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:

*New State and Local Alerts*

Massachusetts - Draft Ninth Edition Building Code Approvedby Board

 

*Ongoing National Alerts*

EPA - Clean Power Plan Final Rule Published in Federal Register
USGBC - Public Comments Open for LEED 2009 Energy Minimums

 

*Ongoing State and Local Alerts*

Alabama - Public Comments Open for Residential Energy Code Updates
Illinois - Capital Development Board Proposed Rule on 2015 IECC
Missouri - Energy Plan Includes Building Energy Code Recommendations
Nebraska - Review of Current and Future State Energy Codes
Pennsylvania - Changes to Uniform Construction Code Adoption Process
Pennsylvania - Recently Introduced Legislation Would Update Building Codes
Texas - SECO Proposes Amendments to State Administrative Code
Utah - Weakening Amendments Threaten Residential Code
Vermont - Comprehensive Energy Plan Draft Open for Public Comment