(C2.3) - Commercial COMcheck and your existing Buildings
2022-09-14 13:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | ONLINE – WEBINAR
Make sure to use the GoToWebinar link to obtain video access, this is required and verified for CEU credit. VIDEO VIEWING IS REQUIRED!
CEU’s: 1 CSL (Topic – Energy), 1 AIA, 1 BPI, 1 Code Official
Commercial Webinar – C2.3 Commercial COMCHECK and your existing Buildings
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Commercial renovation projects dominate permit request applications across the Commonwealth and hold tremendous opportunity for energy savings via energy code compliance. In many cases, designers, builders, and code officials overlook elements with energy code implications. Designers can document commercial renovation projects using COMcheck in a similar manner to new construction projects and this will address how COMcheck is used to meet permit application requirements for renovation projects. The takeaways from this course will include how to determine what constitutes an addition, alteration, or repair, how the energy code applies to change-of-occupancy and change-of-use, and code exceptions for commercial alterations. This is followed by a demonstration of how to use COMcheck software to show compliance for additions, alterations, and repairs.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

R4.4 - The Massachusetts Stretch Energy Code for HERS Raters
2022-09-20 13:00 - 16:15, 2022-10-26 13:00 - 16:15
Make sure to use the GoToWebinar link to obtain video access, this is required and verified for CEU credit. VIDEO VIEWING IS REQUIRED!
CEU’s: 3 AIA, 3 BPI, 3 Code Official
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Massachusetts Stretch Energy Code incorporates a blend of energy rating requirements and International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) requirements, which often leads to confusion. This course covers the requirements of the Energy Rating Index (ERI) path, as amended by Massachusetts, and IECC “mandatory” requirements. This course, specifically designed for HERS Raters, reviews details of the ERI path, including rating standard options, renewable energy bonuses, and verification and documentation requirements. It will also discuss every IECC requirement that is mandatory under the ERI path, including envelope, mechanical system, service hot water, and whole-house mechanical ventilation. The Stretch Code requires a completed ENERGY STAR Thermal Enclosure System Checklist, and this course will provide a review of the items required on this checklist in comparison to the IECC Air Barrier and Insulation Installation Criteria, which are also required. The course will also describe duct leakage testing requirements, including IECC and RESNET 301 testing exemptions and related modeling issues. Finally, the course will briefly touch on the alternative ERI path (ENERGY STAR Homes and Passive House), EV-Ready requirements, and solar-ready requirements.

(C3.1) - Commercial Air Barriers- Three Options for Compliance
2022-09-21 13:00 - 14:00
Make sure to use the GoToWebinar link to obtain video access, this is required and verified for CEU credit. VIDEO VIEWING IS REQUIRED!
CEU’s: 1 CSL (Topic – Energy), 1 AIA, 1 BPI, 1 Code Official
Commercial Webinar – Commercial Air Barriers-3 options for Compliance
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course will cover Massachusetts 9th Edition energy code requirements for commercial building air barriers, including those in ASHRAE 90.1-2016 and the 2018 IECC. The course will clarify these requirements for better specification by designers and easier review by code enforcement officials. The course is organized around examples that show differences between systems-based, assembly-based, and testing-based compliance options. This introductory course will provide background for a subsequent and more advanced air barrier strategy module.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
1- Examine the basic requirements for commercial building air barriers in the Massachusetts 9th Edition and reference 2018 IECC and ASHRAE 90.1‐2016.​
2- Understand the benefits of the air barrier systems to the environment, building owner, and occupants​
3- Discuss performance test standards relating to air barrier systems, including the NFPA 285 fire test.​
​
4- Determine what complies as a performance-based air barrier system and how to enforce that requirement​

