Knowledge Hub

Sharing what we learn along the way is essential to evolving our industry and making the built environment more sustainable, healthy, equitable, and accessible.

Sunlit city street with pedestrians crossing and strong heat haze between tall buildings.

Sunlit city street with pedestrians crossing and strong heat haze between tall buildings.

We’re Sharing Our Hot Takes on LEED v5

And we have some thoughts. Every topic is on the table: upfront costs, regulatory compliance, commissioning, carbon, accountability, and more.

Boston skyline at sunset with Zakim Bridge in foreground and high-rise under construction.

Boston skyline at sunset with Zakim Bridge in foreground and high-rise under construction.

Debunking the Costs of Energy Code Compliance in Massachusetts: Design and Preconstruction (Part 1)

When energy codes are framed as a first-cost problem, rollback can start to sound like relief. We want to reframe the cost conversation from code-blaming to reality. At Steven Winter Associates, our approach is: define the pathway, define the baseline,…

Massachusetts Stretch and Specialized Code Compliance: A Quick Guide for New Construction Projects

Massachusetts has stretched its energy code since 2009, making it the first state to implement a stricter, above-code option. This occurred as part of the Green Communities Act, where municipalities are provided financial and technical support if they meet specific…

Wood‑framed multifamily residential buildings under construction at a large development site.

Wood‑framed multifamily residential buildings under construction at a large development site.

Using the 2021 or 2024 IBC? Take This Extra Step for Fair Housing Act (FHA) Compliance

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has not yet approved the 2021 or 2024 IBC and A117.1-2017 as FHA safe harbors. If your jurisdiction has adopted these codes, you must select a separate FHA safe harbor or…

Empty courtroom interior with judge’s bench, counsel tables, and seating viewed from the gallery.

Empty courtroom interior with judge’s bench, counsel tables, and seating viewed from the gallery.

Accessibility Litigation Prevention: What Leads to Complaints and Court Cases – Residential Edition

Most built environments are subject to accessible design and construction requirements under the building code and applicable local, state, and federal accessibility laws. Even small, unintentional misunderstandings of requirements can lead to complaints and, in some cases, costly court proceedings….

Tall modern residential tower in Reston, Virginia, with a gray exterior façade, glass balconies, and reflective windows, photographed from below against a partly cloudy sky.

Tall modern residential tower in Reston, Virginia, with a gray exterior façade, glass balconies, and reflective windows, photographed from below against a partly cloudy sky.

The 2021 IECC Change You May Have Missed: Air Barrier Verification

Don’t wait for permit reviewers to flag air barrier compliance in your plans.

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Podcast

Mini Episode – Listen Before You Install Your Next Heat Pump

It’s been a while! Buildings + Beyond host Robb Aldrich is back with a quick update on a new (and free!) video series for anyone who wants to learn how to install an air-source heat pump.

Room Acoustics – Are They the Missing Piece in the Occupant Experience?

Many of us take good acoustics for granted. But it’s common for acoustic efforts to be the first thing cut from commercial projects—or not included in the design phase at all, according to Graham Waks, founder of Music City Acoustics.

Do We Need a Green Certification Program Just for Commercial Kitchens? (Hint… Yes)

Commercial kitchens are one of the most challenging spaces to electrify, but we need to take on this challenge in order to decarbonize restaurants, hotels, schools, hospitals, and other buildings with commercial kitchens. Is another green certification program the answer?

It’s Getting Hot in Here! – Why We Can’t Stop Talking About Electric Kitchens

Remember when gas stoves became a political issue last year? While all that public debate was happening, there were chefs around the world embracing the concept of all-electric kitchens and getting past the learning curve to induction cooking.

Blog

Boston skyline at sunset with Zakim Bridge in foreground and high-rise under construction.

Boston skyline at sunset with Zakim Bridge in foreground and high-rise under construction.

Debunking the Costs of Energy Code Compliance in Massachusetts: Design and Preconstruction (Part 1)

When energy codes are framed as a first-cost problem, rollback can start to sound like relief. We want to reframe the cost conversation from code-blaming to reality. At Steven Winter Associates, our approach is: define the pathway, define the baseline,…

Sunlit city street with pedestrians crossing and strong heat haze between tall buildings.

Sunlit city street with pedestrians crossing and strong heat haze between tall buildings.

We’re Sharing Our Hot Takes on LEED v5

And we have some thoughts. Every topic is on the table: upfront costs, regulatory compliance, commissioning, carbon, accountability, and more.

Massachusetts Stretch and Specialized Code Compliance: A Quick Guide for New Construction Projects

Massachusetts has stretched its energy code since 2009, making it the first state to implement a stricter, above-code option. This occurred as part of the Green Communities Act, where municipalities are provided financial and technical support if they meet specific…

Wood‑framed multifamily residential buildings under construction at a large development site.

Wood‑framed multifamily residential buildings under construction at a large development site.

