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<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=navy face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'>Reneee and list members: </span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=navy face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'> </span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=navy face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'>I’m brand new to the bldg-sim list,
but well-acquainted with the IECC code rollback issues described in the
Washington Post article. As one of those quoted in the Post article, I’d
like to refer list members to the following two studies that were done by the ACEEE
and NAIMA. Descriptions of both studies are provided below and the
studies are available on the web at the links provided. The original DOE
study is no longer available at the DOE web site as far as I know.</span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=navy face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'> </span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=navy face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'>I believe these two studies represent good
approaches to evaluating the cost-effectiveness and energy savings impacts from
building energy code modifications. Others contemplating similar work
would do well to look at these examples.</span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=navy face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'> </span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=navy face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'>The answer to Renee’s original
question is that both politics and science were involved in the outcome of the IECC
in Detroit. However, building science did not prevail.</span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=navy face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'> </span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=navy face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'>Regards,</span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=navy face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'>Harry</span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=navy face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'> </span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=navy face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'> </span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=navy face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'> </span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=navy face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'>Study #1</span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=navy face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'>ACEEE study, Impact Assessment of 2004
IECC Wall Criteria Changes, February 2005, William R. Prindle, ACEEE and Bion
D. Howard, Building Environmental Science and Technology</span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=navy face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'>See: <a
href="http://www.aceee.org/buildings/policy_legis/bldgcodes/iecc.pdf">http://www.aceee.org/buildings/policy_legis/bldgcodes/iecc.pdf</a></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=navy face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'>Synopsis: ACEEE conducted an analysis of
the impacts of wall thermal performance improvements that were included in the
2004 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). The wall improvements were
proposed because the format change in the 2004 IECC de-couples wall insulation
criteria from window area, running the risk of increasing home energy use.
Because some parties voiced objections to these improvements, ACEEE developed
this study to provide a quantitative basis for the IECC Committee and other
parties to assess the value of these improvements. Using a detailed building
simulation approach and a federally developed cost-effectiveness method, our
study found that the modest wall stringency improvements would save about 500
trillion Btu over 30 years, saving homeowners over $7 billion in energy bills.
They are cost-effective on a lifecycle basis, even assuming a limited set of
compliance options. In fact, because the IECC allows multiple compliance paths,
the small stringency increase represented by the wall criteria improvements can
be met in any number of ways. Based on this analysis, we recommend the IECC
Committee retain the current stringency levels in the 2004 IECC. </span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=navy face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'> </span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=navy face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'>Study #2</span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=navy face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'>New Report Confirms Cost Effectiveness Of
Increased Insulation In 2004 IECC</span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=navy face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'>ICF Study Shows All Typical Insulation
Products Can Be Used Cost-Effectively </span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=navy face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'> </span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=navy face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'>Alexandria</span></font><font size=2
color=navy face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;
color:navy'>, VA</span></font><font size=2 color=navy face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'> (August 8, 2005) –
A new independent study was released today that measured the cost effectiveness
of increasing insulation in the 2004 International Energy Conservation Code
(IECC). The report, conducted by ICF Consulting, an international
management, technology, and policy consulting firm which works closely with EPA
ENERGY STAR, found that in every climate zone there is a cost-effective,
energy-saving insulation wall scenario that meets the 2004 IECC. The
final report concluded that the levels of insulation in the 2004 IECC will lead
to increased savings and create more affordable housing by decreasing utility
costs immediately and over the life of the home.</span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=navy face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'> </span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=navy face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'>ICF conducted the study on behalf of the
North American Insulation Manufacturers Association (NAIMA) and the
Polyisocyanurate Insulation Manufacturers Association (PIMA). Simulating the
annual energy consumption of single-family homes, ICF tested homes configured
with one of four wall insulation scenarios using a combination of common
insulation materials that either met or exceeded the proposed code
requirements. This data was then compared with homes designed with
insulation that falls short of the 2004 IECC. </span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=navy face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'> </span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=navy face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'>“The ICF study conclusively
demonstrates the value of the 2004 IECC,” said Charles Cottrell, vice
president, technical services for NAIMA. “The updated codes are a
necessary step towards energy conservation since so many homes and buildings
are built to the minimum code requirements. The increased levels of insulation
represent sound building practice.”</span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=navy face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'> </span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=navy face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'>ICF Consulting also reviewed an earlier
