Northwest Benchmark Energy Standards Project:
Baseline Summary
Funded by the:
Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance
Portland, Oregon
Submitted by:
August, 2005
Table of Contents
1.
2.
Introduction .................................................................................................................. i
Non-Residential .......................................................................................................... 1
2.1.
Non-Residential Lighting.................................................................................... 2
2.2.
Non-Residential Opaque Envelope Provisions ................................................... 6
2.3.
Non-Residential Glazing Provisions ................................................................... 7
2.4.
Non-Residential Mechanical System Equipment Provisions ............................. 7
3. Residential................................................................................................................. 11
3.1.
Envelope Provisions.......................................................................................... 11
3.2.
Ducts and Equipment ........................................................................................ 12
3.3.
Other Provisions................................................................................................ 12
3.4.
Incompatibilities with the IECC ....................................................................... 12
3.5.
Performance Standards ..................................................................................... 15
APPENDIX A: Technical Advisory Group Member Roster ......................................... A-1
APPENDIX B: Non-Residential Prescriptive Lighting Examples ................................ B-1
Table of Tables
Table 2.1-1.
Table 2.1-2.
Table 2.1-3.
Table 2.2-1.
Table 2.3-1.
Table 2.4-1.
Table 3.4-1.
Table 3.4-2.
Non-Residential Interior Lighting Requirements .......................................... 2
Non-Residential Exterior Lighting Requirements ......................................... 4
Non-Residential Interior Lighting Power Density ........................................ 4
Non-Residential Opaque Envelope Requirements ........................................ 6
Non-Residential Glazing Requirements ........................................................ 7
Non-Residential Mechanical System Requirements ..................................... 8
Residential Envelope Requirements ............................................................ 13
Other Residential Provisions ....................................................................... 14
Best of Region Baseline Provisions
i
1.
Introduction
In the summer of 2005, the Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (“Alliance”)
contracted with Ecotope to develop the Northwest Benchmark Energy Standards
(NWBEST). The goal of NWBEST is to establish guidelines that will reduce new
building energy use in the Northwest by 15 percent.
NWBEST is intended serve as a guideline for jurisdiction and state code adoptions and
for regional conservation programs over the next five to seven years. NWBEST is not
itself a code (though it provides adoptable code language); it is intended to help
jurisdictions establish code adoption goals significantly beyond existing codes while
remaining politically and technically practical. Such language could also give guidance to
utility sponsored efficiency programs by providing a specific language that could form
the basis of such programs. It covers both residential and non-residential buildings.
This project was divided into two primary goals:
•
Phase I: Develop a “Best of Region” baseline to serve as the evaluation baseline
for the NWBEST provisions. This baseline will capture the most stringent
regional energy code requirements for each building component.
•
Phase II: Develop NWBEST provisions that exceed the “Best of Region”
baseline to achieve 15% more efficiency.
This interim report contains the provisions of the “Best of Region” baseline as developed
by Ecotope and approved by the Technical Advisory Group (TAG) on June 16, 2005.
The TAG consists of energy code experts from around the region and was created by the
Alliance to ensure a consensus regarding regional energy guideline development. TAG
members provided extensive comments on the draft baseline and, insofar as possible,
their comments and input have been included in this document. Appendix A lists the
members of the TAG.
To develop the “Best of Region” baseline, Ecotope reviewed the most widely-enforced
regional energy codes, including the Washington and Oregon State Energy Codes
(WSEC and OSEC), the Seattle Energy Code (SEC), and the International Energy &
Conservation Code (IECC), both 2003 and 2004, to develop a composite standard that
includes the best regional standard for each component. As such, it is more stringent than
any existing state energy code.
2.
Non-Residential
Our review of the non-residential provisions of the region’s enforced codes indicates that
there is general consensus in many aspects of the code regulations. The most significant
differences often reside in the exceptions and exemptions. While the City of Seattle and
State of Oregon energy codes regulate aspects of buildings not regulated in the other
Best of Region Baseline Provisions
1
codes, each regional code has areas where it is most stringent. Although the ASHRAE
standard was not specifically included in this comparison, it has informed the
development of much of the nation’s energy code development, and includes particularly
well-written language in some areas. Where appropriate (especially in terms of
equipment type), the basic ASHRAE structure has been used for this analysis.
