RESNET®, ICC Enter Agreement on New “IECC/HERS® Code Compliance Program”
According to RESNET, to address this issue, RESNET and ICC have announced an agreement to launch a new program designed to enhance energy code compliance. The “IECC/HERS Code Compliance Program” aims to enable ICC’s certified IECC/HERS Compliance Specialists to have a more active role in ensuring compliance. This program will serve as a resource for jurisdictions seeking to improve the energy efficiency, safety, and performance of residential dwellings. The program’s key elements, combined with RESNET’s quality assurance oversight requirements, will enhance its credibility with code officials.
Key elements of the program include:
• Demonstration of compliance with the IECC’s Blower Door/Duct Leakage Testing mandatory requirements.
• Demonstration of compliance with the IECC 2009-2024 UA alternative option.
• Demonstration of compliance with the Total/Simulated (R405) Path.
• Demonstration of compliance with the IECC 2015-2024 Energy Rating Index (ERI) Path
Through this program, homes inspected under the selected IECC compliance paths will be entered into the RESNET National Building Registry and subject to RESNET’s quality assurance oversight. ICC and RESNET will develop energy code compliance certificates based on the chosen IECC compliance path and the scope of work of the HERS Rater or Rating Field Inspector, using RESNET-accredited software.
The compliance certificates will:
• Feature a QR code linked to the home’s energy code compliance documentation in the RESNET National Building Registry Dashboard. (To be developed by RESNET)
• Be labeled as IECC compliance documents.
• State that “compliance data is subject to RESNET QA oversight and entered into the RESNET Registry.”
• Require that any certificates generated from the software and not submitted to the RESNET Registry state “Not submitted to RESNET Registry and not subject to RESNET quality assurance oversight.”
RESNET will update its National Building Registry to capture homes participating in this program and develop quality assurance protocols for these certificates.
Outreach Campaign:
RESNET and ICC will undertake an outreach campaign to Code Departments and Code Officials that will include:
• RESNET-developed marketing materials, including infographics, PowerPoint presentations, ads in ICC newsletters, webinars, and postings on the ICC website.
• Collaborating with HERS Rating companies to make presentations to local building departments and at ICC Chapter meetings.