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 | Sep 22, 2021
Illinois’s sweeping climate bill includes statewide stretch code, building electrification measures
Aims for zero-emissions power sector by 2045.
Codes and Standards | Sep 22, 2021
Cities need to step up flood mitigation efforts to save lives
Recent storms highlight climate change dangers.
Codes and Standards | Sep 21, 2021
Steps to improve ventilation for Covid can combat colds and flu
New look at airborne disease spread shows time viruses linger in air may have been underestimated.
Codes and Standards | Sep 15, 2021
USGBC will change leaders, conduct strategic review
Aims to ensure organization is ‘well positioned to scale its work in the post-pandemic world’.
Codes and Standards | Sep 15, 2021
LEED-certified offices earn higher rents than non-sustainable properties
Are also more resilient to dips in real estate market.
Codes and Standards | Sep 7, 2021
Boston turns to developer fees to fund flood protection infrastructure
Assessments on commercial properties will help build seawall and other protective measures.
Codes and Standards | Sep 3, 2021
Low-cost methods can have substantial impact on reducing embodied carbon
Whole-building design, material substitution, and specification strategies can slash carbon by up to 46%.
Codes and Standards | Sep 2, 2021
Case for power resiliency in buildings grows with more disaster and outages
Essential businesses like data centers, hospitals are first adopters of new storage systems.
Codes and Standards | Aug 31, 2021
UK industry group wants mandatory whole-life carbon assessments of buildings
Aims to address hidden emissions embedded in supply chains.
Codes and Standards | Aug 31, 2021
Home electrification will require code upgrades
Residential electric panel capacity must be increased.