Update on the 2024 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) Appeals Process.
The International Code Council (ICC) has issued an update on the 2024 IECC Appeals Process that can be found here. In addition to the AGA appeal four other appellants AHRI, APGA , BOMA/NMHC, and ICC Region VI submitted a total of 9 appeals. All appeals can be viewed on the IECC site that also provides the details of conduct of the appeals process, the appeals panel, how the public can participate during the appeals panels hearings submit comments on the appeals, etc. The ICC has not yet set a schedule but the appeal hearing date must be within 30 days of the original filing of January 2 thus before February 1. We will provide that information when available. BECS Committee members are encouraged to review all of the appeals and consider participating in commenting on the merits of appeals by providing supporting testimony or written comments to address the troublesome code provisions that negatively impact the direct use of natural gas in the built environment. It is anticipated that opponents of the appeals will actively oppose approvals of the appeals both during the hearing and in written comments.
DOE Releases RFI on Developing a National Definition for a Zero Emissions Building – Proposing No On-Site Emissions.
On January 2, 2024 the DOE’s Building Technologies Office (BTO) released a Request for Information (RFI) to “solicit feedback from industry, academia, research laboratories, government agencies, and other stakeholders on Part 1 of a draft National Definition for a Zero Emissions Building. Responses to this RFI will help to develop a National Definition for a Zero Emissions Building that will serve as a clear market signal and consistent target, backed by measurable data, that is intended to help move the building sector to zero emissions.”
According to the RFI, “Part 1 of the definition will focus on zero operating emissions. Future parts of this definition will likely include embodied carbon, refrigerants, and other key elements. As is proposed currently, the definition of a zero operating emissions building is one that is:
- Highly energy efficient,
- Free of on-site emissions from energy use, and
- Powered solely from clean energy.
The RFI states that “Part 1 of the draft definition in full, which includes details on the criteria above, is available here: https://www.energy.gov/eere/buildings/national-definition-zero-emissions-building. This RFI aims to gather more extensive insights on the definition. DOE will consider responses to this RFI before finalizing version 1.00 of Part 1 of the National Definition for a Zero Emissions Building. Responses to this RFI must be submitted electronically to https://forms.office.com/g/Y0Ss3UFdL3, no later than 5:00 pm (ET) on February 5, 2024
AGA staff is reviewing the RFI and also requests that BECS Committee members also review it and provide us with your comments by January 25th. . As proposed, the definition in Part 1 that includes, “Free of on-site emissions from energy use” is a major concern for natural gas applications.
AHRI Releases the November, 2023 Heating and Cooling Equipment Shipment Data.
For those interested in shipment trends for residential and commercial gas and electric storage type water heaters, residential gas and oil furnaces, electric heat pumps and air-conditioners, click here for the January 12, 2024 Air-Conditioning Heating, & Refrigeration (AHRI) Press Release that provides the November, 2023 U.S. Heating and Cooling Equipment Shipment Data. For previous25 monthly shipment releases and historical data, please click here . You may also wish to share this information with other groups or individuals within your organization that would be interested in this shipment data.
State Codes Activity Update.
Attached is a weekly feature of the “Friday Update” covering state code calendar activities as presented by the online utility “Fiscal Note,” which is sponsored by APGA and AGA Code and Standards. Please review the update and determine if there are state code activities that impact your service territory or organization.