Case Studies - Washington State Energy Code

The Residential Code Monitoring Program

Executive Summary

On July 1, 1991, Washington State began enforcing the requirements of an energy code based on the Model Conservation Standards. The Washington State Energy Office, a non-regulatory state agency, was awarded the task of providing support for the new code.

The Washington State Energy Code Program provided financial and technical support to ensure the successful implementation of the 1991 Washington State Energy Code. A cornerstone of the code was the Monitoring Program, designed to provide feedback on code compliance. The Monitoring Program was developed with input from the shelter industry, code officials, utilities and all levels of government.

The methodologies utilized in code compliance data collection were not highly scientific. Instead, the approach to data collection mirrored the building inspection process. Many code requirements are qualitative and therefore the data analysis is not based upon objective certainty. However, since the monitoring process and staff were consistent throughout the program, relative compliance levels are measurable over the four year data collection period.

The Monitoring Program was a useful vehicle in disseminating technical information to builders, code officials, code trainers, and technical assistance providers. Data collection was not an end in itself; the primary purpose of the Program was to provide on-site code technical assistance. The monitoring process had a positive and direct effect on overall compliance.

Analysis of the data shows that compliance improved steadily during the four year period of data collection. A third party analysis of residential energy code compliance in Washington State concludes that the code is providing energy savings.

The general methodology of data collection and technical assistance used for the Monitoring Program can be utilized by other entities, if increased code compliance is the desired result.