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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 127 records · Page 7
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2012

Could Building Energy Codes Mandate Rooftop Solar in the Future?

This paper explores existing requirements and compliance options for both commercial and residential code structures. Common alternative compliance options are discussed including Renewable Energy Credits (RECs), green-power purchasing programs, shared solar programs and other community-based renewable energy investments. Compliance options are analyzed to consider building lifespan, cost-effectiveness, energy trade-offs, enforcement concerns and future code development. Existing onsite renewable energy codes are highlighted as case studies for the code development process.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2020

Oregon Residential Energy Code Field Study

A research project in the state of Oregon identified opportunities to reduce homeowner utility bills in residential single-family new construction by increasing compliance with the state energy code. The study was initiated in November 2019; data collection began in November 2019 and continued through February 2020. Analysis of the data has led to a better understanding of the energy features present in homes and identified over $600,000 in potential annual savings to Oregon homeowners that could result from increased compliance with the 2017 Oregon Residential Specialty Code (2017 ORSC).

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
DOE OSTI2025

Demand Response in Residential Energy Code: Technical Brief

As buildings account for over 75% of U.S. electricity use, effectively managing their loads can greatly facilitate the transition towards a clean, reliable grid. Grid-interactive efficient buildings (GEBs) combine efficiency and demand flexibility with smart technologies and communication to provide occupant comfort and productivity while serving the grid as a distributed energy resource (DER). In turn, GEBs can play a key role in ensuring access to an affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern U.S. electric power system. Their national adoption could provide $\$$100-200 billion in U.S. electric power system cost savings over the next two decades. The associated reduction in CO 2 emissions is estimated at 6% per year by 2030 (DOE 2021). Building codes represent standard design practice in the construction industry and continually evolve to include advanced technologies and innovative practices. Historically, national model energy codes establish minimum efficiency requirements for new construction (ICC 2020). Expanding codes to support GEB capabilities is a pivotal step towards realizing demand flexibility in support of a clean grid by addressing capabilities to improve interoperability between smart building systems, the grid, and renewable energy resources. Realizing GEBs requires buildings with automated demand response (DR) capabilities that enable standardized communication with or control of, subject to explicit consumer consent, energy smart appliances or home energy management systems. This is achieved through direct or indirect (i.e., via an aggregator) communication between appliances and the electric grid. Energy codes can also support DR communication standardization and advance the deployment of building-integrated DERs such as energy storage, generation, and electric vehicles (EVs). Incorporating automated DR capabilities in energy codes provides many benefits to the consumers. Specifically, it aligns building electric load demand with intermittent renewable energy source availability, decreases peak load on the electric grid, allows buildings to respond to utility price signals, supports electrical network reliability and market growth of products and processes aligned with clean economic growth. The incorporation of DR into the model residential energy codes was considered for both the 2021 and 2024 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) code development cycles. The approved DR measures in the 2021 cycle were removed in response to appeals (ICC 2020). Updated language was presented for consideration again for the 2024 IECC, where it was negotiated and again approved, and again removed in response to appeals (ICC 2024). This resulted in many sections, including sections on demand responsive controls, being moved to the credits options or an appendix as a voluntary application. This technical brief updates the proposed DR components such that they can be considered by states and local governments for direct incorporation into their codes, as well as for future IECC energy code development. The proposal refinements are intended to support consistency in approach and provide a degree of certainty for building owners, designers, contractors, manufacturers, and building and fire safety professionals. The scope of this technical brief includes three strategies for DR in residential buildings: 1) smart thermostats with demand-responsive control, 2) electric water heating incorporating demand-responsive controls and communication and 3) grid Integrated solar and energy storage systems.

2021 IECC↗
DOE OSTI2016

Maryland Residential Energy Code Field Study: Baseline Report

A research project in the state of Maryland investigated energy code-related aspects of residential single-family new construction. The study was initiated in January 2015 and continued through July 2015. During this period, research teams visited 207 homes during various stages of construction, resulting in a substantial data set based on observations made directly in the field. Analysis of the data has led to a better understanding of the energy features present in homes, and indicates over $1.5 million in potential savings to Maryland homeowners that could result from increased code compliance. Public and private entities within the state can use this information to justify and catalyze future investments in energy code training and related energy-efficiency programs.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗
DOE OSTI2011

