John Lewis Speaks about NFRC at EduCode

John Lewis spoke during the opening night of the 2010 EduCode Show in Las Vegas. In part, Lewis discussed NFRC's mission and the Component Modeling Approach (CMA).

NFRC will be exhibiting at EduCode, which is being held at the Orleans Hotel and Casino, from Monday, February 21, 2010 until Friday, February 26, 2010.

If you happen to be in Las Vegas, please stop in and visit NFRC at Booth #1 in Salon "G." We'll be available from 7:00 a.m until 5:00 p.m.

View clips of John's presentation:

John on NFRC's mission

John on CMA

NASEO to Host Webinar on Building Energy Code Training, Compliance, and Enforcement

The National Association of State Energy Officials (NASEO) is reporting on its Website that it will host an American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA) related Energy Code Training, Compliance, and Enforcement Webinar for state and local officials, and interested stakeholders.

The free Webinar will be held on February 26, 2010 from 1:00 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. (ET).

According to NASEO, the Webinar will provide guidance on compliance with Section 410 of the ARRA relating to building energy codes. It will also deliver practical information that will help states and municipalities improve their knowledge of building energy use, code development and implementation, technical assistance and training, code enforcement, and compliance verification.

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Code Updates and Information from BCAP

The Buildings Code Assistance Project (BCAP) is reporting the following information:

EE Global 2010

Join over 700 of energy efficiency’s most notable leaders, representing 40+ countries, at the Energy Efficiency Global Forum & Exposition (EE Global), being held May 10-12, 2010 at the Washington DC Convention Center. With over 80% of 2009 participants self-identifying as executives or managers, EE Global 2010 will provide access to decision makers and offer executive-level insight and dialogue. Focusing solely on energy efficiency from the perspective of all energy end-use sectors (buildings, industrial and transportation), and with coverage of all cross-cutting issues (finance, policy, technology, and market transformation), EE Global serves as an exchange of best practices and policies for global implementation of energy efficiency.

Illinois

As directed by legislation approved in August, the Illinois Capital Development Board (CDB) has officially adopted the Illinois Energy Conservation Code, which became effective January 29. The new statewide code (71 IAC 600) incorporates the 2009 IECC for residential buildings and privately funded commercial buildings and ASHRAE 90.1-2007 for publicly funded commercial buildings (previously, there was not a mandatory residential statewide energy code based on the IECC). An automatic update provision directs the CDB to adopt each subsequent version of the IECC within nine months of its publication, with an effective date three months afterwards.

Connecticut

On October 15, the Codes Amendment Subcommittee (CAS) of the Connecticut Department of Public Safety’s State Codes and Standards Committee announced that it intended to review and consider proposals amending the 2009 IECC for inclusion in the 2010 Amendments to the 2005 State Building Code (which currently uses the 2006 IECC) to comply with Public Act 09-192. CAS met initially on December 9 and accepted proposals through December 31. The SCSC met again on January 27 to receive and review the proposed changes to the 2009 IECC.

Michigan

An ad hoc committee of building-related stakeholders within the Construction Code Commission (within the state’s Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth, or DELEG) has been reviewing proposed changes to the Michigan Uniform Energy Code, or MUEC (currently based on the 2003 IRC and ASHRAE 90.1-1999). The committee is expected to make its final recommendations on February 24 for a residential code equivalent to the 2009 IECC and a commercial code equivalent to ASHRAE 90.1-2007. The committee will then issue a proposed rule draft for public comment that must then pass through the state’s formal regulatory process. An effective date is hoped for some time between October 2010 and January 2011.

New York

After giving initial approval to a proposed state energy code update on December 16, the New York State Uniform Fire and Building Code Council has scheduled a series of four public hearings on the approved changes March 1-4. Public comments using this form will be accepted until March 15. The proposed 2010 Energy Conservation Construction Code of New York State would be based on the 2009 IECC and ASHRAE 90.1-2007 (the current ECCCNYS is based on the 2004 IECC supplement and ASHRAE 90.1-2004). The New York Department of State (NYS-DOS) hopes to implement the new energy code by the end of this year.

