Summary of Prioritized 

Research 

Opportunities

Building America Program Planning Meeting

Washington, D.C. – November 2-4, 2010

February 2011
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Summary of Prioritized Research Opportunities

Prepared for: 

Building America

Building Technologies Program 

Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy 

U.S. Department of Energy 

Prepared by: 

National Renewable Energy Laboratory

Golden, Colorado 

in collaboration with Newport Partners, LLC 

February 2011 
Summary of Prioritized Research Opportunities

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November 2-4, 2010

3 

Table of Contents

Executive Summary.......................................................................................................................................... 5

Background.......................................................................................................................................................... 6

Key Findings and Cross-Cutting Issues........................................................................................................................7

Participants.......................................................................................................................................................... 8

BA Coordination (NREL)..............................................................................................................................................8

Facilitators (Newport Partners)..................................................................................................................................8

U.S. Department of Energy.........................................................................................................................................8

Building America Teams.............................................................................................................................................9

National Laboratories.................................................................................................................................................9

National Laboratory Research Planning: 50%+ savings levels (Tuesday AM) .................... 11

Opening Remarks .................................................................................................................................................... 11

Laboratory White Papers......................................................................................................................................... 11

LBNL’s White Papers................................................................................................................................................ 11

ORNL’s White Papers............................................................................................................................................... 12

PNNL’s White Papers............................................................................................................................................... 12

National Laboratory Research Planning: Brainstorming 50%+ savings ................................ 13

Gaps and Barriers for Prioritized Research Opportunities...................................................................................... 13

Prioritized Research Opportunities...................................................................................................................... 15

Residential Integration Goals and Program Updates (Tuesday PM)........................................ 16

Welcome and Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 16

Multi-year Goals and Milestones............................................................................................................................ 16

Technical Pathways for 30% Savings in Existing and New Homes .......................................................................... 16

Performance Evaluation Protocols.......................................................................................................................... 17

Planning Update: Residential Energy Codes............................................................................................................ 18

July Meeting: Findings............................................................................................................................................. 18

Builders Challenge................................................................................................................................................... 19

Open Discussion ...................................................................................................................................................... 19

Brainstorming Sessions.............................................................................................................................. 20

BRAINSTORMING BREAKOUT SERIES 1 ............................................................................................ 20

A. Analysis Methods and Tools for Homes and Multi-family Buildings................................................................... 20

Analysis Methods and Tools Research Opportunities......................................................................................... 22

B. Testing Methods and Protocols........................................................................................................................... 23

Testing Method and Protocol Gaps and Barriers ................................................................................................ 24

C. Implementation and Program Partner Tools ...................................................................................................... 25

Implementation Opportunities, Gaps and Barriers .............................................................................................. 26

BRAINSTORMING BREAKOUT SERIES 2 ............................................................................................ 27

A. Foundations......................................................................................................................................................... 27

Prioritized Foundation Opportunities ................................................................................................................... 28

B. Walls and Windows............................................................................................................................................. 29

Prioritized Windows and Wall Research Opportunities ....................................................................................... 30
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C. Attics and Roofs................................................................................................................................................... 31

Prioritized Attic and Roof Research Opportunities .............................................................................................. 32

BRAINSTORMING BREAKOUT SERIES 3 ............................................................................................ 33

A. Space Conditioning and Hot Water..................................................................................................................... 33

Space Conditioning and Hot Water Opportunities............................................................................................... 34

B. Lighting, Appliances and Miscellaneous Electric Loads....................................................................................... 35

Lighting, Appliances and Miscellaneous Electric Loads: Opportunities .............................................................. 36

C. Home Energy Management................................................................................................................................. 37

Home Energy Management Opportunities .......................................................................................................... 38

Next Steps and Wrap Up ............................................................................................................................. 39

Appendix A – Brainstorming Participants by Breakout Session............................................... 40

Session A: Wednesday, November 3, 2010, 8:15-9:45 AM..................................................................................... 40

Session B: Wednesday, November 3, 2010, 12:30-2:00 PM ................................................................................... 40

Session C: Thursday, November 4, 2010, 8:30-10:30 AM ....................................................................................... 41

Appendix B – Background Materials...................................................................................................... 42

Meeting Objectives.................................................................................................................................................. 42

Agenda..................................................................................................................................................................... 42

Program Goals......................................................................................................................................................... 42

National Laboratory Research Planning: 50%+ savings levels (Tuesday 8:00 – noon)............................................ 44

Residential Integration Goals and Program Updates (Tuesday 1:00 PM – 5:30 PM).............................................. 44

Brainstorming Activity (Wednesday-Thursday)....................................................................................................... 44

Rules of a Good Brainstorming Activity ............................................................................................................... 44

Objectives ............................................................................................................................................................ 45

Key Meeting Endpoint.......................................................................................................................................... 45

Topic Areas.......................................................................................................................................................... 45

Systems and Measures ....................................................................................................................................... 45

Pathways Analysis............................................................................................................................................... 45

Test Houses and Pilot Communities ................................................................................................................... 45

Implementation Tools .......................................................................................................................................... 45

Brainstorming Agenda – Wednesday, November 3 ................................................................................................ 46

Brainstorming Agenda – Thursday, November 4 .................................................................................................... 46
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Executive Summary

The U.S. Department of Energy Building America Program (www.buildingamerica.gov) is a 

private/public partnership that conducts systems research to improve overall housing performance, 

reduce energy use, increase housing durability and comfort, and increase energy security for America’s 

homeowners. Research program activities focus on cost-effective solutions for new and existing 

homes. National laboratories, building science teams and other stakeholders meet three times per year 

to update, inform, and plan research and development.

This report outlines the results of brainstorming sessions conducted at the Fall 2010 planning meeting, 

in which Building America teams and national laboratories identified key research priorities to 

incorporate into multi-year planning, team research agendas, expert meetings, and technical standing 

committees. Key findings include research priorities for systems and measures—foundations, walls and 

windows, attics and roofs, space conditioning and hot water, lighting, appliances and miscellaneous 

electric loads and home energy management—as well as pathways analysis, test homes and pilot 

communities, and implementation tools.
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Background

Since 1995, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Building America Program, an industry-driven 

research program, has worked with national laboratories and building science research teams to 

accelerate the development and adoption of advanced building energy technologies in new and existing 

homes. The research teams conduct systems engineering research to:

• Develop retrofit strategies for existing homes that achieve significant energy savings and ensure 

the safety and qualify of homes

• Produce new homes on a community scale that use on average 40% to 100% less energy while 

improving indoor air quality and comfort; helping homebuilders reduce construction time and 

waste; implementing innovative energy and material-saving technologies; improving builder 

profitability; and providing new product opportunities to manufacturers and suppliers.

Historically, DOE held quarterly meetings in Washington, D.C., to review projects, plan research and 

coordinate with internal and external research and technology development initiatives. Beginning in 

2010, with the addition of 10 new building science research teams, the National Renewable Energy 

Laboratory (NREL) and DOE will hold three Building America meetings each year. Each of these 

meetings will have a different focus: 

1. Building America Stakeholder Meeting—Spring: At this event, industry stakeholders will have 

the opportunity to inform the residential research and outreach community about key issues 

needed to advance residential energy efficiency. Presentations will focus on product 

development, in-field application, and market delivery strategies. The first of these meetings will 

be held on March 16-18, 2011, in Atlanta, Georgia. 

2. Residential Energy Efficiency Meeting—Summer: The purpose of this meeting is to gather U.S. 

building industry leaders to present the state-of-the art technologies and practices in residential 

energy efficiency. The first of these meetings was held in Denver, Colorado, on July 20-22, 

2010. The report, Summary of Gaps and Barriers for Implementing Residential Building Energy 

Efficiency Strategies1

3. Building America Research Planning Meeting—Fall: This is a closed meeting for Building 

America research teams and national laboratories to identify research needs for preparation of 

annual and multi-year plans. This report summarizes the results of the first of these meetings, 

which was held on November 2-4, 2010, in Washington, D.C.

, outlines key gaps and barriers to implementing residential energy 

efficiency strategies as identified at this meeting. 

This report outlines the results of brainstorming sessions conducted at the Fall 2010 planning meeting, 

in which Building America teams and national laboratories identified key research priorities. The 

participants had the benefit of reviewing the “Gaps and Barriers” report from the Summer 2010 

meeting. For the brainstorming sessions, the teams were broken into smaller groups to identify 

research opportunities that could meet short and long-term Building America goals. The results of these 

sessions will be incorporated into multi-year planning, team research agendas, expert meetings, and 

technical standing committees. 

 

1 http://www.eere.energy.gov/buildings/publications/pdfs/building_america/49162.pdf
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Key Findings and Cross-Cutting Issues

The following key research topics arose as priorities in more than one session:

Systems and Measures: Make them smarter, more durable, and able to leap tall knee-walls in a 

single bound

• Foundations

o Develop and test retrofit moisture control strategies

o Improve tools and models

o Investigate and categorize existing foundation conditions

o Develop and test energy-saving foundation strategies for new/existing

• Walls and Windows

o Understand process for insulating and air-sealing existing walls from the outside, inside, 

or middle

o Develop solutions for insulating and air sealing inaccessible places

o Develop retrofit window and cladding attachment solutions

o Develop solutions for exterior thermal and moisture management in foundations and 

mass walls

• Attics and Roofs

o Develop solutions for insulating unvented flat or low slope roofs

o Address quality control, condensation and water intrusion when converting conditioned 

space and attic knee-walls

o Study durability of foam insulation

• Space Conditioning and Hot Water

o Develop distributed space conditioning strategy

o Explore air-based central space conditioning retrofits

o Study and document IAQ control and ventilation strategies

• Lighting, Appliances and Miscellaneous Electric Loads

o Develop smart cooperative controls and demand response for LAMELS

o Establish baseline for MELS energy consumption (issue of variability)

o Improve feedback and visibility

o Target an increased number and type of regulated products

• Home Energy Management

o Develop life cycle home management solutions

o Study home automation system development and integration in the field

o Standardize communications

o Develop “responsive” homes

Pathways Analysis: Data, Data, Data 

• Develop standards and protocols for data collection and exchange (data fusion, data-mining, 

and data granularity) to better predict savings and improve tools

• Develop protocols for assessing common errors

• Address modeling gaps (e.g., hygrothermal)

• Develop a standardized vocabulary
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Test Houses and Pilot Communities: HU4&Y (Who? For? & Why?)