C7.1 - Building Systems Commissioning: Saving Money and Meeting Code
2022-09-22 13:00 - 14:00, 2022-10-20 13:00 - 14:00, 2022-11-17 13:00 - 14:00
Make sure to use the GoToWebinar link to obtain video access, this is required and verified for CEU credit. VIDEO VIEWING IS REQUIRED!
CEU’s: 1 CSL (Topic – Code), 1 AIA, 1 BPI, 1 Code Official
Commercial Webinar – Building Systems Commissioning: Saving Money and Meeting Code
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Building commissioning reduces energy bills, improves comfort, reduces CO2 and other emissions, and… it is the law. According to data from US Energy Information Administration (EIA), in 2018 commercial buildings accounted for over 18% of the energy consumed in the US, with over half that energy dedicated to heating, cooling, and lighting. While most building owners and builders understand the importance of high-efficacy lighting and efficient HVAC systems, the importance of building system commissioning is less widely appreciated. Studies have shown that the operating efficiency of commercial buildings improves by as much as 13% with commissioning.
This course will provide an overview of mechanical systems and lighting commissioning including the benefits to building owners and occupants, the general commissioning process, and a review of energy code requirements and associated documentation. The course will also identify the roles that building owners, builders, code officials, and commissioning agents play in the commissioning process and highlight relevant industry standards and certifications.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
Attendees will be able to…
1. Describe the code requirements for building systems commissioning.
2. Understand the different phases of the commissioning process.
3. Identify the roles of building owners, commissioning providers, builders, and building code officials.
4. Provide and review the required commissioning documentation.

R3.1 - Air Barrier and Insulation Installation
2022-09-28 13:00 - 14:00
Make sure to use the GoToWebinar link to obtain video access, this is required and verified for CEU credit. VIDEO VIEWING IS REQUIRED!
CEU’s: 1 CSL (Topic – Energy), 1 AIA 1 BPI 1 Building official
Description:
The installation of a continuous air and thermal barrier is perhaps the best and most cost-effective way to reduce energy waste and save money on utility bills; at the same time, important details are often missed. This course will be framed around the 2018 IECC Air Barrier and Insulation Installation criteria found in Table 402.4.1.1 with photos and graphics to illustrate noncompliant and compliant installation of critical details like attic penetrations, wall-to-ceiling transitions, rim joists, garage walls, knee walls, and tubs and showers on exterior walls. Installing and inspecting insulation to meet code and manufacturer requirements will also be discussed.

C4.3 - Designers, Builders, and Code Officials Working Together
2022-09-28 14:05 - 15:05
Make sure to use the GoToWebinar link to obtain video access, this is required and verified for CEU credit. VIDEO VIEWING IS REQUIRED!
CEU’s: 1 CSL (Topic – Energy), 1 AIA, 1 BPI, 1 Code Official
Com Designers, Builders, & Code Officials Working Together
The role of architects and designers versus builders and building owners regarding energy code compliant design and construction is not always clear. Architects and designers are responsible for providing compliant drawings but may not be tasked with handling third-party documentation or on-site supervision. Conflicts may arise when these roles are not clearly delineated in the scope of work. This module will cover various energy code documentation requirements and construction supervision duties and present various models and best practices for who is responsible for what. Code officials will also benefit from this session by gaining a more thorough understanding of documentation and verification processes.

(C3.2) - What makes a Commercial air barrier, it’s in the details
2022-10-06 13:00 - 14:00
Make sure to use the GoToWebinar link to obtain video access, this is required and verified for CEU credit. VIDEO VIEWING IS REQUIRED!
CEU’s: 1 CSL (Topic – Energy), 1 AIA, 1 BPI, 1 Code Official
Commercial Webinar – What makes a Commercial air barrier, it’s in the details
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Continuous air barriers are required by code and paramount to the energy efficiency of a building. There are numerous ways to provide a code-compliant air barrier system, including building wraps, sealed sheathing systems, and liquid- and spray-applied materials. This course will focus on the design and application of those systems, details important to the success of an air barrier system, and where designers and code officials can find additional support. The course will also provide tips on how to review construction details for air barrier continuity and how to inspect them in the field.
Learning Objectives:
1- Air Barrier Basics & Refresher​
2- Air Barriers and Building Science​
3- Key Requirements​
4- Design Considerations​
5- Installation Details ​

