SEC Chapter 12 Decision Memo 8-12-2011

Seattle Energy Code e-mail list,

On July 12th, the Washington State Building Code Council (WSBCC) voted to “suspend the energy metering requirements in Chapter 12 of the Washington State Energy Code while reviewing the requirements and looking at the economic aspects of metering.”
(For more information, see the WSBCC website at: https://fortress.wa.gov/ga/apps/sbcc/default.aspx )

For projects within the City of Seattle:
- DPD suspended enforcement of Chapter 12 for residential spaces effective July 12, 2011.
- After a briefing and discussion with DPD staff, Mayor Mike McGinn directed DPD to continue enforcement of Chapter 12 of the Seattle Energy Code for new nonresidential construction projects, and to suspend enforcement of its provisions for construction projects in existing buildings until further notice.

However, the Mayor also directed DPD to continue to gather input from stakeholders on the impacts of this decision. To that end,
- If you have comments on any aspect of Chapter 12, whether in favor of the provisions or not, please send them to John Hogan at john.hogan@seattle.gov .
- If you have questions about the application of the Seattle Energy Code to a particular project, please contact Shailesh Desai at Shailesh.desai@seattle.gov .

For more information and background, please see the attached (SEC Chapter 12 Decision Memo 8-12-2011.pdf).

Thanks,
John


John Hogan, AIA, P.E.
LEED Accredited Professional
Seattle Department of Planning & Development (DPD)
700 Fifth Avenue, Suite 2000
P.O. Box 34019
Seattle, WA 98124-4019
(john.hogan@seattle.gov)

voice: 206-386-9145
fax: 206-386-4039

Seattle Energy Code website:
http://www.seattle.gov/dpd/energy/

APPLICATION OF THE CHAPTER 12 (ENERGY METERING) REQUIREMENTS IN THE SEATTLE ENERGY CODE
(August 12, 2011)
Chapter 12 of the Seattle Energy Code requires metering of all energy supplied to the building. For buildings with a gross conditioned floor area of 20,000 ft2 and larger, additional meters (a.k.a., “submeters”) are required for each energy source to separately measure energy consumption of heating/ventilation/air conditioning systems, lighting systems, plug load systems, process systems, and other miscellaneous systems. The purpose of measuring the consumption is to make data available to building owners and operators to fine‐tune their management of energy use in their buildings. However, there may be other uses for the data in the future.
After a briefing and discussion with DPD staff, Mayor Mike McGinn directed DPD to continue enforcement of Chapter 12 of the Seattle Energy Code for new nonresidential construction projects, and to suspend enforcement of its provisions for construction projects in existing buildings until further notice. The Mayor’s reasons for this decision included:
•
Seattle should continue to be a leader in energy code policy
•
This is one area where it is appropriate that policy leads technology, i.e., technology should improve as a result of the policy.
•
Since similar regulations are likely to be instituted in the relatively near future, building owners and the construction industry in Seattle will have a competitive advantage over those who wait to deal with the learning curve la
•
Recognition of the high costs of implementing submetering in existing building
As a result of this decision, DPD will continue to enforce Chapter 12 of the Seattle Energy Code for new nonresidential construction, but will suspend enforcement of Chapter 12 of the Seattle Energy Code immediately for construction projects in existing buildings. DPD suspended enforcement of Chapter 12 for residential spaces effective July 12, 2011.
However, the Mayor also directed DPD to continue to gather input from stakeholders on the impacts of this decision. To that end, if you have comments on any aspect of Chapter 12, whether in favor of the provisions or not, please send them to John Hogan at john.hogan@seattle.gov. If you have questions about the application of the Seattle Energy Code to a particular project, please contact Shailesh Desai at shailesh.desai@seattle.gov.
For more information and background, please see below.
2009 WASHINGTON STATE ENERGY CODE BACKGROUND:
•
In 2009, the Washington State Building Code Council (SBCC) conducted their normal code development process to adopt the 2009 Washington State Energy Code (WSEC). This process included review of proposals by the Energy Code Technical Advisory Group (TAG) in advance of review by the full SBCC. Energy Code TAG membership represented of a broad spectrum of interests, but did not include an electrical contractor or electrical engineer.
•
In November, 2009, the SBCC approved what would become the 2009 WSEC, including the TAG‐recommended provisions in Chapter 12, Energy Metering. The 2009 WSEC went into effect on January 1, 2011.
•
In June, 2011, the SBCC received a petition requesting repeal of Chapter 12 of the 2009 WSEC. While several reasons were given in support of the petition (including lack of involvement of electrical contractors and engineers), the main reason given was the cost of implementation. On July 12, 2011, the SBCC passed an emergency rule to “immediately suspend the energy metering requirements in Chapter 12 of the [WSEC] while reviewing the requirements and looking at the economic aspects of metering” (quote taken from the SBCC online home page).
2009 SEATTLE ENERGY CODE BACKGROUND:
•
After the SBCC approved the 2009 WSEC, DPD conducted its normal process during the early part of 2010 to amend the 2009 WSEC, resulting in the 2009 Seattle Energy Code. During this process, several amendments were made to Chapter 12, to clarify its application for nonresidential spaces. This was in accordance with State law which allows local amendments to the WSEC provisions for nonresidential spaces, but does not allow local jurisdictions to amend the technical provisions of the WSEC applying to residential spaces. Compliance with the 2009 Seattle Energy Code became mandatory on November 22, 2010 for nonresidential spaces, and January 1, 2011 for residential spaces.
•
As DPD reviews actual projects, we’ve been learning more about the challenges of implementing Chapter 12. Concerns expressed by permit applicants led to the policy discussions with the Mayor.
IMPLICATIONS OF THE JULY 12, 2011 SBCC DECISION FOR THE SEATTLE ENERGY CODE:
A.
Residential spaces: In accordance with State law, Seattle must abide by the SBCC decision as related to residential spaces (as defined in Chapter 2 of the 2009 WSEC) in projects of any size. Since Chapter 12 does not apply to single family or small multi‐family residential projects to begin with (up to 4 dwelling units, 2 stories, and 5000 square feet of floor area), the effect of the SBCC decision was that DPD suspended enforcement of the provisions of Chapter 12 on larger residential spaces effective July 12, 2011. Any future enforcement of Chapter 12 requirements for residential spaces will coincide with future SBCC decisions on criteria and timing.
B.
Nonresidential spaces: By State law, Seattle is allowed to have Energy Code provisions for non‐residential spaces that are more stringent than the WSEC. Because Chapter 12 is still legally adopted, Seattle can continue to enforce the Seattle‐amended version for nonresidential projects. Seattle has made a policy decision to enforce Chapter 12 for new construction, but to suspend enforcement for existing buildings.

