Should there be a national energy code?
I expect to be meeting with my US Senator’s chief of staff in the next few weeks — lobbying to tighten up the energy bill in the US Senate.
The blog entry here:
https://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/blogs/dept/code-green/cap-and-trade
Says that the house bill requires DOE to provide for a national energy code. However, the Senate version(s) of the bill do not, and defer to local jurisdiction.
I’m of firm belief that we need a national energy code, that of course takes account of different climate zones. But that states should be free to adopt a stricter code should they wish, just like California can currently with various environmental regulations.
Reasons for a national energy code:
1) DoE is better placed to research the building science.
2) Reduced confusion (especially for home owners using the Internet).
3) Easier to spread knowledge when it is consistent.
4) Aids contractors and trades people working across state boundaries.
5) Economies of scale.
6) No states settings sloppy codes.
However code must take account of climate zone, and allow states to set stricter standards. Thus the states can still be experiments for the nation.
This is just one small example that I plan to raise of where the Senate version(s) can be tightened up.
Another example of what can be done is for DoE to monitor other countries’ codes and revise the US code to make sure the US does not fall behind in terms of building energy efficiency.
I also intend to give a few examples of how simple code/regulation changes can achieve large energy savings for nearly no cost e.g.:
1) Low pitch unshaded roofs should only be repaired or installed with light reflective cool roof materials. Black flat roofing materials should be phased out.
2) Static/quiescent energy draw by a range of devices should be capped at 1 watt or less. My pet peeve is wired in smoke detectors using 6 watts each (6 per house = 6x6x24x365 or over 300KWh – as much as a fridge). In this case since they are required to be linked and on their own circuit I’d say 1W for all of them!!
3) 115v receptacles without an on/off switch (for new construction).
4) No national energy code.
5) No requirement for air tightness in new construction that will be wasting energy for 100 years.
So I’m looking for the best points to bring up with my Senator’s chief of staff.
What do you wise guys say, specifically on the need for a national energy code and what are your best examples of nearly zero up front cost energy savings.
GBA Detail Library
A collection of one thousand construction details organized by climate and house part
Replies
Mike,
I'm really glad you have the opportunity to meet with your senator's chief of staff. That's great!
My only concern would be your insistence on reflective cool roofing. Remember that in cold climate zones, few homes have air conditioning, and cooling energy use is close to zero. Black roofs can save energy (and help remove snow) in cold climates.
Mike, I'm not trying to write code. The cool roof is an example of something that can cost near zero in the right climate zones. When you come to replace your flat roof, replacing with a cool roof is a small incremental cost.
Here is how the such meetings can go...
Chief of staff says... well we'd like to save the planet but we have constituents calling us who cannot afford to install solar panels, and are afraid for increased energy prices.
We (I won't be alone) reply: well here is a bunch of example savings that cost nearly nothing, from which the savings will more than make up for any increased costs per KWh.
My plan is to take a few props along too, like two receptacles, and a box of smoke alarms.
Who is "Mike"?
dooh, Martin answered "Mike,", and then since I know my name is not Mike (it's Mark and I asked the question), I answered "Mike" reading Mike to be his name.
Reminds me of the phase "Who's the bigger fool, the fool, or the fool that follows the fool".
Dooh!
Sorry for starting the confusion, Mark. My fault.