Measuring the Value of Education and Training on the Maryland Energy Code Project Results

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1 Measuring the Value of Education and Training on the Maryland Energy Code Project Results The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Building Energy Codes Program launched a series of research studies in 2014 to investigate typical energy efficiency practices in residential buildings and identify opportunities to reduce household utility bills. A primary goal of the study was to help document baseline practices in new single-family construction, target areas for improvement relative to the state energy code, provide training and technical support on the target areas, and measure the improvement. Maryland was selected for the study. The three basic phases employed in the study were as follows: I. Pre-Study: A baseline study to identify the energy use in typical single-family residential buildings in a given state and opportunities for improving energy efficiency II. III. Education & Training: Education, training and outreach activities targeting issues identified through the baseline study Post-Study: A second study to identify the change in energy use following the education and training activities The preliminary results for Maryland were just released and show significant improvement. The education and training phase conducted by Newport Partners included the following over a 12-month period: TRACKING METRICS Targeted Actual Classroom and Field Training (Attendees) Classroom and Field Training (Events) Outreach (Attendees) N/A 2021 Outreach (Events) N/A 23 Circuit Rider (Attendees) Circuit Rider (Events) Energy Code Coach Calls ly then very short and issue oriented. Page 1 of 5

2 Results Measured results following the training and other technical support provided by Newport Partners, Edge Energy compiled the field data and PNNL analyzed the results showing the following improvements: Energy Efficiency, Cost, and Emissions Improvements Following Training Total Energy Improvement (Gas and Electric) Total Energy Cost Improvement Emissions Improvement Envelope Air 74.2% Improvement 74.2% Improvement 75.1% Improvement Leakage Exterior Wall 81.8% Improvement 81.7% Improvement 82.2% Improvement Insulation Lighting 95.7% Improvement 95.8% Improvement 95.7% Improvement Duct Leakage 83.7% Improvement 83.2% Improvement 83.4% Improvement Ceiling Insulation 76.8% Improvement 76.7% Improvement 77.3% Improvement Total (Across All Key Items) 77.9% Improvement 79.8% Improvement 80.7% Improvement Products Developed and Related Publications: The following resources were developed under the current project: The Light Box Demonstration and Lighting Research- Newport constructed a portable device that displays a side-by-side comparison of LED lighting, CFL lighting, and incandescent lighting; intended for an audience of consumers and municipal officials. The box included real time monitor to demonstrate the energy efficiency of the 3 lamps. The IECC requires 75% energy efficient lighting and was an area of non-compliance in the initial testing. The non-compliance seemed to be driven by a lack of understanding of halogen lights, and a perception that consumers would not accept the energy efficient lighting. What we found through consumer and municipal official surveys is that LED lighting was the preferred choice by over 60%. We used this information with builder groups to support LED as a superior replacement to incandescent for lamp quality. Page 2 of 5

3 Figure 1. Light Box A Website - During the course of the project Newport developed and maintained a section of their website devoted to materials, trainings scheduled, and information useful to stakeholders. Much of the information still exists on the Newport website. A PowerPoint presentation and support materials Newport developed several training PowerPoint presentations that were heavy on pictures to illustrate code requirements and issues we observed in the field. For code officials we developed a set of mock plans and taught sessions on plan review that were more workshop oriented than lecture. Newport gave multiple presentations on the project to audiences including the Association of Energy Engineers, the National Association of Home Builders, and Maryland Municipal Officials. Newport developed and maintained an Energy Code Coach Service. This included a phone line that stakeholders could call with questions, address for those that preferred questions and issues, and an on-site service if that was necessary to resolve questions/ issues with a builder or contractor. Although Newport no longer advertises the service we continue to respond to inquiries. There were also a number of newsletters, fact-sheets and flyers, inspection checklists, code coach cheat sheets highlighting code requirements, architectural drawings showing necessary energy code details. Sample copies of the newsletters are available. Based on questions raised during trainings as well as call and questions, Newport developed fact sheets addressing the energy efficiency lighting requirements, and proper sealing of a sill plate (a detail that is often inadequately done leading to poor blower door results). o Lighting Fact Sheet Page 3 of 5

4 o Sill Plate Fact Sheet Issue oriented cheat sheets highlighting code requirements were developed on the following topics and are available here: Lighting Requirements Building Thermal Envelope Air Leakage Requirements Duct Leakage Testing Requirements Energy Rating Index Compliance Path Prescriptive Insulation and Window Requirements. Other products such as the handout shown in Figure 2 were developed and used during training and education events. A checklist was developed based on requests from code officials for Climate Zone 4. This was made available on request and is not posted on the website. Figure 2. Training and Education Sample Materials The Codes project fostered unprecedented coordination among codes officials, homes builders, and to some extent the local energy utilities. This network will be useful for future dialog. Project Team The following members comprised the Maryland project team: Page 4 of 5

5 Liza Bowles, Newport Partners LLC Joe Nebbia, Newport Partners LLC Sam Bowles, Newport Partners LLC Christopher Russell, Maryland Energy Administration (from June 2017) Valerie Holmes, Maryland Energy Administration (from December 2015 to June 2017) David St. Jean, Maryland Energy Administration (from October 2014 to December 2015) Gary Boyer, EDGE Energy Newport Partners Located in Davidsonville, MD, Newport Partners provides analytical and technical services to clients in both the private and public sectors. Established in 2002, the company maintains a balance of government and industry projects, including several university partners. Newport Partners staff have backgrounds in engineering, law, planning, market research, and policy analysis, and they provide services ranging from full-service program development to meeting facilitation. More information on Newport Partners is available at Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) MEA s mission is to promote affordable, secure, and safe energy while maintaining energy independence, sustainability, and reliability through innovative and effective policies, programs, technologies, and financing mechanisms. MEA advises the Governor on directions, policies and changes in the various segments of the energy market. More information on MEA is available at Edge Energy Edge Energy s technical capabilities include energy conservation measures, renewable energy projects, energy auditing, and general construction management. Established in 2006, they are a BPI-accredited Gold Star company. For further information on Edge Energy, visit References DOE/PNNL Maryland Residential Energy: Baseline Report Code Field Study: Baseline Report. Available as of June 25, 2018 at: f DOE/PNNL 2016b. Residential Energy Code Field Study Data Analysis: Technical Support Document. Available as of June 25, 2018 at Page 5 of 5