Pennsylvania

The 2009 Uniform Construction Code (UCC) – which incorporates the 2009 IECC with alternative compliance paths through the 2009 IRC (Chapter 11) and the 2009 Pennsylvania Alternative Residential Energy Provisions (PA-Alt) – was approved in December and became effective on January 1, 2010. This month, the Pennsylvania Builders Association filed for a preliminary injunction against the 2009 UCC. A hearing date has been scheduled for Monday, March 1 in the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania.

Tennessee

On January 28, a companion bills (HB 3215 and SB 3192) were introduced in the Tennessee House and Senate that would establish ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2007 as the minimum energy standard for all new buildings that are not 1- and 2-family dwellings. The bills, however, also allow jurisdictions to adopt Standard 90.1-2001, its equivalent, or a more stringent code. The state currently does not have a mandatory energy code for this construction. If it became law, the legislation would be effective July 1, 2010.

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Window Film Industry Embraces NFRC

The window film industry has embraced the National Fenestration Ratings Council (NFRC). Accordingly, homeowners and commercial property managers can compare window film performance more accurately.

Sometimes, brochures may make unsupported claims regarding energy efficiency performance or use confusing technical terms and industry jargon.

The NFRC, however, clarifies window film performance and puts the industry on a short path toward Energy Star ratings. Window Film now qualifies for Federal Tax Credits and local utility rebates.

Today, more than ever the perfect upgrade of your windows should include NFRC rated window film.

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Four States Offering Energy Code Ambassadors Program

The International Code Council (ICC) and the Building Codes Assistance Project (BCAP) have joined forces to offer a program for code officials who want to take a leading role in energy-efficient buildings. The program will be initially offered in four states. These include New York, Kentucky, Illinois, Idaho.

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Insulating Glass certification Begins July, 1, 2010

Additionally, on July 1, 2010 the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) will require Insulating Glass (IG) certification by a listed, third party certification program for all IGU used in products that are certified in accordance with the NFRC Products Certification Program (PCP), including those products already participating in the PCP.

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Spring 2010 Membership Meeting

April 12-15, 2010
New Orleans, LA
Doubletree Hotel New Orleans


Registration available: Online and offline meeting registrations are currently available. The deadline for registration March 26, 2010.

Hotel Reservations: The NFRC's meeting hotel is taking reservations by phone at 1-800-HILTONS.

Hotel reservations must be made by March 9, 2010 to ensure NFRC rate and Availability.

NFRC Meeting Sponsorship 2010

NFRC thanks the 2009 meeting sponsors and welcomes your organization to the increased level of recognition/visibility through this marketing initiative. Contact Cheryl Gendron, NFRC's Meeting Manager, for more information.

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Weatherization Skillshops Designed to Educate Vermont Residents

The Brattleboro Reformer is reporting in an online article that the Central Vermont Community Action Council will offer two weatherization “skillshops” on Saturday, February 13 at the Windham Regional Career Center in Brattleboro, Vermont.

The skillshops will discuss weatherization techniques and include a section dedicated to windows and doors.

The council hopes the event will help attendees understand how to improve energy efficiency in their homes and give homeowners the skills they need to take on simple home weatherization projects.

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Details on NFRC's Spring Membership Meeting

NFRC's Spring Membership Meeting will be held in New Orleans, Louisiana at the Doubletree Hotel April 12 – 15. Registration fees for NFRC members have been reduced.

Check NFRC's upcoming meeting page for details on the following:

• Online Registration -- now available.
• Reservations at the Doubletree Hotel -- Deadline for the NFRC Rate is Tuesday 03/09/2010.
• Schedule, agendas, past draft minutes, rosters, and minutes will be available within the next few weeks.

Members will get e-mail bulletins with updated information.