Overview:
During October, November and December 2021, Efficiency Maine is offering seven (7) workshops on code provisions and best practices for compliance with the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). As of July 1, 2021, the IECC 2015 Code is now mandatory for all new construction in Maine.
Each workshop will be presented three (3) times via the Maine Indoor Air Quality Council’s live, Zoom portal. Workshop materials will be made available to attendees after each session.
These workshops are being administered by the Maine Indoor Air Quality Council on behalf of Efficiency Maine.
Who Should Attend:
The workshops are open to all building professionals involved in design, equipment specifications, construction, and municipal code enforcement, including but not limited to, code enforcement officials, builders/contractors, architects, engineers, and related building trade professionals (construction supervisors, product suppliers, energy professionals, third-party inspectors, HVAC installers, home inspectors, and real estate professionals).
General Schedule
October 19-21: Topic: Residential Building Enclosure. Presenter: David Johnston, David Johnson & Co, Gorham, ME
October 26-28: Topic: ResCheck. Presenter: Rick Karg, Residential Energy Dynamics, Bethel, ME
November 2-4: Topic: CAZ Testing. Presenter: Rick Karg, Residential Energy Dynamics, Bethel, ME
November 9-11: Topic: Commercial Building Enclosure. Presenter: Steve Caulfield, Turner Building Science & Design, Harrison, ME
November 16-18: Topic: ComCheck. Presenter: Steve Caulfield, Turner Building Science & Design, Harrison, ME
November 30, December 1-2: Topic: ASHRAE 62.2. Presenter: Rick Karg, Residential Energy Dynamics, Bethel, ME
December 7-9: Topic: ASHRAE 62.1. Presenter: Dan Thayer, Thayer Corporation, Auburn, ME
Cost:
Thanks to financial support from Efficiency Maine Trust, the on-line training sessions are free.
Session Summaries and Registration
1. Using REScheck for IECC-2015 Compliance
This training provides the necessary details of the use of the free REScheck software (computer or web based) for determining compliance with IECC-2015. An introduction to the IECC-2015 includes the three residential compliance approaches of prescriptive, building UA (component) tradeoff, and energy analysis (performance alternative). Using REScheck, the UA trade-off method is explained in detail with an example, leading to compliance. The energy analysis method is also discussed using the same example. Creating inspection checklists and compliance certificates are addressed. The ancillary software, AreaCalc, is demonstrated as a tool for the completion of REScheck.
Length of Session: 120 minutes including Q & A
Learning Objectives: After attending this course, participants will…
- Know the differences among the three compliance paths of the IECC-2015, including prescriptive, component tradeoff, and performance
- Understand how REScheck functions and calculates building envelope compliance with the IECC-2015
- Be able to identify and correctly enter construction specifications required by the REScheck software
- Understand how to create inspection checklists and compliance reports/certificates with the REScheck software
About the Presenter: Rick Karg, Residential Energy Dynamics, Bethel, ME
Mr. Karg is the owner of R.J. Karg Associates
and the president of Residential Energy Dynamics (RED), a software firm that offers online software for
performing building science calculations. Rick has had extensive experience in Maine writing building codes
and construction manuals, and served on the MUBEC Board for more than 6 years. Rick is a member of the
ASHRAE 62.2 technical committee, and has presented trainings in Maine and across the U.S. on the topics
of residential ventilation, ASHRAE 62.2, and related energy issues.
Date & Time Options:
2. The Residential Thermal Envelope – Strategies to Meet the IECC
This workshop presentation deals with the new, more stringent standards of the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code as it relates to the Thermal Envelope of Residential Construction. The thermal envelope is here defined as the boundary between conditioned interior space and the outside environment. It is comprised of the Foundation/Basement, the Exterior Walls, Exterior Doors and Windows, and the Roof. Particular attention is paid to the management of conductive heat flow out of and into the conditioned space, as well as the management of convective heat flow through proper air sealing. Methods and materials that comply with the 2015 IECC are highlighted, as well as alternative pathways that can be used to meet the code’s requirements.
The session includes a brief discussion of how a thermal envelope built in accordance with the 2015 IECC improves both energy efficiency and indoor air quality in new home construction.
Intended audience: Code enforcement officials and inspectors, building contractors and carpenters, building designers, building trade professionals, material and product suppliers, and energy auditors
Learning objectives: At the end of this workshop, participants will be able to…
- List and describe the basic components of the Foundation, the Exterior Walls, and the Roof as they relate to the Thermal Envelope and provide at least two methods of construction for each that comply with the 2015 IECC
- Calculate dew points at each design interface within a wall or ceiling structure, given the temperature difference across the structure, and the relative humidity of the inside space
- Use simple arithmetic to arrive at conductive heat loss values in a sample wall or roof
- Explain the techniques used in Blower Door testing, and give examples of likely areas of leakage in the Thermal Envelope and how to fix them.
