Building Codes & Standards
PECI understands the role of federal, state, and local building codes in raising the bar for high performance, energy efficient buildings, and recognizes the importance of incorporating emerging, commercially viable technology, equipment and processes into the standards for new buildings and major retrofits. We provide technical research and support for code concept and language development and performing research related to code compliance and enforcement.
State of Oregon Energy Efficiency Standards
PECI is involved in developing and reviewing code change proposals for the Oregon 2010 Nonresidential Energy Efficiency Standards. Leading an expert panel, we generated and evaluated more than 100 potential efficiency measures. Evaluating the measure feasibility with respect to commercialization status, energy savings, and ease of compliance and enforceability led to more than 50 changes proposed for the new standards. This project was motivated by the governor’s mandate for 15% efficiency improvement over the existing standards and is the first step toward achieving the legislated goal of net-zero emissions homes and buildings by 2030.
Acceptance Testing
California's building code includes a host of energy-saving measures, and has recently been expanded to include an additional measure: acceptance testing of key energy-using systems. This testing confirms that the equipment is installed and programmed correctly—important factors to actually ensuring performance of the required energy-saving strategies.
In 2006 and 2007, we served as primary contractor for a project with the California Commissioning Collaborative and California Energy Commission to improve and expand the Acceptance Testing Requirements of California’s Title 24, Energy Efficiency Standards. We researched and developed requirements for testing of manufacturer-installed economizers, drafted revisions to the Acceptance Testing Non-Residential Compliance Forms and Manual, and reviewed proposed modifications related to Acceptance Testing of Fenestration Systems and Outdoor Lighting Controls.