(C4.1) - Documentation for Energy Code Permit Applications
2022-10-18 13:00 - 14:00
Make sure to use the GoToWebinar link to obtain video access, this is required and verified for CEU credit. VIDEO VIEWING IS REQUIRED!
CEU’s: 1 CSL (Topic – Code), 1 AIA, 1 BPI, 1 Code Official
A significant barrier to energy code enforcement and verification in Massachusetts is the poor documentation of those code requirements on plans and permit application materials. This energy code documentation module will run through what code officials should ask for, and what designers or other permit applicants (GCs, builders) should submit, in terms of proper documentation for permit applications. Handouts include Commercial Permit Applicant Documents Checklists and Plan Review Documentation Checklists to work with along with the presenter. This session will walk through the checklist, COMcheck reports and the reasons behind their requirement by the code and their best usage in plan review and site inspection.

(C4.2) - Third-Party Documentation & Does LEED = Code?
2022-10-19 13:00 - 14:00
Make sure to use the GoToWebinar link to obtain video access, this is required and verified for CEU credit. VIDEO VIEWING IS REQUIRED!
CEU’s: 1 CSL (Topic – Energy), 1 AIA, 1 BPI, 1 Code Official
Third party providers can fulfill a variety of code compliance tests and measures with specialized expertise that may not be available or feasible for the design and construction teams. This presentation will discuss minimum third-party documentation for commercial code compliance, including commissioning reports, air barrier test reports, and building energy simulations for performance-path compliance. Noting that many construction and renovation projects may simultaneously pursue LEED or ENERGY STAR® certification, we will also compare these certifications’ energy performance standards with those required by the current Massachusetts energy code (780 CMR 9th edition) to explore the question of whether environmental building certifications are equivalent to code-compliant buildings. We will also provide guidance to assure that special inspections, tests, and certifications are documented for ease of compliance review and verification, and how construction professionals can assure that everyone is on the same page, and path, to compliance.

R3.2 Whole-House Mechanical Ventilation: Options for Code Compliance
2022-10-26 13:00 - 14:00
Make sure to use the GoToWebinar link to obtain video access, this is required and verified for CEU credit. VIDEO VIEWING IS REQUIRED!
CEU’s: 1 CSL (Topic – Code), 1AIA, I BPI, 1 Code Official
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Mechanical ventilation is as important to indoor air quality as it is for energy conservation. The second part of the course will cover 2018 IECC, IRC, and Massachusetts amendments relating to whole-house mechanical ventilation system requirements. This will include when whole-house ventilation is required, how to calculate the minimum design airflow rate, and how to verify installed airflow rates. The presenter will also provide an overview of different ventilation systems – exhaust only, supply-only and balanced ventilation (including ERVs/HRVs) – along with pros and cons of each type of system.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
Ventilation Types
Why Ventilate
Calculating Ventilation amount

(C5.1) - 2018 IECC Update
2022-10-26 14:05 - 15:05
Make sure to use the GoToWebinar link to obtain video access, this is required and verified for CEU credit. VIDEO VIEWING IS REQUIRED!
CEU’s: 1 CSL (Topic – Energy), 1 AIA, 1 BPI, 1 Code Official
Description:
The International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) is updated every three years to address technological innovations and keep driving the effective use of energy in buildings. Massachusetts legislation requires the Commonwealth to adopt the latest version of the IECC within a year of its publication. While the adoption has not always occurred on schedule, the Board of Building Regulations and Standards is actively reviewing the 2018 IECC with an eye to adopt in the first half of 2019. This webinar will provide a look ahead to the 2018 IECC by highlighting significant changes from the 2015 IECC, including new provisions relating to buried ducts, the building thermal envelope, mechanical ventilation, updated lighting requirements and changes to the energy rating index compliance alternative.
Learning Objectives:
1-Explain the Massachusetts commercial energy code adoption process
2-Discuss how the ICC develops the IECC
3-Identify the key changes between the commercial provisions of the 2015 IECC and the 2018 IECC
4-Discuss the Massachusetts amendments to the 2018 IECC