Length of Session: 120 minutes, including Q & A
About the Presenter: David Johnston, David Johnston & Co, Gorham, ME
David Johnston has been involved in the residential construction industry since 1976, and has constructed over 100 high performance, healthy homes. David has been teaching construction practices since 2012, serving as a co-trainer of the MIAQC Residential Construction Training Series, as well as an adjunct instructor for building trades in Maine’s Community College System.
Date & Time Options
3. Combustion Appliance Testing (CAZ Testing) IECC-2015, Appendix RA
Description: This training provides the steps for the IECC-2015 informational procedure (Appendix RA) for residential Combustion Appliance Zone (CAZ) safety testing. Methods used from identifying combustion appliances requiring testing and where to test each appliance are addressed using the examination of photographs. The detailed test procedure of Appendix RA is explained in a step-by-step manner, identifying the step sequence and the test equipment needed, if any, for each step. Based upon testing results, procedures for combustion appliance compliance or failure are discussed, along with necessary mitigation options.
Intended audience: Code enforcement officials, design/build contractors, building designers and specifiers, building trade professionals, construction supervisors, product suppliers, energy professionals, third-party inspectors.
Learning objectives:
After attending this course, participants will…
- Know how to identify vented combustion appliances
- Understand the procedure of testing for combustion appliance venting safety according to the IECC-2015, Appendix RA
- Be aware of the test equipment needed for combustion appliance safety testing procedures
- Know when and how to mitigate combustion appliance venting hazards
Length of Session: 120 minutes including Q & A
About the Presenter: Rick Karg, Residential Energy Dynamics, Bethel, ME
Mr. Karg is the owner of R.J. Karg Associates
and the president of Residential Energy Dynamics (RED), a software firm that offers online software for
performing building science calculations. Rick has had extensive experience in Maine writing building codes
and construction manuals, and served on the MUBEC Board for more than 6 years. Rick is a member of the
ASHRAE 62.2 technical committee, and has presented trainings in Maine and across the U.S. on the topics
of residential ventilation, ASHRAE 62.2, and related energy issues.
Date & Time Options:
4. COMCheck for Compliance with the Maine Commercial Energy Code
COMcheck is a free program that helps architects, engineers, builders, designers, and contractors determine whether the new commercial building or renovation project meets the requirements of the International Energy Code and ASHRAE 90.1.
Description: This program will provide an overview of the use of the COMcheck program to determine if a planned building project meets the commercial provisions of the 2015 IECC for climate zones 6 and 7, including building thermal envelope, mechanical systems, lighting, alternative compliance paths, existing buildings, additional efficiency package options, and new requirements for system commissioning. Key focus areas will include how to start a new project in COMcheck, information required from project documents to complete the forms within COMcheck, and how to generate a report of compliance. The course will include a PDF of the presentation slides.
Intended audience: Code enforcement officials, design build contractors, architects, engineers (mechanical and electrical), product suppliers, energy professionals
Session Length: 90 minutes including Q & A
Learning objectives:
After attending this course, participants will be able to…
- Open a new project in COMcheck
- Understand what information is required to determine compliance
- Begin to understand where to find the required information in the project documents
- Generate a compliance report for submission to code officials
About the Presenter: Steve Caulfield, P.E., CIH, President, Turner Building Science & Design, Harrison, ME
Steve Caulfield has over 30 years of experience in industrial hygiene and mechanical engineering. He is a Certified
Industrial Hygienist, as well as a Professional Engineer, licensed in Maine and several other states. Steve has
extensive experience in mechanical system design, evaluation, and commissioning. He is also expert in
building envelope construction and commissioning. Steve’s experience as a trainer includes a decade of
training for the Building Operator Certification (BOC) program, specializing in HVAC systems and Indoor
Air Quality. He has also conducted training in Commercial Energy Audits for Public Service New
Hampshire and a pilot on site operator energy efficiency training for Eversource. Steve has given
presentations on HVAC and indoor air quality nationwide and internationally.
Date & Time Options
5. Thermal Envelope Compliance with the Maine Commercial Building/Energy Code
The 2015 International Energy Code for thermal envelope construction contains required information for compliance with Maine’s Commercial Building Code. The IECC contains provisions for floors, walls, roofs, as well as all sorts of penetration requirements.
Description: This program will provide an overview of the provisions of the 2015 IECC for building envelopes. We will cover everything from the foundation to the roof. The course will cover insulation requirements (cavity and continuous), as well as air sealing requirements and will include information on glass ratings for compliance with the code. The presenter will provide insight into successful strategies to achieve the air sealing components of the code. The course will include a PDF of the presentation slides.
Session Length: 60 minutes, including Q & A
Intended audience: Code enforcement officials, design build contractors, architects, product suppliers, energy professionals
Learning objectives:
After attending this course, participants will be able to…
- Identify the insulation values required by the Code
- Understand the requirements for air sealing and building air tightness
- Understand the difference between cavity insulation and continuous insulation
- Identify the requirements for fenestration (windows, skylights, storefront, etc.)
- Achieve the air sealing requirements of the code.
