Type of Building Code

Type of Building Code

• Cooling Based
• Prescriptive Codes
• Trade Off
• Performance Codes for Refurbishments
• Performance Codes for New Builds

  Partially, through the simulated performance alternative, however the calculation is based on an reference building.

• Energy Declaration
• Model / reference Building

  Performance Option requirement - simulated performance alternative, RESCheck free software simulation (Inclus of all mandatory requirements), simulated according a reference building.

• Mix of different models / Hybrids

Energy Covered

Basis for Energy Requirements

• Overall performance frame

  No overall performance value, Annual energy usage simulation demonstrates that the proposed building’s energy costs are < “standard code” building

• Final Energy

  Partially, energy assessed is based on site energy, similar to final energy.

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

  Maryland Life Cycle Cost Analysis Standards require an evaluation of the use of renewable energy systems and energy efficient strategies. In May 2011, the state also approved the 2012 (IGCC) for adoption by all local jurisdictions across the state.

Energy Uses and Functions Covered by the Code

• Heating

  Equipment efficiency and sizing requirements.

• Cooling

  Equipment efficiency and sizing requirements.

• Dehumidification
• Ventilation

  General control requirements for furnaces. Heat Pumps require a smart thermostat or lockout feature to prevent unnecessary strip heat. Whole house ventilation system required to meet IMC or IRC minimum efficiency rates. Sealing with Mastic required.

• Airtightness

  n50 is 5.0 for climatezones 1-2 and n50 is 3.0 for climatezones 3-8.

• Thermal bridging

  Prescriptive provisions in the 2012 IECC require higher R-value cavity insulation or the addition of continuous insulation to the exterior of wood-framed walls. No linear value requirement.

• Hot water

  General efficiency and sizing requirments, cylinder insulation, piping insulated to R3, or be short and skinny, and controls for plumbing circulating systems required, Heat trap requirements for non-circulating systems, temperature control requirements.

• Technical installations
• Lighting

  Residential requirements now mandatory, 75% of lamps in permanently installed fixtures shall be high efficacy lamps and and for reduction targets for multi-storey residential and commercial. Controls and occupancy sensors required.

• Appliances
• Design, position & orientation of building
• Heat recovery

  Mandated for ventilation systems that exceed a set level of airflow, with some exceptions. The system should have the capability to provide a change in the enthalpy of the outdoor air supply of not less than 50%.

• Passive solar
• Passive cooling
• Natural ventilation
• Solar protection
• Daylighting requirements

  Controls (set point) must be readily accessible. Daylighting controls must either reduce to less than 35% of rated maximum power; or incorporate stepped dimming.

• Renewable Energy (solar, PV, others)

  Partially, no renewable energy obligations. However, one compliance option is to provide on‐site renewable energy equal to 3% of the building’s mechanical, service water heating and lighting energy cost.

• Local renewable sources
• Energy Offsets/Green Certificates

Enforcement

Type of Enforcement

• Local enforcement
  The state code is enforced through plan review and inspections by local jurisdictions that have adopted the code.
• Third party inspection
  Mostly on the eastern side of the state.
• Central enforcement
• Accreditation of applicants
• Post Occupancy control
  The 2012 code requires that common area spaces, office space and back of house spaces of high‐rise multifamily buildings be “commissioned.”

On-site Inspections Occur

• On-site inspections
• During construction
• Post completion
• Post occupancy
  Final inspection, the building shall have a final inspection and not be occupied until approved.

Certification to Support Enforcement of Code

• Energy Performance Certificate support BC
  Mandatory permanent certificate to be posted by the builder or design professional, listing Major Component R-values, U-factor, SHGC of Windows, Equipment Efficiencies, GA Specific: Load Calculations and Envelope and Duct Testing Results.
• Positive labeling for building beyond the minimum BC level
• Existence of EPC register database at national level
• Inspection of boilers
  Partially, pre-occupancy testing and Local/state safety inspections only.
• Inspection of HVAC systems
  Partially, pre-occupancy efficiency requirements, ducting insulation requirements and pressure testing.

Penalties for Non-compliance

• None
• Fine
• Imprisonment
• Refusal of permission to occupy
• Refusal of permission to construct
• Demolition

Measures Supporting Enforcement

• Commissioning requirements
  Common area spaces, office space and back of house spaces of high‐rise multifamily buildings be “commissioned. Building mechanical systems must be commissioned in commercial buildings, including providing a plan and three reports.
• Airtightness testing required prior to compliance
  Mandatory whole-house pressure test for residential, blower door test remains an optional compliance path for high‐rise buildings.
• Mandatory Computer Modeling
  P -Building professionals can use REScheck and COMcheck materials to show compliance.
• Training of Inspectors
  Trainging is conducted by the state officials, 20-30 free seminars each year. Additionally, in 2012 community college training seminars have begun and a very popular.
• Other

Values for New Buildings

Code History and Future Targets

• How far in advance are future targets set?

  3

Zero Energy Targets

• Are all end uses considered in the target?
• Is there a realistic roadmap towards ZEB
• National Target date for nZEB
• 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?
• Text on Code Access