energy code ambassadors program (ecap)

8/3/2019 Energy Code Ambassadors Program (ECAP)

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Executive Summary

The BCAP/ICC Energy Code

Ambassadors Program (ECAP)

Training to Improve Compliance and Enforcement

Many states are taking steps to adopt the 2009 IECC and ASHRAE 90.1-2007 and are struggling to determine h

they will demonstrate 90% compliance with the model codes by 2017.Energy code compliance and enforcement are known to be weak in all but a few states. Many states understand t

they will have to do better than business as usual to reach the required 90% compliance levels, but they are

sure where to start, and resource constraints are creating significant challenges. In response to these concer

BCAP has been conducting national roundtables and leading the effort to identify and launch new approaches to

ergy code implementation, enforcement and compliance. BCAP has assembled stakeholders around the countr

roundtable discussions and collected information on new approaches and identified potential partnerships

aunching pilot projects to test those approaches (See roundtable summaries (here,here, and here) for more in

mation).

Our preliminary analysis of the national energy code adoption and implementation challenge indicates that there

critical need to increase the number of energy code specialists available and on-the-ground. BCAP recommends

veloping energy code mentors who are capable of supporting energy codes in their communities during po

making and adoption, as well as for technical support and local training. These individuals would be a valuable as

and provide a distinct advantage to states that have them in meeting the 90% compliance goal.

BCAP seized upon the concept of energy code mentors and contacted allies in the ICC Government Affairs group

determine whether a partnership opportunity existed. Together, BCAP and ICC determined that a joint effort to tr

and support Energy Code Ambassadors at the ICC Chapter level would be a natural opportunity to answer

needs delineated in the BCAP Roundtables. This new approachthe Energy Code Ambassadors Program (ECAP

could be promoted as a regular program of the ICC and its many state and local chapters nationwide. The progr

would incentivize, train and certify ICC member code officials to serve as local mentors.For over a decade, we have known that energy codes are only weakly supported by the code enforcement comm

nity. We also have learned that there are energy code champions at the community level - code officials who t

a special interest and professional pride in understanding and fully enforcing energy codes. The new ECAP progr

will take leverage these individuals, create opportunities for other code officials, and support enhanced levels

code enforcement and compliance in their states.

BCAP and ICC will pilot ECAP and recruit and train Ambassadors in 1-4 states in coordination with state code and

ergy offices and in partnership with local and state ICC chapters. Energy Code Ambassadors will provide energy co

expertise, in-field guidance and training to the code enforcement community. Further, the ambassadors will

trained in using ICC, BCAP, US-DOE and other resources and act as grassroots code adoption and implementat

representatives in their states. New York, Kentucky, Illinois, Michigan and Idaho have shown initial interest in s

porting this pilot program. The pilots goal is to recruit and train Ambassadors by May 2010; in conjunction with

advance of new energy codes adoptions.

Please see the ECAP Proposal Draft for greater detail on the pilot program guidelines, process, timeline and co

CC has announced its proposal to local state chapters and the team has begun outreach to states for funding.

anticipated that the program will see its kickoff and first certified Ambassadors by the ICC meetings and Final Act

Hearings (Energy) in Charlotte, NC in October 2010.

Dedicated to the adoption, implementation, and advancement of building energy cod

1850 M St. NW Suite 600 | Washington, DC | www.bcap-ocean.orgBCAP
http://bcap-ocean.org/resource/roundtable-discussion-energy-code-compliance-and-evaluation-resnet-conference-2009http://bcap-ocean.org/resource/roundtable-discussion-energy-code-compliance-and-evaluation-resnet-conference-2009http://bcap-ocean.org/resource/roundtable-discussion-energy-code-compliance-and-evaluation-nyserda-2009http://bcap-ocean.org/resource/roundtable-discussion-energy-code-compliance-and-evaluation-nyserda-2009http://bcap-ocean.org/resource/roundtable-discussion-energy-code-compliance-and-evaluation-doe-energy-codes-conference-andhttp://bcap-ocean.org/resource/roundtable-discussion-energy-code-compliance-and-evaluation-doe-energy-codes-conference-andhttp://bcap-ocean.org/resource/roundtable-discussion-energy-code-compliance-and-evaluation-doe-energy-codes-conference-andhttp://bcap-ocean.org/resource/roundtable-discussion-energy-code-compliance-and-evaluation-nyserda-2009http://bcap-ocean.org/resource/roundtable-discussion-energy-code-compliance-and-evaluation-resnet-conference-2009


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Introduction

States across the U.S. are adopting the national modes codes (2009 IECC and ASHRAE 90.1-2007) in response to

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act requirement that Governors provide assurances for code adoption a

ultimately, demonstrate 90 percent compliance with those codes by 2017. Energy code compliance is known to

weak in all but a few states, and many states know that they will have to do better than business as usual in ord

to reach the specified compliance level. In response to this concern, BCAP has been conducting national round

bles to identify and launch new approaches in energy code compliance.

