THE BC ENERGY STEP CODE 1 11/12/2018 Why are we here? 1. Why is - - PDF document

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THE BC ENERGY STEP CODE 1 11/12/2018 Why are we here? 1. Why is - - PDF document

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11/12/2018 BC Energy Step Code Implementation Update Robert Baker | Assistant Chief Inspector December 11, 2018 Nick Schock | Building Energy Manager THE BC ENERGY STEP CODE 1 11/12/2018 Why are we here? 1. Why is the Energy Code Changing?

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BC Energy Step Code Implementation Update

Robert Baker | Assistant Chief Inspector Nick Schock | Building Energy Manager December 11, 2018

THE BC ENERGY STEP CODE

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Why are we here?

1. Why is the Energy Code Changing? a) The UN Climate Change Conference in Paris resulted in specific energy reduction targets b) Buildings represent a significant portion of Canada’s energy footprint c) The National Building Code is moving to Net Zero by 2030 a) The BC Energy Step Code is BC’s pathway to achieve the NBC targets

How did the TOL get here?

2011:

Adopted the Solar Hot Water Ready Regulation

2014 - 2017:

Offered builders the voluntary Green Building Rebate Program

2018:

Industry stakeholder consultation sessions and workshops to strategize ESC adoption

2019:

Adoption of use of Energy Step Code for new residential construction projects

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What is the Step Code?

Energy-efficiency compliance with the BCBC for Step Code buildings will be based upon targets that are performance based rather than prescriptive based:

  • Energy Modeling
  • Envelope Performance
  • Total Energy Use
  • Airtightness Testing

Patchwork of Local Government requirements have been simplified.

Performance-Based Compliance

Different building types have different Steps:

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Performance-Based Compliance

The roadmap for net-zero construction for the next decade Step Code Metrics:

  • Envelope (TEDI / PTL)
  • Total Energy (TEUI, MEUI, ERS % Better Than)
  • Airtightness (ACH@50Pa)

Compliance is based on the conditioned floor area Compliance based on the whole building, not for the individual units:

  • One energy model per BP application

Per m2 of floor area

Step Code Targets (Part 9)

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What will Change?

Projects must demonstrate that performance targets have been met:

  • All projects will have an energy consultant
  • Part 9 – Energy Advisors (typically)
  • Part 3 – Letters of Assurance from Registered Professionals
  • Energy targets (TEDI / MEUI)
  • Airtightness test result
  • Part 9 has pass/fail airtightness targets
  • Energy model then updated with the test result

Prescriptive requirements of 9.36.2 to 9.36.4 no longer apply

What will Change?

Step 1: Enhanced Compliance

  • Same performance level as today’s buildings
  • No prescriptive option – performance path required
  • No absolute airtightness testing (3.5 ACH assumed)
  • Energy Advisor provides an energy model & testing

Steps 2-3

  • Specific energy performance targets that must be met
  • Increased performance beyond reference building
  • Will require improved energy-efficiency with respect to 9.36

Steps 4-5

  • Will require more significant changes to how buildings are

designed and constructed (e.g. form factor, materials, systems)

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What is Building Energy Modeling?

Energy modeling:

  • Is a computer simulation that predicts building performance
  • Is required for the Step Code (buildings with residential units)
  • Part 3 & Part 9
  • Is a path for code compliance for Part 3 buildings
  • ASHRAE 90.1-2016 & NECB-2015

Whole Building Modeling Approach

The Step Code requires a whole building approach for energy code compliance:

  • One energy model for one building permit application
  • Energy Advisors are waiting for official energy modeling

guidelines for Part 9 multifamily projects – ToL has issued temporary guidelines that must be followed

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Who prepares Energy Models?

For Part 3 projects, energy models are prepared by Registered Professionals with accompanying Letters of Assurance as part of existing BCBC process using either:

  • NECB, or
  • ASHRAE 90.1

For Part 9 projects, three types of energy models and modelers use:

  • EnerGuide models made with Hot2000 by Energy Advisors
  • Passive House Planning Package models completed by

Certified Passive House Consultants / Designers

  • Step 5 only
  • 9.36.5. Energy models by qualified persons (with demonstrated

credentials)

Energy Advisors

Who are they?

  • Use Hot2000 to create EnerGuide ratings for homes
  • Energy modeling + airtightness testing
  • Trained by NRCan
  • Affiliated with a service organization
  • There are quality control mechanisms in place with the service
  • rganization and NRCan
  • Provide required Step Code forms as part of BP application

package to verify modelling targets are met

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What is Airtightness Testing?

Airtightness Testing:

  • Pressurization and/or depressurization of a building envelope at

an elevated pressure (50 Pa – 75 Pa) to measure the infiltration at operating pressure (~5 Pa)

  • Performed with a “blower door” fan and door frame assembly
  • Air volume through the fan = air leakage through the envelope

Why do we need airtightness testing?

