U.S. Department of Energy - Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
Skip Navigation to main content U.S. Department of Energy Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
Building Energy Codes Program
Site Map Need Help? -
Ask an Energy Codes Expert
(Software Tools and Energy Codes Assistance)
EERE Information Center
Printer Friendly Format
Building Energy Codes Program

Energy Codes 2008 Agenda


A special thank you to our sponsors that have contributed to the planning and success of this event.

The final program brochure (PDF 3.2 MB) is available to print and/or view online.

Tuesday, July 22, 2008 – Pre–Training
7:00 – 5:00 Registration – Lower Level Coat Check
  Minnesota East Ballroom
8:00 – 5:00 Building Tours
10:00 am – 4:45 pm
(Pre-loading on motor coach 9:45 am)
Lunch and transportation provided with tour 		Pre-Energy Codes 2008 Training
Minnesota's Residential Energy Code
2006 International Energy Code Chapter 1322,
8:00 am – 3:00 pm
Lunch on your own

Code Compliance Software Training
Overview of How to Use REScheck
3:30 pm – 5:00 pm
6:00 – 8:00 Welcoming Reception – Windows on the River

Day 1:  Wednesday, July 23, 2008
7:00 – 8:30 Registration – Lower Level Coat Check
Continental Breakfast – Minnesota West & Capitol Ballrooms
  Minnesota East Ballroom
8:30 – 8:35

Welcome, Agenda Overview

8:35 – 8:45

Dignitaries

8:45 – 9:00

State Energy Office, Minnesota Department of Commerce

9:00 – 9:30

Jean Boulin, DOE–HQ

9:30 – 10:00

Jean Boulin, DOE–HQ

10:00 – 10:15 Break – Minnesota West & Capitol Ballrooms
10:15 – 11:15 Building Energy Code Enforcement – A Significant Challenge
11:15 – 11:30 Jeffrey A. Johnson Award Announcement
11:30 – 12:30 Banquet Lunch – Keynote Speaker – Minnesota West & Capitol Ballrooms
12:45 – 1:45 Tools of the Future
  • SmartCodes
  • EnergyPlus and Google Sketchup
1:45 – 2:00 Break – Minnesota West & Capitol Ballrooms
 
Track 1 – Residential
Minnesota East Ballroom
Track 2 – Commercial
Governors I & V
2:00 – 3:00

Energy Efficient Designs

Public–Private Partnerships
2:00 – 2:30

Beyond 30%
2:30 – 3:00
3:00 – 4:00 Societal Change Through Affordable
Energy Efficient Homes		 ASHRAE's Path to Net Zero Energy Buildings
4:00 – 6:00 Cracker Barrel (Hors d'oeuvres and beverages will be provided)
Governors II-IV
Evening Event: On Your Own

Day 2:  Thursday, July 24, 2008
7:00 – 8:00 Registration – Lower Level Coat Check
Continental Breakfast – Minnesota West & Capitol Ballrooms
 
Track 1
30% Residential Initiative
Minnesota East Ballroom
Track 2
30% Commercial Initiative
Governors I & V
8:00 – 10:00 Residential 30% Initiative
8:00 – 10:00

Bringing it Together: Envelope
8:00 – 9:00

The Evolution of ASHRAE 90.1: Mechanical
9:00 – 10:00
10:00 – 10:15 Break – Minnesota West & Capitol Ballrooms
10:15 – 11:15

Residential 30% Initiative Discussions (continued)
Panel Discussion – Q&A

 Advancement in Lighting
11:30 – 1:30 Lunch and States Rally – Minnesota West & Capitol Ballrooms
1:30 – 2:30 Beyond 30% Building America Standard 189.1
2:30 – 2:45 Break – Minnesota West & Capitol Ballrooms
2:45 – 3:45 Builders Making it Happen Beyond 2030: Measuring Pay-Back on Green Building Technologies
3:45 – 5:00 Are States Ready to Adopt and Implement More Stringent Building Energy Codes? –
Minnesota East Ballroom
5:30 pm Dinner & Events TBD

