Course Descriptions

The 2018 IECC for Pennsylvania – Commercial

The 2018 IECC went into effect on February 14, 2022 bringing with it an annual savings of up to 14 percent. This training will include a high-level review of building science concepts including basic thermodynamics (how heat moves), including stack effect, and conditions that result in optimum occupant comfort and productivity. The program will focus on high-impact energy code provisions and items with relatively high noncompliance as found by a recent PNNL commercial energy efficiency field study. Specific topics will include envelope insulation and air sealing, mechanical system control configurations, economizers, kitchen ventilation, energy recovery ventilation, demand control ventilation, and lighting controls. These topics will be framed in terms of entering and reviewing COMcheck inputs and outputs for accuracy regarding the submitted construction documents. Instructors will also present the use of example checklists throughout the program.

Learning objectives:

1. Identify significant changes between the 2015 and 2018 IECC
2. Describe the science behind building energy efficiency and occupant comfort and productivity
3. Identify the energy code provisions with high impact but low compliance rates
4. Describe mechanical system and lighting control configuration requirements

Continuing Education: Three (3) hours. PA UCC, ICC, AIA LU|HSW, BPI

The 2018 IECC for Pennsylvania – Residential

The 2018 IECC went into effect on February 14, 2022 bringing with it significant energy savings, mainly from improved envelope tightness. This training will include a high-level review of building science concepts including basic thermodynamics (how heat moves), including stack effect, and conditions that result in optimum occupant comfort. The program will focus on high-impact energy code provisions and items with relatively high noncompliance as found by a DOE/PNNL field study completed in 2018. Specific topics will include envelope insulation, air sealing, and testing, whole-house mechanical ventilation, HVAC equipment sizing, duct insulation, sealing, and testing, and service hot water pipe insulation and circulating system controls. Instructors will also present the use of checklists and third-party verification forms.

Learning objectives:

1. Identify significant changes between the 2015 and 2018 IECC
2. Describe the science behind building energy efficiency and occupant comfort and productivity
3. Identify the energy code provisions with high impact but low compliance rates
4. Understand how reduced air infiltration rate requirements will impact design, construction, and code enforcement

Continuing Education: Three (3) hours. PA UCC, ICC, AIA LU|HSW, RESNET, NARI, BPI

Duct and Envelope Testing in the 2018 IECC (Basic)

This course is intended for students interested in learning about the basic concepts behind duct and envelope air leakage testing and an introduction to blower door and duct leakage testing operation. The program will cover basic building science principles as they relate to drivers of envelope air leakage and duct leakage, review code requirements related to testing, review the basics of equipment setup and operation, and describe how to calculate and interpret test results.

Continuing Education: Three (3) hours. PA UCC, ICC, AIA LU|HSW, NARI, BPI 

Duct and Envelope Testing – Hands-on

This course is intended for students interested in learning about the basic concepts behind duct and envelope air leakage testing and an introduction to blower door and duct leakage testing operation. The program will cover basic building science principles as they relate to drivers of envelope air leakage and duct leakage, review code requirements related to testing, review the basics of equipment setup and operation, and describe how to calculate and interpret test results.

Continuing Education: NARI 

The Energy Code and Remote Virtual Inspections

This program will help municipalities better understand how virtual inspections can save time and energy and provide a framework for determining when virtual inspections are appropriate and useful and when they are not. The training will also demonstrate a process for using widely available video conferencing platforms such as Zoom and Teams to guide a builder’s representative through a job site to perform an inspection from their office or home. Using additional photo documentation will also be discussed. Finally, PSD will provide a checklist or decision tree for municipalities to use for weighing time and energy savings potential for determining the types of inspections that lend themselves best to being conducted virtually.

Learning objectives:

1.  Describe the pros and cons of Remote Virtual Inspections
2. Understand a protocol for performing remote energy inspections
3. Discuss the use of photo documentation in the inspection process
4. Improved their inspections of residential energy code requirements

Continuing Education: Three (3) hours. PA UCC, ICC, AIA LU|HSW, NARI, BPI

This training and/or document is provided through support and funding from the U.S. Department of Energy’s State Energy Program and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.