• Develop the cost-effective and accurate “Drive-By Audit” and prioritize home attributes to 

determine if a blower door is necessary

• Develop self-assessment tools (DIY Smart Phone Audit; photogrammetry)

• Testing and monitoring equipment that is better, faster, more accurate

• Test for concealed system evaluation and characterization

• Streamline and reduce time to test-in / test-out (energy, health and safety, comfort, durability, 

IAQ)

• Develop a macro/community scale model for portfolio analysis 

Implementation Tools: What is the value proposition?

• Develop better customer interaction and feedback tools 

• Develop and continually improve handbooks, guides and training 

• Map the value stream, document business models and best practices and determine 

information delivery mechanisms

Participants

BA Coordination (NREL)

Ren Anderson

Cheryn Engebrecht

Michael Gestwick

Stacey Rothgeb

Facilitators (Newport Partners)

Christine Barbour

Liza Bowles

Joe Nebbia

U.S. Department of Energy

David Lee

Chris Early

Cynthia Gunn

Ely Jacobsohn

George James

Terry Logee

Ed Pollock

Sam Taylor

Claudia Tighe
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Building America Teams

Mark Berman

Team/Institution

ARBI/Davis Energy Group

David Springer ARBI/Davis Energy Group

Jordan Dentz ARIES/Levy Partnership, Inc.

Emanuel Levy ARIES/Levy Partnership, Inc.

Deane Evans BARA/New Jersey Institute of Technology

Craig Savage BARA/Building Media

Kevin Grosskopf BEEHA/University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Jonathan Shi BEEHA/University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Abe Cubano BIRA/ConSol

Rob Hammon BIRA/ConSol

Joseph Lstiburek BSC

Armin Rudd BSC

Dianne Griffiths CARB II/Steven Winter Associates

Steven Winter CARB II/Steven Winter Associates

Michael Mazor Habitat Retrofit Program/Dow

Arn McIntyre Habitat Retrofit Program/Ferris State University

Philip Fairey BA-PIRC/FSEC

Eric Martin BA-PIRC/FSEC

Jan Kosny Partnership for Innovation in Sustainable 

Renovation/Fraunhofer CSE

Kurt Roth Partnership for Innovation in Sustainable 

Renovation/Fraunhofer CSE

Larry Brand PARR/GTI

Ryan Kerr PARR/GTI

Glenn Cottrell IBACOS

Duncan Prahl IBACOS

Thomas Kenney NAHBRC

Amber Wood NAHBRC

David Riley NELC/Penn State University

Steve Taylor NELC/SmartDwell Inc.

John Carmody NorthernSTAR/University of Minnesota

Pat Huelman NorthernSTAR/University of Minnesota

National Laboratories

Norman Bourassa Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory

Lab

Rich Brown Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory

Max Sherman Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory

Marcus Bianchi National Renewable Energy Laboratory
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Dane Christensen National Renewable Energy Laboratory

Dave Roberts National Renewable Energy Laboratory

Jeff Christian Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Kim Grubb Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Patrick Hughes Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Roderick Jackson Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Pat Love Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Michael Baechler Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Subrato Chandra Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Marye Hefty Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Marylynn Placet Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
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National Laboratory Research Planning: 50%+ savings levels (Tuesday AM) 

Opening Remarks

David Lee (DOE) welcomed the national labs and noted that the retrofit goal is 1.3 million homes by the 

end of 2013.

• Building codes – cost justification of code goals

• Not funding behavior studies before coordinated effort at higher level could be achieved.

• Important to know where money has gone and what the deliverables are.

• Lab reviews will start happening soon. 

Laboratory White Papers

Marcus Bianchi presented the format and use of the white papers.

• Template follows format from July meeting. Three streams of information will feed into the multiyear plan

• Inventions are not short term solutions

• Suggested addition to template – recommendations (maybe under opportunities)

• Suggested addition to template – stakeholders and partners

• Suggested addition to template near term action items – could be under multi-year milestones

• End of Nov. – 1st draft – submitted to NREL; End of Dec – final draft; Input and feedback 

between drafts

• ARRA money – issue is getting it on the streets

• How does it fit into markets?

• 10 page estimate – long won’t be read

• Multi-year milestones – cost and effort – define milestones relatively

• R&D questions – by topic – would make sense to have a short definition with each item to 

convey what is meant.

• Overlap is fine

• Teams are not doing white papers – brainstorming exercise instead to identify questions to 

answer. 

LBNL’s White Papers

Max Sherman presented LBNL’s white paper topics:

• One paper on MELs; one on deep energy retrofits – have an outline; one on residential indoor 

air quality – Healthy Efficient Homes – funded by DOE/EPA/HUD – have already completed 

paper on this (needs to be reformatted)

• Deep energy retrofit – case study (started as part of 1000 homes project) – providing tech input 

and monitoring and analysis. Working to transfer the knowledge and lessons learned. 

• MELs – two tracks. Field methods for assessing energy use of MELs in the field. NREL doing 

work on automated home energy management systems. Better understanding the problem and 

develop methods of assessment. Develop control strategies – a lot of work to be done. Needs 

coordination between emerging technologies and other areas.

• IAQ – trying to find health based approach in looking at ventilation. Feeds into BetterBuildings

and the recovery through retrofits concept. 

• The overall goal of white papers is to build synergies

• Combustion is being addressed in deep energy retrofits by eliminating atmospherically vented 

combustion equipment.
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• Combustion more broadly is a bigger concern in IAQ. Contaminants are a longer concern.

• Kitchen equipment – may not be as big a deal – need to ventilate. 

ORNL’s White Papers

Jeff Christian presented topics for ORNL’s white papers:

• Deep energy retrofits

• HVAC

• High performance envelopes (walls, foundations and moisture)

• Envelope materials

• Smart grid – makes a lot of sense with electric utility as a major sector to carry on retrofits after 

ARRA funds

o Have smart meters in whole Campbell Creek neighborhood (30 plus homes)

• HVAC – sizing, capacity, thermal distribution, sealing and insulation

• Deep Energy Retrofits 

o Validation of energy audit software

o Quantification of energy savings with priority list of measures

o Partnership models

o Integration of emerging techs into energy audit and simulation software

o Remodeling opportunity for energy retrofits

• Heat pumps and AC for new and retrofits

• 2x4 walls is king in zone 4, IECC 2012 changes will force market to 2x6 walls, which is 

significant

• Look beyond thermal in envelope materials

• How is cost-effective defined? – 10 year loan at 6% for incremental cost. 

• Payback needs to be apart from what would be done for maintenance 

• Homeowner motivation may be different than DOE cost effectiveness definition

• Utility motivation is different. 

PNNL’s White Papers

Michael Baechler and Subrato Chandra presented PNNL’s white paper topics:

• Solid State Lighting

• High R windows volume purchase

• Commercial building partnerships and energy alliances

• Developing technology and seeing market transformation at the end – there are gaps in 

between

• Defining metrics in a common way

• Consistent vocabulary

• Focus limited research on leverage points to overcome barriers in the market and influence the 

market 

• Tasks under manufactured housing column could be applicable to any housing

• Lab homes – What are non-economic benefits? Enhancing comfort.
Summary of Prioritized Research Opportunities

Building America Planning Meeting

November 2-4, 2010

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National Laboratory Research Planning: Brainstorming 50%+ savings

Ren Anderson introduced the brainstorming process. He noted that the brainstorming will provide

guidance to the development of the Multi-Year Plan (MYP). Details can be adjusted as the program 

moves forward. The IECC 2009 is new construction benchmark. Reports will be run out in a formal peer 

review process. He also stated that actual savings depend on the starting point for individual projects. 

After this opening, representatives from NREL, ORNL, PNNL and LBNL brainstormed and prioritized

topics for research and development to achieve 50%+ savings levels. They voted and identified gaps 

and barriers to the top three priorities. These gaps and barriers represent research opportunities.

Gaps and Barriers for Prioritized Research Opportunities

Smart cooperative controls for MELs

• Interoperability standards (manufacturer resistance)

• What energy-using appliances and devices do people have and how do they use it?

• Education gap in consumers use of energy

• Fire and safety issues

• Yet to be incorporated into products (tech transfer / market adoption)

• Few designs of chips are smart enough to accomplish cooperative controls and be used in 

many products

• Feedback devices – usability and customer acceptance/demand elements

• Smart Grid barriers include a lack of utility acceptance, implementation, and an understanding 

of what it will eventually look like

• Hardware – need device that doesn’t draw energy but can wake up on a signal – or parasitically 

powered (vibration, thermal, inductive, light, etc)

• Increasing saturation of MELS. 

The Drive-By Audit - Low cost automated integrated accurate diagnostic energy audit 

• Less intrusive and less expensive measurement diagnostic techniques

• Tension between accuracy and expense

• Accuracy in general

• Individual privacy

• Consumer has to opt in (targeted via monthly loads/utility bills?)

• Benchmark data

• DIY with Smart Phones

• Distinguish between technology and behavioral components of loads (Asset vs. Operation). 

Exterior thermal and moisture management in foundations and mass walls

• Aesthetics

• Access 

• Application

• Fire resistance depending on solution

• Durable and environmentally benign 

• Termite resistance

• Need way to inject the mortar with something that won’t crumble during freezing and thawing – 

freeze/thaw proofing mortar
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• Existing hygrothermal ground coupling models are not sufficient. Also need data on ground 

properties around the country. (Soil, water content, conductivity, groundwater flow)

• Code

• HOA/Historical Buildings

• Destructive excavation. 
Summary of Prioritized Research Opportunities

Building America Planning Meeting

November 2-4, 2010

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Prioritized Research Opportunities

Priority Votes Topic

1 14 Smart Controls. Cooperative control of misc loads; get manufacturers on board; codes?

learns whole house and devices–wake-up on signal device with energy consumption 

proportional to service provided. 

