1. ENERGY STAR Multifamily High Rise Program
Testing and Verification Protocols Webinar – Part I
July 2011
The EPA’s Multifamily High Rise Program offers eligible buildings two Paths to earning the ENERGY STAR.
Both paths are required to follow the Testing and Verification Protocols. This document can be found on the website, and we suggest having a hard copy available during this presentation.
This webinar will provide you with an overview of this document. Part II and Part III provide greater detail on each of the actual protocols.

2. EPA Objectives for T&V Protocols
Verify that the As-Built Building has successfully achieved the performance levels predicted by the Proposed Design energy model, or as specified in the Prescriptive Path, and is in compliance with the Prerequisites Checklist
Work in conjunction with the ENERGY STAR MFHR Simulation Guidelines, Performance Path, Prescriptive Path, Testing & Verification Worksheets and Photo Template
The testing and verification protocols establish a consistent set of requirements for the inspection, verification, and testing of components related to the building’s energy performance.
The intent of the protocols is to verify that the construction documents & final building include all Prerequisites, that measures installed perform as expected, and that dependent on path selected, that all program requirements have been met. The protocols require documentation throughout the course of the project, beginning with plan reviews during the design stage. They also require that any change in design during construction be accounted for.
The T&V Protocols are meant to work in conjunction with the ENERGY STAR Multifamily High Rise Simulation Guidelines, Performance Path, Prescriptive Path, Testing & Verification Worksheets and Photo Template, which are covered in other webinars.

3. EPA Objectives for MFHR Program
Failure to comply with Prerequisites or Prescriptive Checklist:
Corrective action must be taken to bring the building into compliance with the Prerequisites or Prescriptive Checklist.
One of the principal objectives in the Multifamily High Rise Program, is that all buildings that earn the ENERGY STAR, have met some minimum prerequisites.
A Prerequisites checklist is provided to easily summarize and document these requirements.
All building components must comply with the specifications contained within the Prerequisites Checklist. During an inspection, if a building component is determined to be in non-compliance with the Prerequisites Checklist, corrective action must be taken to bring the building into compliance with the Prerequisites Checklist. Otherwise, the building will not be able to earn the ENERGY STAR.
If following the Prescriptive Path, the Prescriptive Checklist includes all the Prerequisites, and is used to document program compliance.

4. EPA Objectives for MFHR Program
Performance less than predicted in the Proposed Design model:
Take corrective action to bring the building component to match the assumptions in the Proposed Design, or
Allow the component to remain as is, but the As-Built energy model must be adjusted to accurately represent this condition and must still demonstrate at least a 15% improvement above the Baseline Building, or
Forfeit ENERGY STAR.
Performance less than level required in Prescriptive Path:
Take corrective action to remedy the problem and bring the building component to the efficiency levels required in the Prescriptive Path, or
Allow the component to remain in its current condition, but an As-Built energy model must be created to accurately represent at least a 15% improvement above the Baseline Building Design, or
Another objective of the program is to ensure that not only the DESIGN of the building meets ENERGY STAR requirements, but that the constructed building also meets those requirements.
In the Performance Path, if an individual building component is found to be performing at a less energy efficient level than that which was included in the Proposed Design energy model, then one of the following actions shall be taken, otherwise, the building will be ineligible to earn the ENERGY STAR.
Option 1, take corrective action to remedy the problem and bring the building component to the efficiency levels assumed in the Proposed Design.
Option 2, allow the component to remain in its current condition but the As-Built energy model must be adjusted to accurately represent this condition. In any case, the As-Built energy model must still demonstrate at least a 15% improvement above the Baseline Building.
In the Prescriptive Path, if an individual building component is found to be performing at a less energy efficient level than that which was required in the Prescriptive Path, one of the following actions shall be taken:
Option 1, take corrective action to remedy the problem and bring the building component to the efficiency levels required in the Prescriptive Path.
Option 2, allow the component to remain in its current condition, but can no longer follow the Prescriptive Path. An As-Built energy model must be created to accurately represent the completed building and the As-Built energy model must demonstrate at least a 15% improvement above the Baseline Building. If neither option is pursued, the building will not be able to earn the ENERGY STAR.