(C4.3) - Designers, Builders, and Code Officials Working Together
2022-11-03 13:00 - 14:00

MA R3.3 Residential Ventilation Done Right. How and Why.
2022-11-16 13:00 - 14:00
Make sure to use the GoToWebinar link to obtain video access, this is required and verified for CEU credit. VIDEO VIEWING IS REQUIRED!
CEUs: 1 AIA, 1 BPI, 1 CSL (Topic – Code), 1 Building Official
Residential Webinar – Residential Ventilation Done Right. How and Why.
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Part 1 and 2 Mechanical ventilation is as important to indoor air quality as it is for energy conservation. The second part of the course will cover 2018 IECC, IRC, and Massachusetts amendments relating to whole-house mechanical ventilation system requirements. This will include when whole-house ventilation is required, how to calculate the minimum design airflow rate, and how to verify installed airflow rates. The presenter will also provide an overview of different ventilation systems – exhaust only, supply-only and balanced ventilation (including ERVs/HRVs) – along with pros and cons of each type of system.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
-Ventilation Types
-Why Ventilate
-Calculating Ventilation amount

MA- C1.1 Shining a Light On Commercial Building Solar Ready Requirements
2022-11-16 14:05 - 15:05
Make sure to use the GoToWebinar link to obtain video access, this is required and verified for CEU credit. VIDEO VIEWING IS REQUIRED!
CEU’s: 1 CSL (Topic – Energy), 1 AIA, 1 BPI, 1 Code Official
COURSE DESCRIPTION 1.1
A new requirement in the MA 780 CMR 9th Edition, Chapter 13 code amendments require all commercial new construction subject to that code to be designed and constructed to be “Solar-Ready”. This requirement is to ensure that future building infrastructure can take advantage of a market that is expected to become more conducive to renewable energy. This 1-hour presentation further expands on the requirements with guidance for code officials as to what they should expect to look for in plan reviews and site inspections. Draft checklists for those criteria will also be unveiled and reviewed for additional comments and enhancement, for use by code officials and other construction stakeholders.

R4.1 - Stretch Code Overview and Compliance Options
2022-12-14 13:00 - 14:00
Make sure to use the GoToWebinar link to obtain video access, this is required and verified for CEU credit. VIDEO VIEWING IS REQUIRED!
CEU’s: 1 CSL (Topic – Code), 1 AIA, 1 BPI, 1 Code Official
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course discusses energy code provisions specific to the Massachusetts stretch code, including the three available compliance paths – RESNET HERS, Passive House and ENERGY STAR. The presenter will also discuss how renewable energy tradeoffs for technologies such as solar PV, solar thermal systems, clean biomass stoves, or renewable primary heating systems. Available software programs and required documentation for each of these compliance paths will be examined.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
Learning Objective 1:
Identifies the Massachusetts residential stretch energy code document and software requirements
Learning Objective 2:
Discusses and identifies the requirements in order to meet the RESNET HERS energy code compliance path
Learning Objective 3:
Discusses and identifies the requirements in order to meet the Energy Star energy code compliance path
Learning Objective 4:
Discusses and identifies the requirements in order to meet the Passive House energy code compliance path

C2.1 - COMcheck 101 – A New Energy Code Requirement Made Easy
2022-12-14 14:05 - 15:05
Make sure to use the GoToWebinar link to obtain video access, this is required and verified for CEU credit. VIDEO VIEWING IS REQUIRED!
CEU’s: 1 CSL (Topic – Energy), 1 AIA, 1 BPI, 1 Code Official
Commercial Webinar – COMcheck 101 – A New Energy Code Requirement Made Easy
COURSE DESCRIPTION
The Massachusetts 9th Edition State Building Energy Code contains a new requirement that ALL commercial building energy code projects have COMcheck reports as part of the permit application. This is a tool for jurisdictions to gather all the relevant energy code information, including a plan review checklist. This also assures that the jurisdiction has a project-specific list of “Mandatory” compliance elements for verification during plan reviews and inspections. This course will familiarize Massachusetts commercial building stakeholders with the US-DOE COMcheck software. By attending this course, you will be able to identify construction specifications needed to complete a compliant COMcheck calculation and you’ll learn how to enter building envelope, lighting, and mechanical components into the software. We’ll also discuss how to create COMcheck compliance reports and ensure they are accurate with respect to the building plans
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
COMcheck Reports