Job Posting - Interface Engineering

At Interface Engineering, Inc., innovation and sustainable design are fundamental to our mission. Rooted in a 41-year history of idealism, ecological sensitivity, technical expertise and cost-efficient design, our culture supports engineering consultants and thought leaders who add long-term value as design partners. If you are looking for an opportunity to broaden your own skills in a culture of leading-edge design and environmental sensitivity, this may be the place for you.

We are currently looking for an Electrical Engineer/Designer for our Seattle office whose responsibilities include building power and lighting systems design, specifications, project management, and providing exemplary service to new and existing clients. Qualified candidates should have a BSEE and at least 5 years of experience at a consulting engineering practice specific to electrical power and lighting systems. Experience in healthcare, commercial, and educational sectors is a plus. Professional Engineering License and LEED Accreditation are preferred and proficiency in CAD and Revit is desired.

Life at Interface Engineering includes not only working hard, but having fun and enjoying a work/life balance. Our lively work environment and commitment to excellence have earned us recognition as a top employer by news publications. We offer a competitive salary and benefit package and a chance to work for a prominent industry leader.

Please email your resume to hr@interfaceeng.com or send it to us directly at Interface Engineering, Inc., attention: Human Resources, 708 SW 3rd Ave, Suite 400, Portland, OR 97204.

For more information, visit us at http://www.interfaceengineering.com/. If career growth, challenging work and a culture of fun works for you, you just might like it here.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Job Posting - Interface Engineering

At Interface Engineering, Inc., innovation and sustainable design is fundamental to our mission. Rooted in a 41-year history of idealism, ecological sensitivity, technical expertise and cost-efficient design, our culture supports engineering consultants and thought leaders who add long-term value as design partners. If you are looking for an opportunity to broaden your own skills in a culture of leading-edge design and environmental sensitivity, this may be the place for you.

