an overview of building energy codes
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An Overview of Building Energy Codes. The Online Code Environment and Advocacy Network. What are Building Energy Codes?. Codes tell you the legal minimum requirements for a building. - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
An Overview of Building Energy Codes
The Online Code Environment and Advocacy Network
What are Building Energy Codes?
o Energy Codes are part of a larger set of Building Codes, which govern the design and construction of all residential and commercial structures.
o Building Codes set minimum standards in order to protect inhabitants and construction workers.
o Energy Codes specifically address measures taken to improve the amount of energy a building consumes.
o Development in building technology has led to more and more energy efficient practices addressed by codes.
Codes tell you the legal minimum requirements for a building
A Brief History of Codeso Began as a response to energy crises in the
1970’s.o In 1978, congress passed legislation requiring
states to adopt efficiency standards for new buildings.
o The first established codes were the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) 90-77, and the Model Energy Code (MEC) 1983.
o Codes have since undergone many updates and improvements, especially in the last 10 years.
Codes and Standards Standards are generally voluntary
“best practices,” and reflect the most recent advancements in building science.
Codes reference standards in areas such as insulation, HVAC equipment, and lighting, and incorporate them into the code.
As codes are updated, they adopt new and improved standards.
Prescriptive vs. Performance-Based Compliance
Prescriptive-Based The most common form of
compliance. Specific standards are enforced,
and thus minimums for materials and practices are set.
Performance-Based Sets a baseline for minimum energy
requirements. The builder is free to select the
materials and practices necessary to meet the specific energy requirement.
Not the Perfect Solution by ThemselvesCodes are a cost-effective strategy but are not without costs
(training, resources, enforcement, etc.)They do not cover: Plug loads NAECA appliances and equipment Building orientation Building layout Equipment maintenance Building operations Occupant behaviorCodes require support from efficiency programs, legislation,
economic incentives, etc.
Codes in Context
Push Appliance Standards Building Energy Codes
Pull ENERGY STAR
Appliances Home Energy Ratings
Tax Credits LEED
Energy Efficiency
Source: US DOE
Residential: 2009 IECCUpdated every 3 years
About 15% more energy efficient than 2006Next Update: 2012, 30% more efficient
Today’s National Model Energy Codes
Commercial: ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2007Updated every 3 yearsAbout 7% more energy efficient than 2005Next Update: 2010, 30% more efficient
IECC Part of the International Family of Codes
Each state has a varied number of ICC chapters
There are eight regional chapters each encompassing at least 3 states
Chapters can organized their own training – funded by DOE, states, or chapters themselves
Training is almost always open to builders, architects, and the sub-trades
Regional Training helps leverage costs
Coordinated family of International Codes
Expanding Scope of Building Codes and Standards
Minimum requirements to safeguard public health, safety and general welfare
Structural strength Means of egress Stability Sanitation Adequate light and
ventilation Safety to life and property
from fire
Accessibility Energy conservation Water conservation Other hazards attributed to
the built environment
How do Codes Work on the State Level?o Each State is responsible for establishing its own code adoption
and implementation process.o This process can be legislative, meaning codes are adopted by
the state legislature, or regulatory, meaning codes are adopted by an authority acting on the state’s behalf (generally state energy offices).
o States can choose whether to adopt a version of the model codes, or develop their own, and decide whether to make the codes voluntary or mandatory.
o All states accepted funding generated by the American Recovery and Reinvestment act of 2009.
o By accepting this funding, each state agreed to adopt the 2009 IECC and ASHRAE 90.1 2007 and achieve 90% compliance by 2017
Residential State Energy Code StatusAS OF FEBRUARY 1, 2010
Commercial State Energy Code StatusAS OF FEBRUARY 1, 2010
Federal Funding and Energy Codes
Over the last 10 years DOE allocates on average $5M to Energy Codes each year.
Pacific North West National Laboratory DOE Building Energy Codes Program
2009 American Recovery Act $3.1B available through State Energy Programs (SEPs). Secretary of Energy must receive each Governors’ assurance
regarding adoption of the 2009 IECC and/or ASHRAE 90,1-2007. Funding doesn’t have to go entirely toward codes, but codes will
pave the way to meeting the new compliance requirements that come with the funding.
How BCAP can Helpo Codes can be extremely complex,
and selecting the right ones to meet goals on different levels can be challenging.
o BCAP has been a code advocacy nonprofit for over 15 years and has a great deal of adoption and implementation expertise.
o BCAP can help develop energy code programs and strategies that leverages existing resources, tailored to your specific needs.
o BCAP will help improve the effectiveness of your current program and ensure long-term, positive development.