Forum discussion

Summary of State and Local Energy Codes

Does anyone know of a good summary of state and local energy code adoption for new building and ordinances for existing buildings? I know of this energycodes.gov site, but it feels somewhat misleading when you dig into it. For example, in CO, it suggests there is no min code, but there is, and it doesn’t show the extent to which local govs are exceeding it. Similarly for WA, there is a state code, but local jurisdictions can exceed that, which is why Seattle is an interesting model. It’d be great to see a map of the US with states where: (a) there is a state code and local govs can’t do anything else, (b) there is a state min code and local govs can exceed it, or (c) there is no state code and local govs can do what they want. And then a map of local govs that have exceeded state codes. Is that out there?

What about a map of existing building ordinances? All I really know about is LL97 (and those leading up to it), DC's EB standard, and St Louis' EB standard. Is everything else just incentive programs?

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Fri, 06/04/2021 - 16:43

To build on Joshua’s comment, despite being updated March of 2021, this website also isn’t accurate on Minnesota’s or Wisconsin’s current commercial energy codes. Both adopted the IECC 2018, which references ASHRAE 90.1-2016. The energycodes.gov site says 90.1-2010. Sara Goenner Curlee AIA, LEED AP BD+C P 651.290.1861 bwbr.com For professional licensure, visit bwbr.com/licenses-registrations From: J

Fri, 06/04/2021 - 18:25

What about BCAP? (Building Codes Assistance Project). http://bcapcodes.org/ I haven’t cross-checked everything, but I usually go there first for current energy code information. Margaret Montgomery, FAIA, LFA, LEED AP BD+C, WELL AP Principal NBBJ 223 Yale Avenue North SEATTLE WA 98109 Direct: 206.223.5230 Mobile: 206.200.4526 nbbj.com | meanstheworld.co F

Fri, 06/04/2021 - 18:43

It looks like BCAP hasn’t been updated since 2018. Maybe they are no longer operating? Heather DeGrella AIA, LEED AP BD+C, Fitwel Ambassador, EAC-PS, | associate principal / sustainable design director | she / her / hers | opsis architecture LLP | o:503.525.9511 d:503.943.6228 | www.opsisarch.com F

Fri, 06/04/2021 - 20:39

Years ago while on a visit to PNNL led by our friend Bill Worthen, I was enlightened as to the DOE Commercial Determination process. What struck me was, Upon publication of an affirmative determination, States are required to certify that they have reviewed the provisions of their commercial building code regarding energy efficiency, and, as necessary, updated their codes to meet or exceed the updated edition of Standard 90.1. Yet, we all know that the energy code landscape across the country is very uneven. So then I thought, hey aren’t we as licensed professionals supposed to be in compliance with all laws and regulations. Seeking simplicity, I figured this also means being in alignment with the federal DOE requirements whether or not the local or state jurisdiction has its act together. As a design profession, what if we aligned with the DOE determination? So simple and yet so complicated. [cid:image001.jpg@01D75957.BA0EFC10] BTW, I did ask why things were so very uneven if this was a federal requirement. The reply was that there was no real means of enforcement. Rand Rand​ Ekman , FAIA, LEED Fellow Chief Sustainability Officer Principal [HKS, Inc] 125 S Clark St, #1100, Chicago, IL 60603 +1 312 262 9750 | m +1 847 420 5577 | www.hksinc.com To send large files, please use my Thru dropbox Fro

Sat, 06/05/2021 - 01:06

Google EIA state energy codes. They have a map. Think last iteration was Nov 2018. It actually shows the tapestry of adopted codes across the US. Lois Vitt Sale, FAIA, LEED Fellow Senior Vice President Wight & Company 2500 North Frontage Road Darien, IL 60561630.969.7000 | d 630.739.7514 | m 630.450.1662 | f 630.969.7979 www.wightco.com

Wed, 06/09/2021 - 18:24

The Sustainable Development Code contains numerous recommendations to amend local zoning codes. Each recommendation is thoroughly researched and backed by enacted ordinances. In regards to your specific request, you might check out SDC Chapter 1.1 on climate mitigation and SDC Chapter 7.2 on solar energy. Chapter 1.1 has almost 40 recommendations backed by hundreds of enacted ordinances and Chapter 7.2 has almost 20 recommendations also supported by hundreds of enacted ordinances. There may be other chapters you are interested in exploring. You can find the full list of 32 chapters here.   Several recommendations are cross-listed in both chapters 1.1 and 7.2, for example: My husband, Jonathan Rosenbloom, is the executive director. If you would like more information, I’m glad to connect you with him.   Eva Rosenbloom   Program Manager  |  Sustainable Performance Institute 215.803.8066  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/evarosenbloom Twitter: @SustainPerform   Helping organizations deliver on their promise of sustainability

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