Changes to the Minnesota Commercial Energy Code. Presented by: Andy Thielen, PE

Changes to the Minnesota Commercial Energy Code Presented by: Andy Thielen, PE

Warning! The following is an outline of proposed code changes. There is no guarantee that the final code adopted by the State of Minnesota will resemble what has been proposed and/or outlined in the following. It is unknown when this code will be adopted by the State of Minnesota. (Work began in 2006 on the current version of the energy code which was adopted in 2009.) 2

What is an Energy Code? Energy codes are a subset of the Minnesota State Building Code, which establish baseline requirements and govern building construction in Minnesota. Energy codes set minimum efficiency requirements for the design of new and renovation of existing buildings, assuring reductions in energy use and emissions over the life of the building. 3

Who mandates the Energy Code? The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), through the Building Energy Codes Program (BECP), supports energy efficiency in buildings through the development and implementation of model codes and standards. DOE also provides technical assistance to states and localities as they adopt and enforce energy codes. Model Energy Codes include, but are not limited to: ICC s International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) ASHRAE s Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low-rise Residential Buildings (90.1). 4

How do the individual States, like Minnesota, become involved? The Federal Government requires individual states to certify that they have reviewed the provisions of their commercial building code requiring energy efficiency, and as necessary, updated their code to meet or exceed Standard 90.1-2010. See 76 Federal Register 202 (October 19, 2011). Minnesota first adopted an Energy Code for Buildings in 1974 and, with several editions since that time, currently has adopted the ASHRAE Standard 90.1 (2004) with amendments. See Minnesota Rules Chapter 1323 (2009). 5

What is Minnesota doing to comply? Most recently, the Federal Government has mandated that each State file certifications of review by October 18, 2013. In an effort to certify, a Commercial Energy Code Advisory Committee was formed to recommend changes to the Code. These recommendations have been made. Final decisions regarding the changes, if any, to the current rules, will be made by either an Administrative Law Judge or the Commissioner of Labor and Industry. (Unknown time frame) (Expect Minnesota to ask for an extension). 6

Interior Design Conditions Historically: As low as 68 F max heating design As high as 78 F min cooling design Proposed: (IECC Section C302.1) Heating load interior design temperature: 72 F max. Cooling load interior design temperature: 75 F min. 7

Interior Design Conditions C302.1 Exception: (For Minnesota) Spaces that require different indoor design temperatures due to the requirements of processes or functions occurring within those spaces, as approved by Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). Examples: Surgical Rooms Clean rooms Nursing Homes Process requirements 8

DOE Climate Zones will be used to determine envelope and efficiency requirements 9

Three Proposed Compliance Paths (New Buildings) 401.3 (Commercial Parking Garages) C401.2 (requires following one of three) ASHRAE 90.1 (2010) C401.2.2 (which requires) C401.2.3 402 (Building Envelopes) 403 (Building Mechanical Systems) 404 (Service Water Heating) 405 (Electrical Systems) 406 (One subsection from) 406.2 (HVAC Performance) 406.3 (Lighting System) 406.4 (Supply of Renewable Energy) 10

Current Vestibule Requirements Shall be a minimum of 7 feet between doors in closed position. Exceptions Doors in buildings less than four stories above grade. Doors not intended to be used as a building entrance door, suchas mechanical or electrical equipment rooms. Doors in building entrances with revolving doors 14

C402.4.7 Vestibules ALL Building entrances will require vestibules. Installation of revolving door does not eliminate the requirement for a vestibule at non revolving doors. No distance requirement between doors (except for ADA) Exceptions: Doors not intended to be used by the public, such as doors to mechanical or electrical equipment rooms, or intended solely for employee use 15

Building Envelope Proposed: IECC C402 Summary: More stringent requirements for the placement and detailing of the air barrier. Building envelope insulating values have increased. Building fenestration U values and SHGC s are lower. 16

Building Mechanical Systems C403.1 Mechanical systems and equipment serving the building heating, cooling or ventilation needs shall comply with Section C403.2 and either: 1. Section C403.3 (Simple systems) 1. 10 pages of tabulated equipment efficiencies 2. Section C403.4 (Complex Systems) 1. Economizers, VAV systems, Hydronic (3 pipe and 2 pipe change over systems), Heat rejection equipment fan speed control, Heat recovery for service water heating & hot gas bypass (limited to designs with multiple capacity steps) 22