We need airtightness testing because:

  • The Step Code has made it a requirement
  • The BCBC is shifting from prescriptive to performance

based energy efficiency requirements

  • It is potentially the lowest-cost way to reduce energy use in

buildings

  • Prescriptive air barrier approach has not always resulted in

desired outcomes

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What is an “Air Change per Hour”?

Several units of measurement are used in the Step Code:

  • ACH50 - Air changes per hour at 50 Pa (for Part 9 buildings)
  • The number of times the total volume of air in the building

will be replaced with outdoor air (at a specific pressure)

  • L/(s·m2) of the above-grade envelope (walls + roof, for Part 3

buildings)

  • Test results report at 75 Pa (for Part 3 buildings)

Airtightness Design Assumptions

Is the design team assuming:

  • <2.5 ACH50 (Part 9)?
  • <0.20 L/sm2 (Part 3)?

Does the design and construction team:

  • Have demonstrated experience hitting this target?
  • Have sufficient air barrier details on the drawings?
  • Propose an air barrier system that is known to consistently

achieve this result?

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Whole Building Testing Approach

The Step Code requires the airtightness of the whole building to be tested

  • EnerGuide has tested units individually in the past
  • Testing should address air leakage between the units
  • Testing individual units would penalize the building
  • All units may be tested at once
  • There are other acceptable approaches
  • Guarded test
  • Openings between suites
  • At least the size of a door

Energy Model Updated After Testing

For all Step Code projects, the energy model must be updated to an “as-built” model based on the measured airtightness of the building achieved in the field with the constructed building. The timing of the airtightness testing and the update of the model shall be coordinated prior to the request for the final inspection. The updated as-built model is required to demonstrate compliance with the applicable level of the Step Code.

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TOL Step Code – Adoption Overview

The Township of Langley will require all new buildings with residential units to comply with the BC Energy Step Code:

  • Effective January 1st, 2019
  • Step 2 for Development Permit Areas for GHG’s
  • Latimer, Carvolth, Brookswood / Fernridge, etc
  • Step 1 for non-Development Permit Areas for GHG’s
  • Focus on the Lower Steps for now

TOL Step Code - Adoption Timeline

Inside Development Permit Areas 2019 2020 2021 2022+ Part 9 2 2 3 3 Part 3 2 2 3 3 Outside Development Permit Areas 2019 2020 2021 2022+ Part 9 1 2 2 3 Part 3 1 2 2 3

  • 2019 to 2022 adoption model utilizes Lower Steps
  • 2022+ will consider Higher Steps, dependent upon industry compliance
  • Consideration for BCBC 9.36 increases in baseline performance
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TOL Step Code - Website

All required information for Step Code projects can be found on the TOL Step Code website – tol.ca/stepcode :

  • Step Code BP application documents:
  • Part 9 Pre-construction / As-built
  • Part 3 Energy Intensity Report / Design Intent Letter
  • Available Incentives
  • Energy Modelling - TBD
  • Mid-construction blower door testing
  • Rebate offerings for Part 9 Upper Steps (Steps 4 & 5)
  • Historic information – Bylaw 5385 and Report to Council 18-71

Township of Langley Step Code Bulletin

Step Code bulletin released (& posted to website) to address specific issues:

  • Township of Langley Step Code forms
  • Abbotsford weather data
  • Metric units
  • Energy modeling guidance for Part 9 multifamily projects
  • Whole-building energy modeling approach is required
  • Airtightness assumptions and design detail requirements
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TOL Step Code - BP Applications

For Part 9 buildings, the following documents must be included at the time of the building permit application:

  • Pre-construction energy compliance report (ToL version)
  • Completed by the Energy Advisor
  • Energy modeling report
  • EnerGuide report (single family dwellings only)

Information in the energy model, Step Code documents and the drawings must be consistent

Energy Statements on Drawings

Projects complying with the Step Code must indicate on the drawing:

  • Compliance is being achieved using the BC Energy Step Code
  • Which Step is being achieved
  • Compliance targets (TEDI, TEUI/MEUI, % Better than ERS,

airtightness)

  • Actual performance values (TEDI, TEUI/MEUI, % Better

than ERS, airtightness)

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Air Barrier Details on Drawings

Air barrier details are required on drawings. To use improved airtightness (<2.5 ACH50):

  • Especially for improved airtightness

(<2.5 ACH50)

  • This location and transitions of the air

barrier are indicated on the drawing in red or pink Coordination and use of air barrier details with trades in field is critical to constructing air barrier to reflect modelling assumptions.