2.1.
Non-Residential Lighting
The following provisions constitute the Best of Region lighting baseline:
2.1.1. Standard Lighting Provisions
Total connected interior lighting power. The total connected interior
lighting power (Watts) shall be the sum of the watts of all interior lighting
equipment as defined below.
Screw lamp holders. The wattage shall be the maximum labelled wattage of
the luminaire.
Other luminaires. The wattage of all other lighting equipment shall be the
wattage of the lighting equipment verified through data furnished by the
manufacturer or other approved sources.
Low-voltage lighting. The wattage shall be the specified wattage of the
transformer supplying the system.
Line-voltage lighting track and plug-in busway. The wattage shall be the
greater of the wattage of the planned/installed luminaires or 50 W/linear foot.
Exceptions to Non-Residential Lighting provisions:
The connected power associated with the following lighting equipment is not
included in calculating total connected lighting power.








Specialized medical, dental and research lighting.
Professional sports arena playing field lighting.
Display lighting for exhibits in galleries, museums and monuments.
Guestroom lighting in hotels, motels, boarding houses or similar buildings.
Emergency lighting automatically off during normal building operation.
Lighting for theatrical/television productions, and stage lighting in
entertainment facilities.
Non-permanent task lighting.
Lighting installed within display cases that moves with cases.
All exempt lighting shall be separately controlled from general area lighting.
Table 2.1-1. Non-Residential Interior Lighting Requirements
Best of Region Baseline Provisions
2
Item
Lighting Controls
Local Switching
Maximum control zone size
Occupancy Sensor
Sweep/automated (occ)
Max Sweep Zone size
Max Sweep Override Zone size
Max Override Time
Daylight Zone Circuit
Holiday Scheduling
Continous Dimming
Stepped Dimming
Bi-level switching
Guestroom lighting
LPD Exemptions/Adjustments1
Retail - Display Case
Retail - Display Window
Retail - Building Showcase
Retail - Display Luminaires
Source
Code
Base Level
any
WA
required in space.
enclosed spaces plus 80% of 20 amps or 5%
of total floor area if>100000sf
OR
required in ALL classrooms, meeting and
conference rooms, and all offices <300sf
SEA/OR required in all buildings >5000sf and all
office occupancies>2000sf
WA
20 amps or 5% of total floor area
WA
5000sf or 5% of total floor are which ever is
greater
Any
2
WA
required near perimeter and overhead
glazing.
IECC2003 requires "automatic holiday scheduling
feature that turns off all loads for at least 24
hours"
OR
required in classrooms if there is overhead
glazing or if vertical glazing is >50% of the
wall
-------Not Required
IECC2003 required unless occupant sensor.
IECC2003 Each room must have master switch
exempt if lighting moves with display
Not Exempt
not exempt
up to 1.5 w/ft2 allowed above maximum
LPD for ceiling mounted, bi-directionally
adjustable fixtures (unless 2-point track
attachment), with LED, tungsten halogen,
fluorescent, or HID lamps installed.
Display/Museum Accent/Gallery Any
Exempt
Other Non-Retail Display
OR
Not exempt or could use SEC variation
which exempts first floor building entrance
lobby only.
Decorative Fixtures
SEC/WA/ not exempt
OR
Task Lighting LPD
Any
Exempt
VDT Lighting Allowance
SEC/WA/ 0.00 w/sf
OR
Production Lighting
Any
Exempt
(Media,Theater)
Best of Region Baseline Provisions
OR or SEC
OR
OR or SEC
SEC
3
Item
Food Prep
Miscellaneous Lighting
Line Voltage Track Lighting
Low Voltage Track Lighting
Dual Lighting Systems
Tandem Wiring (minimum 2
lamps/ballast)
Airtight Can Lights
Ceiling Height
Commissioning
Electric Motor Efficiency
Electrical
Transformers
Wire Sizing
Source
Code
any but
WA
Base Level
not exempt
SEC
50 watt/lineal foot
SEC or OR 37.5w/lf or circuit capacity
if lockout control then highest watt system
only
IECC 2003 yes if not EB and if available pair is within
10' for recessed or 1' if surface or pendant.
