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Board adopts HVAC insulation clarification, defers air‑barrier inspection language and approves intent to simplify renewables crediting
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Summary
The board approved an amendment clarifying allowed HVAC insulating materials, asked staff to rewrite the air‑barrier inspection requirement to a more enforceable owner/contractor verification, and approved in principle simplifying the commercial renewables credit formula and returning with a single average percentage.
The Energy Code Board approved a commercial code amendment clarifying allowable HVAC insulation materials and directed staff to revise a proposed air‑barrier inspection requirement to a more enforceable approach; the board also approved in principle simplifying the commercial renewable‑energy crediting table.
C403 insulation: The board voted to amend C403.13.03.01 to clarify that the code's limitation on certain materials applies specifically to HVAC system insulation materials (for example, refrigerant line insulation) and not to common building insulation or penetration sealants. That amendment passed by voice/straw poll: 16 in favor, 2 opposed, 0 abstain. Brad (board member) introduced the clarification; staff and code professionals said the language reduces confusion about what the restriction covers.
C402 air‑barrier inspection: Tim (board member) had proposed requiring a rough framing and insulation inspection for buildings that do not require whole‑building leakage testing. Jurisdictions and staff described implementation challenges for phased commercial projects; several jurisdictions currently accept an owner/contractor attestation or a third‑party letter saying an airtightness/testing firm is engaged and understands requirements. Tim withdrew the current proposed wording and asked staff to return with language creating a practical path to ensure airtightness consultants are engaged early (for example, an owner/developer letter to the permitting jurisdiction), rather than a strict rough‑frame test when project sequencing makes that impractical.
C407 renewables crediting: Elizabeth proposed simplifying the complex renewables credit table in C407 by reverting to a single, average allowable percent contribution (for example, a simple percentage consistent with ASHRAE Appendix G practice) rather than a complex, climate‑zone‑and‑occupancy table. The board voted in favor of the approach (14 yes, 0 no, 4 abstain) and directed staff to return with a recommended single percentage (or climate‑zone adjustments, if warranted) that aligns with C406 credits and ASHRAE protocols.
Staff will return with revised code language for C403 and C402 and an analysis and recommended percentage for C407 at a subsequent meeting.
