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Building Energy Codes: Codes in the News, Recent Website Updates, Around the Web
News about energy code implementation and support.
Federal Buildings: Leading in Energy Efficiency
Alliance to Save Energy: The White House recently pledged $2 billion for energy efficiency improvements in federal buildings, underscoring efforts already underway to save energy in several government facilities.
Wisconsin Surpasses its DOE-Backed Home Energy Efficiency Goal
EERE: DOE announced on January 6 that the state of Wisconsin has surpassed its energy efficiency goal established with the agency under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Through its weatherization program, the state has helped more than 30,500 Wisconsin households improve the energy efficiency of their homes over the last three years, saving the average household more than $400 a year on its energy utility bills.
Yahoo! Study Finds the American Dream Home is Turning Green
GreenBiz.com: A recent Yahoo survey about the American consumer's evolving view of housing provides interesting and strong evidence of a definite market trend. According to the Yahoo survey, energy efficiency is a top hallmark of the "dream home" -- more consumers cited energy efficiency as a desirable attribute than any other feature.
DOE Announces Guide for 50% More Energy Efficient Retail Buildings
EERE: The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced the release of the third installment in a series of four 50% Advanced Energy Design Guides (AEDGs). This latest guide will help architects, engineers, and contractors design and build highly efficient retail buildings, helping to save energy and cut store operational costs.
States Hear Consumer Call for Cost-Cutting Energy Efficiency Standards
yourolivebranch.org: The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced that more than 10,000 homes have been constructed to meet the energy efficiency specifications of the voluntary Builders Challenge initiative.
States Hear Consumer Call for Cost-Cutting Energy Efficiency Standards
ConsumersUnion: More states across the country are using energy codes to save their residents money, improve homes and buildings, and protect the environment. The push by state legislators reflects what consumers are saying – they want more efficient, comfortable homes that help save both their budgets and the environment. According to a recent survey by Consumers Union, the policy and advocacy division of Consumer Reports, and the nonprofit Building Codes Assistance Project (BCAP), Americans overwhelmingly believe that more energy-efficient homes will reduce energy use and pollution, and that homeowners should have a right to a home that meets national energy standards.
The Weidt Group breaks ground in India with new energy modeling system
REJournals.com: As the Midwest Energy Solutions Conference gets into full swing this week, Chicago's The Weidt Group debuted the ECOnirman Whole Building Performance Tool, a Web-based simulation tool for energy code compliance with implications for the U.S. market. The tool shows great promise for energy efficiency in India by allowing building developers and designers to make trade-offs between building systems and to use innovative building materials to comply with the energy code.
Illinois Energy Conservation Code Video Presentations
Building Media, Inc.: Available videos include Overview of the Illinois Energy Conservation Code for Commercial Buildings; Basic Requirements: Building Envelope, Mechanical, Lighting.
Ontario's stringent energy code has builders concerned over indoor air quality
Canadian Consulting Engineer: Some Ontario builders are worried that new building code requirements with stricter energy efficiency measures could lead to poor indoor air quality. One builder points out that energy efficient homes need to have good, well maintained heat recovery ventilators that circulate air in and out.
Airport receives $150,000 SMUD rebate for green efficiencies at Terminal B
>Sacramento Press: The Sacramento County Airport System has received a $150,000 rebate from the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) for energy efficiencies built into the design and construction of Terminal B at Sacramento International Airport. Terminal B qualified for the incentive by exceeding state energy code requirements by 25 percent.
New energy standards take effect
Star Democrat: Baltimore Buyers of new homes will save hundreds of dollars each year on energy bills as a result of newly updated state building energy standards that went into effect Sunday, according to a press release from Environment Maryland. The new version of the Maryland Building Performance Standard will make new homes and offices approximately 15 percent more energy efficient than the previous standard, according to the press release.
Ask the Expert Column Coming Soon: Ask Us Your NH Energy Code Questions!
NH Energy Code Challenge: Have a question about the NH Energy Code? We at the NH Energy Code Challenge would like to introduce our new "Ask the Expert" column, which will be featured periodically here on the blog.
Free Illinois Energy Conservation Code Training Series
Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce: Industry Professionals Can Learn About Latest Conservation Codes for New Construction and Renovation Projects in Illinois
Waste: Heat-leaking homes
Charlston Gazette: Only eight of the state's 55 counties enforce energy codes. Participants in Tuesday's hearing urged that enforcement should spread to all counties. In the coming 60-day session, the Legislature should expand the struggle by passing stronger energy codes and prodding utilities to increase efforts against loss.
State allows builders to take licensing classes online
International Falls Daily Journal: With fuel prices high and the building and remodeling industry in a slump, the Minnesota Department of Labor gave approval to offering online classes for licensed residential builders, remodelers and roofers who need to fulfill continuing education requirements. The classes entail learning about project management, construction safety, energy conservation measures and regulations on energy codes.
New Codes Aim to Cut Energy Use
New York Times: In January, Texas will adopt a building code that should cut the energy consumption of new single-family homes by more than 15 percent, according to the Energy Systems Laboratory at the Texas A&M University System.
DOE Releases New Version of Energy Modeling Software
EERE: DOE released on December 7 the latest version of its building energy modeling software EnergyPlus, which calculates the energy required to heat, cool, ventilate, and light a building.
