Post on 28-Mar-2015
IECC 90% Compliance PilotResidential Review
Montgomery County, MarylandPrepared for Maryland Energy Administration
January 2013
Prepared by Newport Partners LLC
Disclaimer
This report was prepared by Newport Partners LLC for the Maryland Energy Administration (MEA). The contents of the report are the responsibility of the contractor and do
not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Maryland Energy Administration.
January 2013
Background
BackgroundMaryland committed to 90% energy
code compliance as a condition of SEP funding under ARRA
MEA supported the development of a Roadmap with significant stakeholder involvement
Through the Roadmap process it became clear that code adoption and enforcement varied widely across the state.
The Compliance Roadmap (http://energy.maryland.gov/codes/index.html) suggested a county by county approach to assessing compliance.
BackgroundMontgomery County expressed a
willingness and interest to test compliance with the 2009 code
Under this task, MEA initiated a 90% code compliance “test out” residential new construction pilot, in Montgomery County, Maryland
Goals were to assess compliance, as well as to establish a methodology to use throughout the state moving forward
MethodologyMeasure residential compliance with 2009 IECCMeasure commercial compliance with 2009 IECC or
ASHRAE 90.1-2007Use DOE’s sample generation tool for 90% compliance
evaluations to generate state-wide buildingshttps://energycode.pnl.gov/SampleGen/
Base the Plan Review and Site Inspection criteria and scoring on DOE Residential & Commercial checklists
90% compliance will be measured by showing that of the sampled buildings; the average compliance is at least 90%
Methodology NotesField Inspections
Extensive use of “hybrid” inspection systemAnalysts ensured that insulation-inspected home
was same home as plan-reviewed home. This was necessary to verify UA Tradeoff compliance approach.
Minimized use of the “Not Observable” option, although timing of foundation inspections proved challenging.
Accepted Field Inspection compliance even if Plan Review did not indicate compliance for a given provision; however Plan Review points were still deducted when documentation was lacking.
Methodology AdjustmentsPlan Review
On a few provisions, the analysts applied a 3-tiered methodology of point allocation rather than simply compliant or non-compliant. This scoring model allowed “partial credit” and was based on how the DOE scoring protocol handled some other provisions (e.g. air sealing).
Mechanical calculations were allowed to be submitted with mechanical permit, usually after building permit was issued.
Collaboration Strategy1. Develop collaborative relationship with Montgomery County (MC)
Department of Permitting Service to: Understand Plan Review & Site Inspection practices; documentation; scheduling &
work flow; Select appropriate sample of residential buildings balancing builder type; house
type;
2. Review & Inspect only those buildings already approved by the county.
Inspect buildings at key stages as dictated by inspection checklists (e.g. foundation; pre-insulation; pre-drywall; final)
3. Respect builder participants Our inspections do not constitute code compliance Timely inspections by our staff are critical; cannot hold up schedule; Complete confidentiality of builders; plans;
4. Develop findings to document compliance and ALSO provide constructive feedback to the jurisdiction
Generate SampleNew Residential
New Residential ConstructionLocation Sample SizeState Total 44Climate Zone 4 44Anne Arundel County 6Baltimore County 1Calvert County 1Carroll County 1Charles County 2Frederick County 4Harford County 4Howard County 7Kent County 2Montgomery County 7Prince Georges County 2Queen Annes County 1Somerset County 1Talbot County 4Wicomico County 1
• Needed 7 new residential per DOE Sample Generator
• Sought representative mix of detached and attached; production and custom;
• No exclusion of homes participating in ENERGY STAR
• 2012 IECC Permits would have been accepted, although none were sampled due to timing
Coordinate and Communicate
Coordinate with County to ensure minimal disruptions
Be “on call”; have ability to review and inspect on short notice
Communicate with Builders for additional inspection by third party after County’s inspection was complete
Informal Findings; communicate with County throughout review process
Review and InspectHybrid Sample Selection
Greatly expedites assessmentFollowed DOE guidance on using multiple buildings to
constitute 1 sample
Plan ReviewsWork within County’s constraintsAllowance of delayed mechanical calcs
Inspections RequiredFoundation (fdn./slab insul.)Framing (air sealing, ducts)Insulation (levels, locations, installation quality)Final (lighting, mechanicals, ceiling insul., Manual J, panel
certificate, duct leakage, attic access, programmable thermostat, SHW controls, manuf. manuals)
Review and Inspect – Using the Checklist
2009 IECC Section #
Pre-Inspection/Plan Review
Prescriptive CodeValue
Plans VerifiedValue
Field VerifiedValue
Complies? Comments/AssumptionsTotal
Possible Points
Project Total
Possible Points
Project Earned Points
103.2 [PR1]1 Construction drawings and documentation sufficiently demonstrates energy code compliance for the building envelope.
