Starting in June, California’s latest version of its Title 24 building code kicks in, requiring several systems come with demand response capability. Every new or retrofit thermostat, HVAC system, networked lighting controller, and building automation system in the state will have to be ready for two-way, automated utility-to-customer energy management. Non-residential building lighting systems will be required to have daylight-matching adjustment, dimming and demand response capabilities.
These devices and systems will be required to be “capable of receiving and automatically responding to at least one standards-based messaging protocol” to receive signals from utilities. There are a few standards that meet the requirement— OpenADR, SEP 2.0, and HomePlug.
OpenADR was developed by the California Energy Commission and Berkeley Labs. It offers tools to allow buildings and utilities to communicate about energy availability, price, and how buildings can execute and confirm actions to reduce power use.
These standards were enacted after the California Energy Commission identified flaws in the state’s approach to demand response in a 2013 report, including a failure to reach modest goals set in 2007 to reduce peak demand by 5%. The solution may come from a market-based program to encourage users to reduce demand during peak energy use periods. The new demand-response standards pave the way for this option.
Related Stories
| Oct 3, 2012
OSHA publishes more detailed information on variances
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) enhanced its variances Web page to improve public understanding of the variance approval process and increase access to the agency's decisions regarding variance requests.
| Oct 3, 2012
Online program computes energy savings from green roofs; compares savings with other options
A free online tool can calculate the amount of energy savings from installation of a green roof. Portland State University‘s (PSU’s) online Green Roof Energy Calculator can be used for new or old structures.
| Oct 3, 2012
SERF, CSE launch a new accreditation for evaluation of building sustainability
The Society of Environmentally Responsible Facilities (SERF), a Chicago-based environmental building certification organization, and the Centre for Sustainability and Excellence (CSE) launched a new accreditation program that certifies professionals to evaluate buildings’ sustainable systems and practices according to SERF’s certification criteria.
| Oct 3, 2012
New version of Occupied Space Standard for DC microgrids in buildings released
The EMerge Alliance, an association leading the adoption of safe direct-current (DC) power distribution standards for commercial buildings, has updated the EMerge Alliance Occupied Space standard.
| Sep 26, 2012
Automatic budget cuts in January would slash federal agencies' construction budgets
Sequestration, or the implementation of automatic budget cuts as of January 2013, would slash government agencies' already reduced construction budgets further, and require agencies to shelve some repair and maintenance projects.
| Sep 26, 2012
Investment in greener data centers to reach $45 billion by 2016
Investment in data centers built to green standards will increase from the $17.1 billion predicted for this year to $45 billion by 2016, according to Pike Research.
| Sep 26, 2012
OSHA fines on fall-protection violations challenged by New York contractor
A New York masonry contractor is contesting an OccupationalSafety and Health Administration $136,290 fine for violations of fall-protection standards.a
| Sep 26, 2012
Construction workplace deaths decline nearly 7% in 2011
There were 721 construction-workplace deaths in 2011, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, down 6.8% from 2010.
| Sep 26, 2012
Contractors save $9 billion due to revised California emissions rule
The California Air Resources Board made changes to a rule limiting off-road diesel emissions that could result in contractors saving about $9 billion.
| Sep 20, 2012
Smithtown, N.Y. considers bigger fines for building code violations
After a Suffolk County grand jury recommended stiffer fines for illegal demolitions, Smithtown, NY officials are weighing tougher penalties for developers who violate the town building code.