Utah became the latest state to update its commercial building energy efficiency code from the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) to the 2018 IECC in July.
The new code permits the use of the ASHRAE/IES 90.1-2016 standard, giving building owners and design teams an alternative compliance path. Any plans submitted for permitting on or after July 1 are required to follow 2018 IECC new energy code requirements.
The new code provides for improved building envelope performance and reduced air infiltration. Another change is a requirement for occupancy sensor controls for lighting shut off within open plan offices.
The occupancy sensor control shut off time delay was reduced to 20 minutes from 30 minutes. Open plan offices must limit the size of the occupancy sensor-controlled area to separate 600 square-foot zones. When occupancy is not detected in these zones, general lighting must automatically shut off or be reduced by at least 80%.
Related Stories
| Feb 8, 2012
OSHA offers free health and safety consulting for small businesses
The consultants offer confidential, non-punitive advice.
| Feb 8, 2012
Controversy over pay for prisoners on roofing job in Michigan
The disagreement was over whether the prisoners should have been paid prevailing wage for their brief time on the job because the project was paid for with a U.S. Department of Energy grant.
| Jan 30, 2012
ZigBee and ISO 50001: Two new standards to make buildings greener
These developments demonstrate the dynamic nature of the market and the continued need for development of program standards of many different types that help builders and owners translate high performance and sustainable buildings goals into practical measures on the ground.
| Jan 30, 2012
New firm-fixed-price rules on federal contracts impact construction industry
Contractors will need to be on the lookout for policies such as the Contractor Accountability for Quality clause.
| Jan 30, 2012
Roofer’s fatal plunge demonstrates need for fall-prevention regulations
“The biggest problem is getting our workers to use the equipment,” says Michael J. Florio, executive director of the organization.
| Jan 26, 2012
Tampa moves to streamlined online permitting system
The system will replace an inefficient patchwork of old software and is designed to provide businesses, homeowners, and contractors with online access to permitting and licensing information.
| Jan 26, 2012
EPA to collect more data, seek comments before finalizing mud rule
The EPA says it will seek more data and is accepting comments until March 5.
| Jan 26, 2012
Industry challenges Connecticut's suit over defective construction work
The dispute arose over multimillion-dollar leaks at the University of Connecticut's law library.