1. Greening the District’s Building Codes
April 29, 2014

2. Learning Objectives
Learn the applicability of the Green Building Act, 2013 D.C. Green Construction Code, 2008 D.C. Energy Conservation Code, and 2013 D.C. Energy Conservation Code to your project.
Understand the scope of DC Green Building Code
Learn the scope of the Green Building Program Manual and how to navigate the document.
Learn the new permitting requirements for the 2013 Green Construction Code and 2013 Energy Conservation Code.
Learn the how the new green and energy codes will impact building inspections
Learn the scope of the Green Building Program Manual and how to navigate the document.
Learn the applicability of the Green Building Act, 2013 D.C. Green Construction Code, 2008 D.C. Energy Conservation Code, and 2013 D.C. Energy Conservation Code to your project.
Learn the new permitting requirements for the 2013 Green Construction Code and 2013 Energy Conservation Code.
Learn the how the new green and energy codes will impact building inspections 2

3. Goals of the New Codes
Green the District’s Construction Codes to the maximum extent practicable
Codify the best practices currently followed by green building leaders in the District
Other important goals and considerations
Fire and life safety
Use of modern technology
Unique DC characteristics, policies and statutes
Accessibility
Mayor’s directive to green the codes
Q – Who is familiar with the Green Code? 3

4. 2013 DC Green Construction Code
2012 International Green Construction Code, Amended
Applies to the construction, addition, alteration, relocation, razing, and demolition of every building or structures structure as stated below:
Non-residential projects (10,000 SF and larger)
Multifamily residential 4 stories and larger (and 10,000 SF and larger)
Demolition (10,000 SF or larger)
Site Work (10,000 SF or larger)
The International Code Council refers to the IgCC as an overlay code. What does that mean?
Find the DC Green Codes here:

5. Green Code Compliance Paths
Green Building Act
Green Construction Code
Alternate Compliance Pathways:
ASHRAE 189.1
LEED
Green Communities
ICC 700, NGBS
If the Green Code Supplement is approved, IgCC will be one of several compliance paths for projects in the District of Columbia. 5

6. Transitory Provisions
2013 DC Construction Codes Effective March 28, 2014
Exceptions (Section 123 Building Code)
Projects with existing valid building permits
Projects with existing filed application
Projects with existing design contracts
Tenant Layout Permits for built Core and Shell
- Existing Permits
- Existing Design Contracts – Permit must be filed within 1 year, submit a notarized affadavit stating that the design contract is true and in effect before the effective code date
- Existing Filed Application – deposit must have been paid, plan set must be sufficiently complete, 1 year to take out permit
- Tenant Layout Permits – The work necessary to finish out the interior layout of every tenant space of a building permitted under previous version of the Construction Codes, shall be allowed for first occupancy 6

7. Which one applies to my project?
Green Building Act? Or
DC Green Building Codes ?
No compliance requirement?
- Existing Permits
- Existing Design Contracts – Permit must be filed within 1 year, submit a notarized affadavit stating that the design contract is true and in effect before the effective code date
- Existing Filed Application – deposit must have been paid, plan set must be sufficiently complete, 1 year to take out permit
- Tenant Layout Permits – The work necessary to finish out the interior layout of every tenant space of a building permitted under previous version of the Construction Codes, shall be allowed for first occupancy 7

10. Site Development & Land Use
Predesign Site Inventory & Assessment -- Soils & Invasive/Native plant species
Stormwater Requirements Removed
Landscape Irrigation Systems -- 50% design reductions in landscaping water use
Management of Vegetation, Soils and Erosion Control
Soil reuse and restoration
Containment and removal of invasive plants
50% native planting requirement. Remainder can be adaptive 10

11. Site Development & Land Use
Building Site Waste Management
Heat Island Mitigation – 50% of site hardscaping
SRI of 0.30 or greater, shading by structures & trees, pervious paving, etc.
Light Pollution Control Requirements 11