Friday, July 25, 2008 – Post–Training
7:30 – 9:00 Registration – Lower Level Coat Check
Continental Breakfast and Wrap-Up Feedback Session – Minnesota West & Capitol Ballrooms
8:00 – 4:00

Post-Energy Codes 2008 Training

Code Compliance Software Training
COMcheck Commercial Code Compliance Training
8:00 – 9:30

Minnesota's Commercial Energy Code
9:45 – 4:00

Lunch on your own


Paperless Event

In our efforts to conserve resources, Energy Codes 2008 will not make copies of individual presentations available to attendees. Presentation CDs will be available after the event. If you wish to receive the Energy Codes 2008 presentation CD, please sign up for a copy at the registration desk. All presentations will be available at www.energycodes.gov/news/ecodes2008/presentations.stm after the event.

Pre-Training/Sessions
Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Registration

7:00 am - 5:00 pm

Buildings Tours

10:00 am - 4:45 pm

Minnesota Residential Energy Code Training

8:00 am - 3:00 pm

Overview of How to Use REScheck

3:30 am - 5:00 pm

This all-day training session will be on the residential energy code and compliance.

Welcoming Reception

6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Please join us for a casual welcoming reception with hors d'oeuvres and beverages.

Energy Codes 2008 Sessions
Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Registration and Continental Breakfast

7:00 am - 8:30 am

Welcome, Agenda Overview

8:30 am - 10:00 am

Break

10:00 am - 10:15 am

Building Energy Code Enforcement - A Significant Challenge

10:15 am - 11:15 am

Building code officials face a number of issues when reviewing building plans and actual construction sites for code compliance. The energy aspect of the code is rarely the highest priority for the code officials. A variety of the issues faced by code officials when reviewing the energy portion of the residential and commercial portions of the energy code will be discussed along with various "solutions" that have been successful enforcing the code. In addition, there will be some discussion regarding other ideas that need to be considered by the building community to further enhance building energy code enforcement. There will be significant discussion at Energy Codes 2008 regarding major jumps in energy efficiency that are being considered for residential and commercial buildings. Once these increases are accepted by ASHRAE and the IECC, there will be significant pressure on the states to adopt and implement the energy codes. This will no doubt put further pressure on building code officials. Code enforcement is the final step to ensuring energy savings will be achieved in the newly constructed buildings and alterations to existing buildings. This topic should be of interest to everyone!

Jeffrey A. Johnson Award for Excellence in the Advancement of Building Energy Codes and Performance Announcement

11:15 am-11:30 am

Keynote and Banquet Lunch

11:30 am-12:30 pm

Tools of the Future

12:45 pm-1:45 pm

SMARTcodes

The presentation will focus on efforts underway to facilitate the ability for software applications to create a building information model (BIM), "read" the BIM and then apply energy codes or standards as a limiting rule set to automatically show where the BIM may be lacking needed information and of the information provided if it satisfies energy codes and standards. Details will be provided on making codes and standards "smart", how auto code checking works and what lies ahead for application of BIM and auto code checking in an e-government environment.

EnergyPlus and Google SketchUp

Google's SketchUp is the tool of choice for early design for quick development and testing of building massing and form. The Energy Design Plugin integrates the EnergyPlus building simulation program into SketchUp, allowing building simulation at the earliest stages of design.

Choose Track 1 – Residential or Track 2 – Commercial Sessions

Track 1 – Residential

Energy Efficient Designs

2:00 pm-3:00 pm

Widespread attention is now given to issues of climate change, energy consumption, and resource depletion and buildings play a large part in these issues. The U.S. building sector accounts for approximately 40% of all energy use and CO2 emissions. Indicators regarding climate change, fossil fuel supply and demand, and rising costs suggest that anything built today should use a maximum of half the energy of that which we built yesterday, and far greater reductions in energy use and emissions are likely to be required in the next 10-20 years.