no air sealing notes/detailsno slab edge insulREScheck checklist not filled out
3 3 2
103.2, 403.7 [PR3]1
Construction drawings and documentation sufficiently demonstrates energy code compliance for lighting and mechanical systems. Systems serving multiple dwelling units must demonstrate compliance with the commercial code.
no duct testing notes, hvac control notesno 50% hi eff lamp notesREScheck checklist not filled out
3 3 1
403.6 [PR2]2 Heating and cooling equipment is sized per ACCA Manual S based on loads per ACCA Manual J or other approved methods.
Heating: Btu/hr 39,000 out Cooling: Btu/hr 1.5 tons
Heating: Btu/hr 39,000 out Cooling: Btu/hr 18,000
2 2 2
Additional Comments/Assumptions: Version 3.0
1 High Impact (Tier 1) 2 Medium Impact (Tier 2) 3 Low Impact
(Tier 3)
Results
Sample # TypeTotal
Possible Points
Total Earned Points
Compliance Percentage
Residence 1 Single Family Detached 65 62 95.4%
Residence 2 Single Family Attached 66 62 93.9%
Residence 3 Single Family Attached 57 53 93.0%
Residence 4 Single Family Detached 70 66 94.3%
Residence 5 Single Family Attached 64 58 90.6%
Residence 6 Single Family Attached 55 49 89.1%
Residence 7 Single Family Detached 71 64 90.1%
Compliance Average 92.3%
Findings: Plan ReviewCommon Plan Review Issues
IssuePotential Energy Impact
Ease of Plan Review
Showing/calling out insulation in sections HIGH EASY
Slab edge insulation detail(s) HIGH EASY
Duct sealing note(s) HIGH EASY
Duct insulation note(s) HIGH EASY
Programmable thermostat MEDIUM EASY
High efficacy lamp note HIGH EASY
Manual J Calc.’s MEDIUM EASY
REScheck matches plans HIGH EASY
Findings: Field Inspections
Common Field Inspection Issues
IssuePotential Energy Impact
Ease of Field Inspection
Slab edge insulation HIGH MEDIUM
Quality insulation installation HIGH MEDIUM
Posted compliance certificate LOW EASY
High efficacy lamp HIGH EASY
Manufacturer manuals MEDIUM EASY
Slab Edge Insulation
POOR
POORNewport Ventures
Newport Ventures
Insulation InstallationCommon Issues
POORGOOD
Newport Ventures
Newport Ventures
Posted ComplianceCertificate – Common Issues
COMPLIANT NON-COMPLIANT
Newport Ventures
Newport Ventures
Newport Ventures
High Efficacy LampsCommon Issues
COMPLIANT
Newport Ventures
Newport Ventures
Manufacturer ManualsCommon Issues
COMPLIANT
Newport Ventures
FindingsPlan Review
Good
NeedsSome Attention
NeedsMore Attention
NeedsMost Attention
Not ApplicableNot Observable
2009 IECC
Section #
Pre-Inspection/Plan Review
Total Possibl
e Points
Project Total
Earned Points
Percentage Earned
103.2 [PR1]1
Construction drawings and documentation sufficiently demonstrates energy code compliance for the building envelope.
21 14 66.67%
103.2, 403.7 [PR3]1
Construction drawings and documentation sufficiently demonstrates energy code compliance for lighting and mechanical systems. Systems serving multiple dwelling units must demonstrate compliance with the commercial code.
21 17 80.95%
403.6 [PR2]2
Heating and cooling equipment is sized per ACCA Manual S based on loads per ACCA Manual J or other approved methods.
10 8 80.00%
FindingsFoundation Inspection
Good
NeedsSome Attention
NeedsMore Attention
NeedsMost Attention
Not ApplicableNot Observable
2009 IECC
Section #
Foundation Inspection
Total Possibl
e Points
Project Total
Earned Points
Percentage Earned
402.1.1 [FO1]1
Slab edge insulation R-value. 3 0 0.00%
303.2, 402.2.8 [FO2]1
Slab edge insulation installed per manufacturer's instructions.