12. Material Resource Conservation & Efficiency
Construction Material Management
Construction Waste Management
Material Selection
Whole building Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)
40% of materials shall be environmental
Lamps - low-mercury lamps
Building Envelope Moisture Control -envelope inspections
Construction Material Management -Storage and handling of materials
Construction Waste Management -50% construction waste recycling 12

13. Energy Conservation
Modeled Performance Path -- based on zEPI calculation, COMNET
Performance based design to demonstrate ZEPI not more than 51
Based on kBtu’s not energy cost
“0” score = Net zero building.
“100” score = Building with code-compliant energy consumption designed in 2000.
 zEPI calculation: based on 0 being net zero, not based on a changing scale.
Energy Modeling is not new. We do this for every building we design today that are not following the IECC prescriptive path and opt for the ASHRAE 90.1 performance path.
What is new: is the zEPI. Most people are familiar with EUI (energy use index) which changes from building type and from year to year. With zEPI, we can compare across years and building types. The goal zEPI will be revised downward with future codes until reaching net zero.
Image from Architectural Energy Corporation, Net Zero for Commercial Buildings presentation 13

14. Energy Conservation Energy Metering and Monitoring Requirements
Energy load isolation and smart metering
Sub-metering for non-residential projects > 50,000 SF
Does not apply to buildings where sub-metering is not allowed by local laws and regulations
Energy Display requirement is removed.
 Metering requirements for:
HVAC/mechanical
Lighting
Plug loads
Process Loads (manufacturing/very large data centers or kitchens)
Miscellaneous (all others)
Systems should be distributed and/or submetered based on load type:
HVAC/mechanical
Lighting
Plug loads
Process Loads (manufacturing/very large data centers or kitchens)
Miscellaneous (all others)
Meters are only necessary if the utilizes are not distributed separately, so it gives the owners/designers a choice.
Tenant sub-metering not required.  The meters are not required to be installed on projects less than 50,000 SF. Meters/distribution only required where a compete electrical system upgrade is part of the project.
Auto Demand Response for HVAC-Required for buildings already implementing a Building Management System) 14

15. Energy Conservation
Auto Demand-Response (Auto-DR) Infrastructure -- HVAC
Required for buildings already implementing a Building Management System
Infrastructure is required but no obligation to implement Auto-DR
Building Envelope Systems – Insulation requirements during roof replacement
Auto Demand Response for HVAC-Required for buildings already implementing a Building Management System)

16. Energy Conservation Building Mechanical Systems
Duct air leakage testing
Variable air volume (VAV) fan controls – above 5 HP
Exhaust air guidance – proper design and VAVs or heat recovery
HVAC controls in Group R-1
Building Service Water Systems -- Water heating controls in dwelling units
Building Electrical Power and Lighting Systems
Sleeping unit lighting controls in hotels
Occupancy light reduction controls
Exterior lighting reductions-time switch for after hours
Automatic daylight controls
Plug load controls
Code will require daylight controls for most projects. How will this impact cost versus performance of the lighting controls? 16

17. Energy Conservation Appliances and Equipment
Standby mode for elevators
Variable speed escalators
50% of commercial food service equipment to be Energy Star
Variable speed and shut off provisions for conveyors
Renewable Energy Systems – Section stricken from model code (appendix A)
Energy Systems Commissioning -- removed the post-occupancy requirements from the model code
The original language of IgCC contains a requirement for a certain amount of renewable energy- this was stricken
What will be required to be commissioned on projects, including commercial interiors projects
Why were the various requirements for post-occupancy commissioning stricken from the model code 17

18. Water Resource Conservation
Fixtures, Fittings, Equipment and Appliances
Guidance for flow rates and reduced consumption
Energy Star requirements for appliances
Efficiency guidance for water-powered pumps, vehicle washing facilities
HVAC Systems and Equipment
Prohibition of once-through cooling
Guidance for cooling towers
Water Treatment Devices and Equipment
Water softener and reverse osmosis efficiency guidance
Onsite reclaimed water treatment systems guidance
The IgCC includes maximum flow rates for various fixtures. How do these compare with existing regulations in DC? (In 2008 DC issued a plumbing code supplement reducing the allowable flow rates from the model codes. The 2012 IgCC is identical except private flushometers (1.28 from 1.6).
How common are the once-through cooling type of HVAC systems that IgCC prohibits? 18

