{"id":23421,"date":"2023-11-14T10:45:38","date_gmt":"2023-11-14T17:45:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/scotthomeinspection.com\/?p=23421"},"modified":"2025-01-06T13:29:34","modified_gmt":"2025-01-06T20:29:34","slug":"loveland-building-code-explaining-the-new-performance-path-amendment","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/scotthomeinspection.com\/loveland-building-code-explaining-the-new-performance-path-amendment\/","title":{"rendered":"Loveland Building Code: Explaining the New Performance Path Amendment"},"content":{"rendered":"

On June 1, 2023, the city of Loveland, CO officially adopted the 2021 IECC and implemented some specific amendments.<\/a> One of the most significant changes has to do with energy compliance evaluation. In the past, builders were allowed to utilize a prescriptive path to make sure their project was code-compliant. However, the updated Loveland building code has mandated that the performance path must be used for new residential building construction. The amendment states the following:<\/p>\n

\n

NEW SINGLE FAMILY HOMES, TWO-FAMILY HOMES, TOWNHOMES, AND APARTMENTS MUST USE THE TOTAL BUILDING PERFORMANCE (R405) OR THE ENERGY RATING INDEX (R406) COMPLIANCE PATH.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Because the prescriptive path has been the “go-to” method for many contractors in the past, this recent change may require a little more attention from contractors and guidance from energy experts like us.<\/p>\n

All this code jargon might be little confusing. So before we dive in to the details of Loveland’s new rules, let’s revisit what prescriptive and performance actually mean.<\/p>\n

Prescriptive Path Vs. Performance Path<\/h2>\n

In modern day construction, buildings are required to meet certain energy-based criteria in order to be deemed code-compliant. Most municipalities in Colorado follow the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). In the 2021 IECC (the most recent iteration at the time of this writing), section R401.2<\/a> states that in order to reach energy code compliance, there are multiple paths you can take.<\/p>\n

The first one is the prescriptive path.<\/a> This is the “by the book” method. If you are taking this path, you must meet all of the requirements in R401 through R404\u00a0exactly\u00a0<\/em>as directed. It’s the stricter method, but has generally been the more popular route in the past. However, now that energy standards are becoming tighter<\/a>, it is also becoming more difficult and costly to stick to the prescriptive path.<\/p>\n

\"Builders<\/a><\/p>\n

On the other hand, you have the performance path<\/a>. This is a less rigid pathway that gives builders more freedom in designing the home, as long as it meets minimum 2021 IECC energy standards. For this route, a certified HERS rater must first compile a projected energy rating report for the necessary permits. Then they must conduct code verifications throughout the construction process. And lastly, they need to follow up with final testing and a report when the project is done.<\/p>\n

With this method, you are able to take advantage of “trade-offs.”<\/a> Trade-offs are a concept established in the HERS Rating system. This means that a certain high efficiency component of your home can compensate for another aspect of the home that isn’t as efficient. For instance, if you have a very energy efficient heating and cooling system, you might have some leeway with your window U-factors and heat gain coefficients<\/a> . If utilized correctly, trade-offs can actually prove to save you money! (Check out our article, Saving Money On Insulation With a HERS Rating\/ERI in 2021 IECC <\/em><\/a>)<\/p>\n

2021 IECC presents two options for the performance path – The Total Building Performance Option, explained in section R405<\/a>; or The Energy Rating Index (ERI) Option, described in\u00a0section R406.<\/a><\/p>\n

Loveland Building Code<\/h2>\n

While many jurisdictions allow builders the option to take the prescriptive or<\/em> performance path, this is actually not the case in Loveland. As stated above, the city of Loveland has implemented an amendment making it mandatory<\/em> for all new construction projects to use the performance path only.<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Contractors are able to utilize the Total Building Performance<\/a> method or the ERI<\/a> method. Whichever option you choose to follow, you must make sure to hire a qualified individual to prepare the report and conduct the necessary tests. According to Loveland’s list of amendments<\/a>, any one of the following credentials is acceptable:<\/p>\n