Program Highlights - May 2006

Welcome to the U.S. Department of Energy Building Energy Codes Program's monthly newsletter. This newsletter provides the latest information on our work to increase the energy efficiency of the nation's commercial and residential buildings.

Nominations open for award on advancing building energy codes and performance
The Jeffrey A. Johnson Award for Excellence in the Advancement of Building Energy Codes and Performance will recognize a leader or a team in the United States (US Territories included) for sustained service of the highest caliber in the pursuit of energy-efficiency goals. The award recipient will exemplify Jeff's enthusiasm, his motivation and drive for innovation, and his can-do, no-fear attitude for making a difference.

Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy, the award honors the memory of Jeff Johnson. Jeff was passionate about life and especially his work in the buildings and energy-efficiency arenas. He was an enthusiastic, energetic visionary throughout his career at the California Energy Commission, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, and as Executive Director of New Buildings Institute.

For more information on the award and to nominate an individual or a team, go to http://www.energycodes.gov/jaj/jajohnson_award.stm. Nominations are due by July 5.

REScheck™ 101 — New self-paced, online residential software training introduced
The Building Energy Codes Program now offers a free, self-paced class on how to use REScheck software to comply with the 2003 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). The software simplifies and clarifies energy code compliance for homes, duplexes, and other residential construction. The online class typically takes 1 to 2 hours to complete. Sign up at http://www.energycodes.gov/training/onlinetraining/online_training.stm.

COMcheck™ 101 — New self-paced, online commercial software training introduced
A free, web-based course on how to use COMcheck to comply with the 2003 IECC is now available from the Building Energy Codes Program website. The software simplifies and clarifies code compliance for commercial construction, and typically takes 2 to 4 hours to complete. Sign up at http://www.energycodes.gov/training/onlinetraining/online_training.stm.

Learn about the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and Tax Credits at the Resource Center
The Building Energy Codes Program's Resource Center now links to articles and websites on the Energy Policy Act of 2005, which provides a variety of tax credits for homeowners, businesses, and manufacturers for purchase of energy-efficient equipment, completion of new energy-efficient buildings, and improvements to existing buildings. Visit http://resourcecenter.pnl.gov/html/ResourceCenter/1529.html.

Workshop information brings readers to Building Energy Codes Program website
The number of website hits totaled 3,397,077 in May, with a total of 25,041,204 for fiscal year 2006.

Technical assistance continues strong during building season
In May, the Building Energy Codes Program responded to 359 requests for assistance with energy codes and support on the program's code compliance software. These requests from designers, architects, builders, code officials, and engineers, along with others, show the increased concerns for energy efficiency.

June 15:Commercial Envelope requirements in 2006 International Energy Conservation Code*

June 22:Mechanical requirements in 2006 International Energy Conservation Code*

July 13:Lighting requirements in 2006 International Energy Conservation Code*

July 31 to August 3: 2006 National Workshop on State Building Energy Codes

* Each Webcast offers a 60-minute presentation followed by a live 30-minute Q&A session.

Code and compliance training a highlight of LightFair International
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory's Pam Cole and Eric Richman presented a 3-hour session on commercial lighting codes and compliance at LightFair International on May 29. The session was well received, bringing in more than 75 attendees.

Pam and Eric also answered questions in the Building Energy Codes Program booth from May 30 through June 1. More than 350 people visited the booth. During the class and at the booth, Pam and Eric provided 450 Checkmate CDs, which contain REScheck and COMcheck compliance software and reference materials.

Online training calendar sees dramatic jump in number of events offered
In May, 152 training events were added to the calendar (http://www.energycodes.gov/events/index.php), more than double the previous month.

Registration open for National Workshop on State Building Energy Codes!
With three days of discussions and training as well as pre- and post-Workshop classes, the 2006 National Workshop on State Building Energy Codes is the place to be. Registration is now open for the Workshop, which will take place from July 31-August 3, in Denver, Colorado. See http://www.energycodes.gov/news/2006_workshop/.

April 2006