Energy Code Compliance It s the Law

Energy Code Compliance It s the Law Evan Hallas & Yossi Bronsnick Multifamily Performance Program Partner Summit October 24, 2011

Taitem Engineering Taitem Engineering, PC, is a consulting engineering firm based in Ithaca, NY Quality Assurance contractors for NYSERDA s Multifamily Performance Program

Objectives Learn about the process for energy code compliance and how you can ensure your projects meet code Understand how the code relates to multifamily buildings and the Multifamily Performance Program Discuss requirements that may be easily misunderstood

A Brief History of the Energy Code 1940 NY develops State Building Construction Code 1970 - National model energy codes for buildings first appear 1979 - NY Adopts the Energy Code 1992 - Energy Policy Act (EPAct) 1994 International Code Council (ICC) established 2002 NY adopts the International Code

2010 Energy Conservation and Construction Code of New York State (ECCC NYS-10) Based on 2009 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) Effective December 28, 2010 A list of criteria pertaining to the energy efficiency of new and existing buildings Contains separate requirements for residential and commercial structures

Residential Buildings One- and two-family dwellings Townhouses three stories or less Multifamily, dormitories, and assisted living three stories or less Residential section of ECCC NYS-10 applies

Commercial Buildings All buildings that are not residential All hotels/motels Multifamily buildings four stories or greater Commercial section of ECCC NYS-10 applies Focus of this presentation

When does the Code Apply? All work covered by the code New construction Gut rehabs Existing buildings A few exceptions are listed in code section 101.4 Historic buildings

Compliance Process Codex Construction Documents Building Permit Construction Documents Field Inspections Pass

Compliance Paths * * NYS ECCC Pre sc riptive COMCheck ASHRAE Alte rnate Mate rials

Climate Zones http://energycode.pnl.gov/energycodereqs/?state=new%20york

Compliance Paths * * NYS ECCC Pre sc riptive A simple component by component requirement All relevant information should be included such that requirements can be confirmed On the drawings or in specifications Through notes and callouts Through supplementary worksheets or calculations.

Prescriptive Example All components must meet or exceed prescribed efficiency levels

Compliance Paths * * COMcheck COMcheck has two compliance paths Prescriptive Whole Building trade-off COMcheck available for free from DOE

Compliance Paths * * ASHRAE Standard 9 0.1-2 0 07 ASHRAE has two compliance paths Prescriptive Whole building trade-off method Typically used in high performance buildings (LEED) and buildings with a high window-to-wall ratio Allows greater flexibility with trade-offs

Compliance Paths Alternate * * Materials - Method of Construction, Design or Insulating Systems You can do things a different way, as long as you: Comply with intent of the code Achieve energy savings that are equivalent or greater than by the prescribed methods of the code.

Compliance Path Mandatory requirements for all compliance paths 502.4 Air Leakage 502.5 Vapor barriers 503.2 Provisions applicable to mechanical systems Equipment sizing Equipment efficiencies Thermostatic controls Setpoint overlap restrictions Etc 504 Service water heating 505.2 Lighting controls 505.3 Tandem wiring 505.4 Exit signs 505.6 Exterior lighting 505.7 Electrical energy consumption (direct or submetering)

QUESTION In your projects: What compliance paths are used? Has a building permit or certificate of occupancy been denied?

How is the Code Enforced? Outside of New York City Implemented by local municipalities Progress inspections performed by local code officials or third party (if approved by local code) New York City Design review by the Department of Buildings (DOB) Third party progress inspections required by: Registered design professional of record; or Approved inspection agency (registered design professional with five years of experience)

How to get Involved Design Phase Review documents Add details to drawings Add details to specs Construction Phase Identify issues before they arise Perform inspections for code compliance

Digging into the Code Focus on Issues we ve seen Confusing requirements We will not focus on: Simple requirements Requirements not often applicable to multifamily buildings

Envelope

Envelope Insulation Air barrier Windows Vents

Insulation Compliance depends on: R-Value Continuity Proper installation No gaps No compression No holes

