Washington

Advocacy Opportunities

Status

Explanations

Adopt Mandatory Codes

Residential:

Washington has a mandatory state-developed and -implemented residential code, which exceeds 2006 IECC standards for most homes.

Commercial:

For commercial buildings, Washington has a state-developed code that is equivalent to ASHRAE/IESNA 90.1-2004 for most commercial buildings. For residential construction of high rise buildings four stories or more, ASHRAE 90.1-2007 is applied, with improvements. The state code is more stringent than 90.1-2007 in all respects.

Adopt an Automatic Review & Update Process

The state has a three-year code review cycle, with the most recent update effective July 1, 2007.

Create a Regulatory Process

The Washington State Building Code Council (SBCC) reviews and amends the state energy code for residential and nonresidential buildings.  Within 60 days of receipt of a proposed change, the SBCC decides if the proposal warrants further consideration. If the SBCC accepts the change, rulemaking begins and the change is sent to a Technical Advisory Group (TAG) for review. After completing the review, the TAG submits its recommendations. The SBCC makes the final determination on acceptance of the recommendations. Once final approval is granted by the SBCC, the rule is filed with the Washington State Code Reviser and then is published in the Washington State Register. The final rule becomes effective after the next legislative session.

The SBCC is currently reviewing an update to the 2009 codes.

Washinton Code Chronology

Improve Compliance

Residential:

Compliance is determined through plan review and inspection by the local building official. Plans and specifications must be submitted unless otherwise required by the building official. The building official may also require that plans be stamped by a registered design professional. The energy code for residential buildings establishes minimum/maximum requirements for R-values and equipment efficiencies. Field inspections are required before a certificate of occupancy is issued.

The building official has the power to interpret the residential energy code. The building official may also request that the SBCC render written interpretations of the residential code.

Commercial:

Compliance is determined by plan review and inspection by the local building official. Plans and specifications must be submitted unless otherwise required by the building official. The building official may also require that plans be stamped by a registered design professional. The energy code for commercial buildings sets minimum inspection requirements for the building envelope, mechanical systems, and lighting installations.

The building official has the power to interpret the commercial code. The building official may also request that the SBCC provide written interpretations of the commercial code.

Eliminate Weakening Amendments

Add Strengthening Amendments

Allow Innovation at the Local Level 

Local jurisdictions are allowed to adopt more stringent codes than the state code.

Set Milestones

On May 8, 2009, Gov. Christine Gregoire signed SB 5854 into law, directing the Washington State Building Code Council to adopt energy codes requiring homes and businesses constructed from 2013 through 2031 to incrementally move towards a 70 percent reduction in energy use by 2031 (using the 2006 energy codes as the baseline) – making Washington the first state to legislatively adopt the fundamental goals of the 2030 Challenge published by Architecture 2030.

Adopt Green Codes

State Wide Program:
Washington.
Evergreen Sustainable Development Standard, 2008

Program Description:
The Washington State Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development (CTED) created the Evergreen Sustainable Development Standard, a set of green building criteria that will be required for any affordable housing project applying for State funds through the WA State Housing Trust Fund (HTF) beginning in July 2008. The standard is based on a point system which awards points for a variety of sustainable building practices including: site location and neighborhood planning, water conservation, energy efficiency and the incorporation of renewable energy technologies, environmentally-conscious construction practices, and building materials and improved indoor-air quality.

New construction projects must earn a minimum of 50 points and rehabilitation projects must earn 40 points. Most optional measures are worth 5 points, but can range from 2 points for installing low-flow faucets to 17 points for reducing the energy used for space conditioning by 50% when compared to the 2004 IECC building standard. Installing PV can earn 5 points for the first 1 kilowatt (kW) per housing unit, and 3 additional points for every 500 W over 1kW, up to 20 points. Solar water heaters that meet certain design criteria and provide 50% of the total water heating needs of a house can earn 10 points.  

Energy Standard:
This is it’s own. Minimum compliance with the Evergreeen….. Is meeting or exceeding either Energy Star Northwest standards for single family homes, or 15% above the Washington State Energy Code for multi-family homes.  Optional points from Energy Star Appliances, Energy Star-labeled lighting fixtures or Energy Star Advanced Lighting Package inside, Energy Star or high-efficiency commercial grade fixtures outdoors, install daylight timers and sensors,  additional improvement over WSEC, install photovoltaics, high efficiency water heaters - including solar, blower door test to 7 ACH50 or less, duct test to 0.10 CFM50 x floor area, etc

City Wide Program:
Bellingham, Washington.
LEED Resolution, 2005

Program Description:
The City of Bellingham requires all new municipal building construction and renovation over 5,000 ft2 (where the City provides a majority of the funding) to earn LEED Silver certification. The City also provides a 0.5 Floor Area Ratio (FAR) bonus for private development that earns LEED Silver certification.

Energy Standard:
Commercial LEED Certification:  below is summarized from LEED NC, details vary according to certification program. Mandatory: minimum 10% compliance beyond ASHRAE 90.1-2007, or use of NBI's Core Performance or one of ASHRAE's Advanced Energy Design Guidelines. LEED options include: optimize energy performance, on-site renewable energy, enhanced commissioning, enhanced refrigerant management, measurement & verification, and green power.    

City Wide Program:
Everett, Washington.
Municipal Building Standards, 2007

Program Description:
New municipal buildings 5,000 ft2 or larger must meet LEED Silver.  The bill encourages appropriate departments to budget for and attend sustainable building training and/or obtain LEED accreditation.

Energy Standard:
Commercial LEED Certification:  below is summarized from LEED NC, details vary according to certification program. Mandatory: minimum 10% compliance beyond ASHRAE 90.1-2007, or use of NBI's Core Performance or one of ASHRAE's Advanced Energy Design Guidelines. LEED options include: optimize energy performance, on-site renewable energy, enhanced commissioning, enhanced refrigerant management, measurement & verification, and green power.