2 11 Drive-By Blower Door. Integrated diagnostic audit tool. (low cost, automated, accurate) –

Next generation. Smart data sensors. Pulse pressure test. Characterize loads to ID remainder

3 6 Exterior thermal and moisture management for foundation retrofit & masonry walls

3 6 Data-fusion and data mining. Cross-databasing (automated) of Google earth/street data, 

thermography, and utility bills to get a sense of whole-house efficiency. Tax assessment data 

is another source. Include other government/utility/NGO programs’ information.

4 5 Efficient multi-zoning systems – retrofit emphasis

5 4 Fuel-fired-furnace or heating system (Heat Pump?) that outputs 150% of input BTU.

5 4 Cooling systems that can separately control latent and sensible loads

3 Improved, market-ready, and cost-effective HVAC systems that can be downsized after retrofit 

– capacity adjustable – multi-split is an example. (High part load efficiency)

3 Need accurate, whole-house analysis that is doable by average homeowner.

3 Clear Ventilation Guidance

2 Fire resistant exterior foams

2 Community-scale ground source loops (as well as district heating and cooling)

1 Foam that is structural member

1 Increase consumer demand for 50%

1 From picture to panel – integrated siding/structure/air/moisture/water barrier systems for 

retrofit

1 Polymer solar hot water systems for cold climates

1 Better customer interaction tools

Cost effective LED packages

A package for efficient retrofit of hot water distribution (and/or structured plumbing)

Low-VOC-emitting interior foams

Better panelized wall systems

Existing retrofit – drill and fill with eyes (drill & fill w/o opening cavity, with immediate feedback 

as to completeness & quality)

Immediate quality feedback for air sealing and insulation measures

Low cost High-R dynamic windows

Low cost dynamic opaque walls

Fire resistant phase change materials

Low-cost residential ac that combines economizer, evaporative cooling, DX and ventilation

Misc loads – infrastructure needs in house to enable control. Integration of MELs package that 

could be part of whole-house retrofit.

Demand control ventilation

Whole-house DC power

Dispatchable electric and thermal storage of house and electric car (utility buy down)/smart 

grid

Thermal energy storage – ventilation, improving efficiency and load shift

Rate structures which incentivize energy savings

PV Grid Parity

Energy storage (Lithium Ion, cars, etc)
Summary of Prioritized Research Opportunities

Building America Planning Meeting

November 2-4, 2010

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Residential Integration Goals and Program Updates (Tuesday PM)

Welcome and Introduction Presentation: Overview of Building America and Builders Challenge (PDF 1.2 MB

George James, DOE, kicked off the Building America Research Planning Meeting with introductory 

remarks. He welcomed the Building America team representatives and gave an overview of the 

program, teams, process, and documentation initiatives. 

Multi-year Goals and Milestones

David Lee recognized George James and Ed Pollock for their accomplishments with the Building 

America program. He then offered the following insights:

• Goal is 1.3 Million homes retrofitted by end of 2013

• Research to support cost-effectiveness relative to increase in code stringency

• In retrofit opportunities, utility programs and private sector are the most significant

• HERS rating costs are too high

o Vice president to announce tool for home assessment. A lot of wiggle room in this tool 

but it is $100 to $120 rather than $500.

o Fast, safe, and quality

o Technician and contractor certification and accreditation

• Code stringency

• Builders Challenge/ENERGY STAR alignment

• Goals, targets – 20%, 30%, 50%

• 20% in 2010 in mixed dry, hot dry, and marine – we need to identify these challenges

• Are these cost effective solutions? How is it defined for existing homes?

o Answer – Ren posted a set of rules for cost-effectiveness. It will be laid out. 

• What incentives or market models are necessary?

o Answer – in existing homes, hopefully the BetterBuildings program will give us 35 

experiments. LBNL put together a paper on successful programs. On new homes, 

ENERGY STAR has been successful, especially with utilities.

o Two large builders want to use the E-scale. 

Technical Pathways for 30% Savings in Existing and New Homes

Ren Anderson, NREL, presented technical pathways to achieving 30% savings in existing and new 

homes. He addressed questions and noted the following:

• 2nd week in March is tentatively next meeting (stakeholder meeting) to look at market drivers 

and successes. Summer meetings are focused on our research. This meeting is on planning. 

• NREL will send out measure packages for achieving goals. It has assumptions built in. These 

are a starting point. BEopt can analyze many of the variations in technical pathways and answer 

cost-effectiveness v. energy savings questions.

• Packages are generated by least-cost curve

• PV fill the efficiency gap if it is more cost effective than energy conservation 

• Same process for existing homes

• If PV is available for 18 cents or less per KW, why wouldn’t we count that?

o Answer – encourage the use of PV. We are dealing with a category issue in terms of 

focus of the program. There is a PV program. We are funded to improve the efficiency. 

• Why is clothes dryer not included?
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o Answer – we are using a standard electric dryer in most cases. The efficiency comes 

from using less water in the washer. That is a gap. We need better clothes dryers. 

• Is degradation of equipment accounted for? 

o Answer – we are considering it in actual vs. rated performance. 

• Why the CFL difference between existing and new?

o Answer – assumption built in assuming fixtures wouldn’t all accept CFLs 

• Ducts in conditioned space does not include things like costs of aesthetics

• This tool can do point of failure analysis

• On retrofits, 30 and 50% energy savings are in comparison to the actual home

• Why using percent saved as opposed to an absolute target?

o Answer – The percentages are easier to communicate but the BA percentage is also 

based on long-term targets for BTUs saved.

• What level of granularity is in the data?

o Answer – this is for BetterBuildings grantees; we want to figure out what level of data 

makes sense. We want as much data as we can get. 

Performance Evaluation Protocols

Presentation: Performance Evaluation Protocols (PDF 106 KB) 

Cheryn Engebrecht, NREL, presented performance evaluation protocols. Some highlights of the 

discussion include:

• Three documents are being combined into one that covers everything from the benchmark 

for new homes to simulation protocols for existing homes, and operating conditions. 

• The benchmark was updated to 2010 standard practice 

• No credit for health safety and comfort – these are required

• Existing – pre and post metrics – want to use reality whenever possible. Have default values 

but urge against that.

• A revised BEopt will be released this week.

• Operating conditions are standard

• Do we still assume 100% hot water?

o Answer – We do still assume hot water only. We have not found sufficient 

research that describes the percentage of clothes washed in warm or cold water. 

• In terms of operating needs, do you want that research in our plans?

o Answer – there is a value in the Benchmark that is supposed to reflect reality and 

you have or can easily collect data to further define or correct this value, then we 

will gladly accept submissions. The general rules for changing values in the 

benchmark is that the new work is published (peer reviewed), has as large a 

sample size as possible, and the experimental setup is consistent with the rest of 

the Benchmark (i.e. raw data is not displayed as an average). 

• Is there going to be BEopt training for new teams?

o Answer – we have a training session in mind. That’s the first thing they will work 

on as soon as BEopt is released. It will have modules so you can go at your own 

pace

• New protocol will include dehumidification – does BEopt do that? Is it DOE-2 based?

o Answer – BEopt will have DOE-2 and Energy Plus options. The dehumidification 

model is coming soon.
Summary of Prioritized Research Opportunities

Building America Planning Meeting

November 2-4, 2010

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Planning Update: Residential Energy Codes

Presentation: Building Energy Codes Program: Overview and Energy Efficiency Goals (PDF 821 

KB) 

Bob Dewey, DOE, gave an overview of the code process and the expected direction of residential 

energy codes in the future. Highlights include:

• DOE’s code program functions: 

o Updates to 90.1 and IECC

o Also stretch codes such as the forthcoming IGCC – only commercial

o 189.1

o Determination of energy efficiency improvements from updated code

o Technical assistance

o Manufactured homes 

o Federal buildings energy code

o Energycodes.gov – codes resource page

• Code updates every 3 years

o ICC develops

o Next year starts the 2015 code cycle

• 30% improvement over 2006 code was achieved 

• Next step is 50% above 2006 IECC 

o Reaching point of diminishing returns on the envelope

o Performance plus option to achieve 50%

o Maybe outcome based compliance methods

o Capacity constraint approach

• Building America research can be real world support for future code changes

• Is ICC still reticent about expanding the scope to regulate appliances? 

o Answer – NAECA is the barrier. 

• Could you elaborate on technical assistance?

o Answer – DOE provides funding for training for DOE code officials. 

• There is a greater emphasis on enforcement in retrofit situations. 

• IGCC has been difficult to reference portions of standards from ASHRAE. Why has IGCC 

chosen to set such a high standard for mandatory language? 

o Answer – Not aware of that. There have been issues in definitions. 

July Meeting: Findings

Presentation: July 2010 Meeting Results (PDF 299 KB) 

Stacey Rothgeb, NREL, presented key findings from the July research meeting. She noted that the 

“Gaps and Barriers” report was on the Building America website and encouraged teams to review it 

before the brainstorming sessions.

• Findings

o Building America research not accessible 

o Need to standardize

o How to deal with the unpredictable (example – confidence in energy savings; simulated 

occupancy)

o Deployment issues

• Next steps

o This meeting
Summary of Prioritized Research Opportunities

Building America Planning Meeting

November 2-4, 2010

19

• Target audiences – consumers vs. practitioners?

o Answer – focus is on transparency – peer review of research available readily

Builders Challenge 

Presentation: Builders Challenge 2012 Update (PDF 520 KB) 

Ed Pollock, DOE and James Lyons, Newport Partners, gave an overview of how the Builders Challenge 

with be aligned with ENERGY STAR V.3. An analysis that compares the Builders Challenge, ENERGY 

STAR V.3 and the ENERGY STAR Concept Home is available upon request. 

• The Secretary of Energy has asked for super-ENERGY STAR. As we update for 2012, it makes 

sense to increase ENERGY STAR and Builders Challenge

• Working with Appraisal Institute – launching green or high performance certification for 

appraisers. There is a way of adding and recognizing value of High Performance Homes.

