[{"_1":2,"_100":-5,"_101":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6163461,"mediaKeyId","5434831-778a08548bd32699a1e6c0a3d83b98a3","parentId",5434831,"title","MBPE issues opinion: ERV intake/exhaust ducts may remain outside conditioned space; ducts and HVAC push equipment must be inside","audioSeconds",215,"startMs",520000,"endMs",735000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5434831-778a08548bd32699a1e6c0a3d83b98a3&start=520&end=735","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5434831-778a08548bd32699a1e6c0a3d83b98a3/thumbnail_520000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6163461/Washington/MBPE-issues-opinion-ERV-intakeexhaust-ducts-may-remain-outside-conditioned-space-ducts-and-HVAC-push-equipment-must-be-inside","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6163461-8d2640d41ae80829a16d1d997063e357/orig.mp4?Expires=1775830775&Signature=o3Ip4EmscIK93ykLfSZDJuakSSNOYX46aj7T4pUcVySdmHvnPQ~7mo4C0GVA8fslKm6VGqk-4m8QIubML07e1hJS5cxGNJ9Q72fB5ZwN4P486OwOQwvafyNLLYmVeFj93VDhSRZC8ziEga60JiiCh5k5bTyDaYoucSQC7aGXdE~ZMNNLAAgx1ggPGxodufefb~nU4tQ6IEayJQZHiC06m4nkry19PJIRqB9woMDY71mZzh-3jk2vIQKuskchI4seAQSrlj4eKQHuOcJpIjGByEfa-F4SDTrerlPESmnw5sEmyZpGOaSVk38dz3VkURG73r0eu7cw3SQSH60xm4s-iw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Building Code Council","date","2025-07-21T15:02:41Z","article","The MBPE committee on July 18 approved a staff opinion clarifying how ERV/HRV ductwork is treated under the residential energy code.

The committee's opinion says ducts and all HVAC “push” equipment must be located within the conditioned space to qualify for the R406 credit; however, the intake and exhaust duct runs that serve energy recovery ventilators (ERVs) and heat-recovery ventilators (HRVs) are not required to be inside the conditioned space. The committee voted to adopt the opinion and issue it to the City of West Richland, which had requested guidance.

Why it matters: The residential R406 credit is tied to placing distribution equipment where it is insulated and within the building’s thermal enclosure. Building officials, designers and contractors sought clarity about whether ERV/HRV intake and exhaust runs had to be inside conditioned space to earn credits. The committee’s ruling narrows that requirement to the HVAC “push” equipment and ducts but leaves room for intake/exhaust runs to cross unconditioned areas.

How the discussion unfolded: Staff presented the draft opinion and said the change reflected the tag’s earlier intent. Committee member Ben said the published code text (R403.3.2) already limits how much supply and return ductwork may run outside conditioned space, so the opinion should be consistent with that section. Committee members opened the item to public comment.

Industry concerns and follow-up: Larry Andrews (Andrews Mechanical) asked whether exhaust ducts that pass through unconditioned space should be required to be insulated because moist exhaust air can condensate. Larry: “I think that duct should be clarified that that duct should have some insulation on it.” Krista (staff) and Kjell (committee) said the opinion itself addresses only location, not installation details such as insulation, and that the code’s existing duct installation and exhaust-fan rules would govern insulation if required. The group discussed consulting SMACNA guidance and the code office for a definitive reference. Staff said the opinion could be posted now to meet the request from West Richland and then revised later if additional code references or industry guidance (for example, SMACNA or specific code sections) show insulation is required.

Action taken: The committee voted to adopt the opinion as drafted (the motion carried) and to issue it to the requester; the committee also directed staff to seek additional references (SMACNA / code sections) for a follow-up clarification if appropriate.

What the opinion does not change: The opinion does not alter the R406 or R403 code text itself; it is a committee interpretation clarifying how the existing code is applied. Committee members explicitly distinguished the opinion (an interpretation) from a rule change.

