NEEP participates in International Code Council hearings
The International Code Council (ICC) held its annual meeting in Orlando, Florida this September. Over 130 amendments to the International Energy Conservation Code were proposed. However, only a few propose substantive policy changes that have the potential to result in energy savings for the Northeast. In some cases, the savings will be immediate while others will result in long term energy savings.
After a careful review, which included input from, utility sponsors, and code officials, NEEP testified in front of the energy code committee and the residential code committee on seven of these amendments. NEEP provided information, analysis and recommendations on these amendments based on their potential for energy savings, importance for utility sponsors and potential for advancing policy goals.
The hearings will result in recommendations by respective committees for changes in the code requirements. Committee results will be published by December 1, 2006. Challenges to the committee decisions can be submitted in writing until January 24, 2007. The final hearings to establish the proposed code changes take place next May in Rochester, New York at which time active ICC members will vote for or against the proposals.
NEEP will continue to track, analyze and coordinate any necessary responses to the committee decisions.
The seven amendments NEEP testified on are:
- EC-1: This proposal would substantially change the minimum prescriptive standards for high-rise residential uses.
- EC-15: This proposal seeks to eliminate references to acceptance of above-code provisions as evidence of energy compliance.
- EC-38: This proposal by the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association would raise wall insulation requirements from R-19 to R-21 in Zones 5 & 6 in the Northeast.
- EC– 48, 55: These two related proposals seek to reduce air infiltration and envelope loss through attic stairs and scuttles.
- EC-69: This proposal seeks to change the unit of measurement in the simulated energy performance compliance option from energy cost (in dollars) to energy efficiency (in kWh).
- EC-111: ASHRAE seeks through this proposal to require mandatory commissioning for commercial buildings greater than 50,000SF.
You can learn more about NEEP’s position on these amendments, through a Memo available online, or by accessing the ICC Web site. Please contact Isaac Elnecave for more information.
