As the Department of Planning and Natural Resources implements the International Energy Conservation Code, new construction will need energy efficiency planning at the design level, and projects already begun must be in compliance with the IEC’s latest updates before slab inspection, DPNR announced Monday.
The code is being phased in, and already anyone applying for a building permit must submit a complete set of construction plans and documents with the energy efficiency requirements clearly labeled for the following types of systems.
– Building thermal envelope, for example, wall, roof/ceiling and foundation systems;
– Mechanical system, such as system type, size controls and performance efficiency;
– Lighting system, including detailed lighting schedule depicting ballast type, and controls;
– Service water heating, such as water heater efficiency rating, pipe insulation and distribution.
During the second phase, builders will now have to submit construction plans and documents with a minimum of 75 percent of the energy efficiency requirements outlined in IECC section 103.2, which has a long list of efficiency standards and practices, from wall insulation levels to insulating of pipes.
Builders will have to meet these criteria before a building permit is issued, according to DPNR.
In the third phase, starting next month, any new applications for building permits must be completely IECC compliant. Also, new construction plans turned in from April 30 through June 29 that have not yet come into IECC compliance will not be allowed to proceed to floor slab inspection until all compliance issues have been resolved.
The Department of Planning recommends applying the energy conservation measures listed in the IECC even if the building doesn’t have conditioned space. Even small increases in building efficiency result in big reductions in energy cost, DPNR says.
For more information on what is required, see IECC section 103.2 “Information on construction documents.”
Energy inspectors are in place to guide and assist the plan review and inspection process. For more information, contact Bevan Smith at Division of Building Permits at 773-1082.