19. Water Resource Conservation
Metering -- Guidance for water metering and submetering
Nonpotable Water Requirements -- stricken, wasn’t seen as necessary
Rainwater Collection and Distribution -- moved to Plumbing Code
Gray Water Systems – stricken due to guidance in Plumbing Code
Reclaimed Water Systems -- stricken (not available in DC)
Why did the Green TAG recommend striking the section concerning nonpotable water requirements? (more appropriate language in plumbing code/issues with signage and public health)
Bill- Can you explain the Green TAG’s decision to amend and move the IgCC sections dealing with rainwater and graywater to the plumbing code? (incentives from DDOE) 19

20. Indoor Environmental Quality
Building Construction Features -- Guidance for air handling and filter access
HVAC Systems -- Guidance for construction phase and post-construction air filtration
Specific IAQ Control – Stricken, requirement for IAQ testing thought to be too much
Material Emissions and Pollutant Control
Guidance for formaldehyde limits on composite wood products
Guidance for VOC emission limits for flooring, ceiling tiles/walls, and insulation
Acoustics -- Section stricken (poorly worded and being covered elsewhere in code)
Daylighting -- Daylighting section was revised and moved to Appendix A
Why did the Green TAG recommend moving the requirement for IAQ testing to Appendix A, especially on large buildings? What types of materials will be subject to VOC emission limits? (Similar to LEED: Composite wood, Adhesives and Sealants, Paints and Coatings)
What impact would the requirement for daylighting for 25%-50% of net area have on projects in the District, why was it moved to Appendix A? (limit construction on tight lots, complicate analysis of prospective sites, expose architects to risk) 20

21. Commissioning, O&M Scope
Commissioning for all projects, except for alterations less than 50,000 sf
Altered the commissioning plan -- focus on “active” systems
Approved Agency -- Guidance on “approved agencies” for commissioning
Commissioning -- Commissioning records and reporting to be provided to the owner, and made available to the code official upon request
Building Operations and Maintenance – section stricken from code
What was important to the Green TAG CCCB about requiring commissioning on projects in the District? What will the IgCC require that LEED does not in this regard (permanent o&m manual and commissioning reports)
What major changes have been recommended for this chapter? (specific modifications to focus on “active” systems) 21

22. Electives– Appendix A Site Project Electives-examples Infill Site
Wildlife Corridor
Infill Site
Brownfield Site
Site Restoration
Mixed-use Development
Changing and Shower Facilities
Long-term Bicycle Storage and Parking
Heat Island Mitigation
Site Hardscape (2 electives)
Green Roof Coverage (3 electives)
Native Plant Landscaping (2 electives)
explain Appendix A. 15 for NC 13 for Level III
Bicycle parking requirements are covered in zoning regulations, what are the related provisions in Appendix A and why are they important? (similar to LEED) 22

23. Green Building Program Manual
Broken down into typical project phases:
Design
Permitting
Inspections
Certificate of Occupancy
Post Occupancy
Includes Sectional Reference Guide and Submittal Templates to streamline process

24. Green Building Program Manual
Guidance on the implementation and enforcement
Green Construction Code
Energy Conservation Code
Green Building Act
Reference associated District regulations (Roadmap)
Guidance on Green Code alternative compliance paths
LEED
ASHRAE 189.1
ICC 700
Enterprise Green Communities

25. Design Phase Preliminary Design Review Meetings Green Review included
Green Review (upon request)
- Existing Permits
- Existing Design Contracts – Permit must be filed within 1 year, submit a notarized affadavit stating that the design contract is true and in effect before the effective code date
- Existing Filed Application – deposit must have been paid, plan set must be sufficiently complete, 1 year to take out permit
- Tenant Layout Permits – The work necessary to finish out the interior layout of every tenant space of a building permitted under previous version of the Construction Codes, shall be allowed for first occupancy 25

