# Presentation: 160422

## Energy Code Challengesin the Southwest

**Larry Kinney **
**Senior Researcher, Southwest Energy Efficiency Project (SWEEP)**

## INCREASING ENERGY EFFICIENCY INNEW BUILDINGS IN THE SOUTHWEST:The Role of Energy Codes and other Efforts

- Report to be available soon for downloading from SWEEP’s web site _[www.swenergy.org](http://www.swenergy.org/)_
- Principal source of info shown in the following

## Two important generalizations

- Areas without strong codes in the SW either (1) are in low growth areas with little new housing stock like WY or northern NM, or           (2) have E Star, Building America, or other programs + market forces that stimulate energy efficiency

- There is movement throughout the SW to adopt stronger energy codes, or, where adopted, to strengthen enforcement and education in the building and codes communities

## Of Southwest States (AZ, CO, NM, NV, UT, and WY):

- Only UT has mandatory IECC 2000 statewide codes in place for residential and commercial buildings.
- NM can pass statewide codes, is debating adopting IECC 2000 or NFPA code this year to replace state-modified versions of 10 year old MEC.
- WY has no energy code, but is considering IECC for state buildings, to be voluntary for private structures initially.

## Arizona, a home rule state

- Voluntary IECC 2000 for residential
- 23 local jurisdictions have IRC, which refers to IECC for homes with window areas > 15% (most do)
- IECC recently passed in Tucson, also applies to several others
- No building code in Phoenix, fast growing city, NFPA anticipated

- 90.1 99 commercial code voluntary state wide except for state buildings which must comply
- “Beyond code” work in commercial buildings underway

## Arizona good news

- Most E Star activity of any state, over 50 certified builders, > 16,000 homes
- Strong support for energy efficiency, training for builders
- Evidence of more sophisticated buyers in key markets like Tucson and Phoenix; they ask the energy questions
- Civano community in Tucson has HERS 90 requirement, many progressive builders
- Even without codes in Phoenix, most residential structures would pass code, save for SHGC

## Tucson utilities’ efficiency programs for new homes

## Growth in Tucson matched by growth in energy efficiency 

**20% growth in last decade, new single family homes added at 500 per month**
**Tucson Electric Power (TEP) and Southwest Gas (SW Gas) competing for market share by promoting energy efficiency**
**Most builders in the area have substantially improved their products**
**Home buyers have become sophisticated, insist on energy efficiency**
**Over 70% of new homes are program participants**

## TEP program features

**Guarantee H/C costs for three years**
**40-50%> IECC 98 code**
**E Star + 100% testing (3 times per home)**
**Ventilation system required (+ pressure)**
**Proper HVAC sizing**
**Framing and insulation inspection**

**Duct sealing and blaster testing**
**Envelope sealing and blower door testing**
**Pressure balancing**
**Discounted utility rates**
**Time of use rates chosen by 60%; ****better rates for homeowner**
**Solar option**

## Slide 10

## Tucson Electric Power guarantee heating and cooling costs versus actual for 108 dwellings ($1.50 /day for a 1800 ft2 home)

## Good deal for all parties

- Homeowners get a comfortable, energy- efficient home with attractive rates and guaranteed maximums for their energy bills
- Builders get more sales, fewer call backs
- Utility builds satisfied customers, extends branding, and fills in winter valleys (heat pumps and electric hot water heaters are a necessary condition for participation in TEP)

## Colorado, a home rule state...

- Local jurisdictions adopt and implement codes as they like, support from E-Star Colorado
- Denver is growing quickly, but has an out of date code.  New Mayor may be receptive to code update; both IECC and NFPA in the running
- Many local jurisdictions have IECC codes on the books
- Energy Star very active and growing; 26 certified builders

## IECC integrated with green building in Boulder

- Applies to new and substantial retrofit
- IECC “points” must be earned first to ensure code compliance; extras earned by better windows, insulation, and HVAC equipment
- Other points earned by efficient land use,  xeriscaping, use of recycled bldg material, energy- efficient appliances, lighting, HRV, solar, natural cooling, hot water measures, others
- After kinks out of system, builders are cool

## Nevada, a de facto home rule state...

- Most parts of the state have outdated versions of MEC on the books for residential.
- Hope for I codes in the next year or so

- ASHRAE 90.1 99 commercial code applies to state buildings only

## Nevada good news

- Very fast growing Las Vegas metropolitan area (25,000 new single family homes per year, doubling of population since 1990) has significantly improved the energy efficiency of the product
- In mid 2002 Energy Star and Building America became co-branded in large campaign; the number of certified builders skyrocketed, along with homebuyer awareness.
- Now 31 Energy Star builders, 10,000 + certified homes