ADU Design and Title 24 Energy Code

This 1.5-hour training will outline the most common stumbling blocks for ADU projects in meeting California’s Title 24 energy code. Participants will gain an understanding of ‘house-as-a-system’, a fundamental concept for understanding energy performance and comfort, as well as how to navigate and interpret the code itself. We’ll dive into specific technical design challenges that commonly arise on ADU projects, with strategies on how to address them and comply with the code.

This webinar is highly relevant to designers and builders already involved in the ADU market in California, DIY-homeowners who plan to build an ADU themselves, and real estate professionals looking to become true experts in ADUs. It will provide the fundamental understanding needed to make better decisions with confidence and recommend solutions and resources to make your client’s ADU journey run smoothly.

This webinar is a recording of a course offered live on October 30th, 2024

Presenters

Katy Hollbacher | Beyond Efficiency | P.E., Principal + Founder

Katy is a licensed Civil Engineer and former Certified Passive House Consultant, LEED Homes Rater, Certified GreenPoint Rater, and Certified Energy Analyst with over 25 years experience. Katy holds a Master of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Michigan. She is a nationally sought-after expert in the high-performance building community for consulting, training and speaking engagements. Katy believes that adequate planning and collaboration facilitate efficient, common-sense solutions while minimizing change orders, budget overruns, resource and energy waste.

Nate Russell | Beyond Efficiency | Senior Energy Engineer

Nate holds a Master of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering and a Bachelor of Science degree in Aeronautical Engineering, both from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Throughout his life he has been involved in many construction projects from simple remodels to full-gut rehabs and new construction. Two highlights include designing and executing a full rehab of a 1910 home that included a deep energy retrofit that yielded about 70% energy savings and designing and building a modest size, high-performance home that achieved a HERS score of 39. He draws upon that firsthand construction experience and technical background to facilitate the adoption of high-performance buildings and practices.

Learning Objectives

After attending this recorded webinar, participants will be able to:

1. Explain house-as-a-system and how it applies to overall energy consumption
2. Relate the interdependent systems in a home including envelope, HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning), and DHW (domestic hot water)
3. Summarize how Title 24 code is written, and explain the difference between prescriptive and mandatory measures
4. Explain the top Title 24 challenges on ADU projects discussed in this course and apply design strategies to address them
5. Evaluate designs through the lens of energy efficiency and comfort, and recommend solutions that balance practicality with efficiency