26. 2013 DC Energy Conservation Code
2012 International Energy Conservation Code, Amended
Significantly more energy efficient than the 2006 DC Energy Conservation Code
Code as two separate divisions
Commercial Buildings
Residential Buildings
Detached one- and two- family dwellings
Group R2, R3, R4 < 4 stories in height
IRC references the 2012 IECC
Increased

27. Additional Green Requirements/Incentives (Roadmap)
Anacostia Waterfront Development Zone
Stormwater management
Groundwater
Lead-paint and asbestos work practices
Use of volatile organic compounds (VOC)
Energy Benchmarking
Green Area Ratio
RiverSmart Homes/Communities
DCSEU 27

28. Permitting Process
Green and Energy reviews are integrated into the standard permit application and review process
Updated online permit application
Project will be assigned a Green Review depending on applicability
No Third Party green plan review
All projects will be reviewed for Energy Conservation Code compliance
List of required documents for each Green and Energy Review by permit type and compliance path

29. Permitting Process
Construction documents with sufficient detail and clarity to show compliance with Energy Code:
Mechanical Equipment Efficiency and Sizing
Duct sealing
Air Sealing Details
Envelope/Insulation values
Fenestration U-factors and SHGC

30. Submittals (Building Permit)
Green Building Act
ENERGY STAR Target Finder Score
Financial Security Understanding, if applicable
Compliance Path Selection and Documentation
LEED
Enterprise Green Communities
Green Code
Alternative Pathways (ASHRAE 189.1, LEED, Green Communities, ICC 700)
Raze and Site Work Permit

31. Building Inspections
Green and Energy Inspections integrated into the inspection process, will occur simultaneously with other required inspections
All projects required to use third party to complete performance testing:
Commissioning, Air Leakage Tests, Duct Leakage Tests
No Green Third Party Inspections

32. Certificate of Occupancy
Green Code requires a number verifications prior to issuance of a certificate of occupancy
First CofO for a floor above grade plane in projects where there are multiple certificates of occupancy
If project must meet post-occupancy requirements, a CofO will not be granted unless the code official determines that the project is on track to be verified in accordance with the path selected

33. Certificate of Occupancy
GBA: Financial Security prior to issuance of a certificate of occupancy by one of four methods:
Cash
Irrevocable letter of Credit
Bond
Binding Pledge

34. Post Occupancy
Green Building Act and Green Construction Code allow for verification after a building is occupied for some of the green building requirements
Due dates vary :
Pay close attention to when your documentation is due to avoid any issues and/or fines
If using a third party verification system be sure to familiarize yourself with the deadlines for those programs to ensure your project remains eligible

35. Sectional Reference Guide
Section Summary 
A detailed summary of each code section that gives additional guidance, considerations, design details, and other resources that will help building professionals develop a deeper understanding of the code section, connect the dots to larger green building topics, and “read between the lines” of the specific code section.
Rationale, Benefits and Intention
A summary that states the importance of the section and why it is included in the green or energy code

36. Sectional Reference Guide
Best Practices
A list and description of industry best practices that are used to implement and meet the requirements of each code section, specific to the District’s climate zone
Innovations
A list of innovative techniques, products, and/or methods that are being used to successfully implement each code section
Timeline
Guidance on when in the construction timeline the section should ideally be considered and addressed by the project team

37. Sectional Reference Guide
Resources
A list and description of critical journals, supplementary codes, web resources, books, and other resources that can be used for additional guidance when applying the green and energy codes
Related Codes and Referenced Standards
A list of references to related ICC codes, other codes, and/or other referenced standards in each section.
Additionally, lists of all pre-approved agencies, processes, sources, standards and other references throughout the Green Construction and Energy Conservation Codes that site an “approved” alternative to the stated code language.

38. Questions? Dave Epley Green Building and Sustainability Coordinator
Department of Consumer and Regulator Affairs
Fulya Kocak
Director of Sustainable Solutions,
Clark Construction Group
Patrick Kunze
Senior Principal
GHT Limited