HB 3215 Proves Its Worth as Energy Codes Ratchet Up
Beginning now and throughout the rest of the year, many area municipalities will begin updating their building and residential codes to the 2021 versions. As a part of those updates, builders will have to contend with the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), which contains many potentially costly provisions.
House Bill 3215, signed into law last June and now codified in Chapter 388 of the Texas Health and Safety Code now recognizes the Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Index scores as a standalone compliance pathway and untangles it from the current ICC/IRC versions of the energy rating index (ERI) pathway.
A couple other benefits of the new law is that it will remain on the books for at least 10 years before the state revisits it. Also, cities must accept this pathway as an energy code compliance method because it is hard coded the same way as the ENERGY STAR® for Homes Certification.
Homes using this pathway must also meet the 2018 IECC’s building envelope provisions. That includes the more flexible UA Alternative. This is significant because the flexibility offered by that approach allows for more innovation and better-empowers builders to cope with supply chain challenges.
“Getting code language through the legislature can be a challenge due to competing interests and their technical nature being beyond the understanding of those not in our industry,” said Dallas BA Executive Officer Phil Crone. “All told though, they did a pretty good job with this bill and a recently-released legislative intent letter.”
In early April, bill author Rep. Charlie Geren released a letter clearing up some confusion that arose in informational webinars related to the bill. “Even though it has been on the books for several months, I anticipate a much greater focus on this alternative pathway when it is compared to the 2021 IECC, especially for builders in Climate Zone 3,” said James Rodriguez of Fox Energy Specialists. “HB 3215 is a pretty rigorous benchmark in its own right, but the performance comes with much more flexibility.”
Members with questions or concerns about the 2021 code adoption process are encouraged to contact the Dallas BA and visit the North Central Texas Council of Governments website. The site lists the recommended amendments of the Regional Codes Coordinating Committee that Association representatives have served on for many years.