State Building Code Commission takes two steps forward, one step back on updating Utah’s residential energy code

While energy code will achieve energy savings for UT homeowners, concerns remain about an amendment that significantly reduces the code’s energy savings

It’s a good news, bad news situation. The good news is that homebuyers in Utah are one step closer to lower energy bills and better air quality thanks to the Uniform Building Code Commission’s vote to recommend adoption of the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code for new homes constructed in Utah. The bad news is that homebuyers may be stuck with major inefficiencies in their homes that cannot be fixed later, due to one of the amendments added to the energy code.
“Building energy codes are the cheapest way to make buying and living in a home affordable. Allowing an amendment that so drastically reduces the code’s energy savings is not in the best interest for Utahns,” states Sarah Wright, Executive Director of energy advocacy group, Utah Clean Energy. “This one amendment ultimately means that the new code is only 10% more efficient than the current outdated code, and it allows builders to build walls with sub-standard insulation.”
The amendment of concern was developed in response to the Utah Homebuilders Association’s opposition to the new 2015 energy code. Exterior walls represent the second largest portion of energy and money savings in homes after efficient lighting. Considering that homeowners can’t realistically go back and fix inefficient walls, this amendment is particularly damaging. Benefits of adopting the 2015 energy code in full result in huge economic benefits to consumers. A recent analysis conducted specifically for Utah by the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory shows that adopting the 2015 energy code will result in 24% increased energy efficiency in new homes as compared to the current Utah energy code. While the analysis shows slightly higher construction costs, these costs will be recouped by the homebuyer within the first two years through energy cost savings. On average, each new home buyer would save $297 every year for the life of the home due to reduced energy costs. Further, adopting the new energy code will cut air pollutants that contribute to Utah’s bad air quality (NOx, VOCs and SO2) by nearly 5 million pounds between 2017 and 2040, helping to address Utah’s ongoing air quality issue.
The UBCC’s recommendation will be presented at a public hearing, likely to take place on October 7^th , and then to the Utah Legislature’s Business and Labor Interim Committee on October 21st in preparation for the 2016 Legislative Session where adoption of new energy building code will ultimately be decided

About the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) Adoption
When buying a new home, buyers assume that it is built to the highest standards for energy efficiency and comfort. This is not the case in Utah. Aside from a few leading homebuilders, most homes in Utah are built below the most up-to-date standard for energy efficiency, resulting in residents paying hundreds more on energy bills each year and thousands on home repairs. This is because the state’s home energy code – which sets energy-efficiency requirements for new home construction – is only somewhat better than the 2006 energy code.
It takes legislative action to update the energy code. The Utah legislature takes into consideration the recommendations from the UBCC – a state board comprised of architects, code officials, builders, and members of the public – on whether or not to adopt new energy codes. The UBCC has voted to recommend adoption of the 2015 IECC. But during the review, the UBCC included numerous amendments in response to concerns from the Utah Home Builders Association. One is a highly concerning amendment that weakens the code and will leave Utahns on the hook for higher energy bills.

With UBCC’s current recommendation, the energy code provides homebuyers with the following improvements:

•  improved insulation for return air ducts in attics
•  tighter homes that result in less hot/cold air leaking out of the home
• better sealed air ducts that result in less hot/cold air leaking from ductwork
• 75% high efficiency lighting
• new Energy Rating Index compliance method – making it easier and cheaper for builders to meet the goals of the energy code while also providing a miles-per-gallon like rating for homes, helping consumers compare the energy features of new homes on the market

If adopted without amendments, the energy code provides homebuyers with these additional improvements:

• increased attic insulation (eliminated through amendment)
• improved window efficiency values (eliminated through amendment)
• increased wall insulation (eliminated through amendment)
•  improved insulation for return air ducts in attics
•  tighter homes that result in less hot/cold air leaking out of the home
• better sealed air ducts that result in less hot/cold air leaking from ductwork
• 75% high efficiency lighting
• new Energy Rating Index compliance method – making it easier and cheaper for builders to meet the goals of the energy code while also providing a miles-per-gallon like rating for homes, helping consumers compare the energy features of new homes on the market

