RESNET s Effort to Develop National Energy Audit Standard

Transcription

1 RESNET s Effort to Develop National Energy Audit Standard 2007 North Carolina ENERGY STAR Conference November 15, 2007 Steve Baden, RESNET

2 Why Existing Homes? With Slowing of New Homes Market Raters Need to Explore New Service Opportunities Existing Homes A Key to Addressing Climate Change and Nation s Energy Policy

3 Why RESNET National Energy Audit Standard? An economic issue of convincing a homeowner to invest in the process, combined with a history of free or low cost, but ineffective, audit products. Unless provided with a compelling cause or subsidies, a large majority of American homeowners are not willing to invest several hundred dollars to determine the performance of their homes and learn how to improve the performance.

4 RESNET s Effort to Develop National Energy Audit Standard Goal Develop a set of rules and best practices for persons who want to label themselves as an energy auditor and to provide national guidance on how an energy auditor approaches a home and conducts the needed data collection and analysis. The end result is intended to properly inform a homeowner and lead them to invest in cost effective energy improvements to the home.

5 RESNET National Energy Audit Standard Task Force Tasks Is there a need for a national standard? How should an audit differ from a home energy rating or BPI analysis? What primary elements should a home energy audit include? What elements should not be included in a home energy audit? What additional items could be included in an audit? Is there market share for a basic audit and an advanced audit? What is the experience/knowledge that an energy auditor would need?

6 National Energy Audit Framework A series of steps that would lead a homeowner to invest in cost-effective measures that would improve their home s energy performance while also looking at any major health and safety issues.

7 National Energy Audit Framework Modeled on Health Industry Many Americans are not willing to get a regular check up despite its obvious benefits. Low cost/no cost screening at a mall, health fair, or workplace where individuals receive services such as blood pressure and cholesterol testing along with information on exercise and healthy lifestyles. If the tests are outside of the normal range, the person is urged to see a doctor for a more thorough checkup.

8 National Energy Audit Framework Screening Energy Audit Comprehensive Assessment Treatment by Qualified Contractor

9 Screening This step would serve as a filter in which the level of the commitment by the homeowner, and the overall energy performance of the home, is determined.

10 Energy Audit Energy Audit would involve a review of the data collected from the screening, discussion of further measurement and/or performance testing, and an analysis of the home s performance.

11 Comprehensive Assessment Is the more sophisticated analysis that determines the final scope of work. In this step, the professional would pinpoint the cause of the problems and propose specific actions to remedy the problem. The homeowner would then be provided with a referral to a qualified contractor to carry out the required treatment. This would be a home energy rater or BPI Building Analysis

12 Treatment by Qualified Contractor Armed with the analysis conducted through the audit process a qualified contractor would make the needed upgrades. This process would also involve post-testing the home after the improvements are made, and any required post-work safety checks.

13 Energy Audit Standard Timelines + November 2007 Public Review & Comment + January 2008 Standard Adopted

14 Building Performance Institute and RESNET How Home Energy Raters fit into Building Performance

15 January 2007 Meeting of Technical Representatives of BPI & RESNET Reviewed Compatibility Between RESNET Rater and BPI Performance Analyst

16 RESNET Home Energy Rater - Energy related modeling software - Verification of completed condition energy focus - Defined diagnostic process- Certification / Accreditation - Defined Q/A - Whole house approach - Stakeholders support

17 BPI Building Analyst - Energy related heat loss/gain not software related - Verification of completed condition H/S focus - Defined diagnostic process - Certification/Accreditation - Defined Q/A process - Whole house approach - Stakeholders support

18 A Marriage Whose Time Has Come? What Would Take to Harmonize Two Certifications BPI RESNET -Software competency - Combustion safety (Testing/Gas leak - Plan review detection) - RESNET inspection standards - Write a work scope -5 ratings completed - Building air tightness standard - Understanding HERS index - Personal Health & Safety - Provider

19 Plug Into the RESNET Network Join RESNET + Associate Member - $100 + Rater - $200

20 February 18 20, 2008 San Diego, California Tax Credits Carbon Trading Energy Efficiency Certificate Trading