The opportunities for energy conservation and greenhouse gas emission reduction in residential buildings are significant, using readily available materials and methods. Building design practices coupled with energy modeling can be used to create buildings that use 10%-50% of the energy commonly found in current code-compliant practice. Concepts discussed will include passive solar design, relevant measurements, defining targets, and the need to embrace math as a design tool.

Societal Change Through Affordable Energy Efficient Homes

3:00 pm-4:00 pm

We will speak to Habitat for Humanity's expected leadership role in helping bring about broader societal change in this important aspect of our world today. The affordability and value position of building to Habitat's "new" U.S. Construction Standards Guidance (essentially ENERGY STAR® plus Indoor Air Quality measures) and ENERGY STAR as a starting point to focus on the home as a whole collection of systems. Beyond Code and Beyond ENERGY STAR in a step-by-step method and program support at each level. (Beyond ENERGY STAR …Raising the Bar)

Track 2 – Commercial

Public-Private Partnerships

2:00 pm-2:30 pm

DOE has launched a series of Commercial Building Energy Alliances to minimize the energy and environmental impact of commercial buildings and reduce energy costs for these buildings. Alliances are under way or planned for Retailers, Commercial Real Estate and Institutional buildings, as well as a separate alliance serving the needs of the Commercial Buildings Industry–architects, engineers, consultants, utilities, finance, contractors, and manufacturers. In addition, DOE is seeking proposals to build new commercial buildings with 50% energy savings and to retrofit existing buildings for at least 30% energy savings.

Beyond 30%

2:30 pm-3:00 pm

Working with ASHRAE, IESNA, AIA, and USGBC, DOE has been developing a series of guides for 30% energy savings beyond Standard 90.1-1999–for small offices, small retail buildings, warehouses, K-12 schools, and motels. In addition, DOE is working on energy design guides for 50% energy savings in grocery and "medium box" retail stores.

ASHRAE's Path to Net Zero Energy Buildings

3:00 pm-4:00 pm

In collaboration with other industry partners, ASHRAE is developing tools for design professionals to use in designing net zero energy buildings. From improvements in existing standards and developing new standards to creating Advanced Energy Design Guides, ASHRAE is promoting strategies to improve energy efficiency in new and existing buildings. The speaker will discuss the many ASHRAE activities underway to support and advance sustainability.

Cracker Barrel

4:00 pm-6:00 pm

Come enjoy light hors d'oeuvres – select your five favorite topics of interest and spend 20 minutes exploring each of them.

Presentation Descriptions

What Can DOE Do to Help? - Jean Boulin, Mike DeWein, and Rose Bartlett

DOE will discuss technical resources and advocacy assistance that are available to states through the BECP. Learn about new tools and examples of successful advocacy. DOE and BCAP will review what's happening around the country with code adoption and discuss how to make the most of these freely available resources.

Sneak Preview of Check Software Enhancements - Linda Connell

See new features planned for REScheck and COMcheck, including:

Energy Code Compliance Issues - Aleisha Khan and Kym Willock

Participate in a discussion on the issues and barriers to code compliance as experienced by those who use the code and those who enforce it. BCAP will present data from a national survey, highlighting key areas that consistently present problems, along with recommendations offered from the field to make improvements. This is an opportunity to take a national perspective and formulate local strategies to better implement energy codes.

Efficient Windows Collaborative - Nils Petermann

Building energy codes have helped foster more energy-efficient options in the windows market. However, where code requirements for windows do not exist or are not enforced, long-term energy savings are often sacrificed to minimize initial cost. Millions of new windows installed in the U.S. still lack even the most cost-effective energy-saving features. In this cracker barrel session, the Efficient Windows Collaborative will discuss:

Tools for Code Compliance and Energy Rating - Muthusamy Swami

Demonstrate residential and commercial building code compliance and rating tools that implement the latest IECC (residential through IECC 2006) and ASHRAE (Chapter 11 and Appendix G, through 90.1-2007) standards. In addition, the presentation will also demonstrate tools that allow one to qualify for the 2005 Energy Bill's provisions for residential energy tax credits and commercial building energy tax deductions. The latest feature, LEED 2.2 NC Energy Modeling, will show how to obtain LEED credits.

