Codes and Standards
PNNL TECHNOLOGY: Code Compliance Tools
PNNL developed REScheck™ for residences, and COMcheck™ for commercial buildings, to help builders and code officials determine code compliance. REScheck™ simplifies and clarifies code compliance with the Model Energy Code, the International Energy Conservation Code and a number of state codes. COMcheck™ includes software as well as manual code compliance and reference guides, to simplify and clarify commercial and high-rise residential energy code compliance. REScheck™ and COMcheck™ were downloaded more than 130,000 times in 2007. More info... http://www.energycodes.gov/.
Improved building energy codes and equipment standards are proven mechanisms for increasing energy efficiency in buildings. Under PNNL's Building Energy Codes Program (BECP), supported by DOE, PNNL staff work collaboratively with the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, the International Code Council, the states and other stakeholders to improve energy efficiency in building energy codes, make the codes easier to understand and implement, and assess code barriers to new energy-efficient technologies and practices. PNNL has the expertise to help building owners interpret and understand the codes and to provide technical assistance and training in the United States and abroad. PNNL estimates the annual impact of these activities to be over 100 trillion Btu of primary energy savings and almost $780 million in energy cost savings.
In addition to working on model codes, PNNL plays a key role in helping DOE develop and update appliance and equipment standards as well as equipment test procedures. These standards serve as a mechanism to "raise the bar" – in a cost-effective way – for energy-using equipment in U.S. buildings.
Related Links
- DOE Appliance and Equipment Standards Website
- DOE Energy Codes Website
- American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers
- International Code Council