Building Codes Assistance Project

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.

ASHRAE has published ANSI/ASHRAE/USGBC/IES Standard 189.1, Standard for the Design of High-Performance, Green Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings, the first U.S. code-intended commercial green building standard. Published January 22, the standard is intended to be adopted into local codes. It covers site sustainability, water-use efficiency, energy efficiency, indoor environmental quality and the building’s impact on the atmosphere, materials and resources.

The Governor's Energy Office (GEO) is preparing to roll out numerous new opportunities for residents, businesses, local governments, non-profits and other organizations to save money and energy, spark job creation and increase energy independence thanks to American Recovery and Reinvestment Act dollars.

Join over 700 of energy efficiency's most notable leaders, representing 40+ countries, at the Energy Efficiency Global Forum & Exposition (EE Global), being held May 10-12, 2010 at the Washington DC Convention Center. With over 80% of 2009 participants self-identifying as executives or managers, EE Global 2010 will provide access to decision makers and offer executive-level insight and dialogue. Focusing solely on energy efficiency from the perspective of all energy end-use sectors (buildings, industrial and transportation) and with coverage of all cross-cutting issues (finance, policy, technology, and market transformation), EE Global serves as an exchange of best practices and policies for global implementation of energy efficiency. Visit www.eeglobalforum.org for detailed information about this exciting event!

ASHRAE's proposed high-performance building standard and a stricter version of Standard 90.1 will be released next year. Together, they can help local and state governments looking to set building code requirements to reduce energy use. Proposed Standard 189.1, Standard for the Design of High Performance, Green Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings, is being developed by ASHRAE in conjunction with the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) and the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). ASHRAE and IES also are working to strengthen the requirements in Standard 90.1.

On February 11, 2009, a bill (SB 232) was introduced in the Rhode Island General Assembly that would mandate at least a USGBC LEED "Certified" rating (or equivalent green certification) for public buildings and schools that enter the design phase after January 1, 2010. This would include all new facilities in excess of 5,000 square feet and all renovations in excess of 10,000 square feet.

On February 17, a bill (HB 7) was introduced in the Ohio House of Representatives that would establish green building labeling and energy use standards for any building or structure constructed using any state capital budget money, including money from the education facilities trust fund.  These buildings would be required to:

[Updated January 4, 2010]

The Georgia Residential Green Building Code Task Force has posted minutes from its September 30, November 3, and December 8 meetings. The period to submit amendment proposals has ended.

The next meeting of the Georgia State Codes Advisory Committee (SCAC) is scheduled for Thursday, July 23, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. ET. The meeting will be held in the Boardroom on the third floor of the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, 60 Executive Park South, NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30329 (MAP). For additional information, view the meeting agenda, or contact Ted Miltiades at 404-679-3106 or ted.miltiades@dca.ga.gov.