Event Description

Overview of a new one-page guide for homeowners. With the premise that most home improvement projects have the potential to improve or harm performance, it’s helpful to be informed of basic building science principles. The class will spotlight the benefits many homeowners look to achieve, a recommended order of steps to take, and building details in a range of improvements. Homeowners can meet their goals and enjoy their benefits while reducing emissions.

The guide was created to serve two purposes:

1. To inform homeowners in the early process of planning improvements to existing homes. To provide a descriptive path to increasing performance while reducing emissions, mindful of the whole-house approach. While not exhaustive, the intent is to raise awareness of the complete A-Z considerations in a short take-away info sheet. Much of the public messaging in recent years has focused on electrification but has left out the foundational principles of high-performance enclosures, which are so essential to optimal outcomes.
2. In response to a question I’ve often heard expressed, “I’m concerned about climate change but what can I do as an individual?” The guide illustrates ways we can reduce emissions within our households. Our climate actions can start with our own homes!

There are two versions of the guide with the subtitles tailored to each purpose. The one-page, two-sided guide in hard copy will also be accessible online with live links to resources. In addition to homeowners, the guide is useful as an educational tool for contractors, programs and outreach organizations, building departments, and Realtors.

Learning Objectives

• Attendees will be equipped with a handy one-page guide designed for homeowners. The guide is also useful to contractors and others as an educational tool to share with their customers.
• Attendees will comprehend the myriad benefits to both house and occupants of higher performance homes. We’ll address the topic of increased market value, not often delineated from a professional standpoint.
• Attendees will be cognizant of a recommended, science-informed, step-by-step process of implementation that typically makes the most practical and cost-effective sense, while also encouraged to tailor their choices to personal priorities.
• Attendees will be aware of the fundamental elements of a highly efficient enclosure, what switching to all-electric mechanical systems looks like, and how to attain low to zero greenhouse gas emissions with solar plus batteries.

Audience

1. Homeowners
2. Contractors: The guide is a communication tool to share with their clients
3. Realtors, programs

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