We are currently looking for a Mechanical Engineer/Designer for our Seattle office whose responsibilities include systems design, specifications, project management and providing exemplary service to new and existing clients. Qualified candidates should have a BSME and at least 5 years’ experience in a consulting engineering practice specific to HVAC systems for healthcare, commercial, and educational projects. Professional Engineering License and LEED Accreditation is preferred and proficiency in CAD and Revit is definitely a plus.

Life at Interface Engineering includes not only working hard, but having fun and enjoying a work/life balance. Our lively work environment and commitment to excellence have earned us recognition as a top employer by news publications. We offer a competitive salary and benefit package and a chance to work for a prominent industry leader.

Please email your resume to hr@interfaceeng.com or send it to us directly at Interface Engineering, Inc., attention: Human Resources, 708 SW 3rd Ave, Suite 400, Portland, OR 97204.

For more information, visit us at: http://www.interfaceengineering.com/. If career growth, challenging work and a culture of fun works for you, you just might like it here.

Equal Opportunity Employer

ASHRAE - News Release:

For Release:
July 25, 2011

Contact: Jodi Scott
Public Relations
678-539-1140
jscott@ashrae.org


ATLANTA – Building on a long-established working relationship, ASHRAE and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recently signed an updated memorandum of understanding, committing to further improve efficient use of energy.

The agreement was signed at ASHRAE’s 2011 Annual Conference in Montreal. It represents an update of an agreement last signed in 2007.

Together ASHRAE and the DOE agree to work cooperatively to improve the efficient use of energy, improve the visible and widespread use of renewable energy sources and to minimize the impact of energy use on the environment.

“By renewing our memorandum of understanding, ASHRAE and DOE pledge to combine our collective energy conservation efforts,” ASHRAE President Ron Jarnagin said. “We are committed to leading our country and our world toward a sustainable energy future.”

Specifically the agreement notes that ASHRAE and the DOE are committed to working together in the following goals:

Promote and support the continued development of ASHRAE standards related to energy efficiency, including:

• ANSI/ASHRAE/Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) Standard 90.1, Energy Efficient Design of New Buildings Except Low Rise Residential Buildings


• ANSI/ASHRAE/IES Standard 90.2, Energy Efficient Design of Low-Rise Residential Buildings


• ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 62.1, Ventilation and Acceptable Indoor Air Quality In Commercial, Institutional, Industrial and High-Rise Residential Buildings


• ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 62.2, Ventilation and Acceptable Indoor Air Quality in Low-Rise Residential Buildings


• ANSI/ASHRAE/IES Standard 100, Energy Efficiency in Existing Buildings


• ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 135, BACnet® – A Data Communication Protocol for Building Automation and Control Networks


• ANSI/ASHRAE/USGBC/IES Standard 189.1, Standard for the Design of High-Performance Green Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings, and


• Proposed ASHRAE/NEMA Standard 201, Facility Smart Grid Information Model
  


• Support a goal for the 2013 version of Standard 90.1 to be 50 percent more energy efficient than the 2004 version of Standard 90.1.


• Promote and support Standard 90.1 through training programs, including self-directed learning, building interaction and ASHRAE chapter-oriented training.


• Cooperate in promotion for the adoption of Standard 90.1 in building codes and in the International Standards Organization (ISO) standards.


• Collaborate on the accelerated development and distribution of advanced energy design guidance publications, such as 50 percent Advanced Energy Design Guides, which can be utilized as an alternative to the prescriptive path in Standard 90.1-2013, for a more sustainable built environment.


• Work within the building community and related professions to encourage the interoperability of building related software and integrated solutions among design disciplines, manufacturers, contractors, building owners and operators, to increase energy efficiency, health and productivity in new and existing buildings.


• Provide and support communication of information regarding technology transfers to building owners and management about the interrelationships between mechanical systems and building operating costs, noting energy, indoor environmental quality workplace performance, client satisfaction and public safety.


• Collaborate to increase the impact of the energy hubs created as part of the DOE Energy Efficient Building Systems Regional Innovation Cluster Initiative.


• Support the development and implementation of next-generation refrigerants that achieve Low-global warming potential targets and concurrently improve equipment energy efficiency.

