Third-Party Performance Testing
Content
COMPLIANCE
ENERGY CODE
For further information, please contact Andrea Krukowski [email protected]
Third-party performance testing would maximize the energy efficiency gains associated with the building energy code while minimizing the administrative burden on a jurisdiction’s code officials. Austin, Texas, and the state of Georgia are two examples of jurisdictions that make use of some version of the thirdparty performance testing compliance model. Read more about them here and here at www.imt.org/codecomp liance.
Third-Party Performance Testing
One strategy for increasing code compliance rates is utilizing third parties to conduct performance testing. The results of the test would verify that a new building meets energy code provisions regarding air leakage from ductwork and the building thermal envelope.
NATIONAL MODEL CODE REQUIREMENTS The third-party
testing model is an effective strategy for jurisdictions that have adopted the 2009 or 2012 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). The 2009 IECC requires residential buildings to meet new standards for building envelope air leakage, which must be verified either through performance testing or more detailed inspections. The code also requires verification of air leakage from ductwork. The 2012 IECC requires verification of air leakage from ductwork and makes building envelope air leakage testing mandatory. . BENEFITS Increase code compliance rates. A testing requirement generates awareness and holds all of the stakeholders more accountable for their work. Reduce energy use and costs. Higher energy code compliance rates are one of the most affordable ways to ensure more energy-efficient buildings. Though a performance testing requirement would add a cost to construction, the lifetime energy savings would outweigh this initial expense. Minimize code official workload. Using third-party contractors instead of in-house testers reduces the burden on a jurisdiction’s building department.
1776 MASSACHUSETTS AVE NW, SUITE 815, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 | 202.525.2883 |WWW.IMT.ORG
POLICY CONSIDERATIONS
Funding should be devoted for a program administrator. Third-party reviewers must be certified and registered to ensure technical excellence. External credentialing systems, like Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Rater, National Comfort Institute (NCI) Analyst, or Building Performance Institute (BPI) Building Analyst, can be used to relieve the program administrator of further responsibilities. There should be continuing education requirements. The jurisdiction should establish consequences for contractors who incorrectly perform tests, do not follow program guidelines, or do not maintain the minimum qualifications for certification as another layer of quality assurance. A best practice would be to require test results to be submitted electronically. Code compliance levels in buildings should be measured sporadically to verify the reliability of the third-party performance testing companies.
CHALLENGES
Jurisdictions with existing programs experienced opposition from stakeholders during the program design process. It is imperative to include stakeholders in the process to learn about their concerns and anticipate potential problems. Most existing policies depend on external credentialing systems, but some jurisdictions do not have enough certified technicians. A jurisdiction can then implement its own training program and exam. Depending on external credentialing systems can result in a variation of work. Consequences for improper completion of the testing requirement are essential. Maintaining program performance will require a level of oversight and funding.
Program Administrator
•Responsible for certifying, registering, and overseeing the testing companies
Local Government Building Inspectors
•A final mechanical inspection is required after testing
Third-Party Testing Companies
•Generate performance reports by conducting blower door, duct leakage, airflow, and system static pressure tests •Responsible for contracting a thirdparty testing company
Home Builders
Figure 1. Hierarchy of energy code oversight program in Austin, Texas, which requires residential third-party performance testing
1776 MASSACHUSETTS AVE NW, SUITE 815, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 |
202.525.2883 |WWW.IMT.ORG
ENERGY CODE
For further information, please contact Andrea Krukowski [email protected]
Third-party performance testing would maximize the energy efficiency gains associated with the building energy code while minimizing the administrative burden on a jurisdiction’s code officials. Austin, Texas, and the state of Georgia are two examples of jurisdictions that make use of some version of the thirdparty performance testing compliance model. Read more about them here and here at www.imt.org/codecomp liance.
Third-Party Performance Testing
One strategy for increasing code compliance rates is utilizing third parties to conduct performance testing. The results of the test would verify that a new building meets energy code provisions regarding air leakage from ductwork and the building thermal envelope.
NATIONAL MODEL CODE REQUIREMENTS The third-party
testing model is an effective strategy for jurisdictions that have adopted the 2009 or 2012 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). The 2009 IECC requires residential buildings to meet new standards for building envelope air leakage, which must be verified either through performance testing or more detailed inspections. The code also requires verification of air leakage from ductwork. The 2012 IECC requires verification of air leakage from ductwork and makes building envelope air leakage testing mandatory. . BENEFITS Increase code compliance rates. A testing requirement generates awareness and holds all of the stakeholders more accountable for their work. Reduce energy use and costs. Higher energy code compliance rates are one of the most affordable ways to ensure more energy-efficient buildings. Though a performance testing requirement would add a cost to construction, the lifetime energy savings would outweigh this initial expense. Minimize code official workload. Using third-party contractors instead of in-house testers reduces the burden on a jurisdiction’s building department.
1776 MASSACHUSETTS AVE NW, SUITE 815, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 | 202.525.2883 |WWW.IMT.ORG
POLICY CONSIDERATIONS
Funding should be devoted for a program administrator. Third-party reviewers must be certified and registered to ensure technical excellence. External credentialing systems, like Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Rater, National Comfort Institute (NCI) Analyst, or Building Performance Institute (BPI) Building Analyst, can be used to relieve the program administrator of further responsibilities. There should be continuing education requirements. The jurisdiction should establish consequences for contractors who incorrectly perform tests, do not follow program guidelines, or do not maintain the minimum qualifications for certification as another layer of quality assurance. A best practice would be to require test results to be submitted electronically. Code compliance levels in buildings should be measured sporadically to verify the reliability of the third-party performance testing companies.
CHALLENGES
Jurisdictions with existing programs experienced opposition from stakeholders during the program design process. It is imperative to include stakeholders in the process to learn about their concerns and anticipate potential problems. Most existing policies depend on external credentialing systems, but some jurisdictions do not have enough certified technicians. A jurisdiction can then implement its own training program and exam. Depending on external credentialing systems can result in a variation of work. Consequences for improper completion of the testing requirement are essential. Maintaining program performance will require a level of oversight and funding.
Program Administrator
•Responsible for certifying, registering, and overseeing the testing companies
Local Government Building Inspectors
•A final mechanical inspection is required after testing
Third-Party Testing Companies
•Generate performance reports by conducting blower door, duct leakage, airflow, and system static pressure tests •Responsible for contracting a thirdparty testing company
Home Builders
Figure 1. Hierarchy of energy code oversight program in Austin, Texas, which requires residential third-party performance testing
1776 MASSACHUSETTS AVE NW, SUITE 815, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 |
202.525.2883 |WWW.IMT.ORG