Building Mechanical Systems C403.2.1 Calculation of heating and cooling loads. Design loads shall be determined in accordance with the procedures described in ANSI/ASHRAE/ACCA Standard 183. 23

Building Mechanical Systems C403.2.2 Equipment and system sizing. The output capacity of heating and cooling equipment and systems shall not exceed the loads calculated in accordance with Section C403.2.l. Exceptions: 1. Required standby equipment 2. Multiple units of the same equipment type with combined capacities exceeding the design load and provided with controls that have the capability to sequence the operation of each unit based on load. 3. Heating and cooling equipment sizing may be up to 10% greater than the calculated peak heating and cooling loads to allow for building pickup and cool down after temperature set back. (proposed amendment) 24

Table 403.2.3(4) & (5) Warm Air Furnaces and Gas-and Oil-Fired Boilers Summary: Warm air furnace efficiency requirements are unchanged. Hot water boiler efficiency requirements have increased slightly for boilers over 300,000 Btuh. Steam boiler efficiency requirements have increased slightly for some sizes. Some required efficiencies are thermal efficiency, and some are combustion efficiency. 25

Table 403.2.3(7) Water Chilling Packages Summary: More breakdown in chiller sizes. Efficiency requirements in new code are stated as EER for air cooled chillers, kw/ton for water cooled chillers, and COP for absorption chillers. New code efficiency requirements are very similar to old code, but IPLV values now included. Water cooled chillers have two paths for satisfying efficiency: Path A: Lower full load EER, higher IPLV. Path B: Higher full load EER, lower IPLV. 26

Table 403.2.3(8) Heat Rejection Equipment Summary: Includes cooling towers, fluid coolers, and air cooled condensers. Now includes closed circuit cooling towers. Requirements of new code are essentially the same as existing code. For example, for open circuit cooling tower: Existing code performance requires: 38.2 gpm/hp. New code performance requires: > 38.2 gpm/hp. Similarly for other heat rejection equipment. 27

C403.2.3 Proposed: Additional Mechanical Equipment Summary: There are some mechanical equipment efficiency requirements that are in ASHRAE 90.1-2010 that are not included in IECC 2012. It is proposed to add these: Electrically Operated Variable Refrigerant Flow Air Conditioners. Electrically Operated Variable Refrigerant Flow Air-to-Air and Applied Heat Pumps. Air Conditioners and Condensing Units Serving Computer Rooms. 28

C403.2.10.1 Proposed: Fan Power Limitations Current: Different requirements for < 20,000 cfm and > 20,000 cfm. 1000 cfm system Name Plate HP < 1.2 Proposed: Same requirements for all cfm. Allowable fan power has decreased for <20,000 cfm systems. 1000 cfm system: Name Plate HP < CFM X 0.0011 < 1.1 HP BHP method allows for restrictions in the system, including: Scrubbers. Air filters. Exhaust filters. Sound attenuators. Amendment allows for preheat coils and air blenders used in Minnesota s climate. 29

C403.2.5.1 Demand Controlled Ventilation (DCV) Current: 90.1 6.4.3.8 a design occupancy for ventilation of greater than 40 people per 1000 ft 2 of floor area and served by systems with one or more of the following: an air-side economizer automatic modulating control of the outdoor air damper, a design outdoor airflow greater than 3,000 CFM 30

C403.2.5.1 Demand Controlled Ventilation (DCV) Proposed (more restrictive): average occupant load of 25 people per 1,000 ft 2 and served by systems with one or more of the following: Air-side economizer. Automatic modulating control of outdoor air damper. Design outdoor airflow greater than 3,000 cfm. Exceptions. Energy recovery Multiple dumb (i.e. lacks central DDC) zones Systems under 1,200 cfm Outdoor Air 31

C403.2.6 Energy Recovery Ventilation Systems Current: Requires exhaust air heat recovery for systems over 5,000 cfm with a minimum outdoor air supply of 70%. Proposed: 32

