Helping Massachusetts Municipalities Create a Greener Energy Future
Code Informational
Session
February 10, 2016
Introduction to Energy
Codes
Agenda
What
&
Why?
Changes
Future
The wonderful world of
Acronyms
ASHRAE
American Society of Heating, Refrigeration
and Air-Conditioning Engineers
ICC
International Codes Council
IECC
International Energy Conservation Code
IRC
International Residential Code
DOER
Department of Energy Resources
HERS
Home Energy Rating
DOE
Department of Energy
IECC and ASHRAE Codes
 ICC & ASHRAE develop model building codes
and standards for the US.
 ICC: publishes IECC energy code
 3 year cycle IECC 2012, IECC 2015, IECC 2018
 ASHRAE: publishes 90.1 standard
 3 year cycle 90.1-2010, 90.1-2013
The World of Codes

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1980’s through 2006
 Minimum codes were truly minimal
 DOE pushed for marginal improvements (1% to 3% per
cycle)
 DOE proposed (successfully) a major rewrite of the IECC in
2004 (became the 2006 IECC)—emphasis was format, not
stringency
2009 to present
 The world has changed
ICC/DOE working from two goals
 30% improvement in 2012 IECC (relative to 2006)
 50% improvement in 2015 IECC (relative to 2006)
What in the world has changed?


What is driving the changes to the code:
 Public interest
 Political will
 Pull at ICC
What in the world has changed?
 More efficiency making it into codes
 More detail/complexity being pushed onto code officials
 More need for expertise and analysis tools in code
process
 Less distinction between code, beyond-code programs
Massachusetts Energy Code
History

6th edition of the building code had a MA specific energy code

7th edition adopted IECC 2006
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Commercial bldgs. ASHRAE 90.1-2004
8th edition adopted IECC 2009 on July 1, 2010

Roughly 10-15% more efficient than IECC 2006

Commercial bldgs. ASHRAE 90.1-2004 remains

Also in 2010 the edition of the “Stretch Code” appendix
IECC 2012 was adopted on 7/1/2013

Designed to be 30% better than IECC 2009

Stretch Code
IECC 2015 coming July 1, 2016 or at least by summer…
IECC 2015
Overview of the 2015 Energy
Code
As with IECC 2012, IECC 2015 requires a better
envelope, insulation, ducts, windows, mechanical
and more efficient lighting.
2015 IECC –Overview
THE BIG CAVEAT

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Approximately 15% more efficient than the 2009 IECC
Contains minor changes, very similar to IECC 2012,
except for:
Introduction of a new Energy Rating Index (ERI)
compliance path
Updated Existing Building Section that includes
Renovations, Additions and Historic Building language:
 Listed in the National Register
 Eligible to be listed in the National Register
 Designated as historic under an applicable state or
local law
Structure of the IECC 2015


Ch. 1 and Ch. 2 Scope and Application /
Administrative and Enforcement
Ch. 3 Climate zones and general materials
requirements
 Ch.
4 Residential and Commercial
Energy Efficiency

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Ch. 5 Existing Buildings
Ch. 6 Referenced Standards
Minor Updates to Chapter 4
Building Envelope Provisions

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The first change is a new exception to section ‘Access
hatches and doors’.
The exception allows vertical doors that provide access
from conditioned to unconditioned spaces to meet the
fenestration requirements (i.e., U-value) in Table R402.1.1.
This change means that these types of doors, such as attic
knee wall doors, do not have to be insulated the same way
as the surrounding wall, as long as they meet the U-value
requirements in the table.
Update to Chapter 4

Another new exception allows for the floor framing cavity
insulation to not be in contact with the underside of the
subfloor decking as long as it is:

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In contact with the top side of sheathing or continuous insulation
installed on the bottom side of floor framing;
And the all the perimeter band joists are insulated to the wood
frame wall requirements.
The next adds a new section to address ‘Walls with partial
structural sheathing’

Where continuous insulation is required and structural sheathing
covers 40 percent or less of the total exterior wall area, the R-value
of the continuous insulation may be reduced by an amount not to
exceed R-3 in order to maintain a consistent sheathing thickness.
Additional Updates to Chapter 4


