This correction doesn’t fundamentally change anything about the credit; it just removed some confusing language. The compliance options remain the same. It may help to frame this as a thermal comfort monitoring credit, rather than a thermal comfort design/controls credit.
Yes, there are maximum limits for each type of strategy. You can earn up to four points for innovation, up to four points for pilot credits, and up to two points for exemplary performance. However, be aware that to earn all five points, you must earn at least one pilot credit and at least one innovation credit (and no more than two exemplary performance credits). This is confirmed by Rating System Correction ID# 100002169.
BuildingGreen interviewed designers from several leading sustainable design firms to learn what sustainable design literacy means, what it looks like, and how the best firms are supporting increased knowledge—and action. The research resulted in our feature article Sustainable Design Literacy: A Foundation for Transformed Practice.
Yes, all unfinished or untreated solid wood is considered inherently non-emitting and is fully compliant without any VOC emissions testing, as long as it does not include integral organic-based surface coatings, binders, or sealants. This was clarified in Reference Guide correction ID #100002195. This correction specifically opened up the definition to include all unfinished or untreated solid wood.
[bg-slideshow] Improving the thermal performance of an existing attic is often challenging: workers are faced with narrow cavities, low clearances, and cladding systems that make it hard to achieve desired R-values while still maintaining the necessary drying potential of the assembly. The house at 81 Chapin Street in Brattleboro, Vermont, is no exception. It’s a 100-year-old wood-framed two-story home that Candace Pearson and Alex Beck are determined to comprehensively retrofit to high performance.
This “unofficial” Reference Guide is designed to be a helpful how-to manual for navigating ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager and generating an accurate ENERGY STAR score.