The Kentucky Department for Energy Development and Independence (DEDI), the Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction (DHBC) and the Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (MEEA) are implementing a three-phase (three-year) program designed to study the statewide energy usage in new residential construction through an energy code survey. A brief project description along with status updates is provided below: 

Phase 1: April 2015-June 2015 

We established an energy code baseline for the 2013 Kentucky Residential Code (2009 IECC Residential Code) following the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) methodology. Download the Phase 1 Data Collection Report from November 2015. 

Phase 2: July 2015-September 2016

We implemented a series of activities designed to improve energy code installations in new home construction.

Energy Codes Collaborative

This stakeholder group provides input to energy code issues.

• March 11, 2015 collaborative meeting presentation
• February 11, 2016 collaborative meeting presentation
• May 25, 2016 collaborative meeting presentation
• September 29, 2016 collaborative meeting presentation
• June 22, 2017 collaborative meeting presentation
• September 27, 2017 collaborative meeting presentation

Advanced Training Program

This series of live and web-based training sessions/workshops was targeted at code measures highlighted in the Phase 1 survey. 

• Training Videos-Series of web-based videos highlighting key energy code topics. See videos on YouTube.
• PowerPoint training presentations from workshops
  • HVAC design and sizing principles
  • Air sealing and insulation principles
  • Common compliance challenges
• Energy Codes informational brochures
  • Guide for Homeowners
  • Homeowners Checklist
  • Energy Codes Requirements for New Homeowners
  • Compliance Tips Flyer

Circuit Rider Program

One energy code specialist will provide statewide assistance to code officials and builders. However, as of September 2017, the circuit rider is no longer funded or available at this time.

Phase 3: March 2017-September 2017

The third phase will consist of a second code survey, with results to be compared to the Phase 1 baseline study to determine if the work done in Phase 2 has had a measurable, positive effect on energy code construction practices. Preliminary Phase 3 results were presented at the September 27, 2017 Codes Collaborative meeting.

Program Resources and Codes Collaborative Materials

• Program overview handout
• Study methodology (U.S. DOE and PNNL presentation from Oct. 28, 2014)
• Insulation Installation Grading Guide