ARTICLE 3.300 ENERGY CONSERVATION CODE

The International Energy Conservation Code, 2015 edition, as published by the International Code Council, is hereby adopted as if fully set out in this section, with the additions, insertions, deletions and changes prescribed in Section 3.302, on file in the office of the city secretary.

The following sections of the code adopted in Section 3.301 are hereby amended as follows:

Section C102.1.2 and R102.1.2 are added and shall read as follows:

C102.1.2 Alternative compliance. A building certified by a national, state, or local accredited energy efficiency program and determined by the Energy Systems Laboratory to be in compliance with the energy efficiency requirements of this section may, at the option of the code official, be considered in compliance. The United States Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star Program certification of energy code equivalency shall be considered in compliance.

R102.1.2 Alternative compliance. A building certified by a national, state, or local accredited energy efficiency program and determined by the Energy Systems Laboratory to be in compliance with the energy efficiency requirements of this section may, at the option of the code official, be considered in compliance. The United States Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star Program certification of energy code equivalency shall be considered in compliance. Regardless of the program or the path to compliance, each 1- and 2-family dwelling shall be tested for air and duct leakage as prescribed in sections R402.4 and R403.3.3 respectively.

R402.4.1.2, 1st paragraph is amended to read as follows:

Testing. The building or dwelling unit shall be tested and verified as having an air leakage rate of not exceeding 5 air changes per hour in Climate Zones 3.

R402.4.1.2, an additional last paragraph is added and shall read as follows:

Mandatory testing shall only be performed by individuals that are certified to perform air infiltration testing certified by national or state organizations as approved by the building official. The certified individuals must be an independent third-party entity, and may not be employed; or have any financial interest in the company that constructs the structure.

R403.3.3, an additional last paragraph is added and shall read as follows:

Mandatory testing shall only be performed by individuals that are certified to perform duct testing leakage testing certified by national or state organizations as approved by the building official. The certified individuals must be an independent third-party entity, and may not be employed; or have any financial interest in the company that constructs the structure.

Table R406.4, is amended to read as follows in accordance with the International Energy Conservation Code as amended and adopted by the Texas Legislature: