Currently, there is an update in the Washington State Energy Code (WSEC), and it is the responsibility of the commercial builders to ensure that they keep up with the changes. All these changes are made to increase energy conservation, decrease carbon footprint, and ensure whether a new building construction or an existing one needs to meet sustainability standards. Meeting the new requirements can assist the builders in addressing legal issues and choosing efficient energy solutions. This post will discuss the significant changes in the WA State Energy Code and what commercial construction contractors should consider.
What is the Washington State Energy Code (WSEC)?
The WSEC, also called the Washington Administrative Code, defines the minimum level of energy utilization in buildings. It prescribes how buildings should be planned and constructed and how they should be used in terms of energy. The plan is to minimize energy usage, cut costs, and protect the environment. These codes are becoming more recent as the state aims to introduce higher environmental standards that must be met.
There has been a crucial change in the form of the WSEC 2018, and even newer changes that are implemented currently exist. Builders need to understand these changes to prevent them from being penalized with heavy fines.
Key Updates in the Washington State Energy Code
Recent updates to the WSEC emphasized increasing the efficiency of designs through sustainability in the current building processes. Some of the significant changes include:
New WSECs: The most recent changes to the WSEC entail higher energy performance standards for commercial buildings. These measures include improving insulation, reducing power use, and improving heating and ventilation systems.
Utilization of Renewable Energy: The code now promotes using renewable energy like photovoltaic systems, solar power, and geothermal heating, among others, instead of effectual energy.
Increased Minimum Performance Levels: A new requirement for building envelopes (walls, roofs, windows, and doors) to minimize heat losses and gain also forms part of the changes. This will enhance the general energy efficiency so that a building will not require artificial heating or cooling at certain times.
Heating: The new updates will also re-energize the electrification process that seeks to phase out natural gas and embrace electrical energy sources in heating buildings, cooking, and water heating. This is beneficial for the state in its process of decarbonization as well.
The Role of Washington State Energy Code Testing
Washington State Energy Code testing plays a vital role in meeting the updated version of WSEC. Testing is conducted on a building’s energy status to determine whether the building is efficient enough or not. This should be done at different construction stages before the final inspection to ensure the building meets the set energy code.
Overall, Washington State Energy Code Testing includes inspections on insulation, lighting systems, heating and air conditioning systems, and other aspects of the building’s airtightness. Energy validation protocols are inevitable in ensuring that structures perform as advertised.
The Importance of Air Barrier Testing in Washington
Another crucial compliance requirement under the WSEC is Air Barrier Testing in Washington. This test measures the leakage rate of a building, with the air barrier system playing a key role in maintaining indoor climate control and preventing energy waste due to air escape. Even small leaks in commercial buildings can lead to significant energy losses. The testing process uses a blower door to create a pressure differential between the interior and exterior of the building. This method helps quantify the amount of air infiltration and identifies areas where air leaks need to be sealed.
Conclusion
The changes to the Washington State Energy Code bring several important considerations and opportunities for the commercial building construction industry. Builders must stay informed about the new requirements and incorporate more energy-efficient solutions into their systems to comply with the sustainability agenda. By doing so, they will ensure successful project completion in line with the latest updates to the WSEC 2018 and air barrier testing regulations in Washington.