IECC 2003 Required
WA or OR None
WA or
Controls will be tested and calibrated.
None
Any
>1 ph & not part of equipment
SEC/OR
none
NEMA TP-1 1996
Table 2.1-2. Non-Residential Exterior Lighting Requirements
Building or Space Use
Open Parking
Outdoor Area
Façade Area
Perimeter
Covered Parking
Non-Sales Canopy
Sales Canopy (service station)
Exterior Lighting Controls
Source
Code
SEC
SEC
SEC
SEC
SEC
SEC
SEC
any
Base Level
0.15 W/ft2
0.15 W/ft2
0.15 W/ft2 (use illuminated area only)
7.50 W/ft2 (use illuminated perimeter only)
0.20 W/ft2 (or 0.30 W/ft2 if paint reflective)
No special allotment
1.00 W/ft2
Automatic time switching or photocell.
Table 2.1-3. Non-Residential Interior Lighting Power Density
Building Or Area Type
Auditorium
Automotive facility
Bank/financial institution (retail area)
Classroom/lecture hall
Convention, conference or meeting
Center
Corridor, restroom, support area
Best of Region Baseline Provisions
(W/ft2)
Not Applicable
0.9 (OR)
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
1.2 (IECC)
Tenant Area Or Portion
Of
Building (W/ft2)
1 (WA)
Not Applicable
1.5 (ALL Codes)
1.4 (OR)
1.3 (IECC)
Not Applicable
0.6 (OR)
Entire Building
4
Building Or Area Type
Courthouse/town hall
Dining
Dormitory (common area)
Exercise center
Exhibition hall
Grocery store
Gymnasium playing surface
Hotel function (common area)
Industrial work, < 20’ ceiling height
Industrial work, > 20’ foot ceiling
height
Process Plants
Kitchen
Library
Lobby – hotel
Lobby – other
Mall, arcade or atrium
Medical Hospital
Medical and clinical areas
Medical Offices
Motel (common area)
Multifamily (common area)
Museum
Office
Office Enclosed (<150sf)
Parking garage
Penitentiary
Police station
Fire station
Post office
Religious worship
Restaurant
Retail sales, wholesale showroom
School
Storage, industrial and commercial
Storage, Pallet Rack
Theaters - motion picture
Theaters - performance
Transportation
Other
Best of Region Baseline Provisions
(W/ft2)
1.2 (OR, IECC2004)
Not Applicable
1.0(WA)
1.0 (OR)
Not Applicable
1.5 (All Codes)
Not Applicable
1.0 (WA)
1.2 (IECC)
Tenant Area Or Portion
Of
Building (W/ft2)
Not Applicable
0.9 (IECC)
Not Applicable
0.9 (OR,IECC)
1.3 (OR, IECC)
1.6 (IECC)
1.4 (OR,IECC)
1.3
1.2 (IECC)
1.5 (WA)
1.5 (WA)
1.0 (WA)
Not Applicable
1.3 (OR, IECC)
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
1.2(OR)
Not Applicable
1.0 (WA)
1.0 (OR)
0.7(OR)
1.0 (WA)
1.0 (All Codes)
Not Applicable
0.2, 0.3 if reflective paint
(SEC)
1.0 (IECC)
1.0 (All codes)
0.8 (OR)
1.1 (OR)
1.0 (WA)
1 (SCL)
1.5 + up to 1.5 display
1.2 (WA,IECC)
0.5 (WA)
0.8 (OR,IECC)
1.0 (WA)
1.0 (WA)
1.0 (OR,IECC)
0.6 (IECC)
Not Applicable
1.2 (IECC,OR)
1.7 (IECC)
1.1 (IECC)
1.3 (IECC)
0.6 (IECC)
Not Applicable
1.2 (IECC)
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
1.0 (IECC)
1.1
1.1
Entire Building
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
1.5 + up to 1.5 display
Not Applicable
0.5 (WA)
0.8 (OR,IECC)
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
0.6 (IECC)
5
2.2.
