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Zeroing-in On Net-Zero Energy Homes

  Let’s understand that there is not a single, universally agreed upon definition of Net Zero Energy Buildings; as the zero-energy enigma lingers, the terms Zero Energy Building (ZEB) and Net Zero Energy Building (NZEB) can be used interchangeably. The goal is to achieve an end result of zero energy. The Department of Energy (DOE) defines…

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2023 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year Award

BER Earns 2023 ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year Award Building Efficiency Resources (BER) is proud to announce that it has received the 2023 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year Award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy.   Each year, the ENERGY STAR program honors a group of businesses…

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Why Become a Certified HERS Rater

HERS Rater performing a blower door test.

Whether you have an established business in the building performance industry, or are transitioning into a new career field, adding RESNET Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Rater certification to your list of skills and services will create opportunities to succeed in the energy efficiency industry.   Qualifications of a Certified HERS Rater The RESNET HERS…

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Operational vs Embodied Carbon

What is the difference between operational carbon and embodied carbon? What it is and why you should care: Carbon vs… Carbon?  In the field of green building and the sustainable built environment, the term “carbon” is commonly used as shorthand terminology for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, measured in units of CO2e or equivalent CO2 emissions.…

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2021 IECC Climate Zones and Implications for ENERGY STAR Updates

Are you working in a new Climate Zone? Last month, the EPA finalized the new program requirements for Single Family Version 3.2 and Multifamily Version 1.2, and formal release is anticipated this coming fall. These program updates align with the 2021 IECC codes and thus will be implemented in states that adopt the 2021 IECC or…

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2022 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year Award

BER Earns 2022 ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year Award Building Efficiency Resources (BER) is proud to announce that it has received the 2022 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year Award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy.     Each year, the ENERGY STAR program honors a group of…

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How to become a LEED Green Rater, and Why You Should!

Illustration showing the concept of energy efficient and environment friendly home.

Just like you, BER is in the building performance industry, innovating, leading, and demanding better, for the benefit of our planet and all beings that inhabit it. We are working together to create a healthier planet that not only supports us but allows us to thrive. LEED, a green building rating system created by U.S.…

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Modeling Air Source Heat Pumps

Air source heat pumps behind a multi-unit dwelling.

BER realizes that there has been some confusion around modeling air source heat pumps (ASHP). In a recent webinar, MassSave made clarifications as to the correct method of modeling this equipment. In this article, we recap those clarifications. Why isn’t COP a Supported Method? A common mistake made when modeling ASHP is converting heating seasonal…

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Let’s Talk Insurance for HERS Raters

Photo showing the hands of two people working on a contract with one hand pointing out details.

Incorrect insurance classification may be costing your HERS Rating business money. Checking your SIC Code with your insurance agent could potentially save your business a lot of money. Insurance agents use Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) codes to classify a business into a specific industry and risk category. SIC Codes are used for ALL categories of…

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3.1 Homes/1.1 MFNC Transition Update

Birds eye view of a new home under construction which shows walls filled with energy efficient foam insulation.

The EPA is continuing to review and evaluate comments received on the proposed Single-Family New Homes (SFNH) National Version 3.2 and Multifamily New Construction (MFNC) National Version 1.2 program requirements, as well as the proposed new Next Generation program. However, in the interest of providing partners with the maximum amount of time to prepare for the…

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