Type of Building Code

Type of Building Code

• Cooling Based
• Prescriptive Codes
• Trade Off

  The only trade-offs allowed are changes to building envelope components through the alternative systems path.

• Performance Codes for Refurbishments

  Partially, depends on the extent of the refurbishment.

• Performance Codes for New Builds

  Partially, performance value is based on an equivalent reference building calculation.

• Energy Declaration
• Model / reference Building

  Performance (modeling) compliance requires that design EUI must be less than baseline code EUI (reference building).

• Mix of different models / Hybrids

  (ORRC) Alternative Systems Analysis: Residential dwellings using the energy performance path shall comply with the provisions in section 1305.

Energy Covered

Basis for Energy Requirements

• Overall performance frame

  Performance (modeling) compliance requires that design EUI must be less than baseline code EUI (reference building). The 2011 Residential Code requires selection of one additional envelope measure and one conservation measure from the relevant tables. The measures selected are at the option of the designer/builder.The Envelope enhancement method and Conservation method.

• Final Energy
• Primary Energy
• Life Cycle Assessment considered (embedded energy)

  Not at this stage, it has been looked at for future code updates.

Energy Uses and Functions Covered by the Code

• Heating

  The code requires that all equipment meet the minimum federal efficiency standards. Higher efficiency equipment is one of the available conservation measures. Should the additional measure be selected, then that efficiency level must be met for that equipment.

• Cooling

  The code requires that all equipment meet the minimum federal efficiency standards. Higher efficiency equipment is one of the available conservation measures. Should the additional measure be selected, then that efficiency level must be met for that equipment.

• Dehumidification
• Ventilation

  Insulation, zoning and HVAC contol and efficiency performance requirements.

• Airtightness

  Requirements for windows, swinging doors and sealing of the building envelope to be approved by the building code official.

• Thermal bridging

  99% of residential construction is wood frame. Additional envelope measures may include requirement for advanced or intermediate framing techniques and continuous insulation.

• Hot water

  Federal regulations set preemptive efficiency requirements. If a builder/designer selects an additional conservation measure for a higher efficiency, then that efficiency level must be met for that equipment. Piping insulation requirements

• Technical installations
• Lighting

  ORSC - A minimum of 50% of the permanently installed lighting fixtures shall contain high-efficacy lamps. ORRC - A minimum of 75% of the permanently installed lighting fixtures shall contain high- efficacy lamps. Screw-in compact florescent lamps comply with this requirement.

• Appliances
• Design, position & orientation of building

  Partially, solar access is not regulated by the state’s building codes. Rather it is regulated through local jurisdiction’s zoning and land use criteria.

• Heat recovery
• Passive solar
• Passive cooling
• Natural ventilation

  Minimum natural ventilation is required in the code and must be operable by occupants. There are no special credits for energy for use of natural ventilation in the residential code.

• Solar protection
• Daylighting requirements

  Partially - habitable rooms are required to have aggregate glazing of not less than 8% of the floor area, otherwise daylighting is not addressed in the ORSC. No credits or requirements relative to energy performance.

• Renewable Energy (solar, PV, others)

  No mandatory requirements with ORSC, but for residential, Conservation Measures F and G include solar photovoltaic and thermal systems options. There are no other requirements within code. The ORRC has requirements for Residential dwellings, shall provide a means for the installation of future onsite energy generation facilities - Solar Hot Water or PV systems.

• Local renewable sources
• Energy Offsets/Green Certificates

Enforcement

Type of Enforcement

• Local enforcement
  Inspectors and plan reviewers must be certified to standards established by Building Codes Division.
• Third party inspection
  A number of jurisdictions use third party providers. Inspectors and Plan Reviewers not directly employed by a local jurisdiction must hold a certification as a third party provider.
• Central enforcement
• Accreditation of applicants
• Post Occupancy control

On-site Inspections Occur

• On-site inspections
• During construction
• Post completion
  For Boilers and HVAC systems only.
• Post occupancy

Certification to Support Enforcement of Code

• Energy Performance Certificate support BC
• Positive labeling for building beyond the minimum BC level
• Existence of EPC register database at national level
• Inspection of boilers
  Boilers are required to be inspected by the State. All owners/users of boilers at or above 15psi steam or 160 psi or 250F◦ are required to maintain an operating permit, including regular inspections. There are boilers exempted from the requirements.
• Inspection of HVAC systems
  Partially, HVAC system are inspected by local building official prior to acceptance. Other than boilers and elevators, post-occupancy inspections are outside the jurisdiction of BCD.

Penalties for Non-compliance

• None
• Fine
• Imprisonment
• Refusal of permission to occupy
  Code violations identified on plans require a correction prior to approval. Generally code violations identified during inspections will result in a code correction notice, but jurisdictions do have the ability to issue civil penalties. Violations by licensees can result in civil penalties, suspension or revocation or conditioning of a license.
• Refusal of permission to construct
• Demolition

Measures Supporting Enforcement

• Commissioning requirements
  Completed boiler systems are required to be commissioned before building occupation.
• Airtightness testing required prior to compliance
  Partially, air-tightness requirements only apply if selecting Envelope Enhancement Measure 5 which requires documentation of blower door test.
• Mandatory Computer Modeling
• Training of Inspectors
  BCD requires continuing education hours and approves providers and code change courses. Certification must be renewed every three years.
• Other

Values for New Buildings

Code History and Future Targets

• How far in advance are future targets set?

  3 years.
• Are stakeholders informed of future targets far in advance?

  Yes

Zero Energy Targets

• Are all end uses considered in the target?

  Not at this stage.

• Is there a realistic roadmap towards ZEB
• National Target date for nZEB

  P-Section 6 of Senate Bill 79 (approved in 2009) encourages continual improvements in building energy efficiency and references the Architecture 2030 Challenge as a target.

• Special Requirements for public buildings

Supporting Measures

• Incentives/Rewards to Encourage People to go beyond Minimum Level?
• Involvement of Stakeholders in the Development of Codes
• Level of Training Provided to Stakeholders Following Implementation of Code?
• Provision of Appropriate Information for General Public
• Education Systems to Ensure Capacity
• Supporting Labeling Schemes
• Supporting Certification Schemes
• Codes Free to Access?