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.