June 12, 2018, today thanks to NVEnergy for hosting the 2018 IECC update workshop which I attended and a contributing participant. The workshop was well attended by numerous engineers and building professionals all keen to hear about the changes to the International Energy Efficiency Code 2018 version which makes many strides towards mandated improvements in buildings’ energy efficiency. The code defines both Residential and Commercial Buildings yet the greatest impacts during the 2018 IECC update workshop focused on the changes with the transition from the earlier iterations to the 2018 version of IECC which are are geared to moving Commercial Buildings further forward with regards to energy and resource efficiency.
When we review the Department of Energy’s redlines of the new code which indicate changes we find that the development committee made vast improvements to the clarity of the language in the recently published IECC 2018 version. The 2018 IECC update workshop included application tips for example, when we look to gain IECC Code Compliance using a Prescriptive Approach included within Section C406 of the 2018 IECC we are now required to select a minimum of one of the six available paths for inclusion in our design strategies. Designers and ultimately the buildings are as well required to incorporate that selected paths into our projects consistently. Those paths include:
- More efficient HVAC performance in accordance with Section C406.2 More efficient HVAC equipment performance.
- Reduced lighting power density system in accordance with Section C406.3 Reduced lighting power density.
- Enhanced lighting controls in accordance with Section C406.4 Enhanced digital lighting controls.
- On-site supply of renewable energy in accordance with Section C406.5 On-site renewable energy.
- Provision of a dedicated outdoor air system for certain HVAC equipment in accordance with Section C406.6 Dedicated outdoor air system.
- High-efficiency service water heating in accordance with Section C406.7 Reduced energy use in service water heating.
The great news that we dialoged about during the 2018 IECC update workshop with the attendees included that advances in building equipment bring much greater economy to the resultant built projects as well as contribute greatly to the achievement of the compliance paths listed above. More efficient HVAC equipment is market available and the introduction of Energy Recovery Ventilators, Heat Recovery Ventilators and Variable Refrigerant Flow HVAC systems continue to be introduced and become more economical. Lighting power densities are now very easily attainable by utilizing LED lighting where wee have seen very significant uptake with the continual reduction in pricing. Similarly, we are seeing many more options with lighting controls where the control devices and systems are making use of network connectivity to again see large system installation cost reductions. The availability of on-site renewable energy now is getting to be more cost effective thus its incorporation into the code is a very practical. One of the greatest opportunities for energy efficiency comes from Dedicated Outdoor Air Systems where the heating and cooling functions in buildings are separated from the requirement to introduce fresh outdoor air when coupled with Energy Recovery Ventilation we see great increases in the opportunity to save heating and cooling energy with their typical 60% and greater efficiency. Finally on service water heating we see the greatest opportunities for improvement from the incorporation of solar thermal hot water systems several other initiatives include controls for hot water re-circulation and other initiatives.
Finally in the 2018 IECC update workshop I discussed my involvement in Building Commissioning and Building Enclosure Commissioning and shared that IECC includes the requirement for Fundamental Building Commissioning and additionally shares the benefits of Building Enclosure Commissioning. For further elaboration and additional informational pages for a deeper dive into the 2018 IECC update workshop and aligned Code related references … select this link button for more information.
A lifelong learning proponent, Daniel has long been a sought‐after Green Building expert. Daniel received degrees in Mechanical Engineering, Architecture, Masters of Architecture and Masters of Urban Planning. Beyond professional degrees Daniel professional accreditations include: LEED Fellow with LEED AP O+M and LEED AP BD+C credential specialties from GBCI, CPMP – ASHRAE Commissioning Process Management Professional, PMP from Project Management Institute, LFA from International Living Future Institute, GGA, GGP and GPCP from GBI and WELL AP from IWBI. Daniel’s professional expertise has contributed to numerous domestic and international High-Performance Building, Sustainable and Restorative Development projects and international events.
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