This document outlines a pilot program aiming to enhance commercial energy code compliance in Minnesota through targeted strategies and evaluations from 2015 to 2017. Key findings emphasize the importance of selecting compliance paths early, enhancing documentation for user-friendliness, and utilizing available tools effectively. The program also analyzes various energy measures and compliance levels across different categories, providing insights for future programs and best practices.

1. SUPPORTING ENERGY DESIGN
PERFORMANCE THRU CODE COMPLIANCE
Commercial Energy Codes Support Program Pilot
Russ Landry, PE, CEE
Megan Hoye, CEE
Tim Manz, City of Blaine
AIA Minnesota Convention | 2016

2. Pg. 2
This project is supported by a grant from the MN Department of
Commerce, Division of Energy Resources through the Conservation
Applied Research and Development (CARD) program.

3. Pg. 3
What We Will Cover
• Introduction
• MN Commercial Energy Code Paths
• Key Energy Code Items & Documentation
• Project Team Support & Available Tools

4. Pg. 4
Introduction:
Pilot Support Program Findings & 3 Key
Takeaways

5. Pg. 5
PRIMARY OBJECTIVE | Establish a successful precedent for CIP
funded commercial energy code compliance programs in MN
ACTIVITIES |
• Develop & deliver 2 targeted, parallel pilot approaches
• Evaluate the energy savings & cost-effectiveness of these
approaches; post-participant surveys
• Document lessons learned to guide future program design
• Evaluate the potential for a 2nd tier whole-building path
The Commercial Energy Codes
Support ProgramPILOT
2015-2017

6. Pg. 6
Scope of Pilot: 25 Measures
IECC ASHRAE IECC ASHRAE
Roof Insulation R Value Economizer
Above Grade Wall Insulation Demand Controlled Ventilation
Window U value Energy Recovery Ventilation
Window Area & Orientation Boiler & Chiller System Control
Slab Edge Insulation Variable Flow Pump Control
Automatic Lighting Shutoff Duct Sealing
Daylight Zone Control Piping Size
Multilevel Lighting Control Supply Air Temperature Reset
Interior Lighting Power Density Fan Motor Sizing vs bhp
Conductor Sizing Pool Cover
Automatic Outlet Shutoff
Low Leakage Intake and Exhaust
Dampers
Lighting System Functional Testing HVAC Commissioning
Add.EE
Additional Energy Efficiency
Package (3 Options)
REQUIREMENTS
STATUS
MECHANICALSYSTEMREQUIREMENTS
ENVELOPEREQUIREMENTSELECTRICALREQUIREMENTS
REQUIREMENTS
STATUS

7. Pg. 7
Early Findings SummaryPILOT
2015-2017
Not
Compliant
24%
Insufficient
Info
30%
Compliant
21%
Not
Required
25%
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Envelope Electrical Mechanical
Not Compliant Insufficient Info
Not Required Compliant
*Percentages based only on requirements in scope.

8. Pg. 8
PILOT
2015-2017
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Envelope Electrical Mechanical
Compliant Insufficient Info Not Compliant
*Percentages based only on requirements in scope.
Not
Compliant
32%
Insufficient
Info
40%
Compliant
28%
Early Findings Summary

9. Pg. 9
Before you get full up…

10. Pg. 10
If nothing else: 3 Takeaways
1. Compliance paths are important:
pick 1 & pick it early

11. Pg. 11
If nothing else: 3 Takeaways
1. Compliance paths are important:
pick 1 & pick it early
2. Think user-friendliness on the
documentation:
update documentation protocols in key areas

12. Pg. 12
If nothing else: 3 Takeaways
1. Compliance paths are important:
pick 1 & pick it early
2. Think user-friendliness on the
documentation:
update documentation protocols in key areas
3. Many tools:
Know which resources to use when

13. Pg. 13
Minnesota Energy Code Paths:
Basic Structure & Key Deciding Factors

14. Pg. 14
2015 MN Energy Code: Basic Paths
2015 MN
Energy Code
2012 IECC
w/MN amnd.
ASHRAE 90.1
- 2010

15. Pg. 15
Basic Outline of Both IECC & ASHRAE
Admin & Definitions
• ASHRAE 90.1 allows trade offs within
envelopeEnvelope
• Equipment efficiency & features
• Controls
Mechanical
• Lighting power
• Lighting controls
Lighting & Electrical
• IECC Requires additional item (1 or 3)
Alternatives & Extras

16. Pg. 16
2015 MN Energy Code: Basic Paths
2015 MN
Energy Code
2012 IECC
w/MN amnd.
Prescriptive
+ Additional
Performance
ASHRAE 90.1
- 2010
Prescriptive
Performance

