New Energy Codes: Technical Assistance Initiatives to Aggressively Support Compliance

Gary Epstein, Energy & Resource Solutions Inc.
Dave Abrey and Stuart Slote, Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships
Brian McCowan, Energy & Resource Solutions Inc.

Keywords

Abstract

As a result of national efforts toward aggressive new energy codes, architects and engineers are struggling to understand and comply with new requirements. Typically, states provide assistance through classroom training for design professionals on updated energy code mandates. In Massachusetts, however, more comprehensive services are being offered to bring energy code technical assistance directly to architects, engineers, and others in the design and construction community. The assumption is such services will improve energy code understanding and result in higher compliance levels.

This paper will present a brief summary of commercial energy code efforts, including a discussion of code details that are often challenging for the design and construction community. We then focus on a case study for compliance support—the Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnership (NEEP)-sponsored Massachusetts pilot project. For the year 2001 pilot effort, 28 no-cost, on-site consultations were conducted with architectural and engineering (A/E) firms to address questions about the updated Massachusetts commercial energy code. Three-hour sessions were held in each firm’s office, facilitating open discussion about specific questions or project plans. Typically, 15-20 design professionals attended sessions. These sessions addressed compliant design solutions for: envelope details (insulation, air, and vapor barriers); HVAC system sizing, equipment, and controls; and lighting technologies and control applications.

We also briefly discuss the follow up full-scale, Massachusetts Board of Building Regulations and Standards (BBRS) sponsored technical assistance project currently in progress.

Finally, we suggest numerous other potential compliance support services that may be helpful in effectively increasing new energy code compliance rates.