This brochure is only a summary of the requirements. More detailed information is contained in the Hawaii Model Energy Code Application Manual. The building envelope requirements cover the roof, walls, windows and skylights as well as comfort ventilation and air leakage. The requirements apply to new dwellings or to additions that increase the floor area of the existing buildings. The comfort ventilation and roof requirements apply to all dwellings, whether they are air conditioned or not.
Additional requirements apply to air-conditioned buildings to further reduce cooling loads.
These requirements include air leakage, wall insulation, window shading requirements and skylight area limits. While the requirements are easy to use and can be applied manually, a computer program supports the code and provides additional design flexibility. All of the building envelope requirements are presented in this section of the brochure. The comfort ventilation requirements are intended to reduce or eliminate the need for air conditioning in residential buildings. The requirements apply to all habitable rooms, including bedrooms, living areas and dining rooms.