Exceptions C403.2.6 Energy Recovery Ventilation Systems 1. Where energy recovery systems are prohibited by the International Mechanical Code. 2. Laboratory fume hood systems that include at least one of the following features: 2.1. Variable-air-volume hood exhaust and room supply systems capable of reducing exhaust and makeup air volume to 50 percent or less of design values except where higher volumes are required to maintain safe operating conditions. 2.2. Direct makeup (auxiliary) air supply equal to at least 75 percent of the exhaust rate, heated no warmer than 2 F above room setpoint, cooled to no cooler than 3 F below room setpoint, no humidification added, and no simultaneous heating and cooling used for dehumidification control. 3. Systems serving spaces that are heated to less than 60 F and are not cooled. 33

C403.2.6 Energy Recovery Ventilation Systems Exceptions (continued). 4. Where more than 60 percent of the outdoor heating energy is provided from site-recovered or site solar energy. 5. Cooling energy recovery in Climate Zones 3C, 4C, 5B, 5C, 6B, 7 and 8. 6. Systems requiring dehumidification that employ energy recovery in series with the cooling coil. (supermarket) 7. Where the largest source of air exhausted at a single location at the building exterior is less than 75 percent of the design outdoor air flow rate. (You can avoid an ERV by using 2 exhaust fans exhausting 50% of the air flow each) 34

C403.2.6 Energy Recovery Ventilation Systems Exceptions.(continued). 8. Systems expected to operate less than 20 hours per week at the outdoor air percentage covered by Table C403.2.6 9. Systems exhausting toxic, flammable, paint, or corrosive fumes or dust. 10. Commercial kitchen hoods used for collecting and removing grease vapors and smoke. Not allowed by the IMC (i.e. nothing in the ductwork) Dragon Fyre Energy recovery system installs in the hood. 35

Proposed System Commissioning C403.2.9 Mechanical systems commissioning and completion requirements. Mechanical systems shall be commissioned and completed in accordance with Section C408.2. 36

Economizers Current: Required on all systems 3,000 cfm or greater capacity. (Approximately 72,000 Btuh) Exceptions: 9 exceptions 37

C403.3.1 Economizers Proposed: Requires either an air or water economizer Exceptions: 1. Individual fan-cooling units with a supply capacity less than 33,000 Btuh Changes from 72,000 Btuh 2. Where more than 25 percent of the air designed to be supplied by the system is to spaces that are designed to be humidified above 35 F dew-point temperature to satisfy process needs. No Change 3. Systems that serve residential spaces where the system capacity is less than five times the requirement listed in Table C403.3.l (1). < 6600Btuh 38

C403.3.1 Economizers Exceptions (continued) 4. Systems expected to operate less than 20 hours per week. No Change from current code 5. Where the use of outdoor air for cooling will affect supermarket open refrigerated casework systems. No Change from current code 6. Where the cooling efficiency meets or exceeds the efficiency requirements in Table C403.3.1(2). Southern Climates - does not apply to MN 39

C404 Service Water Heating Summary: Requirements are essentially the same for both Codes. Minimum performance of water heating equipment is the same for most categories in both Codes. 41

C405 Electrical Power and Lighting Systems Current vs. Proposed: Lighting watts per square foot allowances are largely the same as current code for many spaces. However: Office spaces are reduced from 1.0 w/s.f. to 0.9 w/s.f. Retail spaces are reduced from 1.5 w/s.f. to 1.4 w/s.f. Warehouse spaces are reduced from 0.8 w/s.f. to 0.6 w/s.f. There are more requirements for lighting controls. 43

Three Proposed Compliance Paths (New Buildings) C401.2 (requires following one of three) ASHRAE 90.1 (2010) C401.2.2 (which requires) C401.2.3 401.3 (Commercial Parking Garages) 402 (Building Envelopes) 403 (Building Mechanical Systems) 404 (Service Water Heating) 405 (Electrical Systems) 406 (One subsection from) 406.2 (HVAC Performance) (1-2 point higher SEER rating on equipment) 406.3 (Lighting System) (9 30% decreases in consumption) 406.4 (Supply of Renewable Energy) -.5 w/ft 2 of conditioned space -3% of the energy used in the building 44

C406 Additional Efficiency Package Options C406.2 Efficient HVAC performance. Equipment shall meet the minimum efficiency requirements of Tables C406.2(1) through C406.2(7) in addition to the requirements in Section C403. This section shall only be used where the equipment efficiencies in Tables C406.2(1) through C406.2(7) are greater than the equipment efficiencies listed in Table C403.2.3(1) through 403.2.3(7) for the equipment type. 45