ASHRAE - Letter from The President

Dear ASHRAE Members

On June 10, 2011, ASHRAE and the National Environmental Balancing Bureau (NEBB—www.nebb.org) sent a joint letter to both memberships indicating our common goal of improving building performance and, in furtherance of that goal, that we were considering consolidating the two organizations. The main purpose of that letter was to include everyone in the discussion. To promote an open discussion we set up an email alias that received close to 400 individual comments and held an “open mic” forum at the Sunday Board of Directors meeting at the 2012 Annual Conference in Montréal.

First, I would like to thank all those who have participated in the discussion so far! We have not been able to respond individually to each comment, but rest assured all comments are being shared with each Board member. Your input is exactly what we need as we move forward. I would also like to confirm that no action was taken by the Board in Montréal, nor was any intended. We are still very early in these discussions. In fact, we are so early in the discussions that many of you asked questions we do not yet have answers for. We apologize for the lack of information in our first letter but felt it was critical to have an open, transparent discussion with all members of both organizations prior to the commencement of the negotiations.

The most common question asked is “why?” Both organizations share a belief that most buildings do not meet their potential. Our discussions have always been centered on how we could make all buildings deliver optimal performance. We each felt that by joining our two strong organizations we could create a nucleus that would strive to deliver true optimal performance. We have also agreed that to reach our goal, more organizations than just NEBB and ASHRAE need to be involved.

Based on the input we received from our joint memberships, the negotiating team has recommended to both the NEBB and ASHRAE Boards that we reach out into our industry to gather input and support from other organizations. Instead of focusing on a NEBB/ASHRAE consolidation, we are now working to build a coalition of organizations that together can influence and shape building practices to deliver buildings that consistently perform as designed. Over the next few months, we will discuss our goals with likeminded organizations.

Your continued input is critical so please share your thoughts on how we can act boldly and decisively on reaching the goal of making every building perform at its highest potential.

Sincerely,
Ron Jarnagin
2011–12 ASHRAE President

ASHRAE - News Release:

For Release:
August 9, 2011
Contact: Amanda Dean
Public Relations
678-539-1216
adean@ashrae.org

ASHRAE Announces the Seventh International Conference on Cold Climate and Call for Papers

ATLANTA—ASHRAE, along with HVAC&R, architecture, interior design and building construction industry colleagues from around the world, will host the seventh International HVAC Cold Climate Conference, Nov. 12-14, 2012, in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

Cold Climate HVAC 2012 will provide key elements of a strategy by which scientists, designers, engineers, manufacturers and other decision makers in cold climate regions can achieve good indoor environmental quality (IEQ), with a minimum use of resources and energy.

The range of topics includes energy and sustainability in arctic environments; building technology for people in the arctic; indoor environment and health; challenges for remote areas; cold climate building envelopes and moisture management; HVAC system operation and maintenance; and cold climate standards, codes, regulations and requirements.

The planning committee seeks papers featuring innovations in cold climate HVAC design. This includes new technologies and applications; improved methodologies, improvements to computational models or other design tools; novel methods of management, organization or quality assurance; and novel avenues of research or revised conceptual frameworks for designers.

Submit abstracts no longer than 350 words, which summarize the objectives, approach, results and conclusions of the proposed paper, and five to seven keywords by Dec. 1, 2011. Upon acceptance, papers will be due April 1, 2012. For specific topics, to submit a conference paper abstract or for more information go to www.ashrae.org/ColdClimate. For additional information, contact meetings@ashrae.org.

The Scandinavian Federation of Heating, Ventilation and Sanitary Engineering Associations (SCANVAC) initiated the series of Cold Climate HVAC Conferences. The six previous conferences have been successfully organized in Rovaniemi, Finland in 1994; Reykjavik, Iceland in 1997; Sapporo, Japan in 2000; Trondheim, Norway in 2003; Moscow, Russia in 2006; and Sisimiut, Greenland in 2009.

The series of congresses have earlier been supported by national HVAC societies, the Federation of European Heating, Ventilation and Air Condition Associations (RHEVA) and ASHRAE.

ASHRAE - Government Affairs Update

Good day and welcome to ASHRAE's Government Affairs Update. Along with the Government Affairs Webpage, these periodic Email updates feature information on government affairs-related activities of interest to ASHRAE members and others interested in the built environment. Archives of previous updates are available from the Government Affairs Webpage (http://www.ashrae.org/advocacy).