Enhancing the National Consistency of HERS Index Scores-RESNET’s Holistic Approach

Across the nation the RESNET HERS Index Score is fast becoming a mainstream in the housing market. Homebuilders are having their homes energy rated and marketing the HERS Index Score of their homes, Multiple Listing Services (MLS) are incorporating the HERS Index Scores in their listings and code jurisdictions are recognizing a HERS Index Score as a building energy code compliance option. In 2014 over a third of new homes sold were HERS rated and issued a HERS Index Score.
With the increased visibility of the HERS Index Score, RESNET is obligated to ensure that HERS Index Scores are as consistent as possible.  This need has been made more important with the International Code Council adopting an Energy Rating Index option to the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code.  To date Maryland, Texas and Vermont have adopted the new code.  The state of Illinois is in the final process of adopting it.
RESNET has initiated a comprehensive effort to enhance the consistency of HERS Index Scores.  The pillars of RESNET’s effort are:

• Qualified HERS Raters and Rating Field Inspectors
• Enhanced Quality Assurance of HERS Ratings
• Consistency in the Calculation of HERS Index Scores
• Robust RESNET Quality Assurance Oversight Infrastructure

Without this holistic approach it is impossible to have national consistency.  If one element if missing, the whole house collapses.
Enhancing the Qualification of Certified HERS Raters and Rating Field Inspectors
Certified RESNET HERS Raters and Rating Field Inspectors are where the industry’s rubber meets the road.  The entire HERS system’s credibility is determined by the qualifications of the person who conducts the field inspections and testing and who models the energy performance of a home.
While RESNET has long had an online written cognitive test, there was no replicable practical test to determine the qualification of HERS Raters and Rating Field Inspectors.  To offer valid practical tests that are cost effective, RESNET has invested in the latest technology for the testing the practical knowledge of candidates.  RESNET standards require that existing HERS Raters and new candidates must pass the RESNET Practical Simulation Test and Rating Field Inspectors must complete the RESNET tablet based Rating Field Inspector JobWerks Assessment.  These tests will level the playing field and increase the credibility of HERS Ratings in that all RESNET professionals will have passed a valid replicable practical test on the applications of producing a HERS Index.
RESNET is also in the process of rationalizing and streamlining its instruction, assessment and certification standard.  The proposed amendment is in the final process of its consensus based public review and comment process following the RESNET “Standards Development Policy and Procedures Manual”.
There are also growth opportunities for HERS Raters.  Through partnerships with NATE and the Air Conditioning Contractors of America, HERS Raters can expand their services to include HVAC system verification and through a partnership with the International Code Council can expand their services to energy code inspections.
Enhancing the Quality Assurance Oversight of HERS Ratings
A vital element in enhancing the consistency of HERS Index Scores is having a robust quality assurance oversight process.  For the past two years RESNET has been working with the industry on enhancing its HERS Rating quality assurance process.  A key feature of this effort will be separating the financial interest of the quality assurance oversight from HERS Rating companies.  RESNET will soon be releasing a draft standard amendment that addresses HERS Rating quality assurance oversight.  The amendment will go through the consensus based standard amendment process spelt out in the RESNET “Standards Development Policy and Procedures Manual”.
Enhancing the Consistency in the Calculation of HERS Index Scores
It is vital that all HERS software programs consistently calculate a home’s HERS Index Score.  Having different HERS software tools producing different HERS Index Scores taxes the credibility of HERS Ratings.  RESNET will adopt a process to ensure all accredited HERS software calculate the HERS Index in a consistent manner.
Having a Robust RESNET Quality Assurance Oversight Infrastructure
In order to ensure the consistency of HERS Index Scores a robust quality assurance oversight infrastructure must be maintained.  The proposed amendment to the RESNET quality assurance standard will create financially independent Quality Assurance Agents   that will serve as agents of RESNET in undertaking quality assurance oversight for accredited Rating Quality Assurance Providers.  In addition RESNET will invest in new technologies, increase the quality assurance capabilities of the RESNET National Registry and have additional RESNET staff dedicated to quality assurance and accreditation of providers.

