September 25, 2013

SPF-Related Codes & Standards

Utilities Can Benefit from Building Codes, Says ACEEE

A new report from ACEEE finds utilities can leverage building codes to propel their energy-efficiency programs. There are new approaches to quantify the savings from code compliance efforts, according to "Building Energy Code Advancement through Utility Support and Engagement," a report by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE). The latest building energy codes are about 30 percent more efficient than their predecessors of even six years ago, as the chart indicates.

Builders and Efficiency Advocates Reach 2015 International Energy Conservation Code Change Agreement

Source: Resnet.us

Together, the Leading Builders of America, Institute for Market Transformation (IMT) and Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) have proposed a change to the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) that would result in significant energy savings, while providing more flexibility to builders. Leading Builders of America represents 20 of the nation’s largest builders accounting for 40 percent of the new single‐family homes market, NRDC is a nonprofit environmental advocacy organization representing 1.3 million members and online activists, and IMT is nonprofit advocacy organization focused on improving energy efficiency in buildings.

BPI's Standard for Air Duct System Performance Within a Whole House Context Available for Public Comment

Source: BPI.org

The Building Performance Institute, Inc. (BPI) is proud to announce that its BPI-3300-A-201x: Standard for Residential Building Air Distribution System Energy Performance is now available for public comment for a period of 45 days (open until Sept. 30). BPI-3300-A-201x was developed to improve the energy efficiency of residential air distribution (duct) systems within the context of whole house home performance.

ICC Illustrated IBC Handbook Helps Professionals Better Understand Code Application, Compliance

Source: ICCsafe.org

The 2012 International Building Code (IBC) Handbook, a new publication from the International Code Council (ICC) and McGraw-Hill Professional, combines detailed discussion with more than 600 color illustrations to support the application of IBC provisions. Previously published in two volumes, the new edition covers both structural and fire- and life-safety provisions in a single reference to ease understanding and proper application of code requirements and achieve compliance.

>>Ventilation for New Low-Rise Residential Buildings: Building Science Corporation Standard 01 -- 2013
Source: www.buildingscience.com
This criterion defines the roles of and minimum requirements for mechanical ventilation systems in new low-rise residential buildings.

BPI's Home Performance-Related Data Standards Published as BPI Standards

Source: BPI.org

The Building Performance Institute, Inc. (BPI) announced that its BPI-2100-S-2013: Standard for Home Performance-Related Data Transfer and BPI-2200-S-2013: Standard for Home Performance-Related Data Collection have been published as BPI standards. "These standards should make the entire home performance industry more effective and profitable by dramatically reducing the costs, time and effort involved in transferring information," said Robin LeBaron, Managing Director of the National Home Performance Council, who coordinated the BPI working group that developed these standards.