The 2015 International Green Construction Code (IgCC) will include the option to use an outcome-based approach when complying with local building energy codes, the first time the IgCC has allowed this method.
Previously, building energy codes relied on two main pathways to demonstrate compliance: performance (modeling energy consumption), and prescriptive measures (following code-defined values for individual building components). Both approaches fail to fully account for how buildings use power once they are completed, occupied, and maintained, according to the Institute for Market Transformation (IMT).
The new provision will help communities to ensure energy-efficient buildings are meeting performance expectations. The outcome-based approach requires the building owner to provide the building’s utility bills for a 12-month period within three years. This will ease pressure on code departments and align with the growing number of energy benchmarking regulations across the country, IMT says.
The decision to include an outcome-based pathway in the 2015 IgCC will directly influence future editions of the IgCC and other codes such as the Energy Conservation Code. This should smooth the process of including ASHRAE Standard 189.1 and the LEED green building program into the development of the IgCC, IMT says.
(http://www.imt.org/news/the-current/outcome-based-pathway-is-voted-into-the-2015-igcc)
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Oct 18, 2017
States impacted by hurricanes are improving their energy efficiency policies
Florida, Texas, rise in ACEEE state energy efficiency scorecard.
Codes and Standards | Oct 17, 2017
Updated versions of EnergyPlus and OpenStudio building energy modeling tools released
Open-source apps include enhancements for urban-scale modeling.
Codes and Standards | Oct 16, 2017
New, comprehensive insurance exhibit released in AIA 2017 contract document updates
Will allow AIA to make updates more frequently as insurance market changes.
Codes and Standards | Oct 12, 2017
New AIA contract document designates responsibilities for sustainable projects
Roles of architects, contractors outlined in E204–2017.
Codes and Standards | Oct 11, 2017
Data, transparency are keys to next steps in green building, says USGBC chief
Monitoring and comparing performance are critical to advancing sustainability goals.
Codes and Standards | Oct 10, 2017
New guidelines for quality control on application of membrane roof systems released
NRCA document provides guidance for on-site evaluation.
Codes and Standards | Oct 9, 2017
New app calculates maximum allowable heights for building occupancy types, classes of construction
The app streamlines compliance on various types of construction.
Codes and Standards | Oct 5, 2017
California lawmakers pass bill that requires GCs to pay wages of sub employees if subs fail to pay
The measure will go into effect in January if the governor signs it.
Codes and Standards | Oct 4, 2017
Ambitious but realistic increase in clean energy would cut GHG emissions by 80% in the U.S.
NRDC report says goal can be achieved with existing tools.
Codes and Standards | Oct 3, 2017
Reducing duct leakage is focus on latest green building standards updates
ASHRAE 189.1 broadens testing requirements to include more types of ducts.