A Top-Down Framework for Managing Energy Code Development

Public policy demands continual improvements and increased stringency of appliance standards and building codes. Typically energy code improvements have been a bottom-up aggregation of measures. This approach is typically incremental and progress is subject to the relative level of pressure from opponents and proponents. It is also reactive to the current pace of market transformation as the code development process usually passively waits for measures to be “code ready.” However, occasionally significant jumps in code stringency are realized; these discontinuous leaps are usually in response to policy initiatives from the highest levels of government. This paper describes a top-down approach which sets energy savings targets for code updates based upon policy goals. The top-down approach may provide focus for strategies and tactics to accelerate market transformation to fast-track code readiness. When key policymakers translate and embrace these goals, progress can be achieved relatively quickly. This was the case for the 2001 California Title 24 emergency rulemaking (AB 970) in response to the California electricity crisis, and the ASHRAE 90.1-2010 in response to a memorandum of understanding with USDOE. This paper discusses how a top-down strategy can be instrumental in accelerating the stringency of efficiency codes. Applying this construct to California’s strategic plan for all newly constructed low rise residences to be Zero Net Energy (ZNE) by 2020 we describe a short and medium term tactical plan for implementing the ZNE goal.