5. Plan Review/Inspection Work Flow
Early in the design, the design team incorporates Prerequisites and requirements of the Performance or Prescriptive Path into the design.
When the construction documents are 75% complete, a full plan review using the T&V Worksheets should be conducted and, if needed, corrective actions taken to ensure the program requirements are represented in the documents.
Often a design team meeting with the Architect and Engineer present is needed to clarify program requirements and ensure CDs are revised correctly before they go out to bid.
A second plan review at 100% CDs ensures that the program requirements are represented in the final plans. T&V Worksheets are signed and submitted to the EPA for approval, which document the final plan review and includes the Prerequisites Checklist.
At or prior to the first inspection, the licensed professional in charge of submissions should schedule a kick off meeting with the GC, Architect and other key members of the project team to identify inspections and clarify expectations.
The party responsible for following the MFHR Testing and Verification Protocols, must stay in contact with the GC/Architect to review applicable submittals and visit the site as necessary to conduct the required inspections.
If needed, the project team must be notified of corrective actions to be taken to ensure the program requirements are being met. Applicable corrections must be re-inspected to verify and document compliance.
Post construction and inspection, the T&V worksheets are updated to reflect the As-Built building and the Photo Template is completed. The As-Built model for the Performance Path must reflect any changes found during T&V.
The designated licensed professional re-submits the Testing and Verification Worksheets to the EPA for approval. This includes the Prerequisite Checklist or Prescriptive Checklist and results of T&V. Photo template is also submitted.
Building may be labeled as ENERGY STAR
Design
Construction
Post
Construction
Before we review the actual T&V protocols, we’d like to describe the overall process that should be followed in order to successfully comply with the Protocols.
Depending on how you are viewing this presentation, if the content in this slide is too small to read, it can be downloaded from the website.
The gray boxes indicate steps that the design team take as they guide a building through the ENERGY STAR program, from design, through construction and completion. The blue boxes indicate a step where the EPA is involved, either because the design team is submitting documents to the EPA, or the EPA is giving the design team approval of completion or certification.
Early in the design, the design team incorporates Prerequisites and requirements of the Performance or Prescriptive Path into the design. When the construction documents are 75% complete, a full plan review using the T&V Worksheets should be conducted and, if needed, corrective actions taken to ensure the program requirements are represented in the documents. Often a design team meeting with the Architect and Engineer present is needed to clarify program requirements and ensure CDs are revised correctly before they go out to bid. A second plan review at 100% CDs ensures that the program requirements are represented in the final plans. This final plan review is documented using the T&V Worksheets, and must be signed by a registered architect or professional engineer, and submitted to the EPA for approval.
Following the design stage but prior to the first inspection, the licensed professional in charge of submissions should schedule a meeting with the general contractor, Architect and other key members of the project team to identify inspections and clarify expectations. The party responsible for conducting the Testing and Verification, must stay in contact with the GC and Architect to review applicable submittals and visit the site as necessary to conduct the required inspections. If needed, the project team must be notified of corrective actions to be taken to ensure the program requirements are being met. Applicable corrections must be re-inspected to verify and document compliance. Post construction and inspection, the T&V worksheets are updated to reflect the As-Built building and the Photo Template is completed. The As-Built model for the Performance Path must reflect any changes found during T&V.
The designated licensed professional signs and re-submits the final Testing and Verification Worksheets to the EPA for approval. This includes the Prerequisite Checklist or Prescriptive Checklist and results of testing and verification. The Photo template is also submitted. If approved by the EPA, the building may be labeled as ENERGY STAR.

6. The Protocols

7. Testing and Verification Protocols
1.1) ENERGY STAR Qualified Appliances
2.1) Domestic Water Heating Central Systems (Serving 5 units or more)
2.2) Domestic Water Heating Distributed (Individual Apartment) Systems
3.1) Wall Construction/Insulation, R-value
3.2) Roof Construction/Insulation, R-value
3.3) Floor Construction/Insulation, R-value
3.4) Window Selection, U-value, and SHGC
3.5) Exterior Door Selection, Entranceway Design, Use of Vestibules, Weather stripping, and Air Leakage
The T&V protocols cover all building components, starting with appliances, central and in-unit domestic hot water systems, above grade and below grade walls, roofs, floors, windows, exterior doors, and vestibules.

8. Testing and Verification Protocols
4.1) Garage: Heating and Compartmentalization
5.1) Central Heating Systems (Serving 5 units or more)
5.2) Central Cooling Systems (Serving 5 units or more)
5.3) Distributed (Individual Apartment) Heating Systems
5.4) Distributed (Individual Apartment) Cooling Systems
Also included are garage heating and compartmentalization, central heating and cooling systems and in-unit heating and cooling systems….

9. Testing and Verification Protocols
6.1) Common Areas, In-Unit, Garage and Exterior Lighting
6.2) Emergency Lighting (Exit Signs)
6.3) Controls
7.1) Motors
8.1) Envelope Air Sealing and Total Air Leakage - Common Area, Apartments, and Exterior
8.2) Common Area and In-Unit Ventilation (CFM), Intake Source, and Intake/Exhaust Fan Efficiency
9.1) Metering Configuration
…as well as interior and exterior lighting and controls, emergency lighting, motors, envelope air sealing and total air leakage, common area and in-unit ventilation systems and metering configuration.
We won’t be going over these in detail in Part I rather we’ll look at the basic structure of the protocols and how they will streamline the inspection process and help ensure the project successfully achieves all program requirements. Details on each protocol are provided in Part II of this webinar.

