Setting the Foundation for Net-Zero Energy Homes in Australia

Construction EfficiencyOpportunities:Setting the Foundationfor Net-Zero EnergyHomes in AustraliaTomi Winfree2009 International Building and Construction FellowshipFellowship funded by Construction and Property Services IndustrySkills Council (CPSISC)ISS Institute IncDECEMBER 2012 ©

ISS InstituteLevel 1189 Faraday StreetCarlton VicAUSTRALIA 3053T 03 9347 4583F 03 9348 1474E info@issinstitute.org.auW www.issinstitute.org.auPublished by International Specialised Skills Institute, MelbourneExtract published on www.issinstitute.org.au© Copyright ISS Institute December 2012This publication is copyright. No part may be reproduced by any process except in accordancewith the provisions of the Copyright Act 1968.Whilst this report has been accepted by ISS Institute, ISS Institute cannot provide expert peerreview of the report, and except as may be required by law no responsibility can be accepted byISS Institute for the content of the report or any links therein, or omissions, typographical, print orphotographic errors, or inaccuracies that may occur after publication or otherwise. ISS Institute donot accept responsibility for the consequences of any action taken or omitted to be taken by anyperson as a consequence of anything contained in, or omitted from, this report.

Table of ContentsiiiiAbbreviations/AcronymsDefinitions1 Acknowledgements1 Awarding Body – International Specialised Skills Institute (ISS Institute)2 Fellowship Supporter2 Fellowship Sponsor2 Supporters7 About the Fellow9 Aims of the Fellowship Program11 The Australian Context16 SWOT Analysis19 Identifying the Skills Deficiencies20 Benefits to Australia22 Industry Drivers25 The International Experience25 Thinking Big: A New Community Development27 Greyfield Land: Community Re-development29 Working Together: Researchers, Industry, Educators and Government35 National Green Building Standard40 Building Science45 University Led Continuing Professional Development47 Industry Led Continuing Professional Development55 Living Hazards: Indoor Air Quality57 Industry Energy Authorities: Technical and Consumer Support for High Performance Homes60 Awarding Best Practice62 Tracking Progress Nationally65 Knowledge Transfer: Applying the Outcomes67 Recommendations67 Education, Training and Mentoring Recommendations71 Integrated Design75 Industry and Professional Associations Recommendations79 Government Recommendations82 Community Recommendation82 ISS Institute – Further Research85 References91 Additional Resources

Table of ContentsAbbreviations/Acronyms93 Attachments94 Attachment 1: Builder’s Challenge Dual Certification Overview96 Attachment 2: NGBS Scoring for New Construction Overview98 Attachment 3: Winners from the 2009 NAHB EVHA - Example 1 Community College(Similar to VET)100 Winners from the 2009 NAHB EVHA - Example 2102 Example 3104 Attachment 4: Environmental Technology Center at Sonoma State University OverviewACHAIAASIDBASIXCACATCESCGPCO 2COAGCOTECPDACPSISCCSIROD.C.DEEWRDIISRTEEEBAEE-OzEERE-ScaleEVHAHERSHIAILOITUCJDLCALEEDLEED APMASCOAir Changes per HourAmerican Institute of Architects (USA)American Society of Interior Designers (USA)Building Sustainability IndexCaliforniaCustomer Advanced Technologies (SMUD)Continuing Education Systems (USA)NAHB Certified Green Professional (USA)Carbon dioxideCouncil of Australian GovernmentsCommittee on the Environment (USA)Canal Park Development Association, Inc. (USA)Construction and Property Services Industry Skills CouncilCommonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research OrganisationDistrict of ColumbiaDepartment of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR)Department of Industry, Innovation, Science, Research and Tertiary Education(DIISRTE)Energy & Environmental Building Alliance (USA)ElectroComms and Energy Utilities Industry Skills CouncilEnergy Efficiency RatioEnergySmart Home Scale (USA)EnergyValue Housing Awards (USA)Home Energy Rating System (USA)Housing Industry AssociationInternational Labour OrganizationInternational Trade Union ConfederationJuris Doctor (professional graduate law degree) (USA)Life Cycle AssessmentLeadership in Energy Efficient Design (USA)LEED Accredited Professionals (USA)American manufacturer of home improvement and new home construction materialsi

Abbreviations/AcronymsDefinitionsMBAVMMBtuMSANABERSNAHBNFEENCSPG&ERAIARESNETRMITSEERSMUDSOMOsq. ft.SIPSSUSUTSVTVETUNESCOUSUNEPUS DOEUS EPAUSGBCWFEOWHOZEHMaster Builders Association VictoriaMillion Metric British Thermal UnitsManufacturing Skills Australia (Industry Skills Council)National Australian Built Environment Rating SystemNational Association of Home Builders (USA)National Framework for Energy EfficiencyNational Centre for SustainabilityPacific Gas and Electric Company (USA)Royal Australian Institute of ArchitectsResidential Energy Services Network (USA)Royal Melbourne Institute of TechnologySeasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (USA)Sacramento Municipal Utility District (USA)Sonoma Mountain Village (USA)Square footStructural Insulated PanelSonoma State University (USA)Swinburne Institute of TechnologySustainability VictoriaTechnical Vocational Education and TrainingUnited Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural OrganizationUnited States (of America)United Nations Environment ProgrammeUnited States Department of EnergyUnited States Environmental Protection AgencyUnited States Green Building Council (USA)World Federation of Engineering OrganizationsWorld Health OrganizationZero energy homesAdvanced framingSystem of engineering for house framing developed in the 1960s by the United States Departmentof Housing and Urban Development and currently used to reduce the amount of wood and labourrequirements, thereby reducing construction costs, while increasing thermal efficiency and maintainingstructural integrity through highly levels of insulation and reduced thermal bridging (note: also referredto as ‘optimal value engineering’). 1Air barrierLayer applied to the building envelope to separate the internal air from the external air, creating a barrier,to support control of the internal environment within a building, often combined with a vapour barrier.Brownfield (USA)Underutilised commercial or industrial land often contaminated, requiring an environmental cleanup ofhazardous waste and pollutants before being redeveloped.Previously used land or sectons of industrial or commercial facilities which require re-development.Building envelope, shell, enclosureThe exterior components of a building’s construction, being walls, windows, roof, floor….everythingthat separates ‘inside’ from ‘outside’. 2Building scienceThe method of assembling building materials and systems in such a way that the enclosure controlsthe heat, air, and moisture so that a durable and energy efficient building is created without anexcess usage of materials (even when using natural materials that may have lower performance thansubstitutes).Building sciencesA collection of scientific knowledge, including the analysis and control of the physical phenomenaaffecting buildings and analysis of building materials and building envelope systems 3 or simply the flowof three things [to support a building], being heat, air, and moisture. 4CharretteGenerally referred to as a ‘design charrette’ and consists of an intense period of design activity.Greyfield (USA)Underutilised land.iiiii

DefinitionsDefinitionsHigh performance homesBuildings that are designed, constructed and used in efficient ways based on a variety of metricsrelated to resource consumption and costs, especially energy, while maintaining the safety, health andintegrity of the structure (note: often referred to as energy efficient buildings).Indoor air quality (IAQ)Maintaining or improving the standard of IAQ or Indoor Environment Quality (IEQ) focused oneliminating or minimising indoor air pollutants to reduce short-term and long-term health related effectson occupants and improving comfort. Opportunities include source control, filtration and ventilation toimprove the air quality within a building envelope.InnovationCreating and meeting new needs with new technical and design styles [New realities of lifestyle]. 5Integrated project delivery (management)Collaboration across various disciplines, such as design, engineering, construction and operationsduring the planning stage to optimise the project delivery outcomes based on the priorities of the client,such as green building or energy efficiency (note: sometimes referred to as a ‘design charrette’).SustainabilityThe ISS Institute follows the United Nations NGO on sustainability, “Sustainable Development isdevelopment that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generationsto meet their own needs” 9Vapour barrier or retarderA coating, membrane or sheet material eliminating or diffusing the movement of vapour through thebuilding envelope, typically by means of diffusion or air/heat transfer. A vapour barrier may not berequired in some conditions or, if it is required, needs to be applied internally or externally based onclimatic conditions.Whole systems thinking related to buildingsA method of thinking about buildings as an integrated system that operates as a whole dependent onthe design and function of the components within it, the external factors impacting on the structureand the way in which the system is utilised by the inhabitants (note also referred to as ‘the house as asystem’).Net-zero energy homeA home with greatly reduced energy needs firstly through efficiency gains with the remaining energysupplied by renewable energy on an annual basis. 6 The energy supplied is on-site and the usage isaveraged over the year.Passive solarPassive solar refers to a design technique, not a certification. Any house that takes advantage ofsunlight to warm the house is in some way a passive solar house. That said, most people think ofhomes with a lot of windows and steep roof overhangs when they think of passive solar. These homesare designed to absorb as much heat as possible in the winter, but have a roof that deflects summersunshine that would overheat the house. 7PassivhausPassivhaus design takes advantage of passive solar strategies, but goes further. It also requires verystringent air infiltration (tightness) scores, and dictates exactly how much energy can be committed toheating and cooling. Basically, Passivhaus designers take passive solar design and add it to a stableof energy saving strategies. 8R valueMeasure of thermal resistance used in the building and construction industry.ivv

AcknowledgementsTomi Winfree would like to thank the following individuals and organisations who gave generously oftheir time and their expertise to assist, advise and guide her throughout the Fellowship program.Awarding Body – International Specialised Skills Institute (ISS Institute)The International Specialised Skills Institute Inc is an independent, national organisation that for overtwo decades has worked with Australian governments, industry and education institutions to enableindividuals to gain enhanced skills and experience in traditional trades, professions and leadingedgetechnologies.At the heart of the ISS Institute are our Fellows. Under the Overseas Applied Research FellowshipProgram the Fellows travel overseas. Upon their return, they are required to pass on what they havelearnt by:1. Preparing a detailed report for distribution to government departments, industry and educationalinstitutions.2. Recommending improvements to accredited educational courses.3. Delivering training activities including workshops, conferences and forums.Over 200 Australians have received Fellowships, across many industry sectors. In addition, recognisedexperts from overseas conduct training activities and events. To date, 22 leaders in their field haveshared their expertise in Australia.According to Skills Australia’s ‘Australian Workforce Futures: A National Workforce DevelopmentStrategy 2010’:Australia requires a highly skilled population to maintain and improve our economic position in the face ofincreasing global competition, and to have the skills to adapt to the introduction of new technology andrapid change.International and Australian research indicates we need a deeper level of skills than currently exists in theAustralian labour market to lift productivity. We need a workforce in which more people have skills, butalso multiple and higher level skills and qualifications. Deepening skills across all occupations is crucial toachieving long-term productivity growth. It also reflects the recent trend for jobs to become more complexand the consequent increased demand for higher level skills. This trend is projected to continue regardlessof whether we experience strong or weak economic growth in the future. Future environmental challengeswill also create demand for more sustainability related skills across a range of industries and occupations. 10In this context, the ISS Institute works with Fellows, industry and government to identify specific skills inAustralia that require enhancing, where accredited courses are not available through Australian highereducation institutions or other Registered Training Organisations. The Fellows’ overseas experiencesees them broadening and deepening their own professional practice, which they then share with theirpeers, industry and government upon their return. This is the focus of the ISS Institute’s work.For further information on our Fellows and our work see http://www.issinstitute.org.au.Patron in ChiefLady Primrose Potter ACPatronsMr James MacKenzieMr Tony SchiavelloFounder/Board MemberSir James Gobbo AC, CVOChairmanMr Mark BennettsBoard MembersMr John BakerMs Julie BelleMs Sue ChristophersMr Franco FiorentiniMr Jack O’Connell AOMr David Wittner AM1

AcknowledgementsAcknowledgementsFellowship SponsorConstruction and Property Services Industry Skills Council (CPSISC)SupportersThe following Australian mentors provided Fellowship support:• Dr Phil Alviano, Sustainability Manager, Master Builders Association Victoria (MBAV).• Professor John Fien, Professor of Sustainability in the Innovation Leadership Programme, RoyalMelbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) University.• Heath Levy, Carpenter, Leathal Carpentry.• Dr Sue Lewis, Sustainability Catalyst, National Centre of Sustainability (NCS), Swinburne Universityof Technology (SUT).• Dr Garry McDonald, Former Director, NCS, SUT.• Dr Peter Newton, Professor, Institute for Social Research, Sustainable Urbanism, SUT and NCSBoard Member.• Professor Alan Pears, Senior Lecturer, Global Studies, Social Science and Planning, RMIT University,and Director of Sustainable Solutions.Additional Australian Contributors:• Nick Alsop, Project Manager, Built Environment, Sustainability Victoria (SV).• Blair Freeman, Green Living Trainer, MBAV and Energy Leaks.• Anna Henderson, Executive Officer, Business Skills Victoria.• Fiona Joynes, General Manager, GreenSmart, Housing Industry Association (HIA).• David Magee, Senior Project Manager and Deputy CEO, Construction and Property ServicesIndustry Skills Council (CPSISC).• Val McGregor, Training Manager, SV.• Alan Ross, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), CPSISC.• Janine Strachan, Former General Manager, GreenSmart, HIA.• Joan Whelan, Skills Coordinator and Project Manager, CPSISC.United States Contributors:• Courtney Baker, Manager, Leadership in Energy Efficient Design (LEED) Homes ResidentialOperations, United States Green Building Council (USGBC), Washington, District of Columbia (D.C).• Thom Banks, Deputy Executive Director, American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), DC.• Andrew C. Burr, Program Manager, Institute for Market Transformation, D.C.• Angela Conley, Director, Member Services, Northstate Building Industry Association, California(CA).• Michelle Desiderio, Director, Green Building Programs and National Green Building Standard,National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Research Center, Maryland.• E-House and Solar Display, Energy & Technology Center, Sacramento Municipal Utility District(SMUD), CA.2• Dan Geiger, Executive Director, Northern California Chapter (NCC), USGBC, CA.• Patty Green, GreenHome Inc., D.C.• Robert L. Hill, Director, Laboratory Sciences and Certification Programs, (NAHB) Research Center,Maryland.• Alex Hinds, Director, Centre for Sustainable Communities and Environmental Technology Center,Sonoma State University (SSU), CA.• Timonie X Hood, Green Building Coordinator, United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), CA.• George James, Existing Homes, Building America Program, ENERGY STAR for Homes, ResidentialTechnology Programs and Incentives, Building Technologies Program for Energy Efficiency andRenewable Energy, United States Department of Energy (US DOE), D.C.• Sonal Kemkar, Technical Program Manager, Institute for Market Transformation, DC.• Terry Logee, Zero Energy Homes, Building America Program, ENERGY STAR for Homes, ResidentialTechnology Programs and Incentives, Building Technologies Program, US DOE, D.C.• Alla Orlova, Director, Continuous Education (Distance Education), American Institute of Architects(AIA), D.C.• Jennifer Owens, Manager, LEED Homes Residential Education Programs, USGBC, CA.• Kelly Pickard, Instructional Designer and Trainer, AIA, D.C.• Lew Pratsch, New Homes, Building America Program, ENERGY STAR for Homes, ResidentialTechnology Programs and Incentives, Building Technologies Program, US DOE, D.C.• Rocky Rohwedder, Professor, Department of Environmental Studies and Planning, SSU, CA.• Ryan Sakata, Development Assistant and Sustainability Project Assistant, Sonoma MountainVillage (SOMO), Codding Enterprises, CA.• John Shurtz, Professor, Lead Instructor, Green Building Program, SSU, CA.• Alex Spilger, Principal, LEED AP Homes, GreenStep and Sustainable Building Advisor Program,CA.• Janet Stephenson, AIA, D.C.• Christopher VanArsdale, Executive Director, Canal Park Development Association, Inc. (CPDA),D.C.• Saskia van Gendt, Environmental Protection Specialist, Green Buildings, US EPA, CA.• Stephanie Vierra, Researcher, Technical Editor, and Curriculum Specialist, AIA, D.C.• Marlene Vogelsang, Technical Librarian, The Pacific Energy Center: Energy Resource Center,Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), CA.• Justin Wilson, Building Science Trainer, Houses That Work Training, Energy and EnvironmentalBuilding Alliance (EEBA) and Building Performance Solutions.• Amber Wood, Program Manager, Energy Efficiency, NAHB Research Center, Maryland.3

AcknowledgementsAcknowledgementsAustralian Organisations Impacted by Fellowship Findings:Government• Federal, State and Territory Government- Building and Plumbing Commissions (each state and territory)- Department Industry, Innovation, Science, Research and Tertiary Education• Built Environment Industry Innovation Council- Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism• National Framework for Energy Efficiency Training Committee- Environmental Protection Agency (equivalent for each state and territory)- Department of Housing- Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency- Development Agencies (e.g. Places Victoria/VicUrban)- Local Government including Planning and Environment DepartmentsEducation and Training• Industry continuing professional development programs (e.g. Engineers Australia, Points BuildNSW, Sustainability House SA, Association of Building Sustainability Assessors)• Industry Skills Councils (e.g. CPSISC, EEoz, MSA)• Vocational Education and Training (VET)• Registered Training Organisations (RTOs, private training providers and TAFEs)• State and territory training authorities (e.g. TAFE NSW, Higher Education and Skills Group, SkillsVictoria, Department of Education and Communities NSW)• Universities• Property developers• Real estate brokers• Property valuersIndustry & Professional Associations• Large volume builders (e.g. Henley Homes, Burbank Homes, Dennis Family Homes, NationalBuilders)• Manufacturers (e.g. CSR, Boral)• Suppliers (e.g. Bunnings, Mitre10, Masters)• Building Associations (e.g. HIA, MBA, MPMSAA, Green Plumbers, Climate Change Action Centre)• Standards Australia• Air Conditioning and Mechanical Contractors’ Association• Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors• The Energy Efficiency Council• Professional Associations (e.g. Australian Institute of Architects, Building Designers Association ofAustralia)• Specialty Associations (e.g. Australian Sustainable Built Environment Council, Association ofBuilding Sustainability Assessors)• Unions (e.g. Construction Forestry Mining and Energy Union, Communications Electrical PlumbingUnion)Community• Home owners/consumers• Owner builders• Research Centres e.g. (Cooperative Research Centre for the Built Environment)Industry Practitioners• Energy or sustainability auditors/consultants• Inspectors, surveyors• Builders• Construction and project managers• Specialty professionals and tradespeople (e.g. carpenters, plumbers, electricians, insulationinstallers, designers, engineers, estimators, quantity surveyors)• Mortgage/lending brokers45

About the FellowNameTomi WinfreeEmploymentProject Manager, National Centre for Sustainability (NES) at Swinburne University of Technology (SUT).Qualifications• BS Anthropology: Minors Asian Studies & Archaeology, Middle Tennessee State University 11 ,Murfreesboro, Tennessee, USA, 2001.• Carbon Accounting 12 , Swinburne University of Technology, 2009.Memberships• International Young Professionals Foundation 13 , Australia• Pi Gamma Mu International Honor Society 14 , USA• SustainUS Young Professionals 15 , USA 2001–2004• TakingITGlobal 16 .Tomi Winfree is currently the Knowledge and Skills for Sustainability Project Manager at the NCS atSUT. She is responsible for the management of a range of international, national and ground levelresearch and consultation projects in the area of sustainability knowledge and (green) skills acrossindustry sectors. She has supported the integration of sustainability and energy efficiency into trainingpackages, informed education policy and supported innovative training delivery through industry,government and community research and consultations. She holds a Bachelor of Science in CulturalAnthropology and has undertaken Master’s level coursework in International Policy Studies with anemphasis in environmental policy and human rights from Monterey Institute of International Studies,CA.Since 2006, consultation and project management outcomes have included:• Review of Energy Efficiency Skills Demands and Training Provision Across the Trades and Professions(DIISRTE, 2012), the Fellow contributed to a team from NCS and Allen Consulting Group, drawingtogether expertise in research, consultation, government policy and energy efficiency to carry outthe baseline mapping to inform education policy Element 1 of the Commonwealth Clean Energyand Other Skills Package.• Skills for Carbon Abatement (Victorian Skills Commission, 2011), the Fellow contributed to a teamfrom NCS and Allen Consulting Group, drawing together expertise in research, consultation,government policy and carbon abatement to inform education policy in Victoria.• Jobs and Skills Transition for the Latrobe Valley, Phase 1: Benchmark occupations and skill sets(DEEWR, 2012), the Fellow contributed to a benchmark study of the roles and skills in the LatrobeValley power generation and mining sectors to inform education policy with a team of researchersfrom NCS and RMIT University’s Centre for Sustainable Organisations and Work.• Green Skills Strategy and Implementation Plan for Swinburne University of Technology TAFE to 2015(Swinburne, 2009), the Fellow drafted a plan based on research and consultations across the fiveschools including Creative and Service Industries, Health and Community, Business, EngineeringTechnology and Trades, and Sustainable Futures to integrate sustainability into courses to meetfuture student demand.67

About the FellowAims of theFellowship Program• Sustainability Standards in Road Transport and Warehousing (DEEWR, 2009), the Fellow managednational research and consultations across industry and stakeholder groups to evaluate trainingopportunities and develop recommendations to integrate sustainability in the road transport andwarehousing training packages for the Transport and Logistics Industry Skills Council.• Knowledge and Skills for Sustainability - KSS (2006 – current), the Fellow has and is currentlyinvolved in:- Integration of energy efficiency knowledge and skills into national training packages.- Development, delivery and management of energy efficiency education resources and trialdelivery and evaluation.- Integration of the Guideline Competency Standards for Sustainability (GCSS) across nationalindustry training packages in the Vocational Education and Training sector, directly involved in thecustomisation of units in the Construction and Business Services Training Packages.- Development of guideline briefs, industry-specific briefs to support integration of the nationalGCSS for Industry Skills Councils, such as CPSISC, IBSA, and MSA.- Managed and developed learner and trainer resources for nine customised environmentalsustainability units of competency and the training pilots for six of nine units across business,plumbing, construction, manufacturing, and seafood services training standards.KSS project stakeholders included:• Commonwealth Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population, and Community• Sustainability Victoria• Department of Sustainability and Environment (Vic)• NSW Office of Environment and Heritage• Victorian Building Commission• CPSISC• M S A• Innovation and Business Services Australia (IBSA)• Seafood Services Australia• Master Plumbers and Mechanical Services Australia, Green PlumbersRapid developments in the area of sustainable building are occurring across the globe resulting inmany industries taking the leap into investment in green jobs and skills development. This InternationalBuilding and Construction Fellowship opportunity has opened the door to further the Fellow’s levelof knowledge and skills at an international level, giving her the opportunity to specialise in projectmanagement for green domestic building education. This research is also directly aligned to her currentjob role, researching the jobs and skills aligned with low-cost carbon abatement opportunities inAustralia and potential transitional strategies. She continues to support national training development,building training providers’ capabilities and encouraging government policy and industry partnershipsto develop our future workforce and stimulate our economy through strategy and implementationopportunities.The overarching aim of this International Building and Construction Fellowship is to contribute to theeffective development and renovation of the next generation of high-efficiency and beyond zero energyhomes in Australia through research and recommendations for knowledge and skills development tosupport national training. The outcomes of the research will contribute to training development in a keystrategic area in Australia and globally to support mitigation of our carbon emissions and adaptation toclimate change in the coming years.If Australia is going to meet carbon reduction targets, the training sector needs to ensure the upskillingof existing workers, new job entrants and VET practitioners to develop expertise in zero energy homesand efficient building practices to support future standards. These recommendations will assist IndustrySkills Councils, training providers, government agencies and professional/industry associations inthe development and delivery of new and/or improved training at various levels, from apprentices/traineeships to existing trades people and industry professionals. The research recommendationsare relevant to the fields of property, construction, manufacturing and business services to supportAustralia’s transition to a low-carbon economy.The specific research aims of the Fellowship were to:• Investigate and establish an in-depth understanding of whole system approaches (i.e. sustainabilityprinciples, cost benefits analysis) and emerging trends and technology use in sustainable housingdesign, construction, and end use.• Identify effective implementation strategies, products and services to mitigate and adapt to climatechange using innovative complementary technologies for next generation carbon positive homes.• Determine the knowledge and skills needed to support effective project management in thesustainable building and property development industry.• Document international strategies for sustainable communities based on government policy, actionand incentives for domestic housing.• Identify any other key training areas for vocational education and training in construction andproperty sectors to review in the future.The strategies carried out to meet the aims of the Fellowship:• Engaged with practising institutions (educators, tradespeople, professionals and associations) toinvestigate and record world best practice examples and case studies based on whole systemapproaches and emerging trends in sustainable (economic, social and environmental) housing toreduce the environmental footprint of the existing housing stock and new home markets.• Identified the management skill sets required to successfully apply the concepts of a wholesystem approach for sustainability, incorporating cost benefit analysis to effectively reduce theenvironmental footprint of existing and new homes.• Identified trade and professional knowledge and skills required to assess and incorporate wholesystem approaches to sustainable housing using leading-edge technology.• Recorded government policy and strategies to support sustainable community development.• Analysed and reported findings for recommendation to training developers and providers,government agencies and individuals to support the development of sustainable communitiesacross Australia.89