• Intent to stay ahead of ENERGY STAR in terms of performance

• Need to think about how new homes label fits with existing homes label

• Any U in hot or any SHGC in cold may be less stringent

• Recommendations to stick with ENERGY STAR windows

• Ducts in conditioned space still problematic for some 

• Support for staying with performance approach

• Want better quality assurance in ratings

• Set prescriptive at floor 

• Appliances – no heartburn on ENERGY STAR appliances from builders

• Set prescriptive minimums in prescriptive path

Open Discussion

• Potential for Building America and BetterBuildings programs to work together.

• Retrofit – what if we make it more durable, safer, healthier, are there points accounted for? 

o Answer – looking for ways to account for that. Looking for guidance from teams. 

• January 13 IBS Excellence in Building Science Education meeting

• What ideas are there for working with Home Performance with ENERGY STAR? 

• Challenge of retrofits – convincing masses of consumers

• Interview follow-ups on retrofit case studies

• Joint EPA/DOE/HUD project on health and safety impacts of Energy Efficiency. Draft protocols 

will go up for review. 
Summary of Prioritized Research Opportunities

Building America Planning Meeting

November 2-4, 2010

20

Brainstorming Sessions

For each topic, breakout group participants identified gaps 

and barriers, research opportunities and needs related to 

that topic. Due to time limitations, participants were asked

to prioritize through voting. Priority research projects and 

milestones were then identified. Each group used the 

same prioritization criteria.

BRAINSTORMING BREAKOUT SERIES 1

A. Analysis Methods and Tools for Homes and Multi-family Buildings

Eighteen building scientists gathered to discuss and prioritize research opportunities related to analysis 

methods and tools to achieve Building America goals.

Members of this group emphasized that multi-family

housing should be included – not just single family new and 

retrofits. This group determined that the greatest needs are 

validation of software, software calibration, home attribute 

prioritization and they also identified a number of modeling 

gaps. Finally, they are interested in a method for 

community scale modeling to identify how much energy 

savings are available for certain homes to reach an overall 

goal. Some participants noted that it was difficult to begin 

by identifying research opportunities and suggested we 

begin with identifying gaps and barriers that could become 

research opportunities in the next session. They also noted 

that this category was not directly addressed in the 

“Summary of Gaps and Barriers for Implementing 

Residential Building Energy Efficiency Strategies” from the 

July 2010 meeting in Denver. They also suggested that a 

number of issues be included in the Implementation 

discussion.

Research Opportunity Priorities: 

Develop method for validation of software to ensure accuracy, credibility and 

capability

• Facilities

• Houses not occupants

• Lots of field data of occupied homes

Modeling Gaps

• Empty cavity walls

• Storm windows

• Sensitivity analysis

• MELS and lighting heating loads 

• Heat pumps

• Furniture / interiors

• Moisture

• Geothermal

• Internal temperature distribution

• Hybrid insulation

• Better infiltration modeling

• Infiltration and heat recovery

• Party walls

• Mean radiant temperature

• Comfort quotient 

• Occupancy behavior

• Ground coupling

CRITERIA FOR PRIORITIZATION

Breakout groups were asked to identify research 

opportunities related to the topics of each 

session. Participants were asked to keep in mind 

the following priorities while brainstorming:

• Energy Savings

• Impact on Market

• Ease of Implementation

• Timeframe (NT = near-term; MT = mid-term; 

LT = long-term)

• Cost-effectiveness
Summary of Prioritized Research Opportunities

Building America Planning Meeting

November 2-4, 2010

21

Develop a standard method to calibrate software 

• Smart Meters to get granularity

• Utility bill data

Prioritize home attributes to accurately model

• Is a blower door necessary?

• When and where?

Develop / enhance models for identified gaps (see 

gaps above)

Develop macro-community scale model for portfolio analysis

• Determine which homes best represent retrofit opportunities

• Some homes deeper than others

• Model across a group of houses to achieve goal 

• Energy saved /$1

Parking Lot

• Recommend that marketing be addressed in 

Implementation session

• Knowledge “how to use”

• What is data?

• Don’t lose information – include in MYP and 

standing technical committees

• What are teams currently working on?
Summary of Prioritized Research Opportunities

Building America Planning Meeting

November 2-4, 2010

22

Analysis Methods and Tools Research Opportunities 

Priority Votes Topic

1 10 Validation of software. Standards for DOE recognition of audit software tools. Define 

accuracy. Accuracy, credibility and capability.

2 7 Standard method to calibrate. Smart Meters to get granularity. Utility bill data

2 7 Prioritization of home attributes to accurately model. Is a blower door necessary? When and 

where?

2 7 Develop and/or enhance models for gaps

3 6 How do we model neighborhoods? Macro/community scale modeling

Portfolio analysis- model across a group of houses to achieve goal; energy saved per $1

4 3 Assessment of occupant behavior; feedback mechanism

4 3 Multi-family

4 3 Methods to integrate more granular data to inform. Automate. Occupancy, temperature, light.

5 1 Hand book for auditors

5 1 Standards for data exchange formats: vocabulary, definitions, automate into a simulation tool

5 1 Accurate modeling of dual fuel

5 1 Model old equipment

5 1 Degradation analysis – Standards for snapshot degradation

5 1 Protocols for common errors – gather what’s gone wrong

5 1 Deep retrofits analysis and models; screen for candidates; standard on deep; 70% LAMELS 

modeling; how include a home energy management method?

Validation of accuracy of field and experimental tools. Prediction of savings. Data to support.

Data mining. Data to improve tools.

Better understanding of gaps in tools

What is the market penetration of programs?

Why choose or buy a particular retrofit? Assess

How use a particular energy saving devise / equipment? Analyze

New data sources. Smart Phone-occupant conducted with imagery. Merge appraiser and 

utility data

Develop new models of emerging technologies

Seasons (4 models)

Tool to manage house as situations change; demographic change; how manage the house to 

create a caveat on performance

Time

How do we project the future in modeling?

Standard of acceptance risk of not meeting goals
Summary of Prioritized Research Opportunities

Building America Planning Meeting

November 2-4, 2010

23

B. Testing Methods and Protocols

During the Testing Methods and Protocols brainstorming session, participants identified gaps and 

barriers that could become research opportunities. They felt many items also belonged in the 

Implementation discussion. 

Research Opportunity Priorities: 

Develop better wireless sensors

• New testing and monitoring equipment that is better, faster and more accurate

• SBIR and ARPA-E 

Test for concealed system evaluation and characterization

• Identify needs and prioritize what is truly concealed (NT)

• Use micro/nano-bots to explore (NT)

• Find solutions (MT)

Streamline and reduce time to test-in / test-out (Who? For? & Why?)

• Standardize energy, health and safety (NT)

• Develop comfort and durability protocol (MT)

• Investigate existing IAQ protocol (MT)

Standardize data sets and monitoring protocols for labs and prototype homes

• Develop documents (units-how recorded) – What? How? Levels of information (NT)

HU4&Y (Who? For? & Why?)

• Determine audiences and purposes (NT)

• Identify targets for accuracy levels (NT)

• Developing protocol set (NT)

• Go back to #1 (or go to jail; do not pass go; do not collect $200)
Summary of Prioritized Research Opportunities

Building America Planning Meeting

November 2-4, 2010

24

Testing Method and Protocol Gaps and Barriers

Priority Votes Topic

1 7 Standardization of data sets; defining what tests need to be down; lab v. occupied home

1 7 Comfort protocol / pass or fail

1 7 HU4&Y (Pennsylvania License Plate)

Set of testing protocols for varying levels of accuracy depending on the audience

2 6 Concealed system evaluation and characterization

3 3 Measure IAQ and what indicators are needed 

4 2 Active / real time monitoring online; verify that producing desired effect

4 2 Protocol for Infra-red – improved, more rapid, more feasible/practical

5 1 Test method for degradation of equipment

5 1 Wireless methodology

5 1 Central repository for results / clearinghouse

5 1 Protocols for blower-doors; depressurization protocols for multi-family

5 1 Testing protocol for pressure / map pressures

5 1 Alternative method for duct leakage testing

5 1 Alternative to the tape measure – photogrammetry / 3-D laser scanner

5 1 Residential flow hood accuracy; supply and return airflow measurement

Onboard v. external HVAC air flow measurement

Speed of assessment; customer time and money

Monitoring protocols for lab and prototypes

Refrigerator charge accuracy measured by a technician

Protocol for pre and post testing for BA and practitioners

Durability protocol

Protocol for system or package level testing

Blanket human factor research approval

Alternative test method to blower doors

WHAT IS THE VALUE PROPOSITION?

Data fusion leveraged testing
Summary of Prioritized Research Opportunities

Building America Planning Meeting

November 2-4, 2010

25

C. Implementation and Program Partner Tools

The Implementation and Program Partner Tools 

group spent time describing what was meant by 

implementation, defining end-users and finally

brainstorming research opportunities, gaps, and 

barriers to implementing Building America research.

The group determined that their goal was to design 

tools that can be implemented by the end 

customers. Much of the work is related and follows a 

process that is roughly laid out in terms of the 

priorities.

Research Opportunity Priorities: 

Map Value Stream (NT)

• Identify stakeholders

• Identify / create financial mechanisms

• Identify products

• Draft for stakeholder meeting

• Hold preliminary peer review at stakeholder meeting

• Identify non-value items and revise map to reflect

• INVITE FROM OUTSIDE THE BOX – Review process from different industries

Research and Document End-User Business Best Practices (NT)

• Product of value stream

• Identify best practice 

• Identify critical failure

• Identify repeatable, simple and scalable practices

• System measure

Determine Information Delivery Mechanisms 

• Identify end-users (NT)

• Identify deployers (NT)

• Review other industries (NT)

• Characterize various types of mechanisms (NT)

• Evaluate effectiveness (MT)

• Develop tools and products (MT)

• Develop process for continued improvement (MT)

• Deploy (LT)

o Consider commercial entity? 

Review Business Models of BetterBuildings and Other Retrofit Programs

• Identify success / failure

• Identify and evaluate programs (NT)

criteria (NT)

• Document outcomes (MT)

Prioritized List of End Customers – Who is 

needed to achieve 1.3 million retrofits?

