AN ACT Relating to energy-related building standards and recognizing the state building code council as successor to the state building code advisory council; and amending RCW 19.27A.020 and 19.27A.050.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

Sec. 1. Section 3, chapter 76, Laws of 1979 ex. sess. as amended by section 2, chapter 144, Laws of 1985 and RCW 19.27A.020 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) The state building code ((~~advisory~~)) council shall promulgate rules, pursuant to chapter 34.04 RCW, for the purpose of adopting a revised state code. The revised code shall be designed to achieve reductions in energy consumption relative to buildings constructed to comply with the state energy code, June 30, 1980 edition, as amended. The council shall follow the legislature's guidelines set forth in this section to design a revised code which requires new buildings to meet a certain level of energy efficiency, but allows flexibility in building design and construction within that framework. The revised code shall take into account regional climatic conditions and shall be designed according to the following guidelines:

(a) For new electric resistance heated residential buildings, the code shall be designed to achieve energy savings equivalent to savings achieved in typical buildings constructed with:

(i) Ceilings insulated to a level of R-38, except single rafter or joist vaulted ceilings may be insulated to a level of R-30 (R value includes insulation only);

(ii) Walls insulated to a level of R-19 (total assembly);

(iii) Floors over unheated spaces insulated to a level of R-19 for areas with six thousand or less annual heating degree days and to a level of R-25 for areas with more than six thousand annual heating degree days (R value includes insulation only);

(iv) Double glazed windows with tested R values not less than 1.79 when tested according to the procedures of the American architectural manufacturers association; and

(v) In areas with more than six thousand annual heating degree days a maximum of seventeen percent of the floor area in glazing; in areas with six thousand or less annual heating degree days a maximum of twenty-one percent of the floor area in glazing. Throughout the state for the purposes of determining equivalent thermal performance, the maximum glazing area shall be fifteen percent.

(b) For new residential buildings which are space-heated with other fuels, the code shall be designed to achieve energy savings equivalent to savings achieved in typical buildings constructed with:

(i) Ceilings insulated to a level of R-30 (R value includes insulation only);

(ii) Walls insulated to a level of R-19 (total assembly);

(iii) Floors over unheated spaces insulated to a level of R-19 (R value includes insulation only);

(iv) Double glazed windows with tested R values not less than 1.40 when tested according to the procedures of the American architectural manufacturers association; and

(c) For new nonresidential buildings, the code shall be designed to achieve a ten percent reduction in energy consumption relative to buildings constructed to comply with the state energy code, June 30, 1980 edition, as amended.

(2) In developing the revised code, the council shall consider possible health and respiratory problems caused by insulating buildings so tightly that the rate of air exchange is significantly retarded, thereby concentrating toxic pollutants at unhealthy high levels.

(3) The council shall publish the revision as proposed rules pursuant to chapter 34.04 RCW and provide for the rules to become effective January 1, 1986. All cities, towns, and counties shall enforce the revised state energy code not later than April 1, 1986.

Sec. 2. Section 5, chapter 144, Laws of 1985 and RCW 19.27A.050 are each amended to read as follows:

As used in this chapter, references to the state building code ((~~advisory~~)) council shall be construed to include any successor agency.