The Department of Community Affairs has recently proposed changes to the Uniform Construction Code regarding the enforcement of the energy code (see the January 6, 2003 edition of the New Jersey Register). The proposal requires applicants to show compliance with the energy subcode and sets forth specific ways of showing compliance.
Residential
Residential buildings applicants have four options for complying. The options are: submission of written calculations, enrollment in the “Energy Star” program, compliance with prescriptive packages, or use of the RESCheck software. Listed below is a brief description of the compliance options.
Handwritten calculations are an acceptable, although somewhat unattractive, method of showing compliance. They are time consuming to both create and review. The Department anticipates that this will be the least used option.
Applicants can also demonstrate compliance by showing that they are enrolled in the “Energy Star” program. “Energy Star” is a utility sponsored incentive program where the builder is given utility rebates for constructing homes that are more efficient than the energy code requires. The threshold for enrollment in the “Energy Star” program is 30% more efficient than the 1995 CABO MEC. As part of the program, the utility company does both a plan review and field inspections. Therefore, if the builder is enrolled in the program there is no need for either a plan review or field inspections for energy code compliance by the municipality.
Applicants may also use RESCheck software to show compliance. The software essentially performs the energy calculations described above and allows trade-offs between building components. For example it will let you under-insulate walls for a commensurate over insulation of the ceiling. It also allows trade-offs between HVAC equipment and building components. The software may be downloaded from the U.S. Department of Energy's Web site. The energy codes software is listed under “compliance tools.” The site lists several different versions of RESCheck software. When downloading the software be sure to download the New Jersey version (based on the 1995 MEC with New Jersey modifications). The final method of complying is with the use of prescriptive packages.
These packages were developed using the RESCheck software. The packages show typical insulation levels, glazing percentages, window characteristics and equipment efficiencies. If an applicant's design shows insulation levels and equipment efficiencies that are the same or higher then the typical levels, and window “u” values and glazing percentages that are the same or lower the the typical levels, then the design complies. No other calculations are needed. The applicant simply needs to indicate which package was selected. A copy of the various packages is included below. |
There are six different forms that may be applicable. There are forms for single family dwellings and for multifamily dwellings for each of the three heating degree day regions in the state.
Commercial
Commercial building applicants have two ways of showing compliance. The methods are long hand calculations and the use of software. For commercial buildings, longhand calculations have the same draw- back that they have for residential applications, they are time consuming to generate and check. The Department anticipates that the software will be the preferred option.
Commercial software is available from the same site as the residential software. The software is called COMCheckEZ and is listed under “compliance tools.” There is no New Jersey version of the commercial software. New Jersey is using the 1999 version of ASHRAE 90.1. The software downloaded from the site should be based on this standard. This software can be used for most commercial building designs. COMCheckEZ cannot be used to demonstrate a whole building performance (energy budget) approach. The whole building performance approach takes advantage of code provisions that are not normally used, such as credits for day lighting. It will allow for trade-offs between building components and can be used for the majority of commercial buildings.
Assistance
Questions on the energy subcode can be directed to the code assistance unit by telephone at (609) 984– 7609.
Residential Prescriptive Packages
Use 4500 for Atlantic, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland,Gloucester, and Salem Counties.
Use 5000 for Burlington, Essex, Hudson, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean and Union Counties.
Use 5500 for Bergen, Hunterdon, Morris, Passaic, Somerset and Warren Counties.
Use single for one and two family detached dwellings.
Use multi for other than one or two family detached dwellings which are three or fewer stories in height.
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