ICC eNews December 21, 2011
ICC: Articles in this edition of the International Code Council newsletter include: 2011 The Year in Perspective; Code Change Proposal Forms Available on ICC Website; ICC Adopts Model Building Code Training for High School Students.
New green code spells out thermal requirement for roof retrofits
Building Design and Construction: The 2012 International Green Construction Code (IgCC) includes a straightforward approach to minimum thermal requirements for roof and wall systems. In addition, the new code extends the minimum thermal requirements to all low-slope roof replacements involving above-deck insulation.
Albuquerque, NM rolls back energy code
Bloomberg Businessweek: Albuquerque city councilors have narrowly agreed to roll back the city's strict energy code, which was intended to make the city a leader in energy conservation.
State adopts international energy-efficient building codes
news-journal.com: Texas A&M University energy researchers believe a statewide building code that takes effect today should cut energy consumption of new single-family homes by more than 15 percent. Longview, with the blessing of at least two construction groups, has adopted the update, which calls for more energy-efficient lighting and other measures.
NH Energy Code Workshop Resources - Available Online!
NH Energy Code Challenge: Did you miss the last NH Energy Code workshop in your area? If so, we have some good news for you! You can find much of the content from recent workshops on our website, www.nhenergycode.com. All PowerPoint presentations and printed workshop packets from both the Commercial and Residential workshops are available here.
Lincoln offering landlords free inspections to prep for new state codes
Bangor Daily News: Code Enforcement Officer Daniel Whittier wants to help landlords comply with the state's new Uniform Building and Energy Code before he has to start enforcing it, he said Tuesday. Whittier and firefighters have begun inspecting rental dwellings as part of a voluntary town inspection program that will help landlords prepare for the new regulations, which will take effect in Lincoln on July 1, he said.
New WattStopper CodeSmart Publication Spotlights Up-to-Date Energy Code Requirements and Best Practice Control Solutions
FacilitiesNet: Just as the US Department of Energy (DOE) recognized ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1-2010 as the national energy standard, WattStopper launched a new CodeSmart publication designed to guide lighting and building professionals through the intricacies of the many lighting control requirements that debuted in this newest version of the code.
Energize Missouri Building Energy Standards Workshop Webinar
Missouri Association of Building Officials and Inspectors: Energize Missouri Building Energy Standards Workshops will illustrate the far-reaching benefits associated with adopting and enforcing the latest International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) in an attempt to gain a stronger statewide involvement.
Glazing areas are limited as part of new Canadian energy code
Canadian Consulting Engineer: The new National Energy Code for Buildings (NECB) that was just published in November has several important differences from its predecessor. The predecessor was the 2005 Model National Energy Code for Buildings, but the Codes committee decided to drop "Model" from the title of the 2011 version.
Updating Minnesota's energy codes would decrease our energy bills
Fresh Energy: Improving building codes can help invigorate our construction industry, drastically reduce energy consumption and carbon pollution, and save Minnesota families and businesses money on their energy bills. The Minnesota Climate Change Advisory Group recommended updating Minnesota's building code to help meet the goals of the Next Generation Energy Act of 2007.
State Energy Code Update
Building Performance Workshop: In Illinois, we're running an experiment: can a state that had NO statewide residential building code as of 2009 successfully enforce the top-of-the-line energy code within 3 years?
Model Energy Code Development
STRUCTURE magazine: This article discusses the development of model energy codes and the legislative mandate for DOE to assure their implementation.
10 Ways to Boost Your Building's Energy Efficiency in 2012
GreenBiz.com: Faced with a promising new year, we have an opportunity to start fresh and get fit -- and that includes our buildings. Here are 10 ways to go deep on energy efficiency in 2012.
2011 BECP Annual Report Released
The Fiscal Year 2011 Building Energy Codes Program Annual Report is now available.
More stringent efficiency codes driving growth in green building industry
Building Design and Construction: Thanks partly to upgraded building codes, the building energy efficiency market will soar more than 50% between now and 2017 to $103.5 billion, says Pike Research.
Savings of 18.5% for Buildings that Meet 2010 Energy Standard: DOE
EERE: DOE announced on November 21 that its analysis shows buildings meeting a 2010 energy efficiency standard will use 18.5% less energy than structures using the previous (2007) standard. The latest version of Standard 90.1, Energy Standard for Buildings, Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings, will save commercial building owners energy and money, according to DOE's analysis. It will also help them meet their sustainability goals and reduce carbon pollution.
Energy-Efficient Home Building Tips From the Alliance and EnergyNOW!
Alliance to Save Energy: If you are buying or renovating a home, you can make sure your energy bills are as low as possible by making energy-efficient choices. For help choosing, just watch a series of short videos from the Alliance and energyNOW!
Improved Code Requirements for Attic Ventilation
Building Design and Construction: The International Code Council (ICC) recently published the 2012 International Residential Code (IRC) that includes improved code requirements for balanced intake and exhaust for ventilated attics, and helps ensure that attic ventilators work as intended. The Roof Assembly Ventilation Coalition (RAVC) participated in the development of the code.
President Obama Announces Nearly $4 Billion in Building Energy Upgrades
EERE: President Obama announced on December 2 nearly $4 billion in combined federal and private sector energy upgrades to buildings over the next two years. These investments will save billions in energy costs, promote energy independence, and, according to independent estimates, create tens of thousands of jobs in the hard-hit construction sector.
