MODEL

MODEL # 97-1

COMcheck-EZ, COMPLIANCE GUIDELINES
US DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY, WASHINGTON, D.C.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

REGULATORY AREAS:
Energy

PROBLEM:
Energy Code Compliance - Commercial Buildings

A federal statute requires States to adopt an energy code based on a particular standard, ASHRAE 90.1, which has many complex technical provisions. Determining energy compliance can be a difficult process.

BACKGROUND:
The Federal Energy Policy Act of 1992 mandated that by 1994, each state had to certify that the provisions of its commercial building code regarding energy efficiency met or exceeded ASHRAE 90.1-1989 (a code published by the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers [ASHRAE] entitled Energy Code for Commercial and High-Rise Residential Buildings). It further required that whenever ASHRAE 90.1 is revised, the Secretary of Energy has 12 months to decide whether to adopt it. Once adopted, the states have two years to certify that their energy codes for commercial buildings meet or exceed that standard.

SOLUTION:
Guides - Printed Manuals - Software Package

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) realized that determining energy compliance can be difficult. DOE's Building Standards and Guidelines Program developed COMcheck-EZ as a tool that can be used to simplify and clarify the energy code compliance process. It is a set of printed guides that offer a simple, prescriptive approach to demonstrating compliance with most commercial and high-rise residential energy codes based on ASHRAE 90.1, as well as an easy-to-use software diskette that fosters a more flexible computer-based approach. Contractors and designers can use the system to save time and effort in documenting code compliance. Code officials can use these submissions as "deemed to comply" with the code.

DESCRIPTION:
COMCheck-EZ includes both a manual and a DOS-based software program that address three areas of code compliance: (1) Envelope, (2) Mechanical, and (3) Lighting. The manual includes guides to assist builders, architects, and others in navigating the code compliance process. Also provided in the manual are several attachments including a Field Inspection Checklist, Climate Maps of all 50 US states, and "Prescriptive Packages" containing tables for determining insulation requirements, etc.

The software goes one step further, allowing the user to input their building location to the city level, and displaying compliance information keyed to that jurisdiction. Users can also take advantage of the program's tables and arithmetic functions in assembling their own personalized packages.

EVALUATION BY STREAMLINING COMMITTEES
Advantages
The energy task group noted that the outstanding points of this model are its simplicity, which leads to efficiency, its use as a tool to allow an uninitiated user to apply a complex code and its potential as a teaching tool. It is a readily available tool in that all development costs were borne by the USDOE, there is no cost when it is downloaded from the internet and only minimal cost when a paper copy is ordered.

Limitations
COMCheck is intended for simple or small commercial buildings. The current version does not include requirements for complex HVAC systems, so users who have not chosen single-zone packaged equipment must refer to the code for applicable mechanical energy code requirements. Infrequently used code provisions, such as credits for automatic lighting controls for day lighting, are also not included in the system.

IMPLEMENTATION:
COMcheck-EZ software can be downloaded for free from the internet at www.energycodes.org. As an alternative, software and guides may be ordered for a nominal fee by calling (800) 270-CODE (2633).

Depending on the regulatory system in place, the tool can be adopted administratively, by regulation, or through legislative adoption. It can be used at the municipal, regional, county or state level.

COMcheck-EZ is currently in use by DOE and is being utilized by the State of Delaware. Louisiana has proposed the use of this tool as well.

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR ASSISTANCE IN CONSIDERING THE USE OF THIS MODEL, PLEASE CONTACT:
Department of Energy
COMcheck Customer Service
(800) 270-CODE (2633)