17. Pg. 17
2015 MN Energy Code: Basic Paths
2015 MN
Energy Code
2012 IECC
w/MN amnd.
Prescriptive +
Additional
Performance
15% better
ASHRAE 90.1 -
2010
Prescriptive
(x.4, x.5)
Performance
(x.4, energy=)

18. Pg. 18
Path Choice Considerations:
Envelope Prescriptive—IECC
IECC ASHRAE
*All insulation above deck.

19. Pg. 19
Path Choice Considerations:
Window Area
IECC or ASHRAE
Performance
ASHRAE
Prescriptive

20. Pg. 20
Path Choice Considerations:
Mandatory Daylighting/Outlet Control
IECC ASHRAE
Daylighting:
>250 sf
depth=window top
height
Automatic Outlet
Shutoff:
≥1/2 in Offices &
Computer
Classrooms
Daylighting:
>2 fixtures
15’ depth

21. Pg. 21
Path Choice Considerations:
HVAC Requirements
IECC ASHRAE
Commissioning:
>50,000 sf
DCV:
>40/1,000 sf*
Economizer:
5 tons+
Commissioning:
>~12,000 sf
DCV:
≥25/1,000 sf*
Economizer:
3 tons+
*Ventilation design occupancy (typically lower than exit design occupancy).

22. Pg. 22
Path Choice Considerations:
ASHRAE Performance vs Prescriptive
Prescriptive Performance
Green Standards
Simulation: Cost,
Time & Uncertainty
Economizer
&/or ERV
Window, Wall or
Roof Performance
Window Area:
≤40%, S>E, S>W
*Ventilation design occupancy (typically lower than exit design occupancy).

23. Pg. 23
Compliance Path Breakdown
36%
43%
21%
Selection Distribution
IECC Prescriptive
ASHRAE Prescriptive
ASHRAE Perf
*Based on a sample of first
14 projects (large & small).
**Five of these were
multifamily buildings and
two were hotels.

24. Pg. 24
Key Code Items & Documentation
A detailed look

25. Pg. 25
Scope of Pilot Measures
IECC ASHRAE IECC ASHRAE
Roof Insulation R Value Economizer
Above Grade Wall Insulation Demand Controlled Ventilation
Window U value Energy Recovery Ventilation
Window Area & Orientation Boiler & Chiller System Control
Slab Edge Insulation Variable Flow Pump Control
Automatic Lighting Shutoff Duct Sealing
Daylight Zone Control Piping Size
Multilevel Lighting Control Supply Air Temperature Reset
Interior Lighting Power Density Fan Motor Sizing vs bhp
Conductor Sizing Pool Cover
Automatic Outlet Shutoff
Low Leakage Intake and Exhaust
Dampers
Lighting System Functional Testing HVAC Commissioning
Add.EE
Additional Energy Efficiency
Package (3 Options)
REQUIREMENTS
STATUS
MECHANICALSYSTEMREQUIREMENTS
ENVELOPEREQUIREMENTSELECTRICALREQUIREMENTS
REQUIREMENTS
STATUS

26. Pg. 26
Scope of Program Measures
*Varies depending on counting method.
This counted is based on ASHRAE & IECC.
5 12
0 7 1
41
58
15
19
Envelope Mechanical
Systems
Service Hot
Water
Electrical
Power &
Lighting
Add. Energy
Performance
Pilot Program Measures
Complete Energy Code
16%
Complete
Energy Code

27. Pg. 27
Gatekeepers

28. Pg. 28
Gatekeepers
Primary liaison between client, contractors,
and documentation
Broad over-sight while not expert on all
project aspects

29. Pg. 29
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Roof Insulation
R Value
Above Grade
Wall Insulation
Window U
Value
Window Area &
Orientation
Slab Edge
Insulation
Compliant Not Required Insufficient Info Not Compliant
Key Envelope Requirements

30. Pg. 30
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Roof Insulation
R Value
Above Grade
Wall Insulation
Window U
Value
Window Area &
Orientation
Slab Edge
Insulation
Compliant Not Required Insufficient Info Not Compliant
Key Envelope Requirements
1) Garage Under
Multifamily
2) Alternate Approach
3) Incomplete Info

31. Pg. 31
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Roof Insulation
R Value
Above Grade
Wall Insulation
Window U
Value
Window Area &
Orientation
Slab Edge
Insulation
Compliant Not Required Insufficient Info Not Compliant
Key Envelope Requirements
1) NFRC U-Values
2) Storefront System