• Utility / program sponsors (8 votes)

• Homeowner / property owner (7)

• Builders and remodelers (5)

• Installing Technicians / crew leaders (4)

• Financial institutions (3)

• Better Business Grantees (2)

• Accreditation and standard setting organizations (2)

• Universities (1)

• Retailers (1)

• REALTORS and Appraisers

• Co-owners

• Government – city / county / state
Summary of Prioritized Research Opportunities

Building America Planning Meeting

November 2-4, 2010

26

Implementation Opportunities, Gaps and Barriers

Priority Votes Topic

1 12 Capture range of audiences and needs – who? 

• From builder to consumer

• Identify value proposition

• Consumer brand / cost / quality analysis

• Map value stream

• Who incentivizes / motivates?

2 11 Business Best Practices

• Replicability 

• Simplicity

• Scale

• Identify and categorize

• Work with organizations to document critical failure points

3 7 Look at different delivery mechanisms for messaging / information delivery (e.g., video)

4 6 Review business models of BetterBuildings and other retrofit programs

5 4 Training and credentialing

• Based on research

• Understand failure

• Align with BPI – feed in / out

• BA certification

6 2 Impact study of Building America

6 2 Vetting process – peer reviewed and published in a journal

6 2 Active market research with stakeholders – focus groups

7 1 Building America participation in standards committees; integrate into documents

7 1 Behavior change research

7 1 NREL/DOE define implementation

7 1 Review existing Building America guidelines for application – how many used?

Program Partner needs and tools – behavior modification

Partner with financial institutions

Process map retrofit – value stream map; identify products

Property owner self-assessment tools

Partner needs and tools – Home Depot Home Performance Department

Do we want to encourage or discourage DIYs?

Point of use training

• Field training

• In the cab training

• Design so can’t be installed wrong

• Hot Spot training

• Bar codes with installation instructions

Inventory of existing implementation tools and review guidelines

Feedback loop for consumers

Standardized vocabulary

Leverage Building America relationships with team partners to take advantage of insights
Summary of Prioritized Research Opportunities

Building America Planning Meeting

November 2-4, 2010

27

BRAINSTORMING BREAKOUT SERIES 2

A. Foundations

This group identified significant foundation research gaps and specific research opportunities, selecting

projects that addressed the top four priorities. The group also identified needed innovations that could 

come through manufacturers or research partners. 

Research Opportunity Priorities: 

Develop and test retrofit moisture control strategies.

• Develop and test multiple 

interventions/scenarios; e.g., evaluate moisture 

implications of insulating existing foundations

(NT)

• Establish guidelines for safe amounts of moisture

(NT)

Develop improved tools and models 

• Develop diagnostic tools that identify and predict 

moisture transport in foundations; e.g., capillary 

transport (MT)

• Develop hygrothermal engine for DOE2/Energy 

Plus for at least crawlspace and basements. (NT)

• Develop worse case boundary condition to 

minimize failure. (NT)

• Develop investigative tools to test performance. 

(MT)

Investigate and categorize existing foundation

conditions 

• Broad field analysis in a variety of 

climates/foundations/moisture conditions to test 

drainage plane between insulation and vapor 

retarder. (NT)

• Market study of acceptability on health, safety durability. Develop better understanding of 

perceptions among the following stakeholders (NT)

o Homeowners

o Builders

o Engineers

• Test to failure (MT)

• Forensic investigation in failed foundations to identify conditions that led to failure. (NT)

• Survey nature and extent of moisture issues. (NT)

• Design and test new solutions and strategies for both new and existing (MT)

o Lab test new designs

o Field test in prototype homes

o Evaluation of where “diaper” solution works and where it doesn’t. 

o Evaluation of research already completed by builders/contractors.

Foundations Gaps 

Understanding transport of moisture into basements

• Understanding role of capillary transport. 

• Understanding and evaluation of basements

• Implications of adding thermal control

o What are impacts and dangers of retrofits?

• Understanding of “diaper” solution

• Is more moisture a problem?

• Guidelines for when mold is OK – consumer expectations 

and the interaction with building science. 

Models are not adequate

• Thermal engine for DOE2/Energy Plus for crawlspace and 

basements

• Understanding of loads

Insulating Monolithic and Post-Tension Slabs

• Support of brick/stone veneers

Inadequate Rules for Conditioned Crawl Space

• Better understanding of crawl space behavior

• Review of existing research

• Termite mitigation and interactions with insulation

• Impacts of climate variation

• Insulation or encapsulation of crawl spaces
Summary of Prioritized Research Opportunities

Building America Planning Meeting

November 2-4, 2010

28

o Develop strategies for implementing a removable “diaper” solution – investigate possible 

impacts and dangers. (NT)

Develop and Test Energy Saving Strategies for New/Existing

• Develop products and strategies for preventing thermal bridging in monolithic and post -tension 

slabs. (NT)

• Identify low cost perimeter insulation strategies. (MT)

• Design and test new methods in the field. (MT)

• Design and perform lab and field testing of waffle insulation pattern on bottom – explore 

structural concerns. (NT)

• Design and perform lab and field testing on assembly including regular slab with OSB on top. 

(NT)

• Develop rules for conditioned crawlspace (MT)

o Establish best practices for crawls spaces and what can/should be placed in them 

(including retrofit strategies) 

o Evaluate the impacts of air moving between 

the crawlspace and the house.

o Develop methods for integration of termite 

mitigation into crawlspace solutions

o Develop design guidelines by climate for 

when crawl spaces should be treated as if 

they were basements.

o Develop rules for insulation and 

encapsulation of crawl spaces – identify 

problems and solutions and how they vary 

across different crawl space designs.

Prioritized Foundation Opportunities

Priority Votes Topic

1 11 Retrofit control solutions and strategies

2 8 Improving and validation of modeling for foundations

• Water and moisture control

3 6 Monolithic concrete slab insulation – combine with below

3 6 Rules for all foundation systems – new and existing

4 5 Electronic source book (Handbook)

5 2 Exterior insulation of basements with brick veneer

6 1 Interaction between rims and foundations

New foundation systems

Innovative Ideas

1. Smart foam / system that changes with 

humidity

2. Develop bug-proof board

3. Insulate slab on grade on problem soil

4. Develop new composite materials that are 

more durable (moisture and thermal)
Summary of Prioritized Research Opportunities

Building America Planning Meeting

November 2-4, 2010

29

B. Walls and Windows 

In the walls and windows session building scientists discussed significant research gaps and identified 

specific research opportunities and projects that addressed the priorities. They also identified needed 

innovations. 

Research Opportunity Priorities: 

Insulating and air-sealing existing walls – outside, inside or middle. 

• Adding insulation from outside

o Perform full-scale fire tests for foam 

applied from outside of frame/concrete 

block (NT)

o Develop new exterior system materials + 

products that are cost effective – R6 to 

R10 (NT)

o Identify attachment and fastener 

solutions for foam above 1.5” thickness, 

with buy-in from cladding manufacturers 

(NT)

o Develop affordable thinner insulation 

products. (LT)

• Adding insulation from inside

o Evaluating systems that can encapsulate, 

insulate and air seal (ready-made walls) 

(MT)

 Identify systems, lab test and 

analysis for moisture

o Develop thinner systems (MT) 

o Develop pre-manufactured, insulated 

retrofit curtain wall (MT)

• Adding insulation in middle

o Drill and fill with eyes, snake through and 

find the voids, have lights and vision. (LT)

o Work with product manufacturers to 

eliminate wall blow-out and shrinking problems with foam (LT)

o Establish method for evaluating failure

o Field and lab testing of walls with various insulation configurations. (NT)

Insulating and air sealing inaccessible places 

• Develop methods to identify problem areas and fix 

them at the same time (NT)

o White paper that assesses problem and 

quantified value (NT)

o Enhance cost-effectiveness (MT)

Walls and Windows Gaps 

Understanding Existing Walls

• Knowledge of existing walls – application, vintage, 

health/safety

Insulating and Sealing Existing Walls

• How to add insulation from the outside for frame/concrete 

block

• How to fasten/attach cladding through exterior thick foam

• How to add insulation from the inside for frame/concrete 

block

• Achieving air tightness without being vapor-closed

• Thickness and fire-resistance issues

Need for Better Insulation Products

• Affordable smart foam without shrinking or blow-out 

problems

• Affordable thin insulation that takes up less floor space

• Develop products that can diagnose and fix at the same 

time 

Insulating and Air Sealing Inaccessible Places

Windows and Window Attachments

• Everything from films to shades to storm windows

• Total/complete window system

• Better information and testing on existing products

Innovative Ideas

1. Idiot Proof Window

2. Break thru exterior insulation products

3. Develop a wall skinner to make it safe and 

easy to insulate cavities and inaccessible 

areas

4. Drill and fill reality show 
Summary of Prioritized Research Opportunities

Building America Planning Meeting

November 2-4, 2010

30

• Develop prototype applications for retrofit industry using existing remote operational 

technologies. Push through manufacturers. (LT)

o Develop a wall skinner to make it safe and easy to get to cavities (smart robots) – avoid 

contractor exposure to lead, etc. (LT)

o Develop robotics for fast lead paint and other contaminant removal. (LT)

o Develop “paint on” lead removal technology – for use by unskilled labor (LT)

Develop window and cladding attachments, especially related to retrofit.

• Develop low-cost insulating storm window. (NT)

o Evaluate and test various products to determine effectiveness. (NT)

o Develop new products like the inexpensive interior storm window. (MT) 

• Integrated window/wall system. (MT)

• Develop and test shutters/blinds with R-value and air tightness. (NT and MT)

• Idiot proof, one system fits all, cost-effective cladding and flashing details with acceptable 

aesthetics. (MT) 

• Evaluate and test existing products for effectiveness. Publish results (NT)

Prioritized Windows and Wall Research Opportunities

Priority Votes Topic

1 10 Insulating and air sealing existing walls

2 9 Developing specific solutions for insulating and air sealing inaccessible places

3 8 Window and cladding attachments, new and existing, glazing, frames, total system

4 5 Cost-effective window retrofit

5 3 Dynamic walls – things that change. Surface properties, mass changes, R-value 

changes. Stimulated by temperature changes, humidity level triggers. 

