SECTION N1106 ENERGY RATING INDEX COMPLIANCE ALTERNATIVE

Pursuant to the UCC, delete Section N1106.3 and replace as follows:

R-N1106.3 Energy rating index. The Energy Rating Index (ERI) shall be a numerical integer value that is based on a linear scale constructed such that the ERI reference design has an Index value of 100 and a residential building that uses no net purchased energy has an Index value of 0. Each integer value on the scale shall represent a 1 percent change in the total energy use of the rated design relative to the total energy use of the ERI reference design. The ERI shall consider all energy used in the residential building.

   R-N1106.3.1 ERI reference design. The ERI reference design shall be configured such that it meets the minimum requirements of the 2006 International Energy Conservation Code prescriptive requirements. The proposed residential building shall be shown to have an annual total normalized modified load less than or equal to the annual total loads of the ERI reference design.

Pursuant to the UCC, delete Section N1106.6.1 and replace as follows:

   R-N1106.6.1 Compliance software tools. Documentation verifying that the methods and accuracy of the compliance software tools conform to the provisions of this section shall be provided to the code official.

Pursuant to the UCC, Add Section N1106.7:

R-N1106.7 Calculation software tools. Calculation software, where used, shall be in accordance with Sections R-N1106.7.1 through R-N1106.7.3.

   R-N1106.7.1 Minimum capabilities. Calculation procedures used to comply with this section shall be software tools capable of calculating the ERI as described in Section N1106.3, and shall include the following capabilities:

      1.   Computer generation of the ERI reference design using only the input for the rated design. The calculation procedure shall not allow the user to directly modify the building component characteristics of the ERI reference design.

      2.   Calculation of whole-building, as a single zone, sizing for the heating and cooling equipment in the ERI reference design residence in accordance with Section N1103.7.

      3.   Calculations that account for the effects of indoor and outdoor temperatures and part-load ratios on the performance of heating, ventilating and air-conditioning equipment based on climate and equipment sizing.

      4.   Printed code official inspection checklist listing each of the rated design component characteristics determined by the analysis to provide compliance, along with their respective performance ratings.

   R-N1106.7.2 Specific approval. Performance analysis tools meeting the applicable sections of Section N1106 shall be approved. Tools are permitted to be approved based on meeting a specified threshold for a jurisdiction. The code official shall approve tools for a specified application or limited scope.

   R-N1106.7.3 Input values. When calculations require input values not specified by Sections N1102, N1103, N1104 and N1105, those input values shall be taken from an approved source.

Pursuant to the UCC, delete Section N1106.6.4 Specific approval.

Pursuant to the UCC, delete Section N1106.6.5 Input values.