Title:
Navigating Residential Energy Code Compliance in Pennsylvania: From R-Values to Performance Paths
Description:
Understanding Pennsylvania’s residential energy code requires more than knowing the required R-values. Builders, designers, and code officials must understand the different compliance paths available, the metrics each uses, and how to determine whether a residential design complies. This three-hour workshop explores the Prescriptive path, Total Building Performance, Energy Rating Index (ERI), and the 2025 Pennsylvania Alternative Residential Energy Provisions. Participants will take a deeper look at the R-Value Alternative and Insulation and Fenestration Criteria, including practical calculations of assembly U-factors and evaluation of fenestration requirements. Through examples and application exercises, participants will learn how to evaluate compliance options and apply them to residential projects in Pennsylvania.
Learning objectives:
- Identify and compare the residential energy code compliance paths available under the 2021 IRC/IECC and Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code, including the Prescriptive path, Total Building Performance, Energy Rating Index (ERI), and the 2025 Pennsylvania Alternative Residential Energy Provisions.
- Evaluate the different compliance metrics used by each path, including insulation R-values, assembly U-factors, fenestration performance, modeled energy performance, and ERI scores, and determine how building design and project characteristics can influence the selection of a compliance approach.
- Calculate and apply assembly U-factors for common residential wall, ceiling, floor, and foundation assemblies and evaluate fenestration performance to determine compliance with the Insulation and Fenestration Criteria of Section N1102.1.2 and Table N1102.1.2 for Pennsylvania Climate Zones 4 and 5.
- Apply and evaluate residential energy code requirements through practical project examples to determine whether building envelope assemblies and overall residential designs comply with applicable energy efficiency requirements while supporting occupant comfort, durability, and energy performance.
Instructors
- Pennsylvania Housing Research Center
Course Schedule
9am-Noon. Instruction time
Registration Fee
$60
Credit Hours
3 UCC continuing education credit hours awarded.
*We no longer accept paper registrations or invoicing for this class. Online registrations only. Credit Cards and PayPal are accepted as payment.
Attendance & Cancellation Policy for Virtual Class
To receive full CEU's for this class, Attendance & Participation in the Live Zoom's are required. You will be expected to attend the full duration of the class.
*If there are any Attendance Issues, please e-mail Christy Saliaris at csaliaris@pml.org
**Please note full first and last names must be used as your screen name on Zoom for Attendance and CEU credits.
Cancellations must be received in writing by sending an email to cancellations@paconstructioncodesacademy.org . Refunds will be determined by the date of the fax or email. A cancellation received less than 10 business days of the session you are registered for, is subject to up to a $50 administrative fee and any PayPal transactional fees. Those who cancel within 3 business days of the session date or do not attend, forfeit the full registration fee and if unpaid, will be invoiced. Credit toward future PCCA courses may be accepted upon approval from the PCCA administrator; substitutions may be accepted.