NYS continues to push energy efficiency in its building code revisions

The world of Building and Fire safety codes is a very fluid arena. There is an on-going, never ending process of code review and revision.

This process includes all the States that have adopted the entire collection of the International Building Code [IBC].

Presently, all but one state uses the IBC as their model or base set of codes. Most states may add, delete or modify certain sections of the IBC to suit their specific needs.

But, for the most part, the majority of the States have made very little, if any, changes to the IBC.

Most people know that major events are leading causes for code changes.

It does not matter whether the event is a life safety or an environmental condition.

Certainly, most of us know of those catastrophic fires, especially in public assemblies, where dozens or even hundreds of people die. Those events lead to code review.

Did the structure comply with the code to begin with? What caused the fire? Why couldn’t the people get out? Was there any automatic fire suppression? Why, why, why, what if….

With today’s technologies, the types of materials available and method of construction, these types of events simply should not happen.

Probably the most commonly known environmental issue would be energy consumption. We all feel this every day.

There is a huge push towards alternative energy sources.

The government is setting higher standards on fuel efficiency for cars, trucks and heating systems for buildings.

Part of that equation is either making the vehicle lighter or creating a tighter and more energy conserving building.

New York State has an aggressive Energy Code in regards to buildings, new and remodeled.

Here is a very short list of some of the relatively new code changes;

Access to single family dwellings with driveways less than 20 feet in width and over 300 feet in length, including private roads serving four or more single family dwellings, shall provide minimum width, height, stability and provide turnouts to accommodate emergency fire apparatus.

OR—provide an automatic fire suppression system [sprinklers] in all houses;

Of course, sprinklers may be required pretty soon in ALL new homes… to be determined in the next year or so;

Energy Code: All new, or substantially remodeled single family dwellings, shall pass the “Blower Door Test”… most of the builders at least know what this is, even if they have not done one.

Installation of Air Exchange and Heat Recovery systems…..because houses are getting tighter and tighter thus impacting indoor air quality.

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Again, this is a short list, but these will be some of the more controversial, expensive and more difficult to administer, at first.

There are many, many smaller things that are implemented, but generally go unnoticed.

It is not hard for a Code Official, no matter what town they are in, to explain things relating to fire safety.

Egress windows, exit requirements, smoke detectors, smoke generating materials, escape plans, CO detectors, hand rails, guards, GFI outlet protection… even the relatively new driveway access requirements… people generally will understand.

The Energy Code is often misunderstood. It’s all about saving energy in the home, in the community, in the country thus reducing energy consumption, reducing emissions into the atmosphere thus protecting our global environment.

If your car needs to be more fuel efficient, why shouldn’t your house?

Contractors and homeowners as well, start thinking of some questions you may have about code requirements and the inspection process.

Send them in to us… we will be doing a general information and Q&A night [TBA] and will try to answer your questions as best as possible. Knowledge and Under-standing is a very fluid concept.