Aims of the Fellowship ProgramThe Australian ContextFor our residential building sector to have effective and efficient housing for a low-carbon economy,we must ensure we have supportive government policy, consistent language and the appropriateknowledge and skills across trades and professions to support a combined approach to sustainabledevelopment. This would include:• Home assessments post construction (sustainability, energy, carbon)• Planning for design, construction, deconstruction, re-use and/or re-design based on buildingscience• Project and site management using an industry green building standard based on sustainabilitystandards and building science• Appropriately trained tradespeople and professionals with building science fundamentals• Effective technology selection, application and use, using building science principles• Consumer awareness and education on the efficient construction, operation and maintenance of ahome.Outcomes and Target AudienceThe Fellowship recommendations need to be reviewed by a variety of industry stakeholders throughanalysis of this report, further research and presentation of the findings to inform industry stakeholdersof the knowledge, skills sets and implementation strategies based on world best practice in sustainablewhole system approaches to high performance domestic building.Industry stakeholders may include training developers and providers, government agencies, industryand professional associations, building practitioners, property developers, manufacturers, suppliers,researchers and individuals supporting the development of high performance homes and sustainablecommunities across Australia.ISS Institute follows the Brundtland Definition, this definition of sustainable development that is nowgenerally recognised. As agreed by the World Commission on Environment and Development (theBrundtland Commission) and adopted by the United Nations, the Brundtland Definition states:“Sustainable Development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromisingthe ability of future generations to meet their own needs". 17The Commonwealth of Australia and the States and Territories have negotiated a National Green SkillsAgreement. The Green Skills Agreement states:“Skills for sustainability, also known as green skills, are the technical skills, knowledge, valuesand attitudes needed in the workforce to develop and support sustainable social, economicand environmental outcomes in business, industry and the community. The Agreement is astatement of the commitment of the Australian and State and Territory Governments to workcollaboratively with employer and employee representatives, the VET sector and communityorganisations to ensure that training in, and the delivery of, skills for sustainability is an integralpart of all vocational education and training and is relevant to the needs of industry,” 18 asendorsed in 2009.Government Policy in AustraliaA number of the key strategic training areas are currently being developed, revised or are in needof development and revision across industry sectors as a result of changes in government policyand regulations. There are still countless opportunities to improve best practice, regulations, and theeducation sectors that support these areas. The outcomes of this Fellowship offer an opportunityfor training to be developed to support a consistent long-term approach using industry standardsthat bridge the built environment from design, construction to the performance testing at the point ofoccupation.A range of policy measures have been established to support energy efficiency in the built environment.These are few, but not all of the Commonwealth examples,• National Framework for Energy Efficiency (NFEE)• Energy Efficiency Opportunities (EEO) program,• the Energy Efficiency Exchange (EEX),• the National House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS), and• the National Hot Water Strategy and a revised Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) highefficiency systems strategy.In the last few years, government and education departments, research institutes, and professionalbodies have released countless reports, case studies and launched initiatives on the current keytraining areas with a heavy focus on green buildings and skill needs. A summary of the most relevantinternational, national and state reports and initiatives are as follows:• Review of Energy Efficiency Skills Demands and Training Provision Across the Trades and Professions2012, DIISRTE, baseline mapping to inform education policy, Element 1 of the CommonwealthClean Energy and Other Skills Package (NCS and Allen Consulting Group).• Skills for Carbon Abatement 2011, Victorian Skills Commission, to inform education policy in Victoria(NCS & Allen Consulting). 191011

The Australian ContextThe Australian Context• Jobs and Skills Transition for the Latrobe Valley, Phase 1: Benchmark occupations and skill sets2012, DEEWR, research into power generation and mining sectors to inform education policy (NCSand RMIT University’s Centre for Sustainable Organisations and Work).• Low Carbon Growth Plan for Australia 2010 and Low Carbon Growth Plan for Australia 2011 updateby ClimateWorks Australia, identifies residential new builds and retrofits as profitable and low-costabatement opportunities with a specific focus on efficiency gains related to the building envelop. 20• Victoria's Greenhouse Opportunity Set: New Growth Prospects in a Carbon Constrained World2009 by the Allen Consulting Group, commissioned by the Department of Innovation, Industry andRegional Development. An assessment of the commercial opportunities arising for Victoria as aresult of climate change, and the ability of industry to capitalise on them. 21• National VET Sector Policy and Action Plan 2010–2015, endorsed by the Ministerial Council forVocational and Technical Education (MCVTE) on 12 June 2009 and released by the AustralianGovernment Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations.• Environmental sustainability: an industry response, a paper prepared by the eleven national IndustrySkills Councils (ISCs) as a collective response, as well as individual responses from each ISC.• Victoria – the Green Jobs State: Seizing the opportunities, released by Environment Victoria.• Growing the Green Collar Economy: Skills and labour challenges in reducing our greenhouseemissions and national environmental footprint, released by the Commonwealth Scientific andIndustrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) and Dusseldorp Foundation• Green Gold Rush, released by the Australian Conservation Foundation.• The Green Jobs Initiative, a joint initiative by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP),the International Labour Organization (ILO), the International Organisation of Employers and theInternational Trade Union Confederation (ITUC). 22• UNEP Green Jobs: Towards decent work in a sustainable, low-carbon world, released in 2008 bythe International Labour Organisation.• Labour and the Environment: A Natural Synergy, released jointly by the UNEP, ILO, the World HealthOrganization (WHO), workers and trade unions through the ITUC, and the International LabourFoundation for Sustainable Development (Sustainlabour).• Integrating Sustainable Development TVET Curriculum, United Nations Education, Scientific andCultural Organization (UNESCO), online forum.The Australian Building Codes Board has also addressed energy efficiency:• Refined the existing Building Code of Australia energy-efficiency measures and assisted with inputinto Council of Australian Governments (COAG) processes, announcing on 30 April 2009 that thisprocess will result in an increase in the Building Code of Australia energy efficiency stringencylevels. Since then 6-star minimum standards have been introduced in most jurisdictions.• Reviewed the capacity of the Building Code of Australia to adapt to climate change, following earlierrequests by COAG for the board to consider such matters.Current Energy Efficiency Regulations• Section J National Construction Code- Energy efficiency requirements for homes, such as:- Lighting,- Windows,- Hot water, and• ENERGY STAR Standards (computer modelling) for residential building envelope design.In most states and territories, current government regulations require a minimum 6-Star Standardfor all new houses. Builders of course have the option to surpass this minimum energy rating andsome companies, such as Burbank Homes and Henley Homes have showcased an 8-star homeand offer upgrades from the 6-star requirements for new homebuyers. Beyond an 8-star rating is a10-star, which is a Zero Emission Home. The CSIRO has developed a Zero Emission Home currentlyundergoing occupant research for 12 months to determine actual performance.Green Home Loans and Green Start 23Home sustainability assessments were originally carried out to support the now discontinuedCommonwealth Green Loans initiative that was to transition into the Green Start program. The aim ofthe programs was to improve energy and water efficiency in existing homes. During the program over600,000 assessments were carried out with demand for assessment much higher than anticipated.Unfortunately, the program required additional foresight and the Commonwealth concluded that therisks were too great to proceed with the Green Start program and discontinued the Green Loansprogram in 2011.If this type of assessment program were to continue, oversight is required to ensure that therecommendations are effectively understood and interpreted by skilled people or that skilled peopleundertake the assessments, and are ideally the same individuals implementing the sustainabilityrecommendations. A similar assessment program focused on plumbing opportunities has alreadybeen established and incorporated into the Master Plumbers and Mechanical Services Association ofAustralia (MPMSAA) Green Plumbing program.The home assessments require individuals trained in a whole systems approach to buildingsto undertake assessments and carry out the improvements; otherwise we run the risk of fundingfragmented strategies that have an ineffective end result that can be hazardous to the workers andoccupants. For example, when an assessment includes recommendations to seal and insulate a homebut only the insulation is installed, the house will not be as energy efficient as it could be if it was alsosealed properly to prevent warm and cool air from leaking in/out of the home. On the contrary, whena home is insulated properly and also sealed, hazards have the potential to develop in relation tocombustion, indoor air quality, condensation, etc., leading to additional health and safety issues for theoccupants and building deterioration. Therefore, training must support a whole system and BuildingScience approach to sustainable housing in Australia to ensure tradespeople and professionals canmitigate the risks before they arise. CPSISC has supported the home assessment training to becomea nationally accredited training program.Mandatory DisclosureAlthough this policy is not currently being carried out, the Commonwealth of Australia workedtoward establishing a mandatory disclosure program to be carried out by states and territories for allresidential buildings focusing on energy efficiency, greenhouse emissions and water performance atthe time of sale or lease. Mandatory disclosure further supports the need for a common language,understanding and effective assessment, and application of green building strategies for existing andnew housing stock. As previously recommended, the assessors, tradespeople and professionals musthave training in whole system and building science approaches to green building to effectively makeand carry out recommendations on behalf of stakeholders to reduce impacts and increase the home's1213

The Australian ContextThe Australian Contextefficiency without increasing risk to the health and safety of occupants related to moisture issues anddeterioration of the building. This process also needs to ensure post-construction assessments ofthe building are taken to ensure the home is actually built to the energy efficiency design modellingspecifications with safe levels of ventilation.Tracking Progress and CommunicationLastly, Australia has the opportunity to set national goals, benchmark progress and work toward futureimprovements for the housing industry through government and industry strategies and future policy.Australian homeowners need to be key participants in this process in addition to builders, developers,tradespeople and industry professionals. We all have a part to play and should be updated on ourprogress toward these common goals.Opportunities are also available to benchmark Australia internationally, through the C40 Cities (a groupof cities working to reduce urban carbon emissions and to adapt to climate change. Melbourne isalready taking part through the Clinton Climate Initiative, supporting the transition to a low-carbon,sustainable city. 24Existing Australian TrainingExamples of related training are outlined in this section, including accredited, non-accredited andadditional resources.Accredited TrainingVocational Education and Training (VET), Nationally Accredited Training Units of Competency managedby CPSISC:1. Work effectively and sustainably in the construction industry2. Implement and monitor environmentally sustainable work practices3. Develop policies and procedures for environmental sustainability4. Build thermally efficient and sustainable structures5. Plan for a sustainable business6. Plan and manage a sustainable business7. Build the commitment of the workforce to sustainable practices8. Operate and market a business that supports sustainable practices9. Operate an economically, socially and environmentally sustainable business10. Prevent ozone depleting substance and synthetic greenhouse gas emissions11. Develop team understanding and commitment to sustainability12. Cost and quote sustainable service provision13. Communicate and market sustainable living solutions14. Contribute to sustainable solutions over a building’s life cycle• Green Living Building - Build thermally efficient and sustainable structures (2-day training course)• Certificate IV Building and Construction (Environmental Management)2. Master Plumbers and Mechanical Services Association of Australia – Green Skills for Plumbers(VET-based training)University examples:1. Engineering Sustainable Solutions Program, Technical Design Portfolio: Whole System DesignSuite: Elements of Applying a Whole Systems Design Approach (1-10) 25 , for the purposes of thisresearch, specifically Units 4 & 5 (July 2007). Complementary training is offered from an engineeringand design approach using a very thorough example of systems theory and application asdeveloped for training application across industry sectors. Funding for this project was providedby the Australian Federal Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts (DEWHA)under the Education for Sustainability Grants Program. The publication has been co-publishedby The Natural Edge Project (TNEP) and Earthscan in association with UNESCO and the WorldFederation of Engineering Organizations (WFEO).2. Curtin University, ‘Building Sciences 201’ training offers a 2-hour course.3. The RMIT Sustainable Built Environment Programme aims to reduce the environmental impacts ofthe built environment through development of tools, strategies, advisory services and professionaldevelopment courses, such as the Life Cycle Assessment short course. It addresses a range ofenvironmental issues from energy efficiency and water conservation through to environmentallypreferable materials and waste avoidance during construction.Non-accredited training for buildersVET Non-accredited short course:1. Gordon Institute of TAFE, Air Barrier Technologies, includes building science, blower door airleakage testing and other technologies to support energy efficiency testing for residential buildings.Industry led short courses:1. HIA – Green Smart Building (2-day training course)2. Green Building Council Australia – only commercial and multi-unit residential3. Ecospecifier offers a few training options:• Executive Directions – Developing Intelligence in Green Building Solutions is an in-house programwith a number of flexible delivery options to rapidly improve green building intelligence across awhole organisation.• Deliver Materials Intelligence Yourself – Building Green is a series of 28 modules, divided into 4 coreunits, complete with PowerPoint presentations, eco-priority guides and reference texts. An idealeducation solution for a firm on how to apply new knowledge in product, materials and technologyselection for building design, specification and construction.• Educational PowerPoint presentations – various PowerPoint presentations presented by DavidBaggs, Technical Director for Ecospecifier, are available for purchase.Industry-led examples of accredited short course training for domestic builders:1. Master Builders Association of Victoria (VET-based training)1415

The Australian ContextThe Australian ContextResources to support green residential building1. Your home – a suite of consumer and technical guide materials and tools supported by theDepartment of Environment, Water, Heritage and Arts.2. RMIT Sustainable Materials Program3. A range of energy rating standards and tools, including Green Star, Building Sustainability Index(BASIX), The National Construction Code, NABERS and, are turning these drivers into tangiblemeasuring tools in the marketplace.4. Environmental Design Guide published by Royal Australian Institute of Architects (RAIA) on behalfof a coalition of building design professionalsIn summary, the lowest level national sustainability training, being Certificate I–II, offers an introductionto sustainable work practices and is currently the only requirement in the construction sector. Again,this doesn’t target the whole house (systems) approach to sustainability, but targets day-to-day workactivities and resource efficiency in relation to work practices and site management. The unit titled‘Build thermally efficient and sustainable structures’ could be updated from the perspective of thebuilder/project manager to include more aspects of building science and a systems approach. Therelated tradespeople must also have building science and systems thinking in addition to specifictraining requirements directly related to tasks being carried out to ensure the building is builtsustainably, conserves energy and is also energy efficient. A major priority area is the immediate needfor a consistent language, concepts and training approach to be used across the sectors from designthrough to consumer education. This consistent use of language, theory and application will supporta more efficient and successful transition from concept design stages, energy analysis, structural andlandscape design, construction, post-construction performance testing and comparison through tooccupant use.Although accredited sustainability training for the built environment, including specific units ofcompetency, exist at the national level, at this stage there is not a consistent whole systems approach tosustainability across the industry sectors based on building science theory and application. Therefore,the project management role could be the most logical role, ideally bridging the divide betweendesign, construction, occupation, and follow-up post-construction energy performance testing. Thebuilders or project managers must be supported by tradespeople in order to build a high-efficiencybuilding; therefore, the builders or project managers would require the appropriate knowledge andskills to apply to the construction process based on their area of responsibility. In addition, an asbuiltpost-construction energy performance rating system could be used by building practitioners totest the actual performance of the building and then used as a consistent benchmarking system tocommunicate the energy performance of these quality homes to the wider community.SWOT analysis of Australian building industry training for energyefficiency and sustainability:Strengths• Most of the national industry training for the built environment related to these concepts is developedand managed by one group, CPSISC.• Australian experts are available to guide training development and delivery.• Industry has accepted resource efficiency and sustainable practices as business as usual.• Industry is beginning to recognise that energy efficiency is becoming a market opportunity• Government has a bi-partisan agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, with buildingsbeing one of the biggest opportunities.• Manufacturers are freely producing technical manuals and videos to increase awareness, to up skillpractitioners and demonstrate application techniques.Weaknesses• Variations in energy ratings, product availability, construction methods, costs, etc., are resulting infragmented training and confusion across Australia.• A lack of accredited training and support resources to support the development of knowledge andskills, such as:- Integrated project delivery based on a whole systems approach- Building science- On-site mentoring for tradespeople to learn on the job- Demonstration projects or display centres- Post-construction performance testing.• A lack of flexible industry training to support a foundation-level understanding of energy efficiencyprinciples and practices through building science and whole systems approaches and cost benefitanalysis. These are critical training components required to meet reductions in energy demandmanagement, integrated design and application of complementary technologies.• Lack of an industry guide, standard, or strategy to support zero-energy residential constructionthrough product selection, cost benefit analysis, and improved construction techniques.Opportunities• Continuing professional development drivers in both government and industry to support training.• Potential to build on existing CPSISC training for the emerging workforce.• These training opportunities support the practitioners’ businesses by reducing risk, increasingmarket advantage, and reducing business costs through efficiency gains.• A large industry with positive returns on investment for efficiency gains through improvedconstruction methods.• Development of flexible or alternative training delivery or professional development methods forindustry practitioners who are time poor.• Recognition of practitioners with the required knowledge and skills to perform job requirements toreduce energy demand and increase energy efficiency.• Construction of safe, healthy and durable high-efficiency and zero-energy homes by usingknowledge and skills based on:- Whole systems- Energy efficiency principles and practices based on building science1617

The Australian ContextIdentifying the SkillsDeficiencies- Techniques and material selection to construct tight building envelopes to reduce energy demandand carbon emissions- Indoor air quality standards to ensure adequate ventilation to protect workers’ and occupants’health by minimising exposure to harmful contaminates- Best practice selection and application of high-efficiency/green products and services.- International best practice industry standards and training- Opportunities to go beyond current industry regulations, instead of being unprepared and laggingbehind competitors• Tradespeople, builders, and assessors can educate consumers on reduced running costs throughconstruction opportunities.Threats• Lack of industry metrics, benchmarks and improvement targets to meet the demand for highperformance homes and future demand for zero-energy housing, ensuring opportunities areexecuted as common practice to support safe, healthy, durable and high-efficiency homes andrecognition of building best practices based on post-construction building performance.• Lack of an industry accreditation system for building practitioners, resulting in an increasing numberof inappropriately trained practitioners installing new technology without effective enforcement,certification, accreditation or verification, leading to faulty installations and inefficient systems.• Low continuing professional development (CPD) participation, a lack of participant demand forface-to-face training due to time restraints, lack of requirements/incentives/resources to supportCPD in the building industry.• A lack of take up of integrated project delivery opportunities at the design stage resulting in belowoptimal efficiency gains due to a lack of contributions from builders and tradespeople during designto plan for practical strategies and solutions for energy efficiency.• Given the low number of education practitioners in this area, there is a shortage of qualified trainersto train current and future trades and builders to support efficiency opportunities.• Lack of post-construction building performance testing, reporting and verification to ensure homesare being built to high efficiency standards• Government initiatives in this industry may be seen as high risk for building practitioners due to pastnational program failures related to green buildings or energy efficiency opportunities.• Lack of awareness and return on investment related to reduced energy demand opportunities andenergy efficiency gains among homeowners, renters, mortgage lenders, valuation experts, and realestate agents.The current skills deficiencies on which this particular research is focused are outlined in this sectionto offer industry stakeholders insight into why the research is being undertaken leading to the researchconclusions and recommendations. In Australia, there are a few peak bodies providing training inthe area of high performance sustainable building with even fewer offering domestic green buildingtraining specific to tradespeople, project and site managers, builders and developers, and energyspecialists. The most closely related training is based on the unit of competency, ‘Build thermallyefficient and sustainable structures’, which could meet demand with a further integration of buildingscience. Currently, the training is an introduction to passive design, home sustainability approachesand material selection. What is required is accredited training for the domestic construction sector tosupport a whole systems approach to sustainable housing using building science as a foundation andintegrated project management, including trade specific knowledge and skills, supporting technologyintegration for energy efficiency and net zero energy and, lastly, post construction home assessments.Industry practitioners could be supported through an industry led standard to support and improveon the current minimum energy efficiency standards regulated by the ABCB for a consistent approachtoward high performance and zero energy housing. Although, in order to determine if a home is actuallyperforming as designed, post construction performance testing needs to be carried out as a monitoringmethod to determine if efficiency gain will be met through reduced energy demand.Building practitioners need the required knowledge and skills to construct buildings with a tightbuilding envelope that are energy efficient with the correct level of ventilation to avoid future liabilitysuits, increased health risks and deterioration of our building stock. We must look at going beyondthe design and introductory levels of building resource efficiency and ensure our buildings are actuallyconstructed using methods proven to reduce energy demand and that technology is appropriatelyselected designed and installed, improving the overall efficiency of the structure.1. Investigate whole system approaches and emerging trends in sustainable housingdesign, building, and use.• Research, interview and observe practising institutions to investigate, analyse and record worldbest practice examples and case studies based on whole system approaches and emergingtrends in sustainable (economic, social and environmental) housing to reduce the carbon footprintof the existing housing stock and new home markets.Aim: To become more knowledgeable about whole system approaches using sustainability principles,cost benefit analysis and emerging trends to mitigate and adapt to climate change using innovativecomplementary technologies for next generation carbon positive homes.2. Identify management skills to support sustainably built environments for renovatingexisting homes and building new houses.• Collect, record and analyse project management skills and strategies for application acrossbuilding and property services to support effective home sustainability audits and application ofrecommendations:• Cost benefit analysis of sustainable practices and technology.• Cost effective sustainable/passive design, product/technology selection and installation.• Involving and upskilling tradespeople and effective end-user education.1819

Identifying the Skills DeficienciesIdentifying the Skills DeficienciesAim: To gain the necessary sustainability knowledge and skills for effective project management in thebuilding and property industry to support efficient building practices and support user education ofnext generation homes.3. Identify trade and professional skills required to assess and incorporate whole systemapproaches to sustainable housing using leading edge technology.• Educators, tradespeople and professionals will be interviewed to identify the skill sets required tosuccessfully apply the concepts of a whole system approach to sustainability and incorporatingcost benefit analysis to cost effectively, reduce the carbon footprint of existing and new homes. Theskills would include a combination of:• Sustainable design principles understood by building practitioners• Product selection criteria used by building practitioners• Leading edge technological approaches applied by building practitioners, to ensure appropriatelytrained individuals conduct and install home sustainability and energy recommendations.Aim: To identify potential key training areas for Vocational Education and Training in constructionand property sectors to support the next generation of sustainable home renovations and the nextgeneration of domestic building to mitigate and adapt to climate change.4. Collect government strategies to support sustainable development.• Collect data and information regarding government strategies supporting sustainable building andconstruction development based on stimulus supporting sustainable building standards.Aim: To understand international strategies for sustainable communities based on government policy,action and incentives around domestic housing renovations and building new homes.5. Analyse and report findings related to training developers and providers, governmentagencies and individuals to support the development of sustainable built environments.• Identify and differentiate the skill sets and implementation strategies based on world best practiceregarding sustainable whole system approaches to domestic building.Aim: To develop recommendations to assist the Industry Skills Councils, training providers, governmentagencies and professional associations to improve training relevant to property and constructionservices to support Australia’s transition to a low carbon economy.Benefits to AustraliaWorkforce DevelopmentIn the recent past, Australia taught building science theory and application to building practitioners,even the concept of advanced framing or optimal value engineering highlighted in this report is not anew concept. American researchers have dated the practice to 1858 when William Bell documentedthese techniques. A Building Science Forum of Australia aims to work across industry practitioners tosupport building science theory and practice, but only the Canberra, ACT chapter is currently active.Given the current ground swell of reports and government and industry initiatives focused onsustainability and energy efficiency, CPSISC is working to ensure training packages have the mostup to date industry training standards. This report highlights the future opportunities to strategicallyalign our training policy, regulations, and industry standards to move Australian housing into theimmediate future. Currently the peak Australian body, the Green Building Council of Australia, does notoffer training for the domestic green housing market, except for multi-unit residential. The AustralianGovernment supports this market with certain resources, including a website titled Your home andtechnical manual for buying, renovating, and building a sustainable home, but this website is mainlydirected at individuals. This is an opportunity for the national training sector to establish a standardbased on world best practice skill sets capturing the competitive advantage in Australia and overseas.In order for the Australian building sector to construct efficient housing for a low carbon economy, wemust reduce confusion, make it easy and useful for our building practitioners and support industry bestpractice recognition. Therefore, we must work to develop partnerships across Australia to establish andimplement a national strategy and/or standard to support high efficiency and zero energy housing usingconsistent industry language to communicate building science and efficiency principles and practicesacross the professional and trade sectors. This type of national green building strategy or standardwould continue to strengthen and unify this sector, similar to the recent progress to nationalise theconstruction code and licensing. If a green building standard or strategy was developed and deliveredthrough training it should support consistent practices across the industry. This would include:• Designers (architecture, engineering, interior, landscape)• Management (project, site)• Surveyors (quantity, building, including inspectors)• Associated tradespeople and professionals (builders, carpenters, plumbers, electricians,communications, etc.)• Occupational, Health, Safety and Environmental Management• Consultants, auditors and assessors (energy, sustainability)• Manufacturers and suppliers• Government agencies (planners, analysts, researchers, administrators, etc.)• Local Government (environmental and town planning, design and re-design)• Consumers• Property (developers, sales and marketing).Ideally this will support a more sustainably built housing market, through efficient whole systems designand construction, supporting the implementation of building science theory into the constructionprocess. This would also support more effective technology and material selection and application,through the use of consistent theory, language and application allowing Australia to construct safe,durable, resource efficient, comfortable, and healthy housing.In relation to areas of skill shortages in the building industry, these types of green jobs may attractyoung people and women into the sector by offering new entrants an added opportunity to positivelycontribute to the long term future of our economy and community. It may also provide new roles formature tradespeople who can no longer cope with the physical demands of traditional trades, but whohave extensive practical experience or those transitioning into active retirement. In addition, this fieldmay also attract individuals who enjoy learning about and engaging in the use of new leading-edgetechnology.2021

