Members of the Commercial Energy Code technical advisory group postponed a decision on a proposal to add a masonry and concrete thermal‑bridge mitigation standard as an alternate compliance path.

The proposal, presented by Carrie Sutton and co‑sponsored by the American Concrete Institute (ACI) and masonry trade groups, would reference ACI 122.1 in the commercial energy code as an alternate way to demonstrate compliance for concrete and masonry thermal bridges. Sutton said the standard was developed through an ANSI‑accredited process to address gaps not covered by the IECC or ASHRAE and that the ACI can provide complimentary PDF copies to building officials and TAG members for review.

Why it matters: Thermal bridges in concrete and masonry (for example: balconies, columns penetrating the thermal envelope, and masonry veneer interfaces) are a known source of heat loss. Proponents argued a vetted, industry standard could provide tested psi and U‑factor values where the model code lacks details. Critics and several TAG members said they were unable to review the standard in advance and asked for a short technical synopsis showing how the standard differs from current code and whether it changes target U‑factors or tradeoff rules.

Discussion and next steps: TAG members raised three main concerns: (1) location in the code — several members suggested C402.6 (thermal bridging) rather than C402.1, (2) whether the reference should be called out in the code’s references list and marked as “approved by the jurisdiction,” and (3) how the new standard would interact with other proposals on cantilevered concrete and mass assemblies. Several members requested emailed copies of ACI 122.1; Sutton said ACI will provide complimentary PDF copies for reviewers on request. TAG members also asked the proponent for a concise synopsis explaining what the standard prescribes and examples showing how it would change calculations.

Outcome: The TAG voted to postpone the proposal until the next meeting so members can review the standard and the proponent can submit a short technical summary and suggested code placement. The group requested interested members email Krista or contact Carrie Sutton (carrie.sutton@concrete.org) to receive the complimentary copy.

What to watch: If the proponent supplies the ACI standard and a short synopsis ahead of the next meeting, the TAG expects to revisit code placement (C402.1 vs. C402.6 vs. a reference in the thermal‑bridging table) and any draft language to be inserted in the references and body of the energy code.