Third-Party Energy Code Compliance
2014 Midwest Solutions Conference
January 15, 2014
Agenda
• Building Efficiency Resources
• Third-party energy consulting industry
• Third-parties and energy code compliance
• State of the Midwest
• Pros and Cons
• Questions
The BER is…
• National RESNET Quality Assurance Provider
• Energy Efficiency Training Provider
• EPA ENERGY STAR, WaterSense, Indoor
airPLUS, DOE Challenge Home, Passive House
Introduction to “The BER”
• Chris McTaggart
– RESNET QAD & Trainer
– BER HERS Manager
– HERS Rater
• Over 1000 ratings performed
– BPI Building Analyst
• Over 100 energy audits
– LEED AP BD&C
email: cmctaggart@theber.com
phone: 800-399-9620x4
Building Efficiency Resources
• Third-party RESNET Quality Assurance
Provider for HERS Rating companies
– Second largest Provider by volume of
Raters in US
– Raters in 24 states
• 2013: Majority of ratings performed for, or
in conjunction with, code compliance
Residential Efficiency Industry
– RESNET Home Energy Rating System (HERS)
•HERS Raters
•Mostly new construction
•Energy modeling, site inspections, diagnostic testing
– Building Performance Institute (BPI)
•Existing homes
•No standard for new home modeling, certification
– Other
•Weatherization, Duct and Envelope Tightness (DET),
thermal imaging, IAQ, HVAC design, etc.
• Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET)
– Standards, policy and Quality Assurance oversight
for residential energy efficiency industry
– Home Energy Rating System (HERS)
•Certified HERS Raters used to verify EEPs, code
compliance, tax credit compliance, etc.
RESNET HERS Index
EnergyGuide Label for Homes
• Rates the energy efficiency of a home
RESNET HERS Index
• Rated Home with Index of 100 =
Reference Home meeting 2006 IECC
• 2012 IECC code for Illinois
• Each 1% reduction in energy use =
1 point deduction from index
• Zero Energy Home = HERS Index of 0
Takeoffs
from Plans
HERS - Features
and Inspections
• Assessing
Building
Components
Diagnostic Testing
• Air infiltration testing (Blower Door)
• Duct tightness testing (Duct Blaster)
• Mechanical ventilation system testing
Software Energy Modeling
– Minimum rated features
•Insulated assemblies
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Foundation Walls
Slabs/Framed Floors
Rim/band joists
Above Grade Walls
Windows/Doors
Ceilings
•Mechanical Equipment
– Heating/Cooling/DHW
– Ventilation
REM/Rate software
•Diagnostic testing
– Infiltration/Duct leakage
•Lights and Appliances
Reporting
RESNET HERS Index
• 2013: Breakthrough year for ratings
– 218,000 ratings performed
– 70% increase over 2012
– 24% of all homes built
• HERS ratings in code compliance
– Mandatory in some municipalities
– Used in conjunction with other
code compliance services
Code Compliance
• Third-parties in code compliance
– Prescriptive code
•UA compliance: REScheck or REM/Rate
– Performance code
•Simulated, cost compliance
•Requires modeling (REM/Rate)
– Other
•Duct and envelope tightness testing
•Mechanical system design
Code Compliance
• Prescriptive
– Two options
• R-factor or U-value must be met for all assemblies
• Total UA alternative: Allows for some tradeoffs
– Inspections generally performed by municipality
– No comprehensive modeling required
• REScheck or REM/Rate may be used for Total UA
Code Compliance
• Performance Path
– Annual energy cost-based approach
• Heating, cooling, water heating loads
– Requires energy modeling
– Offers flexibility
• Infiltration, duct leakage and ventilation
efficiency can offset envelope insulation
Code Compliance
• Performance Path
Code Compliance
• HERS Ratings as code compliance
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MA Stretch Code
Long Island, NY
Boulder County, CO
Johnson County, KS
State of New Mexico
Code Compliance
• HERS Ratings as code compliance
– 2015 IECC: Energy Rating Index (ERI)
State of the Midwest
• High potential states
– IL: 2012 IECC - Over 100 raters statewide
– IN: 2009 IECC - Over 50 Raters statewide
– IA: 2009 IECC - Over 50 raters statewide
• Adopting 2012 IECC w/ amendments April 2014
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KY: Less than 50 raters statewide
MI: 2009 IECC - Over 50 raters statewide
OH: 2009 IECC - Over 100 raters statewide
WI: 2006 IECC - Over 100 raters statewide
State of the Midwest
• Challenging states
– MN: 2006 IECC - Less than 50 raters statewide
– ND: 2009 IECC - Less than 10 Raters statewide
– NE: 2009 IEEC - Less than 50 raters statewide
– Jurisdictions ranging from no code to 2009 IECC
• KS: Over 50 Raters statewide
• MO: Over 50 Raters statewide
• SD: Less than 10 Raters statewide
– 2009 IECC voluntary
State of the Midwest
Pros and Cons of Third Parties
• Pros
– Professionals specialized in EE
– Municipal inspectors can focus on other reqs
– Builders prefer performance code
• Design/construction flexibility
– Rating as asset for sales, education of consumer
– Homes are being inspected, tested for compliance
– Quality assurance
Pros and Cons of Third Parties
• Cons
– Code compliance vs enforcement
• Raters check for compliance; code officials enforce
– Cost to builders
– HERS as a compliance metric
• HERS Index skewed towards larger homes
– Can we trust Raters?
• Independent Provider vs Rater-Provider
Questions?
Chris McTaggart
email: cmctaggart@theber.com
Website: www.theBER.com
phone: 800-399-9620x4
cell: 248-910-4532