Idaho
Why We’re Watching
Model energy code adoption, Idaho Energy Code Collaborative, Statewide implementation strategies
Idaho Energy Code Status
Update
- BCAP named Ken Baker of the Idaho Energy Code Collaborative its Summer 2010 Energy Code Champion!
- 2010 Idaho Energy and Green Building Conference will take place on October 20-21 in Boise, ID.
- Idaho has trained 6 Energy Code Ambassadors.
- The Collaborative held training sessions on May 25-26 in Idaho Falls, July 14-15 in Nampa, July 27-28 in Lewiston, July 29-30 in Couer D'Alene, Aug. 3-4 in Pocatello, Aug. 5-6 in Twin Falls.
- The Collaborative also hosted two webcasts on the differences between the 2006 and 2009 IECC on May 18 (for residential) and May 27 (for commercial).
- Representatives from the Collaborative put together a presentation on the value of energy codes for the Association of Idaho Cities Annual Conference June 16-18.
Background
Idaho is a mountainous state known for its natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities. It is not surprising, then, that the sustainability movement has gained momentum over the past few years, as conservation is a value intrinsic to the state and its citizens. Idahoans are conscious of the environmental impact of their lifestyles and are taking steps to ensure that the state preserves its natural heritage. When combined with the clear economic benefits of energy efficiency, it is easy to see why Idaho is going green.
Although overshadowed by the accomplishments of its more populous neighbors to the west, Idaho is quietly making a name for itself as an energy codes leader. The current state energy code is the 2006 IECC, and the statewide adoption of the 2009 IECC is set for January 1, 2011. In addition, as part of the 2007 Idaho Energy Plan, the Idaho Legislature set a three-year energy code adoption cycle goal. In 2009, it gave the Division of Building Safety the authority to promulgate the building codes—including energy—on this three-year cycle.
Idaho in 2010
Model Code Adoption
Idaho and its jurisdictions are set to adopt the 2009 IECC in January 2011. Throughout 2010, state and city officials, energy code advocates, and other interested parties will support the state’s enforcement, building, and design communities in preparing for the latest editions of the model energy codes.
Idaho Energy Code Collaborative
The Idaho Energy Code Collaborative (the Collaborative), led by the Association of Idaho Cities (AIC) and backed by the Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (NEEA), is a group of state, county, and city representatives, energy code advocates, and other interested stakeholders making a concerted effort to improve energy code compliance and enforcement. They meet intermittently to discuss energy code issues, resolve them together, and
write and promote recommendations to guide state policy.
The Collaborative has met multiple times in late 2009 and early 2010 to shape the state’s roadmap for achieving 90 percent compliance (see below).
Statewide Implementation Strategies
Idaho is serious about achieving 90 percent compliance with the 2009 IECC, as per the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act). A number of energy code stakeholders, working through the Collaborative, have designed a comprehensive statewide implementation strategy. It consists of three approaches:
Database: Supported by Recovery Act funding, energy code advocates are currently developing a pilot database to assist in documentation of energy code compliance through individual jurisdictions. In 2011, they expect to expand the database to include the entire state.
Builders will be able to go onto the database and manage their building projects by jurisdiction. The database will include a checklist of energy code requirements builders must meet for both residential and commercial buildings, based on data from the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL). Code officials and third party inspectors will then conduct spot checks to supplement this system.
Training and Education: In order to generate buy-in from all individuals and groups involved in adopting, implementing, and enforcing the 2009 IECC, the Collaborative is planning to conduct a number of training sessions across the state throughout 2010. In five separate geographic regions, energy code experts will conduct two 
days of training for local building departments and the building and design industries on the requirements of the 2009 IECC. These trainings will consist of classroom sessions and on-site training, including blower door and duct blaster test demonstrations. In addition, training will include informational sessions for elected officials and community leaders on the energy savings and financial impact of updating the energy code. Along with the AIC, the Collaborative is marketing these training sessions through a number of partners, including the Idaho Association of Building Officials, the Associated Building Contactors, contractor suppliers, and the Building Contractor Association.
With support from NEEA and others, advocates are also preparing a best practices guide for residential builders. The guide will provide information not covered in the 2009 IECC, such as proper installation methods, available products and materials, and state-specific information.
Association of Idaho Cities Conference: As part of its annual conference in mid-June, the AIC is planning to devote a full day to the energy code and other I-codes. The roughly 200 members expected to attend will participate in an energy code implementation roundtable, workshops that cover the new database, and technical and informational training sessions. These activities should mirror and augment the training sessions that will be held across the state throughout the year.
Program Contact
Ken Baker
Email: kbaker1@mindspring.com
