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The 2009 energy codes are out, and soon they will be adopted in your state or municipality. To get a quick handle on the changes, the Department of Energy (DOE) is providing a free webcast on Tuesday, June 16, on the residential aspects (requirements) of the 2009 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC).

Follow this link to the free sign-up:

http://www.energycodes.gov/training/onlinetraining/residential2009IECC.stm

Todd Taylor of the Pacific Northwest Laboratory will host the one-hour presentation. Afterward, there will be a 30-minute question-and-answer session.

The IECC is one of two options available to homebuilders for demonstrating energy code compliance. While the International Residential Code (IRC) is the primary energy code for one and two family dwellings, Section N1101.2 offers the IECC as an equivalent alternative. The IECC is more performance driven and allows component trade-offs through a simulated performance alternative provision (Section 405).

This performance-based approach has always been considered more flexible than the prescriptive aspects of Chapter 11 of the IRC. While still flexible, the IECC has tightened it up somewhat with the introduction of some mandatory components–items that formerly were considered suitable alternative materials or techniques. This change in their status essentially disallows their use as trade-offs. Certain mechanical equipment is among these mandatory components, and others will likely be discussed in the webcast.

The DOE has always been a key player in the development of the Model Energy Codes. Its role in the development of the 2009 edition is no exception; many of the significant changes in the 2009 codes were introduced by the agency, and significant testimony was offered by its representatives in both model codes in the 2009 editions. This testimony heavily influenced the changes that will be discussed.