Program Highlights - June 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.

Resource Center wins national communication award
The Building Energy Codes Program Resource Center, a reference tool full of articles, images, and presentations on energy efficiency for commercial and residential facilities, received a website award of excellence in the APEX 2006 Communications Competition. This national award recognizes excellence in graphic design, editorial content, and the ability to achieve overall communications excellence. The Resource Center can be viewed at http://resourcecenter.pnl.gov/.

Data transfer and 2004 IECC compliance now available in COMcheck-Web
Released on June 7, 2006, the latest version of the Building Energy Codes Program's online energy code software for commercial buildings now allows users to upload existing desktop COMcheck files to the web software or download saved projects on the web version to a desktop file. This exchange feature has been frequently requested by users. In addition, COMcheck-Web now includes compliance with the 2004 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC).

Proposed lighting code changes for hotels, motels, and retail spaces
Chaired by the Building Energy Codes Program's Eric Richman, the lighting subcommittee developed two proposals for public review at the annual American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) meeting held in June in Quebec City, Canada. The first proposal modifies the retail additional lighting power allowances in Standard 90.1-2004. The second proposal involves occupancy sensors for hotel/motel restrooms. These proposals are being approved for public review within ASHRAE.

Looking to the future of ASHRAE 2010 at annual meeting
Building Energy Codes Program staff participated in the ASHRAE Standing Standard Project Committee (SSPC) 90.1 Executive Subcommittee strategy meeting to discuss the call for input from the 90.1 leadership on what innovative changes can be made for the next (2010) version of standard. Interest has been expressed in changing the format, moving to a performance-based approach, and achieving 30% savings over the 2004 version. The subcommittee was tasked identifying the options, resources, and activities needed to make these changes.

Energy codes training receives high praise from users
To provide insight into potential code changes and software upgrades, the Building Energy Codes Program analyzed responses from attendees at six web-based training events and one stand-up training event. In addition, user support feedback was analyzed. This information was summarized in a report to DOE.

Website use continues to top 3 million hits per month
The number of website hits totaled 3,282,132 in June, with a total of 28,323,336 for fiscal year 2006.

Technical assistance jumps by over 100 requests in June
In June, the Building Energy Codes Program responded to 471 requests for assistance with energy codes and support on the program's code compliance software and support materials. These questions and requests from designers, architects, builders, code officials, engineers, and others were elevated during June in part due to the two web-based training events on commercial requirements of the 2006 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC).

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 in Denver, Colorado is the place to be from July 31-August 3. For more information and to register see http://www.energycodes.gov/news/2006_workshop/.

International Conservation Code Annual Conference
From September 17-18, 2006, the International Conservation Code will hold its annual conference and expo at Disney World, Florida. The Building Energy Codes Program has purchased exhibitor booth space at the conference.

Energy codes to be discussed at ASHRAE Winter Meeting
The ASHRAE Winter Meeting is planned for January 26-29, 2007, in Dallas, Texas.

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