The change allows dynamic glazing to satisfy the Solar Heat
Gain Co-Efficient (SHGC) requirements where the ratio of
the higher- to-lower labeled SHGC is greater than or equal
to 2.4, or where both the upper and lower labeled SHGC
already comply with the requirements of the table.
The most significant revision was made in chapter 4 was
under ‘Air Barrier and Insulation Installation’

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Splitting the ‘criteria’ column into separate ‘air barrier’ and
‘insulation installation’ criteria.
Additionally new criteria for ‘concealed sprinklers’ was added
along with revised criteria for ‘walls’, ‘floors’ and ‘fireplaces’.
“Ditto” Updates to Chapter 4

Testing for building envelope air leakage as required under
section 4 was also revised to require:


That all testing be done in accordance with ASTM E 779 or ASTM
E 1827.
There is also a change to the duct insulation provisions


The new language clarifies that both supply and return ducts in
attics must be insulated to a minimum of R-8, where 3 inch or
greater in diameter and R-6 where less than 3 inch diameter.
Supply and return ducts located elsewhere in the building must be
insulated to a minimum of R-6, where 3 inch or greater in diameter
and R-4.2 where less than 3 inch diameter.
And last, but not least…
Two new appendices were approved:

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Procedures for worst-case (CAZ) testing of atmospheric venting
systems
Solar-ready provisions for detached one- and two-family
dwellings. An appendix is not mandatory unless an adopting
entity makes it such.
After analyzing all the changes that were approved for the 2015
IECC, you will notice that the actual impact to energy efficiency
is minor.
The most significant changes to the new IECC residential
provisions will be the addition of a new Energy Rating Index
compliance path and a new chapter to address existing buildings.
Chapter 4 Residential Energy
Code

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Residential Provisions contains the energy-efficiencyrelated requirements for the design and construction of
residential building regulated under this code.
The applicable portions of a residential building must
comply with the provisions within this chapter for
energy efficiency.
The provisions within the chapter promote energy
efficiency in the building envelope, the heating and
cooling system and the service water heating system of
the building.
Chapter 4 Commercial Energy
Code

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Commercial Provisions contains the energy-efficiencyrelated requirements for the design and construction of
most types of commercial buildings and residential
buildings greater than three stories in height above grade.
Residential buildings, townhouses and garden apartments
three stories or less in height are covered in the IECC—
Residential Provisions.
The provisions within the chapter promote energy
efficiency in the building envelope, the heating and cooling
system and the service water heating system of the building.
Scope of Chapter 4
Same definitions, Different code

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Defines Residential Buildings as:
 One- and two-family dwellings, townhouses of any size
and R-2, R-3, R-4 ≤ 3 stories
 All buildings that are not “residential” by definition are
“commercial”
 Includes additions, alterations, renovations and repairs
Existing buildings
Buildings designated as historic
Very low energy use buildings [<3.4 Btu/h-ft2 or 1
watt/ft2]
What stays the same from IECC
2012
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Lighting stays at 75% of lamps must be ―high
efficacy
Mandatory duct system pressure test
Mandatory infiltration testing
R-Values and U-Values the same
Retains IECC 2012 prohibition on envelopeequipment tradeoffs
Scope Section R101- Additions

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Treat as a stand-alone building
Additions must meet the prescriptive
requirements in Table 402.1.1 (or U-factor or
total UA alternatives)
Treat as new construction
Existing Buildings-Additions,
Alterations, Renovations, Repairs

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Code applies to any new construction
Unaltered portion(s) do not need to comply
Additions can comply alone or in combination
with existing building
Replacement fenestration that includes both
glazing and sash must meet

U-factors in all Climate Zones 2-8
Climate Zones for the 2015 IECC
Scope Section R101 - Additions, Alterations,
Renovations, Repairs-Exceptions
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Storm windows over existing fenestration
Glass-only replacements
Exposed, existing ceiling, wall or floor cavities if already filled with
insulation
Where existing roof, wall or floor cavity isn’t exposed
Reroofing for roofs where neither sheathing nor insulation exposed
Insulate above or below the sheathing
Roofs without insulation in the cavity
Sheathing or insulation is exposed
Lighting alterations if:
 <50% of luminaries in a space are replaced
 Only bulbs and ballasts within existing luminaries are replaced
(provided installed interior lighting power isn’t increased)
Scope Section R101 - Space
Conditioning


Any non-conditioned space
that is altered to become
conditioned space shall be
required to be brought into
full compliance with this code
Examples:
Converting a garage to a family
room
 Heating an unfinished
basement

Scope Section R101 - Mixed Use
Buildings-Know both codes!

