2012 Energy Code Q&A: Hance Construction Advises Property Owners to Know Their Numbers Before They Panic

WASHINGTON, N.J., Jan. 12, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. Department of Energy has adopted a 2012 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) that will significantly impact commercial property owners, aiming to increase energy savings by 30 percent over the previous IECC. Hance Construction President Art Hance, President-Elect of the Mid-Atlantic Chapter of the Metal Building Contractors & Erectors Association, has led several national symposia on the topic so we asked him a few questions on the new code.

What is the current building environment as it relates to the new code?

Many commercial property owners and builders are electing to dramatically increase the amount of insulation they are putting in commercial walls and roofs. But there is a far more economical and environmentally friendly way to comply with the new code.

What alternatives do building owners have?

Many central Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning (HVAC) systems are designed without obtaining tested data on energy efficiency, creating tremendous waste. Builders can now access the most accurate database yet for testing the in-place thermal performance of complete metal roof and wall assemblies. The data supports newer methods for achieving more thermally efficient building envelopes. Thermal imaging and data provided by the Butler® Guarded Hot Box, which can test actual 8' x 10' roof and wall sections, are great tools for ensuring economic and environmental efficiency.

Why is the data so important?

Showing the data is particularly important for commercial buildings. Although the overall goal of the IECC is to increase energy savings by 30 percent, the requirements are actually more stringent for metal walls and roofs, approaching 45 percent in many cases. And the future will only hold greater energy efficiency requirements with talks already underway that will implement stricter standards. Each state may establish its own energy code and they either elect to adopt the IECC or adapt it to some extent. Bottom line is knowing your numbers can produce significant savings.

About Hance Construction

An Authorized Butler Builder® headquartered in Washington, N.J., Hance Construction is one of the leading metal builders in the U.S. The company provided the pre-engineered Butler structure for the Timex Performance Center, the New York Giants indoor practice facility. For more information, please call  (908) 835-3501 or visit www.hanceconstruction.com.

SOURCE Hance Construction