Certification

As we are all aware of now, we are involved with meeting or exceeding IECC energy requirements, whether it be 2006 or 2009 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). This is for new construction as well as remodels and additions for residential and commercial projects. You won’t get a building permit without it.

So what does that mean to the builder and/or owner being required to meet Energy Codes. For one, you must meet a minimum standard of the IECC. Secondly, there must be some form of documentation that you meet the IECC requirements, whether it be by a rater, prescriptive method or Rescheck-it must be done by someone.

What are some of the basics of meeting the IECC?
1. High performing insulation and the sealing of the structure
2. High performance windows and the percent of windows to exterior wall surface
3. High efficiency heating and cooling systems
4. Healthy environment-air exchangers
5. Conservation of electric and water usage.

Since we have to meet this, why not complete the process and get certified. Why? For one thing, good money is having to be spent to meet the IECC and getting a permit, so why not get some monies back to offset your investment and the services of a certification rater. Secondly, certification is required to get the tax credits and rebates that you are entitled to. And lastly there is resale of the structure –if a potential buyer is looking at a certified dwelling or a non rated one, the buyer is much more likely to purchase a rated home so they know they can achieve lower energy prices.

The best way to achieve the certification is to get an energy consultant, say a HERS rater, on board at the beginning of the project during the initial design phase. This produces a “whole house system” setting a target to aim at in the design of the home or business and can then be modified during the design process to suite the level of home performance and rating that the client desires. For example, I have used IMAGIN3 Energy Solutions, a local HERS rater to help clients achieve their certification. The dwelling will be rated under the Residential Services Network (RESNET) Home Energy Rating Scale (HERS) and will be certified as meeting Energy Star Compliance. Of course there are other raters and other rating systems, NAHB Green Building Standard, LEEDS for example, but the idea is to get someone qualified to rate and certify. IF one is doing a commercial project the LEEDS program would be the better rating to get.

In my experience, getting certified to offset the expense of meeting energy codes and having better resale potential only makes sense and something I tell all my clients as the smart thing to do. Now is the time.