Energy Efficiency & Building Science News

SBC Magazine has discontinued Energy Efficiency & Building Science News.

- Energy Efficiency News

The Polyisocyanurate Insulation Manufacturers Association (PIMA), released updated versions of their 300 Series Technical Bulletins focused on the use of Polyiso in residential wall systems.

- Energy Efficiency News

The Foam Sheathing Committee (FSC) technical staff worked with the Brick Industry Association to prepare an International Residential Code (IRC) code change to address the attachment of brick veneers through up to four (4) inches of foam plastic insulating sheathing (FPIS).

- Energy Efficiency News

One baseball backstop supplier notes that it protects fans from stray or foul balls. In the realm of energy code compliance, a building envelope backstop is needed for similar reasons.

- Energy Efficiency News

A major benchmark is net-zero energy ready performance. This is best achieved by creating a building that is very efficient in conserving energy first.

- Energy Efficiency News

It is well known that buildings consume more energy than the transportation or industry sectors, accounting for nearly 40 percent of total U.S. energy use.

- Energy Efficiency News

On October 1, the 2019 Oregon Zero Energy Ready Commercial Code became effective.

- Energy Efficiency News

PIMA partnered with SPEER (South-central Partnership for Energy Efficiency as a Resource) to deliver an educational webinar on the code requirements for Polyiso CI used in exterior residential wall construction.

- Energy Efficiency News

Installed Building Products, Inc. , an industry-leading installer of insulation and complementary building products, announced the acquisitions of Northeast Spray Insulation, Inc., and Minnesota Spray-Foam Insulation.

- Energy Efficiency News

Despite its reputation for being one of the most volatile commodity wood products, OSB is on pace to record the smallest trading range in its history.

- Energy Efficiency News

The Home Depot recently reported that they will begin phasing out certain chemicals, used in carpets and rugs, on December 31, 2019 for both the U.S. and Canada markets.

- Energy Efficiency News

Three previous articles in this series addressed the significance of air leakage control, various air barrier materials and methods, and installation and inspection practices. In this fourth and final article, we address blower door air-leakage testing.

- Energy Efficiency News, Framing News

The short answer is no, not according to the law. Why? Because the building official does not have jurisdiction over professional engineers. They only have authority with respect to enforcing the specific provisions of the building code that has been adopted into law.

- Energy Efficiency News

SBCA and NFC sincerely appreciate all questions and feedback on articles written by our staff. Mr. Derrick Moon, CBO, a building services supervisor in Hillsboro, Oregon responded to an article and the following article is a correspondence to the feedback and questions he posed.

- Energy Efficiency News

This article, “How Can a Building Official Deny Approval of an RDP's Work?” asks an important due process of law question.

- Energy Efficiency News

Remodels, new builds and add-ons are booming. In July alone, the City of Palo Alto issued about 200 building permits for various home upgrades, everything from simple lighting improvements and installation of electric car chargers, to kitchen and bathroom updates, to the full deconstruction and rebuilding of a home.