report by the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) to compare the
research strategy used by ICF. The PNNL study was limited in its focus by
not taking into account regional variations and only analyzing one insulation
scenario that would meet the code. From its own results and the data
included in the PNNL report, ICF concluded the following:</span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=navy face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'> </span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=navy face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'>In all climate zones, at least one of the
wall scenarios had a payback of zero years; Homeowners could receive an
immediate cash flow increase of up to $89 per year; Energy savings from
increased insulation could continue to accrue throughout the lifetime of the
building, unlike the decreasing value of energy-efficient appliances; and using
rigid insulated sheathing with medium-density fiber glass batt insulation is
the most effective insulation combination. </span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=navy face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'>“Aided by ICF Consulting’s
proprietary modeling tool, our analysis was able to be very granular and
present options at a local level. We found that locally and nationally,
specific strategies for cost-effectively increasing insulation levels are
always available. This is good news for builders and home owners seeking
to reduce the overall cost of home ownership,” says David Meisegeier, an
ICF Consulting project manager.</span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=navy face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'> </span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=navy face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'>ICF Consulting calculated the energy
reduction into utility bill savings and compared these figures with cost of
materials, installation and labor for several construction types. The
study took into account regional variations of utility costs, material and
labor costs and housing characteristics. More than 1.23 million simulations
were conducted. For a copy of the report, go to <a
href="http://www.naima.org/icf">www.naima.org/icf</a></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=navy face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'>.</span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=navy face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'> </span></font></p>
<div>
<p class=MsoAutoSig><font size=2 color=navy face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'>-----------------------</span></font></p>
<p class=MsoAutoSig><font size=2 color=navy face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'>Harry Misuriello</span></font></p>
<p class=MsoAutoSig><font size=2 color=navy face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'>Director of Buildings and Utility Programs</span></font></p>
<p class=MsoAutoSig><font size=2 color=navy face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'>Alliance</span></font><font size=2
color=navy face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;
color:navy'> to Save Energy</span></font></p>
<p class=MsoAutoSig><font size=2 color=navy face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'>1200 18th Street, NW, Suite 900</span></font></p>
<p class=MsoAutoSig><font size=2 color=navy face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'>Washington</span></font><font size=2
color=navy face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;
color:navy'>, DC 20036</span></font></p>
<p class=MsoAutoSig><font size=2 color=navy face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'>Tel: 202 530 2214</span></font></p>
<p class=MsoAutoSig><font size=2 color=navy face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'>Fax: 202 331 9588</span></font></p>
</div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=navy face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'> </span></font></p>
<div>
<div class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><font size=3
face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:12.0pt'>
<hr size=2 width="100%" align=center tabindex=-1>
</span></font></div>
<p class=MsoNormal><b><font size=2 face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Tahoma;font-weight:bold'>From:</span></font></b><font size=2
face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Tahoma'>
bldg-sim@gard.com [mailto:bldg-sim@gard.com] <b><span style='font-weight:bold'>On
Behalf Of </span></b>Renee J. Azerbegi<br>
<b><span style='font-weight:bold'>Sent:</span></b> Thursday, October 27, 2005
2:21 PM<br>
<b><span style='font-weight:bold'>To:</span></b> bldg-sim@gard.com<br>
<b><span style='font-weight:bold'>Subject:</span></b> [bldg-sim] politics or
science?</span></font></p>
</div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'> </span></font></p>
<h3><b><font size=3 color="#003399" face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:12.0pt'>Debate Continues Over Increasing Insulation Efficiency
</span></font></b></h3>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'> </span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'><a
href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/10/24/AR2005102401786.html">http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/10/24/AR2005102401786.html</a></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'> </span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'>I keep hearing about this in the news – is it all lobbyists at
work are is there any science to the statement “The Energy Department
issued a statement on Sept. 28, the day before a key vote by a code-setting
body, saying it could not support more stringent "R-values" -- which
measure the resistance of insulation to loss of heat -- because there is
"still inadequate data on the cost and implementation" of the
increase.”</span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'> </span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'>If anyone is modeling the impact and cost of insulation levels, I would
think it would be someone on this building simulation list! Please let us all
know what the status is on this if you know. </span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'> </span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt'><font size=3
face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:12.0pt'>Sounds like the DOE is
supporting turning off the lights but not supporting reducing on-site natural
gas consumption, and gas rates are expected to increase significantly this
winter in the US - 45 to 70%!</span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'>Renee Azerbegi</span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'> </span></font></p>
<pre><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt'> </span></font></pre><pre><font
size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt'> </span></font></pre><pre><font
size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt'>==================</span></font></pre><pre><font
size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt'>You received this e-mail because you are subscribed </span></font></pre><pre><font
size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt'>to the BLDG-SIM@GARD.COM mailing list. To unsubscribe </span></font></pre><pre><font
size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt'>from this mailing list send a blank message to </span></font></pre><pre><font
size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt'>BLDG-SIM-UNSUBSCRIBE@GARD.COM</span></font></pre></div>
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