Non-Residential Opaque Envelope Provisions
For the envelope provisions, the Best of the Region baseline divides the
Northwest into 2 zones using a 6000 heating degree day guideline. All spaces
shall be considered conditioned spaces, and shall comply with the requirements in
Table 2.2-1 unless they meet the following criteria for semi-heated spaces. The
installed heating equipment output, in Climate Zone 1, shall be 3 Btu/(h  ft2) or
greater but not greater than 8 Btu/(h  ft2) and in Climate Zone 2, shall be 5 Btu/(h
 ft2) or greater but not greater than 12 Btu/(h  ft2). Heating shall be controlled
by a thermostat mounted not lower than the heating unit and capable of
preventing heating above 44°F space temperature. Semi-heated spaces shall be
exempt from the exterior wall insulation requirements.
Table 2.2-1. Non-Residential Opaque Envelope Requirements
Component
Roof/Ceiling
Attic Nom Ins
Attic U-value
Roof Nom Ins
Roof U-value
Roof Deck R-value
Roof Deck U-value
Metal Roof Nom Ins
Metal Roof U-value
Walls
Wall Nom Ins
Wall U-value
Metal Frame Wall Nom
Ins
Metal Frame Wall Uvalue
BG Wall Nom Ins
BG Wall U-value
Metal Wall Nom Ins
Metal Wall U-value
Mass Criteria
Source
Code
Zone One
Zone Two
WA
R30
0.036
R21
0.046
R21
0.046
R30 with
thermal block1
0.046
R38
0.031
R25
0.039
R25
0.039
R30 with
thermal block1
0.039
WA
WA
SCL
R19
0.062
R13+R3.8ci
R24
0.044
R13+R3.8ci
WA
0.084
0.084
SCL
WA
WA
WA
OR
R12
0.061
R13+R13
R12
0.061
R13+R13
WA
WA
IECC/WA
WA
WA
WA
IECC2003
Mass Wall Nom Ins
WA
Mass Wall U-value
WA
Mass Wall Interior Nom R
CMU integral R
IECC
individual walls individual walls
> 45lbs/sf
> 45lbs/sf
2
R5.7ci
R7.6ci2
AG Wall values AG Wall values
filled cores filled cores +R5
+R5continuous continuous or
or R11 framed
R11 framed
CMU integral U
Best of Region Baseline Provisions
6
Component
Doors
Door U-value
Door (rollup ) U-value
Floors
Floor Nom Insulation
Floor U-value
Slab Nom Insulation
Slab F value
Mass Floor ext insulation
Heated Slab
Semi-Heated
Criteria
Treatment
Source
Code
WA/OR
WA/OR
Zone One
Zone Two
Hinged <4' Hinged <4' wide
wide U0.6 , all U0.6 , all other
other U0.2
U0.2
Coil U0.6,
Coil U0.6, panel
panel U0.2
U 0.2
IECC
R19
R25
WA
R10 for 2'
0.54
R19
R10 for 3'
R10 for 2'
0.54
R25
R10 for 3'
8btu/sf
Exempts wall
Ins only
12btu/sf
Exempts wall
Ins only
WA
WA
WA
SCL
1. Thermal blocks are a minimum R-5 of rigid insulation, which extends 1" beyond the width of the purlin on
each side, perpendicular to the purlin.
3. R-5.7 ci may be substituted with concrete block walls complying with A5TM C90, ungrouted or partially
grouted at 32 in. or less on center vertically and 48 in. or less on center horizontally, with ungrouted cores
filled with material having a maximum thermal conductivity of 0.44 Btu-in./h-f F.
2.3.
Non-Residential Glazing Provisions
The glazing requirements for non-residential construction are presented in the
following table:
Table 2.3-1. Non-Residential Glazing Requirements
Component
Zone One
U Value SHGC
Site- or Factory-Built Windows (OR)
0-25%
0.54
0.5
25%-30%
0.54
0.5
30%-40%
0.37
0.4
2.4.
Zone Two
U Value SHGC
0.5
0.37
0.37
0.5
0.5
0.4
Non-Residential Mechanical System Equipment Provisions
Simple systems may be used if all of the following conditions are met.
Otherwise, the complex system requirements must be met.
Best of Region Baseline Provisions
7
Simple System Requirements:
Building is:
less than 3 stories
less than 25000sf
Equipment:
Is single zone split or package
Has air- or evaporatively-cooled condensers
has minimum OA of less than 3000 cfm
has less than 70% min OA or heat recovery
Table 2.4-1. Non-Residential Mechanical System Requirements
Item
Economizer
Maximum DX Capacity
Without Economizer
Total Capacity of Units
Without Economizer
Important Exceptions to
Economizer requirement.
