A recent survey of North Dakota builders could lead to the construction of more energy-efficient homes, according to Carl Pedersen, North Dakota State University Extension Service energy educator.

The survey was conducted to identify residential energy efficiency-related building practices in the state and determine how closely those practices compare with nationally accepted building standards. The information gathered will be used to identify areas where increased and directed educational efforts will have the greatest impact for homeowners.

“The hope is that by educating homeowners as well as professional builders, home energy use can be reduced,” Pedersen says.

The survey indicated North Dakota builders who participated in the study are building homes that meet the needs of homeowners in the majority of their housing projects. However, the survey also indicated an opportunity for improvement in a number of areas that could lead to energy savings and greater comfort for homeowners. One of those areas is foundation insulation levels.

“Too often it is assumed that basements are supposed to be cold and the ground provides adequate insulation for a home,” Pedersen says. “That is simply not the case. An uninsulated concrete foundation has the same insulating ability as a single-pane window. Higher levels of basement insulation can add to the comfort level and performance of the home significantly.”

The survey also showed that while builders indicated they were insulating walls and ceilings at or above recommended levels, the majority were not insulating basements to the most recently recommended code levels for North Dakota’s climate. Seventy-nine percent of the builders surveyed did not insulate poured concrete foundation walls to levels recommended in the International Energy Conservation Code, which consists of the most widely recognized energy-related building regulations.

The North Dakota Building Code Advisory Committee is working to include energy provisions in the North Dakota State building code, but until that is accomplished, people must ensure the homes they purchase have proper insulation levels, Pedersen says. The best way for prospective homebuyers to do that is to educate themselves on ways to save money and make their homes more comfortable, he adds.

The NDSU Extension Service, in cooperation with the North Dakota Department of Commerce, is working to develop programs to educate homeowners on ways to save money by using energy wisely in their homes.

To see an executive summary or full report of the building practices study or find information on wise home energy use, visit http://www.ndsu.edu/energy.

For more information on this or any other energy-related issue, contact Pedersen at (701) 231-5833 or carl.pedersen@ndsu.edu.

NDSU Agriculture Communication