The aim of HPBA is to increase energy efficiency and environmental sustainability in its members' products. It is our aim to create innovative technologies that will further the industry, while also minimizing our carbon footprint. Here are some standards that are doing just that, as well as commissioned reports on alternative energies regarding HPBA and the broader energy portfolio.

Reports

Biomass/ Corn Report

Green Heating

Standards

IGCC

This is a guidance code that will allow municipalities to adopt commerical green construction standards. Most of the guidance in this project is coming out of ASHRAE 90.1 and ASHRAE 62.1, as well as the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). This will also relate to residences that are considered commerical, such as condominiums and multi-use buildings that include commercial entities. HPBA has submitted language for hearth products that we hope to adopt. The ICC hopes to have this standard finished by March 2010.

International Energy Conservation Code 

The current code is attempting to eliminate standing pilot lights. There are also issues relating to sealing hearth products during blower door testing.

LEED

US Green Building Council Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design for Residential Buildings is focused on the design/architectural focus.  LEED Standards can be found at www.usgbc.org.

There is an option within this standard for biomass boilers to be used for heating multiple dwellings, which both HPBA and the Pellet Fuels Institute (PFI) have promoted. It does appear that this option will be approved and included.  

National Green Building Standard (NGB)

Coming Soon!

NAHB

HPBA is working with the National Association of Home Builders Green Building Standard (NAHB GBS).