Treat the residential occupancy under the
applicable residential code

Treat the commercial occupancy under the
commercial code
Overview of Code Structure
Climate-Specific
Requirements:
 Roofs
 Above grade walls
 Foundations
 Basements
 Slabs
 Crawlspaces
 Skylights, windows, and
doors
Mandatory Requirements
(apply everywhere):
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Infiltration control
Duct insulation, sealing, and
testing
HVAC controls
Piping Insulation
Equipment sizing
Dampers
Lighting
Overview of IECC 2015
Residential Code Requirements
Focus is still on:
 Building envelope ceilings, walls, windows, floors, foundations
 Sets insulation and fenestration levels, and solar heat gain coefficients
 Infiltration control - caulk and seal to prevent air leaks, and test
 Ducts, air handlers, filter boxes – seal, insulate, and test
 Limited space heating, air conditioning, and water heating
requirements
 Federal law sets most equipment efficiency requirements, not the Icodes
 No appliance requirements
 Lighting equipment – 75% of lamps to be high-efficacy lamps or 75%
of lighting fixtures to have only high-efficacy lamps
Compliance
IECC Terminology
 Prescriptive, UA/U-Factor and Performance



Energy Rating Index (ERI) compliance path
Mandatory requirements
 Required and cannot be traded down, even in the
simulated performance path
Some elements have “hard limits” aka, “trade-off limits”
 a prescriptive requirement that can only be traded so far
 performance requirements can only be traded so far
IECC 2012/2015 Compliance Three Options
Code Compliance Tools
IECC Comparison
Typical Existing
Home
Std New Home
IECC 2006
IECC 2012
~ HERS 70
Performance Path Changes

A new performance path compliance option was
approved Energy Rating Index (ERI)
Compliance Alternative:


This new ERI compliance path represents the most
significant change coming to the IECC 2015.
This new performance path option is based ERI
RESNET’s Home Energy Rating System
(HERS) is one of the most common systems
that use an ERI.
Performance Path Changes



Aside from meeting an ERI score between 51
and 55.
The path also requires some minimum
mandatory requirements including building
envelope levels at least as stringent as the IECC
2009.
A requirement that verification of compliance be
completed by an approved third party.
IECC 2012 Major Changes are
still IECC 2015 Code

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Duct leakage rates lowered
Domestic hot water piping must be either
 Insulated to R3, or
 Short and skinny (i.e., exempted lengths depend on
diameter)
Eliminated ―leakage to outdoors option for ducts
 From 12 to 4 CFM/100sf CFA (after construction)
 From 6 to 4 CFM/100sf CFA (at rough-in)
Various R-value/U-factor/SHGC improvements
Same IECC Infiltration Rates

Mandatory wholehouse pressure test
(blower door) with
stringent required
leakage rates
Zones 3-8: ≤ 3 ACH
@50 Pa
 Address fireplaces and
recessed lighting
fixtures

Yup Air Tightness
Requirements…Same

Compliance
Just like the 2012 code, 2015 provides a lot of leeway
to the local inspector; according to the code, “Where
required by the code official, an approved third party
shall inspect all components and verify compliance.”
 Reference Table R402.4.1.1 for requirements