6 2 Structural enhancement

7 1 Window installation

External shading systems
Summary of Prioritized Research Opportunities

Building America Planning Meeting

November 2-4, 2010

31

C. Attics and Roofs

Participants in the attics and roofs brainstorming session quickly added roofs to the previously identified 

“attics” research opportunity category. They prioritized the opportunities and identified gaps as well as 

innovative ideas for manufacturers. 

Research Opportunity Priorities: 

Insulating unvented flat (or low slope) roofs

• Establish protocol for insulating through the 

top (NT) 

• Identify moisture limits – identify failure points 

of dense pack. (NT and MT) 

• Develop cost effectiveness strategies (NT)

• Develop residential over-roof strategy – use 

lessons learned from commercial applications 

(MT)

• Develop testing method for testing the air 

leakage at the ceiling plane (NT)

Conversion to conditioned space and attic 

kneewalls (including issues of condensation and 

water intrusion)

• Identify quality control methods; evaluate 

dense pack concerns (NT)

• Development of new and appropriate 

application of existing systems and materials 

with limited thickness (MT)

• Identify home owner acceptable approaches 

that limit or eliminate space encroachment 

while increasing R-value (MT)

• Enhance understanding of moisture management (NT)

• Field evaluation of unvented attics with 

insulation at the ceiling plane (NT)

• Guideline for diffusion vents (MT)

• Hygrothermal models for attics and roofs (MT)

Conduct durability study on foam insulation

• Field evaluations (NT)

o Shrinkage

o Pests

o Rotted structure/moisture content

o Impact of roof leaks

• Accelerated lab testing (NT)

o Accelerated wet/dry

o Adhesion

o Shrinkage

Innovative Ideas

1. Vapor permeable shingles

2. Sustainable strategy for recycling worn shingles

3. Duct integrated roof/attic

4. Dynamic (seasonal) cool roofs

5. Passive positive pressurization systems

6. Method for testing leakage at the ceiling plane

Attics and Roofs – Research Gaps

Insulating Unvented Flat/Low Slope Roofs

• Do you go through the top? Build an over-roof?

• Moisture Issues 

• Methods and quality concerns on dense-pack

Conversion to Conditioned Space and Attic Knee Walls

• Access and Quality Issues

• Limited accessibility

• Space encroachment

• Moisture Issues

Durability of Foam Insulation

• Accelerated aging tests and/or field test existing 

installations

Methods for Air-sealing Existing Insulated Attics

• Access and Quality Issues

• Insulating and air-sealing existing (old) recessed lighting

• Strategies for air sealing, including analysis of sealing 

with/without removal of insulation

Condensation and Water Intrusion

• Testing, models, and guidelines
Summary of Prioritized Research Opportunities

Building America Planning Meeting

November 2-4, 2010

32

• Material specifications (MT)

• Long-term aging, structural variety (MT)

Prioritized Attic and Roof Research Opportunities

Priority Votes Topic

1 8 Insulating residential flat roofs and water removal strategies (densepacking)

2 7 Conversions to conditioned space

• Condensation problems in attics

• Insulating and sealing knee walls

3 6 Durability study on foam in attics

4 4 Dynamic attics

5 2 Conflict between water intrusion and thermal performance

5 2 Dealing with recessed lighting in existing building

5 2 Integrating Re-roofing with energy upgrades and air sealing

6 1 Rules for dealing with existing insulation

• Identify insulators with health/safety problems

6 1 Retrofit and new radiant barriers study

Integrating PV and solar

Re-roofing without remodel of PV

Better descriptors and tools of energy performance of attics and 

walls
Summary of Prioritized Research Opportunities

Building America Planning Meeting

November 2-4, 2010

33

BRAINSTORMING BREAKOUT SERIES 3

A. Space Conditioning and Hot Water

Building scientists in this session discussed space conditioning, hot water, and other mechanical 

equipment, then prioritized research opportunities and identified gaps.

Research Opportunity Priorities: 

Distributed space conditioning strategy 

• Develop and test prototypes (NT)

• Air distribution design guide (examples – 

placement of point sources; mini/micro 

hydronic fan coil; simplicity) (NT and MT)

• Training of workforce and development 

of market infrastructure (MT)

• Implementation of dramatic modeling 

Changes (NT, MT, and LT)

Air-based central space conditioning 

retrofits

• Develop design and Installation guide 

(NT and MT)

• Perform field evaluation of retrofit 

systems and existing systems (NT)

• Technical development and Analysis of 

Spray foam in cold and humid climates 

(NT)

IAQ control and ventilation 

• Develop and enhance demand control 

ventilation (MT)

• Develop low cost IAQ Sensor (NT)

• Update 62.2 for 2013 code cycle (NT)

• Establish valuation criteria for IAQ and 

Ventilation (NT and MT)

• Perform field evaluations of strategies 

(NT and MT)

• Develop strategies for reducing risk 

(example – Atmospherically Vented 

Systems) (NT, MT, and LT)

• Develop and analyze innovative, 

emerging technology in ventilation (MT)

• Document health/safety of retrofitted

homes (EPA protocols; look at BA 

homes) (NT)

Space Conditioning and Hot Water Gaps

Distributed Space Conditioning Strategy

• Hydronic fan coil or hydronic to air

• Mini-splits

• Vented high efficiency fuel-fired condensing point source 

higher than 0.82

• Point Source

• Lack of mini/micro hydronic fan coil distribution on 

market (500-2000 btu)

• Lack of design info on air distribution and sizing 

• Lack of qualified workforce and market transformation

• Dramatic changes in modeling homes 

• Dual fuel system

• Occupant interaction required

• Ensuring simplicity of function in residential 

• Lack of smart adaptive controls

Air Based Central Space Conditioning Retrofits 

• Design guidelines for various Scenarios

o Design and install properly sized ducts, post 

retrofit

o Properly sized HVAC after retrofits

o Understanding matching

o Cost effective retrofit options 

o Application of knowledge

• Space constraint

• Moving ducts into conditioned space

• Sealing inaccessible ducts (lowered cost and strategy)

• Lack of data on performance of spray foam in cold and 

humid climates

IAQ Control and Ventilation

• How do we value?

• Lack of low cost VOC sensor 

• Demand control ventilation (mid term)

• Table 42 of 62.2 – intermittent ventilation

• Field evaluation – lack of controls

• Risk and Contractor Liability

• Lack of low cost retrofit options

• “Smart holes”

• Health and safety concerns
Summary of Prioritized Research Opportunities

Building America Planning Meeting

November 2-4, 2010

34

Space Conditioning and Hot Water Opportunities

Priority Votes Topic

1 10 Distributed Space Conditioning

• Low-cost hydronic distribution using forced air

• Mini-split Design Criteria

• Point Source Space Conditioning

• High efficiency fuel-fired space conditioning

2 9 Air Based Central Space Conditioning Retrofits

• Fix duct work in retrofits; size matching ducts after retrofitting furnace

3 8 IAQ control and Ventilation (also, how to value)

4 7 Dehumidification and Humidity Control

4 7 Field evaluation (everything); monitoring performance

5 5 On-board diagnostics (automatic?)

5 5 Combi systems with tankless hot water

6 4 PV integrated space conditioning and hot water

6 4 Design of relatively low-temperature air distribution systems

7 2 Three function heat pump

• 4 function with dehumidification

7 2 Optimization of air source heat pumps in cold climates

7 2 Condensing Boilers – improved performance and system design

7 2 Evaporative Condensers

7 2 Ceiling radiant distribution

7 2 Zoning linked to system capacity

8 1 Ground Source – low-cost ground coupling design

8 1 Proper installation

8 1 Active thermal storage

8 1 Hot Water distribution

8 1 Prescriptive protocol for health and safety in retrofits

Heat Pump water heater and Gas water heater performance evaluation

Control integration supply heat mini-split

High velocity duct systems – compact

“Hot Rodding” A/C low cost retrofit

Solar thermal hot water
Summary of Prioritized Research Opportunities

Building America Planning Meeting

November 2-4, 2010

35

B. Lighting, Appliances and Miscellaneous Electric Loads (LAMELS)

This group of building scientists developed priorities for LAMELS based on research opportunities and 

then identified gaps and barriers for these 

opportunities.

Research Opportunity Priorities: 

Smart controls and demand response

• Establish energy use of savings potential (NT 

and MT)

• Demand and distribution controls Response for 

a wide range of loads (MT)

• Develop retrofit measures that are easily 

installable (possibly flexible) for consumer or 

contractor (NT and MT)

• Develop solutions for diversity of load – 

integration of systems and strategies (MT)

Baseline for MELS energy consumption (issue of 

variability)

• Establish data collection protocol – variability in 

MELs (NT)

• Collect statistically meaningful field data on 

usage and quantity – Variability in MELS (NT)

• Using field data – establish trends (MT)

• Develop standard signature for feedback 

device categories (LT)

• Measuring load curves (NT and MT)

Feedback and visibility

• Improve functionality of real time feedback (NT)

• Enable better understanding of energy 

consumption (NT)

• Catalog good feedback models (NT)

• Disaggregate end use data (MT)

• Improve retrofit ease of implementation for 

consumers (NT)

Increased Number and Type of Regulated Products

• Target increase of number and type of regulated products (MT)

LAMELS Gaps

Comprehensive lighting retrofits with daylighting interaction

Cost and usability of system set-up

Low energy homes – variability and trends in 

MELS – how to design around

Smart controls and auto circuits

• Need to increase number and categories of regulated 

products

• Lack of understanding of energy savings potential to drive 

change 

o Non-energy benefits

o Current cost

o Diversity of load/controlling divers loads – 

integration of systems and strategies

o Smart electric panel

o Reduced cost – next generation (near and mid)

• Lack of easily installable and flexible retrofits for 

consumer or contractor

• Charging station

Retrofitability – ease of implementation for consumers

Lack of baseline for MELS energy consumption

• Lack of data collection protocols

• Lack of statistically significant data 

• Lack of standard signatures for device categories

Feedback and visibility

o Lack of functionality of real time feedback

o Lack of understanding of energy consumption 

o Lack of good feedback models
Summary of Prioritized Research Opportunities

Building America Planning Meeting

November 2-4, 2010

36

Lighting, Appliances and Miscellaneous Electric Loads: Opportunities

Priority Votes Topic

1 13 MELS, Lighting, and Appliance Controls

• Automatic circuits or device – easily turned off when leaving the home

• Smart Power Strips

• Easily affordable retrofit controls

• Demand response; load profile management

2 9 Baseline 

• Peak vs. off peak

• Are new/retrofit baselines different?