10. Types of Testing Protocols
Visual Inspection
Photos of faceplates, fixture type, insulation type, NFRC label, etc. must be clear enough to read what is being verified.
Use a ruler to show insulation depth
Caption/Label each photo giving location.
Must use the Photo Template
Data Sheet
Test Procedure
Instrumented Measurement
Third-Party Commissioning
For each building component addressed in this document, a set of protocols have been defined using a standardized system and nomenclature. The standard elements of the protocol for each building component are as follows:
The first element is the “Type of Testing Protocol”. The type of inspection or test required is listed in this section based on a standardized set of options as follows:
Visual Inspection – If this is checked, it indicates that the conditions can be inspected via direct visual inspection of the existing condition and documented with detailed photographs.
If taking photographs, photos of faceplates, fixture type, insulation type and depth, etc. must be clear enough to read what is being checked. For example, reviewers must be able to read model # from faceplate, GPM ratings from faucets, and the ruler showing insulation depth.
Also, the file name of each photo should clearly identify the building component and the location in the building.
A Microsoft Word-based Photo Template is available to facilitate photo-documentation for those protocols that require it. It must be submitted to the EPA at the end of the project. However, once a licensed professional has submitted three photo templates to the EPA for buildings that have earned the ENERGY STAR, submission of the Photo Template is no longer required for that individual.
Data Sheet – This is used for elements such as mechanical equipment and appliances where an itemized schedule with proof of delivery or installation is verified through visual inspection and relevant performance data is recorded from nameplates and manufacturer’s specifications. The T&V Worksheets have templates for this data collection and are demonstrated in another webinar.
Test Procedure – This indicates elements that can be verified for proper performance by running a piece of equipment through a standard operation cycle, verifying correct operation of specialized controls, etc., and the test can be performed without the need for a Third-Party Commissioning Agent.
Instrumented Measurement – If this is checked, it indicates the need for specialized diagnostic equipment to verify the performance of specific building elements (for example, a blower door to measure envelope air leakage).
Third-Party Commissioning – If this is checked, it’s likely that special expertise is required and that a third-party will be needed to verify compliance.

11. Performance Specification Criteria
Actions to be taken to ensure that appropriate language is included in bid and contract documents so that the building meets program requirements and contractors are aware of expectations.
The second element of the protocol is the Performance Specification Criteria. This section lists the actions to be taken during the design, bidding, and construction phases of the project to ensure that the performance requirements of the building components are included in bid and contract documents so that subcontractors are properly informed of their responsibilities and expectations. All requirements listed in the Performance Path or Prescriptive Path must be incorporated into the construction documents, and clearly identify who is responsible for proper installation and construction.

12. Performance Specification Criteria: Contract Language
For example: “Allow inspection of all energy related components. Provide submittals for review and report installation dates immediately. Ensure the ENERGY STAR label remains attached to products and appliances when applicable.”
In addition, contract language is suggested in this section that can be included in the construction documents to ensure the GC is aware of his or her responsibility in facilitating the inspection process.

13. Procedure and Documentation
Steps to be followed to ensure that each building element is inspected at the appropriate time, that the necessary data is documented in the T&V Worksheets and, if applicable, used in the As-Built energy model or to prove that requirements of the Prescriptive Path have been met.
The third element of each protocol is the “Procedures and Documentation” section. This section lists the steps to be followed to ensure that each building element is inspected at the appropriate time and that the necessary data is collected and documented in the T&V Worksheets and, if applicable, for use in the As-Built energy model or to prove that requirements of the Prescriptive Path have been met.

14. Schedule
Identifies the point in construction when a particular inspection or test should take place.
The 4th common element of the protocols is the Schedule section. Although exact timing of inspections may vary significantly from one building to another, this section identifies the point in construction when a particular inspection or test should take place. The party responsible for the testing and verification protocols must communicate frequently with the developer or GC to understand the construction schedule and be available for inspections when necessary without slowing down the construction process.

15. Responsible Parties
Identifies the parties responsible for a specific inspection or test and which other parties need to be available or coordinated with to effectively carry out the inspection.
The 5th element lists the Responsible Parties. This section identifies the potential parties responsible for a specific inspection or test and which other parties need to be available or coordinated with to effectively carry out the inspection.

16. Sampling Requirements
For building components that are duplicated many times throughout the building (e.g., windows, light fixtures) or cover large areas or sections of the building (e.g., wall insulation), the specific protocol identifies the minimum required area or sample to be inspected.
The final element in each T&V Protocol, is a section on Sampling Requirements.
For building components that are duplicated many times throughout the building (for example, windows and light fixtures) or cover large areas or sections of the building (such as wall insulation), the sampling requirement section in each specific protocol identifies the minimum required area or sample to be inspected.
If the minimum sample is inspected with a 100% compliance rate, then the inspection process is complete. If a failure is detected within the sample set, corrective actions must be implemented and the sample retested in order to be compliant.
In general, the Testing and Verification Protocols that allow sampling follow RESNET sampling protocols, as opposed to requiring inspection of 100% of the installed components.