http://publicecodes.cyberregs.com/icod/iecc/2012/icod
_iecc_2012_re4_sec002_par027.htm
Building Envelope Specific
Requirements
Building Envelope
consists of:
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Fenestration
Ceilings
Walls
Above grade
Below grade
Mass walls
Floors
Slabs
Crawlspaces
IECC 2009/2012–Major
Prescriptive Envelope Changes
IECC 2015–Insulation and
Fenestration Rating Requirements
Insulation Verification
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R-values are to be printed on the batt insulation or rigid foam
board.
Blown-in insulation must have an insulation certificate at or near
the opening of the attic.
The certificate should include:
 R-value of installed thickness
 Initial installed thickness
 Installed density
 Settled thickness/settled R-value
 Coverage area
 Number of bags installed
Insulation markers must be installed every 300 square feet and be
marked with the minimum installed thickness and affixed to the
trusses or joists.
Floors (Over Unconditioned Space)
Unconditioned space includes
unheated basement, vented
crawlspace, or outdoor air
Crawl Space Insulation Tips:
Insulation must maintain
permanent contact with
underside of subfloor-Climate
Zone 5-R30
• Insulating crawl spaces will help to air seal and
control moisture.
• How you insulate a crawl space depends on
whether it's ventilated or unventilated.
• Traditionally, crawl spaces are vented to
prevent problems with moisture; most
building codes require vents to aid in
removing moisture from the crawl space
Mandatory Requirements
Mechanical Systems
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Controls-At least one programmable thermostat/dwelling unit
Heat pump supplementary heat
Ducts
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Sealing (Mandatory)
Insulation (Prescriptive)
HVAC piping insulation*
Circulating hot water systems
Ventilation
Dampers
Equipment sizing-Heating and cooling equipment shall be sized
according to Manual S based on loads calculated according to Manual J
Pools and in ground permanently installed spas
Snow melt controls
Duct Sealing and Insulation
Duct Sealing
 Mandatory test 3 CFM
ACH@50
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Rough in and post
construction tests
Adopts testing widely used
by Stretch Code / Energy
Star Homes
Not required if located
within conditioned space
Framing cavities cannot be
used as ducts or plenums
Duct Insulation
 Supply ducts in attics: R-8
(Attic)
 All other ducts: R-6
(Basement, Crawlspace,
Exterior Wall,)
Lighting Equipment

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
A minimum of 75% of the lamps in permanently
installed lighting fixtures shall be high-efficacy
lamps or 75% of permanently installed lighting
fixtures to contain only high efficacy lamps.
“Lamps in fixtures”
Exception:

Low-voltage lighting

Use specified lighting
High Efficacy Lighting and
Compliance

The residential lighting provisions in the 2012 IECC are
relatively simple.
 At least 75% of the lamps in permanent light fixtures
must be high-efficacy, defined as:
 T8 or smaller-diameter linear fluorescent lamps,
 Or lamps such as CFLs, LEDs or Pin Based Lamps
with a minimum efficacy of:
 40 lumens/W for <15W
 50 lumens/W for 15-40W
 60 lumens/W for >40W lamps
 Exception: Low-voltage lighting
Ventilation


The building shall be provided with ventilation
that meets the requirements of the IRC, IMC, or
other approved ventilation.
Minimum efficacy:
Range hoods 2.8 cfm/watt
 In-line fans 2.8 cfm/watt
 Bathroom fan (10-89 cfm) 1.4 cfm/watt
 Bathroom fan (90+ cfm) 2.8 cfm/watt

What about mechanical
ventilation?

The 2015 IECC continues to include provisions to improve
a home’s air tightness, it provides little on whole house
ventilation.

A typical home will require about 15 cfm per person of fresh
outdoor air to be distributed by continuous mechanical
ventilation to meet the requirements of the code.
 The new code requires homes in zone 5 achieve 3 ach50, the
code effectively mandates a whole-house mechanical
ventilation system.
 This can be accomplished with a centrally located quiet
exhaust fan, an interconnected system to the air handler,
HRV/ERV or a combination of devices.
Eave Baffles

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For air permeable
insulations in vented
attics, baffle
Installed adjacent to
soffit and eave vents
To maintain an opening
≥ size of vent
To extend over top of
attic insulation
May be of any solid
material
Residential Incentives

Almost the same as the Stretch Code/IECC 2012

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Builder incentives/rebates

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$750 - $7000 for SFD
$350 - $4,000 for MF
HERS raters

