Codes + Standards

Model energy codes and standards cover new construction and renovations. As of the time of writing, many types of retrofits, such as replacing lamps and ballasts, are not directly impacted by energy codes, although some jurisdictions may require a building permit for some lighting upgrades. With publication of the ASHRAE 90.1-2010 standard in the fall [...]

BACnet International and the EnOcean Alliance, an international consortium of 130 companies from the building sector, today announced its cooperation with BACnet’s Wireless Networking-Working Group (WN-WG) to develop a vendor independent gateway specification for integrating EnOcean-based wireless energy-harvesting nodes into the world’s leading data communications protocol for building automation and control. As the only wireless [...]

A new standard for the design of high-performance green buildings is set to revolutionize the building industry. Published by ASHRAE in conjunction with IES and the U.S. Green Building Council, Standard 189.1, Standard for the Design of High-Performance, Green Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings, is the first code-intended commercial green building standard in the United [...]

Green construction codes and standards are beginning to emerge on the national code stage. The standards go beyond energy standards such as 90.1 and the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) to cover additional areas such as site sustainability, water efficiency, indoor environmental quality and materials and resources. This is the subject of a new whitepaper [...]

Same seminar, same place, same time. Different day. Learn more about the seminar here. Register here.

Fellow Electrical Contractor Magazine columnist Charlie Trout, a well-known expert on the National Electrical Code (NEC), devoted his entire December 2009 column to answering lighting-related code questions. Check it out here.

Title 24- 2008 became effective as California’s new energy code as of January 1, 2010. Learn more about Title 24 and download it here.

Some great debate and dialogue going on in my earlier post about New York City’s new legislation requiring existing buildings to upgrade their lighting. What’s your opinion? Check it out here.

The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) has published LSD 46-2009 Photoluminescent Exit Signage—Factual Review. This new white paper, produced by NEMA’s Emergency Lighting Section, describes concerns regarding the marketing and application recommendations common to photoluminescent exit signage in the U.S. and Canada. The section seeks to educate potential users as to the drawbacks and realities [...]