One important barrier to improved code compliance is the (almost) standard lack of local and state infrastruct

and experience in enforcing energy codes. Using national and regional energy code experts as mentors to as

states and local code officials in developing and implementing effective enforcement/ compliance approaches

provide needed support and technical assistance. Further, ambassadors will provide advocacy support in th

states for code adoption and updates.

The ICC and BCAP propose to develop and pilot an energy code support program called the Energy Code Ambas

dors Program (ECAP).

ECAP will recruit, train, and position Ambassadors in 1- 4 states in coordination with state code and energy offiand ICC chapters. The Ambassadors will provide support and energy code expertise including in-field guidance a

or training to the code enforcement community. Further, Ambassadors will be adept in using ICC, BCAP, US-D

and other resources and will act as grass-roots code adoption and implementation representatives, as needed.

The states of New York (17 chapters of NYSBOC, the states ICC affiliate), Kentucky (4-6 chapters of CAAK, the sta

ICC affiliate) Idaho (5 chapters under IDABO, the states ICC affiliate) and Illinois (11 Chapters) have shown initial

terest in participating in this pilot program. The ECAP goal will be to recruit, train and put in place the Ambassad

by May 2010; in conjunction with or in advance of those states adopting new energy codes.

ECAP Pilot Project Tasks1. Develop Program Guidelines to describe eligibility for participation, recognition and benefits for part

pants, and obligations of participation. Outline specific grounds for removal from the program, use of the name a

title, and educational benefits. Describe with some particularity the method by which training and certification w

be delivered to participants. ICC with BCAP guidance

2. Outreach to Pilot States/Chapters Publish and distribute announcement describing requirements for appl

tion and obligations of participation. Ask each chapter to nominate a representative to serve in the ECAP progra

Self-nominations will be accepted with concurrence from the chapter. The ECAP applicant must be a current du

The Energy Code Ambassadors Program (ECAP)

A Pilot Project of the International Code Council (ICC)and the Building Codes Assistance Project (BCAP)

BCAP

1850 M St. NW Suite 600 | Washington, DC 20036 | www.bcap-ocean.org BCA


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paying ICC member and submit a resume including codes experience and a statement of their interest in serving

an Energy Code Ambassador. ICC

3. Secure Final Funding Approach funders with m

proposal and finalize funding/sponsors.

a. Finalize mini-proposal, including proposed timelin

and provide to potential funders

b. Finalize formal proposals (ICC and BCAP), as needed

c. ICC regional reps and BCAP

4. Administer Ambassador Selection Process

a. Set up email in-box to receive applications.

b. Evaluate applications and notify poten

Ambassadors.

c. ICC Karmol Regional Reps, DC Admin. (BCAP EC

Team Assist)

5. Training Evaluation and Development BCAP will evaluate existing IECC training curriculum to determ

whether additional modules or state-specific content is needed. BCAP will provide suggestions and/or new contto be reviewed by the ICC Education department.

a. BCAP review and comment

b. ICC Training Division to augment

c. Adjust training after evaluation and feedback

6. Schedule Trainingand publish list of Ambassadors, making names available on ICC website Communities

Interest, with a link to OCEAN, BCAPs new website.

a. ICC (with BCAP backup)

7. Outreach to Statesa. Make names known to ICC Government Relations

representatives and BCAP state advocates as re-

sources for code adoption advocacy.

8. ECAP Evaluation

a. Follow-up with participating Ambassadors and sur-

vey them to determine program effectiveness,

challenges, positive outcomes, etc.

9. Modify ECAP

a. Adjust program guidelines, training, etc. as neces-

sary to reflect results of evaluation.

10. Full ECAP National Rollout

a. Expand to additional states, depending on funding

availability.

b. Determine final costs for implementation and need

for additional funding.


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Energy Code Ambassadors Program (ECAP)

Program Guidelines v2

1. Eligibility for participation

Only active governmental, corporate, individual or honorary

members of the International Code Council (ICC) are eligible

to participate in the ECAP program. Members of local affili-

ate chapters of ICC must also join ICC to be eligible to partici-pate in the ECAP program. Membership can be obtained

online at: http://www.iccsafe.org/Membership/Pages/

join.aspx

2. Recognition and benefits for participants

ECAP participants shall be entitled to use the title Energy Code Ambassador or ICC/BCAP Energy Code Ambas

dor on their personal or corporate stationary or business card for as long as they are an active participant in t

program, hold a current ICC Energy Conservation Certification certificate in one of the categories as listed in the

National Certification Exam Information Bulletin and are an active member of ICC. Upon the termination of part

pation, or membership, individuals shall cease using the title or titles described in this paragraph.

