Designers struggle to comply with energy code requirements due to confusion about documentation, misunderstood code language, and the challenge of keeping up to date on a code that changes every three years.
Compliance brings many benefits such as faster approvals, more efficient and resilient buildings, the ability to stay competitive in a changing industry, and happy clients. Not only are designers required to meet new energy code obligations, but learning how to comply with today’s code will prepare design firms for coming changes.
Using the upcoming IECC 2015 as the source, Conquering the Code teaches architects to understand the structure and rationale behind the energy code. Participants will learn how to differentiate the various compliance pathways and understand the requirements for compliance.
Often, it is not a lack of knowledge that leads to failure to comply but a lack of coordination and communication among the design team, their client, the code officials and the construction team. The course focuses on communication practices that will improve these barriers to compliance.
A fundamental theme of the course is to explain specific code provision by describing the interdependence of the building envelope, mechanical and lighting systems and their impacts on energy consumption.
Peter J. Arsenault, FAIA, NCARB, LEED-AP
Peter J. Arsenault Architect
Greensboro, NC