The Online Code Environment and Advocacy Network

Helpful Tips for Energy Code Enforcement

There are several things to keep in mind for proper energy code enforcement:
Present documentation correctly. Make sure that proper documentation is submitted to the proper code offi-
cial. Make an effort to ensure that the individual has a high level of confidence that the project meets code intent. If
there is no local code official, this documentation may be all that the official has to review the project, so it is impor-
tant that they are complete and accurate.

Prepare supporting documentation. Preparing and presenting the proper documentation to enable an effi-
cient enforcement process is critical. Municipal or state compliance forms, manufacturer cut sheets, efficiency labels
and guides, energy calculations and other such materials should be provided.

Build relationships. Establish relationships with code officials within your area work and understand their expec-
tations in terms of compliance submittals. Be sensitive to the fact that code officials are not trying to be adversarial –
simply professionals who need your cooperation to best serve their communities.

Understand the priorities. The enforcement process can be both quite simple (requiring a simple certification
statement) and very complicated (involving multiple review and inspection points, proper documentation of energy
envelope, HVAC and other details in the plans and specification). Know the process for your area upfront and ensure
that all forms required by the enforcing agency are complete.

Identify compliance responsibilities. Clearly designating one individual to be responsible for compliance is
both a time and money saver. In this way, the CEO can conduct one integrated review and field check of the details
coordinated with a single point of contact for sign-off.

Know the codes. Make sure that someone in the con-

struction and application process on the building side
knows what is needed to show compliance for the relevant
codes.

Take advantage of best practices. Many states and

jurisdictions are finding increased automation of code en-
forcement a method that improves compliance and re-
duces costs. This is just one of many best practices that can
be identified by looking closely at the processes and meth-
odologies other jurisdictions are using with respect to code
compliance and enforcement.
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