C406 Additional Efficiency Package Options C406.3 Efficient lighting system. Whole building lighting power density (Watts/sf) shall comply with the requirements of Section C406.3.1 C406.3.1 Reduced lighting power density. The total interior lighting power (watts) of the building shall be determined by using the reduced whole building interior lighting power in Table C406.3 times the floor area for the building types. 47

C406 Additional Efficiency Package Options C406.4 On-site renewable energy. Total minimum ratings of on-site renewable energy systems shall comply with one of the following: 1. Provide not less than 1.75 Btu (1850 W), or not less than 0.50 watts per square foot of conditioned floor area. 2. Provide not less than 3 percent of the energy used within the building for building mechanical and service water heating equipment and lighting regulated in this chapter. 50

Three Proposed Compliance Paths 401.3 (Commercial Parking Garages) C401.2 (requires following one of three) ASHRAE 90.1 (2010) C401.2.2 (which requires) 402 (Building Envelopes) 403 (Building Mechanical Systems) 404 (Service Water Heating) 405 (Electrical Systems) 406 (One subsection from) C401.2.3 406.2 (HVAC Performance) (1-2 point higher SEER rating on equipment) 406.3 (Lighting System) (9 30% decreases in consumption) 406.4 (Supply of Renewable Energy) -.5 w/ft 2 of conditioned space -3% of the energy used in the building C407 an annual energy cost that is less than or equal to 85% of the annual energy cost of the standard reference design. C402.4 Air Leakage C403.2 Provisions applicable to all mechanical systems C404 Service Water Heating C405.2 Lighting Controls 405.3 Tandem Wiring 405.4, Exit signs 405.6 Exterior lighting C405.7 Separate meters in buildings with dwelling units mandatory requirement 51

Two Proposed Compliance Paths (Existing Buildings) C401.2.3 Application ASHRAE 90.1 (2010) All of the following Section C402 Section C403 Section C404 Section C405 60

Two Proposed Compliance Paths (Existing Buildings) C401.2.3 Application (Existing Buildings) ASHRAE 90.1 (2010) All of the following Section C402 Section C403 Section C404 Section C405 61

Two Proposed Compliance Paths (Existing Buildings) C401.2.3 Application (Existing Buildings) ASHRAE 90.1 (2010) All of the following Section C402 (Building Envelopes) Section C403 Section C404 Section C405 62

System Commissioning Current Code: HVAC System Acceptance Testing. HVAC systems shall be tested and adjusted for function and performance to ensure that control elements are calibrated, and in proper working condition and that components, equipment, systems, and interfaces between systems conform to the construction documents. Acceptance testing and documentation shall be completed in accordance with Sections 7.2.9, 7.2.10, 7.2.13, and 7.2.15 of ASHRAE Guideline 0-2005. "The Commissioning Process" and the documentation shall be submitted to the building official upon request. 66

Proposed System Commissioning C408.2 Mechanical system commissioning and completion requirements. Prior to passing the final mechanical inspection, the registered design professional shall provide evidence of mechanical systems commissioning and completion in accordance with the provisions of this section must be provided. Copies of all documentation shall be given to the owner and made available to the code official upon request in accordance with Sections C408.2.4 and C408.2.5. 67

System Commissioning (C408.2 continued) Exception: The following systems are exempt from the commissioning requirements: 1. Mechanical systems in buildings where the total mechanical equipment capacity is less than 480,000 Btu/h cooling capacity and 600,000 Btu/h heating capacity. 2. Systems included in Section C403.3 that serve dwelling units and sleeping units in hotels, motels, boarding houses or similar units. (reminder of section unchanged). 68

System Commissioning C408.2.1 Commissioning plan. A commissioning plan shall be provided and shall include the following items: 1. A narrative description of the activities that will be accomplished during each phase of commissioning, including the personnel intended to accomplish each of the activities. 2. A listing of the specific equipment, appliances or systems to be tested and a description of the tests to be performed. 3. Functions to be tested, including, but not limited to calibrations and economizer controls. 4. Conditions under which the test will be performed. At a minimum, testing shall affirm winter and summer design conditions and full outside air conditions. 5. Measurable criteria for performance. 69

