Building Codes Assistance Project

With an increased focus on building energy efficiency in the last year, unprecedented federal funding opportunities have placed state code infrastructures in uncharted waters as they deal with adopting, implementing, and enforcing the latest national model energy codes. The state of New Hampshire has taken the initiative to become a national leader in developing a roadmap for energy code training and compliance. For her work toward these goals, the Building Codes Assistance Project is proud to recognize Laura Richardson of the New Hampshire Office of Energy and Planning as its Winter 2010 Energy Code Champion!

Legislation passed in 2009 (SB 79) requires the Oregon Building Codes Division (BCD) to improve the energy efficiency of commercial structures by 15-25% over the existing energy requirements for commercial buildings. For the first time, the energy efficiency provisions will be published as a stand-alone code and based on the IECC. Chapter 5 of the 2010 Oregon Energy Efficiency Specialty Code (OEESC) will take the place of Chapter 13 of the 2007 Oregon Structural Specialty Code (OSSC). At its February 3 meeting, the Building Codes Structures Board reviewed code change proposals and amendments to the 2009 IECC requirements for the building envelope, lighting, and mechanical systems. The Board recommended that the BCD adopt the 2009 IECC with Oregon amendments as the 2010 OEESC, and to move forward with rulemaking.