17. Sampling Requirements: RESNET
Refer to RESNET’s 2006 Mortgage Industry National Home Energy Rating Systems Standards, Chapter 6 for the full description of RESNET’s sampling protocols; however, the intent is captured in the following sections:
A complete set of Sampling Controls shall be performed at a minimum ratio of one (1) test or inspection out of seven (7) spaces/apartments within a given sample set…
…the sampling controls may be completed collectively on a single space/apartment or distribute the tests and inspections across several spaces/apartments within a given sample set, provided the total number of individual tests and inspections meets or exceeds the minimum ratio set forth in
For the full description of RESNET’s sampling protocols, please refer to RESNET’s 2006 Mortgage Industry National Home Energy Rating Systems Standards, Chapter 6.
However, the intent is captured in the following sections:
Section A complete set of Sampling Controls shall be performed at a minimum ratio of one (1) test or inspection out of seven (7) spaces/apartments within a given sample set, per the sampling rate requirements below:
The sampling controls can be completed collectively on a single space/apartment or distribute the tests and inspections across several spaces/apartments within a given sample set, provided the total number of individual tests and inspections meets or exceeds the minimum ratio set forth in
For example, in a set of 7 apartments, all inspections for insulation, windows, and air leakage can be conducted on the same apartment and lead to compliance for all 7 apartments in that sample set. Alternatively, one apartment could be inspected for insulation, another for windows and yet another for air leakage, and could also lead to compliance for all 7 apartments in that sample set.

18. Sampling Requirements: RESNET
To qualify for sampling in a metropolitan area, a builder shall first complete, without any incidence of failure, a complete set of sampling controls on at least seven (7) consecutive apartments in that metropolitan area. For this initial phase of testing and inspections, the complete set of sampling controls shall be performed on each of the seven (7) apartments.
When an “initial failure” occurs, the failed item(s) shall be tested or inspected in two (2) additional spaces/apartments selected from the same sample set. Testing and/or inspections for any item(s) that may become inaccessible during the construction process, (e.g., wall insulation) must be timed so additional testing and/or inspections can occur on other spaces/apartments in the sample set before they become inaccessible for inspection or testing.
To qualify for sampling in a metropolitan area, a builder shall first complete, without any incidence of failure, a complete set of sampling controls on at least seven (7) consecutive apartments in that metropolitan area. For this initial phase of testing and inspections, the complete set of sampling controls shall be performed on each of the seven (7) apartments.
For example, in a 100 unit building, each T&V protocol must be successfully met in 7 apartments before sampling can be used in the remaining 93 apartments. If a builder has completed the protocols on another building in the same metropolitan area, sampling can begin right away without the 7 consecutive apartments.
When an “initial failure” occurs, the failed item(s) shall be tested or inspected in two (2) additional spaces/apartments selected from the same sample set. Testing and/or inspections for any item(s) that may become inaccessible during the construction process, (e.g., wall insulation) must be timed so additional testing and/or inspections can occur on other spaces/apartments in the sample set before they become inaccessible for inspection or testing.

19. Sampling Requirements: RESNET
When an “additional failure” occurs, in one or more of the two (2) additional spaces/apartments, the failed item(s) shall be tested or inspected in the remaining four (4) spaces/apartments selected for the same sample set.
Until the failure is corrected in all identified (failed) spaces/apartments in the sample set, none of the spaces/apartments shall be deemed to meet the threshold or labeling criteria.
Action is required if three (3) “additional failures” occur within a ninety (90) calendar day period. The required action depends on whether those “additional failures” apply to the same failed item or various failed items.
When an “additional failure” occurs, in one or more of the two (2) additional spaces/apartments, the failed item(s) shall be tested or inspected in the remaining four (4) spaces/apartments selected for the same sample set.
Until the failure is corrected in all identified (failed) spaces/apartments in the sample set, none of the spaces/apartments shall be deemed to meet the threshold or labeling criteria.
Action is required if three (3) “additional failures” occur within a ninety (90) calendar day period. The required action depends on whether those “additional failures” apply to the same failed item or various failed items. Action could mean suspension of sampling and requiring testing and inspection of all units.

20. Statements of Substantial Completion

21. Statement of Substantial Completion
A Statement of Substantial Completion or approved proxy may be submitted to establish completion of the work and document compliance for applicable protocols.
Can hold contractors accountable for quality of installations
May reduce the burden on the responsible party for verification.
Licensed professional is still responsible for performing the necessary due diligence to ensure that the Statement of Substantial Completion is accurate and complete.
Not all of the testing and verification protocols need to be conducted by a 3rd party. Some can be completed by the installation contractor themselves or other qualified representative.
When submitting the T&V Worksheets, a signed Statement of Substantial Completion or approved proxy may be attached to the relevant and fully completed Worksheet. When submitting a signed Statement of Substantial Completion, the project’s licensed professional who is signing the EPA submittals is still responsible for performing the necessary due diligence to ensure that the Statement of Substantial Completion is accurate and complete.

22. Statement of Substantial Completion
All relevant ENERGY STAR MFHR Testing and Verification Worksheets (T&V Worksheets) must be attached and completed with all required information, photographs, cut sheets, etc.
To be completed by the installation contractor or other qualified representative on company letterhead
List name and address of the site
List name and contact information of individual completing the statement
Written confirmation that fixtures and equipment have been installed and tested.
Individual’s signature and date signed.
The relevant T&V Worksheet must still be completed with all required information, photographs, cut sheets, etc, to demonstrate compliance with the protocol.
The actual Statement of Substantial Completion should be on company letterhead, must list the project name, address, contact information and signature for the individual completing the statement, and state which protocols have been met through this approach.

