Guam

Current Codes

Guam Building Energy Code

Code Type:

Based on: OUTDATED CODE (Pre-dates 1998 IECC) Mandatory

Date Effective: Wednesday, November 15, 2000

Date Passed: Monday, May 1, 2000

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Additional Code Information

Code Adoption & Change Process

Code Change Process:

Regulatory: The Department of Public Works is responsible for updating and changing the building energy codes. It is also responsible for administering the latest edition of the code, and notifing all affected parties of any changes.

Code Change Cycle:

No set schedule. Most recent update effective November 15, 2000.

History

The UBC was first adopted in 1979 by the 14th Guam Legislature. Public Law 14-112 adopted Parts II through XII and appendices of the latest edition of the UBC and added these sections to the Guam Building Law. The Guam Building Law was enacted in 1952 but only incorporated administrative provisions of the building code. In 1980 Public Law 17-76 revised the building law and stated that whenever the UBC is updated, the Department of Public Works will automatically recognize the latest edition as the standard for design and construction.

The Guam Building Energy Code, a cost-effective building energy code for Guam that meets or exceeds ASHRAE Standard 90.1-1989 for commercial buildings and the 1992 Model Energy Code for residential buildings was adopted on May, 2000. Enfrocement of the code began on November 15, 2000.

Basic Facts

Government Type:

Organized, unincorporated territory of the US with policy relations between Guam and the US under the jurisdiction of the Office of Insular Affairs, US Department of the Interior

Climate Zone:

Zone 1, DOE map does not however indicate climate type (zones based on DOE's most recent zoning: zone numbers based on a spectrum, zone 1 represents very hot weather and zone 8 represents subarctic weather. Letters indicate climate type, A-Humid, B-Dry, C-Marine)

Population:

178,430 (2009)

Energy Data

Primary Energy Source:

Petroleum (100%)

Energy Consumption:

Total Annual Energy Consumption of 25 trillion Btu (2006)

Climate Concerns

Regional Issues & State Action:

According to the United States Global Change Research Program, Guam is extremely vulnerable to sea-level rise, coastal erosion, extreme weather, coral reef bleaching, ocean acidification, and contamination of freshwater resources with saltwater. The island has experienced rising temperatures and sea levels in recent decades and will continue to see increases in air and ocean surface temperatures, heavy downpours and an overall decrease in rainfall. The effects of climate change may endanger Guam’s coastal communities, infrastructure, natural habitats, and resources.

Governor Felix P. Camacho continually speaks of the dangers climate change poses to Guam. In 2005 Guam joined the Micronesia Challenge, which is a commitment by the Federated States of Micronesia, Guam, The Republic of Marshall Islands, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and the Republic of Palau to conserve 30% of near-shore marine resources and 20% of the terrestrial resources by 2020. The challenge emphasizes political leaders working together to address sustainability and environmental issues.

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Groups

Hawai'i and U.S. Territories Region

People

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Contact

Ed Borja
Chief Building Inspector
Building Permits & Inspection Office
Department of Public Works
542 North Marine Drive
Tamuning, GU 96911
PH: (671) 646-9708
FX: (671) 646-3749
Email: edborja.commail.gov.gu

Juan Taijito

Director
Guam Energy Office
PH: (671) 646-4361

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