An Overview of Building Energy

Codes

The Online Code Environment

and Advocacy Network 
 W h a t a re B u ild in g E n e rg y
C o d e s?
Codes tell you the legal minimum
requirements for a building
oEnergy Codes are part of a larger set of
Building Codes, which govern the design and
construction of all residential and commercial
structures.
oBuilding Codes set minimum standards in order to
protect inhabitants and construction workers.
oEnergy Codes specifically address measures taken
to improve the amount of energy a building
consumes.
oDevelopment in building technology has led to
more and more energy efficient practices
addressed by codes.
A Brief History of Codes
oBegan as a response to energy crises
in the 1970’s.
oIn 1978, congress passed legislation
requiring states to adopt efficiency
standards for new buildings.
oThe first established codes were the
American Society of Heating,
Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning
Engineers (ASHRAE) 90-77, and the
Model Energy Code (MEC) 1983.
oCodes have since undergone many
updates and improvements, especially
in the last 10 years.
 Codes and Standards
lStandards are generally
voluntary “best practices,”
and reflect the most recent
advancements in building
science.
lCodes reference standards in

areas such as insulation,

HVAC equipment, and lighting,
and incorporate them into the
code.
lAs codes are updated, they

adopt new and improved

standards.
l
Prescriptive vs. Performance-Based
Compliance
Prescriptive - Based
lThe most common form of

compliance.
lSpecific standards are enforced,

and thus minimums for materials

and practices are set.
Performance - Based
lSets a baseline for minimum

energy requirements.
lThe builder is free to select the

materials and practices

necessary to meet the specific
energy requirement.

l
 Not the Perfect Solution by
Themselves
Codes are a cost-effective strategy but are not
without costs (training, resources, enforcement, etc.)
They do not cover:
lPlug loads

lNAECA appliances and equipment

lBuilding orientation

lBuilding layout

lEquipment maintenance

lBuilding operations

lOccupant behavior

Codes require support from efficiency programs,

legislation, economic incentives, etc.
•
 Codes in Context
Energy
Efficienc
y

Source : US
DOE

Push Pull
Appliance Standards
l lENERGY STAR
l Building Energy Codes lAppliances
lHome Energy Ratings

lTax Credits
lLEED
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
IECC Part of the International Family
of Codes
Coordinated family of
International Codes
lEach state has a varied number of
ICC chapters
lThere are eight regional chapters

each encompassing at least 3 states

lChapters can organized their own

training – funded by DOE, states, or

chapters themselves
lTraining is almost always open to

builders, architects, and the sub-

trades
lRegional Training helps leverage

costs
 Expanding Scope of
Building Codes and Standards
Minimum requirements to safeguard
public health , safety and general
welfare
lStructural strength lAccessibility
lMeans of egress lEnergy conservation

lStability lWater conservation

lSanitation lOther hazards attributed

lAdequate light and to the built

ventilation environment
lSafety to life and

property from fire

How do Codes Work on the State
Level?
oEach State is responsible for establishing its own
code adoption and implementation process.
oThis 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).
oStates 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.
oAll states accepted funding generated by the
American Recovery and Reinvestment act of 2009.
oBy 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
Status 1, 2010
AS OF FEBRUARY
Commercial State Energy Code
Status 1, 2010
AS OF FEBRUARY
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

l$3.1B available through State Energy Programs (SEPs).
lSecretary of Energy must receive each Governors’

assurance regarding adoption of the 2009 IECC and/or

ASHRAE 90,1-2007.
lFunding 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 Help