Outcome Based Codes: Answering The Preliminary Questions
Abstract
Policymakers and the public are increasingly interested in reduc-
ing energy use. Whether due to a desire to reduce costs, greenhouse gas
emissions, or imported energy, achieving these goals will depend on
actual and measurable results. Today’s building energy codes regulate
proxies for energy use, do not require measurement and expression
of actual building energy performance, and depend on incremental
improvements to prescriptive criteria (e.g. equipment efficiency levels,
insulation values, and lighting power allowances). Achieving the ulti-
mate goal of net-zero energy buildings requires a different approach.
Outcome-based codes establish an energy use level as well as regular
measurement and reporting to assure that the completed building
performs at the established level. A shift to outcome-based codes will
require a dramatic change within the building community.
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