Insulation

Insulation - Example Masonry building wall Required R-11.4 continuous (climate zone 4) Installed R-12 continuous except for perimeter at base of building

Insulation - Example Roof with cavity insulation Required R-20 continuous or R-38 (climate zone 4) Installed R-30 with gaps, holes, and compression

Insulation - Example Floor above outdoors Required R-30 (climate zone 4) Installed R-8 continuous and R-38 in some locations but compromised

Air Barrier Compliance depends on: Continuity!!! Proper sealing Flexibility Proper installation

Air Barrier When Design phase; AND Construction phase Where Openings (windows, doors, ventilation) Penetrations (pipes, exhaust, ACs) How Visual Blower door

Air Barrier - Example

Window s ECCC NYS-10 Framing other than metal* Over 40% window to wall ratio must use ASHRAE MPP Requirements Energy Star rated where available Comply with ECCC NYS-10 Climate Zone 4 5 6 U-factor 0.40 0.35 0.35 Metal framing* All other (Windows) U-factor 0.55 0.55 0.55 *window framing material

Window s Documentation Requirements U-factors and SHGC determined in accordance with NFRC If not NFRC rated must use defaults which will not meet prescriptive requirements Maximum air leakage 0.3 CFM/sf per AAMA or NFRC Windows must be labeled or cut sheet provided Required by both ECCC NYS-10 and MPP

Vents Types Stair Elevator Outdoor air intake Leakage requirement Must be equipped with motorized damper Maximum leakage rate of 4 CFM/sf (1-inch w.g./1250 Pa)

Piping and Ductw ork

Piping and Ductw ork Pipe insulation Duct insulation Duct sealing

Pipe Insulation Requirements ECCC NYS-10 and MPP NOMINAL PIPE DIAMETER FLUID 1.5" > 1.5" INSULATION THICKNESS Steam 1 1 / 2 3 Hot water 1 1 / 2 2 Chilled water, brine o r refrigerant 1 1 / 2 1 1 / 2 Based on insulation having a conductivity (k) not exceeding 0.27 Btu per inch/h ft 2 F.

Pipe Insulation Requirements - DHW ECCC NYS-10/ MPP (EB) MPP (NC) Fluid Insulation Thickness Insulation Thickness Se rvice Water Circulating System (diameter 1.5 ) 1 1 Se rvice Water Circulating System (diameter > 1.5 ) 1 1.5 Service Water Non-circulating System first 8 1 / 2 1 / 2 Based on insulation having a conductivity (k) not exceeding 0.27 Btu per inch/h ft 2 F.

Pipe Insulation Example Steam condensate Required 2-inch of continuous insulation Installed 1-inch continuous insulation

Piping Insulation Example Heating piping Required 2-inch of continuous insulation Installed 1-inch of non-continuous insulation

Pipe Insulation Example DHW piping Required 1-inch of continuous insulation Installed 1/2-inch of noncontinuous insulation

Ductw ork Insulation Heating and Cooling Ductwork Insulation ECCC NYS-10 / MPP (EB) MPP (NC) Co nditioned spaces Not required R-4 Unconditioned spaces R-5 R-6 Outside the building R-8 R-8

Ductw ork Air Sealing ECCC NYS-10/MPP (EB) All ducts, air handlers, and filter boxes shall be sealed Sealing must be completed with UL 181 complaint materials and methods MPP (NC) Heating/Cooling Systems Total duct leakage must be 8 CFM25 per 100 ft 2 of conditioned floor area ( 6 CFM25 per 100 ft 2, units >1200 ft 2 ) Exhaust Systems Total duct leakage must be 10 CFM50 per floor per shaft

Ductw ork Air Sealing

Mechanical

Mechanical Equipment Efficiencies But a lot more too Equipment sizing Controls Ventilation Energy recovery Testing and documentation And more

Equipment Efficiencies MPP - Energy Star rated equipment where applicable MPP - Atmospheric gas boilers cannot be specified as replacements

