Energy Codes

As part of Simon Roofing's commitment to sustainable building practices, we assist our clients in understanding and complying with applicable energy code requirements from the international to the local level. If you or your business would like assistance in determining how to comply with the latest energy code regulations, contact Simon's Sustainability Department at 1-800-558-7714 x582.

For an interactive U.S. map from the Department of Energy outlining each state's energy codes; click here.

International Energy Codes

International Energy Conservation Code (IECC)

www.iccsafe.org

The International Code Council approved updates to the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) on September 24, 2008 and the changes will be incorporated into the 2009 version of the IECC. The 2003, 2006 and 2009 versions of the IECC reference ASHRAE 90.1, including cool roof measures.

National Energy Codes

ASHRAE Standards 90.1 and 90.2
www.ashrae.org

ASHRAE Standard 90.1 (2007 edition)
Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings, section 5.5.3.1.1, still defines a cool roof as having a minimum solar reflectance of 0.70 and a minimum thermal emittance of 0.75. The new version also allows a minimum Solar Reflective Index of 82. The new standard for 90.1 increases the applicable climate zones areas to 1 to 5. The section also states that values for solar reflectance and thermal emittance shall be determined by a laboratory accredited by a nationally recognized accreditation organization.

ASHRAE Standard 90.2 (2007 edition)
Energy Efficient Design of Low-Rise Residential Buildings, section 5.6, defines a cool roof in climate zones 1, 2 and 3 as having a minimum solar reflectance of 0.65 and a minimum thermal emittance of 0.75 OR a minimum Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) of 75. "High Albedo Roofs" are a prescriptive requirement and if installed allow the residential building to have a lower R-value and a higher U-value. The section also states that values for solar reflectance and thermal emittance shall be determined by a laboratory accredited by a nationally recognized accreditation organization.

State Energy Codes

California's Title 24
www.energy.ca.gov/title24

The California Energy Commission (CEC) adopted an update to California's Building Energy Efficiency Standard, Title 24, which will take effect August 1, 2009. If the building permit application is submitted after August 1, 2009, then the new standards must be met.
New additions relating to cool roofs include:

• A prescriptive requirement for steep slope and residential cool roofs
• Use of three-year aged solar reflectance data
• Requirements limited to specific climate zones
• Lower required reflectance values for products that have a density greater than or equal to 5 pounds/ft²

Also, many of the minimum requirements allow a Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) calculation in lieu of individual solar reflectance and thermal emittance values. Note that there are exceptions to many of these requirements; please see the CEC document for details.

Florida State Building Code 2007
www.floridaenergycommission.gov

The provisions of the 2007 Florida Energy Code became effective October 1, 2008. The Florida Building Code 2007, chapter 13-4, states that all roofs are required to have a rated R-value of insulation with the exception that if they meet the specified cool roof requirement then the proposed roof can have an adjusted U-factor. Cool roofs are defined as having a minimum solar reflectance of 0.70 and minimum thermal emittance of 0.75.

The Florida Energy Code is mandatory for all new residential and commercial construction as well as additions to structures. The Energy Code is performance-based rather than prescriptive-based, with minor exceptions.

City Energy Codes

City of Chicago
www.cityofchicago.org

The Chicago Energy Conservation Code requires that new residential and commercial low-slope (up to 2:12) roofs have a minimum initial solar reflectance value of 0.72 or a three-year aged value of 0.50. New medium slope roofs (2:12 to 5:12) will be required to have a minimum initial solar reflectance value of 0.15. Steep slope roofs (greater than 5:12), will be exempt from any initial solar reflectance requirements. The code requires that products must be rated by the CRRC or by ENERGY STAR and pertains to all roofs permitted on or after January 1, 2009.

City of Dallas                                                                                                              
www.dallascityhall.com

Dallas City Council adopted a green construction ordinance in April 2008 aimed at reducing energy and water consumption in all new residential and commercial construction. The ordinance will be implemented in two phases starting in 2009. The first phase, effective October 1, 2009, requires all low-slope commercial projects less than 50,000 square feet meet the EPA's ENERGY STAR low-slope roof requirements (an initial solar reflectance of at least 0.65 and an aged solar reflectance of at least 0.50). For commercial projects over 50,000 square feet, Phase 1 requires buildings to meet 85% of the points required under the appropriate USGBC's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system for a certified level. Phase 2 will begin October 1, 2011 and will apply to all proposed projects.