DX-Economizer
Integration
Waterside Economizer
HP Loop Economizer
Ducts
Duct sealing – Exterior
Duct sealing – Vented
Duct sealing –
Unconditioned
Duct sealing –
Conditioned
Leak Testing
Duct Insulation – Exterior
Source
Code
Base Level
SEC2004
SEC2004
20 kBtuH, unless equipment is not near exterior, then
54 kBtuH
240 kBtuH or 10%
All Codes
Situations with special filtration that causes
economizer to increase energy use. Dwelling units.
Required where economizer required.
IECC2004 100% at 50Fdb/45Fwb
IECC2004 Not mentioned separately. Economizer Required.
OR
OR
OR
ALL joints, seams, and connections
ALL joints, seams, and connections
ALL joints, seams, and connections
OR
ALL joints, seams, and connections
IECC2004 Required if sp>3"
OR
Supply Zone 1 - R8, Zone 2 - R12
Return Zone 1 - R6, Zone 2 - R8
Duct Insulation – Vented WA2004
Supply/Return R7,
Outdoor Air (if inside insulation barrier) R7
Duct Insulation –
WA2004
Supply/Return R7
unconditioned
Outdoor Air R7
Duct Insulation –
WA2004
Supply/Return R3.3
Conditioned
Outdoor Air R7
Best of Region Baseline Provisions
8
Item
System Documentation
Commissioning Report
Commissioning Tests
Delineated
Ongoing trending
Equipment Efficiency
DX Cooling
Chillers
Furnace
Unit Heater
Boiler
Furnace control
Boiler control
Variable Speed Drives
VSD - fan motors
VSD - pump motors
VSD or Two speed on
cooling tower
ECM Motors
Controls
Basic Thermostat
Capabilities
Heat pumps
Humidity Controls
DDC Requried?
Sensor Specifications
Supply Air Temp Reset
Supply Water Temp Reset
Pressure Reset
Optimum Start
Maximum Control Zone
Size
Minimum Dead Band
Garage Ventilation
Source
Code
Base Level
WA/SEC
preliminary commissioning report required for
occupancy
"all modes as described in the sequence of operation"
WA/SEC
None
Oregon
SEC
ASHRAE Oct 2001 thru 2007, then better
different structure but partload ~5% better than
ASHRAE
any
ASHRAE Oct 2001
any
ASHRAE Oct 2001
ASHRAE ASHRAE Oct 2001
ASHRAE ASHRAE Oct 2001
IECC2004 modulating or staged if cap>500kbtu
SEC/OR/W
A
OR or
IECC2004
OR
required on motors>=10hp with variable loads.
SEC
Required in VAV series terminals
7 day programmable, battery backed, manual override
Any
Thermostat must minimize Auxiliary on startup
WA/OR
WA/OR
WA/OR
WA/OR
WA/SEC
not specified
not specified
required in multi-zone systems
required if cap>300kBtu
required if ddc fan powered boxes
Required for systems >10000cfm
1 floor or 1 system, whichever is smaller
any
SCL
0% OA in
OR
Unoccupied/Warm-Up etc
Best of Region Baseline Provisions
all motors on hydronic heating loops over 10hp+all
10hp motors with variable loads
Required.
5F
Require time clock or occupancy sensor control. If
garage is larger than 30,000 sf then CO sensor
required too.
Yes, if system min OA>300 cfm and cooling Capacity
is >54kBtuh.
9
Item
CO2 Control
Cooling Tower
Cooling Tower Approach
Cooling Tower Efficiency
– Air
Cooling Tower Efficiency
- Axial Fan
Cooling Tower Efficiency
- Cent Fan
System Requirements
Fume Hood VAV/HR/ or
compensating
Kitchen Hood
Fan System Efficiency
Source
Code
SCL/OR
Base Level
WA
any
86F cond return
176000Btu/h-hp
WA
not specified
WA
not specified
Required if single zone equipment with air
economizer with OA>1200cfm and occupant
density>40/1000sf, or any other equipment if OA
>1500cfm and occ density>50 per 1000sf.
if OA>70%:fume hood systems<15000cfm or labs
systems with VAV or compensating hoods.,
IECC2004 IF OA>70%:HR or 75% compensating if >5000cfm
OR
Complex system path requires VAV with
BHP<0.00145hp/cfm, and CV BHP <0.00104hp/cfm
if total fan power is greater than 7.5HP. Complex
system is any VAV system, or split CV equipment
>54kbtuc. It does not include constant volume
package equipment of any size.
