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RESNET Proposals for the 2018 of the International Energy Conservation Code Cycle

Jan 28, 2016

The 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) includes an Energy Rating Index option.  To build on this momentum, RESNET has submitted a series of proposals for the 2018 cycle of the IECC.

The proposals submitted by RESNET are:

  • The ANSI RESNET/International Code Council (ICC) Standard 301 defining the Energy Rating Index

The ANSI RESNET/ICC Standard 301 was not adopted in time for the 2015 IECC development cycle.  Because of this, the sponsors had to include temporary language from the standard concerning the development of the Energy Rating Index (Section R406.3), compliance software tool approval (R406.6.1) and the minimum capabilities of the software used to determine an ERI for a project (R406.7.1).  Overall the language that was included in the proposal provides the basic concepts for developing a program to meet the Energy Rating Index approach.  RESNET’s proposal referencing the RESNET/ICC-301 will ensure that the Energy Rating Index option uses a standardized process from an ANSI adopted consensus document.  To view the proposal go to ANSI RESNET/ICC Standard 301

  • Adopting the RESNET/ICC Standard 380 to Define the IECC Duct Testing Requirement

Section R403.3.3 of the IECC requires duct leakage testing when the ducts are not located in the conditioned space.  The current code language sets a duct leakage metric and essentially leaves it up to those that are testing the system to determine how to arrive at the results.  The lack of guidance can lead to inconsistent test results from house to house.  RESNET and ICC is in the final process of adopting the consensus standard BSR/RESNET/ICC 380‐2016 “Standard for Testing Airtightness of Building Enclosures, Airtightness of Heating and Cooling Air Distribution Systems, and Airflow of Mechanical Ventilation Systems”.  This RESNET code change proposal solves this problem by requiring testing to conform to RESNET/ICC Standard 380.  This standard provides a standardized methodology that is currently in use throughout the industry.  The methodology will provide consistent results that can be replicated by testing organizations and enforcement personnel. To view the proposal go to RESNET Duct Testing Proposal

  • Adopting the RESNET/ICC Standard 380 to Define the IECC Envelope Testing Requirement

Section R402.4.1.2 of the IECC requires air leakage testing.  RESNET and ICC is in the final process of adopting the consensus standard BSR/RESNET/ICC 380‐2016 “Standard for Testing Airtightness of Building Enclosures, Airtightness of Heating and Cooling Air Distribution Systems, and Airflow of Mechanical Ventilation Systems”.  The consensus standard will provide needed guidance for performing envelope air leakage testing. Building off of existing standards (e.g. ASTM E779‐10) the standard allows for multiple test procedures to provide flexibility for the testing industry. Standard 380 also covers testing for single‐family and 3‐story and less multi‐family projects and will be referenced as the protocol for testing for the rating industry. The E 779 standard requires multi‐point testing under both pressurized and depressurized conditions. RESNET/ICC 380‐2016 will allow E 779 tests but expands the test methodology to allow single point tests under only one pressurization/depressurization condition and includes correction factors to account for test bias and uncertainty. Thus, 380 can be a substantially less expensive protocol than E 779.  To view the proposal go to RESNET Envelope Leakage Testing Proposal

  • Limiting the Credit That On-Site Power Production can be Used for Complying with the Energy Rating Index Code Compliance

There is a concern that the current unlimited option of crediting onsite power production in meeting the performance requirements of the Energy Rating Index could lead to the efficiencies of the building envelope, heating and cooling system, and lighting being traded away by the use of on-site power production.  RESNET supports limiting the credit that on-site power production provides when determining an Energy Rating Index score for demonstrating compliance with the energy code.  The limitation ensures that the efficiencies of the building envelope, heating and cooling system, and lighting are not traded away by the use of on-site power production.  To view the proposal go to RESNET Onsite Power Production Proposal

The proposals will be considered and adopted by the ICC this year in the ICC multistep process.  The following is the process that ICC will be following:

  • Web posting of all of the proposed changes to the IECC – March 8, 2016
  • Committee Action Hearing, Louisville, KY – April 17 – 27, 2016
  • Deadline for online public comments on committee action – July 22, 2016
  • Web posting of public comments – September 9, 2016
  • Public comment hearing, Kansas City – October 19 – 26, 2016
  • Online governmental voting – Two weeks after public comment hearings

The industry needs to have its voice heard in the 2018 IECC development process.  RESNET will be communicating to its network prior to the committee action hearing on a call of action for the industry to make its voice heard.

The 2016 RESNET Building Performance Conference will have a special track focusing on home energy ratings and energy code compliance.  This track will offer several sessions on proposals for the 2018 IECC.  For more information go to 2016 RESNET Building Performance Conference