To help Nebraskans learn about the new Energy Building Code, the Energy Office created a new codes section at its web site. The site includes a database of state energy code requirements and more than 70 local codes, information on training opportunities and ways to purchase copies of the new energy building code.
The adoption of a new Nebraska Energy Code — the 2003 International Energy Conservation Code — by the Legislature in 2004 created an opportunity to establish a database of all energy building codes used in local and county jurisdictions across the state. Since codes are enforced at the local and regional level, the database is organized by county. To find out the prevailing code in a town or county, just click on the county and all the applicable codes in that county will appear. Washington County’s page illustrates both local, county and state code options. The database also provides information on prescriptive packages and applicable free software that can simplify compliance with the code.
A part of the legislation also required the Energy Office to provide training and other assistance to builders and those who need to know what the building standards require.
The 2003 International Energy Conservation Code can be purchased from the International Codes Council.
Providing Training for Hundreds
Nebraska’s Energy Code — the 2003 International Energy Conservation Code — took effect July 1, 2005. In preparation for the July 1 date, the Nebraska Energy Office provided 21 separate one-day workshops throughout the state for local code officials, builders, architects, engineers, and heating, ventilation and air-conditioning professionals. More than 700 persons were trained prior to the effective date.
The Energy Office received numerous requests to provide additional training and offered 10 additional one-day workshops across Nebraska in May and June 2006. A total of 284 individuals participated in the workshops. The cost of the training was underwritten, in part, by the following energy suppliers operating in Nebraska: Aquila, Kinder Morgan, Lincoln Electric System, Metropolitan Utilities District, Nebraska Municipal Power Pool, Nebraska Public Power District and Omaha Public Power District.
Set out below is a brief description of the workshops by type, location and attendees:
For Code Officials
Trainer: International Code Council; Chicago, Illinois
Locations: Lincoln, Gering
Number of Participants: 48
For Architects and Engineers
Trainer: International Code Council; Chicago, Illinois
Locations: Lincoln, Omaha
Number of Participants: 111
For Builders
Trainer: Building Science Corporation; Westford, Massachusetts
Locations: Columbus, Omaha
Number of Participants: 69
For Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Installers
Trainer: Kansas Building Science Institute; Manhattan, Kansas
Locations: Lexington, Lincoln
Number of Participants: 33
For Code Officials
Trainer: Kansas Building Science Institute; Manhattan, Kansas
Locations: Lexington, Omaha
Number of Participants: 23