Motor Efficiency
any
ASHRAE table
CV VSD
OR
systems >15000cfm required to have two speed
operation
Air System Heat Recovery WA
any system >5000cfm with >70%OA
(except labs with VAV
systems & kitchen hoods)
Condenser Heat Recovery WA/IECC if 24hr fac, reject cap is >6mmbtu, and h2o
cap>1mmbtu.
Motorized air inlet, outlet, WA/OR
required in buildings over 2 stories
and relief dampers
Elevator/Stairwell smoke WA/OR
Normally open Dampers required
relief openings
HP Loop unit valves
OR
required if total circulating pump power >10hp
HP Loop tower bypass
OR
required
Heat pump required
WA/SEC if package or split system electric heat/cool unit with
DX>20kBtuh
Three-pipe systems
not allowed.
Two-pipe change over
IECC
Controls must allow 15F OAT deadband for
control requirements
changeover, have minimum 4 hour operation before
changeover, and allow maximum 30F heating water to
cooling water dt.
Best of Region Baseline Provisions
any
10
Item
Heat pump loop control
requirements
Pump Isolation on
multiple chiller systems
3.
Source
Code
IECC
IECC
Base Level
Controls must allow min 20F deadband for circulating
water.
Required
Residential
The residential NWBEST baseline is somewhat more straightforward in that the
components of the regional energy codes focus on performance of the individual
components of the building envelope. The bulk of stringency associated with these codes
comes from the particular window specifications and window areas allowed. In the 2004
IECC, the format became more similar to the Oregon and Washington codes in that the
prescriptive standard avoided restrictions on overall glazing area, given that the
remainder of the housing components met the individual provisions of the standard.
For the “Best of Region” baseline, the structure of the IECC has been selected. For the
most part, the individual provisions for the components come from either the Washington
or Oregon codes.
3.1.
Envelope Provisions
The significant differences between the IECC and the Washington and Oregon
codes focus on the allowances associated with individual components. The
principal provisions of the IECC that are not covered in the Oregon or
Washington codes include credit for high mass walls and the use of the crawl
space as a heated plenum as opposed to an insulated exterior buffer space.
While it is theoretically possible to describe either of these two cases in a way that
is roughly equivalent to the Washington and Oregon codes, the actual provisions
in the IECC are dramatically less stringent that those in the Washington and
Oregon codes for the same components. For the “Best of Region” baseline, the
provisions for crawlspace wall insulation have been upgraded to be thermally
equivalent to the provisions of the Washington for the crawlspace floor system.
The other large difference between the 2003/2004 IECC and the Washington and
Oregon codes are the insulation defaults. The Washington code has a large and
varied set of insulation default u-values, based in large part on ASHRAE parallel
heat flow methodologies and assembled by the State of Washington. These
provisions are designed to provide a trade-off avenue for various wall
construction types and insulation strategies. In the Oregon code, a more
simplified version of this language also exists. The IECC mechanism is to
provide default tables only for nominal R-values that are included in the main
table. Thus, for a particular R-value aimed at wood framed walls, a steel framing
description is provided. This reduces the confusion associated with the use of
Best of Region Baseline Provisions
11
alternative materials. However, it does not allow additional credit for better
framing techniques (advanced framing) using more conventional materials.
3.2.
Ducts and Equipment
For the most part, in residential HVAC systems, the sealing is mentioned as a
prescriptive standard. In the case of the Oregon code, this prescriptive standard is
somewhat specific. In other cases, the code provision is limited to admonitions to
seal the ducts. None of these provisions are particularly effective, but they do
provide a baseline for code improvements using better sealing techniques and
testing.
3.3.
