Achieving Net Zero Energy with Robust Building Enclosures and High-Performance Mechanical Systems

For high-performance, net zero energy homes it is critical to get the building enclosure and mechanical systems right. While renewable energy can be added or acquired later, it is not as easy to change the overall efficiency of the building enclosure or HVAC system. The key is to identify cost-effective approaches to get the loads low and efficiencies high. This course will explore the DOE Zero Energy Ready Homes specifications along with specific design strategies and technologies that can help you design and construct a successful Net Zero Energy Home today.

Course Outline

• Part 1.  Intro to the Power of Zero
  • The Demand, Incentives, and Stakes are Growing
• Part 2.  It All Begins with Good Design and Specifications                                       
  • Sound Passive Design Principles
  • Solid Specifications (From Code to ENERGY STAR, ZERH, & NZE)
• Part 3.  It Ends with Excellent Execution                                                                        
  • Develop a Robust Building Enclosure
  • Develop a High-Performance MEP System 
• Part 4.  Renewable Integration -- Now or in the Future
• Wrap up with Q&A 

Learner Objectives

• Familiarity with the concepts and definitions for high-performance, net zero energy homes
• Recognize important building science principles and approaches for net zero energy homes
• Be able to apply these principles to building enclosure designs and construction
• Be able to apply these principles to mechanical system strategies and designs
• Recognize key design strategies and building systems to achieve net zero energy
• Exposure to high-performance enclosure technologies and mechanical systems for this market

In-Person Course Requirements

In order to earn CE credit(s) for in-person courses, students must attend the entire course during the time span(s) listed. Credit(s) will not be issued for the following:

• Non-attendance
• Arriving more than 5 minutes after a course has begun
• Leaving before completion of the course
• Leaving the classroom for more than 5 minutes during a course hour
• Non-payment of the course
• Failure to sign-in and/or sign-out

Students must sign-in/sign-out, and be prepared to show their driver’s license or other legal identification with their photo if requested.

A quiz is not required for those attending for Minnesota contractor, building official, and Realtor continuing education, or Wisconsin continuing education. Students attending for International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) CEU(s) must complete a quiz following the course and achieve 70% correct answers.

Credit Info

This course is approved for two hours of MN residential contractor, remodeler, and building official continuing education by the Minnesota Department of Labor & Industry, including the required energy credit. This course is approved for two hours of WI Dwelling Contractor Qualifier CE by the Wisconsin Dept. of Safety & Professional Services. This course is approved for two hours of MN realtor continuing education by the Minnesota Department of Commerce.

If you are eligible to receive continuing education credits, your information will be electronically reported to the appropriate agency within 3 business days of course completion.

Questions and Comments

Questions and comments related to the curriculum for this course may be submitted to the instructor at education@housingfirstmn.org.