EEBA Academy

• Installing HPWHs in new, all-electric homes.
• Why builders are installing and love HPWH.
• What are the benefits and challenges of installing HPWH in new homes? 
• Are builders modifying their home designs to fit and take advantage of HPWH?
• What are homeowners saying when they buy homes with HPWHs? 
• Any lessons that can be applied to installing HPWHs in existing homes?

When it comes to understanding the components and benefits of high-performance homes, learning through experience is one of the best approaches. In this “Better Homes, Better Future” podcast, hear from Greg Davenport, a performance construction manager at Mitsubishi Electric Trane HVAC US, and Andy Barrett, a high-performance builder representing Toolbox NW, who also happens to use one of his builds as a second home. The pair will join host Aaron Smith to talk about what it’s actually like to own and live in one of these homes.

Zero Energy Ready Homes can save a bundle for their home owners and they don’t have to break the bank for home builders either. This presentation includes lessons learned from builders across the country who are building award-winning production, custom, affordable, and multi-family homes that achieve remarkably high performance levels, in some cases at little extra cost compared to code construction.

Energy, climate, materials, and health: What is the connection? And why is it important? Insulation and air sealing are two cost-effective ways to increase the energy efficiency of a home. However, the chemicals that are found in some of these products or used during their production can negatively impact the health of the people who manufacture and install products, as well as those who ultimately live in these buildings. We need a better system of policies and regulations that are protective of human health, but for now, we need professionals equipped with the knowledge and skills to make informed decisions about the materials they use. Building professionals who specify and install materials have the opportunity to make significant impacts on health and the environment by choosing healthier materials.