Other Provisions
In conventional codes, several factors are important in the overall stringency of
the code. One of the main factors is the degree to which the residential code
applies to non-residential buildings that have residential occupancy types but are
structurally and mechanically more similar to commercial buildings (such as highrise multifamily and lodging).
The Washington code requires that, in spite of this fact, the residential insulation
and glazing values be included for all multi-family construction. In the Oregon
and IECC codes, the cut-off for this provision is three stories. Leaving out the
ambiguity of that, the envelope codes associated with the non-residential sector
are dramatically more lenient than any of the residential codes considered for this
effort.
In terms of maximum thermal performance, the Washington code provisions
should be used. This is an obvious interpretation of the current codes and
probably represents the largest single political problem associated with residential
codes anywhere in the region (including in Washington).
Another area that should be mentioned is the applicability of the residential
energy code to existing buildings undergoing renovation or remodelling. In the
Seattle code, there is the clear intent for the energy code to be applicable to
residential buildings undergoing renovation or remodelling insofar as is
reasonable. When a major renovation is undertaken, most of the components
must be upgraded to meet current energy code provisions. There are exemptions
for minor changes, but the energy code in Seattle (and to some degree in the
Oregon and Washington codes) are meant to apply not only to new construction
and additions, but also to major renovations to existing buildings.
3.4.
Incompatibilities with the IECC
The principal incompatibility between the Washington energy code, the Oregon
energy code and the 2004 IECC centers on the treatment of ground contact. The
Best of Region Baseline Provisions
12
IECC requirements are not equivalent to either the Washington or Oregon codes.
In uninsulated crawlspaces, the IECC code would represent a reduction of the
energy performance of the floor systems by a factor of three over the other codes.
It is probable that an equivalent crawlspace could be designed using the
provisions for insulated crawlspaces in the IECC. However, this would require
substantially more insulation on the crawlspace wall and an equivalent cooling
load to offset the ongoing heat loss rate associated with the crawlspace provisions.
Similarly, Washington and Oregon have essentially equivalent insulation
provisions regarding basement walls while the IECC allows those insulation
standards to be cut approximately in half. It does, however, suggest that the entire
description of ground contact should be extracted from the Washington code
rather than the IECC.
The following tables show the “Best of Region” baseline provisions for insulation
and provide guidance for the major administrative provisions (drawn largely from
the Washington and/or Oregon energy codes).
Table 3.4-1. Residential Envelope Requirements
Component
Roof/Ceiling
Attic Nom Ins
Attic U-value
Metal Roof Nom Ins
Walls
Wall Nom Ins
Wall U-value
Metal Frame Nom Ins
BG Wall Nom Ins
Doors
Door U-value
Door (exempt)
Floors
Floor Nom Insulation
Floor U-value
Slab Nom Insulation
Slab F value
Heated Slab
BG Slab (basement)
Best of Region Baseline Provisions
Source
Code
Zone One
Zone Two
WA
WA
IECC
2004
R38
0.030
R38 with R3 thermal
break1
R49
0.026
R38 with R5 thermal
break1
WA
WA
IECC
2004
WA
R21
0.057
R19 +R81
R21
0.057
R19+R91
R19
R19
WA
OR
U-0.2
One door exempt
U-0.2
One door exempt
WA
R30
.030
R15 for 2'
0.54
R10 (Continuous)
Thermal break at
Foundation
R30
.030
R15 for 2'
0.54
R10 (Continuous)
Thermal break at
Foundation
OR
WA
WA
13
Component
Source
Code
Zone One
Zone Two
IECC
2004
All
WA
OR
OR
.35
.35
No Req.
*
.50
2% of floor area
No Req.
*
.50
2% of floor area
Glazing
Window U-value
Window SHGC
Window Area
Skylight Rated U-value
Skylight Area
1.
Thermal breaks are a layer of rigid insulation. The steel equivalency table offers other alternatives with
lesser overall performance.
Table 3.4-2. Other Residential Provisions
Administrative
Multi-Family Definition
WA
Remodel/rehab
OR/WA
Historic Buildings
WA/OR
Insulation defaults
WA
Steel framing
IECC
Windows
IECC
Walls
WA&OR
Best of Region Baseline Provisions
Building<=3 stories, regulated as Non-res with an
increased UA of about 20%; WA only uses the res
occupancy to determine code requirement.
