Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC) and one of its principal research engineers, Neil Moyer, were awarded the Energy and Environmental Building Association’s (EEBA) Legacy Award in October. The Legacy Award recognized the most significant contributions made toward the promotion and development of building performance, as it relates to the science of new home construction, over the past 25 years.

FSEC is credited with providing services, such as the research, testing, and certification of solar systems, that save homeowners $20 million in energy costs each year throughout the country.

Neil Moyer with MAD-Air model.

Neil Moyer was recognized as a co-developer for his efforts with Mechanical Air Distribution And Interacting Relationships (MAD-Air), one of the first models to demonstrate problems caused by pressure differentials in homes. The relationship between duct system leakage and interior door closure – and the pressure differences they create – was discovered in the late 1980s, and was originally used to diagnose home energy problems. The connection between these factors later proved to be a key component in the health and safety, durability, and comfort of homes.

“The Legacy Awards are the first of their kind to recognize the significant work done by the pioneers in building science,” notes Kathleen Guidera, EEBA Executive Director. “Their passion for better building performance has provided all of us with a higher building standard that can be applied to homes across the country.”

See EEBA’s press release for a complete listing of award winners.