Using the 2021 or 2024 IBC? Take This Extra Step for Fair Housing Act (FHA) Compliance

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has not yet approved the 2021 or 2024 IBC and A117.1-2017 as FHA safe harbors. If your jurisdiction has adopted these codes, you must select a separate FHA safe harbor or…

Research & Programs

Snow-covered sidewalk in Brooklyn lined with brownstone buildings. Steps and railings are dusted with snow, and snow piles line the sidewalk edges. A bicycle is partially buried in snow near one building, evoking a quiet, serene winter day in the city.

Research & Programs

Snow-covered sidewalk in Brooklyn lined with brownstone buildings. Steps and railings are dusted with snow, and snow piles line the sidewalk edges. A bicycle is partially buried in snow near one building, evoking a quiet, serene winter day in the city.

No Backup Needed: Right-Sized Packaged Terminal Heat Pumps (PTHPs) Can Reliably Heat NYC Apartments All Winter

A recent NYSERDA-supported study conducted by SWA shows that right-sized cold-climate packaged terminal heat pumps (PTHPs) can reliably heat New York City apartments, even with outdoor temperatures as low as 15°F, without backup systems. This study also reinforces that accurate…

Aerial view of New York City looking downtown, featuring a dense cityscape of skyscrapers with One World Trade Center prominently visible in the distance.

Research & Programs

Aerial view of New York City looking downtown, featuring a dense cityscape of skyscrapers with One World Trade Center prominently visible in the distance.

The Consequences of Under-Predicting Energy Use and Oversizing Systems in Multifamily Buildings

Passive House design can result in efficient, cost-effective, comfortable, and resilient multifamily buildings—as long as it’s based on accurate data.

New York City buildings at sunset

Research & Programs

New York City buildings at sunset

Oversizing VRF Systems Will Cost You in Equipment and Energy

In a DOE-sponsored study, SWA uncovered why one VRF system used six times less electricity per square foot than another across two similar high-rise apartment buildings in New York City.

Rendering of the exterior of building 7 at night at Northland Newton Development

Research & Programs

Rendering of the exterior of building 7 at night at Northland Newton Development

Embodied Carbon Reduction Challenge

For the MassCEC and BE+ Embodied Carbon Reduction Challenge, SWA optimized structural design and reduced reliance on concrete and steel for Building 7 at Northland Newton Development in Newton, MA.

News

Aerial view of Aurora, Colorado, with the Rocky Mountains visible in the background at sunset or sunrise.

Aerial view of Aurora, Colorado, with the Rocky Mountains visible in the background at sunset or sunrise.

SWA Selected as Partner for City of Fort Collins ‘Designed to 2030’ Pre-Approved High-Performance Home Plans Pilot Program

Steven Winter Associates (SWA) is proud to join the interdisciplinary project team selected by the City of Fort Collins, CO, for its Designed to 2030 – Pre‑Approved High‑Performance Home Plans Pilot Program to reduce the cost of building energy-efficient homes.

SWA to Lead DOE Building America Team

SWA was selected by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)’s Building America program to lead a team that will address technical challenges of decarbonizing the U.S. housing stock. Along with our team members HR&A Advisors, Ecosystem, and Kinetic Communities Consulting…

SWA’s Gayathri Vijayakumar Selected for Inaugural Class of RESNET^® Recognition of Women Pioneers in the HERS^® Industry

We’re excited to announce that Gayathri Vijayakumar, Principal Mechanical Engineer at SWA, has been selected for the inaugural class of the RESNET® Recognition of Women Pioneers in the HERS® Industry.

SWA’s Gayathri Vijayakumar Recognized with 2023 ICC National Leadership in Sustainability and Energy Efficiency Award

We’re proud to announce that Gayathri Vijayakumar, Principal Mechanical Engineer at SWA, received the 2023 National Leadership in Sustainability and Energy Efficiency Award from the International Code Council’s Sustainability Membership Council.

Education & Training

heat pumps on roof

heat pumps on roof

Air-source Heat Pumps for Cold Climates

The course illustrates real-world examples of air-source heat pumps, with both good and bad applications. ASHPs can work very well in many cold climates with thoughtful design and implementation. The intent of this course is to help people implement systems…

Air Conditioning Repair Concepts, Technician holding refrigerant manifold gauge set air conditioning tools with hose and hook, repairman fixing air conditioning system

Air Conditioning Repair Concepts, Technician holding refrigerant manifold gauge set air conditioning tools with hose and hook, repairman fixing air conditioning system

Net-Zero HVAC Strategies for Multifamily Buildings

This module will take an in-depth look into the mechanical systems typically employed in high performance, net zero buildings including heating, cooling, domestic hot water, and ventilation. Discussion topics include reasons for, and issues with full electrification and central-plant considerations….

woman sitting and reading in a living room

woman sitting and reading in a living room

Electrifying Homes

This course explores the benefits of electrification, provide an overview of the considerations when going all-electric, discuss a variety of technology options and best practices for incorporating heat pumps for both domestic hot water and space heating.

Top 10 Multifamily Design Mistakes

The residential building industry is becoming more sustainable and efficient, yet many new buildings are still under-performing because designers continue to make simple, avoidable mistakes. Based on lessons learned in the field, we discuss the top ten multifamily design mistakes…