0 N/O N/O
402.1.1 [FO3]1
Slab edge insulation depth/length. 3 2 66.67%
402.1.1 [FO4]1
Conditioned basement wall insulation R-value. Where internal insulation is used, verification may need to occur during Insulation Inspection. Notrequired in warm-humid locations in Climate Zone 3.
6 6 100.00%
303.2 [FO5]1
Conditioned basement wall insulation installed per manufacturer’s instructions.
6 6 100.00%
402.2.7 [FO6]1
Conditioned basement wall insulation depth from top of wall.
9 9 100.00%
402.2.9 [FO7]1
Unvented crawl space wall insulation R-value. 0 N/A N/A
FindingsFraming Inspection
Good
NeedsSome Attention
NeedsMore Attention
NeedsMost Attention
Not ApplicableNot Observable
2009 IECC
Section #Framing / Rough-In Inspection
Total Possible Points
Project Total Earned Points
Percentage Earned
402.1.1,402.3.4 [FR1]1
Door U-factor.15 15 100.00%
402.1.1,402.3.1,402.3.3, 402.5 [FR2]1
Glazing U-factor (area-weighted average).
21 21 100.00%
402.1.1,402.3.2,402.3.3, 402.5 [FR3]1
Glazing SHGC value (area- weighted average).
0 N/A N/A
303.1.3 [FR4]1
U-factors of fenestration products are determined in accordance with the NFRC test procedure or taken from the default table.
21 21 100.00%
402.1.1,402.3.3, 402.5 [FR5]1
Skylight U-factor.
0 N/A N/A
402.1.1,402.3.3, 402.5 [FR6]1
Skylight SHGC value.
0 N/A N/A
FindingsFraming Inspection(continued)
Good
NeedsSome Attention
NeedsMore Attention
NeedsMost Attention
Not ApplicableNot Observable
2009 IECC Section #
Framing / Rough-In Inspection
Total Possibl
e Points
Project Total
Earned Points
Percentage Earned
303.1.3 [FR7]1
Skylight SHGC values are determined in accordance with the NFRC test procedure or taken from the default table.
0 N/A N/A
402.1.1 [FR10]1
Mass wall exterior insulation R- value. If more than 1/2 of the insulation is on the wall interior, the interior insulation requirement applies and verification may need to occur during Insulation Inspection.
0 N/A N/A
303.2 [FR11]1
Mass wall exterior insulation installed per manufacturer’s instructions.
0 N/A N/A
402.3.5 [FR8]1
Sunrooms enclosing conditioned space have a maximum fenestration U-factor of 0.50 in Climate Zones 4-8. New glazing separating the sunroom from conditioned space must meet code requirements.
0 N/A N/A
402.3.5 [FR9]1
Sunrooms enclosing conditioned space have a maximum skylight U-factor of 0.75 in Climate Zones4-8.
0 N/A N/A
402.4.4 [FR20]1
Fenestration that is not site built is listed and labeled as meeting AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.2/A440 or has infiltration ratesper NFRC 400 that do not exceed code limits.
15 15 100.00%
FindingsFraming Inspection(continued)
Good
NeedsSome Attention
NeedsMore Attention
NeedsMost Attention
Not ApplicableNot Observable
2009 IECC
Section #
Framing / Rough-In Inspection
Total Possible Points
Project Total Earned Points
Percentage Earned
402.4.5 [FR16]2
IC-rated recessed lighting fixtures sealed at housing/interior finish and labeled to indicate <= 2.0cfm leakage at 75 Pa.
14 14 100.00%
403.2.1 [FR12]1
Supply ducts in attics areinsulated to R-8. All other ducts in unconditioned spaces or outside the building envelope are insulated to R-6. Not applicable if all systems are ductless.
21 21 100.00%
403.2.2 [FR13]1
All joints and seams of air ducts, air handlers, filter boxes, and building cavities used as return ducts are sealed.
18 18 100.00%
403.2.3 [FR15]3
Building cavities are not used as ducts or plenums. 7 7 100.00%
403.3 [FR17]2
HVAC piping conveying fluids above 105 ºF or chilled fluids below 55 ºF are insulated to R-3.
6 6 100.00%
403.4 [FR18]2
Circulating service hot water pipes are insulated to R-2.