Unvented Heaters - Craig Conner

Unvented heaters (vent-free heaters) are gas heaters that operate without a vent, chimney, or flue; taking their combustion air from inside the residence and venting combustion products back into the residence. The industry claims about 1 million were sold last year. Local regulations vary from acceptance within code guidelines to complete prohibition. As homes become tighter and more energy efficient, IAQ and moisture concerns increase. The combustion products and potential risks associated with unvented heaters will be discussed. Proposed regulation of unvented heaters will also be discussed.

Southern Energy Efficiency Center (SEEC) - Mangesh Basarkar

The SEEC is a pilot, high-performance buildings technology application center serving the southern United States. Its overall mission is to leverage the existing interactions and outreach activities of the SEEC principals and partners to substantially increase the deployment of high-performance, beyond-code buildings across the southern region of the United States. Primary funding is from the DOE Building Technologies Program (BTP), administered by the National Energy Technology Laboratory. The three SEEC principals are the Florida Solar Energy Center, Southface, and Texas A&M Energy Systems Lab.

Northwest Building Efficiency Center (NBEC) - Gary Nordeen

The NBEC is a new program that delivers energy efficiency information to building professionals in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington. NBEC offers assistance with designing, building, remodeling, or maintaining a residential or commercial building. NBEC is a source for timely and objective information on energy efficiency.

Energy Codes 2008 Sessions
Thursday, July 24, 2008

Registration and Continental Breakfast

7:00 am-8:00 am

Choose Track 1 – Residential or Track 2 – Commercial

Track 1 – Residential

Residential 30% Initiative

8:00 am-10:00 am

Joining forces with numerous interested and affected parties, DOE is pursuing the aggressive goal of a 30% reduction in the energy consumption of IECC-complying homes by 2012. This session features a diverse set of speakers trying to answer the question of how. Afterward, the speakers will join other building construction and energy codes experts in a spirited panel discussion. Come prepared to participate.

Break

10:00 am-10:15 am

30% Initiative Discussions (continued) / Panel Discussion

10:15 am-11:15 am

Lunch and States Rally

11:30 am-1:30 pm

In this fast-paced session, representatives of the Regional Energy Efficiency Groups will provide an overview of the code activities in their respective regions, after which each State representative in attendance will identify the most critical codes efforts and compliance issues they face day-to-day.

Beyond 30% Building America

1:30 pm-2:30 pm

As researchers for energy-efficient solutions in residential construction, IBACOS partners with and participates as a team leader in the U.S. Department of Energy's Building America program. The Building America Program combines the knowledge and resources of industry leaders with the U.S. Department of Energy's technical capabilities to act as a catalyst for energy efficiency in the homebuilding industry. Through the Building America program, IBACOS works together with manufacturers and production homebuilders towards advancements in research that can be built into today's home. This session will provide some of the most recent research results directly from the field.

Break

2:30 pm-2:45 pm

Builders Making it Happen

2:45 pm-3:45 pm

Yes it's cold here…but that's why we build such energy-efficient homes! Come learn how Minnesota's residential energy code and the builders who follow it are producing the most energy-efficient homes in the country. On-site testing results from over 400 homes will be presented. Also learn which mistakes other states can avoid when adopting more stringent energy codes.

Are States Ready to Adopt and Implement More Stringent Building Energy Codes?

3:45 pm-5:00 pm

States are looking toward adopting energy codes and standards that will be 30% above the current national levels. The 2006 IECC and ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1-2004 have been listed as the benchmark for determining a 30% solution. Each state or region in the country will encounter advocates for moving forward with this adoption and also barriers that will need to be overcome. Political, technological, and economic issues will need to be overcome for a state to move forward with adoption and implementation of these programs. This panel will explore these issues from a state and regional perspective and also provide some solutions that will help overcome the barriers.

