Monday, June 21, 2010

2009 Seattle Energy Code

2009 Seattle Energy Code: consensus to move ahead with 2009 SEC using 2009 WSEC as base

The fourteenth public review meeting for the draft 2009 Seattle Energy Code took place this morning (June 21, 2010).
- The topic was a review of a 2009 Seattle Energy Code proposed as amendments to the 2006 Seattle Energy Code (rather than amendments to the 2009 WSEC).
- However, at the end of the discussion, there was a strong consensus to move ahead with adoption of the 2009 Seattle Energy Code (SEC) now, and to use the 2009 Washington State Energy Code as the base document (rather than using the 2006 SEC as a base).

Consequently, City staff will now proceed on the course that was being followed last month, to propose an ordinance based on the document that included the modifications recommended by CCAB at their meeting on 20 May 2010. The implications for this path (and all dates are tentative and depend on the Mayor and City Council calendar) are:
- July: Mayor submits ordinance to City Council.
- August: City Council committee meeting later in the month.
- September: vote by full City Council and signature by the Mayor by the end of the month
- October: ordinance is effective 30 days after signature
Here the road splits:
- Nonresidential spaces: ordinance likely to contain an additional grace period, perhaps the effective date would match up with the update to the other Seattle construction codes.
- Residential spaces: requirements to take effect on the date specified by the Washington State Building Code Council.

Notwithstanding the above, we will still accept written comments on using the 2006 Seattle Energy Code as a base and have a public review meeting to discuss the comments.

The deadline for written comments is Monday, 5 July 2010. Submit comments by
• E-mail to john.hogan@seattle.gov, or
• Fax to John Hogan at 206-386-4039, or
• Mail to John Hogan, Seattle DPD, 700 Fifth Ave, P.O Box 34019, Seattle 98124-4019
If possible, please propose specific language changes with underline to indicate new language and strikethrough to indicate deletions.

The public review meeting to discuss any comments will take place on the 40th floor of the Seattle Municipal Tower (SMT), 700 Fifth Avenue, Seattle.
6 July 2010 (Tuesday) SMT-4050, 1:30-3:30 pm: review of written comments

CCAB discussion is scheduled for 15 July 2010. DPD would then consider these recommendations and forward an ordinance to the Mayor and City Council shortly thereafter. City Council consideration would occur later this summer, with an effective date in the fall.

Monday, June 14, 2010

State Energy Code Implementation Delay!

A special meeting was held on June 11 by the State Building Code Council after its regular council meeting to discuss the Governor’s request regarding postponing the start date of the State Energy Code. The Council voted unanimously for emergency rule making on the State Energy Code. This means that the July 2010 Energy Code will not go into effect until October 28, 2010. The Council also voted unanimously to implement the July 2010 Energy Code no later than April 1, 2011. By going into emergency rule making, the Council will have the time to determine the ideal time to implement the 2010 State Energy Code.

The next State Building Code Council meeting is on September 10 in Spokane.

The council is also overseeing the Strategic Plan for Enhancing Energy Efficiency and Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions form Homes, Buildings, Districts and Neighborhoods per the Legislatures direction to the Department of Commerce. There are weekly webinars and monthly workgroup meetings to help develop the plan and everyone in the public is welcome to attend them. The link is http://www.commerce.wa.gov/site/1325/default.aspx.

Job Posting - CDi Engineers

Energy Modeler

Job Summary:

Join one of the Northwest's foremost Mechanical Engineering firms located in Lynnwood as CDi Engineers' lead Energy Modeler. The Energy Modeler will manage the firms’ energy modeling efforts, develop standards and mentor/train staff in area of energy modeling. Key job responsibilities include:

  • Perform building energy simulations and models as a project team member, including new construction and existing buildings.
  • Work with utility, state and national programs to assist in the securing of grants or other sources to procure third-party funding for construction, studies, etc.
  • Work with a variety of energy analysis software appropriate to specific projects, including eQuest, E+, EnergyPro, and TAS.
  • Develop office standards and “shoebox” templates that will allow all engineering staff to develop simplified models.
  • Perform spreadsheet-based calculations of potential energy savings opportunities in planning stages of projects and in support of policy development.
  • Review LEED credit documentation related to energy performance for compliance with standards.
  • Assist team members and client project teams with interpretation of and compliance with ASHRAE Standard 90.1 and local energy codes.
  • Participate in project design charettes and workshops with staff and clients.
  • Assist with training other engineering staff in energy modeling techniques and protocols.

Qualifications include:

  • Minimum of 5 years experience with HVAC systems.
  • LEED® AP Accreditation required.
  • Knowledge of energy modeling programs, eQuest strongly preferred.
  • Bachelors Degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent job experience preferred.
  • Strong leadership, influencing and consensus building skills. Ability to mentor, coach and develop others.
  • Ability to communicate clearly and concisely with a diverse range of individuals, both orally and in writing.
  • Critical thinking skills in conjunction with ability to work independently, balance multiple priorities, meet deadlines and manage budgets.

At CDi Engineers we know our great reputation is dependent upon our dedicated and valued staff. We value our culture of diversity and respect - for ourselves, our families, our clients, and for the environment. And we have fun, too! Please visit our website http://www.cdiengineers.com/ for more information.

If this appeals to you, we invite you to e-mail your resume to hr@cdiengineers.com using "Energy Modeler" as your subject line.