32. Pg. 32
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Roof Insulation
R Value
Above Grade
Wall Insulation
Window U
Value
Window Area &
Orientation
Slab Edge
Insulation
Compliant Not Required Insufficient Info Not Compliant
Key Envelope Requirements
East-West Facing Building needs to
move away from ASHRAE 90.1
2010 Prescriptive

33. Pg. 33
Key Electrical Requirements
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Automatic
Lighting
Shutoff*
Daylight Zone
Control*
Multilevel
Lighting
Control*
Interior
Lighting Power
Density
Conductor
Sizing*
Automatic
Outlet
Shutoff*
Lighting
System
Functional
Testing*
Compliant Not Required Insufficient Info Not Compliant

34. Pg. 34
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Automatic
Lighting
Shutoff*
Daylight Zone
Control*
Multilevel
Lighting
Control*
Interior
Lighting Power
Density
Conductor
Sizing*
Automatic
Outlet
Shutoff*
Lighting
System
Functional
Testing*
Compliant Not Required Insufficient Info Not Compliant
Key Electrical Requirements
• Compliance path matters
• Recommend lighting control
schedule to summarize types of
controls in each room

35. Pg. 35
Daylight Zone Control
• MUST pick ASHRAE or IECC—can’t design for both
Elevation View

36. Pg. 36
Daylight Zone Control
• MUST pick ASHRAE or IECC—can’t design for both
ASHRAE 90.1 2010:
Zone Depth = Height of Window Top
Elevation View

37. Pg. 37
Daylight Zone Control
• MUST pick ASHRAE or IECC—can’t design for both
ASHRAE 90.1 2010
Elevation View

38. Pg. 38
Daylight Zone Control
• MUST pick ASHRAE or IECC—can’t design for both
IECC 2012: Zone Depth = 15 feet
Elevation View

39. Pg. 39
Daylight Zone Control
• MUST pick ASHRAE or IECC—can’t design for both
IECC 2012

40. Pg. 40
Daylight Zone Control
• MUST pick ASHRAE or IECC—can’t design for both
Use PC for Either
???

41. Pg. 41
Room Room Type
Daylighting
Controls (Y/N)
Automatic Off
Controls (OS, Timer)
Multi-Tier Control Type
(Dim, DS, other) Description
Lighting Documentation
Address head-on:
1. Easy Reference for internal quality control & code officials
2. Best practice for contractor communication
*Handout available
Control Room Schedule

42. Pg. 42
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Automatic
Lighting
Shutoff*
Daylight Zone
Control*
Multilevel
Lighting
Control*
Interior
Lighting Power
Density
Conductor
Sizing*
Automatic
Outlet
Shutoff*
Lighting
System
Functional
Testing*
Compliant Not Required Insufficient Info Not Compliant
Key Electrical Requirements
1) Incomplete Information
Typical
2) Tend to Meet Easily

43. Pg. 43
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Automatic
Lighting
Shutoff*
Daylight Zone
Control*
Multilevel
Lighting
Control*
Interior
Lighting Power
Density
Conductor
Sizing*
Automatic
Outlet
Shutoff*
Lighting
System
Functional
Testing*
Compliant Not Required Insufficient Info Not Compliant
Key Electrical Requirements
1) Feeders ≤ 2%
2) Ideally: General Note &
List per Panel

44. Pg. 44
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Automatic
Lighting
Shutoff*
Daylight Zone
Control*
Multilevel
Lighting
Control*
Interior
Lighting Power
Density
Conductor
Sizing*
Automatic
Outlet
Shutoff*
Lighting
System
Functional
Testing*
Compliant Not Required Insufficient Info Not Compliant
Key Electrical Requirements
1) New! (ASHRAE Only)
2) Half of Outlets in Offices &
Computer Classrooms
New! (both)

45. Pg. 45
Key HVAC Requirements
Case Study | 4-Story Apt. Building
• 280,000 SF, 191 units
• Underground parking garage
• 1 story below grade
• 4 stories above grade
• Occupancy Group: R-2/S-2
• Wood-framed structure
• Construction Type: V-A, fully sprinkled

46. Pg. 46
4 story apartment building

47. Pg. 47
4 story apartment building

48. Pg. 48
4 story apartment building

49. Pg. 49
4 story apartment building

50. Pg. 50
4 story apartment building
Plan Review Comments:
Since the building is designed to ANSI/ASHRAE/IES
Standard 90.1-2010, remove all sections that reference
the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC),
replace with references to ANSI/ASHRAE/IES Standard
90.1-2010, and submit the following forms:
a. HVAC Compliance Forms
b. Service Water Heating Compliance Forms
Note: COMcheck compliance forms may be submitted
as an alternate to the above forms.