MA – R1.2 Residential Stretch Code Mandatory Requirements and Additional Efficiency Requirements
2023-05-31 13:00 - 14:00
Make sure to use the GoToWebinar link to obtain video access, this is required and verified for CEU credit. VIDEO VIEWING IS REQUIRED!
CEU’s: 1 CSL (Code Review), 1 AIA, 1 BPI, 1 Code Official
Residential Stretch Code Overview Part 3:
This module takes a deeper look into Solar Ready requirements. We discuss changes to Solar Ready and reinforce requirements that have not changed. We also look at Electric Vehicle readiness as it applies to one and two family housing as well as townhomes and R-Use buildings 3 stories and below. We’ll also cover some exceptions to both Solar Ready and EV Ready. We’ll also share some frequently asked questions from our code hotline.

MA – C3.1 Commercial Air Barriers- Three Options for Compliance
2023-05-31 14:05 - 15:05
Make sure to use the GoToWebinar link to obtain video access, this is required and verified for CEU credit. VIDEO VIEWING IS REQUIRED!
CEU’s: 1 CSL (Energy), 1 AIA, 1 BPI, 1 Code Official
Commercial Webinar – Commercial Air Barriers-3 options for Compliance
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course will cover Massachusetts 9th Edition energy code requirements for commercial building air barriers, including those in ASHRAE 90.1-2016 and the 2018 IECC. The course will clarify these requirements for better specification by designers and easier review by code enforcement officials. The course is organized around examples that show differences between systems-based, assembly-based, and testing-based compliance options. This introductory course will provide background for a subsequent and more advanced air barrier strategy module.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
1- Examine the basic requirements for commercial building air barriers in the Massachusetts 9th Edition and reference 2018 IECC and ASHRAE 90.1‐2016.​
2- Understand the benefits of the air barrier systems to the environment, building owner, and occupants​
3- Discuss performance test standards relating to air barrier systems, including the NFPA 285 fire test.​
​
4- Determine what complies as a performance-based air barrier system and how to enforce that requirement​

MA – R2.1 Existing Buildings Overview
2023-06-28 13:00 - 14:00
Make sure to use the GoToWebinar link to obtain video access, this is required and verified for CEU credit. VIDEO VIEWING IS REQUIRED!
MA R2.1 Existing Buildings General
In this module we will discuss the stretch code background and how it applies to different size additions. We will look at different compliance pathways for Non-stretch and Small and Large Stretch Additions and Alterations. Students will learn about Prescriptive, Passive House, and ERI; as well as Maximum HERS Index. We will be referring to Chapter 5 Existing Buildings and Appendix RB Solar Ready.
• Stretch Code Background
• Stretch Code – Small vs Large Additions
• Compliance Pathways for Non-stretch and Small Stretch Additions and Alterations
• Prescriptive, Passive House, ERI
• Chapter 5 Existing Buildings – Overview
• Compliance for Large Stretch Code Additions and Alterations
• Maximum HERS Index
• Appendix RB Solar Ready
• Summary

MA – C1.1 2023 Commercial Stretch Code
2023-06-28 14:05 - 15:05
Make sure to use the GoToWebinar link to obtain video access, this is required and verified for CEU credit. VIDEO VIEWING IS REQUIRED!
• Stretch Code Background
• Stretch Code – Small vs Large Additions
• Compliance Pathways for Non-stretch and Small Stretch Additions and Alterations
• Prescriptive, Passive House, ERI
• Chapter 5 Existing Buildings – Overview
• Compliance for Large Stretch Code Additions and Alterations
• Maximum HERS Index
• Appendix RB Solar Ready
• Summary