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Approx 30% of new homes in MA
$700 - $900 SFD
$250 - $550 MF
Additional Equipment Rebates
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Appliances – up to $50 (low income)
Massachusetts Residential New
Heating – up to $1,500
Construction Program
Water Heating – up to $800
Cooling – up to $500
Lighting – free CFLs
IECC 2015 Bottom Line Code
Compliance
Just like IECC 2012 every new home built will
need to be tested with a blower door, have a
strategy to stop thermal bridging, need a tighter
envelope, tighter ducts, right sized mechanical
systems, more efficient lighting and mechanical
ventilation.
Stretch Code
Appendix 120.aa
What is the Stretch Code?


Affects the energy code only
Amendment to the MA base energy code

Residential Construction:


Commercial:


15-20% more energy efficient
20% more energy efficient
The Stretch Code is similar to the 2012 IECC
Misconceptions

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The Stretch Code is new and experimental
The Stretch Code requires tight unhealthy homes
The Stretch Code requires foam insulation
The Stretch Code requires mechanical ventilation
Homes with oil heat cannot meet the Stretch Code
Town residents will be required to update their
existing homes
What does the Stretch Code Apply to?

Same application as the MA base energy code
 Insulation
 Doors, Windows, Skylights
 Mechanical Equipment
 Lighting
 Appliances
 Building tightness
 Duct tightness
 Renewables
Code Compliance Requirements
What does the Stretch Code Apply to?

Residential
Additions
 Home Renovations
 New Construction


Commercial (5,000+sq/ft)
New Construction
 Additions
 Renovations Exempt

Additions and Renovations
Prescriptive or Performance Path

Prescriptive Path

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ENERGY STAR Windows, Doors and Skylights
Tight Ducts – completely new duct systems only
Contractor Verified Thermal Bypass Checklist
Performance Path

Whole house HERS Rating

Renovations:


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HERS 85 < 2,000 sq ft.
HERS 80 ≥ 2,000 sq ft.
Additions:


HERS 70 < 3,000 sq ft.
HERS 65 ≥ 3,000 sq ft.
New Homes
Performance Path

Performance is the only option

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HERS 70 < 3,000 sq ft.
HERS 65 ≥ 3,000 sq ft.
HERS Rating Company

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Review building plans
Thermal bypass Checklist
Blower-door and duct testing
New Homes
Performance Path

Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Index
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Internal Revenue Service
U.S. Department of Energy
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Mortgage Industry
Massachusetts Base Code - Alternative Path
Mass Save Residential New Construction Program
New Homes
Performance Path

Governed by the Residential Energy
Services Network (RESNET)
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Technical Standards
Testing Procedures
Quality Assurance
Continuing Education
Code of Ethics
Complaint Resolution
Cost of the Stretch Code
Housetype
Size
Upgrade
Costs
Add’l Annual
Mortgage
Annual
Savings
Single Family
2,672
$2,949
$214
$507
w/ incentives
2,672
$1,755
$127
$516
Single Family
4,462
$6,476
$471
$1,455
w/ incentives
4.462
$5,176
$376
$1,455
Single Family
1,708
$4,162
$302
$583
w/ incentives
1,708
$3,243
$236
$595
COMMERCIAL STRETCH CODE
Commercial ‘Stretch’ Appendix
New buildings and additions over 5,000 ft2,
renovations fall to the base code
 Two Options (depending on size)

Performance option - 20% below ASHRAE Code
 Prescriptive option for most building types
 5,000 - 100,000 ft2


Special Code Exemptions (comply with base
code) for laboratories, manufacturing, etc.
66
Stretch Code Compliance &
Inspections

Same as base code

Code Official has the same authority
 Same building inspections
 Approves building documents
Future of the Stretch Code

The MA base energy code will update this year

The Stretch Code will update too

More energy efficient

No details yet

Automatic Adoption
Training on new energy codes




Covering both the IECC
2012, 2015 & Stretch
code
Provided to Builders,
Code Officials and trade
organizations
Utilities offer commercial
‘Core Performance’
energy training
http://www.masssave.co
m/professionals/massach
usetts-energy-codetechnical-support
Questions?