Building for the Future: The Benefits of Complying to Energy Codes

Building codes are a major player in shaping energy efficiency within new construction, and they are continuously undergoing significant changes to enhance building quality, reduce energy consumption, and promote building resiliency. We’re exploring current building codes, emerging technologies, challenges faced by builders, future trends, and actionable steps to improve energy efficiency and resiliency in your buildings.

Overview of Current Building Codes
As of September 20, 2017, Michigan is regulated by the Michigan Energy Code (MEC) based on the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) and ASHRAE 90.1-2013. These guidelines ensure that structures contribute to energy conservation by establishing minimum energy efficiency criteria for new construction and major renovations. Here is a summary of what they entail:

2015 IECC:

Building Envelope:

• Insulation Levels: Owners must ensure that walls, roofs, and floors meet specified insulation R-values based on their climate zone, impacting heating and cooling costs.
• Air Leakage Testing: Buildings must undergo air leakage testing, which can lead to additional upfront costs but saves on energy bills in the long run.

HVAC Systems:

• Equipment Efficiency: Higher efficiency ratings for HVAC systems are required, which may involve investing in newer, more efficient equipment.
• Commissioning: Systems must be commissioned app to ensure they operate as intended, often leading to improved indoor comfort and energy savings.

Lighting:

• Automatic Controls: Implementing automatic lighting controls (like occupancy sensors) is required, reducing energy use when spaces are unoccupied.
• Daylight Harvesting: Windows and skylights should be designed to utilize natural light effectively, minimizing reliance on artificial lighting.

Water Heating:

• Efficient Water Heaters: New efficiency standards for water heaters can affect initial installation costs but can lead to lower utility bills.

Renewable Energy Integration:

• Solar Ready: Buildings may need to be designed with the capability to add solar panels in the future, which can provide long-term energy savings.

ASHRAE 90.1 – 2013

Overall Energy Use:

• Energy Use Intensity (EUI): Owners should be aware of EUI benchmarks to compare their building’s energy performance against similar buildings, which can help identify improvement opportunities.

HVAC and Refrigeration:

• Higher Efficiency Standards: New HVAC systems must meet stricter efficiency requirements, meaning owners may need to upgrade older systems for compliance and cost savings.
• Improved Controls: Investment in advanced control systems can optimize HVAC operations, enhance comfort, and reduce energy waste.

Lighting and Daylighting:

• Interior Lighting Power Allowances: Owners must ensure that lighting systems comply with power allowances to limit energy consumption.
• Daylighting Requirements: Incorporating windows and skylights that meet specific performance criteria can reduce lighting energy use.

Building Automation Systems (BAS):

• Integration of Building Automation Systems (BAS): Encourages investment in building automation systems that monitor and adjust energy use, leading to significant operational savings.

Compliance Options:

• Alternative Compliance Paths: Owners can demonstrate compliance through energy modeling, allowing flexibility in meeting code requirements while optimizing design.

Michigan is set to update the MEC to ASHRAE 90.1-2019 and the 2021 IECC in the near future. These stricter standards reflect a growing awareness of the need for more stringent energy regulations. Although the energy code is a starting point, buildings may surpass these specifications, resulting in greater building resiliency and energy savings. Though these codes can seem daunting, more resources are becoming available to ensure compliance is as simple as possible. For instance, in Michigan, the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) have created the Michigan Energy Codes Compliance Collaborative, providing checklists, building operator training, and much more.

The Critical Role of Energy Code Compliance
Adherence to energy codes is crucial for buildings to satisfy regulatory standards and contribute to a healthier environment. Neglecting them might have serious repercussions; for instance, air leaks are a common problem in buildings that don’t satisfy energy efficiency regulations. Surface condensation results from these leaks, letting unconditioned air in. This buildup of moisture over time may form mold, which is a significant health hazard to residents and may cause adverse effects such as allergic reactions and respiratory issues.

Neglecting energy codes might result in higher maintenance costs in addition to health risks. Problems such as mold removal, water damage restoration, and ineffective heating and cooling systems can rapidly accumulate, burdening finances and resources. Energy waste from inadequately insulated buildings exacerbates financial constraints, leading to higher utility costs.