23. Statement of Substantial Completion
A statement of substantial completion can be submitted for the following protocols:
1.1) ENERGY STAR Qualified Appliances
3.4) Window Selection, U-value, SHGC, and Visual Transmittance
3.5) Exterior Door Selection, Entrance-way Design, Use of Vestibules, Weather stripping, and Air Leakage
6.1) Common Areas, In-Unit, Garage and Exterior Lighting
6.2) Emergency Lighting (Exit Signs)
6.3) Lighting Controls
7.1) Motors
9.1) Metering Configuration
If this approach is permitted or required for a given protocol, it will be listed in the Procedures and Documentation section of that protocol.

24. Statement of Substantial Completion
For the following HVAC protocols a Statement of Substantial Completion (SSC) must be completed by a third-party qualified representative:
2.1) Central Systems (Serving 5 units or more)
2.2) Distributed (Individual Apartment) Systems
5.1) Central Heating Systems (Serving 5 units or more)
5.2) Central Cooling Systems (Serving 5 units or more)
5.3) Distributed (Individual Apartment) Heating Systems
5.4) Distributed (Individual Apartment) Cooling Systems
8.2) Common Area and In-Unit Ventilation (CFM), Intake Source, and Intake/Exhaust Fan Efficiency
However the HVAC protocols listed on this slide MUST be documented using Statements of Substantial Completion and signed by a third-party qualified representative.

25. Appendix A: Referenced Standards and Data Sources
Now that we have described the basic structure of each protocol, let’s introduce you to the many standards referenced throughout the document.

26. Air Conditioning Contractors Association (ACCA) Manuals J, S, and D
These manuals provide standardized procedures for completing sizing calculations for heating and cooling systems (Manuals J and S) and duct system sizing and design (Manual D)
The Air Conditioning Contractors Association (ACCA) publishes Manuals J, S, and D. These manuals provide standardized procedures for completing sizing calculations for heating and cooling systems (Manuals J and S) and duct system sizing and design (Manual D).
Available at -

27. Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI)
Use this online directory of AHRI ratings to determine efficiencies of heating and cooling systems
The Air-Conditioning, heating, and Refrigeration Institute provides an online directory of certified ratings for heating and cooling equipment.
Available at -

28. American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE)
ASHRAE Standard : Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality
Provides guidance for ventilation system design and other related building features to ensure acceptable indoor air quality. Scope includes all buildings except low-rise residential.
In the MFHR program, this standard applies to common areas.
The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) developed a ventilation standard for acceptable indoor air quality that is referenced in the multifamily high-rise program for common areas….
Available at -

29. American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE)
ASHRAE Standard : Ventilation and Acceptable Indoor Air Quality in Low-Rise Residential Buildings
Provides guidance for ventilation system design and other related building features to ensure acceptable indoor air quality.
In the MFHR program, this standard is applied to dwelling units.
….They also have a ventilation standard, , that is referenced for the apartments of multifamily high-rise buildings.
Available at -

30. American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE)
ASHRAE Standard and : Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings
Primary source document for Baseline Building design features and guidance for creating a performance-based evaluation of a proposed building’s energy features.
ASHRAE Standard is an energy standard for buildings EXCEPT low-rise residential buildings and describes the minimum requirements for the energy-efficient design of high-rise buildings. This standard is highly relevant to the Performance Path as it describes the efficiency of the building components of the baseline building.
Available at -

31. American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE)
ASHRAE Standard : Standard for the Design of High- Performance Green Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings
Primary source document for Building Envelope Requirements and Minimum Equipment Efficiencies for the Prescriptive Path.
ASHRAE Standard is the primary source document for the Building Envelope Requirements and Minimum Equipment Efficiencies for the Prescriptive Path.
Available at -

32. American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE)
(ASHRAE) Standard 160P: Criteria for Moisture Control Design Analysis in Buildings
The standard sets criteria for moisture design loads, moisture analysis methods, and building performance and applies to the above-grade portions of all types of buildings.
(ASHRAE) Standard 160P is the standard that sets criteria for moisture design loads, moisture analysis methods, and building performance and applies to the above-grade portions of all types of buildings.
Available at –

33. ASTM E779 – 10
Standard Test Method for Determining Air Leakage Rate by Fan Pressurization
This test method measures air-leakage rates through a building envelope under controlled pressurization and de-pressurization.
In the MFHR program, this is one standard used to determine whether measured infiltration of a random sample of apartments does not exceed 0.30 CFM50/SF of enclosure.
ASTM E is the test method that measures air-leakage rates through a building envelope under controlled pressurization and de-pressurization. This is one standard used to determine whether measured infiltration of a random sample of apartments does not exceed 0.30 CFM50/SF of enclosure.
Available at –

