The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has updated its methodology for assessing the cost effectiveness of building energy codes. The Department relies upon this methodology in evaluating both individual code change proposals and entire new editions of model codes, such as the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) and ASHRAE Standard 90.1. DOE developed its methodology through a public process, and reviews its methods regularly to ensure its underlying analysis and assumptions remain valid.

 

A summary of the update is available, which includes a discussion of relevant issues raised by program stakeholders through a recent request for information (RFI). In addition, a ‘redline’ document is provided to illustrate the specific revisions to the methodology that resulted. The combination of documents is intended to ensure transparency and make the update more easily understood.

Source: energycodesocean.org
BCAP Newsletters are quarterly summaries of what's been happening at the Building Codes Assistance Project and building energy code progress around the nation. To access the full archive, click here. Here are some of the recent alerts from the BCAP Code Alerts released released weekly by the Building Codes Assistance Project (BCAP) and its website, the Online Code Environment & Advocacy Network (OCEAN). Code Alert Bulletins are designed to share information and support timely participation in state and local activities related to the adoption and implementation of building energy codes. The bulletins highlight immediate opportunities to influence state and local policy outcomes, indicate code status, and recommend contacts for action. Topics addressed in the current issue include:

 

Texas - SECO Proposes Amendments to State Administrative Code
Utah - Weakening Amendments Threaten Residential Code

 

*Ongoing National Alerts*

ASHRAE - Public Comments Open for Standard 90.1-2013
Department of Energy - Webinars and Stakeholder Meeting for the 2018 IECC
Green Building Initiative - Public Comments Open for Commercial Building Protocol - Public Comment Period Closes Oct. 26
USGBC - Public Comments Open for LEED 2009 Energy Minimums - Public Comment Period Closes Nov. 13

*Ongoing State and Local Alerts*

Alabama - Results from September Board Meeting
Florida - RECA Withdraws Petition on Window Declaratory Statement
Illinois - Capital Development Board Proposed Rule on 2015 IECC
Nebraska - Review of Current and Future State Energy Codes
New Hampshire - Bill Would Allow Municipalities to Opt Out of Energy Code
Pennsylvania - Recently Introduced Legislation Would Update Building Codes
Vermont - Comprehensive Energy Plan Draft Open for Public Comment
Washington - 2015 Washington State Energy Code Integrated Draft Available for Review