Commercial Energy Code Changes Throughout 2014

New ASHRAE 2013 Standard and IECC 2015, Plus State Changes

A lot has happened with commercial energy codes this year, so in an effort to provide an easy-to-understand summary, I’ve compiled a synopsis of all the important changes you need to know about.

ASHRAE 2013 Standard and IECC 2015 Commercial Code Published

The latest editions of the ASHRAE Standard (2013) and the IECC Code (2015) have been published. While no state has adopted the newest requirements, they will inevitably be implemented during future cycles.

Changes pertain to increased energy efficiency and extended flexibility and usability of the Standard/code. For example, door and window performance requirements (heating efficiencies) have been increased, as have a few building envelope performance values.

Per the ASHRAE 2013 Standard, if the purlin space is under 4 feet, there’s a reduction you must take in the U-value in the overall insulation system. This was the first reduction mentioned for metal buildings for purlin spaces under 4 feet.

Changes by State

The following states have adopted IECC 2012 or ASHRAE 2010 in the last 12 months:

• Illinois
• Iowa
• Kentucky
• Massachusetts
• Mississippi
• North Dakota
• Oregon
• Rhode Island
• Utah
• Virginia
• Washington State (state-specific code modeled after IECC 2012)

Next Time…

It’s been a good year for commercial energy codes. The newest changes mean more efficient buildings that have greater potential to save end-users money.

Check back in February for my next post, which will include some of the key takeaways from a few industry meetings I’ll be attending in January.

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