0 N/A N/A
403.5 [FR19]2
Automatic or gravity dampers are installed on all outdoor air intakes and exhausts.
2 2 100.00%
FindingsInsulation Inspection
Good
NeedsSome Attention
NeedsMore Attention
NeedsMost Attention
Not ApplicableNot Observable
2009 IECC
Section #
Insulation Inspection
Total Possibl
e Points
Project Total
Earned Points
Percentage Earned
303.1 [IN13]2
All installed insulation labeled or installed R-values provided.
14 14 100.00%
402.1.1,402.2.5,402.2.6 [IN1]1
Floor insulation R-value.
15 15 100.00%
303.2, 402.2.6 [IN2]1
Floor insulation installed per manufacturer's instructions, and in substantial contact with the underside of the subfloor.
15 11 73.33%
402.1.1,402.2.4,402.2.5 [IN3]1
Wall insulation R-value. If this is a mass wall with at least 1/2 of the wall insulation on the wallexterior, use FR10 and mark this0.
21 21 100.00%
303.2 [IN4]1
Wall insulation installed per manufacturer's instructions.
21 17 80.95%
402.2.11 [IN8]1
Sunroom wall insulation has a minimum R-value of R-13. New walls separating the sunroom from conditioned space must meet code requirements.
0 N/A N/A
FindingsFinal Inspection
Good
NeedsSome Attention
NeedsMore Attention
NeedsMost Attention
Not ApplicableNot Observable
2009 IECC
Section #Final Inspection Provisions
Total Possible Points
Project Total Earned Points
Percentage Earned
402.1.1,402.2.1,402.2.2 [FI1]1
Ceiling insulation R-value.
21 20 95.24%
303.1.1.1,303.2 [FI2]1
Ceiling insulation installed per manufacturer's instructions. Blown insulation marked every300 ft2.
15 15 100.00%
402.2.3 [FI3]1
Attic access hatch and door insulation >=R-value of the adjacent assembly.
18 18 100.00%
402.4.2,402.4.2.1 [FI17]1
Building envelope tightness verified by blower door test result of <7 ACH at 50 Pa. This requirement may instead be met via visual inspection, in which case verification may need to occur during Insulation Inspection.
6 6 100.00%
402.4.3 [FI8]2
Wood-burning fireplaces have gasketed doors and outdoor combustion air.
0 N/A N/A
FindingsFinal Inspection(continued)
Good
NeedsSome Attention
NeedsMore Attention
NeedsMost Attention
Not ApplicableNot Observable
2009 IECC
Section #
Final Inspection ProvisionsTotal
Possible Points
Project Total Earned Points
Percentage Earned
403.2.2 [FI4]1
Duct tightness via post- construction with maximum leakage of 8 cfm to outdoors, or12 cfm across systems. For rough-in tests, verification may need to occur during Framing Inspection, with maximum leakage of 6 cfm across systems and 4 cfm without air handler.
15 15 100.00%
403.6 [FI5]1
Heating and cooling equipment type and capacity as per plans.
12 12 100.00%
403.1.1 [FI9]2
Programmable thermostats installed on forced air furnaces.
14 14 100.00%
403.1.2 [FI10]2
Heat pump thermostat installed on heat pumps. 0 N/A N/A
403.4 [FI11]2
Circulating service hot water systems have automatic or accessible manual controls.
0 N/A N/A
403.9.1 [FI12]3
Readily accessible switch on heaters for swimming pools. 0 N/A N/A
FindingsFinal Inspection(continued)
Good
NeedsSome Attention
NeedsMore Attention
NeedsMost Attention
Not ApplicableNot Observable
2009 IECC
Section #
Final Inspection Provisions
Total Possibl
e Points
Project Total
Earned Points
Percentage Earned
403.9.2 [FI19]3
Timer switches on pool heaters and pumps are present.
0 N/A N/A
403.9.3 [FI20]3
Heated swimming pools have a cover. Covers on pools heated over 90 ºF are insulated to R-12.
0 N/A N/A
404.1 [FI6]1
50% of lamps in permanent fixtures are high efficacy lamps.
21 18 85.71%
401.3 [FI7]2
Compliance certificate posted. 14 10 71.43%
303.3 [FI18]3
Manufacturer manuals for mechanical and water heating equipment have been provided.
