Similar to the legs of a three-legged stool, any effective approach to improved energy consumption involves a three-fold strategy: conservation, consumption, and alternative energy generation. All three energy efficiency approaches work interdependently, but energy efficiency starts with conserving energy through a well-designed and implemented building envelope. Then, introducing more efficient equipment and implementing alternative strategies can have an even greater impact. This module covers how to achieve an energy-efficient building envelope through various energy-saving conservation, consumption and alternative energy strategies. It explains performance benchmarks and the options for testing and achieving compliance with the ICC/ASHRAE 700-2015 National Green Building Standard™ (NGBS).

By completing this module, you will be able to:

• Explain the important components of the building envelope and related practices that are critical to achieving energy conservation in a structure.
• Identify the accepted criteria and methods for designing an HVAC system that is compliant with NGBS energy-efficiency practices.
• Describe the commonly available HVAC equipment choices and their relative energy consumption advantages.
• Describe the HVAC distribution system options, their design principles and components.
• Explain the potential energy conservation that is achievable through lighting, appliances and different types of water heaters.
• Describe three forms of alternative energy generation and how each works.
• Explain the standard benchmarks for measuring the energy efficiency of a building and how structures are tested against them.
• Identify the paths to compliance with NGBS that lead to the various threshold levels.
• List mandatory and several innovative energy efficiency practices acknowledged in NGBS.

This module is registered with AIA CES for continuing professional education and qualifies for 2 LU/HSW Hours.

Module ID: HPBBP06AB

NAHB Continuing Education: 2 hours toward CAPS, CGA, CGB, CGP, CGR, CMP, CSP,  GMB, GMR, Master CGP, Master CSP and MIRM.

NAHB Designations: CGA, CGB, CGP, GMR, Master CGP, Master CSP  

The National Association of Home Builders is a Registered Provider with The American Institute of Architects Continuing Education Systems.  Credit(s) earned on completion of this course will be reported to AIA CES for AIA members.  Certificates of Completion for both AIA members and non-AIA members are available upon request

Important Registration Details:

Please note: You have one year after purchase to complete the requirements of this module. If you experience any issues with Adobe Flash when accessing the on-demand course or module, please try the Mozilla Firefox Web browser.

This course is non-transferable.  Do not use another individual’s login information to register for this course.  You must login to nahb.org as yourself to receive your certificate of completion and credit for this course. If you are registering as a member, please use a PIN tied to your legal name. NAHB PINs are tied to a person, not a company. If you are not registered on nahb.org, Create Your Login now.

Refund Policy: No refunds are issued for on-demand courses upon purchase. 

Any questions or need more information? Please contact ElearningHelp@nahb.org.