Designing and Building to High Performance: Hard Hat Tour & Presentation

During the tour, the project team will show how intentional design and high-quality construction work together to achieve net zero energy capability in an affordable housing project. The project, supported by funding from Energize Delaware, will be nearing completion, will be nearing completion, allowing the project team to demonstrate how the best practices in building envelope and active mechanical systems work together to create a high-performance home.

The presentation discussion will focus on why an owner/developer would choose to build beyond the code minimum efficiency requirements and how that decision impacts human and environmental health. We will discuss the technical rigor and sequencing challenges, share some lessons learned, explore some sample details for common air sealing challenges, and learn how to meet the challenge with readily available materials. The program will be held at an active construction site and include detailed discussions during the tour of the site.

​PPE required:  Hard soled, tie up shoes; long pants; safety glasses; safety vests; and hard hats are required.

Learning Objectives

• Recognize how designing and building to high-performance standards and prioritizing net-zero energy readiness involves more than just energy efficiency; it is also vital for enhancing both human and environmental health.
• Understand the key design elements and best construction practices for achieving net zero capable homes, including setting performance goals, incorporating best practices for air sealing and insulation into construction documents, and incorporating third-party QA/QC.
• Understand how above-code certifications such as ENERGY STAR, Zero Energy Ready Homes, Indoor airPLUS, and WaterSense, build on one another to deliver durable, efficient homes with beneficial indoor environmental quality.
• Explore mechanical ventilation with heat recovery in a residential HVAC system and learn how these systems support resident health and indoor air quality.

Course Level: Intermediate
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CE Credits:  Submitted for AIA CES approval for 1.0 HSW

Presented in collaboration with Energize Delaware, New Ecology, Inc., Todmorden Foundation, and Green Building United.

Questions?
Contact Nancy at AIA Delaware email or by calling 302-530-0189.