Energy Performance and Fire Resistant Construction

Event Description: With increasing fire intensity throughout the state and more areas designated with high fire severity zones, our region is naturally interested in building construction that decreases fire risk. Fortunately, there is an overlap of strategies that reduce fire risk while also improving energy performance and indoor occupant health. This course walks through those strategies for new construction, highlighting the confluence of the Title 24 Energy code, WUI and Zero Net Carbon Design. Learning Objectives: -Understand where the energy code, Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) code and Zero Net Carbon Design (ZNCD) overlap in building construction. -Identify code requirements and key strategies for hardening the building envelope and improving energy efficiency through air sealing and strategic window choices. -Discuss impacts and opportunities for PV panels and battery storage systems, including size, placement and chemistry. -Evaluate options for locating electric heat pumps and heat pump water heaters to support both energy efficiency and fire resistance.