National Sustainable Structures Center
Resources
- PA Weatherization Standards and Field Guide (Revised Spring 2011)
- PA CAZ Testing Protocol (February 2012)
Videos on NSSC
Wx TV
NSSC (formerly Penn College’s Weatherization Training Center) is one of eight weatherization training centers around the nation featured in this Weatherization TV video produced by Montana State University.
Department of Energy (DOE) Video
NSSC (formerly Penn College's Weatherization Training Center) is featured in a U.S. Department of Energy video as it expanded operations in response to the growing demand for service fueled by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).
Links to Other Residential Energy & Housing Resources
- Affordable Comfort Inc.
- Building Performance Institute
- Environmental Energy Technologies Division – U.S. Department of Energy
- Energy & Environmental Building Alliance
- EPA Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule
- Healthy House Institute
- Home Energy Online
- National Center for Healthy Housing
- Oikos Green Building Source
- The Rocky Mountain Institute
- PA Department of Community & Economic Development (DCED)
- PA Weatherization Intranet
- US DOE Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Network
- US DOE Weatherization and Intergovernmental Program
- Weatherization Assistance Program Technical Assistance Center (WAPTAC)
- WAPTAC Refrigerator Analysis Tool
NSSC Technical Updates
NSSC, formerly Penn College’s Weatherization Training Center, staff has produced several technical updates which may be of interest to the Weatherization network. The goal is to keep the network informed about methods and techniques, and offer decision-making tools which effect health, safety, and energy efficiency in Weatherization. More updates are always in the works. Please consider writing one for us. Please feel free to download copies of our technical updates:
- Our Work Environment
- Avoiding Moisture Problems
- Vermiculite Hazard Update
- Air Sealing With Two-Part Foam
- Blower Door Testing (PHRC Builder Brief)
- Air Leakage in Recessed Lighting (PHRC Builder Brief)
- Voltage Drop and Test Equipment
- Ventilation Strategies in Weatherization
- Confined Space Combustion Appliance Zones and the Code
- Blower Door Update - Model 2 vs. Model 3
Knob and Tube Report
During the summer of 2002, the Pennsylvania Department of Economic and Community Development (PA DCED), NSSC (formerly Penn College’s Weatherization Training Center) and STEP Inc., a Weatherization Assistance Program provider, entered into a joint research project. Its purpose was to attempt to identify simple and cost effective wiring retrofits and prescribe safe methods for installing thermal insulation where K&T wiring exists. The released report, Retrofitting Knob and Tube Wiring, An Investigation into Codes, Wiring Practices and Cost, provides the results of the project.
