Streamlining the Energy Code Compliance Process to Reduce Enforcement Challenges and Harvest Real Energy Savings

摘要

Model building energy codes provide in excess of 30% energy savings compared to manyrncurrently adopted codes, however; much of this intended potential goes unrealized. Recentrnstudies commissioned by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), regional energy-efficiencyrnorganizations, and several states demonstrate that energy code compliance often suffers, andrnproper enforcement can be a challenge for local building departments due to lack of resourcesrnand expertise specific to energy requirements. Jurisdictional compliance processes can also varyrnacross construction stages—from initial permitting and plan review through multiple fieldrninspections prior to final occupancy. As a result, there is an opportunity to standardizerncompliance workflows and software tools to overcome enforcement challenges and generaternbetter data for local building departments.rnThis paper will draw upon findings from recent DOE compliance evaluation studies andrndiscuss streamlining building energy code compliance verification processes from thernperspective of the jurisdictional authority. An implementation approach will be presented,rnharmonizing resources and data formats for preparing, submitting, and reviewing compliancerndocumentation. The paper will highlight available tools with the potential to be broadenedrnthrough central data repositories and integrated with additional software features to furtherrnenable electronic permitting and compliance documentation. The proposed approach will providernseveral added benefits for local jurisdictions, including the ability to develop customizedrncompliance reports, identify and track high priority issues that may inform targeted educationrnand training, and capture data to support larger compliance goals.