34. ASTM E1827 – 96 (2007)
Standard Test Methods for Determining Air tightness of Buildings Using an Orifice Blower Door
These test methods describe two techniques for measuring air leakage rates through a building envelope in buildings that may be configured to a single zone.
In the MFHR program, this is one standard used to determine whether measured infiltration of a random sample of apartments does not exceed 0.30 CFM50/SF of enclosure.
ASTM E1827 – 96 (2007) includes test methods that describe two techniques for measuring air leakage rates through a building envelope in buildings that may be configured to a single zone. This is the other standard used to determine whether measured infiltration of a random sample of apartments does not exceed 0.30 CFM50/SF of enclosure.
Available at –

35. ENERGY STAR Homes v3.0 Checklists
Version 3.0 of the ENERGY STAR Qualified Homes HVAC System Quality Installation Rater and Contractor Checklists is referenced for in-unit forced air system commissioning.
Version 3.0 of the ENERGY STAR Qualified Homes Thermal Enclosure System Rater Checklist is referenced to verify envelope installations for buildings with wood framed construction.
Although not a requirement in the multifamily high-rise program, the ENERGY STAR Qualified Homes HVAC System checklists can be used to document the installation of forced-air systems in your building.
Only two sections of the Thermal Enclosure Checklist are required in the multifamily high-rise program, and only for wood-framed construction.
Available at –

36. Illuminating Engineering Society of North America Lighting Handbook
Handbook of lighting design published by the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America
In the MFHR program, this is referenced for minimum footcandle requirements by space type
The Illuminating Engineering Society (IESNA) provides the recommended light levels and power densities that form the prerequisites in this program.
The data needed is available in their handbook or in the Performance or Prescriptive Path documents.
Available at -

37. National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
These standards provide guidance for the proper installation of natural gas (Standard 54) and oil-fired (Standard 31) heating systems.
These standards provide guidance for the proper installation of natural gas (Standard 54) and oil-fired (Standard 31) heating systems.
Available at -

38. Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET) HERS Standards
Chapter 6 of this standard includes the sampling procedure described in the “How to Use this Manual” section of the Testing and Verification Protocols.
Chapter 6 of this standard includes the sampling procedure described in detail earlier in the presentation and in the “How to Use this Manual” section of the Testing and Verification Protocols.
Available at –

39. Appendix B: Recommended Equipment List
In addition to the referenced standards, there are pieces of equipment that are highly recommended in order to properly conduct the Testing and Verification Protocols.

40. Manometer and Static Pressure Probe
The manometer measures the pressure difference between points and is used together with a variety of equipment, such as the blower door and duct blaster.
The static pressure probe measures static pressure only instead of total pressure.
This is digital differential pressure gauge. It is used to measure pressure differences between areas, and some models can be programmed to work with a variety of testing devices including blower doors, duct blasters, and pressure and flow meters.
The static pressure probe is designed to measure static pressure only by excluding velocity pressure.
Image courtesy of The Energy Conservatory

41. Pressure Pan and Flow Meter
The pressure pan is used with a manometer to measure static pressure at an exhaust grille.
The flow meter is used with a manometer to measure air flow at an exhaust grille.
The pressure pan is a duct leakage diagnostic tool which is used along with the blower door and digital pressure gauge to identify air leakage in duct systems. This technique involves placing a gasketed pressure pan over each register or grille with the air handler fan off and the blower door depressurizing the house to a standard reference pressure. A measurement of the pressure between a duct run and the room where the duct register or grille is located provides a quick and reliable indication of whether significant duct leaks exist in that section of the duct system.
The exhaust flow meter is designed to make quick and accurate measurements of air flow through residential exhaust fans, and is designed to measure flows down to 10 cfm. The measured pressure can be automatically converted to cfm of flow with many digital pressure gauges.
Images courtesy of The Energy Conservatory

42. Balometer and Smoke Pencil
Balometers are also used to measure air flow from exhaust grilles, or supply/return registers.
The smoke pencil is used to help identify leaks during blower door testing.
Images courtesy of Alnor and American Science and Surplus
The basic design of a balometer includes an air flow capture device (hood) and a measurement device (manometer). The flow capture device is typically a nylon fabric hood mounted over a collapsible frame that directs air flow over a sensing element inside the measurement device. The hood typically has one larger open end that is typically sized to fit a standard commercial register, with other hood sizes available. Most flow hoods can measure flow in both direction (supply or return) and have the capability to perform time averaging. Most flow hoods also have multiple flow ranges that are usually attained by changing the readout device, or by using a low flow screen.
Having a convenient source of chemical smoke can be extremely useful for diagnosing air leakage sites. The smoke puffer uses a reactive chemical to produce a dense, white, neutral buoyancy smoke that can help identify air leaks during blower door testing.