Please pass this information on to interested colleagues who also may subscribe from the ASHRAE Government Affairs Webpage. Should you wish to unsubscribe, information appears at the end of this Email.

If you have any recommendations regarding content, or have questions about or would like to participate in Washington Office activities, please contact ASHRAE Government Affairs staff at (202) 833-1830 or washdc@ashrae.org.

ASHRAE Government Affairs Update, 7/29/11

• Debt Ceiling Talks Halt Most Other Action on Capitol Hill, But Impact on Building Industry Likely to be Substantial


• High-Performance Buildings Congressional Caucus Holds Energy Management Briefing on Capitol Hill


• NIBS Holds Hearing on Data Needs to Achieve High-Performance Buildings


• DOE Spotlights How Refrigerator Standards Help Save Consumers Billions
  

Debt Ceiling Talks Halt Most Other Action on Capitol Hill, But Impact on Building Industry Likely to be Substantial

As President Barack Obama and Congressional leaders strive to find a workable solution to raising the nation’s $14.3 trillion debt limit and reining in federal spending, most other action on Capitol Hill has come to a screeching halt. Behind the scenes, Hill staff have been in a frenzy, responding to a flood of constituent calls that have come as a result of requests for action from President Obama and interested organizations who have asked voters to put pressure on their elected officials to address the debt crisis.

While the details of the debt ceiling legislation are still being worked out, the impact of the final deal on the building industry will likely be substantial. For instance, the legislation will likely require about $1.2 trillion in discretionary domestic spending cuts over the next ten years. There have been estimates that this would require the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee to come up with approximately $6 billion in spending cuts for agencies and programs under the Committee’s jurisdiction, which includes the U.S. Department of Energy.

High-Performance Buildings Congressional Caucus Holds Energy Management Briefing on Capitol Hill

The High-Performance Buildings Congressional Caucus recently held a briefing for Members of Congress, their staff, building industry stakeholders, and the general public entitled “Active Energy Management as a Path to 30% Energy Savings in High Performance Buildings”.

The promo for this briefing described it as follows:

“Business and government are constantly looking at ways to effectively reduce costs and still deliver quality goods and services. One way to reduce costs and ultimately improve the bottom line is to look at ongoing energy use and costs associated with the operation of a building or facility. Traditional methods often fall short of achieving the desired result. Rather, a holistic view of the building, considering how various components and systems work together and how energy is consumed will be a better approach for business and for government. It will provide a compelling challenge to those who legislate and regulate buildings and the thousands of components they contain. Please join us for a lively discussion with experts on building systems and total energy use as a means to realize 30% energy savings in high performance buildings.”

Speakers at this briefing included Representative Russ Carnahan (D-MO), Co-Chair of the High-Performance Buildings Caucus; Tom Phoenix, Chair of ASHRAE’s Building Energy Quotient Oversight Committee; Paul Hamilton, Senior Vice President of Schneider Electric; and Rob Boteler, Vice President of Nidec Motor Corporation.

To view the PowerPoint presentations delivered at this briefing, visit http://www.hpbccc.org/07272011.php.

ASHRAE serves as the Chair of the High-Performance Building Congressional Caucus Coalition (HPBCCC), which is a private-sector coalition of over 160 building industry stakeholders that organizes Congressional Caucus briefings, and provides guidance and support to the Congressional Caucus. For more information on the HPBCCC visit http://www.hpbccc.org/

NIBS Holds Hearing on Data Needs to Achieve High-Performance Buildings

The National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS) recently held a representative hearing to begin identifying the needs and sources of data to achieve high-performance buildings. The hearing was presided over by ASHRAE past President Gordon Holness; past President of the American Institute of Architects Ron Skaggs; and current President of NIBS Henry L. Green.

At this hearing Doug Read, ASHRAE Program Director of Government Affairs, presented on ASHRAE’s research and data collection efforts through the Society’s involvement with DASH (Database for Analyzing Sustainable and High Performance Buildings).

For more information on the hearing, visit http://www.nibs.org/

DOE Spotlights How Refrigerator Standards Help Save Consumers Billions

Roland Risser, Director of the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Building Technologies Program, recently wrote an interesting blog post highlighting how refrigerator standards help save consumers about $20 billion per year in energy costs, compared to refrigerators in the 1970s.

To view the blog post, visit http://bit.ly/pAC4ja