Type of Building Code

Type of Building Code

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

  Energy budget approach is a performance calculation but the calculation is based on a reference building.

• Performance Codes for New Builds

  Energy budget approach is a performance calculation but the calculation is based on a reference building.

• Energy Declaration
• Model / reference Building

  Energy Budgets (reference building) for a proposed building is the sum of the space-conditioning, lighting, and service water-heating budgets expressed in Btu/sf/a. Applicable to residential and non-residential buildings and alterations or additions.

• Mix of different models / Hybrids

Energy Covered

Basis for Energy Requirements

• Overall performance frame

  Time Dependent Valuation (TDV). Under TDV the value of electricity differs depending on time-of-use (hourly, daily, seasonal), and the value of natural gas differs depending on season.

• Final Energy

  Partially, calculation is for 'Site' energy.

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

  Partially , not for individual buildings, but within Part 6 there are requirements for when an individual measure is undertaken, a cost optimal analysis is required for that system, including; first cost, ongoing costs, lifecycle savings.

Energy Uses and Functions Covered by the Code

• Heating

  Minimum prescriptive efficiency and sizing requirements. Heating system design loads shall be determined in accordance with the procedures described in the ASHRAE Handbook or as specified in a method approved by the Commission.

• Cooling

  Minimum prescriptive efficiency and sizing requirements. Cooling system design loads shall be determined in accordance with the procedures described in the ASHRAE Handbook or as specified in a method approved by the Commission.

• Dehumidification
• Ventilation

  Prescriptive efficiency and sizing requirements. Most large buildings are required to ensure that each space that is not naturally ventilated shall be ventilated with a mechanical system capable of providing a precribed outdoor air rate.

• Airtightness

  Building Envelope Leakage Diagnostics. Completed by the contractor responsible for testing building envelope leakage through pressurization of the house. Later to be verified by a third-party inspector (HERS rater).

• Thermal bridging

  No linear value but u-factor calculations for setting prescriptive requirments take into account thermal bridging averages. Additionally simulation software caluclates specific rates for different types of construction, mainly wood lumber or steel.

• Hot water

  Minimum efficiency and insulation requirements.

• Technical installations

  National efficiency standards apply.

• Lighting

  Depends on the building type - minimum efficiency, lighting control devices, ballasts and luminaires power, area controls and outdoor lighting controls. Lighting Systems are verified and signed by the contractor responsible for installing systems.

• Appliances

  National efficiency standards.

• Design, position & orientation of building

  Partially, no mandatory requirements, compliance credits can be obtained through bio-climatic design. Near future targeting is being planned.

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

  Requirements for Non-res, High-rise Res and Hotel/Motel, naturally ventilated spaces shall be permanently open to and within 20 feet of operable openings to the outdoors, with the opening not less than 5% of the conditioned floor area.

• Solar protection

  Shading devices to be included within energy calculations for residential buildings.

• Daylighting requirements

  Within lighting there are precribed requirements for daylight control devices. Daylight baseline assumed within commercial buildings.

• Renewable Energy (solar, PV, others)

  Renewable systems can be used to offset expected energy use when completing energy calculations for compliance. Many city only codes have increased requirements for renewable energy. No minimum requirements.

• Local renewable sources
• Energy Offsets/Green Certificates

  Energy offsets available.

Enforcement

Type of Enforcement

• Local enforcement
  The local agency with responsibility and authority to issue building permits and verify compliance with applicable codes and standards. The enforcement agency performs plan checks, inspections and Final approval.
• Third party inspection
  Undertaken or required for some technical evaluations.
• Central enforcement
• Accreditation of applicants
  For all buildings, the Certificate(s) of Compliance shall be signed by the person(s) accepting responsibility for the building design to certify conformance with Part 6 .
• Post Occupancy control
  Partially, a requirement for certain commercial buildings.

On-site Inspections Occur

• On-site inspections
• During construction
• Post completion
• Post occupancy
  Partially, a requirement for certain commercial buildings.

Certification to Support Enforcement of Code

• Energy Performance Certificate support BC
  HERS rating for residential buildings. The HERS certificate does show the expected TDV.
• Positive labeling for building beyond the minimum BC level
  HERS rating for residential buildings.
• Existence of EPC register database at national level
  Partially, not mandatory, the HERS provider must maintain a database that incorporates an internet website-based user interface.
• Inspection of boilers
  Partially, only at project completion to verify the system operates in accordance with design documentation. No ongoing testing requirements.
• Inspection of HVAC systems
  Only at project completion to verify the system operates in accordance with design documentation. No ongoing testing requirements.

Penalties for Non-compliance

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

Measures Supporting Enforcement

• Commissioning requirements
  Acceptance testing is required.
• Airtightness testing required prior to compliance
  Only for compliance with the HERS rating scheme.
• Mandatory Computer Modeling
  Partially, only when using the Energy Budget method.
• Training of Inspectors
  Training strategies differ between each county or city, but it does exist. Some cross-training is being undertaken in order to widen the technical knowledge base of each inspector.
• Other

Values for New Buildings

Code History and Future Targets

• How far in advance are future targets set?

  0
• Are stakeholders informed of future targets far in advance?

  Yes

Zero Energy Targets

• Definition of nZEB/ZEB/Plus Energy etc
• Are all end uses considered in the target?

  Partially.

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

  State target, residential by 2020 and commercial by 2030 - all new commercial buildings and half of the existing commercial building stock be nZEB by 2030 (energy use will need to decrease by 60-70%). These targets are policy at this stage, not regulation or law.

• 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
• Supporting Labeling Schemes
• Supporting Certification Schemes
• Codes Free to Access?
• Text on Code Access