Final Action Hearings Result in Two New International Codes
ICC eNews, November 30, 2011: Code Council Voting Members took action on proposed changes to the International Green Construction Code (IgCC) and the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC) during Final Action Hearings held in conjunction with the 2011 ICC Annual Conference in Phoenix. The results of the hearings are the first editions of the IgCC and ISPSC will be part of the family of International Codes. Both codes are expected to be published in March.
Spending on Building Energy Efficiency to Boom in Next 5 Years
GreenBiz: Pike Research predicts the building energy efficiency market will soar more than 50 percent between now and 2017 to $103.5 billion. Among the leading factors: an active stable of energy service companies (ESCOs) and aggressive efficiency policies being enacted around the world.
Southeast Region Legislative and Building Code Developments
AAMA: This update includes a notice that recent legislation has created the Alabama Energy and Residential Code Board (AERCB), whose purpose is to adopt and amend a code for the state. This would apply to new jurisdictions that adopt building codes. The Bill is proposing to use the 2009 International Residential Code (IRC) with Alabama amendments.
Consumers Union Urges Michigan Lawmakers to Oppose Proposal to Weaken State Building Codes
ConsumersUnion: As the Michigan House of Representatives prepares to vote on a bill that would weaken Michigan's building codes and energy efficiency efforts, Consumers Union, the policy and advocacy division of Consumer Reports, is calling on state lawmakers to stand up for consumers and reject the proposal.
New Hampshire Energy Partnership with Consumers Union
NH Energy Code Challenge: The New Hampshire Energy Code Challenge is pleased to be working with Consumers Union in the campaign to make New Hampshire one of the most energy efficient places in the country.
National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings 2011
Utility Products: Some 245 technical changes have been made to the 2011 National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings to accommodate new technologies and construction practices that have emerged in Canada over the past 15 years.
NEEP Policy Tracker
NEEP: The December 1, 2011 Policy Tracker indicates that NEEP is following a number of key regulatory developments in the states that will be decided before the end of this year or early next year including 2012 Energy Efficiency Plan Filings in Connecticut, Maryland, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island. Also included is a congratulations note to Maryland for becoming the first state to adopt the IECC 2012, which will become effective on January 1, 2012.
Indiana Residential Energy Code Training
Indiana Builders Association: December 16, 2011, Indianapolis. This 4-hour training provides information on how to achieve compliance with the new energy provisions of the Indiana Residential Code which become effective in the first quarter of 2012.
Outdated energy codes lead to uncomfortable homes
KSL.com: When you buy a new home, you expect the best in energy efficiency. But many Utah homeowners are wasting energy and losing comfort due to outdated energy codes.
ASHRAE 2012 Winter Conference
ASHRAE members have the chance to discuss and examine the latest topics in the building industry, such as high performing buildings and integrated design, as well as participate in technical tours; attend ASHRAE Learning Institute courses; earn professional credits; and obtain ASHRAE certifications.
NASEO/ASERTTI Energy Policy & Technology Outlook Conference
Join us in the nation's capital for the 2012 NASEO/ASERTTI State Energy Policy and Technology Outlook Conference on February 7-10, 2012, at the Fairmont Washington, D.C.
DOE Discussion of Changes in the 2012 IECC Compared With the 2009 IECC
MEEA: The US Department of Energy (DOE) released their discussion of changes in the 2012 IECC when compared with the 2009 IECC as the changes related to energy efficiency in the Federal Register on October 19, 2011. The purpose of the discussion was to determine if the 2012 IECC saved more energy than the 2009 IECC. The discussion covered changes that increased energy efficiency, decreased energy efficiency, or those that had no significant impact on energy efficiency.
Results are in: green buildings save green
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory: In addition to emitting less carbon dioxide and using less water, sustainably designed federal buildings cost 19 percent less to maintain, according to a report by the Department of Energy's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. The results are included in a white paper recently released by the Government Services Administration, or GSA.
Energy Efficient Lighting for Commercial Markets
PR Newswire: This Pike Research report describes the key factors that are influencing the market for energy efficient lighting around the world: trends in energy codes, rebate and subsidy programs, sustainability/green certifications, raw material supply issues, geopolitical influences in developing and developed nations, and more.
Natural ventilation: Who, what, when, where, why, and how
Consulting-Specifying Engineer: What you need to know when considering natural ventilation or a mixed-mode scheme, specifically with regard to the use of climate data in the evaluation of natural conditioning potential by season and climate zone.
Better Buildings Challenge Partners Pledge 20% Energy Drop By 2020
EERE: Over the past few weeks, two of the initial Better Buildings Challenge partners—Lend Lease, a Corporate Partner, and the City of Atlanta, a Community Partner—held events to kick off their partnership in the Better Buildings Challenge.
Energy Matters: Industrial Energy Efficiency
EERE: On November 16th, Dr. Kathleen Hogan, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency, discussed industrial energy efficiency on an Energy Matters video livechat. Dr. Hogan answered questions, submitted by industry professionals and the interested public via email, Facebook and Twitter, on how commercial building efficiency, advanced manufacturing, and corporate partnerships can increase American competitiveness.