Identifying the Skills DeficienciesIdentifying the Skills DeficienciesIndoor Air Quality: Build Tight, Vent RightThe international training delivered by the Energy and Environmental Building Alliance (EEBA), HousesThat Work is an introduction to building science offering insight into whole systems thinking. All existingor new home developments must meet energy efficiency requirements without compromising indoorair quality or reducing the durability of the building structure, including proper techniques focusedon insulation, air-sealing around windows and doors and selecting, sizing, installing and maintainingmanual/mechanical ventilation systems. Techniques employed in any of these areas can have positiveor negative effects on a building dependent on the selected materials, how they are applied or installedand maintained.Understanding that a house is a system means that the whole house needs to be considered whendesigning and constructing a high efficiency home. If one aspect or element is changed, it will affectother areas of the house. Designers, builders, tradespeople, salespeople and consumers mustunderstand how to select and install products most appropriate to the individual building to support:• Tight construction• Improved insulation opportunities• High performance windows• Properly designed and efficient heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems• Mechanical ventilation• Duct work in conditioned spaces and tested for leaks• Efficient lights, water heating and appliances• Renewable energy sources.Industry DriversEconomic and Market IncentivesSimply stated by Jeff Melvin in the May 2008 the Building Science Corporation Newsletter:"Sooner or later, clients are going to start paying attention. If you are designing or constructing a buildingyou can safely assume the following: given the choice to pay more or less to the utility companies eachmonth, most customers will choose less. As their agent, assume it is you job to get them the lowestcost possible each month. It is ok to assume this I promise you.....I would even go so far as to state thatbeing an agent known for making these types of assumptions about clients will bring you more clientsnot less. And that is a good thing. Right?” 26A recent American, Earth Advantage, study reported that, “homes with a [third-party] certification soldfor more than their non-certified counterparts, both in the new home and existing home markets. Newhomes in the six county Portland region sold for 18% more, while existing homes with a certificationsold for 23% more”. 27 Australian Bureau of Statistics survey in ACT showed each half star addedapproximately $4,500 USD to the sale price of an existing house (over a base price $365,000 USD). 28Insurance Costs and Call BacksSimilarly to Australia, insurance premiums are on the rise in the USA. Homeowners insurance is not theonly insurance on the rise, but liability insurance for builders and tradespeople is also increasing dueto tighter building enclosures to increase energy efficiency without proper ventilation. Building scienceoffers the opportunity for designers and practitioners to understand the issues and learn from currentand past mistakes to reduce condensation issues, water leakage, mould growth, etc., leading to amore durable and comfortable home and reducing the need for call backs and insurance claims whilestill increasing energy efficiency.In the USA, due to inefficient building codes and the effects of natural disasters over the last decade,insurance companies are influencing the development of building codes to support efficient anddurable homes. To aid in the development of these codes, the US Department of Energy providesresearch opportunities related to residential housing and ongoing regional issues, such as air barriersand moisture levels related to climatic regions.Building science offers insight and an understanding of common issues related to risk management,allowing practitioners the opportunity to mitigate or avoid common pit falls related to high performancebuildings, especially those related to moisture management. The Fellow recommends much of theinformation published by the Building Science Corporation, often written by Joseph Lstiburek, Ph.D., P.Eng., Principal of Building Science Corporation, USA. Lstiburek has tremendous expertise in buildingscience and the Building Science Corporation team of building science experts are sought after bythe US DOE to support the Building Technologies program. The following article was published in FineHome Building Magazine in the December 2006/January 2007 edition and is available on the BuildingScience Corporation website. It highlights some of the most relevant issues currently facing both theAmerican building industry and the Australian building industry. Lstiburek’s brief six-page article titled,The Mold Explosion, Why Now?, states:“Water can attack a house from many directions, but typically being four major sources:• Plumbing:- supply or waste pipes on the exterior walls- clothes washer or water heaters on the upstairs floor• Rain:- poorly detailed valleys, chimneys, and roof to wall interfaces- poorly flashed windows and doors- no drainage plane on outside wall- poor deck-to-wall flashing• Surface and ground water:- ground sloped toward house- gutter downspouts not directed away from house- bad footing drain details• Interior moisture:- vapour barrier and vinyl wall coverings- no [or inadequate] exhaust fan in kitchen and bathroom- poor interior ventilation- oversized air conditioning unit.” 292223

The InternationalExperienceHe continues by stating:"And please, don't blame mold and indoor-air quality problems on energy conservation. Yes,if houses were leaky, we wouldn't have these problems, but the answer isn't to take out theinsulation and make the house leaky. The answer is to understand what went wrong, getpast this issue, and build even higher-performing buildings. As a society, we can't afford tobuild disposable structures. People aren't disposable, and buildings shouldn't be disposable,either." 30As this example emphasises, these issues are not only related to design, but also construction planningand quality, which vary from job to job based on the tradespeople, managers, and builders employed.This Fellowship is a great example of national collaboration across government, peak bodies andeducation institutions sharing information and resources and providing vital feedback to support futureprogress. The Fellow travelled to San Francisco, CA and Washington, DC. The Fellow’s site visits andthe objectives and outcomes of these visits are listed below.Thinking Big: A New Community DevelopmentDestination:Site visit to SOMO: "A 200-acre, mixed-use, solar-powered, zero-waste community under developmentby Codding. One of the greenest neighbourhoods in the world, SOMO is the first North Americancommunity, and only the fourth in the world, endorsed by the prestigious international One PlanetCommunities program”. 31Contact:• Ryan Sakata, LEED AP, Development Assistant, Sustainability Project Assistant CoddingEnterprises, Rohnert Park, CA, USA.Objective:The objective of this site visit was for the Fellow to meet with Sakata for a presentation and tour of theSustainable Manufacturing Center (within the development), the Sustainable Business Cluster, EventCenter, and the future development site for the mixed use residential and business community to gaininsight into a world best practice green neighbourhood, including trends and opportunities.Outcomes:The Fellow established a comprehensive understanding of a mixed-use community development. Thedevelopment provides a space where residents can live, their children can be educated, they cando their shopping, exercise and leisure activities, enjoy various forms of entertainment, communitygardening, community development and work across a variety of fields, within less than one squarekilometre or within five minutes of the home. The community offers many options of residential housing,all environmentally friendly, highly efficient and currently also contains a business cluster spurring thedevelopment of new products and services to advance society towards sustainability.“The 1,694 homes will be a mix of 951 apartments and condominiums, and 743 single-familyhomes. The home types will be varied to include single-family (with and without granny unitsover garages), rowhouses, affordable-by-design homes (same design and construction, yetsmaller square footages), townhouses, multi-family condos, lofts, flats and luxury homes. Allwill feature full amenities, energy saving designs, top-notch quality and attention to detailregardless of the price, size or style. Square footages range from 600 sq. ft. up to 4,500sq. ft. with many choices in between. Based on 2008 market prices, homes will range from$300,000 USD upward to $3 million USD, again with many choices in between.All new construction will utilise recycled steel framing from Sonoma Mountain Village's on-sitefactory, Genesis Steel Frame Solutions. The technology allows building a 2,000-sq.-ft. homewith recycled steel from 6 SUVs, rather than 40 trees.” 32Another innovative opportunity offers residents shared community access to the centralised installationof solar technology on flat industrial and office buildings to support ease of installation and maintenancefor distributing energy across the businesses and homes.“Sonoma Mountain Village continues to breathe new life into a vacated commercial businesscampus. Plans include 839,000 square feet of commercial, office and retail space, and thecreation of 4,400 jobs. In fact, the community has already generated more than 700 jobs.” 332425

The International ExperienceThe International ExperienceThe tour of SOMO offered a better understanding of the amazing example of the possibilities of a wellplanned community allowing individuals and families to live and work within a reasonable distance nomatter their occupation. The development offers opportunities for individuals to work across a range ofoccupations from stage one of the development, including manufacturing, construction, professionalservices, technology and events. As development progresses, government offices, education centres,retail, and transportation will be developed within the community, including a light rail system to SanFrancisco and an entertainment precinct.While touring the SOMO, a brief opportunity arose to speak with Michael Newell, Executive Officer ofthe Sonoma Mountain Business Cluster and a fellow Australian. 34 The organisation’s mission is:26"To create high value jobs in the North Bay by enabling and accelerating the success oftechnology startups within a dynamic sustainable and synergistic environment. The SonomaMountain Business Cluster (SMBC) is a non-profit business incubator specialising insustainable resources and socially-relevant technologies. Its function is to assist entrepreneursand startup companies in achieving success through provision of:• mentoring and coaching• a supportive service network• an intellectual and entrepreneurial environment• educational and networking events• contact to investment capital• an affordable full-featured physical infrastructure." 35In comparison, some Australian communities have schools, shopping, public transport and serviceswithin walking distance, although it is often increasingly more difficult to work close to home. One ofthe most effective ways of reducing an individual’s contribution to greenhouse gas emissions is byliving within a close proximity to work. Reduced travel time to and from work also has a positive socialimpact for social, leisure and sport activities, entertainment and the opportunity to contribute time tothe local community.In relation, a majority of professional services, education and government jobs are located in the centralbusiness districts of Australian capital cities or jobs are isolated in industrial and manufacturing centres.The tour of SOMO offered insight into alternatives. For example, if employees can’t live closer to theiremployers, the employers can support flexible work hours, such as a four day work week, utilisation oftechnology allowing more opportunities to work closer to home or at home. This continues to becomea growing concern as young people struggle to enter the housing market and can often only affordhomes in the outer suburbs. This is also the time these young people begin to start a family, whichplaces additional undue pressure on families, especially with two working parents. Through urbanand community planning opportunities within local government in conjunction with state and regionaldevelopment and strong relationships with local business networks or attracting new enterprises, aswell as community engagement, Australia could build capacity to create more sustainable long termopportunities.A comparable Australian development is the Barangaroo Development Authority being developed byLend Lease in New South Wales. 36 It is a similar revitalisation project and is the only one in Australiaand one of only 10 globally-recognised projects endorsed internationally by One Planet Communities.37It is a vacant 22-hectare former industrial site on Sydney Harbour that will become a climate-positivecommunity. The project has begun with an opportunity to support “employment and training, througha green skilling and labour program, [and] includes programs that exceed government targets forindigenous, long-term unemployed and youth". 38Greyfield Land: Community RedevelopmentDestination:CPDA, Capital Riverfront, one of the largest American developments, focused on the redevelopment39 40of Washington’s Canal Park, Washington, DC.Canal Park Development Association oversees the re-development of “The Capitol Riverfront,this is the first new mixed-use neighbourhood emerging from the larger Anacostia WaterfrontInitiative, a partnership between the District of Columbia and federal agencies to revitaliseneighbourhoods, enhance and protect parks, improve water quality, and increase access toWashington's Anacostia River. The Capitol Riverfront neighbourhood forms the core of thisemerging urban waterfront” 41Contact:• Christopher VanArsdale, JD, LEED AP, Executive Director, CPDA.Objective:The objective of this site visit was for the Fellow to meet with VanArsdale to gain insight into a developer’sperspective of whole systems theory and approaches to sustainable housing, as well as governmentpolicy, incentives and industry influences in the area of green building, this included where the marketis going and the knowledge and skills required to meet industry expectations. VanArsdale overseesthe re-development of the Washington Canal Park. He is a mayoral appointee to the SustainableEnergy Utility Advisory Board and a D.C. Council appointee to the Green Building Advisory Council,overseeing DC’s new Sustainable Energy Utility and Green Building Act, respectively. Prior to joiningCPDA, VanArsdale developed multi-unit residential buildings with a focus on energy and resourceefficiency, healthy interiors, and renewable energy systems.Outcomes:A much appreciated discussion with VanArsdale, offered an overview of the revitalisation of CanalPark, being an opportunity to re-develop existing underutilised areas in Washington, D.C. often referredto as ‘greyfields’ or ‘brownfields’. In the USA, Greyfields are underutilised areas of land; brownfieldsare specifically underutilised commercial or industrial areas of land often contaminated, requiring anenvironmental cleanup of hazardous waste and pollutants before being redeveloped. The developmentis focused on pre-fabricated net zero energy homes, solar gain based design, a tight and well insulatedbuilding envelope, utilisation of the correct windows, the most suitable mechanical systems for heatingand cooling, green plumbing technology and energy efficient lighting and appliances. In addition thedevelopment focuses on homeowner education and behavioural change.Education: Hands-on TrainingVanArsdale offered the Fellow a glimpse of insight into his extensive expertise and involvement ingreen building programs both personally and professionally. The Fellow and VanArsdale discussedthe opportunities specific to residential builders offered by the Green Building Institute and GreenAdvantage. The Green Building Institute offers an education, training and certification program forcontractors, builders and sub-contractors through hands-on activities. For example, current training isoffered on the proper installation of insulation, alongside understanding and applying moisture barriersand ventilation.27

The International ExperienceThe International Experienceto impact on the entire house. In high-efficiency building, especially net zero energy, it is crucial to havea person across the project that understands the theory and how it must be applied to flag issuesand ensure not only an efficient construction process, but also to achieve the most efficiency gains,typically through integrated project delivery.Government Legislation and IncentivesVanArsdale concluded our discussion by elaborating on the way the American building industry hasgreatly improved in recent years with respect to improved energy efficiency and high performanceor green buildings. VanArsdale explained that this is due to greening the building codes, providingincentives to industry, businesses, and homeowners, providing education and training programs andproviding industry certification through a variety of methods.Recommended Resources1. Building Science Corporation 422. Passiv Haus Institute 433. Building Green 444. Green Building Institute 45Above: Example of increased R value based on insulation type – NOTE this is a USA-based R value system,SMUD E-House.The Green Building Institute formed four years ago to support builders, contractors and energy ratersin Maryland and D.C. They currently provide training on Building Performance and points based ratingschemes using theories to plan buildings and identify opportunities based on specific questions, whichthey have found is often more useful for developers and designers.VanArsdale emphasised that green building is not only dependent on good design based on the wholesystems approach, but that it is also dependant upon an understanding of the impacts and opportunitiesof product selection and proper integration of the selected materials. It is also dependant on ensuringthat contractors and tradespeople are supported through training and education. Training andeducation is crucial for tradespeople and professionals in the industry to ensure a solid understandingof the processes involved in a systems approach and integrated project management, ensuring tasksare completed in a specific order for the most optimal outcomes and effective implementation ofthe design. This often requires onsite training and communication between designers and buildingpractitioners, but most importantly, the project manager and/or site manager must also be well versedin this methodology, all while ensuring the tradespeople involved increase their knowledge and skillson the job.In terms of construction scheduling, in the USA the site construction process typically begins with theframe, then insulation, then mechanical installations, electrical installations and so on. Given the order,the insulation is often moved out of the way for the electrical and mechanical installations, leading toadverse outcomes. This type of scheduling typically comes at a cost to the homeowner due to a lack oftightness in the building envelope; this reduces the efficiency of the insulation and leads to inefficiency(in terms of energy efficiency) within the home. VanArsdale stated that all tradespeople should have anunderstanding of building science and a systems approach to building homes to ensure an efficientproject with optimal results. He further explained that overall, the building system is interrelated andeach trade has the potential to impact negatively, positively or neutrally on the system. But giventhat tradespeople are often only involved in their component, the impacts are more often negativethan positive. Tradespeople and professionals need to fully understand the interrelationship of thesecomponents that make up the whole system to fully understand how their component has the potential5. Building Performance Institute 46Australian Opportunity• Education and training for integrated project delivery, management and trades on building sciencesand whole systems approach to high performance buildings.• Hands-on training and mentoring on the job site.• Building codes: reducing potential code barriers and increasing implementation through feedbackloops.Working Together: Researchers, Industry, Educators and GovernmentDestination:US DOE, Washington, D.C.Contacts:The following contact that the Fellow met with during the Fellowship program were representativesfrom the Building Technologies Program, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy: Building AmericaProgram, US DOE, Washington, DC:• George James (new homes)• Terry Logee (existing homes)• Lew Pratsch (zero-energy homes).Objectives:The Fellow met with US DOE to gain insights into current government policy and programs relatedto research, incentives and training opportunities with regard to residential housing and zero energybuilding programs:• Building Technologies Program2829

The International ExperienceThe International Experience• Building America Program• Builders Challenge, YouTube 47• Net-Zero Energy Homes• Zero Energy Homes, Solar Energy Technologies Program• ENERGY STAR Products• EnergySmart Home Scale (E-Scale), YouTube 48US DOE supports research on building science, energy innovation and efficiency opportunities withbuilders, engineers, energy and environmental experts:“The US DOE's Building America Program provides tested opportunities to enhanceenergy performance in new and existing homes. This program assists builders to constructprogressively more efficient homes leading to net-zero energy homes being constructedacross the United States by 2020. The current energy efficiency government target is a homeusing half the energy of a mid-90s code home or approximately a HERS of 50 or lower” 49without adding additional costs for the homeowner or developer.The US DOE Government Policy to 2012 Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Program is workingtoward increasing the energy efficiency of existing and new homes as well as increasing the use ofrenewable energy to reduce dependence on foreign energy supplies. 50 The US DOE Energy Efficiencyand Renewable Energy Program supports the initiatives outlined in this section. 51 The US DOE Target2020 for existing homes focuses on moisture issues in relation to sealing houses for energy efficiencygains.Outcomes:Government Policy and IncentivesThe Fellow reviewed and discussed the DOE’s partnerships, supporting the National BuildingTechnologies Programs through research, application, training, and incentives to support America’stransition from energy efficiency to zero energy homes. 52 Research programs use a system engineeringapproach to reducing energy consumption, first by conserving as much energy as possible throughefficiency gains, then by selecting the appropriate technologies to complement the system. 53The current program rolled out in 2010 by the US DOE, the Building Technologies Program, calls uponbuilders to support the US DOE Builders Challenge, an effort to build 220,000 high-performancehomes by 2012. 54 The next step in the challenge is to support builders to build affordable zero-netenergy homes through initiatives with other organisations and education and training as described indetail online.Residential Building Programs and Incentives:• "Building Technologies Program funds research and technology to reduce residential energy use.• Better Buildings partners with states, local governments, and organizations who received fundingto ramp-up energy efficiency building retrofits in their communities.• Building America residential research works to improve the quality and energy efficiency of homes.The goal is to reduce average housing energy use by 40% to 100%.• Builders Challenge provides marketing and technical support to builders of energy performancehomes.• Building Energy Codes Program provides information on national model energy codes for homes,promotes stronger building energy codes, and helps states adopt, implement, and enforce thosecodes.• US Department of Energy Solar Decathlon challenges collegiate teams to design, build, andoperate solar-powered houses that are cost effective, energy efficient, and attractive.• Weatherization Assistance Program enables low-income families to permanently reduce theirenergy bills by making their homes more energy efficient.• [US ENERGY STAR] Appliances and Commercial Equipment Standards develop test proceduresand minimum efficiency standards for residential appliances." 55US DOE Builders ChallengeHow the Builders Challenge will transform the housing market:• By providing Building America research results and marketing tools so builders can take theChallenge to build and sell cost-neutral, high-performance homes that are third-party qualified toensure the best energy efficiency, comfort, construction, and indoor environmental quality on themarket.• By driving consumer demand through national outreach surrounding the E-Scale so all Americanscan easily understand energy performance and costs when shopping for a new home.• By partnering with programs, non-profit organizations, real estate organizations, lenders, utilities,and state and local governments to leverage and expand the existing green buildings infrastructure.• By creating other mechanisms such as a design competition to increase the supply of highperformance home plans.• By recognizing and rewarding participants who contribute to a critical mass of high-performancehomes, through awards. 56“The Builders Challenge is helping to change the face of home energy efficiency bypromoting the technical pathways to cost-effective, high performance home construction,and by recognizing the industry leaders who maximize home energy performance. Nationalpartnerships with leading green building programs, including NAHB's National Green BuildingProgram, USGBC's LEED for Homes program, and Masco's Environments for Living®,enable builders to easily get multiple certifications and the recognition and differentiation theydeserve for building the most durable, comfortable, and highest performing homes on themarket. Research programs and third-party verifiers, including [US] DOE's Building America,Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET), and Southface ensure that the best wholehouseenergy solutions developed in the laboratory are translated and installed properly in thefield. Real estate, utility, local government, financial, educational, manufacturing, and mediapartners create a network of locally available support to make it happen where it counts!” 57ResearchBuilding Technologies Program:The US DOE currently has six national laboratories involved in extensive scientific and technicalresearch and design encouraging building practitioners to contribute to support practical applicationof technologies and improved building practices. The principal laboratories involved in the BuildingTechnologies Program's research and development are:3031