51. Pg. 51
4 story apartment building

52. Pg. 52
4 story apartment building

53. Pg. 53
4 story apartment building
Plan Review Comments:
Section 6.4.3.3.2 of Standard 90.1-2010 requires a
programmable thermostat (or comparable energy
management system) for the HVAC system(s) capable of
seven different daily schedules, and it shall be capable of
automatically starting the daily start time in order to bring
each space to the desired occupied temperature
immediately prior to scheduled occupancy.

54. Pg. 54
4 story apartment building
Response:
Programmable thermostat in each unit will be Honeywell
VisionPro 8000.

55. Pg. 55
4 story apartment building
Plan Review Comments:
Section 6.4.3.4 of Standard 90.1-2010 requires outdoor air
intakes and exhausts (with exceptions) to be provided with
“ultra low-leakage motorized dampers” with a maximum
leakage rate of 4 cfm/sq. ft. per AMCA 500D. Table
6.4.3.4.3 does not allow non-motorized dampers for
buildings >3 stories). Provide motorized dampers on all 4
inch fresh air/ventilation intakes for Magic Paks and all
other fresh air/ventilation intakes in building.
*AMCA: Air Movement & Control Association

56. Pg. 58
4 story apartment building

57. Pg. 59
4 story apartment building
Response:
Low-leakage motorized dampers will be used for all 4 inch
fresh air/ventilation intakes for Magic Paks. Wide-opening
back-draft dampers with weather hoods will be used for all
clothes dryers and bathroom exhaust fan wall terminations.

58. Pg. 60
4 story apartment building
Plan Review Comments:
Section 6.7.2.4 of Standard 90.1-2010 requires all building
>5,000 SF to have balancing and testing completed.
Buildings >50,000 sq. ft. to have detailed instructions for
commissioning HVAC systems provided by the designer
in plans and specifications to ensure that control
elements are calibrated, adjusted, and in proper working
condition.

59. Pg. 61
4 story apartment building
Response:
Commissioning document will be provided under separate
cover letter as an addendum to the project.

60. Pg. 62
4 story apartment building
Plan Review Comments:
Provide Final Commissioning Report on HVAC systems
within 9 months of Certificate of Occupancy issuance date
that includes:
a. Results of functional performance tests.
b. Disposition of deficiencies found during testing.
c. Test procedures used during the
commissioning process.

61. Pg. 63
4 story apartment building
Response:
Specification Note #14 has been added to require a final
commissioning report within 9 months of occupancy that
addresses; functional performance tests, deficiency
considerations and adherence to the commission test
procedures from # 8 above.

62. Pg. 64
Project Team Resources:
Tools & Technical Support Options

63. Pg. 65
Useful Tools Resources for Compliance
• COMcheck (& REScheck)
• ASHRAE 90.1 compliance forms
• Building Envelope
• HVAC
• Service Water Heating
• Lighting
• Technical Assistance:
Commercial Energy Codes Support Program pilot
• Other methods developed by architects & engineers?

64. Pg. 66
COMcheck example on envelope

65. Pg. 67
COMcheck example on envelope

66. Pg. 68

67. Pg. 69

68. Pg. 70
ComCheck Summary
Pros Cons
• Envelope: Handles
envelope trade-offs
• HVAC: Lays out logic
tree for ID-ing systems
• Lighting: clunky, not as
customizable & re-entry
required
• Doesn’t know MN
amendments (*IECC only)

69. Pg. 71
Advanced Energy Design Guides ASHRAE

70. Pg. 72
Advanced Energy Design Guides ASHRAE

71. Pg. 73
How To Guidance
Sheathing
Metal Framing
Cavity
Insulation
Interior Finish
Exterior Continuous
Insul. (optional)

72. Pg. 74
Useful Tools Resources for Compliance
• COMcheck (& REScheck)
• ASHRAE 90.1 compliance forms
• Building Envelope
• HVAC
• Service Water Heating
• Lighting
• Technical Assistance:
Commercial Energy Codes Support Program pilot
• Other methods developed by architects & engineers?
Early & Mid-Project
Start to Finish
Early & Mid-Project

73. Pg. 75
Test the energy savings impacts of 2 approaches
under 1 program umbrella
Commercial Energy Codes Support
Program Pilot
Approach 1: Approach 2:
Design Team Support Code Official Support
Small Buildings Large/Complex Buildings
Prescriptive Code Path Performance or Prescriptive

74. Pg. 77
Program Incentive
Recruit &
Assign
Check In &
Review
Contractor
Guidance
Field
Verify
Approach 1 | Small / Prescriptive Projects
DESIGN TEAM SUPPORT
Surveys &
Incentive
Project Client Design Team**
Tier 1 | Meet all Program Requirements*
$500 $275
Tier 2 | Meet Program Requirements and Meet
ASHRAE Advanced Energy Design Guidelines*
$750 $475
City Plan Reviews &
Building Inspections