Oregon's Energy Code takes a first place ribbon in national scoring
State of Oregon Building Codes Division: Oregon's Energy Code takes a first place ribbon in national scoring. The ACEEE Scorecard is a comprehensive ranking of the states based on an array of metrics that capture best practices and recognize leadership in energy efficiency policy and program implementation.
Training Events: North Carolina Energy Efficiency Alliance
North Carolina Energy Efficiency Alliance: The NCEEA Events Calendar includes several Energy Code workshops in the month of December.
Seattle Energy Code Update
Puget Sound ASHRAE: Now that the 2012 versions of the I-codes have been published by the International Code Council (ICC), the Washington State Building Code Council (WSBCC) is beginning to ramp up for the 2012 updates to the Washington State Codes.
2010 Florida Building Codes Update ADA Requirements, Energy Provisions, Wind Design
Building Online: The International Code Council and the Florida Building Commission, housed within the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) today announced significant changes to the Florida Building Codes which will result in safer, sustainable buildings and homes.
New Brunswick to add national energy standards to provincial building code
Daily Commercial News and Construction Record: The New Brunswick government plans to amend its building code to bring in energy efficiency standards for new building construction.
Public utility buildings in Karnataka to get thrifty on power
Daily News and Analysis India: Public utility buildings in the state will soon go green with the Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC) being introduced by the state's department of energy.
ASHRAE Tech Program Focuses on Current Practices
ASHRAE: Current practices related to hot industry topics, such as energy modeling, high performance buildings and integrated design, are featured in the Technical Program at ASHRAE's 2012 Winter Conference.
New legislation aimed at improving energy efficiency in federal buildings
Building Design and Construction: Recently introduced legislation, the "High-Performance Federal Buildings Act," would help federal agencies save energy and money by improving building performance. The legislation addresses the use of life-cycle cost analysis, integrated design processes, building information modeling (BIM), and building commissioning.
International Green Construction Code Will Provide Template for Local Codes
Building Design and Construction: uniform code for green construction is being readied for publication in March. The International Green Construction Code (IgCC) will be the first model code to establish baseline regulations for new and existing buildings for energy conservation, water efficiency, building owner responsibilities, site impacts, building waste, and materials, and other considerations.
DOE Recognizes 2011 Winners of its Sustainability Awards
EERE: DOE has recognized the winners of its 2011 Sustainability Awards, citing DOE employees for initiatives to reduce the agency's energy use while improving energy efficiency in buildings.
Canada's first LEED certified airport terminal opens in Winnipeg
Daily Commercial News and Construction Record: Designed by Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects (PCPA) in collaboration with Stantec, the Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport is 25 per cent more efficient than Canada's Model National Energy Code for Buildings. Sustainable design measures include natural lighting and advanced mechanical systems to reduce the building's energy consumption.
New International Green Construction Code (IgCC) Development Complete
ICC: The provisions in the new 2012 International Green Construction Code (IgCC) were completed during the Final Action Hearing on October 31, 2011 in Phoenix. View results here. This new 2012 Code will be available Spring 2012.
Proving Performance in the IgCC
New Buildings Institute: An outcome-based compliance path would provide a regulatory structure that gives motivated communities, architects, engineers and owners the freedom to employ proven, but more advanced design strategies and technologies offering higher efficiencies than today's common practice.
Building code faces delay
Hawaii Tribune Herald: At issue is the county's updated building code, Bill 270, that applies to new construction, renovating more than 50 percent of a structure's replacement value or making an unpermitted building legal. The changes were mandated by a 2007 state law that requires counties to update their construction codes every three years. Wednesday was the Hawaii County Council's ninth hearing of some version of the updated code since the Department of Public Works introduced it more than a year ago.
Trainings/Workshops for Vermont Energy Code Compliance
Efficiency Vermont: The Vermont Department of Public Service and Efficiency Vermont offered free workshops for Architects, Builders, and Contractors on the 2011 Vermont Residential Building Energy Standards (VT-RBES) throughout the fall of 2011. The Energy Code Workshop presentation is available for download.
Contact us at 1-800-893-1997 to learn more about building to a higher level of efficiency with Vermont ENERGY STAR Homes and Energy Code Plus.
On Implementing the NYC Energy Conservation Code: November 16
Municipal Art Society: On November 16th, the Preservation League of New York State, along with MAS and The New York Landmarks Conservancy, will bring together experts in the NYC and NYS Energy Conservation Codes and Historic Preservation, to discuss the implementation of the NYC Energy Conservation Code. This program will provide lessons and guidance on the NYC Energy Code for those who work with historic buildings with the city.
City tests new way to meet energy codes
Daily Journal of Commerce: The city of Seattle is testing a new performance-based energy code in South Lake Union, with the goal of helping developers of historic buildings meet rigorous energy efficiency goals in the most cost-efficient way.
Range of free programs can help businesses find savings through efficiency
pjstar.com: The Smart Energy Design Assistance Center, managed by the University of Illinois, staged a program last week at the Peoria NEXT Innovation Center, 820 W. Main St., that outlined ways the agency can help companies. SEDAC provides a wide range of programs, from quick advice to energy audits and economic analysis, said Andy Robinson, an energy engineer with the agency.
Energy Policy and Technology Outlook Conference Call for Presentations
NASEO: The 2012 State Energy Policy and Technology Outlook Conference hosted by NASEO and ASERTTI will focus on public-private strategies for modernizing U.S. buildings and energy infrastructure to foster economic development and create a more resilient energy system.