43. Duct Blaster
The duct blaster is used in this program to measure leakage in heating and cooling ductwork, as well as central ventilation ductwork.
It includes several different orifice plates and is used with a manometer.
6 or 8 CFM25/100 ft2
A duct blaster is a calibrated air flow measurement system designed to test and document the airtightness of forced air duct systems. A duct blaster fan is connected directly to the duct system, typically at a central return, or at the air handler cabinet. With the remaining registers and grilles temporarily taped off, duct airtightness is measured by either pressurizing or depressurizing the duct system and precisely measuring the fan flow and duct pressure.
Duct airtightness measurements are used to diagnose and demonstrate leakage problems, estimate efficiency losses from duct leakage, and certify compliance with duct leakage standards.
In the multifamily high-rise program, the standard is 6 or 8 CFM25 per 100 square feet of floor area, depending on the size of the apartment. Typical apartments would be allowed CFM25 of total duct leakage.
Images courtesy of The Energy Conservatory

44. Blower Door
The blower door is used to measure air leakage in buildings.
It consists of a frame, shroud and calibrated fan. It is used with a manometer.
0.30 CFM50/ft2
The standard blower door system includes a single fan, digital pressure and flow gauge, an adjustable aluminum frame and nylon panel, and if supported a software program that can be used to download test results to your computer. Typical blower door fans provide quick and accurate flow measurements from 300 to 6,300 CFM.
To measure higher rates, multi-fan blower door systems are also available.
In the multifamily high-rise program, the maximum envelope leakage is 0.30 CFM50 per square feet of enclosure. Typical apartments are allowed CFM50 of leakage, depending on size.
Image courtesy of The Energy Conservatory

45. Flow Plates
Flow plates are designed to quickly measure air flow through an air handling unit.
They fit in the place of a filter and the flow is calculated using a manometer.
Flow plates are designed to provide a simple and accurate measurement of air flow through residential air handlers. The air flow rate through residential air handlers is an important variable in estimating and optimizing the performance of heat pumps and air conditioners.
A flow plate temporarily replaces the filter in a typical air handler system during the air flow measurement procedure. If the filter location is directly adjacent to the air handler, the flow plate will measure the total air handler flow. If the filter is located remotely at a single central return, the flow plate will measure the air flow through the central return.
Image courtesy of The Energy Conservatory

46. Camera and Infrared Camera
Cameras are valuable tools for recording field conditions
Infrared cameras are able to see the temperature of objects and identify air leaks and thermal bridging
Infrared cameras have been successfully used as a building diagnostic tool for over 20 years. From verifying insulation integrity to finding thermal bridges, there is no better tool for diagnosing hidden performance problems. And when combined with a Blower Door, an infrared camera can quickly expose air leakage sites that are buried deep inside ceiling, wall and floor assemblies.
Images courtesy of FLIR and Canon

47. Electronic Ballast Detector and Light Meter
An electronic ballast checker tests whether fluorescent ballast are electronic or magnetic
A light meter measures the light level to ensure enough light is being provided
When pointed at a fixture, an electronic ballast Checker simply turns green if the light source is powered by a high frequency electronic ballast and orange if it's powered by a magnetic ballast, indicating a prime opportunity for a lighting upgrade involving electronic technology. ENERGY STAR qualified fixtures won’t have magnetic ballasts.
Light meters make quick and accurate measurements to verify that required levels of illumination are being provided.
Images courtesy of Philips and TES

48. Thermometers
Some digital thermometers can be used with thermocouples for quick and accurate temperature readings
A simple digital thermometer can easily measure domestic hot water temperature
Digital thermometers allow precise measurements of temperature. Thermocouples make it possible to measure extremely high temperatures in a variety of situations. Boiler water supply and return temperatures and cooling water supply and return temperatures are examples of the valuable information that can be easily recorded using a digital thermocouple thermometer.
Images courtesy of Fluke and Trutemp

49. Low-E Detector
A Low-E detector is used to check for the presence and location of a Low-E coating in insulated glazing
A Low-E detector is used to check for the presence and location of a Low-E coating in insulated glazing. Use it to confirm the invisible Low E coating is properly installed into your double pane insulated glass units.
Image courtesy of Professional Equipment

50. Appendix C: Specifications for Flexible Duct Installation
The final Appendix in the Testing and Verification Protocols provides additional standards for those utilizing flexible ducts in their air-distribution systems.

51. Photo Template
This Word-based template was designed so that pictures used to provide photo-documentation required by the T&V Protocols could be easily formatted and consistently reported.
Photo documentation must be submitted to the EPA or its designated agent at the end of construction
The Photo Template need only be submitted for the Developer’s first three buildings that participate in the Program. Also, if the licensed professional validating documents has successfully submitted at least three Photo Templates, the requirement is waived.
We’ve mentioned two supporting files that have been developed to help document the testing and verification protocols; the Photo Template and the Testing and Verification Worksheets.
The Word-based photo template was designed so that pictures used to provide photo-documentation required by the Testing &Verification Protocols could be quickly and easily formatted and consistently reported.
This photo documentation must be submitted to the EPA or its designated agent at the end of construction.
The Photo Template only needs to be submitted for the Developer’s first three buildings that participate in the Program. Also, if the licensed professional validating documents has successfully submitted at least three Photo Templates, the requirement is waived.

