Note that this information is of a general nature and is not a substitute for the language in the code. Code compliance for a particular project is determined based on materials submitted in a permit application.

These tips for key Energy Code requirements are intended to provide (1) a short summary, (2) the intent, (3) the easiest way to show compliance, and (4) things to watch out for.

• General application of the Nonresidential Energy Code
• Best ways to show compliance
• Nonresidential space heat types
• Nonresidential glazing requirements
• Nonresidential insulation requirements
• Energy efficiency tips

GENERAL APPLICATION OF THE NONRESIDENTIAL ENERGY CODE:

• Other than Group R occupancy. The Residential Energy Code (Chapters 1-10) covers all Group R occupancy as defined in the Building Code. This not only includes single-family dwellings, but also multi-family dwellings, and the guest rooms portions of hotels and motels, both low-rise and high-rise. It also includes spaces, such as corridors, that are considered accessory to the main use by the Building Code. Other occupancies are subject to the Nonresidential Energy Code (Chapters 11-15).
• Space by space determination. Occupancies are determined on a space by space basis, not on a building basis. Thus, in a building with three upper floors of apartments, one street level floor of retail shops, and two floors of below-grade parking: the apartments would be subject to the Residential Energy Code and the retail and parking would be subject to the Nonresidential Energy Code.

BEST WAYS TO SHOW COMPLIANCE:
The Nonresidential Energy Code contains three options for demonstrating Energy Code compliance. The options listed in order of preference are:

• Prescriptive Option. ALWAYS use this option if it works for your project. It requires the least calculations on your part, which means fewer for the plans examiner to review. Prescriptive requirements are based on standard construction techniques and there are many commonly available products to choose from. No matter how sophisticated your design process is, that does not mean that you need to choose a complicated compliance process.
• Component Performance Option. Consider this option if the glazing area in your project exceeds 45% of the gross wall area (30% for electric resistance space heat) or if you want to install less insulation than the Prescriptive option requires. Be aware that you'll need to improve the energy-efficiency in some other area to make up for those areas that do not meet the Prescriptive requirements. Use either the Envelope UA form or the EnvStd program. EnvStd will allow tradeoff between heating and cooling requirements).(Note that the Washington State Energy Code Envelope UA form and the ASHRAE 90.1 version of EnvStd are NOT acceptable.
• Annual Energy Analysis Option (RS-29). Consider this option if neither the Prescriptive option nor the Component Performance option works. Because this option requires very detailed analysis with many assumptions (such as how to model shading by adjacent buildings, appropriate internal loads, HVAC zoning, etc.), it is strongly recommended that a meeting be held with the DPD Energy/Mechanical Plan Review staff to discuss assumptions for the modeling procedure prior to beginning the analysis. Use one of the computer programs listed in RS-29.

NONRESIDENTIAL PRESCRIPTIVE COMPLIANCE OPTION:

• Climate zones. The Prescriptive option Building Envelope requirements for Seattle are in Table 13-1. (Seattle is in King County and so is included in Climate Zone 1. For other portions of Washington State, see the Climate Zone categories in Section 1303.)

NONRESIDENTIAL SPACE HEAT TYPES:
The building envelope requirements vary depending on what the space heating system is.

• Requirements more stringent for electric resistance space heat. Of the two categories of space heat type (Section 1302), the requirements are the most stringent for spaces having electric resistance space heat. "Electric resistance" includes any and all kinds of electric heat (electric baseboard, electric wall units, electric furnaces, electric radiant heat, etc.), except heat pumps and variable air volume distribution systems. The "other fuels" category includes everything else. An exception for other fuels allows up to 1.0 watt of electric resistance heat per square foot of conditioned floor area. For example, in an 2,200 square foot restaurant space, this would permit up to 2,200 watts. The intent was to allow for miscellaneous uses, such as a small electric radiant heater in the bathroom.
• Applies to additions and alterations as well as new construction. Alterations and additions must also comply with requirements based on space heat type. For example, if windows are replaced in a space with electric resistance space heat, the U-factor must be 0.40 or less. Also, if an existing building is heated with a gas or oil furnace, but a new room or second floor is to be added and heated with electric resistance space heat, then the new addition must comply with the building envelope requirements for electric resistance space heat.

NONRESIDENTIAL GLAZING REQUIREMENTS:

• Glazing. The definition of glazing (Section 201) includes all assemblies that transmit light - not only typical windows and skylights, but also sliding glass doors, translucent plastic panels, and curtainwalls.
• Glazing area. The definition of glazing area (Section 201) includes all components of the glazing assembly - glass/plastic, sash, and frame.
• U-factors and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) to be determined, certified, and labeled in accordance with NFRC procedures. The Energy Code specifies standard rating procedures, certification, and labeling (Section 1312) so that products may be compared on a consistent basis: NFRC 100 for U-factor and NFRC 200 for SHGC. (The National Fenestration Rating Council was specified as the developer of the national system of glazing energy ratings in the 1992 Energy Policy Act.) These rating procedures address the complexity of today's glazing technologies - frames composed of several different materials, low-emissivity coatings, suspended films, argon and krypton gas fills, low-conductance spacers. For additional information about the rating procedures and about obtaining a copy of the NFRC Products Directory, see DPD Client Assistance Memo #403 and the NFRC website.
• Default must be used for products without NFRC certification and labels. Energy Code compliance is based on NFRC certification. Products which do not are not certified to the NFRC procedures, as indicated by a label on the product, are required to use the default values in Section 1006, Table 10-6. Manufacturer's data is NOT an acceptable alternate.
• Verify NFRC certification and labeling. Be cautious about manufacturers' claims which seem to offer performance which is significantly better than the Energy Code requirements. Verify that the U-factor and SHGC has been determined, certified, and labeled in accordance with the NFRC Product Certification Program (Section 1312.1). Make sure that this requirement is included in the job specifications. Make sure that the performance values are for the entire glazing product, not only for the center of the glass, or for the panel without the frame. A computer simulation or a test report to an NFRC procedure does NOT indicate compliance with the NFRC certification and labeling program. If in doubt, ask the manufacturer for a copy of the Product Certification Authorization and contact NFRC to ensure that the manufacturer is participating in the NFRC Certification Program.

NONRESIDENTIAL INSULATION REQUIREMENTS:

• Insulation ratings. Some insulation literature (particularly for rigid insulation) rates insulation R-values at several different temperatures. The R-value for insulation used for the building envelope is to be determined at 75°F (not 40°F or other temperatures).

NONRESIDENTIAL ENERGY EFFICIENCY TIPS:
The Energy Code only establishes minimum requirements for energy efficiency. There is much more that can be done to achieve greater energy efficiency. In order, here are some suggestions to consider.

• Use efficient lamp sources.
• Reduce the space heating and space cooling load.
• Meet the remaining load efficiently.
• Use water heating carefully.
• Pick energy efficient appliances.
• Additional information. For additional information, see Sources of Information on Energy Efficiency.