About the Presenter: Steve Caulfield, P.E., CIH, President, Turner Building Science & Design, Harrison, ME
Steve Caulfield has over 30 years of experience in industrial hygiene and mechanical engineering. He is a Certified
Industrial Hygienist, as well as a Professional Engineer, licensed in Maine and several other states. Steve has
extensive experience in mechanical system design, evaluation, and commissioning. He is also expert in
building envelope construction and commissioning. Steve’s experience as a trainer includes a decade of
training for the Building Operator Certification (BOC) program, specializing in HVAC systems and Indoor
Air Quality. He has also conducted training in Commercial Energy Audits for Public Service New
Hampshire and a pilot on site operator energy efficiency training for Eversource. Steve has given
presentations on HVAC and indoor air quality nationwide and internationally.
Date & Time Options:
6. ASHRAE 62.2-2016: Residential Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality
Description: This training provides the necessary details of sizing local and dwelling-unit ventilation for new dwellings based on ASHRAE 62.2-2016, Ventilation and Acceptable Indoor Air Quality in Residential Buildings. The significant requirements of the 62.2 standard are addressed and compliance options are discussed, both for single-family detached dwellings and dwellings in multifamily buildings. Examples are explained using the free 62.2-2016 web application by Residential Energy Dynamics (RED). An overview of ventilation equipment and control options is included.
Session Length: 120 minutes
Intended audience: Code enforcement officials, design/build contractors, building designers and specifiers, building trade professionals, construction supervisors, product suppliers, energy professionals, ventilation installers, third-parting inspectors.
Learning objectives:
After attending this course, participants will…
- Understand the significant details of the ASHRAE 62.2-2016 standard
- Be able to size local and dwelling-unit mechanical ventilation for residential buildings
- Know how to verify ventilation systems for compliance with ASHRAE 62.2-2016
- Have basic knowledge of mechanical ventilation options and controls
About the Presenter: Rick Karg, Residential Energy Dynamics, Bethel, ME
Mr. Karg is the owner of R.J. Karg Associates
and the president of Residential Energy Dynamics (RED), a software firm that offers online software for
performing building science calculations. Rick has had extensive experience in Maine writing building codes
and construction manuals, and served on the MUBEC Board for more than 6 years. Rick is a member of the
ASHRAE 62.2 technical committee, and has presented trainings in Maine and across the U.S. on the topics
of residential ventilation, ASHRAE 62.2, and related energy issues.
Date & Time Options:
7. ASHRAE Std. 62.1-2016, The standard of care for indoor air quality design and management in commercial buildings.
The ASHRAE Standard 62.1 has been the acknowledged standard for “best practice” for decades and adopted by many building codes and standards as a statutory requirement for building code compliance for indoor air quality. Usage and compliance are generally limited due to lack of understanding and enforcement. Efficiency Maine is currently offering a virtual training program offered three times during June and July.
Description: This training program was developed and is offered to promote the understanding, use and compliance in new construction, renovations and maintenance of indoor environments that are occupied. The presentation will cover a diverse number of topics including but not limited to:
- Purpose and scope of the standard
- The use and differences in normative and advisory language
- How the standard is intended to be used
- The importance and role of the peer-review and continuous maintenance
- The “nuts and bolts” of using the document
- Practical considerations useful for all indoor environments
- The role and limitations of natural ventilation
- What constitutes “acceptability”
- Resources for system designers, owners and third party service providers
The course will include a useful handout including highlights of the presentation. There will be ample opportunity and encouragement of questions and answers as well as many “real world” considerations and anecdotal examples of the principals covered in the course.
Session Length: 90 minutes
Intended audience: Code enforcement officials, contractors, building designers and specifiers, building trade professionals, construction supervisors, product suppliers, energy professionals.
Learning objectives:
After attending this course, participants will be better suited to…
- Understanding of the differences between the normative and informative sections of the standard
- What are the limitations of designing, delivering and providing “acceptability”
- Compliance paths
- Value of the document contents as a resource guide for providing healthy, productive and cost-effective indoor environments
About the Presenter: Dan Thayer, P.E.
Dan Thayer is a licensed professional engineer and holds variety of other professional designations. Growing up in Maine he worked with his dad in the refrigeration and HVAC business from the age of thirteen. In 1981, he and his dad started Thayer Corporation on the kitchen table. As a market leader in designing, building and serving HVAC, refrigeration and automated control systems they have grown to a Team of over sixty with offices and coverage from Fort Kent to Kittery. They have also performed high profile projects across the US and Canada such as oil drill rigs in the gulf of Mexico and specialty projects in NYC and Chicago. Thayer has been recognized for many trade related awards the most significant as the US commercial contractor of the year. Dan was also personally recognized for several prestigious industry awards and has two US patents for his designs.
Mr. Thayer has served in many industry organizations dedicated to the development and promulgation of technical standards for quality control, indoor air quality and energy efficiency. He has delivered many various training to industry professionals and other interested parties.
Date & Time Options:
