Draft 2009 Seattle Energy Code

The thirteenth public review meeting for the draft 2009 Seattle Energy Code took place Wednesday afternoon (April 28). (note: this draft version has been superceded. Go to http://www.seattle.gov/dpd/codes/energy_code/overview/2009_ecupdate.asp to access the most current version).

- The topic was a review and discussion of comments received by the 27 April 2010 written comment deadline.

After three months of public review, the draft 2009 Seattle Energy Code is moving to the next phase in the process.
- We wish to offer our sincere appreciation to those who attended the public meetings and/or submitted written comments. Through sharing your expertise, you’ve helped ensure that the Seattle Energy Code is enforceable and results in energy efficient buildings.

DPD and Seattle City Light staff met today to decide on initial staff recommendations to the Construction Code Advisory Board (CCAB) for the 2009 Seattle Energy code. The attached document contains those recommendations and is intended to be the basis for CCAB discussions. Based on written comments received and discussion on Wednesday during the public review of those comments, revisions have been made to the following sections:
- 1202: add exception to allow alternate metering scheme for large healthcare facilities, require commissioning of metering system.
- 1203: for existing buildings, limit data acquisition systems and energy display to those over 50,000 ft2.
- 1314.6.2: require air leakage testing for all buildings (not only those over five stories), projects required to test but not required to achieve a certain performance.
- 1322: clarification of nominal R-value compliance alternates for wall assemblies with thermal bridging (with companion changes to Table 13-1).
- 1412.8.2: allow demand based or setback control for ventilation in laboratories.
- 1416.3.3: add metering to list of systems to be commissioned.
- 1435: add exhaust fans to list of fans that need variable speed drive for systems to qualify for exception 2 to the simultaneous heating and cooling requirements.
- RS-29, 2.5: add building official discretion to approve use of the exceptional savings route for more than one-half of the energy savings.

This document has been forwarded to CCAB. The CCAB meeting to discuss the draft 2009 Seattle Energy Code is scheduled for 12:00 noon - 2:00 pm on Thursday, 6 May 2010, in room 2240 (22nd floor) of the Seattle Municipal Tower at 700 Fifth Avenue. The meeting is open to the public.

Again, thank you all for your participation and contributions to the 2009 Seattle Energy Code,
John Hogan

For your use as well is the 2009 Washington State Energy Code: Available online now at: http://sbcc.wa.gov/Page.aspx?nid=14

Job Posting - Coffman Engineers Inc.

Our Seattle office is seeking two Mechanical Engineers to join our team in applying engineering skills to a variety of diverse and challenging projects.

The successful candidates will have experience in the consulting design of HVAC, piping and plumbing systems for commercial, military, education and health care facilities. This position involves some periodic longer-term deployments to our other offices beginning with several weeks in our Anchorage office.

Requirements include:

• A four-year degree in engineering or related field
• P.E. registration required
• System analyses and economic evaluation experience desired
• Must be able and willing to travel occasionally
• LEED accreditation preferred
• Familiarity with BIM a plus
• Excellent written/verbal skills

We are a company that truly focuses on its employees by supporting and encouraging them to advance professionally and technically. We offer an excellent salary/benefits package, a desirable location, and a professional office environment with the opportunity to work on exciting projects.

Coffman Engineers was founded over 31 years ago. We have offices in Anchorage, Alaska; Honolulu, Hawaii; Los Angeles, California; and Seattle & Spokane, Washington serving clients throughout the United States as well as internationally. We provide structural, mechanical, electrical, civil and corrosion control engineering, commissioning and project/construction management services for a diverse client base.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer with advancement opportunities for motivated employees.

Please apply through our website at www.coffman.com.

Puget Sound Chapter May Lunch Meeting

Applied Acoustics: Noise and Vibration Control for Mechanical Installations

Alan Burt and Erik Miller-Klein of SSA Acoustics provide a practical guide to controlling noise and vibration created by mechanical systems.

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Rock Bottom Brewery - Seattle
1333 Fifth Ave, Seattle, WA 98101

11:30 AM - 12:00 Noon: Registration & Social
12:00 Noon - 1:15 PM: Lunch Served & Program

Meeting Theme: Research Promotion

Also at this meeting:

• Installation of 2010-2011 Chapter Officers & Board of Governors
• Presentation of 2010 Chapter Technology Awards
• Annual Chapter Report from the Region XI CRC

Presentation Overview:

Building owners and occupants judge mechanical systems by acoustic performance as well as thermal comfort.

How is the design of your system affecting final acoustic
perceptions of a project?

Our May chapter meeting will explore the basics of noise and vibration in mechanical system design and highlight basic engineering principles behind proper mechanical design with respect to noise.

Alan Burt and Erik Miller-Klein will explain the physics of noise and vibration, basics of ASHRAE guidelines, compare AHRI to ASHRAE research, and provide aural examples of some common issues in HVAC systems.

The presentation will review national, state and municipal noise codes, standards and design criteria.

Presenters:
Alan Burt, PE is an Associate Partner and Acoustical Consultant at SSA Acoustics. Alan has been part of the design community since graduating from the University of Washington in 1998 with a bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, and recently received his PE in Acoustics from Oregon, the only state that offers an Acoustical Engineer PE exam and license. Alan has adapted his degree to acoustical engineering, applying engineering approaches to contribute to successful project design. Alan provides consultation for mechanical system noise and vibration, architectural acoustics, environmental noise and audiovisual systems. Alan has been an active member of ASHRAE for four years, currently chairs the chapter YEA Committee, and was just elected to a position on the Puget Sound Chapter Board of Governors.

Erik Miller-Klein is an Acoustical Consultant at SSA Acoustics who specializes in engineered solutions to mechanical, industrial, architectural and environmental noise issues. Erik has a bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering with an acoustic concentration from the University of Hartford and a bachelor's degree in Music Composition/Theory from Whitman College. His work includes supporting engineers and designers through design development and construction, and he regularly investigates and designs noise mitigation solutions for existing facilities. Erik has been an active member of ASHRAE for three years.

Make your meeting reservation by 6:00 PM Friday, May 7, 2010

Cost: Members $35, Guests $40, Students $15

To make your reservation, go to the Acteva event website at:
http://www.acteva.com/booking.cfm?bevaid=202838

If you have questions regarding registration, please contact Kathi Shoemake at mailto:kathis96@msn.com

2009 Washington State Energy Code/Seattle Amendments - Review Schedule Update

The following additional public review meetings have been scheduled:

- 15 April 2010 (Thursday), SMT-4080, 3:00-4:30 pm: overview & Ch.15&11-lighting
- 19 April 2010 (Monday) SMT-4050, 7:30-10:00 am: Ch.13-building envelope, Ch.14-mechanical, Ch.16-renewable energy, Ch.12-metering
- 27 April 2010 (Tuesday) SMT-4080, 7:30-10:30 am: RS-29, Appendix A, Appendix B, & carryover
- 28 April 2010 (Wednesday) SMT-4096, 3:00-5:00 pm: review of written comments

The deadline for written comments is Tuesday, 28 April 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 Avenue, Suite 2000, P.O Box 34019, Seattle WA 98124-4019
If possible, please propose specific language changes with underline to indicate new language and strikethrough to indicate deletions.

CCAB discussion will begin on 15 April 2010, with a goal for CCAB recommendations in May. DPD would then consider these recommendations and forward an ordinance to the Mayor and City Council shortly thereafter. City Council consideration would occur in early summer, with an effective date this summer (consistent with other Seattle code updates).

Thank you all for your participation and contributions to the 2009 Seattle Energy Code,

John Hogan, Seattle Department of Planning & Development (DPD)


The Washington State Building Code Council (WSBCC) adopted the 2009 Washington State Energy Code (WSEC) on November 20, 2009. The WSBCC adopted most of the revisions that were published for public review in August 2009, though there were some further modifications made during the final voting. These changes are contained in the Washington State Register WSR 10-03-115 and can be viewed at the WSBCC website at: http://sbcc.wa.gov/Page.aspx?nid=138 . The Washington Association of Building Officials (WABO) is likely to publish the complete 2009 WSEC in late spring 2010. The 2009 WSEC is expected to take effect on July 1, 2010. (Projects with complete building permit applications submitted prior to the effective date of the 2009 WSEC will be vested to the 2006 WSEC.)

Now that the WSBCC has finalized the 2009 WSEC, DPD is working on the draft 2009 Seattle Energy Code (SEC). The 2009 SEC will consist of the 2009 WSEC with additional Seattle amendments to the nonresidential provisions. As is the case with the current Seattle Energy Code, there are no proposed Seattle amendments to the provisions for residential spaces in the Washington State Energy Code. (Please note, however, that the WSBCC did adopt significant revisions to the provisions for residential spaces that are contained in the 2009 WSEC.)

The public process to update the Seattle Energy Code is now underway. Click here to view the:
2009 SEC, 2010-01-28, preliminary public review draft (note: this draft version has been superceded. Go to http://www.seattle.gov/dpd/codes/energy_code/overview/2009_ecupdate.asp to access the most current version).

For this update cycle, Seattle amendments to the 2009 Washington State Energy Code (WSEC) are proposed:
• to achieve the energy savings specified in Resolution 30280,
• to incorporate ASHRAE/USGBC/IESNA Standard 189.1, and
• to improve implementation of existing amendments.

Resolution 30280 (Section 1.B.i) directs DPD and Seattle City Light to “propose to the City Council…amendments to the Seattle Energy Code…to achieve up to 20% enhanced energy efficiency beyond the current version of ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1”. The 2006 Seattle Energy Code achieved approximately 20% energy savings compared to ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1-2004. However, since that time, ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1-2007 has been published and it contains significant energy efficiency improvements. More recently, ASHRAE/USGBC/IESNA Standard 189.1, High-Performance Green Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings, was published, providing criteria for all aspects of green buildings.

DPD has scheduled a series of meetings to discuss these proposed amendments. All meetings will take place in the Seattle Municipal Tower (SMT), 700 Fifth Avenue, starting at 7:30 am.
8 February 2010 (Monday), SMT-4050, 7:30-10:00 am: Ch.13 - Building Envelope &
Ch.16 - Renewable Energy Power Generation
9 February 2010 (Tuesday) SMT-2750, 7:30-8:45 am: Ch.15 - Lighting & Ch.12 - Metering
11 February 2010 (Thursday) SMT-4050, 7:30-9:30 am: Ch.14 - Mechanical
16 February 2010 (Tuesday) SMT-2750, 7:30-8:45 am: Ch.13 - Building Envelope
18 February 2010 (Thursday) SMT-4080, 7:30-8:45 am: Ch.14 - Mechanical
23 February 2010 (Tuesday) SMT-2750, 7:30-8:45 am: Ch.15 - Lighting
25 February 2010 (Thursday) SMT-4050, 7:30-9:30 am: RS-29 and wrap-up

The deadline for written comments is Monday, 1 March 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 Avenue, Suite 2000, P.O Box 34019, Seattle WA 98124-4019
If possible, please propose specific language changes with underline to indicate new language and strikethrough to indicate deletions.

The goal is for DPD’s Construction Codes Advisory Board (CCAB) to make their recommendations in March. DPD would then consider these recommendations and forward an ordinance to the Mayor and City Council shortly thereafter. City Council consideration would occur in late Spring, with an effective date this summer (consistent with other Seattle code updates).

Living Building Challenge Road Show

Cascadia Region Green Building Council is presenting their upcoming Living Building Challenge Road Show being held in Seattle, May 5th. We would like to offer members of the Puget Sound ASHRAE a 10% discount to the event.

This full day workshop will share the tenets of the Living Building Challenge, highlight resources and design strategies, and address the various perceived barriers and incentives related to high performance design.

Workshop attendees are entitled to a one-year membership into the Living Building Community. This on-line resource offers direct engagement with professionals currently working on Living Building Challenge projects, as well as the authors of the performance standard. Community members have access to the User's Guide, which includes the technical information and documentation requirements necessary to strive towards certification.
The tenets of Living Building Challenge include net zero energy and net zero water. The Standard addresses limits to growth and urban agriculture, biophilia and toxic-free environments. It includes requirements on social equity and beauty, with an emphasis on inspiration and education to promote the rapid advancement of true sustainability in our built environment.
If these ideas interest you to learn more and inspire you to lead the way in your community, please join us for this cutting-edge educational opportunity.

Includes:
- Instruction from expert faculty
- FREE one-year membership in the Living Building Community ($125 value)
- Continental breakfast and lunch provided
- Approved for 6 AIA Learning Units
- Approved for 6 GBCI Continuing Ed Hours

Learning Objectives:
- Identify the key components of the Living Building Challenge
- Describe the Living Building Challenge community resources and certification process
- Discuss the rationale for restorative design principles
- Understand successful strategies for compliance with each performance area (Site, Water, Energy, Health, Materials, Equity, and Beauty)
- Recognize financial, regulatory and behavioral barriers and incentives related to high performance design

Logistics:
Date: May 5th, 2010
Time: 8:30am - 3:30 pm
Place: The Vashon Room at The Westin Hotel, 1900 5th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101
Cost: $345 non-members
$310 members of Partner organizations (this means your membership!)
$295 ILBI community members
$230 if you are attending our Living Future unConference May 5 - 7th!

For more information: www.ilbi.org/roadshow

Living Future 2010 www.cascadiagbc.org/living-future/10

Impact of Greeen Building Code Changes on the Building Envelope

Click on the image below to view the power point presentation from our April membership meeting.

ENERGY FUTURE

Energy Production, Consumption, Policy, and the

Environment

Public Lecture Series: http://courses.washington.edu/efuture

The coming decades will see dramatic changes in the production, consumption, and overall availability of energy. This free UW public lecture series will bring world-leading experts address many of the core technical, social, economic, and political issues and opportunities which will accompany the forthcoming transition to renewable energy.

April Lectures (Kane 130 at the UW, starting at 6:30 pm):

April 1: Plastic Solar Cells? Challenges and Opportunities for Photovoltaics
David Ginger (UW Chemistry Department)

April 20: Sustainable Energy - Without the Hot Air
David J.C. MacKay (Cambridge University and Chief Science Advisor to the U.K. Department of Energy and Climate Change)

For the full schedule of speakers and descriptions of the their lectures, see http://courses.washington.edu/efuture

Questions? Contact efuture@uw.edu.

Energy Future is sponsored by the University of Washington, the Office of the Provost, the Applied Physics Lab, the Colleges of Arts and Sciences, Engineering, and the Environment, the Evans School of Public Affairs, the Institute for Advanced Materials and Technology, the NSF Science and Technology Center for Materials and Devices for Information Technology Research, the NSF Center for Enabling New Technologies Through Catalysis, and the UW Department of Physics. They all care about energy. You should, too.