Equipment Sizing Heating and cooling equipment system capacity shall not exceed the load calculated in accordance with the code

Temperature Controls 503.2.4.3 Each zone shall be provided with thermostatic setback controls that are controlled by either an automatic time clock or programmable control system Exceptions 1. Zones that will be operated continuously 2. Zones with loads not exceeding 6,800 Btu/h and having a manual shutoff switch

Temperature Controls MPP (NC) A pump or valve must prevent terminal equipment from receiving conditioned fluid when no call from thermostat Each apartment shall be controlled by a thermostat within the apartment

Temperature Controls Multifamily buildings are operated continuously What is required by code? What is required by MPP? What about rooms that are not always open for occupancy? Community room Laundry room

Temperature Controls Multifamily buildings are operated continuously What is required by code? Temperature controls in each zone What is required by MPP? Temperature control in each apartment What about rooms that are not always open for occupancy? Community room Programmable thermostat required Laundry room Programmable thermostat required

Temperature Controls - Setback If thermostatic setback controls are required, must be able to: lower to 55 while in heating raise to 85 while in cooling Need to be 7 day programmable

Thermoset Controls - Deadband Minimum 5 F deadband between heating and cooling (unless manual switch for heat/cool) A single thermostat shall control heating and cooling in one space Deadband requirement prevents equipment from fighting itself

Temperature Controls - Deadband What about this?

Hydronic System Controls Part load controls Supply water reset based on return water temperature or outdoor air temperature; or Variable speed pumping Boiler staging or burner modulation required for boilers >500,000 Btu/h

Lighting

Lighting Interior lighting controls Exterior lighting controls Lighting Power Density Code does not apply Replacement of less than 50 percent of the luminaires in a space Replacement of only the bulb and ballast within existing luminaires

Lighting Controls - Interior Each area enclosed by walls shall have at least one manual control (unless occupancy sensor) ability to reduce lighting by at least 50% MPP (NC) All non apartment spaces not intended for 24 hr operation must have occupancy sensors

Lighting Controls - Exterior Security lighting Controlled by a photosensor; or Astronomical time switch Lighting NOT required for security Turned on by photosensor & off by time switch; or Turned on and off by astronomical time switch http://www.wattstopper.com/products/details.html?id=311

Lighting Pow er Density Lighting power density (LPD) Watts/square foot Multifamily LPD < 0.7 W/sf No LPD maximum in dwelling units if 50% of permanent fixtures have high-efficacy lamp MPP (NC) Whole building LPD < 0.7 W/sf or space by space LPD as required by ASHRAE 90.1

Project Documentation

Project Documentation - Design Construction documents must clearly indicate extent of proposed work Details should include Air sealing details R-values U-factors/SHGC Duct sealing Duct and pipe insulation Lighting fixture wattage and controls O&M manual requirements

Project Documentation - Construction Products and materials must be easily identified Insulation installers must provide certificate including: Type MPP Manufacture R-value EB Site Inspection Protocols Thickness NC Testing & Verification Protocols Coverage Area Number of bags if applicable

Operation & Maintenance Manual O&M manual required to be provided by the mechanical contractor Equipment capacity Required maintenance actions Equipment operation and maintenance manuals HVAC system control maintenance and calibration information Desired or field-determined setpoints shall be permanently recorded

Requirements for HVAC Testing Written certification needs to be provided showing HVAC tests have been performed Test reports must be kept by the design professional http://www.alnor-usa.com/

Conclusions As energy consultants Know the code Know how it applies to multifamily buildings Get involved Perform progress inspections Ask questions

Resources NYS Codes Hotline 518-474-4073 Free version of the code online http://publicecodes.citation.com/st/ny/st/index.htm International Energy Conservation Code Commentary document

Any questions?

Thank You Evan Hallas ehallas@taitem.com 607-277-1118 x103 Yossi Bronsnick ybronsnick@taitem.com 607.277.1118 x118 Please feel free to get in touch Taitem Engineering, PC 110 South Albany Street Ithaca, NY 14850 www.taitem.com