Presented by Eric Hall and Yasmeen Sudareswaran of Eric Hall Architects, these courses are developed by architects to tackle our as yet unknown challenges with the new 2025 Oregon Energy Efficiency Specialty Code (OEESC). Join us as we discover the intricacies together. This series intends to take a very Architecture-centric approach to the new changes in the Energy Code as the central organizer of the coursework, designed around Com-Check’s process to help us build in-house expertise and reduce the need to rely on outside consultants.
This is not a broad overview, but a step-by-step, in-the-trenches series of coursework to share what we understand about how new code standards will be applied to each commercial project. While we may not have all the answers as we collectively navigate these changes, your participation should significantly advance your understanding and preparedness.
The courses will be presented weekly on Fridays at noon, with a two week break in August. There are a total of five main sessions, each worth 1 AIA LU|HSW (pending approval by National) apiece, with a bonus workshop at the end, where participants can put what they’ve learned into practice. Please note: If you end up having to miss a session, the recording will be available for you (but you will not get the CE for that session).
Register for this Digital series
Cost for the Five Course Series + Bonus Workshop
Includes 6 Hours of AIA LU|HSW (pending)
AIA and NOMA members - $125
Cost for the Five Course Series + Bonus Workshop
Includes 6 Hours of AIA LU|HSW (pending)
Non-Members - $225
7/25/25 Class 1 - Framework
1 AIA LU|HSW
This first session will focus on helping participants understand and navigate through the updated COMcheck tool, which reflects the new standards. You’ll learn how to use COMcheck to organize and evaluate energy code compliance requirements, laying the groundwork for future sessions which will explore areas of thermal bridging, air barrier, and energy credits. The course will also provide an overview of key changes in ASHRAE 90.1 2022, with a focus on how they influence design decisions and project documentation.
8/1/25 Class 2 - Building Insulating Enclosure + Thermal Bridging
CE Pending
This second session will focus on understanding the new thermal bridging requirements and how to evaluate them using COMcheck. Participants will learn about Psi and Chi factors, their role in envelope performance, and how they affect early design decisions and documentation. The course will also demonstrate methods for documenting compliance with thermal bridging requirements in COMcheck.
8/8/25 Class 3 - Air Barrier
CE Pending
This third session will focus on air barrier compliance, with an emphasis on documentation strategies and performance thresholds. Participants will learn how to demonstrate air barrier compliance using COMcheck and how envelope intersections play a key role in successful detailing and code approval.
8/15/25 Class 4 - Energy Credits
CE Pending
This fourth session will explore the newly required energy credits and how they can be managed through COMcheck. Participants will learn how to document energy credits based on project-specific decisions and gain insights into how credits influence early design strategy and coordination between architects and contractors/consultants.
9/5/25 Class 5 - Final Assembly of a sample project using COMcheck, etc.
CE Pending
This fifth session takes a practical look at selecting and documenting the most achievable (“low-hanging fruit”) energy credits. Participants will also receive a sample project scenario to be used to test attendees understanding of the new 2025 COMcheck.
9/12/25 Bonus Session 6 - Final Assembly of a Sample Project in COMcheck
CE pending
This final session provides participants an opportunity to review and evaluate content from previous sessions using their completed COMcheck sample project. Projects will be discussed as a group to highlight different approaches, strategies, and areas of challenge. The session will also create space for discussion around the feasibility of current code requirements, as well as, opportunities for expanded design options for architects.