Oregon’s new commercial building code will create an energy efficiency increase in commercial buildings estimated at more than 14% from the previous code.
The 2019 Oregon Zero Energy Ready Commercial Code went into effect Oct. 1, 2019, and is now in a three-month transition period until January 1, 2020 when it will be fully enforced on new projects. The new code is based on ASHRAE 90.1-2016. The previous code was based on the IECC 2009.
Among the new requirements:
· Manual lighting controls are now required for all spaces and the area of control is increased to 2,500 sf. In larger spaces, the new code allows a manual switch to control an area up to 10,000 sf.
· The occupancy sensor shut-off time delay is reduced from 30 minutes to 20 minutes for added energy savings.
· The list of spaces requiring occupancy sensors is expanded to now include corridors, lobbies, library stacks, lecture halls, multipurpose rooms, stairwells, and warehouses.
· A new requirement called “Automatic partial-off”, reduces lighting power by at least 50% when there is no occupancy in corridors, lobbies, library stacks, classroom laboratories, stairwells, warehouses, and large storage rooms.
· A secondary sidelight daylighting control zone is added adjacent to the primary sidelight zone.
· A new parking garage lighting provision is added requiring lighting shut-off, 30% light power reduction when there is no activity, vehicle entrance and exit lighting controls, and daylighting controls.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Mar 29, 2015
Elevator shafts a major source of heat loss in New York City
A typical New York apartment building loses thousands of dollars worth of energy every year from leaky elevator shafts that vent warm air at the top of the building and draw in cold air at the bottom, according to a new Urban Green Council report.
Green | Mar 22, 2015
6 myths holding back green building
Sustainable design has proven benefits, so why isn’t it more widely adopted?
Multifamily Housing | Mar 16, 2015
New Jersey Supreme Court puts control of affordable housing agency in the courts
The court said the state’s affordable housing agency had failed to do its job, and effectively transferred the agency's regulatory authority to lower courts.
Codes and Standards | Mar 16, 2015
San Jose adopts bird-friendly building standard
The standard includes avoiding large chunks of transparent or reflective glass and adding fritting.
Codes and Standards | Mar 12, 2015
Energy Trust of Oregon offers financial incentives for net-zero buildings
The organization is offering technical assistance along with financial benefits.
Codes and Standards | Mar 10, 2015
Real estate interests push Congress for Census funding
The groups have joined forces to urge Congress to fully fund the 2020 Census and the annual American Community Survey in its 2016 budget.
Codes and Standards | Mar 5, 2015
Charlotte, N.C., considers rule for gender-neutral public bathrooms
A few other cities, including Philadelphia, Austin, Texas, and Washington D.C., already have gender-neutral bathroom regulations.
Codes and Standards | Mar 5, 2015
FEMA cuts off funding to Indiana after Kokomo continues building stadium in flood zone
FEMA will withhold funding on $5.5 million worth of projects such as building tornado safe rooms in schools.
Codes and Standards | Mar 5, 2015
Construction problems at prison spur support to quash non-traditional project delivery in Iowa
Iowa lawmakers are investigating construction problems at the Fort Madison prison project and are scrutinizing rules regarding project delivery on state projects.
Codes and Standards | Mar 5, 2015
AEC industry groups look to harmonize green building standards, codes
The USGBC, ASHRAE, ICC, IES, and AIA are collaborating on a single green code.
