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