This blog post further explores the importance of energy code compliance. A continuation of our last post here if you missed it, we dive into the key components involved and the steps necessary to achieve compliance.

General

1. Jurisdictions sometimes fail to enforce the energy code due to lack of understanding and/or time.
2. Additionally, a lack of knowledge of those involved in the design and construction process (design           professionals, builders, developers) mean some energy efficient components are overlooked.
3. Lastly, failing to expand said knowledge by not attending available trainings.

Understanding and Interpreting Codes
Energy codes can be complex and challenging to interpret, requiring specialized knowledge and expertise. For this reason, the State of Utah provides energy code training to increases the industry’s understanding of the energy code.

Cost Implications
While energy-efficient design and construction may have higher upfront costs, the long-term savings often outweigh these initial investments.

Keeping Up with Updates and Changes
Energy codes are regularly updated to reflect new technologies and best practices. Staying current with these changes is essential for ongoing compliance and to help your customers get the most out of their investment.

Technological Solutions and Tools

Prescriptive Compliance Documentation Tools
Tools like REScheck and COMcheck provide simplified methods for documenting and verifying energy code compliance (https://www.energycodes.gov/comcheck & https://www.energycodes.gov/rescheck).

Performance Compliance Tools – Energy Modeling Software
Software tools like EnergyPlus and eQUEST help simulate building energy performance, allowing designers to optimize their designs for compliance while balancing costs.

Smart Building Technologies
Smart thermostats, energy management systems, and other IoT devices can enhance energy efficiency and simplify compliance tracking.

Case Studies
Numerous buildings across various sectors have successfully achieved energy code compliance, showcasing the benefits and feasibility of energy-efficient design and construction. For example, a new office building in Salt Lake City incorporated advanced HVAC systems and solar panels, resulting in significant energy savings and third-party certification.

Future Trends in Energy Code Compliance

Increasing Stringency of Codes
As awareness of climate change grows, energy codes are becoming more stringent, pushing for higher levels of efficiency.

Integration of New Technologies
Emerging technologies, such as advanced building materials and smart grids, are expected to play a crucial role in future energy code compliance.

Impact of Policy Changes
Government policies and incentives will continue to drive the adoption of energy-efficient practices and the development of new standards.

Conclusion

Energy code compliance is essential for creating sustainable, cost-effective, and comfortable buildings. By understanding the key components, challenges, and available compliance paths in standards like IECC 2021 and ANSI/ASHRAE/IES 90.1 2019, builders and developers can successfully meet and exceed energy code requirements.

Let’s embrace energy efficiency as a cornerstone of our building practices and contribute to a greener future.