Midwest Energy Codes Biweekly Status Report - November 4, 2011
MEEA: The November 4, 2011 Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (MEEA) Biweekly Status Report included notices that the Building Codes Assistance Project (BCAP has hired Maureen Guttman as their new Executive Director; a recap of the MEEA 2nd Annual Regional Building Energy Codes Conference; the state of Indiana efforts to finalize adoption of the updated Indiana Residential Code; and notice of code trainings on the 2009 IECC in Missouri.
NEEA's Office Space Earns Platinum LEED Rating
NEEA: The Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (NEEA) announced today that its office space, located in the historic Commonwealth building in downtown Portland, has achieved U.S. Green Building Council LEED for Commercial Interiors (LEED-CI) Platinum certification. The rating is the green benchmark for the tenant improvement market and the recognized system for certifying high-performance green interiors.
Northeast: A Leader in Energy Efficiency
NEEP: New Report Shows Region a Leader in Energy Efficiency Policy Details Major Successes and Hurdles in 12 States. Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships (NEEP) has released its first Regional Roundup, a new report examining overall trends and which states are leading and lagging in capturing cost-effective energy efficiency to help meet energy demand as cleanly and cheaply as possible.
DOE Technical Assistance Program November Webcasts
DOE's Technical Assistance Program November webcasts are a cornucopia of information! TAP webcasts will continue to explore best practices and technical information for state, city, county and tribal energy practitioners.
2012 IECC Preliminary Determination Notice
On October 19, 2011 DOE issued a preliminary determination that the 2012 IECC would achieve greater energy efficiency in low-rise residential buildings than the 2009 edition.
ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1-2010 Final Determination Notice
On October 19, 2011 DOE issued a final determination that Standard 90.1-2010 would achieve greater energy efficiency in buildings subject to the standard, than the 2007 edition (Standard 90.1-2007 or the 2007 edition).
Southwest States Show Mixed Progress in New State Energy Efficiency Rankings
SWEEP: The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) has released its 2011 State Energy Efficiency Scorecard. The results for the SWEEP region are both positive and negative. Most notably, Colorado moved up from a ranking of 19th in 2010 to a ranking of 12th in 2011 due to growth in utility energy efficiency programs, progress on building energy codes, and other factors. Utah and Arizona are tied for 17th in the new Scorecard. But on the negative side, Nevada's position declined from tied for 19th in 2010 to 22nd in 2011, and New Mexico's ranking declined from 22nd to 27th.
Consumers Union launches campaign to improve energy codes for new homes to help consumers save money
Consumers Union, the public policy and advocacy division of Consumer Reports, is launching a campaign to urge states to improve their energy codes for new homes.
An Introduction to Energy, Energy Conservation and Energy Codes
Culpeper County Virginia: The Department of Housing and Community Development and Jack A. Proctor Virginia Building Code Academy is pleased to announce this new training program. This FREE one-day program is designed for builders, building owners, and design professionals. Code enforcement personnel will offer participants an introductory knowledge of energy concepts, energy conservation and the 2009 Virginia Energy Conservation Code.
Iowa Residential Energy Code Compliance Pilot Study
Home Energy Pros: This presentation was given by Brian Bishop of the Iowa Department of Public Safety, at the Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance's 2nd Annual Midwest Regional.
Building Energy Standards Program: Final Determination Regarding Energy Efficiency Improvements in the Energy Standard for Buildings, Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings, ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1-2010
Federal Register: The Department of Energy (DOE or Department) has determined that the 2010 edition of the Energy Standard for Buildings, Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings, American National Standards Institute (ANSI)/American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA) Standard 90.1-2010, (Standard 90.1-2010 or the 2010 edition) would achieve greater energy efficiency in buildings subject to the code, than the 2007 edition (Standard 90.1-2007 or the 2007 edition).
Commitment to green building practices pays off
Building Design and Construction: In a recently issued white paper, GSA outlined the results of a post-occupancy evaluation study of 22 green federal buildings from across the country. The study, conducted by the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, built on a good indication of the potential for increased productivity and performance pilot research completed two years ago, with similarly impressive results.
ASHRAE and Penn State Partner on Building Efficiency Hub
ASHRAE: A newly signed memorandum of understanding brings together ASHRAE and Pennsylvania State University (Penn State) to improve energy efficiency and reduce the environmental impact of buildings through the Greater Philadelphia Innovation Cluster (GPIC) for Energy-Efficient Buildings.
2012/2013 Code Development Schedule Fully Implements 12-Month Cycles
ICC eNews, October 21, 2011: In 2009, the Code Council Board of Directors presented a plan to streamline the ICC Code Development Process, starting with the 2009/2010 schedule that transitioned the process from two, 18-month cycles to a 12-month cycle. The 2012/2013 schedule will be the first to fully implement the change where the International Codes are distributed into two, 12-month cycles: Group A Codes in 2012 and Group B Codes in 2013.
City of New Orleans Launches Home Energy Efficiency Program
EERE: New Orleans has launched a home energy efficiency program, one of DOE's Better Buildings Neighborhood projects. The $1.7 million project is backed by American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding.
