New Energy Code Creates Savings
August 1997
According to a recent assessment by the U.S. Department of
Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the use of the 1995 CABO
Model Energy Code (MEC) creates significant savings for home
owners and owners of multifamily facilities compared with the
1992 code. The 1995 MEC results in a significant increase in
energy efficiency, is technologically feasible, and is economically
justified, reports the Assessment of the 1995 Model Energy Code
for Adoption.
According to the report, owners of single-family dwellings
would save an average of $41 per year in home energy costs under
the 1995 MEC compared with the 1992 code, with a range of $22
in Washington State to $67 in Arizona. Initial building cost
increases would range from $172 in Connecticut to $487 in Nevada.
Annual savings for homes in low-rise multifamily buildings would
average $37.
Energy Policy Act Compliance
The MEC, which was transferred to the International Code Council
in 1995, is revised annually and published every three years.
In keeping with the Energy Policy Act of 1992, HUD and the U.S.
Department of Agriculture will now determine whether to require
compliance with the 1995 MEC for mortgages insured, guaranteed,
or made under their loan programs.
This report, prepared by Battelle Pacific Northwest National
Laboratory, measured the energy efficiency and economic impact
of the 1995 MEC for single-family and low-rise multifamily homes
and will be instrumental in that determination.
Cost vs. Benefit
The cost-benefit model used to analyze the energy efficiency
gains of the new code takes into account several factors, including
fuel types and costs in 881 cities, annual energy cost savings,
and initial building cost increases. The 1995 MEC has a number
of important changes, including the following:
- Increases wall and ceiling insulation for low-rise multifamily
buildings and for single family homes in southern locations;
- Increases duct sealing and insulation;
- Limits heat loss through recessed lighting fixtures;
- Changes allowable air leakage rates for windows and sliding
doors;
- Corrects thermal calculations with metal-stud framing.
Copies of Assessment of the 1995 Model Energy Code for Adoption
are available for $5 by calling (800) 245-2691. Document orders
can also be placed online at http://www.huduser.org/.
©1997 Council of American Building
Officials
The CABO Newsletter
Volume 4 Number 2
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