Synthesis Report on the Implementation of Building Energy Codes in China

China is the new leader in the global construction market, with $1,000 billion invested into new construction projects in 2010. With its already significant building stock, high construction rate of new buildings, and strong governmental commitment to improving building energy efficiency, China is positioned to have great influence on global building energy use in the years to come. Building energy efficiency was first addressed in the mid 1980s, after China developed its new political doctrine of “Socialism with Chinese Characteristics” in the late 1970s and launched its unprecedented economic reform. Since then, the development of building energy efficiency policy has gone through into five stages: (1) early research and preparation, (2) pilots and demonstrations, (3) institution development and goal setting, (4) goal implementation, and (5) development and implementation of an array of policies and projects promoting building energy efficiency (Chapter 2). Building energy standards and codes are one important policy instrument targeted by Chinese government. Over three decades of governmental efforts, China has successfully established a comprehensive system of building energy standards and codes. The system covers the life cycle process of a building project, from design, construction and acceptance, inspection, evaluation, modification, products and selection of building materials to building operation. This project, the DOS project, is focused on the implementation of four building energy codes: three of which are design standards (two for residential buildings and one for public/commercial) and one is a code of construction and acceptance (Chapter 3). The current implementation status of building energy codes in China is a tale of two extremes: while there is no implementation in rural areas, the implementation in urban areas is very encouraging. The compliance rates of building energy codes in both the design and construction stages in the inspected large- and mid-size cities were a stunning 98% and 90%, respectively, in 2009. The impressive compliance rates come from establishing an implementation system that consists of a complete loop of the monitoring and inspection subsystem: building design companies, building inspection companies, construction companies, construction inspection companies, testing companies and labs (all of them are third parties), and semi-governmental quality supervision stations to oversee the implementation process (Sections 4.1 and 4.2). Besides the unique, active engagement of third parties, China’s implementation practices are also equipped with strict penalties for violations (Section 4.3), annual inspection for building energy efficiency (Section 4.4), and comprehensive national title exams for key stakeholders (Section 4.5.1). So, what are the challenges faced by key stakeholders when they implement building energy codes? Through stakeholder meetings, focus group meetings, training seminars, onsite construction visits, and personal communications, the project team concluded that training and information dissemination is the ignored, under-invested, and weak component in China’s current implementation practices (Section 6.1).

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗
DOE OSTI2017

Implementation of Energy Code Controls Requirements in New Commercial Buildings

This study used a three-step process to evaluate the degree to which high-impact controls requirements included in commercial energy codes are realizing their savings potential. The three-step process included: (1) interviews of commissioning agents; (2) field audits of a sample of commercial buildings to determine how well control measures are being designed, commissioned and correctly implemented; and (3) analysis of the information gathered.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗
DOE OSTI2019

Virginia Residential Energy Code Field Study: Baseline Report

A research project in the Commonwealth of Virginia identified opportunities to reduce homeowner utility bills in residential single-family new construction by increasing compliance with the state energy code. The study was initiated in August 2017 and continued through May 2018. Analysis of the data has led to a better understanding of the energy features present in homes and indicates over $2.9 million in potential annual savings to Virginia homeowners that could result from increased code compliance.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗
DOE OSTI2017

Arkansas Residential Energy Code Field Study (Baseline Report)

A research project in the State of Arkansas identified opportunities to reduce homeowner utility bills in residential single-family new construction by increasing compliance with the state energy code. The study was initiated in May 2015 and continued through October 2015. During this period, research teams visited 226 homes during various stages of construction, resulting in a substantial data set based on observations made directly in the field. Analysis of the data has led to a better understanding of the energy features present in homes, and indicates over $300,000 in potential annual savings to Arkansas homeowners that could result from increased code compliance.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
DOE OSTI2017

Georgia Residential Energy Code Field Study: Baseline Report

A research project in the State of Georgia identified opportunities to reduce homeowner utility bills in residential single-family new construction by increasing compliance with the state energy code. The study was initiated in April 2015 and continued through November 2015. During this period, research teams visited 216 homes during various stages of construction, resulting in a substantial data set based on observations made directly in the field. Analysis of the data has led to a better understanding of the energy features present in homes, and indicates over $3 million in potential annual savings to Georgia homeowners that could result from increased code compliance.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗
DOE OSTI2017

Kentucky Residential Energy Code Field Study: Baseline Report

A research project in the Commonwealth of Kentucky identified opportunities to reduce homeowner utility bills in residential single-family new construction by increasing compliance with the state energy code. The study was initiated in April 2015 and continued through August 2015. During this period, research teams visited 140 homes during various stages of construction, resulting in a substantial data set based on observations made directly in the field. Analysis of the data has led to a better understanding of the energy features present in homes, and indicates over $1,200,000 in potential annual savings to Kentucky homeowners that could result from increased code compliance.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗
DOE OSTI2017

North Carolina Residential Energy Code Field Study: Baseline Report

A research project in the State of North Carolina identified opportunities to reduce homeowner utility bills in residential single-family new construction by increasing compliance with the state energy code. The study was initiated in January 2015 and continued through September 2015. During this period, research teams visited 249 homes during various stages of construction, resulting in a substantial data set based on observations made directly in the field. Analysis of the data has led to a better understanding of the energy features present in homes, and indicates over $1.5 million in potential annual savings to North Carolina homeowners that could result from increased code compliance.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
DOE OSTI2011

Building Energy Codes: Air Leakage Guide

Meeting the Air Leakage Requirements of the 2012 IECC provides a resource for understanding the requirements in the 2012 IECC to limit air leakage through a building's thermal envelope, and guidance on how to meet these requirements. It also provides information from Building America's Air Sealing Guide, best practices, and case studies on homes that currently are meeting the requirements. Finally, it provides information critical to understanding how to conduct a required blower door test to assess the actual air leakage rate of the home, report the results, and validate energy code compliance. To enhance the connection of the information to the relevant codes, the 2012 IECC and relevant 2012 International Residential Code requirements are referenced throughout the guide.