Image: BC Housing Step Code Builder Guide

Step Code Forms – Part 9

The Step Code forms: 1. “Translate” the inputs and outputs of the energy model 2. Verify that the Step Code targets are achieved by the proposed design and as-built construction 3. Act as a “sign-off” by the Energy Advisor i. Pre-construction and As-built stage ii. Energy Advisor is not a registered professional, but will have E&O insurance 4. Documents other relevant project information 5. Provides references for plan review & inspections to determine compliance, such as:

  • Type of assemblies and RSI values
  • Window U-value and SHGC
  • Equipment type and efficiencies
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Step Code Forms – Part 9 Step Code Forms – Part 9

Pre-construction form: 1. Reflects the design intent as communicated to the Energy Advisor by the builder i. Signed-off based on the drawings and information provided by the builder (coordination between designer and Energy Advisor) ii. The airtightness target that the design team intends to meet iii. Drawings must match the energy model

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Step Code Forms – Part 9

As-built form: 1. Indicates the results of the airtightness test 2. Confirms that the Step Code compliance targets have been achieved (via an update to the energy model) 3. Signed-off by the Energy Advisor, based on a site visit i. Typically the final blower door test 4. Provides a record of construction assemblies, fenestration, equipment, and the Step achieved

Step Code Forms – Part 9

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Step Code Forms – Part 9 Step Code Forms – Part 9

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Step Code Forms – Part 9 Step Code Forms – Part 9

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Inspections – Part 9

With the Step Code: 1. The prescriptive requirements of 9.36.2-9.36.4 no longer apply i. Every project is unique ii. The Step Code form needs to be utilized with inspections. iii. Deviations from the as-designed building: a. Delay acceptance of an inspection b. Require the energy model to be updated 2. Requirements for materials and systems in 9.25 remain in place for the air barrier, insulation to prevent condensation. i. Builders can’t omit other prescriptive requirements just because the performance-path is used to demonstrate energy compliance.

Step Code Forms – Part 3

Different than Part 9:

  • Completed by the (Coordinating) Registered Professional
  • Ultimate responsibility for Energy Code compliance lies with

the RRP / CRP (or Schedule S)

  • These projects require energy modelling to verify that the Step

Code Targets are achieved

  • Results are to be reported on “BC Energy Intensity Report

– Step Code Form”, and submitted with BP application

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Step Code Forms – Part 3 Step Code Forms – Part 3

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Step Code Forms – Part 3 Step Code Forms – Part 3

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Non-Step Code Projects – Part 3

  • For Part 3 buildings with occupancies other than residential (non

Step Code), compliance pathway is to be demonstrated using either:

  • ASHRAE 90.1-2016, or
  • NECB-2015
  • Form is to be submitted with BP application
  • Energy Statements are to be included on drawing indicating the

compliance pathway design intent such as prescriptive, trade off, etc

Non-Step Code Projects – Part 3

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TOL Step Code - Process Overview TOL Step Code - Incentives

Incentives are available through the TOL Green Building Rebate Program:

  • Energy modeling - TBD
  • Mid-construction Blower Door Testing:
  • $350 for single family dwellings
  • $350 per unit for townhouse developments (1st 25% of project)
  • Upper Steps:
  • Single Family Dwellings:
  • Step 4: $1000
  • Step 5: $1500
  • Multi-family Dwellings:
  • Step 4: $300 (per dwelling unit)
  • Step 5: $500 (per dwelling unit)

Other industry offerings, as available – Hydro, Fortis, etc.

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TOL Step Code - Non-Compliance

Where to start:

  • Should the blower door test be re-done?
  • Weather conditions
  • Equipment calibration
  • Volume calculation
  • Can the air barrier be repaired?
  • Can compliance be demonstrated using 9.36.5 / ASTM E-779?
  • Involves a registered professional
  • Can the building design be modified to achieve the target?

TOL Step Code - Non-Compliance

If the building cannot achieve compliance using the Step Code:

  • Loss of performance bond
  • Involvement of registered professionals
  • Identify cause of failure
  • Identify alternative energy code compliance options (e.g.

9.36.2 to 9.36.4 prescriptive, 9.36.5 modelling, etc.)

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Energy Efficiency - Revisions

The Province is anticipated to be updating targets for Energy Efficiency in buildings as time progresses to the 2032 target

  • Changes to the Step Code metrics for Part 3 and Part 9 buildings

have been introduced as of December 10, 2018

  • As of 2022 builders will need to meet new increased baseline

performance requirements for the BCBC (20% over BCBC 2018)

  • Further increases in energy performance anticipated for 2027 and

2032 to reach Net-Zero Energy-Ready targets

Energy Efficiency - Revisions

As of 2022 regardless of the Energy Step Code, buildings will need to meet the new increased baseline performance requirements of the BCBC to a level of Step 3 for Part 9 and Step 2 for Part 3.

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Step Code Targets (Part 9) – Revisions

The following changes to the Step Code metrics have been adopted:

  • Updates to MEUI targets based on:
  • Size of the project
  • Provide an additional allowance for projects with cooling
  • Eliminate Peak Thermal Load (PTL) as a compliance option
  • Decrease TEDI targets for Steps 2-4

Step Code Targets (Part 9) - Revisions

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THANK YOU!