Governor’s Energy Symposium

The Governor’s Office of Energy Development is pleased to launch the Utah Air & Energy Symposium. Please join Governor Herbert and other important stakeholders for updates and discussions regarding the dynamic nexus between energy and air. Reliable energy has always been essential to economic growth and community well-being, but the production and use of energy creates emissions that affect Utah’s unique airsheds. Realizing the combined goals of economic development and environmental health is a challenge that Utahns are prepared to take on. For more information, go to utah-airenergy.com

Early-Bird Registration price of $50 lasts from August 18-September 15!(After Early Bird period closes the cost of registration rises to $75.)

Energy Star Webinars

Energy Star Certified Homes Revision 08 for Builders
Wednesday, September 2, 2015; 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm EST

For Builders: Attend this webinar to learn more about the latest improvements to the program, called Revision 08. Revision 08 significantly reduces the paperwork and streamlines the certification process, making it easier than ever to certify a home under v3 or v3.1 of the program

Marketing Resources for ENERGY STAR Certified Homes
Wednesday, September 16, 2015; 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm EST

Over 89% of consumers recognize ENERGY STAR as the symbol for energy efficiency. Learn about the full suite of marketing tools and resources that can be leveraged by ENERGY STAR Homes Partners, including – a sales training toolkit, homeowner testimonial video, national outreach campaigns, media placement opportunities, co-brandable yard signs, and more. Differentiate your organization and your ENERGY STAR certified homes and capture homebuyers’ attention. All marketing tools and resources are available for free.

ENERGY STAR Certified Homes Revision 08 for HVAC Contractors
Wednesday, September 16, 2015; 4:00 to 5:00 pm EST

For HVAC designers and contractors: Attend this webinar to learn more about the latest improvements to the program, called Revision 08. Revision 08 significantly reduces the paperwork and streamlines the certification process, making it easier than ever to certify a home under v3 or v3.1 of the program.

ENERGY STAR for Multifamily High Rise Buildings
Tuesday, September 22, 2015; 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm EST

this webinar will discuss the program requirements and certification process for multifamily mid and high-rise units which are not eligible to participate through the ENERGY STAR Certified Homes program. We will explain how to More…determine which ENERGY STAR program applies to your building and will introduce another ENERGY STAR program for existing multifamily properties. This session is recommended for developers, builders, Raters, and Licensed Professionals who are interested in learning more about earning the ENERGY STAR in all types of multifamily buildings, whether new or existing.
For more information, visit: www.energystar.gov

LEARN HOW THESE TRENDSETTERS ARE TACKLING ISSUES OF CLIMATE CHANGE

Trailblazers of Clean Energy, Salt Lake City, Utah

September 22, 2015: Leilani Münter, Race Car Driver
Münter’s motto is “Life is short. Race hard. Live Green.”  Dubbed #1 eco athlete in the world, Münter is also a star of Sundance Film,”Racing Extinction.” This fearless female NASCAR driver is working to bring 75 million racing fans over to the “green side.”

October 21, 2015: Vien Truong, Green For All
Truong is one of the nation’s leading experts on solutions for poverty and pollution in government. “I grew up in..a heavily polluted region of California where life expectancy is twelve years less than in nearby affluent communities, so I literally live and breathe this issue.”

Novedmber 5, 2015: Eric Corey Freed, Organic Architect
Freed is an internationally acclaimed sustainability thought-leader and eco-design guru, named “Best Green Architect” and “Best Visionary.”  Freed is the author of the bestselling book, Green$ense for your Home.

S.J. Quinney College of Law, 380 S University St, Salt Lake City UT.
7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
For ticket info go to utahcleanenergy.org