# Presentation: 400535

## The newMinnesota Energy Code

- Bruce Nelson
- Minnesota Department of Commerce
- Energy Division
- July, 2000

## How builders have responded 

- 1994 Minnesota Energy Code:
- Category 2 – code minimum, no mechanical ventilation
- Category 1 – Optional higher standard – mechanical ventilation required (no details given)
- A few builders were building to Category 1, but building officials were not enforcing it.

## How builders have responded

- Unforeseen introduction of Chapter 407
- Additional option signed into law two days before the effective date of the new code (April 15, 2000):
- Option to build to new code rules or
- Old rules (Category 1) with mechanical vent. & powered, direct, or sealed combustion appliances

## How builders have responded

- Large builders using the new code rules
- Medium & small builders have chosen Category 1 (with additional statutory requirements)
- Many small builders didn’t think the new code would happen – and were not prepared
- Additional problem: almost no one knows just what “Category 1 (with additional statutory requirements)” means

## How builders have responded

-  Our message to builders:
- Category 1 provides fewer alternative methods for achieving compliance and is less prescriptive than (the new code), relying more on individual interpretations and judgments.  It gives the builder greater responsibility for ensuring the quality of the finished product.”

## How builders have responded

- Some industry associations are very supportive of the new code
- Minn. Lath & Plaster Bureau
- Others are neutral
- Builders Assoc of Minn

## How builders have responded

- For many years we have “invested” in teaching building science: build tight & ventilate right.
- Now this investment is paying off as many stakeholders are accepting of the new code provisions because they have some appreciation of the need.

## How builders have responded

- The public is a mixed bag:
- Some are very sophisticated – asking tough questions, hiring an independent inspector, or requiring performance testing
- Most are looking for rock bottom price and are trusting the code that their house will have no problems

## How builders have responded

-  Next:
- Builders need tools to educate their buyers on proper operation and maintenance of their tight & mechanically ventilated homes

## What can be changed by codes and what cannot? 

- Grant me the SERENITY to accept the things I cannot change;
- COURAGE to change the things I can;
- and the WISDOM to know the difference.

## What can be changed by codes and what cannot?

**The code can change (influence):**
- Content of plans & specifications
- Specificity in identifying required items

## What can be changed by codes and what cannot?

- The building envelope
**The code can change:**
- Overall envelope thermal transmittance
- Foundation wall thermal performance
- Air leaks from interior
- Air leaks from exterior (wind wash)
- Rated performance of windows
- Perhaps even construction quality for limited items (air tightness performance)

## What can be changed by codes and what cannot?

- The building envelope
**The code cannot change:**
- Construction quality
- needs better code enforcement,
- education,
- consumer pressure for use of performance options
- Exception: the code can contain some performance requirements

## What can be changed by codes and what cannot?

- Indoor Air Quality
**The code can change:**
- Ventilation system installed capacity, equipment & controls, and initial performance
- Safety in combustion appliance safety as installed (would be easier with an industry depressurization standard)

## What can be changed by codes and what cannot?

- Indoor Air Quality
**The code cannot change **
- All the fun things people bring into their home that ruins their IAQ
- Operation & maintenance by owners / residents

## What can be changed by codes and what cannot?

- The code cannot alone assure healthy, durable, and economical homes
**But at the same time,** a well crafted code is essential for healthy, durable, and economical homes

## The newMinnesota Energy Code

- Information available on the Energy Code page of the Department of Commerce web site:  www.commerce.state.mn.us
- Or from the Minnesota Department of Commerce Energy Information Center (651) 296-5175