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.

On January 14, a bill (HB 264) was introduced in the Alabama State Legislature that would provide a process for adoption and compliance with codes required under federal law (Recovery Act). On January 26, the House passed the bill unanimously. The bill would:

• Replace the Alabama Energy Code Board with the Alabama Energy and Residential Codes Board, giving the new board sole authority over adoption and implementation of the state’s energy codes

On January 28, a companion bills (HB 3215 and SB 3192) were introduced in the Tennessee House and Senate that would establish ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2007 as the minimum energy standard for all new buildings that are not 1- and 2-family dwellings. The bills, however, also allow jurisdictions to adopt Standard 90.1-2001, its equivalent, or a more stringent code. The state currently does not have a mandatory energy code for this construction. If it became law, the legislation would be effective July 1, 2010.

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.

On October 15, the Connecticut Department of Public Safety’s State Codes and Standards Committee (SCSC) announced that it intended to review and consider proposals amending the 2009 IECC for inclusion in the 2010 Amendments to the 2005 State Building Code (which currently uses the 2006 IECC) to comply with Public Act 09-192. The SCSC met initially on December 9 and accepted proposals through December 31. The SCSC met again on January 27 to receive and review the proposed changes to the 2009 IECC.

After giving initial approval to a proposed state energy code update on December 16, the New York State Uniform Fire and Building Code Council has scheduled a series of public hearings on the approved changes in early March. The proposed 2010 Energy Conservation Construction Code of New York State would be based on the 2009 IECC and ASHRAE 90.1-2007 (the current ECCCNYS is based on the 2004 IECC supplement and ASHRAE 90.1-2004). The New York Department of State (NYS-DOS) hopes to implement the new energy code by the end of this year.

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.