The Washington State Energy Code (WSEC) needs changing…..says Governor Gregoire. Gregoire created the Climate Advisory Team (CAT) in February of 2007 and they went on to create a report in 2008 recommending to “revise the Washington State Energy Code to achieve a 30 percent reduction in new building energy use”. In addition, the report recommends “substantial efficiency advances in the code as it applies to remodeling, retrofit and equipment replacements”.
Some of the changes being considered include: heightened restrictions on window U-factors, roof insulation, and an assorted combination of requirements mandating high efficiency HVAC equipment, such as, restrictive building envelope options, air leakage control, and efficient water heater provisions.
Should Washington State be implementing such costly, heavy handed changes in the WSEC during such difficult economic times? Would planned, incremental changes be a better solution?
