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
| Oct 25, 2012
Net Zero buildings will use operating systems like computers to save energy
As buildings become more efficient and begin to use distributed electricity generation, they will need to become “smarter,” using operating systems much as a computer does.
| Oct 18, 2012
Princeton, N.J. residents upset over proposal to exempt colleges from land use laws
Princeton, N.J. residents criticized proposed legislation that would exempt private colleges and universities from following local land use laws for construction projects.
| Oct 18, 2012
Utah contracting firm challenges state immigration law
Universal Contracting LLC of American Fork, Utah, has filed suit challenging the constitutionality of Utah’s 2011 immigration law.
| Oct 18, 2012
More than 65,000 construction, design jobs may be cut if sequestration takes place
About $2 billion worth of construction and design projects would be eliminated if scheduled federal budget cuts, referred to as sequestration, take effect on Jan. 2, 2013.
| Oct 18, 2012
OSHA investigating parking garage collapse that kills four at Doral, Fla. college
OSHA is investigating the collapse of a five-story concrete parking garage under construction at Miami Dade College West Campus in Doral, Fla. that killed four workers and injured several others.
| Oct 18, 2012
EPA commercial building lead paint rule pushed back to 2015
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's inclusion of commercial buildings in a residential lead paint rule is being delayed until 2015.
| Oct 18, 2012
Chicago pushing green roofs to reduce heat island effect
The city of Chicago has mandated that all new buildings that require any public funds must be LEED certified, usually with a green roof.
| Oct 11, 2012
OSHA launches pilot program for alternative dispute resolution on whistleblower complaints
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is launching an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) pilot program for complaints filed with OSHA's Whistleblower Protection Program.