Energy efficiency, home comfort, building envelope↗
DOE OSTI2024

Electric Vehicle Charging for Residential and Commercial Energy Codes: Technical Brief

Numerous studies show that sales of electric vehicles (EVs) have grown consistently over recent years in the U.S. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) estimated 3 million EVs were on the road in 2022, and the Edison Electric Institute (EEI) forecasts a total of 26.4 million EVs on the road by 2030. Based on this forecast, EEI projects the need for an additional 12.9 million EV charge ports by 2030. If EV charging infrastructure fails to keep pace with sales of EVs it could result in consumers stranded without options to power their vehicles. EVs are capable of providing substantial benefits to the consumers. EVs are less expensive to operate than conventional internal combustion engine vehicles, have lower maintenance costs, and have the convenience of fueling (charging) at home or work. Studies conducted in California show that costs associated with installing EV charging infrastructure can be substantially more expensive for retrofit scenarios compared to new construction, making inclusion of EV infrastructure in new construction codes a cost-effective policy option to increase infrastructure to meet growing demands. PNNL tracks adoption of mandatory EV provisions across the U.S. As of December 20, 2024, 12 states (California, Oregon, Washington, Colorado, New Mexico, Illinois, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Vermont) and 53 local governments have added EV provisions to their building codes, local ordinances and zoning requirements. Originally published in 2022, this tech brief has been revised to align with recent model energy code committee discussions and published EV infrastructure code language. This technical brief summarizes market trends, costs and benefits, and provides sample code language for EV charging infrastructure for consideration to be included in model codes, such as the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) and ANSI/ASHRAE/IES Standard 90.1, as well as directly by states and local governments in their building codes. The technical brief summarizes related efforts undertaken by states and local governments, and builds upon language considered during the 2021 and 2024 IECC development cycles.

2021 IECC↗
DOE OSTI2010

Enforcing Building Energy Codes in China: Progress and Comparative Lessons

From 1995 to 2005, building energy use in China increased more rapidly than the world average. China has been adding 0.4 to 1.6 billion square meters of floor space annually , making it the world’s largest market for new construction. In fact, by 2020, China is expected to comprise half of all new construction. In response to this, China has begun to make important steps towards achieving building energy efficiency, including the implementation of building energy standards that requires new buildings to be 65% more efficient than buildings from the early 1980s. Making progress on reducing building energy use requires both a comprehensive code and a robust enforcement system. The latter – the enforcement system – is a particularly critical component for assuring that a building code has an effect. China has dramatically enhanced its enforcement system in the past two years, with more detailed requirements for ensuring enforcement and new penalties for non-compliance. We believe that the U.S. and other developed countries could benefit from learning about the multiple checks and the documentation required in China. Similarly, some of the more user-friendly enforcement approaches developed in the U.S. and elsewhere may be useful for China as it strives to improve enforcement in rural and smaller communities. In this article, we provide context to China’s building codes enforcement system by comparing it to the U.S. Among some of the enforcement mechanisms we look at are testing and rating procedures, compliance software, and training and public information.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
DOE OSTI2013

Using Third-Party Inspectors in Building Energy Codes Enforcement in India

India is experiencing fast income growth and urbanization, and this leads to unprecedented increases in demand for building energy services and resulting energy consumption. In response to rapid growth in building energy use, the Government of India issued the Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC) in 2007, which is consistent with and based on the 2001 Energy Conservation Act. ECBC implementation has been voluntary since its enactment and a few states have started to make progress towards mandatory implementation. Rajasthan is the first state in India to adopt ECBC as a mandatory code. The State adopted ECBC with minor additions on March 28, 2011 through a stakeholder process; it became mandatory in Rajasthan on September 28, 2011. Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and Andhra Pradesh have started to draft an implementation roadmap and build capacity for its implementation. The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) plans to encourage more states to adopt ECBC in the near future, including Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, West Bengal, and Delhi. Since its inception, India has applied the code on a voluntary basis, but the Government of India is developing a strategy to mandate compliance. Implementing ECBC requires coordination between the Ministry of Power and the Ministry of Urban Development at the national level as well as interdepartmental coordination at the state level. One challenge is that the Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), the enforcement entities of building by-laws, lack capacity to implement ECBC effectively. For example, ULBs in some states might find the building permitting procedures to be too complex; in other cases, lack of awareness and technical knowledge on ECBC slows down the amendment of local building by-laws as well as ECBC implementation. The intent of this white paper is to share with Indian decision-makers code enforcement approaches: through code officials, third-party inspectors, or a hybrid approach. Given the limited capacity and human resources available in the state and local governments, involving third-party inspectors could rapidly expand the capacity for plan reviews and broad implementation. However, the procedures of involving third-parties need to be carefully designed in order to guarantee a fair process. For example, there should be multiple checks and certification requirements for third-party inspectors, and the government should have the final approval when third-party inspectors are used in a project. This paper discusses different approaches of involving third-parties in ECBC enforcement; the Indian states may choose the approaches that work best in their given circumstances.

Yu, Sha↗