The International ExperienceThe International Experience• Argonne National Laboratory• Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory• National Energy Technology Laboratory• National Renewable Energy Laboratory• Oak Ridge National LaboratoryAffordable Comfort Institute offers weatherisation programs for low-income housing and private markethome performance support based on the EPA ENERGY STAR Standards and rating program and theyalso provide industry conferences and training programs.CertificationThe US HERS standards is a program to support confirmed or post-construction home energy ratingsfor comparison, supported by the US DOE through RESNET. 59• Pacific Northwest National Laboratory.EducationA consistent approach across the organisations the Fellow met with was education to support theworkforce to have a solid understanding of building science principles. These essential principles andpractical solutions allow industry practitioners to mitigate risks and attain efficiency gains, especiallyby applying techniques to ensure gains are attained through quality construction methods. TheBuilding America program supporters building science education to ensure practitioners have the skillsto design and construct high performance, healthy, and durable homes of the future. The US DOEwebsite offers, “information about university-level curricula and other resources based on the latestadvances in building science, including building science and engineering, construction management,and design/construction documentation”. 58The US DOE Building America certification program supports training to certify builders’ residentialbuildings based on post-construction performance measurements and monitors targets aimed atincreasing the efficiency of new homes.Above and left: Building Envelop testing tools, PG&ELending LibraryThe US DOE supports training providers such as the NAHB Research Center, USGBC and EEBA toprovide training to industry practitioners, manufacturers, contractors, and others in the constructionand sales supply chain. Most of these organisations offer online and face to face workshops for ½day, 1 day and 2 day advanced training, as well as mentorships. In addition to training for builders,tradespeople and related industry partners, the US DOE also develops and supports ongoing trainingfor RESNET US Home Energy Rating System (HERS) inspectors to inspect new and existing homes.NAHB Research Center develops and delivers training to support the Green Building Program andrating scheme for building practitioners aligned with the US EPA ENERGY STAR Ratings for homes.They also support energy efficiency retrofits and new incentives, such as tax credits. They certifyHome Inspection Auditors (not energy auditors), but there is currently a lack of certified professionalsand more training is needed to meet the demand. (For additional information, please see the section onNational Green Building Standard, page 35, NAHB Research Center within this section)USGBC offer online modules for training inspectors specialising in LEED for homes. Typically themarket also sets the cost for home inspections, which is usually $425 USD for energy modelling anda performance test for a US HERS rated home and typically $700 USD for custom-built homes. (Foradditional information, please see the section on Industry Led Continuing Professional Development,page 47, USGBC within this section)EEBA offers training for new and existing homes on building science topics targeted across industrysectors, but mainly for builders, contractors and sub-contractors or tradespeople. (For additionalinformation, please see the section on Building Science, page 40, EEBA ‘House that Work Section’within this section)The Building Performance Institute supports existing training through affiliates, such as communitycolleges, certifying energy measurement diagnostics, combustion heating, standards and accreditationto train others.The HERS training supports a ‘train the trainers’ program to develop home energy assessors’ skills toidentify homes that meet the national standards set out by the ENERGY STAR Program. The ENERGYSTAR Program was established in 1995 focused on energy and water efficiency, and indoor air qualitythrough a home certification and labelling opportunity.A HERS index has been developed as a metric system to compare housing energy efficiency afterconstruction or the confirmed rating:“The HERS Index is a scoring system established by RESNET in which a home built tothe specifications of the HERS Reference Home (based on the 2004 International EnergyConservation Code) scores a HERS Index of 100, while a net zero energy home scores aHERS Index of 0. The lower a home's score, the more energy efficient it is in comparison tothe HERS Reference Home.Each 1-point decrease in the HERS Index corresponds to a 1% reduction in energyconsumption compared to the HERS Reference Home. Thus a home with a HERS Index of 85is 15% more energy efficient than the HERS Reference Home and a home with a HERS Indexof 80 is 20% more energy efficient.” 603233

The International ExperienceThe International ExperienceE-Scale:The EnergySmart Home Scale allows homes to be compared based on the HERS rating, as well asthe potential annual home energy savings and a visual example of the amount of energy saving acrossthe USA in relation to the bigger picture. In order to be certified as a Builders Challenge Home, a housemust:“Receive a rating of 70 or better on the E-Scale; build to a climate-appropriate TechnologyInformation Package; or comply with a Challenge Partner Program-like the National GreenBuilding Program - at a specified level… The E-Scale is an objective rating system to helpbuyers understand a particular home’s energy efficiency in comparison to others. A 70 on theE-Scale, for example, indicates that a home is 30% more energy efficient than a typical newhome built to code. Builders place E-Scale labels on the power panels of qualifying BuildersChallenge homes.” 61Typically an existing home rates at 150, a HERS referenced home built to building codes rates at 100and a home with a rating of 0 is classed as a Net Zero Energy Home. The interactive E-Scale tool isavailable online. 62CollaborationThe US DOE collaborates with other government agencies, such as the US EPA, to create jointprograms. For example:• ENERGY STAR for Homes Program, focusing on energy efficiency and consumption. The programis based on a verification process completed through an ENERGY STAR inspection; inspectors arecertified through the RESNET Standards training offered by accredited providers.• Indoor airPLUS label for qualified homes is linked to the ENERGY STAR for Homes program. Thisprogram is based on a verification process completed during the ENERGY STAR inspection andinspectors learn how to inspect for air quality as part of the RESNET Standards training.Noted Discussions during the site visit• Moisture related issues and inadequate/oversized HVAC applications are ongoing• Conditioned Services: ensuring services like AC and heating are in conditioned spaces like sealedand insulated attics and soybean spray foam insulations are increasing in demand.• Mechanical air ventilation: controlled use of exhaust fans and circulated ventilation drawing air fromthe outdoors are also on the rise.• Insulation: 4 inches of spray foam insulation is being applied to external walls, but in some regionsthis is increasing the moisture issues inside homes, which has become a new challenge.• Rain barriers: increased focus on proper installation of windows, including placement, and flashingapplication inside and out, is a current industry challenge.Recommended Resources• Building America (climate specific) Best Practice Series of handbooksfor homeowners, managers, marketers, site planners, designers, sitesupervisors, and tradespeople to reach 30% or more in energy savings 63• Workforce Guidelines for Home Energy Upgrades 64• Weatherization Program• Existing Home Energy Upgrades• Moisture Control HandbookRight: Example of the contents and stakeholder groups included in theBuilding America Best Practice Series.National Green Building StandardDestination:NAHB Research Center, Upper Marlboro, MDContacts:• Michelle Desiderio, Director of Green Building Programs, NAHB.• Robert L. Hill, P.E., EQA, Director of Laboratory Sciences and CertificationPrograms, NAHB.• Amber Wood, Program Manager, Energy Efficiency, NAHB.Objective:The Fellow met with the NAHB Research Center program coordinators to discuss the NAHB NationalGreen Building Program including a national standard and training for builders and verifiers, including atour of the research testing facility. The testing facility included a Wind-Blown Rain Chamber that tests:• ASTM E283 – Determining Rate of Air Leakage Through ExteriorWindows, Curtain Walls, and Doors Under Specified PressureDifference• ASTM E330 – Structural Performance Of Exterior Windows,Doors, Skylights, and Curtain Walls by Uniform Static PressureDifference• ASTM E331 – Determining Water Penetration of ExteriorWindows, Doors, Skylights, and Curtain Walls by Uniform StaticPressure Difference’.Right: Wind-Blown Rain Chamber3435

The International ExperienceThe International ExperienceOutcomes:NAHB Research Center supports one third of their center to focus on market research with the othertwo thirds focusing on systems testing in a large laboratory setting. Their aim is to reduce barriers byholding focus groups and having visitors into the laboratory using an observation deck overlooking thelab, which is large enough to hold a two story home. It's equipped with cameras on all the buildingbeams and on hard hats used by researchers. They conduct field-testing and communicate outcomespublicly.EducationThe NAHB Research Center advised that in 2010, there were 380 verified inspectors in 49 states aspart of the Green Verifier Program. Verifier training is an online demand-style training that takes a halfday to complete with two pass/fail test opportunities. The training offered to verifiers does not providegreen building science or residential construction training; participants are required to already havethis knowledge. Once the online training is completed, individuals must pass the exam, then completea Verifier Agreement and provide evidence of insurance before being fully accredited and authorisedto conduct inspections. It then can take up to 90 days to become a certified verifier and the currentcost is $125 USD for training and certification, including listing each verifier’s contact details online forone year.Verifiers are also expected to renew their accreditation every 12 months. The renewal requiresmaintaining the appropriate insurance requirements, being current on continuing educationrequirements, submitting verification reports that meet expectations, and payment of the annual fee. 68National course fees are determined by the NAHB:• Green Building for Building Professionals Course Fees are $420 USD for members and $630 USDfor non-membersAbove: NAHB Research Center Laboratory overview from observation deck. Cameras are located at every angle,even on the hardhats, for demonstration purposes to view on displays screens.In 2005, the NAHB Research Center developed a National Green Building Standard recognised by theInternational Code Council and the American National Standards Institute. The development was, andcontinues to be, guided by a consensus committee made up of 42 members with stakeholders fromrelevant government agencies and industry, such as the US DOE, US EPA, USGBC, and three builders.The development of the National Green Building Standard continues to be a fair and open processthat is very transparent. In 2009, the members approved those sections of the standard which aremandatory, and since then, have continued to approve optional items, in comparison with the USGBCstandard, LEED for homes, which has fewer requirements, but more of them are mandatory.ResearchThe NAHB Research Center evaluated the costs and technical requirements of two sample codecompliantproduction houses in different climate zones in January of 2008 based on three differentgreen building rating systems, being the NAHB Model Green Home Building Guidelines, the NationalGreen Building Standard version 2, and LEED for Homes, the report is available online, titled GreenHome Building Rating Systems - A Sample Comparison. 65NAHB Research Center completed a study, The Potential Impact of Zero Energy Homes, releasedin February 2006 by the US DOE National Research Energy Laboratory. 66 This study assessed thepotential impact of zero energy homes (ZEH) on the single family housing market and residential energyconsumption through 2050 based on technology, market analysis supporting the penetration of ZEH,financial and tax incentives, and policy development. The study results identified that ZEH are currentlytechnically feasible and in time, “if cost trends continue and research milestones are accomplishedin solar and efficiency technologies, ZEH will eventually become economically competitive withconventional construction when utility costs are included in the cost of home ownership”. 67• Business Management for Building Professionals Course Fees are $220 USD for members and$330 USD for non-members.• Graduation Fees are $145 USD for members and $218 USD for non-members.• Annual Renewal Fees are $55 USD for members and $83 USD for non-members.Continuing Education Requirements:To maintain a NAHB Certified Green Professional (CGP) designation, individuals are required tocomplete 12 hours of continuing education every three years from building industry related educationalactivities. A minimum of eight hours is required to come from green building industry related educationalactivities. 69Available Training:• Master Certified Green Professional Training: This training is exclusively for experienced buildersand remodelers offering an in-depth study of green building science and methods.• Advanced Green Building (Building Science): This is a two-day course for builders and remodelersusing case studies, detailed construction drawings and resources from GreenBuildingAdvisor.com,NAHB, and BuildingGreen, LLC.• Advanced Green Building (Project Management): This two-day course teaches builders andremodelers how to successfully integrate green building-related tasks and the green homecertification process into their project management to create an effective, streamlined process.Using the whole-house approach to building, this course identifies important documents andmethods of communication in order to clarify who does what and when.• Green Building for Building Professionals: implementing cost-effective green building intoconstruction practices begins with up-front planning that examines the whole house and thebuilding science behind it. In this two-day course, individuals learn how to apply the ANSI-approvedNational Green Building Standard in the construction of a new home, remodel, site developmentor multifamily project. With a focus on flexibility and a sound knowledge base, the course providesthe tools for a successful green project.3637

The International ExperienceThe International ExperienceCertification and VerificationNAHB Certified Green Professional (CGP)In order to become a CGP, individuals must meet and continue to comply with the following requirements.• Required Courses• Green Building for Building Professionals Certificate• Business Management for Building Professionals, or Basics of Building, or hold an National HomeBuilders designation• Other Requirements• Have a minimum of two years of building industry experience• Submit a signed CGP Code of Ethics• Complete and return the graduation applicationThe NAHB National Green Building Standard (GBS):Builders and verifiers can utilise an online Green Scoring Tool prior to and during development todetermine negative and positive contributions to the construction to support attainment of acertification post-construction. 70 Six categories making up a rating matrix including single, multi, landdevelopment, existing and new home and was developed based on the turbo tax software used bymany Americans to file their annual taxes electronically. There is a major score reduction for any homeover 4,000 square feet equivalent to about 370 square meters to deter unnecessarily large homes frombeing constructed.Green certified homes are expected to incorporate green practices in six categories:• Lot & Site Development• Resource Efficiency• Energy Efficiency• Water Efficiency• Indoor Environmental Quality• Operation, Maintenance and Owner Education(See Attachment 2: NGBS Scoring for New Construction Overview)Ratings are typically higher if the builder has input into design, site layout and quality managementsystems in place to support high performance homes and to manage change efficiently, such aschanges to the building codes, mandates, and best practice opportunities.Once a project is scored using the Green Scoring Tool, the next step in the building certificationprocess is to contact an approved verifier to enter into an agreement on fees and a scope of services. 71The hired verifier discusses inspection and documentation needs, including a completed DesignerReport home application. 72 This enforcement process ensures the building has been constructedusing the Green Building Standard, as verified by a third-party assessor.Performance testing can be conducted for any of the 4 levels. Cost is typically $200 – $500 USDper house for multiple homes plus $20 USD per unit. Reports are completed in Excel and printedfor builders to review to correct mistakes to ensure all opportunities are carried out as constructionprogresses.38Certifications levels include:• Bronze = 222 points required (Potential alignment to the ENERGY STAR Label)• Silver = 406 points required and must meet all mandatory checklist requirements• Gold = 558 points required• Emerald = 697 point requiredBuildings are certified by an independent third-party verifier trained by the NAHB. Accredited verifiersconduct assessments through visual inspections, typically at two stages, at the end of the frame stage,but prior to the plaster being applied, and then upon construction completion.Verifiers must remain independent of the building process, meaning they are not allowed to:• conduct any work on the house• be employed by anyone involved in work on the house• supply any products used in the houseHowever, they can conduct assessments for multiple ratings using other tools, such as LEED forHomes and HERS ratings for certification of an US EPA ENERGY STAR.CollaborationDual Certification: The NAHB also works with the US DOE offering a Dual Certification with theBuilders Challenge program and the National Green Building Standard supporting the development ofnet-zero energy homes nationwide by 2030 by providing a standardised metric for whole-house energyperformance to increase consumer understanding and builder credibility. 73 In 2011, over 5200 unitsand lots had been certified green. (See Attachment 1: Builders Challenge Dual Certification Overview.)AwardsThe NAHB in partnership with the US DOE reward and promote builders through an annual NationalGreen Building Awards program, EnergyValue Housing Awards (EVHA). 74 (For additional information,please see section AWARDING BEST PRACTICE, Construction: NAHB and US DOE, EVHA seeattachment 3)Noted DiscussionsThe Fellow discussed the following with Desiderio, Wood and Hill during the site visit to the NAHBResearch Center.Areas easy to implement: energy and water efficiency are quantifiable and easy to measure, monitorand compare, therefore, easier to understand and integrate into current practice.Industry challenges:• Incentives and building codes in support of green building practices are still required to increasedemand.• Housing costs can often create barriers to the National Green Building Standard being used.• Application of new technology is not widely done, unless it is well researched and builders trust it,due to liability and risks, which is the aim of the laboratory testing and certification facility onsite.• Often poor site layouts are being selected prior to builders becoming involved in the project causing39

The International ExperienceThe International Experiencebarriers to the certification process.• Indoor air quality is an ongoing challenge, although it is becoming easier to meet the requirementsas builders learn how to implement opportunities to support the ideal number of air changes perhour through working with contractors and incorporating mechanical ventilation systems.Industry Barriers:• Green building and standards have already become a standard practice; therefore, new targets willneed to be set.• Often the multitude of processes and different building standards makes it difficult to choose one,and is often overwhelming, labelled too hard or just too much to deal with, or considered tooexpensive.• Availability of products and lack of options.• The complexity of an integrated system can be a barrier if it is not fully understood.Recommended Resourcesinvolving the improper installation, application and use of materials, or most often simply selecting thewrong materials for the job.Opportunities to support a high performance building include:• Advanced Framing Techniques: objective of using less wood materials while ensuring structuralobjectives and increasing the opportunities for insulation resulting in increased R values within thestructure.• Indoor air quality and mechanical ventilation: negative air pressure and indoor air quality issues arebecoming a concern related to reduced air flow as building envelops are constructed with very littleair leakage for efficiency gains. This building air tightness is leading to an increased requirementfor mechanical ventilation systems to support adequate fresh air infiltration, improving indoor airquality.• New materials: new materials such as spray foam insulation, insulated concrete forms or structuralinsulated panels (SIPs) are contributing to increased construction efficiency, increased operationalefficiency, as well as being more durable over longer periods of time.• Online Green Scoring Tool.• How to verify – to become familiar with the process.• Approved products – to streamline product selection.Australian OpportunityIf this type of standard was applied in Australia, it would sit nicely with the mandatory disclosure ofenergy efficiency, ENERGY STAR ratings and these inspections could be aligned to coincide withbuilding surveyor inspections.Below: EEBA Logo.Building ScienceDestination:EEBA, Sacramento, CA, USAObjective:Participate in two day training: Houses That Work – Building Sciences, with EEBATrainer Justin Wilson: 75A building science systems approach to domestic housing offered to anyone in theindustry from tradespeople, developers, sales manufacturers, designers, etc. TheFellow participated in the training to gain insight into building science and the impactsof the flow of air, moisture and temperature when designing, installing and usingvarious products and insulation, mechanical systems and energy, especially when highperformance houses increase competition for air and people are spending more timeindoors.Outcomes:Above: Example of a two-stud corner and plasterboard clips to reduce typical cold spots by increasinginsulation, SMUD E-House.EEBA’s Justin Wilson offered highly valuable training on building science in relation to residentialhousing, as well as an overview of the American housing market for high performance homes. TheFellow gained insights into why energy efficiency opportunities were undone due to skills gaps typically4041

The International ExperienceThe International ExperienceEducationThe following outline is from the two day EEBA Houses that Work training. It has been condensedfrom the original Curriculum Outline to highlight notable sections for the purpose of this report.Curriculum OutlineLearning objectives• House is a system• What is the business case?• Pathway to change- Why a House That Works?- What is a House That Works (HTW)?• A home that’s: Safe, Durable, Healthy, Comfortable, Efficient- Efficient to build- Efficient use of resourcesBasic Building ScienceAbove: Icynene Insulation System, an example of a highly energy efficient spray foam insulation used to create acontinuous air barrier, improving energy management due to an airtight building envelope.• Forces of nature• Heat, features• Air and Moisture• The principles and strategies for a HTWThe Building Process• Site• The Enclosure – separating the inside from the outside:- Foundation systems- Creating a wall system using design, cost and performance- Water management- Window and door selection & installation- Insulation- Thermal Components of Walls- Interior wall materials• Putting it all together- The Roof- Thermal Enclosure Wrap upAbove: Example of a SIPs panel with wiring, SMUD E-House.- Mechanical Systems – providing comfortable indoor environments4243

The International ExperienceThe International Experience- Indoor Air Quality- Advanced framing- SustainabilityRecommended Resources• EEBA Builder’s Guides – Various Climates 76• Building Science Insights, BSI-016: Top Ten Issues in Residential Ventilation Design 77- Process changes• Developing your sales and marketing processNoted DiscussionsKey issues leading to air leakage and wasted energy are: forced air and ventilation ducts, walls,electrical outlet boxes, wiring, framing penetration, recessed lighting or down lights, plumbing pipes,bath tubs, stairwells and fireplaces.• Air flow mechanisms include wind pressure, convection or stack effect and mechanical pressure.• Heat flow mechanisms include conduction, radiation and convection.• Moisture flow mechanisms include rain/gravity driven (liquids), capillary (wicking transport), airflow (moisture laden), and diffusion (vapour pressure). In the USA, 80% of construction litigation ismoisture related.Below: Example of combined air leakage, SMUD E-House.Australian OpportunityLeft: Book cover of one of the resources published byEEBA and written by Building Science Corporation.• All building practitioners should be required to attain an understanding and practical application ofbuilding science and systems thinking from pre-design, construction, though to commissioning.• Integrate the following into all building related trade and professional qualifications and continuingprofessional development:- Building Science- Systems thinking- Advanced Framing or Optimal Value Engineering- Indoor Air or Environmental QualityAbove: Example of an insulated air duct as analternative to locating air ducts in a conditionedspace if it is not an option, SMUD E-House.University Led Continuing Professional DevelopmentDestination:Sonoma State University (SSU) Environmental Technology Center, Sonoma, CAContacts:• Alex Hinds, Sonoma State University's Center Director for Sustainable Communities, EnvironmentalStudies and Planning Department.Hinds oversees the University’s Green Building Program.• John Shurtz, LEED AP, CGBP & Green Point Rater, President of Green Builders of Marin and a LeadInstructor the SSU Green Building Program. 78Above: Example of electrical boxes andinsulation in the SMUD E-House.4445

The International ExperienceThe International ExperienceObjective:Meet with Hinds, Shurtz, Rocky Rohwedder, andAngela Conely from the Department of EnvironmentalStudies and Planning to tour their green building anddiscuss the Green Building Education program foruniversity students and industry practitioners withtheir teaching staff and a sample of students.Outcomes:Toured and discussed the Center with staff andformer students. Most of the feedback was that themanual systems were difficult to learn, manipulateand compile data for analysis. There was a biglearning curve for sourcing and installing materialsfor construction, but overall, they are happy withthe construction and integrated technology. (SeeAttachment 4: Environmental Technology Center atSonoma State University Overview)SSU Green Building Program 79The Fellow discussed the continuing education certificate program for professional development ingreen building that runs over six months for industry professionals. Once the course is completed, thelearner promotes themself as a green building advisor to assist owners, project managers, architects,engineers, builders, and subcontractors for a project to facilitate green building decision making, andto set out, monitor, and fulfil attainable objectives.Target Audience:• Architects• Policymakers and Planners• Structural, Mechanical, and Civil Engineers• Construction and Financial Project Managers• Building Industry Professionals• Municipal Building Officials, Building Inspectors, and Plan Examiners• Owner-Builders• Those interested in the green economy• StudentsSSU Green Building Certificate Program Sessions• Session 1: Overview of Sustainability and the Built Environment• Session 2: Site Design and Water Efficient Practices• Session 3: Energy - Sources, End Uses & Impacts• Session 4: Energy & Building PerformanceCaption: Example of integrated technologysupporting the Environmental Technology Center atSonoma State University.• Session 5: Green Materials Part One• Session 6: Green Materials Part Two, Indoor Air Quality, Green Businesses• Course ReviewGraduates will be able to:• Establish relevant project-specific goals and objectives• Apply LEED, Green Points, and other relevant assessment criteria• Analyse the costs and benefits of green building measures• Work with the owner and design team to improve a building's overall energy performance• Facilitate staff training in Green Building Guidelines and PracticeAustralian Opportunity• Given the increasing demand for project managers and individuals to support integrated projectdelivery, Australia has an opportunity to develop a similar program for Green Building Advisors tosupport those with a building background to up skill in green building and building science.• An opportunity could also present itself for experienced building practitioners to upskill in this areato then mentor and deliver workplace training, especially those moving into active retirement.Industry Led Continuing Professional DevelopmentDestination 1:AIA Continuing Education Systems (CES) Provider WorkshopContacts:• Alla Orlova, Director of Continuing Education, AIA (Distance Education), Instructional Designer andTrainer.• Janet Stephenson, LEED AP, AIA Seattle.• Stephanie Vierra, Assoc. AIA, LEED AP, Researcher, Technical Editor, and Curriculum Specialist,Washington, DC.Objective:The Fellow engaged with the AIA through an industry led workshop for continuing education providersto support building practitioners to develop knowledge and skills in sustainable design and relatedareas. The Fellow explored the current continuing education guidelines, goals and practices todetermine future opportunities between sustainable design and integrated project management foreducators in Australia. Stakeholder Groups included AIA Members, AIA Committee on the Environment(COTE), knowledge leaders, founding partners, consultants, AIA Advisory Committee, Manufacturersand Architecture 2030 a non-profit.Outcomes:AIA offers an ongoing Professional Series online as part of AIA 2030 80 which evolves on a continualbasis. The AIA 2030 Initiative was promoted over an hour and a half and was thought to completelychange the industry by breaking down boarders in local areas. The Program Goals, include:4647