Next steps: Staff will publish the opinion and, if new code references are identified, return a revised interpretation at a later MBPE meeting so the opinion can reference any specific requirements for insulation or condensate management if those are found to apply.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","SBCC MVPE Meeting - July 18, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The MBPE committee on July 18 adopted a staff opinion clarifying that ducts and HVAC “push” equipment must be located inside the conditioned space to receive R406 credits, but intake and exhaust ductwork for ERV/HRV systems need not be inside the conditioned space.","taxTitle","Building Code Council, Governor's Office - Boards & Commissions, Executive, Washington","taxId",24233,"location","Washington","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6163450,"MBPE clears residential energy‑code proposals for council; ERI path, home‑size credits and PV/storage drew heated debate",6165,4597000,10762000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5434831-778a08548bd32699a1e6c0a3d83b98a3&start=4597&end=10762","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5434831-778a08548bd32699a1e6c0a3d83b98a3/thumbnail_4597000.jpg","/articles/6163450/Washington/MBPE-clears-residential-energycode-proposals-for-council-ERI-path-homesize-credits-and-PVstorage-drew-heated-debate","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6163450-f69cd51bd9716648fa149680237c3489/orig.mp4?Expires=1775830775&Signature=KZT~A9TRhWXVuNu68t6pRBfMAtPT6tMR2DeNWCCV8xYjFrtQmV3XdPWqwZNxgTjtc9FR~NoZxszLzFMJM1HGgHLh7fZzgDtwuBcjscqluhFyZymNq1w8z6TZbz7fE6Oer2bAytq2cUNPtz-WaIRyGJPixngLbtAT4hyKodPOB9XTh6d2ykSS056HV-hZ-76qEnK2u6il3cG6lae0kxiEycUhxfP1KZcm4D9P7hotBPFJ1J1IOz~AMxKgqllxFlxuWs8h1Dhi8Z0ZpbH3dXyDmogISEtjOVLz7aObTP5B114J8gZnCNW9GKMqyH4WXICfywKcHbR1iK9avLsDFOvLRQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The MBPE committee voted on July 18 to forward the residential energy‑code proposals to the Building Code Council, approving a package that includes a new Energy Rating Index (ERI) pathway, revised home‑size credit bands, an updated baseline fenestration U‑value and several related clarifications.

What the package would do: The tag added a new ERI pathway (an energy‑rating, HERS‑style approach) as an alternate compliance path to the existing prescriptive and modeling routes. The tag also revised how home sizes map to credit requirements: it smoothed the jump between size bands to avoid a large credit increase when a home crosses a single square‑foot threshold and created contingency credit levels depending on whether the council also adopts two tied edits (a 0.27 fenestration U‑value and a 3 ACH air‑leakage limit).

Modeling and scope: Unlike the commercial C406 modeling contract, the tag did not commission third‑party modeling to update the R406 credits; PNNL and NIA were working on modeling for the modeling pathway (R405) and ERI, but not the R406 credit table. Tag members stressed the need for modeling to verify progress toward the council’s glide path.

PV and energy storage: The committee spent considerable time on whether and how to allow on‑site PV and battery storage to count toward the residential options table credits. Two competing amendments were discussed. One, supported by solar‑industry commenters and some tag members, proposed modestly increasing the maximum solar/storage credit availability if paired with on‑site battery storage (to encourage grid‑friendly, on‑site use). Opponents warned that increasing rooftop PV credit potential risks letting projects meet compliance primarily with rooftop PV instead of long‑lived envelope and equipment measures. The committee ultimately approved a compromise that allows some storage‑paired credit but preserves limits on how much onsite renewables can count toward the ERI/prescriptive credit totals; the committee also asked that the modeling and public comment process address carbon and grid‑use implications.

Other notable items and debates:
- Electric readiness and spaces for future heat‑pump circuits: The committee approved a modification that requires space in the service panel (a two‑pole breaker space) sized in a manner consistent with the electrical code and heat‑pump sizing guidance; members rejected a broader requirement to install a complete dedicated branch circuit and outlet at construction time, citing cost and siting uncertainty.
- Replacing AC with heat pumps in existing buildings: The tag proposed that, when replacing AC-only equipment, owners either install heat pumps or meet other performance options (duct sealing, etc.). Some members raised EPCA (federal law) concerns about mandating changes on replacement; the committee forwarded the tag language with a record that this was a debated item and pointed to public comment as the venue for further legal and policy review.
- Integrated‑draft edit for UA baseline: The committee adopted an edit restoring a 15% baseline glazing area used in the UA trade‑off baseline (the integrated draft had adopted a new equation that unintentionally removed that baseline). Supporters called the change necessary to avoid a code rollback that would encourage excessive glazing.

Vote and next steps: The MBPE committee voted to forward the residential package to the council for CR‑102 filing with the set of amendments and clarifications the committee approved during the meeting. Council staff indicated the CR‑102 and the PNNL/NIA modeling results (where available) should be posted for public comment so stakeholders can review interactive modeling results and submit comments before the council’s hearings.

Public comment highlights: Solar installers and storage providers urged credit recognition for batteries to support grid reliability and avoid investments in transmission or peaker plants; builders and some tag members cautioned that credits must still prioritize long‑lived envelope upgrades. Builders noted real‑world retrofit constraints (attic geometry, hydronic heating, ice‑dam risk) when forced to relocate equipment in existing homes.