75. Pg. 78
Targeted Tools Early Design

76. Pg. 79
Tool 1| Making Early Design Decisions
• Scenario: Restaurant renovation
• Tools help guide decisions around mechanical & lighting
system controls so that air conditioner sizing & cost can be
estimated most accurately early in design
Supply-Air
Temperature Reset

77. Pg. 80
Targeted Tools Documentation

78. Pg. 81
Tool 2 | Construction Document Best Practices
• Scenario: Office new construction
• Tools layout CD & spec documentation best practices easing
plan review & inspections, reducing revisions, & increasing
proper construction interpretation

79. Pg. 83
“Cheat Sheet”
IECC ASHRAE IECC ASHRAE
Roof Insulation R Value
IECC: C402.2.1; ASHRAE: 5.5.3.1 (5.8.1)
Economizer
IECC: C403.3.1; ASHRAE:6.5.1
Above Grade Wall Insulation
IECC: C402.2.3; ASHRAE: 5.5.3.2 (5.8.1)
Demand Controlled Ventilation
IECC: C403.2.5.1; ASHRAE: 6.4.3.9
Window U value
IECC : Table C402.3, Sec:C402.3.3 & C402.3.4, (C303.1.3)
ASHRAE: Table 5.5-6, Sections 5.5.4.3, (5.8.2)
Energy Recovery Ventilation
IECC: C403.2.6; ASHRAE 6.5.6.1
Window Area & Orientation
IECC: C402.3.1; ASHRAE: 5.5.4.2.1&5.5.4.5
Boiler & Chiller System Control
IECC: C403.4.3.4; ASHRAE: 6.5.4.3
Slab Edge Insulation
IECC: C402.2.6; ASHRAE: 5.5.3.5
Variable Flow Pump Control
IECC: C403.4.3.4; ASHRAE: 6.5.4.1 & 6.5.4.4.2
Automatic Lighting Shutoff
IECC: C405.2.2.2 & C405.2.2.1; ASHRAE: 9.4.1 .1 & 9.4.1.2
Duct Sealing
IECC: C403.2.7; ASHRAE: 6.4.4.2.1
Daylight Zone Control
IECC: C405.2.2.3.1, C405.2.2.3.2 & C202; ASHRAE: 9.4.1.4,
9.4.1.5 & 3.2
Piping Size
ASHRAE: 6.5.4.5
Multilevel Lighting Control
IECC: C405.2.1.2; ASHRAE: 9.4.1.2a & 9.4.1.6g
Supply Air Temperature Reset
IECC: C403.4.5.4; ASHRAE: 6.5.3.4
Interior Lighting Power Density
IECC: C405.5; ASHRAE: 9.5 or 9.6
Fan Motor Sizing vs bhp
IECC: C403.2.10.2 & C403.2.10); ASHRAE: 6.5.3.1.2 & 6.5.3
Conductor Sizing
IECC: C405.8; ASHRAE: 8.4.1
Pool Cover
IECC: C404.7.3; ASHRAE: 7.4.5.2
Automatic Outlet Shutoff
IECC: no requirement; ASHRAE: 8.4.2
Low Leakage Intake and Exhaust Dampers
IECC: C402.4.5.2 & C403.2.4.4; ASHRAE:6.4.3.4.2 & 6.4.3.4.3
Lighting System Functional Testing
IECC: C408.3; ASHRAE: 9.4.4
HVAC Commissioning
IECC: C408.2; ASHRAE: 6.7.2.2, 6.7.2.3 & 6.7.2.4
Status Legend:
Add.EE
Additional Energy Efficiency Package (3 Options)
IECC: C406.1 - C406.4; ASHRAE: no requirement
REQUIREMENTS STATUS
ENVELOPEREQUIREMENTSELECTRICALREQUIREMENTS
MECHANICALSYSTEMREQUIREMENTS
REQUIREMENTS STATUS

80. Pg. 84
3 Takeaways!
1. Compliance paths are important:
pick 1 & pick it early
2. Think user-friendliness on the
documentation:
update documentation protocols in key areas
3. Many tools:
Know which resources to use when

81. Russ Landry P.E. LEED AP | CEE, Senior Mechanical
Engineer rlandry@mncee.org
Megan Hoye LEED AP | CEE, Engagement Manager
mhoye@mncee.org
Tim Manz | City of Blaine, Senior Building Inspector
tmanz@ci.blaine.mn.us