The International ExperienceThe International Experience• Filling gaps and voids, immediate application• A variety of learning methods• Integrated needs requiring transformation• Development of quality assurance and quality control tools for consistent delivery• Recognition and promotion of expertise and strengths• Creating a demand for other providers workshops designed for use by others to avoid marketcompetition• Highlighting various workshops offered by industry sectors, experts, and other providers for thecommon goal, being the AIA 2030 initiative.AIA 50to50 – 50 strategies toward a 50% fossil fuel reduction in buildings presented in a ‘how to'resource for architects and the construction industry. 81AIA Top 10 measures of Sustainable Design:1. Design and Innovation2. Regional and community design3. Land use and site ecology4. Bioclimatic design5. Light and air6. Water cycle7. Energy flows and Energy future8. Materials and construction9. Long life, loose fit10. Collective wisdom and feedback loopsAIA COTE was developed in 1990 and focuses on energy reduction targets. In December of 2005, theSustainable Discussion Group (SDiG) formed to support the development of an overarching strategicgroup to advance the goals and practice of the organisation through curriculum, resources, andtraining.EducationTraining providers must be registered as a continuing education provider with both the AIA (membersare typically designers) and the USGBC (broader member base consisting of 22 professions) to bean accredited provider. The AIA continuing professional development program requires that eachmember take 18 learning units of continuing education and of that, four learning units must be focusedon sustainable design.The AIA training development approach includes surveying potential participants to determine topicpreferences, and then aligning with upcoming legislation and sourcing funds for resource developmentand training delivery. The topics that industry demanded most in 2010 were on sustainable designprinciples, green building practice, costs and benefits, re-design, and educators were requestingworkshops on writing learning objectives.Guidelines for Approving AIA/CES Sustainable DesignGuidelines for approving sustainable design programs are online for providers to qualify for anAIA professional development program and based on the AIA 50-50 strategy and the COTE Top10 Measurements. 84 Manufacturers and suppliers can offer training, but must ensure the trainingprovided supports the principles and values behind the development and application of the productas the focus, not just marketing a product. For example, why and how the glass used in the window toreduce or increase the energy efficiency of the house, instead of purchase this high efficiency glass toincrease the energy efficiency of your building.Future topics for exploration by AIA members:• Net Zero Energy• Building Science, including design, project hand over or commissioning, occupation, postoccupancyevaluations, and ongoing maintenance• Integrated project delivery and how it relates to sustainable design through consultations withindustry experts, plumbers, electricians, engineers, builders, etc., at the design stage• Influencing the owner’s decision-making process based on LCA and the systems approach• Water and energy consumption and reduction strategies will continue to develop• Retrofitting for energy efficiency• Brilliant Simplicity brings mentors and their mentees togetherResearchAIA Cincinnati, a chapter of the AIA, conducted research and compiled a report on Comparison ofUnited States Green Building Council’s LEED for Homes First Edition 2008 and National Associationof Home Builders’ National Green Building Standard, released in January 2010. 82 With regard toperformance testing, the report states:48“For example, the LEED Performance Energy Path requires a post-construction HERS scoremeeting ENERGY STAR performance. NGBS does not require a post-construction test; it isan optional practice. Also, the LEED Prescriptive Energy Path requires an envelope leakagetest and HVAC ductwork pressure test that meet ENERGY STAR minimum standards. NGBSdoes not mandate these site tests; they are optional practices. Again, it can be said that LEEDis too restrictive in this requirement and NGBS is more flexible. However, in the opinion of theCommittee, post-construction testing is imperative to ensure a minimum and effective level ofproof.” 83Left: Comparison of glass types forwindows, PG&E Display Center.49

The International ExperienceThe International Experience• Tools and Technology – Building Information Modelling (BIM), pre-fabrication• Living Building Challenge• Regenerative building• Triple Bottom Line or People, Planet, Profit (PPP) is still evolving, overall the environmental metricsare secure, the social metrics are still grappling and the economic metrics are evolving, but are notquite stable at this stage.• Biofelia, example company Sky Factory.Needs assessments and evaluations are conducted annually through:• A member survey to determine what members want to learn about, in 2010 the top suggestion wasintegrated project delivery.• Networking with members and experts• The Board of Directors retreat (in 2010, water efficiency was identified as a competitive advantage)AwardsTop 10 designers are recognised annually through an awards program. 85Recommended ResourcesUsing an integrated approach to carbon reduction, AIA focuses on truly collaborative delivery modelswith contractors, sub-contractors, suppliers, manufacturers, in addition to architects, designers,engineers, etc. 86• 2030 Sustainability Toolkit, a ‘how to’ resource for practitioners aligning the 237 strategies.• Green Meeting Guidelines• Continuing Education Requirements – Maintaining awareness and keeping up to date with rapidchanges in response to the latest challenges and opportunities.• Resource: 50to50 Strategy Online Resource, December 2007, 50 greatest opportunities to reduceimpacts and move toward carbon neutrality• Building Design Guide by the Institute of Building SciencesCurrent industry challenges• Housing for the ageing population• Visual issues and limitations of new technologies• Diversity of communities• High number of environmental qualities.The USA doesn’t have national industry training councils or bodies liaising between industry demandand education providers to develop standards to support continuing professional development likeAustralia. Considering this, AIA has a model Continuing Education System for providers recognisingtraining provided by other industry associations, manufacturers, community colleges, universities, etc.in an effort to reduce competition in the market.Destination 2:USGBC, Washington, DC and the Northern California Chapter (NCC)Contacts:• Courtney Baker, LEED AP Homes, USGBC Residential Operations Manager.• Dan Geiger, Executive Director, USGBC NCC, San Francisco, CA.• Jennifer Owen, Manager of Residential Education and Residential Market Development.Objectives:Meet with Courtney Baker and Jennifer Owens to develop a further understanding of the LEED forHomes program across America.Meet with Dan Geiger to gain insights into variations between east and west coast policy and marketsfor green home building, including where the market is headed and what opportunities will help meetthe industry’s goals.Outcomes:Industry Rating System LEED for Homes 87LEED for Homes is a consensus-developed, third-party verified rating system that promotes thedesign and construction of high-performance green homes. LEED for Homes measures a home’sperformance based on eight categories:1. Site selection2. Water efficiency3. Materials & resources4. Energy & atmosphere5. Indoor environmental quality6. Location & linkages7. Awareness & education, and8. Innovation.Within each of these areas, projects earn points toward certification. Each LEED-certified homeundergoes onsite inspections and thorough performance testing to ensure proper performance. LEEDfor Homes is applicable to single family and multifamily homes and is intended for both market-rateand affordable housing. Originally over 2000 builders were involved in the LEED for Homes pilot, whichofficially launched in 2008. Marketing and branding potential has broadened for builders using the USEPA ENERGY STAR label and LEED, currently with over 20,000 homes and 4,000 units rated. Greenprofessionals are beginning to stand out in the market as a point of difference.USGBC Northern California ChapterNCC is working toward benchmarking high performance houses for comparison and improvementsover time. Current government stimulus spending is spurring the retrofitting market for existing homes.Recurve has developed software by building contractors for building contractors "designed to speedup the process of auditing homes, crunching the numbers, and generating reports" at the job site to5051

The International ExperienceThe International Experienceimprove energy efficiency based on a variety of options. 88 It can run on any type of computer on or offline (Internet connection). Dan Geiger also highlighted the LEED for Neighbourhood design program asan emerging opportunity that is starting to gain interest.ResearchUSGBC supports continuous quality assurance through a six-month review of coursework and reviewof the rating system every two years against market competitors.EducationKnowledge of Building Science Basics: applicants must complete a minimum of four hours of educationthat comprehensively covers the listed topics, or submit a certificate of completion of applicablecourse or equivalent documentation. For example, certified HERS raters and Building PerformanceInstitute Certified professionals would automatically meet this requirement. These are the trainingtopics included in the Building Science Basics program:• Building envelop (continuous & contiguous pressure & thermal boundaries that separate conditionedspace from ambient or unconditioned spaces)• Heat transfer (convection, radiation, conduction)• Moisture transfer (diffusion, air-infiltration, capillarity, gravity)• Air transfer (infiltration causes such as mechanical systems, wind, stack effect, reverse stack effectthat create pressure differences across the building envelope, and holes that allow air to flow toareas of lower pressure).New Homes Training Program: courses, which are offered as workshops, that are intended forresidential design and construction professionals involved in implementing the LEED for Homes RatingSystem, as well as those pursuing the USGBS GBCI's LEED AP+ (Tier II) credential in residentialdesign and construction. The training goes through the phases of a typical project, using case studiesand implementation strategies throughout to reinforce learning while encouraging students to applyknowledge to real-life situations. World Green Building Council: USGBC offers courses across theUnited States in most major cities and online.Learning Objectives – LEED for Homes is designed to prepare building professionals to facilitate theprocess for a LEED for New Homes project, including:• Communicating the unique aspects of LEED for Homes• Successfully using LEED for Homes assessment and verification tools• Communicating the roles and responsibilities of various players in the LEED for Homes process• Communicate to stakeholders specific details of LEED for Homes• Identifying key green decisions throughout the process of earning LEED for Homes certification.LEED Training Options:• LEED 101: Green Building Basics & LEED• LEED 201: Core Concepts & StrategiesLEED for Homes Training Options:• HOMES 201: The Keys to Green Affordable Housing: A Guide for Existing Multi-Family Properties,Delivered by three, ninety minute webinars• HOMES 251: LEED for Homes Program Review – Six, ninety minute online sessions on-demand• HOMES 301: Implementing the LEED for Homes Rating System – full-day, instructor-led training(seven hours)• HOMES 401: Green Rater Training – five hours of online self-guided learning modules, plus two fulldays of face to face instructor led training (14 hours).In addition to the HOMES 401 Green Rater Training, mentioned above, to become a verified GreenRater, individuals must also meet initial qualification requirements, pass an exam after completingthe training and complete the required components of the LEED for Homes Green Rater Mentorshipprogram within 24 months of passing the exam.Existing Homes Training Program: Renovations: REGREEN Residential Remodeling Guidelinesdeveloped by the USGBC and ASID offers guidelines, numerous case studies, educational offerings, agreen strategy generator that specifies green measures based on project scope and goals, a Certificateof designation for green remodel professionals and much more.The REGREEN online webinar series provides information and resources required to utilise theguidelines in a remodelling project.The REGREEN online webinar series offers tools to:• Understand the market demand for green remodelling• Define the way REGREEN, as a guideline, can be accessed to help incorporate greening intoremodelling projects• Understand the key elements in maximising energy efficiency and greening kitchen and bathroomrenovations• Describe specific strategies for successful implementation of energy strategies on a remodellingproject.Existing Home Renovations Training Options:• REGREEN 201: REGREEN Revolution Series• REGREEN 251: Home Performance AuditsLeft: Building envelope as defined atthe PG&E Display Center.• REGREEN 301: Implementing Residential RemodelingTraining can be undertaking via a webinar that includes a 45-minute overview of the program and5253

The International ExperienceThe International Experiencea series of five sections, totalling four-and-a-half hours of self-paced training. A variety of additionalproviders, vetted by the USGBC, offer other training opportunities, through online and face-to-faceworkshops.Recommended Resources• LEED for Homes 89• Basic Operations Manual for home operations and maintenance to support educating thehomeowner on proper use and maintenance Sample Manual and Project Team Instructions –updated 08/10/2010 90Certification of BuildingsCost: $375 USD plus costs of on-site inspections prior to certification by a LEED Provider and GreenRater verifier based on market price. 91LEED for Homes supports a baseline points measurement as a requirement using checklists andpoints calculators and third-party verification by LEED accredited inspectors (Green Rater). USGBCoffer 130 credits and 70 measures and open for optional extras like innovation and design, whereas,the USGBC representatives stated that the NAHB Green Building Standard (GBS) is similar to a seriesof checklists, which can be lengthy and linked closely to building codes. Additional points are offeredfor renewable energy installations and worker and occupant education.CollaborationUSBGC NCC support an education provider approval process and point system for training basedon the green point rated program. This supports recognition of training by various providers, such asthe Build It Green program, National Association of Home Building Training and Certification program,Green Point Rated, based on these topics:• Indoor Environmental Quality• Energy Efficiency• Water Efficiency• Site Selection• Site Development• Materials Selection• Residents' Awareness• Innovation.LEED for Homes is also aligned with the US EPA ENERGY STAR standard for new homes. They workclosely with partners like AIA, CSI, NAHB, EPA, US DOE, etc.New Technology: Geiger discussed a few of the new technologies becoming commonplace in northernCalifornia, such as:• Heat and energy recovery systems for high-efficiency mechanical ventilation• Geothermal systems, including a better understanding of when and where to implement effectivelyfor increased efficiency (therefore becoming cheaper and more readily available in the market)• LED lights• Sensors for lighting54• Low flow water fixtures• Solar film for roofs• Green walls and roofs• Floor heating and cooling with ambient water• Micro combined heat and power units (CHP).Geiger also explained that Silicon Valley is heavily investing in window and drywall technology and thatthere is currently a huge demand for tank-less water heaters.Resources• A list of Frequently Asked Questions for Builders and Developers regarding LEED for Homes islocated online. 92• The 2008 LEED for Homes rating system. 93Living Hazards: Indoor Air QualityDestination:US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Office, San Francisco, CAContacts:• Timonie Hood, LEED AP and Saskia van Gendt, LEED AP, both are Environmental ProtectionSpecialists, US EPA, Region 9, San Francisco, CA.Objective:Meet with van Gendt and Hood to review the EPA's role in the domestic green building movement inthe United States and to identify perceived gaps in industry knowledge, education and governmentpolicy.Outcomes:New HomesThe US EPA supports a number of initiatives related to domestic and commercial building. Duringthe meeting, discussions focused on the US EPA Indoor airPLUS Construction Specifications fornew homes to support indoor air quality (IAQ). 94 They emphasised that indoor air quality is oftenoverlooked, although it is a critical factor in both existing and new home development.In reviewing the IAQ program led by the EPA, including the Indoor airPLUS Verification Checklist andConstruction Specifications. The most notable issues and opportunities related to indoor air qualitywere:• HVAC systems – ensuring sizing calculations are based on room-by-room design and planning forpressure drops, duct systems and testing the system for leakage after installation• Ventilation – installing some or all of the following dependent on home requirements: mechanicalwhole-house ventilation systems and exhaust ventilation, energy recovery or heat recovery systemswhich support air exchanges to circulate fresh air into the home and remove contaminated air fromindoors• Use of air cleaning and filtration through purification systems55

The International ExperienceThe International Experienceefficiency of the home. 96 In most states, contractors must be trained, certified and participate in ashadowing program before being approved to carry out home energy upgrades in existing homes.Further information can be viewed on YouTube by searching ‘Builders: Building with Indoor airPLUS.’Recommended Resources• The US DOE has also developed a resource to complement the US EPA publication for contractorsinvolved in home energy upgrades or retrofitting, see the US DOE Workforce Guidelines for HomeEnergy Upgrades publication on the US DOE website. 97• The most current Australian Government report, by the Department Of Public Health, related toindoor air quality was developed as an informative booklet over 10 years ago. In addition, theVictorian EPA doesn't assess or produce material associated with residential indoor air quality,although they report on air quality in general.• Additional US EPA publications on green building and energy efficiency are available online. 98Industry Energy Authorities: Technical and Consumer Support forHigh Performance HomesDestination 1:The Pacific Energy Center: Energy Resource Center, PG&E, San Francisco, CA.Contacts:Above: Example of the contributors of IAQ issues, such as Carbon Dioxide and Volatile Organic Compounds atthe PG&E Display Center.• Combustion Pollutant Control – attached garage isolation and using exhaust fans in the space• Elimination of toxic material or encouraging the use of no-emission or low-emission materials,including low-voc and no-voc products• Communication with buyers – providing consumers with the checklist and IAQ features of thehome.Existing HomeDiscussion extended to the US programs similar to the Australian insulation program aiming to increasethe energy efficiency of our existing housing stock. The EPA representatives offered insight aboutthe adverse air quality outcomes with regard to the government initiatives related to home energyupgrades, typically involving sealing and insulating a home. If carried out incorrectly, these programscan lead to increased levels of mildew, mould, lead and other toxins impacting on the occupant’swellbeing, affecting overall public health and building deterioration.Resources and training have been developed to support home assessors in existing homes, prior toany work being conducted or contractors undertaking the work. The US EPA website states, "TheProtocols apply to single family and multi-family low-rise residential dwellings. These Protocols providerecommended minimum specifications and additional best practices for protection of occupant healthand, together with better resources for contractors, [that] will facilitate increased home energy efficiency,improve the quality of the work performed, and reduce failures and call-backs for contractors”. 95The US EPA produced a publication titled, Healthy Indoor Environment Protocols for Home EnergyUpgrades which aims to ensure indoor air quality is not adversely affected by home energy upgrades;encouraging contractors to minimise or improve the indoor air quality while improving the energy• Alex Spilger, LEED AP Principal, GreenStep & Sustainable Building Advisor Program, The PacificEnergy Center.• Marlene Vogelsang, Technical Librarian, The Pacific Energy Center.Objective:Meet with Vogelsang and Spilger to review resources in the Pacific Energy Center: Energy ResourceCenter’s Technical Library and Display Center, as well as reviewing the training opportunities offeredby the PG&E under the Sustainable Building Advisor Program.Outcomes:The Fellow toured the Technical Library, Display Center, and held discussions on resources andtraining opportunities with Vogelsang and Spilger. The Pacific Energy Center is an example of industrysectors, associations, practitioners, government agencies and consumers working together to supportcommon goals for a better future through education.EducationThe Pacific Energy Center offers consumers and industry practitioners an opportunity to gainknowledge and skills through a variety of methods in the following areas:• Architecture resources• Lighting• HVAC.The Center also supports classes and seminars and offers assistance through a Tool Lending Library,with training sessions enabling people to learn how to use the tools (building performance andcommissioning), and a Resource Center that is open to the public and staffed by a very knowledgeable5657

The International ExperienceThe International Experiencelibrarian. Training sessions run almost daily with multiple sessions on any given day for topics suchas HVAC, lighting technology, building performance design and testing, renewable energy, zero netenergy homes, regulatory compliance, etc. Examples of the training sessions by specialty area arehighlighted in the PG&E Classes By Specialty Quick Reference guide. 99The Fellow reviewed the National Sustainable Building Advisor Program in detail. 100 The programcan be undertaken over a four- or nine-month period as a certification course designed to provideparticipants with the knowledge, tools and strategies to implement green building projects. Theincluded sections are:Unit Description• Unit 1 Fundamentals of Sustainable Building• Unit 2 Importance of Place• Unit 3 Energy Efficiency and LightingE-House is a full-scale model of a high performance home, showcasing advanced framing, coolroofing, insulation and structural insulated panels, photovoltaics, and a display of selected sustainabilityproduct options, such as energy efficient windows, LED lighting, and water efficiency measures.Outcomes:The Fellow identified opportunities to further practical research and development of new high efficiencytechnologies and the use of public displays as an educational tool for consumers, home designers,building practitioners and other stakeholders. The SMUD programs offer insight into opportunitiesto engage with consumers to contribute to future technological improvements and advances andopportunities to engage with local communities and industry to advance appropriate selection andinstallation of high efficiency materials and new technologies to increase penetration into the market.Research"SMUD's Customer Advanced Technologies (CAT) is a research and development program designed• Unit 4 Green Materials Selection• Unit 5 Indoor Environmental Quality and Health• Unit 6 Water Conservation and Quality Protection• Unit 7 Sustainable Job Site Operations• Unit 8 Building Operations and Maintenance• Unit 9 Group Project Presentation. 101The PG&E Training Center in Stockton also offers a number of training sessions across industry,including realtors and appraisers.CollaborationA number of the training programs offered by the PG&E Training Center are recognised by other industryassociations contributing towards annual requirements for continuing professional development, suchas AIA.Australian Opportunity:Australian utility or electricity companies have an opportunity to develop this type of training anddisplay centre open to the public, building and energy practitioners to support:• Energy literacy• New technology demonstrations• Training and tool lending to support energy efficiency• Training to support specialists consultants to undertake energy assessments or support the designand construction process of new homes and renovations.Destination 2:E-House, SMUD – Energy & Technology Center, Sacramento, CA.Objectives:Above: SMUD E-House display center.to encourage customers to use and evaluate new or underutilized technologies. Unlike many R & Dprograms, research is accomplished through implementing real-world demonstration projects (insteadof laboratory testing). CAT provides funding for customers in exchange for a two-year monitoringagreement. Completed demonstration projects include lighting technologies, LED lights, buildingenvelopes, heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, and a wide variety of othertechnologies.” 103Tour the Energy and Technology Center, specifically the E-House and Solar Display. 102 SMUD's5859

The International ExperienceThe International ExperienceEducationThe Solar Path Display can assist practitioners and consumers to understand the way, the angle of thesun changes throughout the days and seasons, causing temperatures within homes to increase anddecrease. The display shows the dynamics of the sun on a building in winter, spring, and summer, andenables understanding of seasonal external shading strategies to mitigate heat gain.Reports describing the results for many of these projects are freely available on the SMUD’s CATwebsite. 104 The information, statements, representations, graphs and data presented in these reportsare provided by SMUD as a public service, along with workshops. 105 Mention of any particular productor manufacturer should not be construed as an implied endorsement.The most notable example of a broad spectrum learning tool is the SMUD E-House. This modelhouse within the municipal building offers a broad overview of technological advancement over timeand a comparison of efficiency opportunities dependent upon the materials or technology selectedor applied, such as advanced framing. Being a tangible demonstration of a variety of efficiencyopportunities, through construction methods, materials and technologies selected in a small model, itis a very effective tool to understanding these types of variations on a small scale relative to a numberof stakeholders. In Australia, this opportunity would be a valuable tool for training new entrants andexisting building practitioners as well as financial lenders/appraisers, investors, consumers, etc.Caption: Comparison of conventional verse advanced framing opportunities, SMUD E-house.Above and Left: SMUD Solar Path Display.development at all scales. It is comprised of seven performance areas: Site, Water, Energy, Health,Materials, Equity and Beauty. These are subdivided into a total of 20 Imperatives, each of which focuseson a specific sphere of influence. The purpose of the Living Building Challenge is straightforward – itdefines the most advanced measure of sustainability in the built environment possible today and actsto diminish the gap between current limits and ideal solutions. Whether your project is a single building,a park, a college campus or even a complete neighbourhood community, Living Building Challengeprovides a framework for design, construction and the symbiotic relationship between people and allaspects of the built environment.” 106Construction: NAHB and US DOE EVHAIn continuation of the information provided by the NAHB Research Center, the EVHA for residentialhome builders and remodelers recognises and rewards industry leaders and is used to measureand monitor progress towards national government targets. 107 These annual awards are supportedin partnership by the NAHB Research Center, NAHB, US DOE Building America Program, and theNational Renewable Energy Laboratory, in addition to various industry sponsors. Award categoriesare based on a weight of scores with the most value given to energy, examining what makes thehome more energy efficient, then building code requirements or other local home requirements. Thesehomes are tested, verified, and also judged by an expert panel.Awarding Best PracticeBy recognising industry leaders and innovators we learn from one another and information is rapidlydisseminated.Design: Living Building Challenge“‘Living Building Challenge’ is a philosophy, advocacy tool and certification program that addresses60The builders and homes can easily be compared based on the construction costs, size of the home,years the practitioner has been in the industry, industry associations, average homes built per year,location and completion date. The plans are also included to allow others to visualise the simplicity andcomplexity of high performance design. The information below is an example of the energy efficiencyconstruction methods reviewed to determine winners:• Foundation: e.g. slab on grade with R-20 (R3.5 in Australia) 108 under slab and slab edge insulation.• Wall Construction: e.g. Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs).61

