BCAP's "OCEAN" Simplifies Interaction on Building Codes

The Building Codes Assistance Project (BCAP) is promoting a resource known as the Online Code Environment and Advocacy Network (OCEAN). Creators of this network believe it will improve energy efficiency in buildings across the United States.

OCEAN facilitates sharing best practices and educational resources related to building energy code adoption, implementation, compliance, and enforcement. OCEAN also facilitates discussion regarding code issues and provides information regarding existing programs aimed at serving as models for future projects.

Prior to the implementation of OCEAN, no single resource provided this kind of information to the energy code community. OCEAN was essentially built over time by its users, who provided valuable and practical information based on their experience in the industry.

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New Green Building Standards Coming to California

Green Building Insider is reporting that California's Building Standards Commission (CBSC) has adopted a mandatory Green Building Standards Code (CALGREEN). It is intended to improve energy efficiency and environmental responsibility for all new buildings.

CALGREEN, which is thought to be the first code of its kind in the United States, is slated to go into effect in January 2011.

CALGREEN requires a 15 percent reduction in energy use compared to the current California standard Title 24 Part 6, which already exceeds the national model energy code.

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Codes Updates Reported by BCAP

Below are some of the latest codes updates being reported by the Building Codes Assistance Project (BCAP)

Alabama

On January 14, a bill known as HB 264 was introduced in the Alabama State Legislature. This bill would provide a process for adoption and compliance with codes required under federal law, the Recovery Act. The bill would, in part, accomplish the following:

1.) Replace the Alabama Energy Code Board with the Alabama Energy and Residential Codes Board, giving the new board sole authority over adoption and implementation of the state’s energy codes

2.) Replace a reference to the Model Energy Code with the new Alabama Energy and Residential Codes, established as the 2006 IECC/Standard 90.1-2007 for commercial buildings and the 2006 IRC for residential buildings, or “any subsequent editions”

3.) Prohibit local jurisdictions from adopting codes that conflict with the new state codes or amending code requirements mandated by the Recovery Act

Alaska

A bill known as SB 220 was introduced in the Alaska State Legislature as the Alaska Sustainable Energy Act, which intends to achieve a 10 percent increase in energy efficiency on a per capita basis by 2015 and a 15 percent increase in energy efficiency by 2020. The legislation declares the state’s energy policy to include statewide energy codes for public buildings and assistance for local communities interested in implementing residential and commercial energy codes.

Among the provisions of the bill, the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation is charged with administering an energy efficiency grant fund to incentivize new or retrofitted public buildings to comply with the latest version of ASHRAE Standard 90.1 or achieve LEED certification. The bill also establishes an energy use index database for public buildings and requires energy audits at least once every seven years.

California

On January 12, California adopted the nation’s first mandatory green building standards. Effective January 1, 2011, all new buildings must comply with the 2010 California Green Building Standards Code (CALGREEN). The California Air Resources Board estimates that the mandatory provisions will curb greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) by 3 million metric tons in 2020, helping the state reach its goal of 33 percent GHG reduction this decade.
Among other provisions, CALGREEN will require mandatory inspections of energy systems for nonresidential buildings over 10,000 square feet.

Hawaii

After the Hawaii Building Code Council approved the 2006 IECC with state-specific amendments on October 13, work has begun on the development of a statewide code to be based on the 2009 IECC. The 2009 IECC subcommittee of the Dept. of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism met on January 12 in Honolulu. Minutes from the Oct. 13, Nov. 4, Dec. 8, and Jan. 12 meetings are now available.

Missouri

On January 12, a bill called SB 745 was introduced in the Missouri General Assembly that would establish a mandatory statewide energy code for residential and commercial construction and renovation. By August 28, 2011, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) would have to establish the Missouri Uniform Building Energy Code, to be based on the most recent editions of the IECC and ASHRAE Standard 90.1. DNR would be required to adopt new editions of the model codes within 9 months of their publication, and local jurisdictions would have to adopt the new state code within 120 days of its approval. Municipalities would be charged with enforcing the state code and would be allowed to adopt more stringent requirements.

Washington

On January 18, a bill known as HB 2927 was introduced in the Washington State Legislature that would delay the implementation of the 2009 Washington State Energy Code (WSEC), as approved by the Washington State Building Code Council (SBCC) on November 20, until such time that the SBCC provides a Small Business Economic Impact Statement for review and action by the Legislature’s Joint Administrative Rules Review Committee (JARRC). The new regulations are currently set to become effective on July 1. The bill has been assigned to the House Committee on Technology, Energy & Communications.

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NFRC Label Shows Which Products Qualify for Tax Credit

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, otherwise known as the stimulus package, created tax benefits for those who purchase qualifying energy efficient products. These products include certian windows, doors, and skylights.

There are a few key things to keep in mind, however, when purchasing fenestration products with the intention of taking the tax credit.

First, the credit is available throughout 2010. Second, the maximum credit is 30% of costs, not to exceed $1500. Also, keep in mind that installation costs are excluded. Third, not all windows, doors, and skylights will qualify.

To be sure the products you are considering will qualify for the tax credit, check the National Fenestration Rating Council’s (NFRC) label. Both the U- factor and the Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) must be 0.30 or less.

Finally, please remember this is a tax credit and not a rebate. Purchasers of qualifying fenestration products will not receive a rebate check. Instead, they may be able to deduct up to $1500 from their taxable income.

Further information regarding the tax credit is available on the ENERGY STAR Website.

Experts See Imporvement Ahead for Nonresidential Construction Market

Chief Economist, Jim Haughey, of Reed Construction Data in Georgia said during a recent Webinar that he expects nonresidential construction to increase by about six percent in 2011. Economists from McGrawHill Construction and The Associated General Contractors of America agree.

Haughey believes the decline in nonresidential construction, which fell by approximately 5.7% in 2009, will kick into reverse during late 2010 and lead to slow but steady progress. Some of the main areas where nonresidential construction is expected to grow include office buildings, retail stores and shopping centers, and hotels.

NFRC is watching this trend closely, particularly as it works diligently to roll out its Component Modeling Approach (CMA) Program.

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Retrofit Windows an Easy Project for Do-it-Yourselfers

Upgrading the windows in one's home can improve energy efficiency, and it may not be nearly as difficult as some people might think.

According to the Website, www.doityourself.com, Retrofit windows allow new vinyl windows to fit into older-style aluminum frames. This means homeowners can benefit from energy efficiency without needing to fit new window frames.

The Website also says nearly anyone with the right tools and materials should be able to install retrofit windows quickly and easily – in about one day.

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MEEA Conference Closes with Emphasis on Weatherization Projects

Robin Roy, Vice President of Projects and Policy for Serious Materials served as one of the closing speakers at the Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance’s (MEEA) Energy Solutions Conference.

The conference, which was held January 13 through January 15, concluded today at about noon Central Time.

During Roy’s closing remarks, he emphasized the need to re-energize America by making the best possible use of the $5 billion in stimulus funds available for weatherization projects over the next two years. Roy said that prior to the implementation of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (AARA), the funding available for such projects had been about $250 million annually for nearly 12 years.

“We’re standing on the cusp of a rare and amazing opportunity,” Roy said. “We must take advantage of it and provide retrofits for the nearly 50 million buildings that could benefit from the resulting cost savings.”

NFRC representatives attended MEEA’s Energy Solutions Conference to promote awareness of its activities and programs and to explain the role they play in sustainable building and improving energy efficiency.