Upcoming changes to the Washington State Energy Code are expected to include requirements for dedicated outdoor air systems.
The updates will alter how engineers and architects approach design, writes Max Wilson, a senior energy analyst for Glumac. “Designers are now required to decouple the heating and cooling system from ventilation systems,” Wilson says. “According to the new code language, HVAC systems should now include ‘supply-air temperature controls that automatically reset the supply-air temperature in response to representative building loads, or to outdoor air temperatures.’”
Heating and cooling equipment, because they have been historically linked, have become major sources of wasted energy by pushing fans unnecessarily hard to maintain optimum comfort levels. The new approach will greatly reduce overcooling or overheating interior spaces, Wilson says, and mitigate wasted fan energy.
Another code update requires design teams to choose a minimum of two prescribed of several energy-efficient design strategies. The focus on these “seems to be on reduction of both lighting loads and fossil fuels usage,” Wilson writes. “The code updates focus on enhanced lighting controls, a 25% reduction in lighting power, on-site renewable energy, and high-efficiency domestic hot water sources for 60% of the load (e.g. waste heat recovery or solar hot water systems).” The state’s next group of code change proposals is due in March 2017.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | May 24, 2016
Ontario planning to spend $7 billion on wide-ranging climate change plan
Includes financial incentives to retrofit buildings.
Codes and Standards | May 23, 2016
Facility managers say Internet of Things, analytics will impact maintenance soon
More reliable data needed for optimal results from the technology.
Codes and Standards | May 20, 2016
Industry leaders call for wider use of bamboo as a building material
Benefits include seismic resiliency and sustainability.
Codes and Standards | May 19, 2016
Asphalt roofing group publishes updated shingle installation guide
Technical manual provides best practices for roofing professionals.
Codes and Standards | May 16, 2016
EPA proposes new stormwater discharge regulations for construction sites
Would apply to sites of one or more acres.
Roofing | May 16, 2016
New guide focused on increasing energy and structural performance with raised-heel trusses
Higher trusses simplify attic ventilation, leave more space for insulation.
Codes and Standards | May 11, 2016
Current California seismic codes provide safety, resiliency, but needed upgrades present challenge
Los Angeles requires seismic retrofits, but other cities do not.
Codes and Standards | May 10, 2016
Apple spars with Cupertino, Calif., mayor over strained city infrastructure
Apple’s new ‘spaceship’ campus project prompts questions about whether the company should pay more to offset traffic woes.
Codes and Standards | May 9, 2016
Safety Stand-Down yields proposals to boost construction safety
One example: Gilbane encourages safety harnesses for all working above 6 feet.
Codes and Standards | May 9, 2016
EcoDistricts unveils sustainable neighborhood framework
Focus is on equity, resilience, and climate protection.