Structures that effectively incorporate energy-efficient measures gain several advantages. Because energy-efficient systems use less energy, operating expenses are frequently lower when energy codes are followed, reducing utility expenses while extending the life of building systems, resulting in fewer replacements and maintenance over time. Also, improved temperature control and air quality in energy-efficient buildings usually improve occupant comfort.

As awareness of the importance of responsible development grows, architects and builders increasingly recognize the value of energy codes. Many are now prioritizing resilient design principles and incorporating advanced technologies that optimize energy use. By doing so, they contribute to a healthier built environment and help mitigate the impacts of our evolving energy needs, making energy code compliance not just a regulatory obligation but a vital step to more resilient construction in the future.

Innovative Emerging Technologies
Technological advancements and a growing awareness of environmental vulnerability have led to numerous innovations emerging to help meet energy codes, transforming how buildings are designed, constructed, and operated. Smart home systems, energy-efficient appliances, and responsibly sourced materials are examples of technologies that can significantly enhance a building’s energy performance.

Smart home technologies are at the forefront, allowing for precise energy management that enables occupants to optimize their energy use. With smart thermostats, users can program heating and cooling schedules tailored to their daily routines, ensuring energy is not wasted in unoccupied spaces. Smart lighting systems can adjust automatically based on natural light levels or occupancy, reducing energy consumption. These technologies contribute to lower utility bills and create a more comfortable living environment.

Energy-efficient appliances, from refrigerators to washing machines, also play a crucial role. These appliances are designed to use less energy without sacrificing performance. By replacing older, less efficient models with ENERGY STAR-rated options, homeowners and businesses can significantly lower their energy consumption, which aligns with contemporary building codes and helps mitigate environmental impact. Furthermore, integrating energy-efficient technologies in commercial settings can lead to substantial savings over time, enhancing the overall economic viability of the building.

Specific materials can also contribute to a building’s energy performance. For example, high-performance insulation, reflective roofing, and energy-efficient windows minimize heat loss and gain, helping to regulate indoor temperatures. Additionally, renewable materials, like bamboo or recycled steel, reduce the construction’s carbon footprint and promote a healthier indoor environment by limiting harmful chemicals often found in traditional building materials.

As these technologies continue to develop, they create opportunities for architects, builders, and occupants to collaborate in creating resilient new construction. Integrating these systems meets current energy codes and positions buildings for future standards that will likely become more particular over time. By embracing these innovations, stakeholders can contribute to a more energy-efficient and responsible built environment.

Challenges & Solutions
While energy codes are designed to be manageable, their implementation can present challenges. Architects generally find it straightforward to meet these standards, as they are structured in small, incremental steps. Contractors, however, often encounter more challenges, primarily due to unfamiliarity with the codes or reluctance to adopt new practices.

Collaboration between architects and contractors is crucial to addressing these challenges. Open communication and education about the benefits of responsible construction can facilitate a smoother transition. Additionally, utilizing resources such as training programs and workshops can empower contractors to embrace innovative approaches, enhancing their confidence in implementing energy-efficient practices.

Another significant challenge arises in the context of renovations and existing construction. Retro-commissioning is a valuable process for improving existing buildings’ performance, ensuring they operate efficiently according to current standards. While building codes provide a framework for new projects, retro-commissioning optimizes existing structures to meet modern energy efficiency and resiliency goals. These strategies create a comprehensive approach to enhancing energy performance across new and existing buildings.

Looking Ahead
It’s clear that energy efficiency in building codes will continue to evolve. Current codes already do not reflect best practices, and new codes are being drafted for more advanced frameworks. Over the next decade, we expect more comprehensive regulations emphasizing compliance and true energy efficiency.

As building owners and occupants, you are important in implementing energy-efficient solutions. Take a moment to assess your buildings: Are lights left on unnecessarily? Are there air gaps that could be sealed? Are occupants expressing discomfort due to temperature variations? These observations can reveal significant opportunities for energy savings.

At Energy Sciences, we offer various energy audit solutions, from simple walkthrough assessments to in-depth facility evaluations. Our team can help identify improvement opportunities, ultimately leading to reduced energy costs and more long-term resiliency!