All portions of the building remodeled are brought
to code. No “increase” in energy use in the
existing portion of the Building. Exemption for
“Historical remodels”
Building Official has discretion to exempt
components of historical buildings. IECC
exempts them completely.
Insulation and performance specified for all
components
IECC provides a default for common insulation
levels that is generally consistent with the detailed
WA tables but slightly better
NFRC defaults. OR/WA tables allow defaults at
lower U-factors for small manufactures and site
built windows. IECC does leave these defaults
out all together
Provides definition of Advanced and Intermediate
framing and provides U-factors for these
techniques
14
HVAC & Equipment
Furnace, Gas/oil
Heat Pumps
New standards.
Duct sealing - Vented
Duct sealing –
Unconditioned
Duct sealing –
Conditioned
Duct Insulation – Exterior
Crawlspace
Wall Insulation
Radon, Soil Gas
Ventilation
Air Sealing
Whole House fan
3.5.
All
All
IECC2004
OR
OR
AFUE=.78 for furnaces below 225 KBtu
HSPF= 6.8 (split systems) 6.6 (Packaged systems)
Mandates “prevailing Federal Minimum
Efficiency.” Would automatically upgrade to new
standards.
ALL joints, seams, and connections
ALL joints, seams, and connections
OR
ALL joints, seams, and connections
WA
Supply - R8,
Return – R8
WA
R-19 Insulation for unvented crawlspace wall.
Not even close to equivalent to floor insulation.
Not allowed under provisions of the Oregon code
and very restricted under provisions of the WA
code (Radon mitigation)
Continuous Radon Mitigation or testing
WA VIAQ
OR&WA
WA
Prescriptive
WA VIAQ code requirements Include a minimum
size ventilation system.
Performance Standards
The Oregon, Washington and International codes all allow an energy budget
approach to be used to demonstrate code compliance. In both Washington and
Oregon, the use of that path results in a reduction in glazing standards. When this
path is used, the effect is to increase the overall stringency of the requirement in
most cases. As a practical matter, both the Washington and Oregon codes are
designed to assume that the prescriptive or component path will be used to
demonstrate compliance. While this is largely true in Oregon, performance runs
are often used in Washington in multi-family structures that are subject to the
residential energy code provisions.
While the Washington performance requirements include assumptions about air
sealing and duct efficiency, the IECC language suggests that the default table
value would be used. This is a preferable approach, especially if supported by
specific testing requirements. At this point the infrastructure to support such
requirements is not really available in any jurisdiction although using the limited
language of the IECC (simulations and energy budget calculations) would
probably be possible with existing resources.
Best of Region Baseline Provisions
15
APPENDIX A: Technical Advisory Group Member Roster
Name
Ken Baker
David Cohen
Pam Cole
Craig Conner
Charlie Grist
Jeff Harris
John Hogan
Michael Lane
Eric Makela
Chuck Murray
Stan Price
Michael Rosenberg
Alan Seymour
Diana Shankle
Todd Taylor
Paul Tschida
Organization
Baker Energy
Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance
Pacific Northwest National Lab
Building Quality
Northwest Power Planning Council
Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance
Seattle Energy Code Council
Lighting Design Lab
Britt/Makela Group
WSU Cooperative Extension Energy Program
Washington Energy Code Council
Oregon Department of Energy
Oregon Department of Energy
Pacific Northwest National Lab
Pacific Northwest National Lab
Montana State Energy Office
Best of Region Baseline Provisions
A-1
APPENDIX B: Non-Residential Prescriptive Lighting Examples
Prescriptive Path fluorescent
lamp requirements (only for
spaces with maximum code LPD
levels greater than 0.8w/sf)
Prescriptive metal halide lamp
requirements (only for spaces
with maximum code LPD levels
greater than 0.8w/sf)
WA or
None
1 or 2 lamp, non-lensed fluorescent,
reflector, T1-T8, hard-wired electronic
dimming ballast with controls
WA or
None
Must have reflector/louver fitted with <150
watt ceramic metal halide with electronic
ballast. All other MH are limited, along with
other ballasted fixtures, to 5% of the total
fixture count.
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Best of Region Baseline Provisions
B-1