Lead Performer: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) – Richland, WA
FY16 DOE Funding: $1,141,544
Project Term: Current – December 31, 2016
Funding Type: Direct Lab Funding

PROJECT OBJECTIVE

The DOE Building Energy Codes Program (BECP) supports energy efficiency in buildings through the development and implementation of national model codes for residential and commercial buildings. The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) advances BECP goals to increase savings by identifyng cost-effective energy efficiency measures, conducting supporting technical analysis, and developing proposed code proposals, which are ultimately considered through industry code development and consensus processes, as administered by the International Code Council (ICC) and ASHRAE. In addition, PNNL seeks to improve the coordination, usability, and enforceability of model code provisions.

PROJECT IMPACT

Building energy codes establish energy conservation requirements for residential and commercial buildings, and represent an opportunity to incorporate proven energy-efficient technologies into standard design and construction practices. The United States has realized significant energy savings through building energy codes, with today’s model codes enabling new buildings to use 30% less energy than codes that were in place just 10 years ago. Since program conception (1992–2012), DOE Building Energy Codes Program activities have contributed to an estimated 4 quads of cumulative primary energy savings and cost savings to consumers of more than $44 billion. This project aims to continue this success by supporting the development of the next cycle of energy-saving building energy codes, including Standard 90.1-2016 and the 2018 IECC.  

CONTACTS

DOE Technology Manager: Jeremy Williams
Lead Performer: Bing Liu, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL)

RELATED PUBLICATIONS

https://www.energycodes.gov/development