The International ExperienceThe International Experience• Wall Insulation: e.g. R-28 (R5 Aust) 109 total (R-23 dry-blown fiberglass + R-5 rigid foam sheathing).• Rim Joist Insulation: e.g. SIPs or foam spray.• Roof Construction: e.g. raised-heel trusses, vegetated roof.• Ceiling Insulation: e.g. R-35 (R6.2 Aust) 110 unvented attic.• Windows: e.g. Solar heat gain co-efficient 0.40, low e (emittance), gas filled double glazed, shaded18in windows.• HVAC: e.g. 20 SEER (5.55 Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) in Australia) 111 , 8.6 Heating and SeasonalPerformance Factor air source heat pump, energy recovery ventilator, zoned system.• Ducts: e.g. 100% in conditioned space, mastic-sealed.• Water Heating: e.g. Desuperheater and geothermal heat pump.• Lighting: e.g. ENERGY STAR fixtures, 55% CFLs, LED under cabinet lighting.• Appliances: e.g. ENERGY STAR appliances.• Innovative Features: e.g. advanced framing techniques with 24in on centre framing, 2-stud cornersor open corners, single king stud window framing, right sized headers, ladder blocking, raised-heeltrusses, PEX Plumbing, Thermal mass tempering, right-sized heating and cooling.• Duct Leakage Test: e.g. 0cfm to exterior/78 cfm total @ 25 Pa.• Blower Door Test: e.g. 1.3 (ACH) Air Changes per Hour 50.• HERS Index: e.g. typically 40-60, unless photovoltaic is included, then typically in the 30s (a zeroHERS Index would be a net zero energy home score).(See Attachment three: Two examples of the winners from the 2009 NAHB EVHA.)Tracking Progress NationallyThe US DOE is tracking progress to determine if government targets are being met, if the strategiesare working, to determine if incentives are being taken up over time and to ensure that interestedstakeholders are kept up to date. It is rewarding and reassuring to be able to review progress,especially for contributors, be it government employees, homeowners or practitioners. The US DOEtracks progress nationally using these simple example statistics:Statistics• Number of homes that meet the builders challenge• Number of registered builders• Number of manufacturer, program, resource, and verifier partners• Total estimated annual energy savings (mmbtu/yr)• Total estimated financial annual energy savings• Annual estimated CO 2savings in tons.Similar to the US DOE, Australia has an opportunity to track and communicate our progress againstcurrent targets in a simplified way for practitioners, homeowners, and government agencies.In summary, the residential building sector has a significant opportunity to contribute to the reductionof greenhouse gas emissions through reduced energy demand, increasing our energy and resourceefficiency to support a high performance housing market, and building net-zero energy homes.Australia has made significant inroads into producing more energy efficient, resource efficient andsustainable homes through:• Climate-specific design• Passive solar heating and cooling through design• Material selection, such as window, lighting and appliance selection• Renewable energy add-ons to the structure, such as solar hot water and photovoltaic panels.The next step for Australian practitioners to progress toward high performance and net-zero energyhomes is to support a focus on the knowledge and skills required by our professionals and tradespeoplein the construction sector to construct high performance homes. These individuals have an opportunityto positively or negatively contribute to the energy and resource efficiency of a structure specificallyrelated to their actions to reduce energy demand and increase efficiency during planning, on-site tradeinstallation techniques, material selection and application through management support. In an effortto ensure industry best practice, a whole systems approach to building must be understood with ahigh level of attention placed on the building envelope and duct systems based on an understandingof building science principles and methods. Inspections need to take place during construction andonce the building is constructed, in addition to post-construction performance testing to measure andconfirm performance. The building systems need to be tested for air leakage and inspectors must alsoverify that there is an adequate mechanical ventilation system in place to support efficient indoor airquality.In the building sector, these opportunities can be achieved through:• Reducing energy demand by ensuring our homes conserve as much energy as possible throughknowledge of building science, whole systems approaches, integrated design and delivery andconstruction methods (advanced framing).• Properly selecting and installing products to support the building envelop, HVAC and add-ons,like renewable energy and resource efficiency opportunities to harness and reuse energy andresources.• Increases in industry best practice through an industry-led construction standard and professionalaccreditation system supported by training, education, and mentoring both new tradespeople andprofessionals entering the residential construction market and those already working in this sector.• Supporting and training home energy performance assessors to conduct site inspections and testthe performance of the structure post-construction to ensure there is minimal or no air leakage andadequate mechanical ventilation to support air exchanges for indoor air quality.• Recording, benchmarking and communicating performance test results, building techniques, andmaterials used to rapidly disseminate opportunities through the industry.Many sectors can assist to increase demand for high performance homes, through developingmore incentives to reduce barriers and increase the development of net zero energy homes, throughdevelopment and implementation of:• An industry led green building standard and metric system for construction practitioners (buildersand developers) to test and label homes for easy comparison by consumers6263

The International ExperienceKnowledge Transfer:Applying the Outcomes• A builder’s challenge using a green building standard to up skill and support application ofknowledge and skills to reduce energy demand, increase the energy efficiency while improving theindoor air quality of homes• Free home sustainability assessments by trained professionals of existing homes to establishrecommendations for home energy up-grades and measure improvements• Home energy up-grades carried out by qualified trades people and professions with buildingscience knowledge to ensure industry best practice and positive contributions to indoor air quality• Monetary incentives, such as government rebates, subsidies, tax reductions, for both home ownersand builders to integrate efficiency improvements into new and existing homes• An industry-wide continuing professional development program using shared resources for buildingscience training delivery through a variety of methods, including display centres, on-site, online andon-demand training for the existing workforce• Funding the performance testing of homes to be utilised as a learning tool for industry practitionersto learn on the job• Financial incentives for builders to test the performance of their buildings and communicate theoutcomes through a benchmarking and labelling system located on the building, which can berelated to the mandatory disclosure scheme or national progress tracking• Streamlining and reducing the fees and processing times as an incentive for planning applicationsthrough local councils for high performing or net-zero energy homes to prioritise these types ofapplications• Changes to the home lending sector, valuations and home sales that truly value the assets related toenergy efficiency and reduced running costs to communicate with stakeholders, such as potentialrenters, investor, or buyers.It is likely that different subsets of these aspects will be taught to different groups, recognising theirdifferent levels of expertise and activities. The key knowledge and skill areas requiring further nationaldevelopment in the construction services sectors to support sustainably built environments forrenovating existing homes and building new houses include:• Building science basics, principles, and fundamentals• Integrated project management: whole systems project and site management with advancedbuilding science (i.e. advanced building envelope or integrated technology)• Specialised trade skills: building science advance knowledge and skills (i.e. advanced framing oroptimal value engineering or moisture control methods and techniques), HVAC, and whole systemstheory across trades and applicable only to specific trade areas.A number of opportunities can be developed to support sharing these findings and developing futureopportunities. A few are identified below:Opportunity 1In the first six months of 2011, the Fellow delivered a presentation to the CPSISC Board to reviewfindings and make recommendations on the research findings to support the development and revisionof national construction training. Completed May 2011.Opportunity 2During the early part of 2011, the Fellow delivered a workshop on the summary of findings to a group ofVictorian vocational education and training stakeholders in the related industry sector. This workshopincreased awareness of the international research findings, potential opportunities and insights tosupport integration of findings into practical training and resources to support the residential buildingindustry and related sectors. Completed April 2011.Opportunity 3In August 2011, the Fellow delivered a presentation at the National CPSISC industry conference onthe research findings and highlight recommendations for discussions. She developed additionalcontacts to further the outcomes of the research findings to support the development and revision ofnational construction training, industry standards, home performance measurements and a potentialbenchmarking opportunity. Completed August 2011.Opportunity 4When the opportunity presents, the Fellow will invite related industry participants to a workshop topresent the research findings and work toward potential opportunities to develop a cyclical frameworkfor energy efficiency and carbon abatement in the residential construction industry. The aim of thiscyclical framework would be a closed loop system focused on international research, industry bestpractice standards, building science methods professional development, manufacturing and suppliereducation, post construction measurements with a metrics and benchmarking system, and feedbackloops to remove potential barriers and spur new research in Australia.For more information on these opportunities, please refer to the Recommendations Chapter of thisreport.This opportunity would be supported by the education and training sector to up skill practitioners toincrease the integration of high performance green homes into the market and begin working towardszero energy homes. This framework would ideally include the development and roll out of a greenbuilding standard challenge to measure and monitor progress by rewarding builders across Australia.This standard must have an underpinning post construction building performance testing programwith metrics for comparison and benchmarking.Stakeholders involved in the loop could include: researchers, homeowners, developers, designers,builders, trades people, energy raters/assessors and inspectors, manufacturers, suppliers, industryassociations, unions, educators, and government agencies. Energy raters/assessors and buildinginspectors would ideally play the role of documenting and reporting on building performance in line withthe point of sale or lease disclosure regulations. Government agencies, of course, need to support thedevelopment and roll out of these initiatives through supporting continuing professional development,onsite support and education, and positive incentives to encourage implementation, like an industryawards program based on the building standards challenge.6465

Knowledge Transfer: Applying the OutcomesRecommendationsThis system would ideally aim to inform, set targets, monitor, improve and acknowledge participants inthe domestic building industry based on their activities supporting carbon reduction and sustainablybuilt environments related to industry best practice. Each organisation would be asked to developand define their potential role in this type of opportunity to further benefit our communities throughincreasing industry best practice in our housing market leading to carbon reductions.Potential stakeholders for the development of this opportunity include:• Professional and Industry Associations (e.g. HIA: Green Smart, Master Builders Association: GreenLiving, Australian Sustainable Built Environment Council, Association of Building SustainabilityAssessors, Building Product Innovation Council)• Unions (e.g. CFMEU, construction divisions, CEPU, plumbing division)• Government (e.g. Building Commission, Building Practitioner Board, local councils, State/FederalGovernment Agencies)• Development Groups (e.g. VicUrban)• Building practitioners and tradespeople• Suppliers (e.g. Sips Industries Ltd, Reece, Mitre10, Bunnings, Viridian, CSR)• Educators (e.g. TAFE, private RTOs, Universities)• Research Centres (e.g. CSIRO, Sustainable Built Environment National Research Centre)Opportunity 5During 2012 and 2013, with support from CPSISC, the fellow will contribute to the integration ofBuilding Science into the National Construction Training Package where appropriate. This willinclude leading awareness raising workshops on an Introduction to Building Sciences and EnergyEfficiency Opportunities for educators, associations and private industry. See Education and TrainingRecommendations.Skill deficiency:Skill deficiency is where a demand for labour has not been recognised and where accredited coursesare not available through Australian higher education institutions. This demand is met where skills andknowledge are acquired on-the-job, gleaned from published material, or from working and/or studyoverseas. 112There may be individuals or individual firms that have these capabilities. However, individuals in themain do not share their capabilities, but rather keep the IP to themselves; and over time they retire andpass way. Firms likewise come and go.In an effort to increase demand for high performance and sustainable homes, leading to potentiallyhigher home sales to support return on investment, commonalities and metrics must be developed toeffectively implement, measure, benchmark and communicate the energy efficiency and sustainabilityopportunities and achievements of retrofitted and new homes for sale and lease.The American program with the most momentum in mainstream domestic building is often referred toas Building America or the Builders Challenge focused on building science. This program supports anumber of industry led standards, such as the NAHB National Green Building Standard, the USGBCLEED for homes and the US EPA ENERGY STAR rating and labelling system. Climate specific manualsare used for training designers, builders, manufactures, trades people and sales people, developersand homeowners for the various climates in the US. These manuals were developed by the US DOEin partnership with many organisations, but most notably the Building Science Corporation. Theyassist stakeholders with the development and implementation of innovative building processesand technologies for energy efficiency and affordability through extensive theoretical research withengineers and practical techniques with builders on a job site. These innovations are said to not onlysave consumers’ money on energy costs, but also the builder’s costs through increasing constructionefficiency. The program is described as an: “industry-led, cost-sharing partnership program [that] usesa systems engineering approach to reduce energy use, construction time, and construction waste”. 111In Australia, the key knowledge and skill sets requiring further national development in the constructionsector to support sustainable built environments for renovating existing homes and building newhouses needs to be based on building science to construct high performance homes. This researchFellowship has re-enforced the identified need in Australia to develop and deliver the next stage oftraining to industry based on construction techniques and material selection by ensuring all newentrants and existing workers have an understanding of the basic and advanced concepts of buildingscience, as appropriate, from a systems approach.Education, Training and Mentoring RecommendationsThese recommendations support changes related to vocational education and training, highereducation, continuing professional development, and opportunities for industry mentoring onconstruction sites, flexible delivery models or at industry led functions.A general and in-depth understanding of the building science from a practitioner perspective wouldsupport a continued understanding of the language, concepts, issues, liabilities, and opportunities forhigh performance building. This knowledge and skill set could be supported through an industry ledbuilding standard to reduce energy demand and then implement the required additions through properinstallation of energy efficient products, often referred to in manufactures’ technical specifications.The building industry must understand and apply these construction principles and techniques as afoundation for high performance building, leading to net-zero energy housing by firstly reducing ourenergy demand. Metrics must be determined to measure and monitor performance of as-built homeswhich can also be used as a learning tool on the job site for all practitioners.6667

RecommendationsRecommendationsOverview of Integrated Education Opportunities1. Building Science Basics: All practitioners involved the residential construction industry requirean understanding of the Principles of Building Science (Basics), including the systems approach toensure our buildings can perform to the highest efficiency standards.2. Green Building Standard: Those managing theconstruction and those constructing buildings mustunderstand how they can positively contribute tothe system through guidance from an industryled construction standard to support ease ofdecision making, increased efficiency opportunitiesand verification by Home Energy PerformanceAssessors to ensure performance meets the highestsustainability standards.3. BS Advancedproduct selection opportunities and proper application techniques based on underpinning buildingscience theory. Specific trade and professional skills are required to assess and incorporate wholesystem approaches to sustainable housing using leading-edge technology through implementationof integrated design and incorporation of sustainability aspects (e.g. indoor air quality, energy andwater conservation and resource efficiency) into everyday practices. HVAC and air/heat exchangerscan improve energy efficiency and comfort if appropriately sized, insulated and installed properly,especially in conditioned spaces, and when used in conjunction with controlled ventilation likeceiling exhaust fans and whole house exhaust fans. This helps utilise all opportunities prior tousing the heating and cooling. “A forced air system should be able to be pressure tested the sameway a plumber pressure tests a plumbing system for leaks. Builders don’t accept leaky plumbingsystems; they should not accept leaky duct systems.” 1133. BS Advanced: Practitioners involved in any processwith potential to significantly impact on the building inpositive and negative ways require advanced buildingscience knowledge and skills to design, constructand measure the performance of a building. Thisbroad spectrum of industry practitioners, supportedby an integrated design approach, would extendfrom design to product selection, constructionmethods, energy performance measurementsthrough to use, maintenance and effective re-use ofour building stock.2. Green BuildingStandard1. Building Science(BS) Basics4. Home EnergyPerformanceVerification4. Home Energy Performance Verification: In order to determine if we are achieving efficiencygains (for example by minimising air leakage), ensuring the health and safety of occupants (forexample meeting a standard of 0.6 Air Changes per hour) and meeting our carbon reductionand sustainability targets, we must measure and compare our as-built housing stock using astandardised metric system measured by third party home energy performance assessors.Education Recommendation: Building Science Basics – Skills shortage and deficiencyTarget audience: new entrants and current practitioners (designers, tradespeople, builders, etc.)Integrate building science basic principles and application techniques into training for individuals newto the building sector in professional or trade areas, most notably integrated systems theory at thebasic level, proper installation, cause and effect related to negative and positive contributions to thehousing system.Education Recommendation: Building Science Advanced – Skills shortage and deficiencyTarget audience: new entrants and current practitioners (designers, trades people, builders, etc.)• Design – Integrate advanced building science training across the design and constructiondisciplines to ensure buildings are not only being constructed using these theories, but that theyare also included at the design stage, especially systems engineering.Above: SMUD E-house example of a whole house exhaust fan to remove hot air and bring cooler air into thehouse in the morning and evening.Often in a high performance home, dependent on the climatic conditions, a heat or air exchanger cansupport not only improved indoor air quality, but allow the user to potentially eliminate or reduce theheating or air conditioning unit size, leading to reduced energy demand and operational costs.• Trades people and builders – Integrate advanced building science training across the design andconstruction disciplines to bridge the historical divide between designers and builders, whichcurrently supports computer-based building information modelling from the design perspective.For actual carbon abatement to be realised, structures must be constructed to that design, using6869

RecommendationsRecommendationsEducation Recommendation: Develop and deliver education in whole systems project and sitemanagement and integrated delivery – skills shortage and deficiencyTarget audience: project/site managers and trades peopleIndustry practitioners have identified a shortage of appropriately trained managers in the buildingindustry, these individuals, as well as builders and tradespeople require:• knowledge of building science and systems theory to effectively manage the implementation ofhome sustainability audit recommendations, home renovations and new houses using energy andresource efficiency products/technology, especially complementary technologies;• an understanding of life cycle theory of products or services and the ability to apply life cycleanalysis during the product and service selection process;• a comprehensive understanding of triple bottom line principles and return on investment paybackperiods to make recommendations based on cost benefit analysis using the clients’ identifiedpriorities;• knowledge and skills to review technical specifications and engage/manage trades people toproperly install selected materials or systems;• knowledge and skills to make recommendations to clients to support awareness and education toincorporate sustainability opportunities based on the clients’ identified priorities;• effective engagement with stakeholders to identify home performance priorities and thecommunication to support efficient use and maintenance of the building systems upon completion;• support for stakeholders to educate and mentor one another, such as designers, manufacturers,trades people, professionals, clients, homeowners; and• knowledge to engage in a new system as an alternative to the traditional system based onscheduling, new construction methods, encouraging and supporting on/off the job training andmentoring for trades people and professionals.Develop a training approach for integrated project management to up skill the existing workforce.Resources are available online as part of the US DOE’s Building America Program, such as:• the Building Science Corporation: Quality Control Checklist and Resource Appendix. 114• US DOE Building America Challenge: Quality Assurance Roadmap for High Performance ResidentialBuildings. 115• Building Science Corporation: Guides and Manuals 116Integrated design was discussed as a high priority for the coming years in the USA by AIA and USGBC.It aims to extend the design planning stage to include builders and specialty trades, such as HVACdesigners and installers, plumbers, and electricians. Although it is the Fellow’s view that it might bemore appropriate to title it ‘integrated delivery’ or ‘integrated project management’ in the constructionindustry. This opportunity would support reduced costs, through selecting the best cost-benefitoptions and effective planning to deliver a highly efficient building schedule. This area wasn’t exploredthoroughly as part of this Fellowship, but Jerry Yudelson explains the concept in his book, GreenBuilding Through Integrated Design. 117Integrated DesignAlthough Jerry Yudelson’s book, Green Building Through Integrated Design, was written for thecommercial building sector, it lends itself well to understanding opportunities in the residential sectorin terms of integrated design and project management, as well as what the contractor’s role is in theprocess:“As more projects start to move toward zero net energy and zero waste solutions, the architecturaland engineering systems will need to become more adventurous; without active participationfrom the general contractor and key sub-contractors...these projects are not likely to work aswell as they could. Since the general contractor spends more than 90% of the project budget ina typical building program, integrated design without the contractor’s active participation is likelyto yield suboptimal results.” 118It’s commonplace for builders, project managers and even trades people to complain that they don’tget paid for these pre-construction contributions and run the risk of not getting a tender or winning ajob after they’ve put the time, research and expertise into the development of the design. William G (Bill)Reed is a Boston based architect, he and Yudelson further describe how contracts for participants’time and contributions can be managed effectively. Bill explains that they’ve developed Part A andPart B contracts. The Part A contract includes provision for three days of research and a two-daydesign charrette followed by Part B which is the remainder of services to carry out the construction.They request proposals for both Part A and Part B of the contracts, but only commit to Part A. Part Aincludes provision for collaboration to discover opportunities to support the most efficient design andconstruction related to costs, construction efficiency and operational efficiency. The Part B proposalis a ballpark figure for the remainder of work. This process might include, landscape architects, civilengineers, mechanical engineers, energy modellers, architects, water systems people and oftendetermines if you have the best people for the job or if you are missing expertise that would potentiallybenefit the project’s objectives. 119Often in the residential sector, this process is under-utilised or historically avoided by designers,engineers, builders and sub-contractors. Imagine the opportunities of bringing these disciplinestogether for a common outcome based on their expertise to communicate and integrate ideas intoa systematic approach to development. If this remains to be an impossible feat, an alternative optioncould be to train project managers in sustainability or to train sustainability experts in building projectmanagement to ensure opportunities are well researched, analysed, discussed and contributed toduring the design stages, through construction and into the commissioning of a home.Education Recommendation: Integrate basic and advanced building science, whole systems thinkingand integrated delivery into the National Training Standards – CPSISC skills deficiencyTarget Audience: designers, developers, builders, trades people, and associated professionals aimedat reducing costs through effective design, planning, management and construction techniques. If alltrades people and professionals involved in the development or renovation of a home understand thebuilding science principles, whole systems thinking and integrated delivery, they will be better preparedto positively contribute to the energy efficiency of the overall building.As part of the Continuous Improvement for the Construction Training Package: Energy Efficiencyand Greening, particularly with regard to building and associated trades and project management,it is recommended to integrate basic building science into low level training (AQF 2-3) and advancedbuilding science concepts into higher level training (AQF 3-5). There is also an opportunity to review andrevise existing units to integrate the concept of whole systems theory and application into constructionmethodologies ensuring the energy efficiency industry language used is consistent with emphasis oncommunicating the resource and energy efficiency opportunities to stakeholders.7071

RecommendationsRecommendationsThis recommendation would support the integration of basic and advanced building science theoryand application techniques into current education and training models in relation to any associatedtrade and professional programs to support an educational foundation in energy efficiency with regardto the basic fundamentals of the building envelop and the house as system. Each individual can havea positive or negative impact on a building, which training in these areas could mitigate. In addition,by understanding these foundation principles and using consistent language, building practitionerswould have the potential to not only select and install current technology effectively, but also easilyadapt these knowledge and skills for future technology opportunities with or without additional trainingbeyond a technical product manual.Some example qualifications and units where these principles and techniques are applicable andshould be integrated into current training:Qualifications:• Certificate III in Plumbing, Solid Plastering, Carpentry, Joinery, Wall and Ceiling Lining, Painting andDecorating, Roof Tiling, Roof Plumbing, Bricklaying/Blocklaying, Plumbing (Mechanical Services)• Certificate IV and Diploma in Plumbing and Services• Certificate II & III in Timber Truss and Frame Design and Manufacture• Certificate III & IV Timber Truss and Frame Design and Manufacture• Certificate IV in Design of Kitchens, Bathrooms and Interior Spaces• Certificate IV & Diploma in Timber Truss and Frame Design• Diploma and Advanced Diploma of Building and Construction• Diploma of Design (Drafting)• Advanced Diploma of Building Design (Engineering, Architectural)• Advanced Diploma of Building Design and Project Administration• Advanced Diploma of Sustainable Building Design• Vocational Graduate Certificate and Diploma of Building Design• Vocational Graduate Certificate in Energy Efficient Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning (HVAC)Design• Cert IV and Diploma (Sustainable) Landscape DesignSkills Sets• BSB07 Design Fundamentals Skill SetIndividual Units• 91318NSW Building Thermal Performance Assessment (Residential)• CPCCCM1012A Work effectively and sustainably in the construction industry• CPPCMN3001B Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices• CPCSUS4001A Implement and monitor environmentally sustainable work practices• CPCCBC4020A Build thermally efficient and sustainable structures• CPCCBC4001A Apply building codes and standards to the construction process for lowrise building projects• CPCCBC4003A Select and prepare a construction contract• CPCCBC4004A Identify and produce estimated costs for building and construction projects• CPCCBC4005A Produce labour and material schedules for ordering• CPCCBC4006A Select, procure and store construction materials for low rise projects• CPCCBC4007A Plan building or construction work• CPCCBC4008A Conduct on-site supervision of the building and construction project• CPCCBC4010A Apply structural principles to residential low-rise constructions• BSBSMB406A Manage finances• CPCCBC4012A Read and interpret plans and specifications• CPCCBC4018A Apply site surveys and set out procedures to building and constructionprojects• CPCCSV5013A Apply principles of energy efficient design to buildings• CPCCBC5004A Supervise and apply quality standards to the selection of building andconstruction materials• CPCCBC5005A Select and manage building and construction contractors• CPCCBC5007A Administer the legal obligations of a building and construction contract• CPCCBC5009A Identify services layout and connection methods in medium riseconstruction projects• CPPCMN5001A Plan for a sustainable business (asset and facilities management)• PRMPFES43A Prevent ozone depleting substance and synthetic greenhouse gasemissions (fire protection)• CPPCMN4012A Contribute to sustainable solutions over a building’s life cycle (operations).Education Recommendation: Post-construction performance testing inspectionsDevelopment of accredited training for a potential new industry role, being third-party inspectors orassessors to support home assessments and post-construction energy performance inspectionsbased on the ‘Air Barrier Technologies’ short course delivered by Gordon Institute of TAFE. Buildingscience should be included or required as a pre-requisite for learners, as well as continuing educationrequirements.For further information, including examples of post construction performance testing, please seeUSDOE, Certification, Working Together: Researchers, Industry, Educators and Government in TheInternational Experience Chapter of this report (page 29).Even in an ideal world when professionals and tradespeople have the knowledge, skills and capacityto apply building science techniques for truly high performance and zero energy buildings, we can onlybe sure the building is performing as designed and built, when we test it. See the description of theEVHA for residential home builders and remodelers. 120 These metrics are used to test home energy7273

