consumers.

Details »
Free Grade I Training Coming to Four States

RESNET Unveils Water Efficiency Measure

Home buyers and owners aren’t just concerned about energy efficiency, they’re increasingly interested in the water efficiency of homes as well, due in part to double-digit increases in water costs over the past few years in many areas of the country. Growing interest in water efficiency has prompted Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET) to partner with the International Code Council to develop a national consensus standard for home water efficiency dubbed HERSH20. The standard will define how to calculate a rating index for home water efficiency.

Details »
RESNET Unveils Water Efficiency Measure

Mineral Wool and the Toronto Method Wall 

Custom home buyers have very discriminating requirements when it comes to designing and constructing their homes. Increasingly, those needs incorporate the desire to be sustainable and energy efficient. When sustainable architectural firm SUSTAINABLE.TO Architecture + Building and Greenbillt Homes, a leading Canadian custom home builder teamed up design and construct a home in North York, Ontario, they were directed to deliver a tall order to their clients: designing a home that would “sip energy, endure for generations and remain comfortable at all times.”  The result was a striking residence that incorporates mineral wool insulation and delivers some impressive energy performance results.

Details »
Mineral Wool and the Toronto Method Wall 

Profile of a Top One Percent Builder

Since 2013 the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Housing Innovation Awards has recognized the top builders of zero energy ready homes. Housing Innovation award winners represent the top one percent of builders across the country who meet the most rigorous specifications for High-performance Homes. Among this year’s 24 winners is production builder Charles Thomas Homes.

Founded in 2009, Charles Thomas Homes constructs High-performance Homes that typically command a higher price than competing builders, but also deliver on energy efficiency and comfort, which is important in frosty climate zone 5. Part of the company’s winning approach to constructing energy-efficient homes includes blown fiberglass insulation in the attic and walls, demonstrating that high-performance doesn’t have to mean high price.

Details »
Profile of a Top One Percent Builder

SmartHome Apps to Help Save on Energy Costs

Contributed by Modernize 

There’s all kinds of potential for smarthome devices, from better security to an easier way to turn off the lights. But one of the greatest benefits—at least, environmentally-speaking—is the ability to provide more insight into a home’s energy consumption. Stand-alone smartphone apps can offer suggestions for how to incorporate greener habits into a homeowner’s daily routine. And then there are the device-centric apps, which integrate with existing smart products in the home—such as the utility meter or thermostat—to give homeowners a better readout of their energy use and saving.

Details »
SmartHome Apps to Help Save on Energy Costs

Thriving in a ZEN Landscape

Ask any builder around the country about top challenges and you are pretty likely to hear three things:

  1. Cost and availability of attractive lots;
  2. Finding and cultivating skilled tradespeople; and
  3. Creating high brand awareness with prospective homebuyers.
Details »
Thriving in a ZEN Landscape