3 7 Feedback and Visibility

• Display systems

• Non-invasive load monitoring

• Visibility to consumer (gas and electric)

• Consumer Education

4 6 High efficiency dryer; heat exchange recovery dryer

5 4 Low cost LED

6 3 Lighting Controls

6 3 Whole house DC power

7 2 Volume purchase for retail devices

8 1 Comprehensive lighting retrofits with day lighting interaction

Home Energy Management (recognized as covered by another session

• Real time pricing

• Electric car and smart grid

• Demand response

Low cost, no (or low) power control/power supply – senses need for use

High efficiency power supplies (computer and wall wart)

Auto off consumer electronics or MELS

Appliance marketing, programs rebates and incentives

Increasing enabling of power management 

• Computers and monitors

• Standardization

• Language

• Set top box

• Manufacturer action
Summary of Prioritized Research Opportunities

Building America Planning Meeting

November 2-4, 2010

37

C. Home Energy Management

This group brainstormed and prioritized home energy management opportunities and identified gaps 

and barriers related to these opportunities.

Research Opportunity Priorities: 

Life Cycle Home Management

• System development (MT)

• Field study (NT and MT)

• Integration (data fusion/analysis) (MT 

and LT)

Home Automation 

• System development (MT)

• Field study (NT and MT)

• System integration (MT and LT)

• Value proposition (NT and MT)

Standardization in Communications

• Standardization/creation of standards 

(MT and LT)

• Drive in common understanding (MT)

Responsive Home (price, weather, etc.)

• Response to rate structure, and price 

signals (NT and MT)

• Develop default demand response 

profiles or options (MT)

• Aligning utility and consumers (LT) 

Home Energy Management Gaps

Lifecycle Home Management

• Diagnostics for lifecycle energy management

• Regulatory

o Design of program

o Decoupling of net metering and real time pricing

• Long term info storage, retrieval, protection

• Remote Access

• Feasibility/false positives

• Lack of cost-effective 

• Feasibility/false positives

• Value proposition (laying out the benefits)

• Large amounts of data

• New “stuff” (equipment, etc.) 

• Expandable/flexible

• Artificial Intelligence

Home automation

• Study and data

• Value proposition/product integration 

• Human factors vs. automation detail

Standardization in communications and data format

• Interoperability

• Privacy

• Lack of standardization

• Lack of common understanding and consensus

• Lack of enabling technology 

• Homeowner

• Purchase trigger

• Lack of Integration

Responsive home

• Price

• External factors

• Security

• Lack of understanding response to rate structure and pricing 

signals

• Price signals – barrier 

• Price response devices – policy and recommendations

• Lack of default and demand response profiles – communication 

or options 

• Lack of alignment between goals of utilities and consumers

• Policy Factors

• Human Factors
Summary of Prioritized Research Opportunities

Building America Planning Meeting

November 2-4, 2010

38

Home Energy Management Opportunities

Priority Votes Topic

1 9 Lifecycle energy management of home

• Monitoring of real time power use – Energy Audit/”The Constant Audit”

• Long term energy management – super diagnostics

• Lifecycle energy management of the home

• Warranty management

• Product maintenance

• Not buying it for the energy management capabilities, but as an added benefit 

• It’s a product add-on because it can’t sell itself

• Effective sensing in home

2 6 Home Automation (Everything)

• Integration with other systems

• Self learning

• Sensors (occupancy is main item)

• Hybrid car

• Ease of use, non-intrusion 

3 5 Standardization, project communication, home area technology, wireless, remote 

access, residential BACnet equivalent, privacy, security

3 5 Response to externals/Responsive Home

• Community scale demand response/feedback to utility (aid in implementation)

• Price response devices - grid response or control

• Tariff rates and policy feedback – education, regulations, and best practices

• Demand Response (home and community scale and multi-family)

• Utility Meters as Gateway

4 4 Human factors – usability; standardization

5 2 Job-creating home service contract

• Retrofit and maintenance access point

• Energy efficiency and health

Consumer feedback

• Whole House

• Major Loads

Self learning/artificial intelligence

Product integration

Regulations – decoupling, net metering and real time pricing

Proper program design 

Effective sensing in home

Non-intrusive devices 

Monitoring of real time power use – Energy Audit/”The Constant Audit”

• Operational goal/short term

• Long term utility information/program opportunity goals

• Diagnostic goal/medium term

• Capital investments in the house/new equipment/decision making tool

Service access point (EE & health)
Summary of Prioritized Research Opportunities

Building America Planning Meeting

November 2-4, 2010

39

Next Steps and Wrap Up

Ren Anderson, NREL, wrapped up the session.

How does this impact the research program? 

This planning meeting is an annual process that will guide 

research progress. NREL will be tracking progress through 

the research plan.

Much of what we are looking for relates to the 

implementation priorities that were outlined. 

The next meeting will be for stakeholders and we are expecting 200-400 people. It will be held on 

March 16-18, 2011, in Atlanta, Georgia. 

How can we improve the planning meeting process?

There should be enough people from each team to participate in all the breakouts. Keep the breakout 

groups to no more than 8-10 participants. Identify topics ahead of time so teams can send the correct 

people. There needs to be more specific definition of groups. 

What is Building America’s mandate/vision in the space of research vs. deployment? 

• Where are we in the 1.3 million?

• What time frames and savings level? 

• Add SEP programs and block grant programs to BetterBuildings program

• Program evaluation to identify successes and failures in the program – our role is continuous 

evaluation

Action Items:

• Attend EVHA

• Utilize social networks to facilitate work 

(form interest groups; use Base Camp or 

Google; market it to make it useful)

• Create an expertise map – who we have 

and what their areas of expertise are
Summary of Prioritized Research Opportunities

Building America Planning Meeting

November 2-4, 2010

40

Appendix A – Brainstorming Participants by Breakout Session

Session A: Wednesday, November 3, 2010, 8:15-9:45 AM

BREAKOUT 1 BREAKOUT 2 BREAKOUT 3

Analysis Methods and Tools / 

Evaluation of Gaps

Foundations Space Conditioning and Hot 

Water (Mechanical Equipment)

1 John Carmody Mark Berman Michael Baechler

2 Glenn Cottrell Jeff Christian Larry Brand

3 Abe Cubano Cheryn Engebrecht Subrato Chandra

4 Jordan Dentz Marye Hefty Dane Christensen

5 Mike Gestwick Pat Huelman Deane Evans

6 Kenvin Grosskopf Tom Kenney Dianne Griffiths

7 Roderick Jackson Jan Kosny Rob Hammon

8 Ely Jacobsohn Joe Lstiburek Bill Haslebacher

9 Ron Judkoff Craig Savage Emanuel Levy

10 Ryan Kerr Terry Logee

11 Peter Khaemba Arn McIntyre

12 Eric Martin Duncan Prahl

13 Mike Mazor Kurt Roth

14 Dave Riley Stacey Rothgeb

15 Dave Roberts Armin Rudd

16 Sam Taylor Jonathan Shi

17 Steve Winter David Springer

18 Amber Wood

Session B: Wednesday, November 3, 2010, 12:30-2:00 PM

BREAKOUT 1 BREAKOUT 2 BREAKOUT 3

Testing Methods and 

Protocols

Walls and Windows Lighting, Appliances and Misc 

Electric Loads

1 Michael Baechler John Carmody Mark Berman

2 Larry Brand Jeff Christian Subrato Chandra

3 Abe Cubano Glenn Cottrell Dane Christensen

4 Pat Huelman Jordan Dentz Deane Evans

5 Roderick Jackson Cheryn Engebrecht Mike Gestwick

6 Ely Jacobsohn Dianne Griffiths Rob Hammon

7 Ron Judkoff Kevin Grosskopf Ryan Kerr

8 Emanuel Levy Bill Haslebacker Peter Khaemba

9 Eric Martin Marye Hefty Terry Logee

10 Arn McIntyre Tom Kenny Kurt Roth

11 Duncan Prahl Jan Kosny Steve Winter

12 Dave Riley Joe Lstiburek Amber Wood

13 Dave Roberts Mike Mazor

14 Stacy Rothgeb Armin Rudd

15 Jonathan Shi Craig Savage

16 David Springer

17 Sam Taylor
Summary of Prioritized Research Opportunities

Building America Planning Meeting

November 2-4, 2010

41

Session C: Thursday, November 4, 2010, 8:30-10:30 AM

BREAKOUT 1 BREAKOUT 2 BREAKOUT 3

Implementation Tools / 

Program Partner Tools and 

Needs

Attics Home Energy Management

1 Michael Baechler Mark Berman Dane Christensen

2 Larry Brand Subrato Chandra Cheryn Engebrecht

3 John Carmody Jeff Christian Rob Hammon

4 Abe Cubano Glenn Cottrell Roderick Jackson

5 Jorden Dentz Mike Gestwick Ryan Kerr

6 Deane Evans Pat Huelman Peter Khaemba

7 Dianne Griffiths Ron Judkoff Emanuel Levy

8 Kevin Grosskopf Tom Kenney Dave Riley

9 Marye Hefty Jan Kosny Kurt Roth

10 Ely Jacobsohn Terry Logee Jonathan Shi

11 George James Joe Lstiburek David Springer

12 Eric Martin Mike Mazor

13 Arn McIntyre Armin Rudd

14 Duncan Prahl

15 Dave Roberts

16 Stacey Rothgeb

17 Craig Savage

18 Sam Taylor

19 Amber Wood
Summary of Prioritized Research Opportunities

Building America Planning Meeting

November 2-4, 2010

42

Appendix B – Background Materials

Meeting Objectives

• Review multi-year program goals

• Identify key opportunities, barriers and performance risks that must be addressed to achieve 

program goals

• Relative to specific opportunities, barriers, and risks, identify the specific questions that must be 

answered to achieve program goals

• Key Meeting Endpoint: Develop multi-year milestones to track critical research progress.

