An Overview of Building Energy Codes

1. An Overview of Building Energy Codes The Online Code Environment and Advocacy Network

2. What are Building Energy Codes? Codes tell you the legal minimum requirements for a building • Energy Codes are part of a larger set of Building Codes, which govern the design and construction of all residential and commercial structures. • Building Codes set minimum standards in order to protect inhabitants and construction workers. • Energy Codes specifically address measures taken to improve the amount of energy a building consumes. • Development in building technology has led to more and more energy efficient practices addressed by codes.

3. A Brief History of Codes • Began as a response to energy crises in the 1970’s. • In 1978, congress passed legislation requiring states to adopt efficiency standards for new buildings. • 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. • Codes have since undergone many updates and improvements, especially in the last 10 years.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. Not the Perfect Solution by Themselves • Codes are a cost-effective strategy but are not withoutcosts (training, resources, enforcement, etc.) • They do not cover: • Plug loads • NAECA appliances and equipment • Building orientation • Building layout • Equipment maintenance • Building operations • Occupant behavior • Codes require support from efficiency programs, legislation, economic incentives, etc.

7. Codes in Context Energy Efficiency Source: US DOE • Push • Appliance Standards • Building Energy Codes • Pull • ENERGY STAR • Appliances • Home Energy Ratings • Tax Credits • LEED

8. Today’s National Model Energy Codes Residential: 2009 IECC Updated every 3 years About 15% more energy efficient than 2006 Next Update: 2012, 30% more efficient Commercial: ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2007 Updated every 3 years About 7% more energy efficient than 2005 Next Update: 2010, 30% more efficient

9. IECC Part of the International Family of Codes Coordinated family of International 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

10. 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

11. How do Codes Work on the State Level? • Each State is responsible for establishing its own code adoption and implementation process. • 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). • 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. • All states accepted funding generated by the American Recovery and Reinvestment act of 2009. • By accepting this funding, each state agreed to adopt the 2009 IECC and ASHRAE 90.1 2007 and achieve 90% compliance by 2017

12. Residential State Energy Code Status As of February 1, 2010

13. Commercial State Energy Code Status As of February 1, 2010

14. 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.

15. How BCAP can Help • Codes can be extremely complex, and selecting the right ones to meet goals on different levels can be challenging. • BCAP has been a code advocacy nonprofit for over 15 years and has a great deal of adoption and implementation expertise. • BCAP can help develop energy code programs and strategies that leverages existing resources, tailored to your specific needs. • BCAP will help improve the effectiveness of your current program and ensure long-term, positive development.