Evening Events

6:00 pm (Departure from Lobby 5:30 pm)

Track 2 - Commercial Thursday, July 24, 2008

Registration and Continental Breakfast

7:00 am-8:00 am

Bringing It Together: Envelope

8:00 am-9:00 am

The Standard 90.1 Envelope Subcommittee is looking at options for increased stringency in existing criteria, but is also tackling other issues. The presentation will summarize addenda already approved that will appear in the interim supplement, as well as other addenda approved for public review. The presentation will then address concepts being considered for increased insulation and better fenestration, as well as low air leakage, cool roofs, visible light transmittance of fenestration, and thermal bridges in opaque assemblies.

The Evolution of ASHRAE 90.1: Mechanical

9:00 am-10:00 am

ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1 is used as the basis for energy codes by National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), IECC, and many local jurisdictions. The standard is under "continuous maintenance," which allows issuance of addenda for public review in response to public and committee proposals. This presentation discusses the significant changes between ASHRAE 90.1-2004 and 2007 and addenda since the 2007 version was published, as well as some addenda not yet published. This information will give an understanding of possible future changes to address energy efficiency in your own codes.

Break

10:00 am-10:15 am

Advancement in Lighting

10:15 am-11:15 am

The lighting section of the 90.1 energy code is going to include some major new requirements in its 2010 version and other proposals are under consideration. This session will provide details on what the existing new requirements will be and give attendees a peek at other possible changes. Also, if you have ever wanted the opportunity to ask about your favorite part of the 90.1 lighting standard or provide some user input to the process, bring your thoughts and questions and they will be addressed.

Lunch and States Rally

11:30 am-1:30 pm

In this fast-paced session, representatives of the Regional Energy Efficiency Groups will provide an overview of the code activities in their respective regions, after which each State representative in attendance will identify the most critical codes efforts and compliance issues they face day-to-day.

Standard 189.1

1:30 pm-2:30 pm

High-Performance Green Buildings - After reviewing the comments from the second public review, the Standard 189.1 Project Committee is recommending a limited number of changes for additional review later this fall. The presentation will broadly cover the entire document, however, the focus will be on the energy provisions. Discussion will include the energy chapter (mandatory measures such as on-site renewable power generation, prescriptive options for envelope, mechanical, and lighting systems, and performance options related to energy cost and carbon dioxide equivalent) as well as energy-related issues in other chapters (heat island, light pollution, outdoor air quantities, and daylighting).

Break

2:30 pm-2:45 pm

Beyond 2030: Measuring Pay-Back on Green Building Technologies

2:45 pm-3:45 pm

There are plenty of eco-friendly buildings these days, but are they actually good for the environment? A new tool is helping one design firm find out. LHB uses a tool called Performance Metrics™ to understand the implicit impact of the buildings they have designed. Such post-occupancy evaluations are rare–and potentially risky. LHB is currently taking that risk by assessing 74 of its own buildings constructed between 1996 and the present. The facilities measurements include not only energy efficiency, but also stormwater, water, and waste. These valuable results from previously designed facilities provide immeasurable knowledge for the future of "green design."

Are States Ready to Adopt and Implement More Stringent Building Energy Codes?

3:45 pm-5:00 pm

States are looking toward adopting energy codes and standards that will be 30% above the current national levels. The 2006 IECC and ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1-2004 have been listed as the benchmark for determining a 30% solution. Each state or region in the country will encounter advocates for moving forward with this adoption and also barriers that will need to be overcome. Political, technological and economic issues will need to be overcome for a state to move forward with adoption and implementation of these programs. This panel will explore these issues from a state and regional perspective and also provide some solutions that will help overcome the barriers.

Evening Events

6:00 pm (Departure from Lobby 5:30 pm)

Energy Codes 2008 – Post-Training
Friday, July 25, 2008

Registration, Continental Breakfast and Wrap-Up Feedback Session

7:00 am-9:00 am

Code Compliance Software Training - COMcheck

8:00 am-9:30 am

Minnesota's Commercial Energy Code

9:45 am-4:00 pm

This all-day training session will be on the commercial energy code and compliance and will provide an:

To read PDF files, download the free Adobe Acrobat Reader.