Complying with Energy Codes
Energy codes are a portion of the rules governing construction
that government regulators enforce. As a home rule state,
energy codes vary by local jurisdiction throughout Colorado.
There is an increasing trend toward adopting the International
Residential Code (IRC), which contains Chapter 11 on energy,
or the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), an independent
document referenced in Chapter 11 of the IRC. Jurisdictions
with either the IRC, IECC, or both codes may find that energy-efficient
homes, especially those labeled by E-Star™ or the U.S.
EPA’s ENERGY STAR® program, will likely exceed the
minimum requirements of the local code. As shown in the chart
on this page, there are three methods of compliance for jurisdictions
that have adopted one or both of these energy codes. A third
energy code used by some jurisdictions in Colorado, the Model
Energy Code (MEC), has a far more limited method of compliance.
Compliance Option
Under the IRC and IECC
The IRC and IECC
are related but independent documents. They can be adopted
independently or together, in part or in whole. In general,
the IRC references the IECC in Chapter 11, and therefore allows
its use even if the IECC is not specifically adopted by the
jurisdiction. The IECC offers three methods of compliance,
simplified below as systems analysis, component performance,
and prescriptive.
While building departments are accustomed to conducting physical
field inspections, they may not be aware of the Home Energy
Rating System option contained in Chapter 4 of the IECC. It
allows for use of a comprehensive computerized tool, such
as the one used in the E-Star program, to analyze the energy
code compliance of a home following inspection by an accredited
Home Energy Rater. To assure in advance that a home will fulfill
the energy efficiency requirement of the IECC, a builder or
remodeler can order a From-Plans Rating. Then, a Final Rating
demonstrates energy code compliance when construction is completed.
In this case, the energy code related aspects of home inspection
is done by a HERS accredited Rater, eliminating the need for
a code official to inspect them. This cost savings has caused
some building departments to encourage builders to use a home
energy rating as the preferred method of demonstrating compliance.
In fact, some building departments offer lower permit fees
to builders or remodelers who elect to use a home energy rating.
The E-Star program is an accredited Home Energy Rating System
(HERS) that trains and certifies E-Star Raters and its ratings
are accepted by jurisdictions such as Longmont, Colorado in
place of a field inspection.
Compliance to MEC
Some jurisdictions in Colorado have energy codes that require
compliance to MEC. This code only allows for field inspection.
In general, if jurisdictions are updating their energy code,
it is recommended that they update to the IRC or IECC, as
MEC was last updated in 1995 and no further revisions are
being issued.
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