RESNET Proposes Amendment to Standards to Set New Guidelines for the Calculation of Retrofit Savings to a Home
RESNET: The RESNET Technical Committee has proposed an amendment to RESNET standards to set new guidelines for the calculation of energy efficiency improvements to a home. The amendment is undergoing an ANSI compliant public review and comment process. Interested parties are encouraged to comment on the proposed amendment.
RESNET Wants You! Seeking Supporters of the 2012 RESNET Building Performance Conference
RESNET: RESNET invites companies and organizations to support the 2012 RESNET Building Performance Conference. The annual RESNET Conference is the only national conference dedicated to building performance and home energy ratings.
Building code languishes
The Columbus Dispatch: Despite a fresh lobbying push, a new (Ohio) state building code continues to appear a long way off.
Building code held up again
West Hawaii Today: Comments from a deputy attorney general prompted the Hawaii County Council to delay, again, a final vote on a proposed comprehensive building code.
A Little Known Tax Break For Building Green
Forbes: 179D. This is the section of the tax code that provides a benefit for businesses, architects, engineers and governments when they build or renovate a building that is energy efficient...the vast majority of new construction (and many energy efficient redos) will qualify or partially qualify for 179D just by meeting today's stricter building code requirements.
Massachusetts Overtakes California as #1 Energy Efficiency State, Michigan and Illinois Among the Most Improved
ACEEE: 2011 Energy Scorecard Top 10 Also Includes NY, OR, VT, WA, RI, MN, CT, MD; States Most in Need of Improvement Are: ND, WY, MS, KS, OK, SC, WV, MO, AL, and SD … While MI, IL, NE, TN, AL and MD Are Six Most Improved States.
EPA Accepting Letters of Interest for the Smart Growth Implementation Assistance Program
EPA is now accepting letters of interest for the Smart Growth Implementation Assistance Program which is an annual, competitive solicitation open to state, local, regional, and tribal governments (and non-profits that have partnered with a governmental entity) that want to incorporate smart growth techniques into their future development.
EPA Accepting Letters of Interest for the Building Blocks Program
EPA is now accepting letters of interest for the Building Blocks Program which supports the priorities of the Partnership for Sustainable Communities to protect the environment, promote equitable development, and help address the challenges of climate change.
Outcome-Based Code Compliance in the IgCC Webinar Slides Available
New Buildings Institute: Presentation Slides from the 'Bringing Outcome-Based Compliance to the IgCC' webinar are now available. New Buildings Institute (NBI), the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) together with the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) and the National Trust for Historic Preservation have submitted a public comment to a proposal (GEW36-11) that would replace the current placeholder language describing the outcome-based compliance path for the IgCC.
GREENBUILD 2011: Nearly Seamless Highly Insulated Glass Curtain-Wall System Introduced
Building Design and Construction: US Daylighting's AeroGlass ThermaDivide offers an insulation value of U 0.06—equivalent to a well-insulated solid wall, yet it will still allow the full spectrum of natural daylight into the room. This insulation value is not just at the center of the window but reflects the insulation value of the entire curtain-wall system.
Buying or Renovating a Home? Make Sure it Meets Building Energy Codes
Alliance to Save Energy: Don't know if your house is built to code? You're not alone. Although energy codes affect most people, there are few good resources for consumers. That's why the Alliance to Save Energy's Building Codes Assistance Project (BCAP) and Consumers Union teamed up for the Energy Code Awareness Campaign, which can help you find out if a house is built up to snuff and what to do if it isn't.
National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings 2011
National Reserch Council Canada: The 2011 National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings (NECB) provides minimum requirements for the design and construction of energy-efficient buildings and covers the building envelope, systems and equipment for heating, ventilating and air-conditioning, service water heating, lighting, and the provision of electrical power systems and motors. The NECB will be available on November 18, 2011.
SEEA Request For Proposal
Alliance to Save Energy: The Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance (SEEA), is seeking proposal requests from parties interested in developing an online tool that will engage homeowners in the retrofit process. The purpose of this RFP is to provide the Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance (SEEA) with an estimate for the work required to create and rapidly implement a web-based engagement tool (WET) to four Regional Energy Alliances (REA) in the State of Virginia.
New Law: California Building Standards Commission Must Include Green Expert
Building Design and Construction: A new California law, AB 930, requires that one member of the California Building Standards Commission be "experienced and knowledgeable in sustainable building, design, construction, and operation."
DOE, NASA Partner to Construct 'Greenest' Federal Building
EERE: DOE's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) and NASA's Ames Research Center, both in California, are collaborating on technologies and processes for what they say could become the "greenest" and highest-performing building in the federal government by using technologies developed for space.
OpenStudio: Building Design Expertise at Your Fingertips
EERE: Engineers, architects, and others can explore the most efficient improvements available for commercial buildings with this free application suite. Through its user-friendly interface, design teams can use OpenStudio to understand the cost implications of their specific plans.
DOE Announces Guide for 50 Percent More Energy Efficient K-12 School Buildings
EERE: The U.S. Department of Energy today announced the release of the second installment in a series of four 50% Advanced Energy Design Guides (AEDGs). This latest guide will help architects, engineers, and contractors design and build highly efficient K-12 school buildings, saving taxpayer dollars.
