1001 Homeowner's Manual and Training Guidelines for One- and Two-Family Dwellings – Above Green

1001 - Intent

Information on the building’s use, maintenance, and green components is provided.

1001.1

A homeowner’s manual is provided and stored in a permanent location in the dwelling that includes the following, as available and applicable. (1 point each; 8 max)

A National Green Building Standard certificate with weblink and completion document. N/A
List of green building features (can include the national green building checklist). N/A
Product manufacturer’s manuals or product data sheet for installed major equipment, fixtures, and appliances. If product data sheet is in the building owners’ manual, manufacturer’s manual may be attached to the appliance in lieu of inclusion in the building owners’ manual. N/A
Maintenance checklist.
Information on local recycling and composting programs.
Information on available local utility programs that purchase a portion of energy from renewable energy providers.
Explanation of the benefits of using energy-efficient lighting systems [e.g., compact fluorescent light bulbs, light emitting diode (LED)] in high-usage areas.
A list of practices to conserve water and energy.
Information on the importance and operation of the home's fresh air ventilation system. N/A
Local public transportation options.
A diagram showing the location of safety valves and controls for major building systems.
Where frost-protected shallow foundations are used, owner is informed of precautions including:
- instructions to not remove or damage insulation when modifying landscaping.
- providing heat to the building as required by the ICC IRC or IBC.
- keeping base materials beneath and around the building free from moisture caused by broken water pipes or other water sources.
A list of local service providers that offer regularly scheduled service and maintenance contracts to ensure proper performance of equipment and the structure (e.g., HVAC, water-heating equipment, sealants, caulks, gutter and downspout system, shower and/or tub surrounds, irrigation system).
A photo record of framing with utilities installed. Photos are taken prior to installing insulation, clearly labeled, and included as part of the building owners’ manual.
List of common hazardous materials often used around the building and instructions for proper handling and disposal of these materials.
Information on organic pest control, fertilizers, deicers, and cleaning products.
Information on native landscape materials and/or those that have low water requirements.
Information on methods of maintaining the building’s relative humidity in the range of 30 percent to 60 percent.
Instructions for inspecting the building for termite infestation.
Instructions for maintaining gutters and downspouts and importance of diverting water a minimum of 5 feet away from foundation.
A narrative detailing the importance of maintenance and operation in retaining the attributes of a green-built building.
Where stormwater management measures are installed on the lot, information on the location, purpose, and upkeep of these measures.
Explanation of and benefits from green cleaning in the home.
Retrofit energy calculator that provides baseline for future energy retrofits.

Required Documentation

Verifier should review homeowner’s manual that addresses the required 3 items and any of the listed additional optional items.

1001.2 - Training of Initial Homeowners

Initial homeowners are familiarized with the role of occupants in achieving green goals. Training is provided to the responsible party(ies) regarding equipment operation and maintenance, control systems, and occupant actions that will improve the environmental performance of the building. These include:

HVAC filters
thermostat operation and programming
lighting controls
appliance operation
water heater settings and hot water use
fan controls
recycling and composting practices
whole-dwelling mechanical ventilation systems

Required Documentation

Builder’s documented procedures & standard practices explaining the occupant training process. Examples of training materials and written confirmation from similar projects that training has been done.