Agenda

Tuesday, November 2 Wednesday, November 3 Thursday, November 4

AM National Laboratory 

Research Activities

Brainstorming: Breakout 

Groups

Brainstorming: Breakout 

Groups (continued)

and Next Steps

PM

Residential Integration 

Goals and Program 

Updates

Brainstorming: Breakout 

Groups (continued)

Program Goals 

The overall goal of Building America is to develop strategies and systems that can be implemented in 

entire neighborhoods and developments to take advantage of economies of scale. Building America’s 

research activities provide the technical support and cost/performance documentation that builders and 

remodelers require to accelerate the adoption and implementation of highly efficient building practices. 

Building America’s research and development addresses not only building system and subsystem 

improvements, but also improvements in design, construction, and remodeling processes and 

management. 

Building America acts as a national residential energy systems test bed for new and existing homes, 

where different system options are evaluated, designed, built/retrofitted, and tested to confirm that all 

requirements for risk minimization, durability, quality control, and energy performance are met. To 

accelerate progress towards multi-year goals, research is conducted in parallel at different energy

savings performance levels, facilitating rapid use of new system solutions at all performance levels. 

Evaluations of individual measures, individual test houses, and community scale housing validate the 

reliability, cost-effectiveness, and marketability of the packages of energy measures, when integrated in 

new production housing and groups of retrofits.

Building America residential systems research tasks are designed to evaluate performance of 

measures at three major scales:

• Individual measures and systems

• Packages of measures in individual test houses 

• Average savings of measures when implemented in pilot communities (multiple houses on a 

neighborhood scale)
Summary of Prioritized Research Opportunities

Building America Planning Meeting

November 2-4, 2010

43

These research activities are supported by two additional activities:

• Pathways Analysis (analysis tools)

• Implementation Tools (documentation, analysis and construction quality assurance)

The preliminary multi-year energy savings goals for Building America are summarized in Tables 1 and 

2. For existing homes, energy savings calculations are based on simulated energy use before and after 

retrofit, using standard operating conditions consistent with realistic usage patterns of typical 

occupants. For new homes, energy savings goals are relative to the B10 Benchmark, which is 

consistent with the 2009 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), federal appliance standards 

in effect as of January 1, 2010, and lighting and miscellaneous electric loads most prevalent in 2010. 

Requirements for performing energy savings calculations are documented in the House Simulation 

Protocols (HSPs) available on the Building America website 

(http://www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/building_america/perf_analysis.html). Climate Regions are also 

defined on the Building America website 

(http://www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/building_america/climate_zones.html). Several Climate 

Regions are grouped for the purpose of documenting achievement of program targets.

Current Best Practices are defined as the most cost and savings effective energy efficiency packages 

that can currently be implemented in volume in the new construction and existing home retrofit markets. 

Final multi-year percent savings goals will be defined based on a review of the energy savings 

achievable in the marketplace. 

Table 1. Multi-Year Energy Savings Goals for Existing Homes

Energy Savings Mixed-Dry, HotDry and Marine

Mixed-Humid, Hot 

Humid

Cold, Very Cold, 

and Subarctic

Current Best Practice

(15% or above) 2011 2011 2011

30% 2012 2013 2014

50% 2015 2016 2017

Table 2. Multi-Year Energy Savings Goals for New Homes

Energy Savings Mixed-Dry, HotDry and Marine

Mixed-Humid, Hot 

Humid

Cold, Very Cold, 

and Subarctic

Current Best Practice

(20% or above) 2010 2011 2011

30% 2011 2012 2013

50% 2014 2015 2016

 

Building America’s near term goal is to reduce total average source energy use in existing homes by up 

to 30% compared to the home’s current simulated energy use. The Building America program also has 

longer-term goals for “deep retrofit” research that contributes to reducing existing home energy use by 

50% or more. The goal for new homes is to provide similar levels of savings in new homes compared to 

typical new homes built in 2010, according to the same timetable. All activities performed by the 

Building America Research Teams shall be conducted in support of these multi-year goals. 
Summary of Prioritized Research Opportunities

Building America Planning Meeting

November 2-4, 2010

44

Goal achievement will be judged based on development of Measures Guidelines resulting in proven 

energy savings levels. Goals are for efficiency measures only, and do not include site 

electricity generation.

National Laboratory Research Planning: 50%+ savings levels (Tuesday 8:00 – noon)

• Only national laboratories and DOE will participate in this activity

• 8:00-8:15: Welcome and Introductions (David Lee)

• 8:15-8:45: Planning for residential lab program review (David Lee)

• 8:45-9:00: Review of white paper template (NREL)

• 9:00-9:20: LBNL White Paper Outline (LBNL)

• 9:20-9:40: ORNL White Paper Outline (ORNL)

• 9:40-10:00: PNNL White Paper Outline (PNNL)

• 10:00-10:15: Break

• 10:15-11:45: Opportunities, Gaps, and Barriers to 50%+ Savings Levels

o 15 minutes: Brainstorm / list opportunities to 50%+ savings levels

o 10 minutes: Prioritize (dots) and Summarize top opportunities

o 15 minutes: Identify/list gaps and barriers

o 10 minutes: Prioritize gaps and barriers (dots)

o 15 minutes: Develop solution paths

o 25 minutes: Draft 50% + MYP milestones (could even break into groups of 2-3 to draft, 

hand in, read and comment)

• 11:45-12:00: Discussion of current and future opportunities for lab research collaboration

Residential Integration Goals and Program Updates (Tuesday 1:00 PM – 5:30 PM)

The objective of this session is to give an overall view of the research process to the teams. Following 

is the tentative agenda:

• 1:00-1:15: Welcome and Introduction (George James)

• 1:15-1:45: Multi-Year Goals and Milestones (David Lee)

• 1:45-2:30: Technical Pathways for 30% Savings in Existing and New Homes (Ren Anderson)

• 2:30-3:00: Performance Evaluation Protocols (Cheryn Engebrecht)

• 3:00-3:15: Break

• 3:15-4:00: Planning Update: Residential Energy Codes (Bob Dewey)

• 4:00-4:30: July Meeting: Findings (Stacey Rothgeb)

• 4:30-5:00: Builders Challenge (Ed Pollock)

• 5:00-5:30: Open Discussion / Q&A

Brainstorming Activity (Wednesday-Thursday)

Rules of a Good Brainstorming Activity

1. Don't allow criticism

2. Encourage wild ideas (think outside the box)

3. Go for quantity (capture ideas as you think of them)
Summary of Prioritized Research Opportunities

Building America Planning Meeting

November 2-4, 2010

45

4. Combine and/or improve on others' ideas

5. One conversation at a time

6. Stay focused on the topic

Objectives 

Identify, related to achieving program goals,

• Key opportunities 

• Key gaps and barriers

• Key performance risks

• Key multi-year milestones (NT = near-term; MT = mid-term; LT = long-term)

• Specific questions that must be answered to achieve program goals

Key Meeting Endpoint

High level summary of priority projects and multi-year milestones to track critical research progress.

Topic Areas

Systems and Measures

• Space Conditioning (ventilation, indoor air quality, dehumidification)

• Hot Water

• Enclosures

• Lighting, Appliances, Miscellaneous Electric Loads (LAMELs)

• Home Energy Management

Pathways Analysis

• Analysis Methods and Tools

• Evaluation of Research and Technology Gaps

Test Houses and Pilot Communities

• Testing Methods and Protocols

• Program Partner Tools and Needs

Implementation Tools

• Research Implementation 

• Quality Management

• Curriculum Development
Summary of Prioritized Research Opportunities

Building America Planning Meeting

November 2-4, 2010

46

Brainstorming Agenda – Wednesday, November 3

Wednesday, Nov 3 BREAKOUT 1 BREAKOUT 2 BREAKOUT 3

8:00-8:30 AM Announcements and Introduction to Brainstorming Process

8:30-10:00 AM Analysis Methods and 

Tools / Evaluation of 

Gaps

Foundations Space Conditioning 

and Hot Water 

(Mechanical 

Equipment)

10:00-10:15 AM BREAK

10:15-10:45 AM Report out: Analysis Methods and Tools / Evaluation of Gaps

10:45-11:15 AM Report out: Foundations

11:15-11:45 AM Report out: Space Conditioning and Hot Water (Mechanical Equipment)

11:45-1:00 PM LUNCH

1:00-2:30 PM Testing Methods and 

Protocols 

Walls and Windows Lighting, Appliances 

and Miscellaneous 

Electric Loads

2:30-2:45 PM BREAK

2:45-3:15 PM Report out: Testing Methods and Protocols

3:15-3:45 PM Report out: Walls and Windows

3:45-4:15 PM Report out: LAMELS

4:15-5:00 PM Wrap-Up

Brainstorming Agenda – Thursday, November 4

Thursday, Nov 4 BREAKOUT 1 BREAKOUT 2 BREAKOUT 3

8:00-8:15 AM Announcements

8:15-9:45 AM Implementation Tools / 

Program Partner Tools 

and Needs

Attics Home Energy 

Management

09:45-10:00 AM BREAK

10:00-10:30 AM Report out: Implementation Tools / Program Partner Tools and Needs

10:30-11:00 AM Report out: Attics

11:00-11:30 AM Report out: Home Energy Management

11:30-12:00 PM NEXT STEPS AND WRAP UP
Summary of Prioritized Research Opportunities

Building America Planning Meeting

November 2-4, 2010

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DOE/GO-102011-3236 ▪ February 2011

Printed with a renewable-source ink on paper containing at 

least 50% wastepaper, including 10% post-consumer waste.