7 6 85.71%
Summary & Lessons LearnedMontgomery County Residential Compliance
Rate: 92.3%CEO’s cover dozens of inspections per site
daily; energy code is a small portion of that - yet most IECC provisions are met consistently
Prioritize energy code issues by red, orange and yellow shaded areas in above checklist compilation
Training/education should be provided for issues that are lacking
Summary & Lessons LearnedNeeds
Some Attention
Plan Review: Lighting & MechanicalPlan Review: Mech. Equip. Sized per ACCA Mans. S&JFraming Inspection: Wall Insulation Installed per Manufacturers InstructionsFinal Inspection: 50% High Efficacy LampsFinal Inspection: Provide Manufacturer Manuals
NeedsMore Attention
Plan Review: Building EnvelopeInsulation Inspection: Floor Insulation installed in substantial contact with the underside of the subfloorFinal Inspection: Posted Compliance Certificate
NeedsMost Attention Foundation Inspection: Slab Edge Insulation
Summary & Lessons LearnedNeeds
Most AttentionFoundation Inspection: Slab Edge Insulation
In pilot unobservable in 6 of 7 homes but important for energy savings. Need to revisit protocol to observe and train on this requirement.
Slab-on-gradeEdge Details
402.2.8 Slab-on-grade floors. …The insulation shall extend downward from the top of the slab on the outside or inside of the foundation wall…
Modeling Details:• 1.5-story, 1685 ft2, single-family home with slab-on-grade foundation; (slab is 1038 ft2)• Home meets 2009 IECC• Model with R-10 includes 24 lineal inches of slab edge insulation, from top edge of slab downward;• Modeled in REM Rate Version 14
* Does not meet 2009 IECC
Energy Impact of Slab Edge InsulationClimate Zone 4
Energy Consumption
No Slab Ins. R-0
R-10 –24” R-10 – Full 24”
only horizontal under slab* from top edge of slab
(% Change from R-0) (% Change from R-0)
Whole House Energy (MMBtu/yr)
81.476.2 64.6-6% -21%
Whole House Heating (MMBtu/yr)
4842.6 30.7-11% -36%
Modeling Details:• 1.5-story, 1685 ft2, single-family home with slab-on-grade foundation; (slab is 1038 ft2)• Home meets 2009 IECC• Model with R-10 includes 24 lineal inches of slab edge insulation, from top edge of slab downward;• Modeled in REM Rate Version 14
* Does not meet 2009 IECC
Energy Impact of Slab Edge Insulation
Climate Zone 5
Energy Consumption
No Slab Ins. R-0
R-10 –24” R-10 – Full 24” only horizontal under slab* from top edge of slab
(% Change from R-0) (% Change from R-0)
Whole House Energy (MMBtu/yr)
92.386.3 72.9-7% -21%
Whole House Heating (MMBtu/yr)
58.252 38.2
-11% -34%
Code AmbiguityTable 402.4.2 – Air Barrier and Insulation
Inspection Component Criteria “Shower/tub on exterior wall: showers and tubs on
exterior walls have insulation and an air barrier separating them from the exterior wall
Line item can be interpreted as meaning that an exterior air barrier is sufficient for this line item OR
An air barrier is required on the inside face of the wall directly behind the tub/shower separating it from the exterior wall
Air Barrier at ExteriorTub/ShowerCode Interpretation?
Code-compliant?
Newport Ventures
Newport Ventures
Newport Ventures
Above-code?
Suggested Methodology ChangesLessons Learned
Checklist Line Item 402.4.2, 402.4.2.1 [FI17]: Building envelope tightness should be split and provide an
either/or approach. Air sealing and visual inspection should be verified during Framing Inspection, OR the building envelope test result verified during final inspection
Checklist Line Items 403.3, 403.4 & 403.5 [FR17, 18 & 19] Piping insulation and gravity dampers should be verified during
final inspectionChecklist Line Item402.4.5 [FR16]
IC-rated recessed fixtures should be split into two inspections, verify the fixture is correct at framing inspection then verify that it is sealed to the finishes at final inspection
Plan Review construction drawing line items should be scored on a 3-point, tiered basis
Commercial Energy Code Compliance (Preliminary)Currently in Preliminary Plan Review StageBegan with Commercial Renovations
Sample requires 6 renovationsPreliminary Plan Review Findings
Building envelope generally not involvedMissing mechanical load calculationsMissing detailed mechanical controls narrativeMissing lighting power allowance calculationsMissing lighting controls narrative
Contact:David St. Jeandstjean@energy.state.md.us