Texas Energy Code Update Workshops
TexasAhead: To make life easier for builders and contractors, SECO recently created an online video workshop to help understand recent changes to the Texas Building Energy Code. The workshop provides an overview of the major changes from previous editions of the International Energy Conservation Code, which Texas adopted by rule reference, and will serve Texas builders, engineers and architects.
Pakistan Government to save $1.5 billion in capital cost by saving 1000MW
Pakistan Today: For reducing the energy demand in the medium and long term, the government is recommended to order immediate incorporation of the building energy code in the Pakistan building code. The bill is pending with the Pakistan Engineering Council and requires only formal notification.
MEEA Celebrates a Successful 2nd Annual Building Energy Codes Conference
MEEA: Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance held its 2nd Annual Building Energy Codes Conference on October 5th and 6th at the Palmer House Hilton in Chicago, IL with great success. The event brought together key members of the energy codes industry in the Midwest region.
Online tool helps designers apply real-world experience to create daylit spaces
New Buildings Institute (NBI), a nonprofit working to improve energy performance of commercial buildings, announced today the official release of its Daylighting Pattern Guide, an online, no-cost resource to help industry professionals integrate proven daylighting strategies into commercial building projects.
ASHRAE, AHR Expo Return to Chicago for 2012 Winter Conference
ASHRAE: Registration is open for ASHRAE's 2012 Winter Conference in Chicago where attendees have the chance to discuss and examine the latest topics in the building industry, such as high performing buildings and integrated design, as well as participate in technical tours; attend ASHRAE Learning Institute courses; earn professional credits; and obtain ASHRAE certifications.
Four Arizona Jurisdictions Adopt 2009 International Energy Conservation Code
SWEEP: The Cities of Mesa, Chandler, Avondale and Tempe have advanced energy efficiency in Arizona by becoming the first communities in the state to adopt the 2009 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). The 2009 IECC represents a cost-effective solution for these communities to meet their current and future energy needs, and will also deliver substantial economic and environmental benefits for residents and businesses. SWEEP estimates that the 2009 IECC will deliver more than $200 in annual utility bill savings for Mesa's residents living in code-compliant homes. SWEEP was actively involved in advocating for adoption of the code in Mesa and Tempe.
BILD launches an epic challenge to U.S. builders
Earth Techling: The Building Industry and Land Development Association (BILD) is the launch sponsor of Canada House-a showcase of home grown green products and services at the Steam Whistle Brewery. Canada House is a key part of the upcoming Greenbuild conference taking place in Toronto, October 4-7, 2011. "It makes sense that Greenbuild is coming here given our leading-edge Ontario Building Code and Green Energy Act, not to mention the Canadian home building industry's enviable track record as world leaders in energy-efficient construction," said BILD Chair Paul Golini Jr.
Midwest Energy Codes Biweekly Status Report - September 30, 2011
MEEA: The September 30, 2011 Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (MEEA) Biweekly Status Report included notices that Indiana held a public hearing to take comments on the proposed update to the Indiana Residential Code; Two public hearings have been held by the Michigan House Regulatory Reform Committee in reference to HB 4561; and the Energy Conservation Advisory Committee of the Capital Development Board in Illinois met to discuss the adoption of the 2012 IECC.
Newly revised Vermont Residential Building Energy Code now in effect
vermontbiz.com: Vermont Commissioner Elizabeth Miller has announced that the newly revised Residential Building Energy Code is in effect as of October 1, 2011. Miller states, "As new building construction and renovations in existing buildings take place in Vermont, the new Residential Building Energy Codes will help ensure we are continuing to move to more efficient and sustainable homes."
NEEP Policy Tracker
NEEP: Our most recent Policy Tracker is available now, with updates on important energy efficiency policy and building energy code developments from across the Northeast, including: Building Energy Codes Updates in Connecticut and Vermont and new proceedings in Maryland and Pennsylvania.
Energy Code Update: The Energy Conservation Construction Code of New York
USGBC New York Upstate Chapter: This course, which will take place on October 12, 2011, provides an overview of the major changes in the New York State 2010 Energy Conservation and Construction Code.
Efficiency, Green Jobs The Focus In Canada
Earth Techling: Natural Resources Canada reports that the government of Canada will be investing $78 million over the next two years to create jobs in the energy sector and save Canadians cash on utility bills. These initiatives will establish a more stringent National Energy Code for Buildings with provinces and territories, implement new energy management system standards for industrial facilities and upgrade new home energy rating systems to include the latest energy efficient tech.
Cracking the Energy Code
Urban Green Council: Urban Green Council and the New York Chapter of the American Institute of Architects have developed a four-hour course to familiarize architects and engineers with the ECCCNYS-2010, the fundamentals of low energy design, and the processes available to demonstrate compliance. Eighty training sessions are being presented at various venues throughout New York State between September 2011 and July 2012.
Policy News and Analysis from NEEP, September and October 2011
NEEP: Included in this Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships newsletter is a notice that key items such as oil heat efficiency programs, building energy codes, and RGGI, will be up for discussion in number of state assemblies that will be in session this fall, including Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and New York.
Going Beyond Code Guide Released
Going Beyond Code: A Guide for Creating Effective Green Building Programs for Energy Efficient and Sustainable Communities -- Now Available! The Going Beyond Code Guide is designed to help state and local governments design and implement successful "beyond code" programs for new commercial and residential buildings.