RecommendationsRecommendationsperformance and compare homes.• Duct Leakage Test: e.g. 0cfm to exterior/78 cfm total @ 25 Pa• Blower Door Test: e.g. 1.3 (ACH) Air Changes per Hour 50• HERS Index: e.g. typically 40-60, unless photovoltaic is included, then typically in the 30s (0 HERSIndex would be a net-zero energy home score).Mentoring Recommendation: Development of an industry mentoring programThird-party inspectors could also act as green building consultants from the onset of new buildingproject and follow through with the final assessment meeting both the regulatory requirements andmandatory disclosure or support recommendations for the improvement of a home for a renovation.As stated on the US EPA website, “Third-Party Verification with the help of independent Home EnergyRaters, ENERGY STAR builder partners choose the most appropriate energy-saving features fortheir homes. Additionally, raters conduct onsite testing and inspections to verify the energy efficiencymeasures, as well as insulation, airtightness, and duct sealing details”. 121Although inspectors or consultants are rarely viewed as mentors, if these individuals had the appropriateskills and were supported, they could assist with the up-skilling of industry practitioners on buildingsites given their expertise. As our workforce transitions into active retirement, this may become anopportunity for individuals to up-skill or re-skill to remain in the industry in an advisory role to supportour current practitioners.Training Recommendation: Development of an industry short course for green building professionalsThis could also support components of Australian programs, such as mandatory disclosure, homesustainability assessors, home insulation safety programs based on the US standards and continuingeducation requirements (USGBC LEED for homes, AIA Sustainable Design, DOE Building America,NAHB National Green Building Standard verifiers, EEBA Houses that Work, RESNET), includingaspects of:• Basic and advanced building science• Project management for integrated delivery• The NGBS, SSU and the PG&E National Sustainable Advisor Programs.Energy efficiency opportunities are lost when insulation is installed, but the building is not properly sealedleaving large areas prone to air leakage reducing the overall efficiency of the building. Alternatively,when an existing home has the air gaps identified to seal and install insulation, there is an extremelyhigh potential impact on indoor air quality if mechanical ventilation is not incorporated into the home.This impact is not only prevalent in existing home renovations, but also when new homes are built witha tight building envelope, there are potential negative impacts resulting in poor indoor air quality andmoisture related issues which can be minimised or eliminated through construction techniques andmechanical ventilation.Training Recommendation: Integrate building science principles and energy efficiency into training –skills deficiencyTarget Audience: building inspectors and surveyors.There is an opportunity for building inspectors to up-skill in energy efficiency to support one additionalinspection between the frame and plaster to ensure insulation is properly installed as well as housewrap or sheathing. These inspectors could double up as energy efficiency auditors similar to RESNETHome Energy Inspections and support an audit/verifier inspection for the purposes of a green buildingstandard inspection. Lastly, the final inspection conducted by the inspector could be complemented bya blower door test and/or thermal imaging as a last opportunity for improvement for high performancehousing.Education Recommendation: Resource development and disseminationTarget Audience: developers, builders, project and site managers, designers, sales people, tradespeople and homeowners.In an effort to reduce market competition, similar to the AIA Continuing Professional Developmentprogram, it would be ideal to engage and partner with the Building America Program providers, the USDOE and the NAHB Research Center, to enhance our existing Home Technical Manual to incorporatebuilding science and others aspects into the manual based on the climate specific American manualsfor developers, builders, project and site managers, designers, sales, trades people and homeowners.Or, alternatively, develop a new manual for designers, practitioners, and sales people to expand scope.Training resources should be developed in collaboration with industry groups and manufacturers forconsistent industry language, principles and application techniques. They need to be made freelyavailable for rapid dissemination to support training consistency and efficiency in a variety of deliverymodes, paper, online, interactive, social media, smart phone applications or even iTunes U compatiblewith both PC and Mac computers, etc.Training Recommendation: Training the trainers (RESNET) – skills deficiencyTarget Audience: TAFE, higher educaton and industry trainers delivering training related to residentialconstruction.Support the integration of building science, systems theory, energy efficiency and a green buildingstandard into current teaching practices. The USA RESNET program is a great example of a trainingnetwork. Up-skilling based on these recommendations should be developed and supported forconsistency. If a construction standard is developed or if home energy performance assessors’ orverifiers’ knowledge and skills increase in demand in the near future, training will be required to meetdemand.Industry and Professional Associations RecommendationsTarget Audience: building practitioners.Industry organisations have a very large role in this market offering opportunities to lead and supportindustry while providing training and liaising with government on behalf of members. They are the keyto moving the residential construction sector into a new period while increasing industry best practiceand supporting members to excel as leaders during our transition to a low-carbon economy.Industry Continuing Professional Development Recommendation: Building Science Basics andAdvanced – skills deficiencyTarget Audience: existing building practitioners (designers, specialty trades people, builders, managers).Training is currently offered by both HIA and MBA as an introductory course on green building, althoughvery crucial as an introduction to ongoing training, this current session is mainly focused on the preconstructionconcepts such as design and alternative building materials. The supplementary materialin both the training manual and the Home Technical Manual could offer more construction insightregarding material selection and application, recycling and reuse and energy efficiency.TAFEs, private training providers, industry associations, organisations, and businesses have anopportunity to develop and deliver the next phase of green building training to builders and tradespeople7475

RecommendationsRecommendationsfocused on building science and project management based on energy efficiency. For example trainingneeds to support:• moisture control with drainage planes, rain screens, mechanical ventilation or forced air recoverysystems;• energy performance focusing on the building envelop (shell) and integrated technology;• appropriately sized HVAC, improved ductwork in conditioned spaces with minimal air leakage; and• indoor air quality.These knowledge and skills areas will increasein importance, as our structures becomemore airtight to increase our energy efficiency.Manufacturers will be a key source of informationbased on technical application requirements ofhigh-efficiency products, although knowledgeon the underpinning principles and consistentlanguage will need to be used across industrysectors for effective product selection andapplication. On review, the current industrytraining is informative and useful as a foundationto sustainably built environments, although notpractical for application on a building site wherequality and risk management would offer moreopportunities for builder and trade contributions.Please see the Education Recommendation:Building Science Basics Heading and theEducation Recommendation: Building ScienceAdvanced Heading for more information.Continuing Professional Development Recommendation: Development and delivery on whole systemsproject and site management and integrated delivery – Skills shortage and deficiencyTarget audience: project/site managers and trades people.Please see the Education Recommendation: Develop and deliver education in whole systems projectand site management and integrated delivery Heading for more information.Industry or Government Recommendation: Develop and implement a national industry standard forgreen high performance constructionTarget Audience: building practitioners.Left: Example of a blue rigid foam board for exteriorthermal insulation and a black rain screen used as anair and vapour barrier with additional internal insulationwithin the frame of the structure, SMUD E-House.In an effort to encourage industry best practice and support a national approach to high performanceand sustainable homes, industry needs to develop a consistent language and approach to greenbuilding. This approach must be underpinned by building science and verified by third-party inspectors.The next step is post-construction performance testing based on the airtightness of the buildingenvelop (shell), duct system and indoor air quality based on air exchanges per hour.Similar to the US EPA ENERGY STAR program, USGBC LEED for homes or the NAHB National GreenBuilding Standard, develop of a voluntary industry-led standard to provide guidance across theresidential housing sector on building performance opportunities, with current BCA energy efficiencyregulations as a baseline based on building science and integrated technology, material selectionand installation standards to reduce confusion and support convergence skills across industry. Thestandard would easily align with ENERGY STAR ratings, building code inspections and mandatorydisclosure complemented by building envelope performance tests. Similar to the US, this would bean opportunity to not only upskill practitioners in building science, but also add opportunities forenergy efficiency standards and regulations to be assessed and signed off by regulators, like buildinginspectors or surveyors. If inspections and post-construction testing were integrated into the standardbuilding process, it may also remove the barrier of additional paperwork that would otherwise need tobe tracked and submitted by the builder. The training opportunity in building science may also proveuseful to improve the current quality standards for high performance buildings related to moisturemanagement and integrated technology leading in the longer term towards zero energy homes.Please see the Education recommendation: Building science and post-construction performancetesting inspections heading for more information.Industry Recommendation: Building verification inspectionsTarget Audience: building regulators, inspectors, and surveyors.In addition to the final building inspection to support regulatory requirements, there is an opportunity foran additional building inspection between the frame and plaster. This would offer building inspectorsan opportunity to upskill in energy efficiency to ensure insulation is safely and properly installed, as wellas air and vapour barriers or sheathing. As previously mentioned these inspectors could double up ashome energy performance assessors or verifiers similar to the US RESNET Home Energy Inspectionsand support an audit/verifier inspection for the purposes of a green building standard inspection.There is also an opportunity for these inspectors to also conduct a blower door test for air leakage andadequate air exchanges upon final inspection.Review legislation and Australian Building Codes to ensure all opportunities to increase home resourceefficiency, financial incentives and public safety in the building industry have been exhausted. Alsosupport a building codes feedback loop to reduce barriers in the building codes and challenges forbuilders, as well as incentives like streamlining planning application processes for high performancehomes (DOE).Industry Recommendation: Develop an industry-wide awards program based on a comparison ofpost-construction home performance testing metrics, materials selected, house size, costs andconstruction methods (NAHB & US DOE EVHA).Target audience: builders.In an effort to increase market penetration of new technologies and industry best practice, industryassociations and other organisations have an opportunity to support builders while increasing ourhousing efficiency and reducing our emissions. The fact that typically, these builders are not onlymeeting energy efficiency regulatory requirements, but also often going beyond these measuresto meet a variety of sustainability challenges should not only be rewarded, but also these buildersshould be looked at as examples of leaders in the industry and support should be given by promotingtheir homes through public awards. This would also offer industry practitioners and homeowners anopportunity to learn from one another, while measuring, benchmarking and continuously improving ournew housing stock working toward our carbon abatement targets.The awards must be easy to participate in, with standardised metrics, such as building performance7677

RecommendationsRecommendationstesting at post-construction and support, sharing insight on design, the types of materials selected,the construction methods, etc. Additional points could be added if education, training or mentoringprograms are used, especially sharing techniques with others as a mentor or increasing communicationwith homeowners.VET Industry Recommendation: Train the Trainers on building science training and other trainingopportunities for building practitionersTarget audience: Vocational Education and Training (VET) practitioners.Similar to the US DOE, an opportunity exists in Australia for government and industry leaders to workwith educators to upskill our builders and related industries to increase sustainable building practicesin the mainstream environment. Energy efficiency training through building science and systems theoryis required to meet industry demands due to a rapidly changing building industry. If training is requiredas part of Professional and Building Licenses in the future, we must first ensure we have qualifiedtrainers to deliver this training in every state and territory.Industry Accreditation Recommendation: Development of an industry-wide accredited continuingeducation program for industry based on a provider program and member requirementsTarget audience: designers, builders, trades people, contractors, trainers, educators and consultants.Use the AIA Continuing Education Model to support members to undertake annual training related tosustainability and energy efficiency as a percentage of their annual requirements to be a sustainablebuilder. This process could be similar to the Victorian Building Practitioners Board ContinuingProfessional Development program in Australia, through a variety of informal or formal methodsprovided by vetted organisations and assessed on a points-based system annually. The methods mightinclude face-to-face training, online (interactive, on-demand, live), magazine articles with follow-upquestions for submission, all-day forums, short programs, conferences, award presentations, expos,or even keeping certification up to date by submitting annual data about sustainability applicationwithin the business or on-site application using new technology and sharing knowledge or applicationtechniques with others through on-site demonstrations or mentoring.This opportunity may be more attractive to industry members who have not identified a need forcontinuing education by assessment or career advancement through higher qualifications. Although aneed still exists to ensure the equality of continuing professional development programs, it is importantto ensure that they are consistent from one to another based on an industry standard. Lastly, consumeror employer distinctions based on knowledge and skills of green building are becoming more evident;therefore, there is an increasing demand for industry to attain an accredited industry recognisedprofessional standing to distinguish themselves from others in the labour market. For example, anindividual with a LEED Associate Professional standing for the LEED for Homes rating is given the titleLEED AP Homes. 122 USGBC Education Delivery Partners and Faculty are the only educators availableto training individuals within the USGBC rating systems and individuals must pass an exam beforebeing given recognition as a LEED AP or a similar industry standing. 123 These individuals must alsocontinue their education through prescriptive pathways to keep up to date with industry changes. 124Education Recommendation: Resource development and disseminationTarget Audience: education and continuing professional development providers and buildingpractitioners.In an effort to reduce market competition, similar to the AIA Continuing Professional Developmentprogram, it would be ideal to engage and partner with the Building America Program providers, theUS DOE and the NAHB Research Center, to enhance our existing Australian Home Technical Manualto incorporate building science and others aspects into the manual based on the climate specificAmerican manuals for developers, builders, project and site managers, designers, sales, tradespeopleand homeowners. Or, alternatively, develop a new manual for designers, practitioners, and consumers.Offer simple and easy to use benchmarking checklists for builders to submit based on individualprojects throughout the year. This will help remind them of the opportunities and use what they havelearnt in the training. Similar systems are in use in the USA as described in this report, including:• Checklists – Build It Green: Green Point, NAHB National Green Building Standards, LEED forHomes• Standards – LEED for Homes, ENERGY STAR, NAHB National Green Building Standards• House Labels – ENERGY STAR, EPA Indoor airPLUS, NAHB National Green Building Standards,LEED for HomesIndustry Recommendations: Homeowner educationTarget Audience: builders and trades people.Ensure homeowner’s manuals are developed and offered to occupants for instructions on effective useand ongoing maintenance of systems, appliances and services within the home for long-term efficiency.Develop and use contractual agreements between the developer, contractor, trades person, ownersand/or tenants with regard to performance standards, payback period and financial investment tosupport accountability and liability specific to trades, services, and ongoing use and maintenance. Thiswould support a checks and balance system ensuring tradespeople and contractors are responsiblefor call-backs due to incorrect installation or application reducing the energy efficiency of the structure.Industry Recommendation: Develop education tools to support increase market entry of existing andnew technologiesTarget audience: building practitioners, homeowners, property and financial services practitioners,manufactures, utility companies, etc.Work with industry to develop display and education hubs through the Local, State and FederalGovernment, education institutions, industry associations, utility companies, etc. These opportunitieswould a) educate the public and practitioners on practical demonstrations and techniques to supportan understanding of energy use, supply, demand and energy efficiency, and b) increase the integrationof new technologies into the market. An opportunity could be developed through utility companiesor product manufacturers or suppliers to initiate a practical research and development program withconsumers to install and evaluate new technologies to increase product entry into the market. (SMUDE-House and PG&E technical display center models).Government RecommendationsAlthough this report focuses more on education and training aligned with government policy andincentives, it was not a review of government incentives. Incentives for builders, developers,homeowners, etc., could expedite Australia’s transition from building energy-efficient homes to net-zeroenergy homes. The US report conducted by the NAHB Research Center, The Potential Impact of ZeroEnergy Homes, offers insight into their research on policy incentives and opportunities in line withincreasing net-zero energy buildings into the market.Research Recommendation: Support research into the potential impact of zero energy homes inAustraliaTarget audience: State and Federal Government and related industry practitioners.7879

RecommendationsRecommendationsGovernment needs to support a study on additional opportunities to encourage not only builders, butalso homeowners to initiate and integrate zero energy homes into the mainstream marketplace. AnAustralian study, released in August of 2010 by Shauna Coffey 125 , summarised US-based incentivesby type, being taxation-based, rebates and subsidies, and procedural advantages. Further researchinto successful and robust policy needs to be considered in Australia, such as additional tax creditsbeyond the current norm for sustainable construction products, redistribution of Local Governmentlevies and ‘green-door’ expedited development approvals, or financial lending incentives which all havesignificant potential to encourage the development of sustainable housing.Strategy Recommendation: Set improvement targets, track progress and communicate outcomesTarget audience: building regulators, practitioners, State and Federal Government, property andfinancial services practitioners and homeowners.Government and industry associations have the opportunity to work together to develop a goal for thehousing industry in Australia, by setting targets, such as Net-Zero Energy Homes by 2030. Unlike theUSGBC, the Green Building Council of Australia is not currently supporting detached single dwellingresidential housing and has stated that the residential sector is being acted on by government andindustry groups. State and Federal Governments also have a role to play in supporting the followingopportunities:• Challenge our builders and tradespeople to increase the quality of our homes while increasing thehome’s energy efficiency and reducing our carbon emissions across Australia (US DOE) throughthe development of an industry standard, measurement and benchmarking system similar to theNAHB Research Center National Green Building Standard and EVHA program in partnership withthe US DOE.• Develop and use post-construction performance testing inspections and labelling systems tosupport targets and comparatively measure and benchmark building performance in the longerterm at the national and, potentially, the international level. This opportunity aligns with mandatorydisclosure and will create an opportunity for industry associations to award builders based onapplication of construction performance standards for increased energy and resource efficiency.This will support a government system to effectively measure, monitor and communicate reductionsin carbon emissions. (See US DOE Builder’s Challenge).• Support Continuing Professional Development. Our licensing agencies, such as the buildingcommission or the Building Practitioners Board (BPB) can liaise with industry associations tosupport the development, delivery an ongoing professional development of our practitioners.Currently, there is little incentive for ongoing training across industry subjects in this area unless youare on the cutting edge. It is becoming more mainstream and an awards program that recognisesthe leading industry practitioners in this sector could support more industry integration of thesepractices. Our current industry led short course is only an abbreviated version of the depth requiredby industry professionals to support the demand for knowledge and skills required to develop highperformance housing.• Work with the US EPA to support development of an Australian version of the Indoor airPLUSProfessional program and resources to support the associated building professionals and tradespeople to participate in on-site mentoring program as professional development training. 123 Thebuilding science basics training reviewed and recommended in this report would also offer a basicfundamental introduction to thermal enclosures and associated issues related to indoor air quality.Therefore, basic building science training could also support indoor air quality training for new jobentrants in associated apprenticeship programs or onsite, alongside their mentor on the job. Thisopportunity would ideally ensure both the existing workforce and new entrants understand tightbuilding structures, thermal performance for energy efficiency and the related indoor air qualityissues. An associated recommendation is then to also support an indoor air quality certificationprogram in line with energy efficiency programs for new homes similar to those in the USA, ensuringour energy efficient homes are being built without additional adverse effects on the occupants.Recommendation for existing homes and energy upgrades: Work with the US EPA to develop anAustralian version of their publication to increase the energy efficiency of existing homes while ensuringthe indoor air quality is not compromised.This resource needs to be utilised during OHS training for anyone working on home energy upgradesor renovations, especially when sealing a home or installing insulation. There is an associated risk tothe occupants’ health when homes are sealed and ventilation is not considered or actions are nottaken to ensure air exchange can effectively occur to minimise the build-up of toxins within the home.See US EPA Healthy Indoor Environment Protocols for Home Energy Upgrades. 126Recommendation: Local GovernmentTarget Audience: Local Government planning departments and business development.Local Government councils can offer builders planning processing incentives to increase the efficiencyof homes by streamlining the application process and moving those planning applications to the frontof the queue.As part of sustainable community development and business clusters, local councils also have anopportunity to develop Sustainable Business Clusters (for more information, including examples ofSustainable Business Clusters, please see section the Thinking Big: A New Community DevelopmentHeading in The International Experience Chapter of this report.). Local councils across Australia havean opportunity to work directly with businesses and industry to develop local business networks, orclusters, to attract people living in the local area to jobs, especially young people. Alternatively, councilscould work toward attracting businesses to the area based on the qualifications and experience of theresidents to support the development of a wider variety of job types within closer proximity to existingand developing communities. The outcomes would include reduced carbon emissions, reduced strainon the public transport systems and road congestion, as well as potential to increase communityinvolvement, leisure activities and overall happiness in our communities.Work needs to be undertaken across councils to support the growing Australian population, urbansprawl and increasing housing density, as a strategic planning approach. Planners need to work witha variety of stakeholders to support both the way the houses are developed and how communitiesare developed or re-developed as mixed-use areas to increase efficiency and reduce emissions,becoming more sustainable in the long term. Australia needs more opportunities for residents to workcloser to home.Research Recommendation: Support national research laboratories to develop practical and appliedpractices and new technologyTarget Audience: researchers, building practitioners, government, educators, and homeowners.This research would be dedicated to transitioning our building sector to a low-carbon economyfocused on:• Collaborative research across building practitioners such as engineering, design, builders,tradespeople, surveyors, and energy/resource efficiency experts to develop new opportunities thatare cost neutral or have a positive return on investment.• Building science and energy innovation and applied research with homeowners (DOE Research8081

RecommendationsLaboratories and industry links for practical application, SMUD application and feedback ofconsumers with new technologies).• Potential impacts and opportunities of zero energy homes and communities to develop incentivesfor future planning policy similar to the SOMO and Canal Park developments. Currently, SV issupporting Sustainable Precincts and Zero Emission Neighbourhoods in Victoria.• New technology application and best practice techniques in collaboration with manufacturers,suppliers and building practitioners.• Feedback loops between researchers, government and industry practitioners to remove barriers,such as building codes, develop new research strategies or opportunities and initiate new practicalmodels for testing in a laboratory setting to inform new cost efficient opportunities.Community RecommendationRaise awareness through local councils of the training opportunities to support reduced energydemand, increased energy efficiency through opportunities to renovate existing homes and links toincreased home sales or lending opportunities in the area.Develop and promote the use of technology display centres to inform industry practitioners, communitymembers, and the property services sectors for consistency across the supply chain.ISS Institute – Further ResearchRecommendation: Green Building Consultants or a National Sustainable Building Advisors ProgramThe Green Building Programs article, in the Fine Homebuilding magazine, states that, “green buildingconsultants are typically brought in on the front end of the project to help with everything from siteplanning to the design of the mechanical systems to scheduling. While hiring consultants is notmandatory, it saves tremendous amounts of time and limits surprises when it comes to verification”.Teague, the author of the article, elaborates further by stating “the end result is a project that is moreorganised and successful. Not only do you start with a road map of the workflow for the entire project,but you also obtain an engineered plan ensuring that the home will function as a system”.An opportunity may start to be realised for the development of green building consultants or a projectmanager role within the building process similar to the SSU Green Building Program or the PG&ENational Green Building Advisor Program. This role would be required before the concept designstage and continue through to the occupant hand over. This roll would support a link between thehomeowner, designer, builder, engineer, tradespeople, local council, developers, etc., enabling asmooth and cost-effective process ensuring all options and opportunities are weighed and planned atthe onset of the project to ensure the most cost-effective and sustainable solutions are chosen basedon the priorities of the developer and/or homeowner.RecommendationsSome of the training examples included:• Post-Construction Energy Ratings• Blower door testing• Duct leakage testing• Inspections during construction• Metrics and benchmarking for comparison and continuous improvement.Recommendation: Financial LendingIn an effort to see increased market changes more research and improvement needs to take placein the lending sector for home mortgages. The USA has two examples of mortgages linked to homeimprovements for energy efficiency or increasing the buying power of home buyers through changes tothe appraisal process. The Australian market has not yet fully valued this opportunity, in part becausethere are no mechanisms in place for as-built performance measurements or metrics to measure onehome against another to determine market value of efficiency gains.Below is a list of USA websites offering insight on this opportunity from the lenders perspective, althoughto fully realise the potential we must recognise that there is a need for metrics and benchmarking ofhomes based on as built performance of energy and resource efficiency to enable us to compare. Thetwo types of mortgages are:1. Energy Improvement Mortgage2. Energy Efficient MortgageList of USA websites:• Federal Housing Authority’s Energy Efficient Mortgage (EEM) 127• Energy Efficient Mortgages Factsheet 128• RESNET Home Energy Ratings: A Primer, How the Mortgage Industry Works 129• RESNET Home Energy Mortgage Information. 130Similar to the other training recommended, this role would be supported by continuing professionaldevelopment annually similar to the AIA (San Francisco Chapter) Continuing Education, USGBCEducation Provider Program, and the PG&E – Pacific Energy Center advisor training.Recommendation: Post-construction or as-built home energy performance assessors/verifiersIndividual houses have an opportunity for an as-built energy assessment to be conducted as a bestpractice opportunity, increasing the demand for accredited training, energy measurements andbenchmarking. If a national green building standard and rating system including metrics is developedand implemented, this need will increase for assessors in the market.8283

