Transformations taking place in both the home energy efficiency arena and healthcare are coming together in ways that present opportunities for these industries to work collaboratively to improve outcomes for customers.  VEIC, a sustainable energy company with a mission to enhance the environmental and societal benefits of clean and efficient...

You Have One Job: Insulating or Air Sealing

One of the best ways to keep informed of building industry trends and learn insights from industry experts is reading blogs and publications. However, sometimes, these sources can leave readers confused about the fundamentals of building science, the performance of building products, and ultimately,...

RESNET Launches New HERS for Consumers Site

With nearly one-quarter of new homes carrying a HERS rating, consumers in the energy-efficient home market need to understand why this metric, similar to the miles-per-gallon rating of new cars, is key to 

Green or sustainable construction is estimated to make up one-third of single-family and multifamily home construction, and that number will likely increase to roughly 50 percent by 2022.[1] Such energy-efficient homes are in high demand among buyers because they are less costly to own, more comfortable, and generally command a higher resale value...

When newer editions of the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) are introduced in states, often there’s a learning curve for home builders, especially when it comes to verification of a home’s air tightness with a blower door test. Some builders are having a tough go of meeting the new requirements. Increasingly, they’re relying on energy...

Which is the more cost-effective method of reaching energy code requirements, saving energy or generating it with solar panels on-site? According to a new report, the answer is clear.  

Matt Whitbeck, Co-Owner and President of Whitbeck Construction, LLC specializes in custom framing, exterior sustainability, and residential remodeling. He’s serious about quality craftsmanship and energy efficiency. So much so that he is a popular speaker at building industry conferences on those topics. Whitbeck and Kevin Ireton spoke to a...

Thermal bridging or the escape of heat through low-performing areas in a building envelope presents a huge problem for builders interested in energy-efficient buildings. One of the reasons that modern buildings are now more energy efficient than ever is that newer building energy codes, like the 2015 IECC and ASHRAE 90.1 prescriptively include the...

Thrive Home Builders is one of the most respected production builders in the country with a multitude of awards and accolades to prove it. The Denver-area company is well-known nationwide for its sustainable, energy-efficient construction, with 100 percent of its homes meeting a minimum of Net Zero Energy Ready status. Thrive commands a 10 to 25...

We at Insulation Institute spend a good deal of our time talking up the benefits of using fiberglass and mineral wool insulation. As much of the content of our blog is geared toward new residential construction, we value connecting with builders who use these products to achieve high-performance new home construction. So, we were thrilled to catch...