52. Testing and Verification Worksheets
Mandatory Excel-based worksheets that document the results of plan reviews, inspections, verification, and performance testing.
Provide inspection worksheets that can be used in the field that follow the Testing and Verification Protocols, but are organized for the convenience of the site inspector.
Provide a central file to store building information relevant to all members of the design team: architect, energy modeler, site inspector, project manager, plan reviewer, etc.
Must be submitted once prior to construction to document results of the plan review and once after construction is complete, to document the results of testing and verification.
Webinar available online to demonstrate this tool.
The other supporting file is the T&V Worksheets.
Rather than PDF based checklists, these mandatory Excel-based worksheets have been developed that document the results of plan reviews, inspections, verification, and performance testing. The worksheets follow each protocol, but are organized for the convenience of the site inspector and provide a central file to store building information relevant to all members of the design team, from the architect and energy modeler, to the project manager and site inspector.
A separate webinar is available to explain how to use these worksheets. These worksheets are submitted to the EPA both before and after construction.

53. Tips for Success
Although Part I of this webinar was a general overview of the Testing and Verification Protocols and supporting tools, to improve the chances of a multifamily high-rise building successfully earning the ENERGY STAR, the following tips are offered to program participants:

54. Ensure all energy-related details are included in the bid documents.
Tips for Success #1 - 3
Understand all requirements and T&V protocols before design is complete!
Ensure all energy-related details are included in the bid documents.
Use pre-bid meetings to help answer questions and clarify expectations.
As early in the design phase of the project as possible, review the Prerequisites Checklist. Incorporate the requirements listed in the Prerequisites Checklist into the design documents and review any unique features of the building that will require special attention in design or construction to ensure the building meets all the requirements of the Prescriptive Path or meets the Performance Target once the energy simulations are complete. The performance requirements are listed in the Performance Path and Prescriptive Path documents on the website, as well as in the Checklists within the T&V Worksheets.
Near the end of the design phase, ensure that all energy-related details are included in the bid documents so that subcontractors are fully informed of the scope of work they are bidding on.
Use pre-bid meetings to help answer questions and clarify the subcontractors’ roles in the successful construction of a high performance building.

55. Identify responsibilities.
Tips for Success #4 - 6
Identify responsibilities.
Attend pre-construction meetings and call out commonly overlooked details.
Stay informed of construction schedule!
The developer shall specify details to be inspected and conformance criteria in the construction documents so it is clear who is responsible for corrective actions to remedy inspection failures.
Use a pre-construction meeting with the developer, general contractor (GC), and all trades contractors to cover all of the details to be inspected. Close attention should be paid to those details that are most commonly overlooked in standard construction (air sealing details, duct sealing details, insulation installation specifications, etc.). All parties should be informed at this time of their specific responsibilities for documentation and submittals to the EPA.
Schedule inspections to occur as soon as possible after construction reaches the point where an inspection of a specific feature is possible. This will improve the likelihood that corrective action can be taken in a cost-effective and timely manner. Inspecting a sample of a specific feature (such as wall insulation in an apartment) near the beginning of the installation of that feature will allow for corrections to be made on installations going forward, rather than causing the subcontractor to correct improper installations.
Timing is critical on many of the inspections described in the T&V Protocols. The construction process may not always progress in a manner that allows for multiple building elements to be inspected in a single visit. Maintain close contact with the GC and stay up-to-date on anticipated construction schedules so inspection staff can be available at the time they are needed on the site.

56. Don’t select sample set ahead of time!
Tips for Success #7 - 10
Don’t select sample set ahead of time!
…except when unique details need to be inspected before installed building wide.
Mock-ups are your friends.
The T&V Worksheets and Photo Template are also your friends!
In most cases, the sample set for any given feature to be inspected shall not be selected ahead of time to help ensure the inspector is seeing a truly representative sample of the work as it progresses.
An exception to this would be measures where it may be more effective to have a sample unit prepared for inspection at the beginning of construction, so corrections to details can be specified for all units going forward. Some possible examples are: air sealing details of apartments, some lighting/lighting control strategies, insulation installations, and other special or unique details that are new to the GC and/or subcontractors.
For some elements and specifications, it may be desirable to create a mock-up of the detail or conduct a field demonstration to show the GC and subcontractors what is expected for an acceptable installation. Some possible examples are: insulation installations, air barrier details, or duct sealing details.
The Photo Template and T&V Worksheets were not intended to create unnecessary paperwork. They were developed based on feedback from the pilot to streamline the documentation and submission process and to help design teams be successful from the beginning. By using the same tool to document and report requirements, the design team can use the tool to track their progress and compliance with requirements, and then simply submit to the EPA as proof of compliance.

57. Questions? Contact: MFHR@energystar.gov
The End
Questions? Contact:
This concludes Part I of the Testing and Verification Protocols webinar. You should have an understanding of how the protocols are structured and the supporting standards, equipment, and tools needed. Part II and III of this webinar will provide greater detail on each protocol.