ReferencesEndnotes1 Sustainable Policies for a Dynamic Future, Carolynne Bourne AM, ISS Institute 2007.Note: This is a reference to a manual report held on file by ISS Institute.2Ibid.3 Directory of Opportunities. Specialised Courses with Italy. Part 1: Veneto Region, ISS Institute, 1991.Note: This is a reference to a manual report held on file by ISS Institute.4 “The United Nations Non Government Organisation (NGO) has worked for many years to createa global buy-in on sustainability. Starting with the definition developed in 1987 this organisation isnow working on many fronts to ensure that sustainability is understood and adopted by all sectorsof Government, Industry, Education and the Community”.The following web site link will enable connection to the activities of this UN NGO that are relevantto this report. 5Building Science Corporation, Info-201: Common Advanced Framing Details, viewed May 2009,.6Energy and Technical Resource Center, PG&E, CA USA 2009.7Building Science, Wikipedia 2011, .8Wilson, Justin, EEBA, Houses That Work training, Sacramento, CA, USA December 2009.9NAHB Research Center, The Potential Impact of Zero Energy Homes, Feb 2006, USA.10The Minne PHit House, Passivhaus vs. Passive Solar, .11Skills Australia’s Australian Workforce Futures: A National Workforce Development Strategy 2010,pp. 1-2. 12Middle Tennessee State University website, .13Swinburne University of Technology website, .14International Young Professionals Foundation website, .15Pi Gamma Mu International Honor Society website, .16SustainUS Young Professionals website, .17TakingITGlobal website, .18World Commission on Environment and Development 1987, Our Common Future, Oxford UniversityPress, Oxford, United Kingdom.19COAG, Green Skills Agreement, 2009, p. 2, .20ClimateWorks Australia 2010, Low Carbon Growth Plan for Australia 2010 and Low Carbon GrowthPlan for Australia 2011 update, ClimateWorks Australia website, viewed 2 May 2012, .8485

ReferencesReferences21Allen Consulting Group 2009, Victoria’s Greenhouse Opportunity Set: New Growth Prospectsin a Carbon Constrained World, 2009, .22International Organisation of Employers website, viewed 2 May 2012, .23Australian Government, Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency, Green Home Loansand Green Start .24Engineering Sustainable Solutions Program, Technical Design Portfolio: Whole System Design Suite:Elements of Applying a Whole Systems Design Approach (1-10) .25Melvin, Jeff, Building Science Corp Newsletter, May 2008 Oct. 2011.26Griffin, Ann, Earth Advantage Blog, August 30, 2010, .27Commonwealth of Australia 2008, Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts,National Framework for Energy Efficiency, Energy Efficiency Rating and House Price in the ACT,.28Joseph Lstiburek, The Mold Explosion, Why Now?, Building Science Corporation, .29Ibid.30SOMO Living®, One planet. One place., January 2010, .31SOMO, SOMO Homes, May 2010 .32SOMO, Our Vision, February 2011.33Sonoma Mountain Business Cluster website, viewed 10 May 2012, .34Sanoma Mountain Business Cluster, About Us & Our Mission, June 2010 .35Barangaroo Development Authority website, viewed June 2012, 36One Planet Communities website, viewed June 2012, .37Barangaroo, Key Facts, .38Canal Park Development Association website, viewed June 2012, .39Washington’s Canal Park project information, Canal Park Development Association website, viewedJune 2012, .40Washington Canal Park, The Neighborhood, viewed April 2010, .41Building Science Corporation website, .42Passiv Haus Institute website, .43Building Green website, .44Green Building Institute 2012, Green Building Institute website, viewed June 2012, .45Building Performance Institute website, .46YouTube, U.S. Dept. of Energy Builders Challenge - Glenbrook U video, .47YouTube, EnergySmart Home Scale (E-Scale) video, .48US DOE’s Building America Program, .49US DOE, US Department of Energy Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, .50US DOE 2012, US DOE website, .51US DOE 2012, US DOE website, Building Technologies Program page, .52Refer to section on NAHB Research Center: Energy Efficiency, Building America U.S. Departmentof Energy: Research Toward Zero Energy Homes, The Potential Impact of Zero Energy Homes,.53US DOE 2012, US DOE website, About the DOE Challenge Home page, .54US DOE 2012, US DOE website, Homes page, .55US DOE, About Builders Challenge, August 2010 .56US DOE, Building Technologies Program, Builders Challenge, .57US DOE, Building America – Resources for Energy Efficient Homes, Building ScienceEducation, February 2011, .58RESNET 2012, RESNET website, viewed May 2012, .59RESNET, HERS Index - What is a Home Energy Rating?, viewed June 2010 .60US DOE, Dual Certification with the National Green Building Standard, Builders Challenge TechnicalBulletin, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Mar 2010, .61US DOE 2010, US DOE website, viewed May 2012, .87

ReferencesReferences62US DOE 2010, US DOE website, viewed May 2012, .63Workforce guidelines for Home Energy Updates .64Green Home Building Rating Systems - A Sample Comparison .65NAHB Research Center, 2006, NAHB Research Center, The Potential Impact of Zero EnergyHomes, .66US DOE and the NAHB Research Center, The Potential Impact of Zero Energy Homes, NationalResearch Energy Laboratory, February 2006, Ibid67NAHB Research Center, Annual Verifier Accreditation Renewal, .68NAHB, How do I become a Certified Green Professional (CGP)?, March 2011, .69National Green Building Program website, 2011, Green Scoring Tool page, .70National Green Building Program website, 2011, Certification Types & Fees page, .71NAHB, National Green Building Standard, Find a Verifier, NAHBGreen: Educating BuildersAdvocating Green, .72US DOE 2009, Builders Challenge Technical Bulletin, .73NAHB 2012, NAHB website, EnergyValue Housing Award page, .74The EEBA 2012 website, .75The EEBA 2012 website, .76Building science.com 2012, Building science.com website, Building Science Insights page, .77Green Builders of Marin website, .78SSU Green Building Program 2012, Sonoma State University website, .79AIA 2030 Initiative, AIA Seattle 2012, AIA Seattle website, .80AIA 50 to 50 Strategy, AIA 2012, AIA website, .81AIA Cincinnati 2010, Comparison of United States Green Building Council’s LEED for Homes FirstEdition 2008 and National Association of Home Builders’ National Green Building Standard, viewedMay 2012, .82Ibid8883AIA Continuing Education 2008, Guidelines For Approving AIA/CES Sustainable Design Coursesdocument, viewed June 2012, .84Top 10 Designs, AIA 2012, AIA website, viewed June 2012, .85AIA 2012, AIA website, 50to50 Wiki page, viewed .86USGBC 2007, LEED for Homes Private Pilot document, viewed June 2012, .87Powered by Recurve 2012, Powered by Recurve website, viewed June 2012, .88USGBC 2012, US Green Building Council website, LEED for Homes page, viewed June 2012,.89USGBC Sample Manual and Project Team Instructions – updated 08/10/2010, .90USGBC, LEED® for Homes FAQ for Builders/Developers, June 2010 .91USGBC 2012, LEED® for Homes FAQ for Builders/Developers document, viewed June 2012,.92USGBC 2008, LEED® for Homes Rating System document, viewed June 2012, .93US EPA nd., Indoor airPLUS Construction Specifications document, .94US EPA, Indoor Air Quality in Homes, November 2010, .95US EPA n.d., Healthy Indoor Environment Protocols for Home Energy Upgrades document, or .96USDOE Workforce Guidelines for Home Energy Upgrades or .97US EPA 2009, EPA Green Building Publications listing, viewed June 2012, .98PG&E n.d., Classes By Specialty Quick Reference guide, viewed June 2012, .99Sustainable Building Advisor Program 2012, Sustainable Building Advisor Program website, viewedJune 2012, .100PG&E 2012, PG&E website, PG&E Energy Efficiency Classes page, viewed June 2012, .101SMUD E-house and Solar Display 102SMUD n.d., SMUD Customer Advanced Technologies Frequently Asked Questions document,viewed June 2012, .89

ReferencesReferences103 SMUD’s CAT .104SMUD Training .105International Living Future Institute, Living Building Challenge, .106EnergyValue Housing Awards 2012, EnergyValue Housing Awards website, viewed June 2012,http://www.nahbrc.com/evha/>107Alan Pears, Senior Lecturer, Global Studies, Social Science & Planning at RMIT University andDirector of Sustainable Solutions108Ibid.109Ibid.110Ibid.111Lstiburek, Joseph, Builder’s Guide to Hot-Dry & Mixed –Dry Climates, Building Science Press,2004, Introduction112Lstiburek, Joseph, Builder’s Guide to Hot-Dry & Mixed –Dry Climates, Building Science Press,2004,p. 295113Building Science Corporation 2012, Guides and Manuals page, BSC Quality Control Checklist andResource Appendix, viewed June 2012, .114Building Science Corporation 2012, Guides and Manuals page, Quality Assurance Roadmapfor High Performance Residential Buildings, viewed June 2012, .115Building science.com 2012, Guides and Manuals page, .116Yudelson, Jerry, Green Building Through Integrated Design, 2009 McGraw-Hill Companies Inc.117Yudelson, Jerry, Green Building Through Integrated Design, 2009 McGraw-Hill Companies Inc., p 12118Yudelson, Jerry, Green Building Through Integrated Design, 2009 McGraw-Hill Companies Inc., p 3119The EnergyValue Housing Award 2012, The EnergyValue Housing Award website, Top Storiespage, viewed June 2012, .120US EPA and US DOE, Features & Benefits of ENERGY STAR Qualified New Homes, Third-PartyVerification , August 2011121US Green Building Council 2011, US Green Building Council website, LEED Green Associate page,viewed June 2012, .122US Green Building Council 2011, US Green Building Council website, Prescriptive Path forLEED APs Without Specialty page, viewed June 2012, .123Ibid.124Coffey, Shauna, Sustainable residential development - preserving the project return, Your BuildingProspering from Sustainable Returns, 25 Aug 2010, .125US EPA 2012, US EPA website, Indoor airPLUS Building Professionals page, viewed June 2012,.126.127Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency 2012, Database of State Incentivesfor Renewables & Efficiency 2012 website, Federal Incentives/Policies for Renewables &Efficiency page, viewed June 2012, .128FHA’s Energy Efficient Mortgage (EEM) Fact Sheet, viewed June 2012, .129RESNET 2012, RESNET website, Home Energy Ratings: A Primer page, viewed June 2012, .130RESNET 2012, RESNET website, Mortgage Information page, viewed June 2012, .Additional Resources• US EPA Resources for Commercial Builders and Building Managers to further understand andsupport effective energy efficiency and indoor air quality Resources in this sector.• Building Science Corporation • buildingscience.com • Building Science Digests• Building Science Insights• Designs That Work• Enclosures That Work• Guides And Manuals• Information Sheets• Published Articles• Research Reports• National Institute of Building Sciences, Whole Building Design Guide including details of integrateddesign and project teams• Build It Green• Builder’s Guide and Green Point Checklist for new homes• Website guides and checklists, e.g. Built It Green , Green Home Guide 9091

ReferencesAttachments• Housing and Urban Development has created a database of resources • The Green Building Educator’s Toolkit, , isan annotated bibliography for two- and four-year university programs in Residential ConstructionManagement. It represents an assessment of—and response to—these types of institutions’ needsfor instructional materials on sustainability and green building. It is not intended to be an exhaustivetreatment of all green building resources but rather a broad sampling. The Toolkit contains thefollowing types of items:The attached documents offer further insights into the programs and opportunities described in thisreport.- Annotated bibliography of resources- Instructional aides- Course syllabi- Approaches to green curriculum- The assessment of institutional needs was made by conducting four focus groups comprising17 participants from 14 schools. The primary prompt was, “What do you most need in a Green-Curriculum Toolkit?” The response was to develop this Toolkit.- The most relevant section for the purposes of this report is located in the Toolkit’s Appendix A:Green Building for Building Professionals, Appendix B: Jefferson State Community College GreenCurriculum Development, and Appendix C: Purdue University Green Curriculum Development,specifically the Appendix A Outline.9293

AttachmentsAttachmentsAttachment 1Builder’s Challenge Dual Certification OverviewOverview of Required NGBS Provisions to Meet the Builders ChallengeBuilders Challenge Requirement(only mandatory provisions listed)NGBSPractice(s)Energy performance requirement 702.2 Must obtain at least 60 points, exceeding 2006 International EnergyConservation Code by 30% or more.Third-party verification 704.6.1 NGBS awards 5 points.BCQC Requirement 1: Project Documentation 701.3602.12BCQC Requirement 2: Building Envelope Moisture Management 602.3.1 Mandatory in NGBS.602.3.2 NGBS awards 4 points.BCQC Requirement 23: Moisture Management Field Verification 602.6 Mandatory in NGBS.602.9 Mandatory in NGBS.602.12 NGBS awards 6 points.903.2.1 Mandatory in NGBS.903.2.2 NGBS awards 3 points.BCQC Requirement 5: Space Conditioning Design 701.4.1.1 Mandatory in NGBS.701.4.1.2 Mandatory in NGBS.704.5.1 NGBS awards 1 point.704.5.2 NGBS awards 1 point.BCQC Requirement 10: ENERGY STAR ® Windows 701.4.4.1 BCQC require that windows be labeled ENERGY STAR.BCQC Requirement 11: Whole-Building Mechanical Ventilation I 902.2.1 NGBS awards 8 to 17 points, depending on system type.BCQC Requirement 12: Kitchen Ventilation 902.1.1(3) NGBS awards 8 points.BCQC Requirement 13: Bathroom Ventilation 902.1.1(1) Mandatory in NGBS.BCQC Requirement 14: Clothes Dryer Venting 902.1.1(2) Mandatory in NGBS.BCQC Requirement 15: Duct Leakage 704.6.2.2 NGBS awards up to 15 points.BCQC Requirement 16: Air Barrier and Insulation Integrity 701.4.3.1 Mandatory in NGBS.701.4.3.2 Mandatory in NGBS as applicable.701.4.3.4 Mandatory in NGBS.703.2.1 Third-party verification required.902.6 NGBS awards up to 8 points.BCQC Requirement 17: Filtration 902.2.3 NGBS awards 3 points.BCQC Requirement 18: Combustion Safety 901.1.1 NGBS awards up to 10 points.901.1.3BCQC Requirement 19: Carbon Monoxide 901.12 NGBS awards 3 points.BCQC Requirement 22: Air Handler Location 901.1.2 NGBS awards 5 points.NotesFor more information, go to www.buildingamerica.gov/challengeor www.nahbgreen.orgEERE Information Center1-877-EERE-INF (1-877-337-3463www.eere.energy.govBUILDING TECHNOLOGIES PROGRAM | May 2009www.buildingamerica.gov/challenge9495

AttachmentsAttachmentsAttachment 2NGBS Scoring for New Construction OverviewNGBS Scoring for New ConstructionICC 700-2008 National Green Building Standard© 2010 NAHB Research Center, Inc. All rights reserved. This document is protected by U.S. copyright law.Chapter Required Points Claimed PointsAdditional Claimed PointsAbove BronzePoint Shortfall Mandatory StatusChapter 5: Lot Design, Preparation, & Development 39 0 (39) N/AChapter 6: Resource Efficiency 45 0 (45) Not MetChapter 7: Energy Efficiency 30 0 (30) Not MetChapter 8: Water Efficiency 14 0 (14) N/AChapter 9: Indoor Environmental Quality 36 0 (36) Not MetChapter 10: Operation, Maintenance, & Building Owner Education 8 0 (8) Not MetSection Totals 172 0 0 (172)Additional Points Above Bronze 50 0 (50)Total Points 222 0 (222)To achieve Bronze:* Reach required Bronze score for each chapter* Reach required Additional Points for this project* Meet all mandatory items* For Chapter 7: Energy Efficiency:~ Claim at least 30 points from Section 702 (Performance Path) orSection 703 (Prescriptive Path) and select a minimum of 2 items fromSection 704, OR~ Choose the Alternative Bronze Compliance PathChapter Required Points Claimed PointsAdditional Claimed PointsAbove SilverPoint Shortfall Mandatory StatusChapter 5: Lot Design, Preparation, & Development 66 0 (66) N/AChapter 6: Resource Efficiency 79 0 (79) Not MetChapter 7: Energy Efficiency 60 0 (60) Not MetChapter 8: Water Efficiency 26 0 (26) N/AChapter 9: Indoor Environmental Quality 65 0 (65) Not MetChapter 10: Operation, Maintenance, & Building Owner Education 10 0 (10) Not MetSection Totals 306 0 0 (306)Additional Points Above Silver 100 0 (100)Total Points 406 0 (406)To achieve Silver:* Reach required Silver score for each chapter* Reach required Additional Points for this project* Meet all mandatory items* For Chapter 7: Energy Efficiency:~ Claim at least 30 points from Section 702 (Performance Path) orSection 703 (Prescriptive Path)~ Select a minimum of 2 items from Section 704Revised December 23, 2010This requirement has not been met yet.This requirement has not been met yet.This requirement has not been met yet.You have not met any energy path minimum points requirements yet.You have not met the minimum 2 required items from Section 704.This requirement has not been met yet.This requirement has not been met yet.This requirement has not been met yet.You have not met any energy path minimum points requirements yet.You have not met the minimum 2 required items from Section 704.This project has not met all the requirements forBronze, Silver, Gold, or Emerald.NGBS Scoring for New ConstructionICC 700-2008 National Green Building StandardThis project has not met all the requirements forBronze, Silver, Gold, or Emerald.Revised December 23, 2010© 2010 NAHB Research Center, Inc. All rights reserved. This document is protected by U.S. copyright law. Chapter Required Points Claimed PointsAdditional Claimed PointsAbove GoldPoint Shortfall Mandatory StatusChapter 5: Lot Design, Preparation, & Development 93 0 (93) N/AChapter 6: Resource Efficiency 113 0 (113) Not MetChapter 7: Energy Efficiency 100 0 (100) Not MetChapter 8: Water Efficiency 41 0 (41) N/AChapter 9: Indoor Environmental Quality 100 0 (100) Not MetChapter 10: Operation, Maintenance, & Building Owner Education 11 0 (11) Not MetSection Totals 458 0 0 (458)Additional Points Above Gold 100 0 (100)Total Points 558 0 (558)To achieve Gold:* Reach required Gold score for each chapter* Reach required Additional Points for this project* Meet all mandatory items* Meet the requirements of 801.6 & 802.2: High Efficiency or WaterlessToilets* For Chapter 7: Energy Efficiency:~ Claim at least 30 points from Section 702 (Performance Path) orSection 703 (Prescriptive Path)~ Select a minimum of 2 items from Section 704Chapter Required Points Claimed PointsAdditional Claimed PointsAbove EmeraldPoint Shortfall Mandatory StatusChapter 5: Lot Design, Preparation, & Development 119 0 (119) N/AChapter 6: Resource Efficiency 146 0 (146) Not MetChapter 7: Energy Efficiency 120 0 (120) Not MetChapter 8: Water Efficiency 60 0 (60) N/AChapter 9: Indoor Environmental Quality 140 0 (140) Not MetChapter 10: Operation, Maintenance, & Building Owner Education 12 0 (12) Not MetSection Totals 597 0 0 (597)Additional Points Above Emerald 100 0 (100)Total Points 697 0 (697)To achieve Emerald:* Reach required Emerald score for each chapter* Reach required Additional Points for this project* Meet all mandatory items* Meet the requirements of 801.6 & 802.2: High Efficiency or WaterlessToilets* For Chapter 7: Energy Efficiency:~ Claim at least 30 points from Section 702 (Performance Path)~ Select a minimum of 2 items from Section 704This requirement has not been met yet.This requirement has not been met yet.This requirement has not been met yet.This requirement has not been met yet.You have not met any energy path minimum points requirements yet.You have not met the minimum 2 required items from Section 704.This requirement has not been met yet.This requirement has not been met yet.This requirement has not been met yet.This requirement has not been met yet.You have not met this energy path requirement yet.You have not met the minimum 2 required items from Section 704.Additional PointsAccording to Section 601.1, a dwelling >4,000 s.f. will require an increasein the Additional Points needed to reach a particular level (1 point perevery 100 s.f. over 4,000).Energy Path chosen =Energy Efficiency PathSection 801.6 & 802.2: High Efficiency orWaterless ToiletsConditions for these items must be met to attainthe Gold or Emerald Level for this project.For this project:Square footage needed to accurately calculate Additional Points. See theStart Here! worksheet.For this project:An Energy Efficiency Path has not been chosen yet. See Chapter 7.For this project:Your project does not meet this requirement, andis eligible for Bronze or Silver only.50 Additional Points needed for Bronze.100 Additional Points needed for Silver, Gold, or Emerald.NGBS Scoring for New ConstructionNational Green Building Certification©2010 NAHB Research Center, Inc.All rights reserved. This document is protected by U.S. copyright law.Scoring Analysis - Page 1NGBS Scoring for New ConstructionNational Green Building Certification©2010 NAHB Research Center, Inc.All rights reserved. This document is protected by U.S. copyright law.Scoring Analysis - Page 29697

AttachmentsAttachmentsAttachment 3Winners from the 2009 NAHB EVHA - Example 1 Community College (Similar to VET)9899

AttachmentsAttachmentsWinners from the 2009 NAHB EVHA - Example 2100101

AttachmentsAttachmentsExample 3102103

AttachmentsAttachmentsAttachment 4Environmental Technology Center at Sonoma State University OverviewEnvironmental Technology Center at Sonoma State Universityecologically designed model building. Sonoma State University, in collaboration with thebuilding's architects, has compiled user-friendly Internet resources that allow peoplefrom all over the world to learn about thesustainable design features in ETC.OverviewLocation: Rohnert Park, CABuilding type(s): Laboratory, Higher educationNew construction2,200 ft2 (204 m2)Project scope: a single buildingUrban settingCompleted July 2001Rating: Zero Energy BuildingThe Environmental Technology Center (ETC) is an interactive and integrative 2,200-ft2facility where faculty, students, and community members can work together in researchtraining, academic study, and collaborative environmental projects. ETC is "a buildingthat teaches." With the help of the National Science Foundation, California EnergyCommission, and numerous other public and private funders, Sonoma State Universityused a collaborative design process to create this example of sustainable design.Zero Energy BuildingThe Environmental Technology Center was designed to use 80% less energy thanbuildings built to minimal compliance with California's Title 24 requirements. ETCachieved this through the use of energy-efficient techniques such as a tight buildingenvelope, thermal mass, shading, and other features. ETC includes a 3-kW rooftopphotovoltaic (PV) system that is tied to the grid and is a net energy exporter. So, thisbuilding qualifies as a net zero energy building (ZEB) in the following areas:The Environmental Technology Center's purposes are to: 1) Demonstrate sustainablebuilding design principles and environmentally responsible living, 2) educate designprofessionals, builders, facility managers, teachers, students and members of thecommunity about sustainability, and 3) serve as a university classroom and communityconference facility.Owner & Occupancy• Owned by Sonoma State University, State government• Typically occupied by 5 people, 40 hours per person per week; and 20 visitors perweek, 2 hours per visitor per weekThe occupancy of this building will vary from a minimum of the site supervisor and threeto six students doing research eight hours a day, to tours of twenty exploring thebuilding for two hours, to special monthly events with more than a hundred people.Building ProgramsIndoor Spaces: Office, Classroom, Lobby/receptionOutdoor Spaces: Garden—decorative, Drives/roadway, Wildlife habitatKeywordsIntegrated team, Stormwater management, Efficient irrigation, Drought-tolerantlandscaping, Massing and orientation, Insulation levels, Passive solar, Lighting controland daylight harvesting, On-site renewable electricity, Connection to outdoors,Daylighting, Natural ventilation, Ventilation effectiveness, Thermal comfort, Low-emittingmaterials• Site ZEB: Building produces at least as much energy as it uses in a year, whenaccounted for at the site. ETC produces all of its needed electricity through a PVsystem that is within the building’s footprint. Any natural gas used for domestichot water and radiant heat is also offset at the site by PV generation.• Source ZEB: Building produces at least as much energy as it uses in a year, whenaccounted for at the source. ETC is considered a source ZEB because the energygenerated on-site through PV is greater than the energy used when accounted forat the source. .• Emissions ZEB: Building produces at least as much emissions-free renewableenergy as it uses from emission-producing energy sources annually. ETC offsetsany emissions for which it is responsible through its PV system which produceselectricity with zero emissions.Environmental AspectsThe Environmental Technology Center is a model for many sustainable buildingtechniques and technologies. The building includes energy- and water-efficientlandscaping, "smart building" control technologies, environmentally sensitive buildingmaterials, passive-solar heating and cooling, advanced window systems and daylighting,solar electric technology, and electronic control systems.Designed to use only 20% of the energy allowed by state energy code for similarbuildings, ETC serves as a model of public sector fiscal and environmental responsibilityfor California's universities and colleges. ETC was first occupied in Spring 2001. Thebuilding occupants and visitors are not the only ones who may benefit from this104105