System Commissioning C408.2.4 Preliminary commissioning report. A preliminary report of commissioning test procedures and results shall be completed and certified by a qualified registered professional and provided to the building owner. The report shall be identified as "Preliminary Commissioning Report" and shall identify: 1. Itemization of deficiencies found during testing required by this section that have not been corrected at the time of report preparation. 2. Deferred tests that cannot be performed at the time of report preparation because of climatic conditions. 3. Climatic conditions required for performance of the deferred tests. 70

System Commissioning C408.2.4.1 Acceptance of report. Buildings, or portions thereof, shall not pass the final mechanical inspection until such time as the code official has received a letter of transmittal from the building owner acknowledging that the building owner has received the Preliminary Commissioning Report. C408.2.4.2 Copy of report. The code official shall be permitted to require that a copy of the Preliminary Commissioning Report be made available for review by the code official. 71

System Commissioning C408.2.5.4 Final commissioning report. A report of test procedures and results identified as "Final Commissioning Report" shall be delivered to the building owner and shall include: 1. Results of functional performance tests. 2. Disposition of deficiencies found during testing, including details of corrective measures used or proposed. 3. Functional performance test procedures used during the commissioning process including measurable criteria for test acceptance, provided herein for repeatability. Exception: Deferred tests which cannot be performed at the time of report preparation due to climatic conditions. 72

System Commissioning C408.3 Lighting system functional testing. Controls for automatic lighting systems shall comply with Section C408.3. C408.3.1 Functional testing. Testing shall ensure that control hardware and software are calibrated, adjusted, programmed and in proper working condition in accordance with the construction documents and manufacturer's installation instructions. The construction documents shall state the party who will conduct the required functional testing. 73

System Commissioning Where required by the code official, an approved party independent from the design or construction of the project shall be responsible for the functional testing and shall provide documentation to the code official certifying that the installed lighting controls meet the provisions of Section C405. Where occupant sensors, time switches, programmable schedule controls, photosensors or daylighting controls are installed, the following procedures shall be performed: 1. Confirm that the placement, sensitivity and time-out adjustments for occupant sensors yield acceptable performance. 2. Confirm that the time switches and programmable schedule controls are programmed to turn the lights off. 3. Confirm that the placement and sensitivity adjustments for photosensor controls reduce electric light based on the amount of usable daylight in the space as specified. 74

System Commissioning Documentation Requirements Essentially the same for both codes. C408.2.5.1 Drawings. Construction documents shall include the location and performance data on each piece of equipment. 75

System Commissioning Documentation requirements C408.2.5.2 Manuals. An operating and maintenance manual shall be provided and include all of the following: 1. Submittal data stating equipment size and selected options for each piece of equipment requiring maintenance. 2. Manufacturer's operation manuals and maintenance manuals for each piece of equipment requiring maintenance, except equipment not furnished as part of the project. Required routine maintenance actions shall be clearly identified. 3. Name and address of at least one service agency. 4. HVAC controls system maintenance and calibration information, including wiring diagrams, schematics, and control sequence descriptions. Desired or field-determined setpoints shall be permanently recorded on control drawings at control devices or, for digital control systems, in system programming instructions. 5. A narrative of how each system is intended to operate, including recommended setpoints. 76

System Commissioning Documentation requirements C408.2.5.3 System balancing report. A written report describing the activities and measurements completed in accordance with Section C408.2.2. C408.2.5.4 Final commissioning report. A report of test procedures and results identified as "Final Commissioning Report. 77

System Commissioning Documentation requirements C408.3 Lighting system functional testing. Controls for automatic lighting systems shall comply with Section C408.3. Functional testing. Where required by the code official, an approved party independent from the design or construction of the project shall be responsible for the functional testing and shall provide documentation to the code official Where occupant sensors, time switches, programmable schedule controls, photosensors or daylighting controls are installed Confirm that the placement, sensitivity and time-out adjustments for occupant sensors yield acceptable performance. Confirm that the time switches and programmable schedule controls are programmed to turn the lights off. Confirm that the placement and sensitivity adjustments for photosensor controls reduce electric light based on the amount of usable daylight in the space as specified. 78

Summary Although the updated Code has a different publisher, the Codes say nearly the same thing. Updated Code has more stringent building envelope requirements. How does the updated Code effect utility rebates? How does the updated Code effect existing buildings? 79

Changes to the Minnesota Commercial Energy Code Presented by: Andy Thielen, PE