COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS, ADDITIONS AND ALTERATIONS

New construction, additions and alterations which are not low-rise residential occupancies fall within the Nonresidential Standards. There are separate requirements for the building envelope, the lighting system and the mechanical system(s). We will evaluate whether an alteration triggers the need for an energy code analysis, and if so, we will suggest the best approach to take in demonstrating building compliance.

• Nonresidential buildings such as offices, retail spaces, restaurants, schools, warehouses, and theaters, plus high-rise (i.e., four habitable stories or more) residential occupancies, hotels and motels, all must meet the applicable requirements of the Nonresidential Standards.
• Trade-offs between the building envelope, indoor lighting and mechanical systems are possible under the performance approach. The Existing+Addition+Alteration approach is also an option when an addition or alteration does not comply by itself.

One of our special skills is to sort out complex permit scenarios in which, for example, several alterations are permitted as well as multiple additions in different mechanical zones. We carefully review each project and decide which approach to use in demonstrating and documenting compliance.

The 2005 Nonresidential Standards include several important changes from the 2001 energy code:

• Time Dependent Valuation of electricity is now the basis of the performance approach. Peak electricity use (e.g., during summer afternoons) is valued up to ten times more than off-peak usage. This pushes building designs even more towards reducing cooling and lighting loads.
• In multi-family buildings, the previous loophole which gave free credit to central domestic hot water systems is gone. The net effect is that electric resistance heating is no longer possible for most projects.
• Lighting systems in enclosed unconditioned spaces must now comply with the indoor lighting standards, and outdoor lighting which serves as signage or to light such areas as sidewalks and parking areas must meet new exterior lighting requirements.