Building Energy Codes Resource Guide Air Leakage Edition Released
Building Energy Codes Resource Guide: Air Leakage Edition -- Now Available! This guide is a resource for understanding the new air leakage requirements in the 2012 IECC and suggestions on how these new measures can be met. It also provides information from Building America's Air Sealing Guide, Best Practices and case studies on homes that are currently meeting the provisions.
COMcheck 3.9.0 Released
COMcheck 3.9.0 adds support for demonstrating code compliance with ASHRAE 90.1-2010, 2010 North Carolina Energy Conservation Code, and Puerto Rico Commercial Energy Code. This release also introduces a new user interface feature for reviewing, answering, and documenting checklist requirements that appear on all reports (currently this feature is only available for the Oregon Energy Efficiency Specialty Code).
REScheck 4.4.2 Released
REScheck 4.4.2 adds support for demonstrating code compliance with 2011 Georgia State Minimum Standard Energy Code, North Carolina Energy Conservation Code, and Puerto Rico Residential Energy Code.
DOE Technical Assistance Program October Webcasts
Fall in to autumn with DOE's Technical Assistance Program's October webcasts! TAP webcasts will continue to explore best practices and technical information for state, city, county and tribal energy practitioners.
Building Energy Codes Resource Guide Commercial Buildings for Architects Edition Released
Building Energy Codes Resource Guide: Commercial Buildings for Architects Edition -- Now Available! To increase support for compliance with building energy codes, the U.S. Department of Energy's Building Energy Codes Program (BECP) has published the Building Energy Codes Resource Guide: Commercial Buildings for Architects. The Guide provides key information on energy codes tailored for Architects and provides guidance on how they can support the adoption of new or updated energy codes and the resources needed to ensure compliance with what is adopted.
Alliance President Talks Energy-Efficient Housing in Mexico
Alliance to Save Energy: The 3rd International Sustainable Housing Forum, held this year in Mexico City, focused on how Mexico and other countries can build more houses with fewer resources. At the forum, Alliance President Kateri Callahan addressed the assembly, and discussed the importance of building codes as a pathway to net-zero energy buildings. Through examples of building codes within the United States, Callahan demonstrated how Mexico can pursue greener standards.
How a Passive Building Aggressively Saves Energy
GreenBiz: The concept may sound counterintuitive, but passive building is shaping up to be one of the more effective and aggressive ways to achieve ultra energy efficiency.
New Cool Tool from ASHRAE -- Helps Predict Consistent Thermal Comfort
ASHRAE: An updated tool from ASHRAE provides a user-friendly interface to predict thermal comfort, based on the Society's standard for thermal environmental conditions.
MBMA Energy Code Compliance Webinar for Metal Building Systems
The Metal Building Manufacturers Association (MBMA) will offer a comprehensive webinar that features up-to-date information about energy codes and standards, as well as energy-efficient design and construction schemes, for metal building systems professionals.
Codes to Cleaner Buildings: Effectiveness of U.S. Building Energy Codes
Climate Policy Initiative: In this paper, Climate Policy Initiative San Francisco assesses the impact of state energy codes using residential energy use data at the state level. By conducting a regression analysis comparing states with building energy codes to those without, CPI SF measures the realized energy savings of energy codes and compares them to existing estimates based on building simulation models.
2012 NC Energy Code Resources
North Carolina Energy Efficiency Alliance: The North Carolina Building Code Council has recently adopted amendments to the upcoming 2012 building code that will increase the energy efficiency of all residential and commercial buildings constructed in the state. These changes will have an impact not only on builders and subcontractors, but also on building suppliers, architects, engineers, and home energy raters. The following documents were created by consultants and engineers during the code development process to assist with implementation and instruction about these changes.
Energy Code Compliance in New York City
Cooper Union Continuing Education: Using six modules developed by the NYC Department of Buildings under an ARRA grant, The Cooper Union and the Department will provide this comprehensive two-day training in the 2011 New York City Energy Conservation Code and procedural requirements.
Colorado Division of Housing: Upcoming energy code trainings
Colorado Division of Housing: Numerous new trainings regarding energy codes will be available throughout Colorado this fall.
An Overview of the 2012 Energy Code
Green Building Advisor: The 2012 International Energy Conservation Code will require more insulation, a tighter envelope, tighter ducts, better windows, and more efficient lighting than the 2009 code.
Ottawa rolls out $78 million plan to cut energy consumption
Vancouver Sun: The Harper government is investing $78 million over two years on a series of mostly voluntary initiatives it hopes will spur Canadians to reduce their energy consumption by purchasing more efficient vehicles, homes and appliances. The measures announced Wednesday by Natural Resources Minister Joe Oliver include a stronger -- but voluntary -- national energy code for buildings and improved standards on a host of consumer products.
Outcome-Based Code Compliance in the IgCC
New Buildings Institute: New Buildings Institute (NBI), the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) together with the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) and the National Trust for Historic Preservation have submitted a public comment to a proposal (GEW36-11) that would replace the current placeholder language describing the outcome-based compliance path for the IgCC. It would also ensure a fully functional, optional compliance path as an alternative to the prescriptive-based and performance-based paths.
NASEO 2011 Annual Meeting Presentations Available
Presentation slides from NASEO's 2011 Annual Meeting, which took place on September 11-14, 2011, are now available.