During the first year of participation, each ECAP participant shall be entitled to register for, and participate in

training program for ECAP participants in the state in which the participant resides, as designated by ICC, at IC

expense. In addition, each participant shall be eligible to sign up for one of ICCs three Energy Certification Exa

as designated by ICC, at ICCs expense. In the event that the participant does not pass the certification exam,

participant may either retest at his/her own expense or terminate participation in the ECAP program. ICC will wo

with the ECAP participant to assure that the training and certification exam fit with the participants backgrou

experience and previous training.

ICC and BCAP, as appropriate, shall recognize ECAP Ambassadorpublic and internal news publications and shall provide basic inf

mation concerning participants in relevant news releases. ICC m

also recognize ECAP Ambassadors at the ICC Annual Meeting a

Conference, as appropriate.

At ICCs discretion, an ECAP Ambassador may be asked to atten

code hearing or meeting that is outside of normal commuting d

tance from the participants home and ICC may offer to reimbu

travel expenses of the participant - where such travel is approv

in advance.

3. Obligations of participation

Participants will be expected to engage in the following activities during the course of their participation in ECAP:

Provide telephone and/or email support to peers in the building code enforcement community regarding ene

code compliance issues.

Provide peer-to-peer advice and consultation at ICC Chapter meetings and other events.


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Courtesy of DOE/NREL, CreditAstroPower
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Appear as an expert at governmental hearings regarding the adoption of, or modification of, existing and/or n

building energy codes in or around the participants jurisdiction. The participant understands, and agrees, that as

Energy Code Ambassador, the participant will be expected to support the adoption of the most recently publish

IECC without amendment, deletions, or modifications.

Communicate with ICC national, field, and chapter staff and leadership, as appropriate, regarding adoption a

compliance issues, as they arise.

Respond in a timely fashion to email communication from ICC staff regarding energy code adoption and enfor

ment issues.

4. Termination of participation in the program

A participant may terminate his or her participation at any time by providing ICC with at least thirty days advan

notice. ICC and/or BCAP may terminate the participation of any participant by providing the participant with at le

thirty days notice of the participants termination. If the termination is at the request of the participant, and if t

participant has not completed at least one year of participation, ICC may request repayment of the cost of train

and/or certification testing service provided to the participant, at ICCs discretion.

5. Use of the Energy Code Ambassa-

dor name and ICC and BCAP names

and logos

Participants may identify themselves as ICC/

BCAP Energy Ambassadors during the period

of their active participation. They may utilize

the ICC and BCAP logos only in association with

the title of Energy Code Ambassador and shall

not otherwise identify themselves as repre-

senting, or otherwise speaking on behalf of,either ICC or BCAP. Any media request should

be referred to appropriate individuals in the

national offices of ICC and/or BCAP, as appro-

priate.

Timeline

January: Public Announcement (website + letters to ICC Chapters)

February 26: Deadline for nominations due to ICC

March 5: Energy Code Ambassadors announced and notified, names sent to ICC and BCAP field staff

March/April: Training for Ambassadors scheduled

April: Ambassadors receive certificates/credentials/lapel pins

October: Certification tests administered at ICC annual meeting in Charlotte, NC

December: Review/evaluate pilot, plan expansion or full national roll-out


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ECAP Budget

Standard costs:

Training* $2,600/day

Books $200/person

Certification Exam $200/person

Curriculum Modification $7,000/state

Travel Variable

Example New York

Training (2 training sessions needed) $5,200

Books (16 trainees) $3,200

Certification Exams (16 trainees) $3,200

Subtotal $11,600

Travel (est.) $10,000

Total for training & certification $21,600

BCAP Curriculum Modifications $7,000

Total cost $28,600

* Note: reimbursement consideration for mileage while

undertaking activities estimated at $1,000.00/person/

annum to be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Estimated total costs per state, not including travel:

ID: $14,600

KY: $14,600

IL: $14,600

In KY, IL and ID, estimates assume 6 participating chapters (and Ambassadors): $5200 + 2400 + 7600.

ICC plans to fund administrative, tracking, communications, and other costs associated with the management of t

program, as an in-kind contribution to the ECAP program. BCAP will fund ongoing state-specific support via OCEstate resources, compliance, and online implementation blogs, as well as advocacy support for Energy Code Amb

sadors.

Dedicated to the adoption, implementation, and advancement of building energy cod

1850 M St. NW Suite 600 | Washington, DC | www.bcap-ocean.orBCAP

For more information on the ICC, please visit us at www.iccsafe.org

For more information on BCAP, please visit us at www.bcap-ocean.org

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Showcased on the ICC eNews Newsletter Volume 7, Issue 2:

energy code ambassadors program (ecap)

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