","The MBPE committee voted July 18 to transmit the residential tag’s proposals to the Building Code Council for rule‑making (CR‑102). Key additions include an ERI pathway, revised home‑size credit banding, updated fenestration UA targets and a contested discussion over rooftop solar and battery‑storage credits.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6163455,"MBPE forwards commercial energy‑code package to council after C406 overhaul, modeling plan",1168,1152000,2320000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5434831-778a08548bd32699a1e6c0a3d83b98a3&start=1152&end=2320","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5434831-778a08548bd32699a1e6c0a3d83b98a3/thumbnail_1152000.jpg","/articles/6163455/Washington/MBPE-forwards-commercial-energycode-package-to-council-after-C406-overhaul-modeling-plan","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6163455-2b346ad88123b358e44ef5cd9d1ad6b6/orig.mp4?Expires=1775830776&Signature=EP~zj2qedydBp6f~eOzmN74ZCCpDiR8S04qDREHousZIG-4hpdtbFlnEIMY3NBly4npAgB0fKiRWxqpWgNylXojwNq6ZuU6PtCCxkUzeX5VX7ThIMdoy-w7WP32CjAZCFBGseNVwfRsdR3pAtAUPX3u-Epcij5UxxWeoIrvUxYRL1ngeYjK~WHX2FVG~cNzOaYqlMhGnTsh08pH5z9oxoNFvHJW8mYOtsS6KQxaR7dtsjIaDP0XYWLk90W00AEh2RVPSNOb-TdbiTvedYoF5oN~3lVwHF-GTN0OECW4u~060~odgMgiFAAikdwIRKEdXT7egXxPOjD1hLlnuwnzO6w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The MBPE committee forwarded the commercial energy‑code package to the Building Code Council on July 18, endorsing the tag’s extensive work on the C406 interactive credit tables and other updates and approving two clerical corrections.

Major change: C406 overhaul. The commercial tag substantially reworked the C406 credit-option tables (proposal 279), turning a single table into several interacting tables that aim to allocate credit values based on site energy. The tag’s intent was to combine the prior prescriptive heat‑pump prescriptive path and the fossil‑fuel path into a unified baseline so credit values could be awarded in graduated steps (e.g., appliances at code-minimum, 5% better, 10% better, etc.). The tag said modeling is necessary to set final point values for credits so the package tracks the council’s codified glide path toward 2030 goals.

Modeling and calibration: The tag secured modeling work by Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), funded through NIA, to model how many points each option should be worth so the package meets the council’s greenhouse‑gas reduction glide path. PNNL’s modeling will calculate the interactive effects and produce spreadsheets and documentation to be posted on the Building Code Council website for public review. Staff said PNNL’s work may be posted with the council’s CR‑102 filing or very shortly thereafter.

Other notable changes and debates:
- Glazing: The tag debated a requirement that at least 20% of glazing in many buildings use triple glazing. Proponents presented a cost‑effectiveness memo showing “thin triple” glazing can fit in conventional curtainwall/IGU systems and raise window performance with modest weight and cost impacts.
- Steam humidification: The tag voted limits on steam humidification by climate zone (30% in zone 4C/5b west of the Cascades, 50% in zone 5B east of the Cascades) after concerns about Legionella and operational risks with adiabatic systems.
- Contentious items: Three proposals drew sustained debate—mass transfer deck diagram (passed narrowly), adding a C406 credit for induction cooking (proposal 153; passed 9–6 with one abstention), and service-hot‑water replacement requirements for existing buildings (proposal 270; passed 7–4–1). The tag also flagged that three proposals passed with less than a two‑thirds majority; those items were highlighted for council attention.

Tag process and turnout: The commercial tag reported roughly 30 participants at each meeting, 14 formal meetings and more than 85 recorded hours, and about 163 proposals reviewed. The tag passed about 123 proposals (some modified), 21 failed, and 19 were withdrawn or consolidated. The chair stressed that most proposals passed by voice vote and few were highly contentious.

Committee action: The MBPE committee voted to forward the commercial package to the council with two amendments the committee had reviewed: (1) align the commercial code’s definition of “residential” with the residential code’s definition (so certain multiplex housing may choose either code) and (2) a clerical/cross‑reference correction (a February update). The motion passed by voice vote.

What’s next: If MBPE’s recommendation is adopted, the council will post the CR‑102 (and likely PNNL’s modeling results) for public comment; that modeling will be central to setting the final credit point values. The tag recommended posting PNNL’s work on the Building Code Council website for transparency.

","The MBPE committee on July 18 voted to send the commercial energy‑code package to the Building Code Council with two clerical amendments. The tag overhauled the C406 credit tables and planned modeling by Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) to set point values tied to site energy.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

MBPE issues opinion: ERV intake/exhaust ducts may remain outside conditioned space; ducts and HVAC push equipment must be inside

MBPE clears residential energy‑code proposals for council; ERI path, home‑size credits and PV/storage drew heated debate

MBPE forwards commercial energy‑code package to council after C406 overhaul, modeling plan