The Building Code Standards Committee, in accordance with the rulemaking authority of R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 23-27.3-109.1(a) through (c) inclusive, has formally adopted and promulgated as the Rhode Island State Building Code, the provisions of the International Energy Conservation Code, 2018 edition, as published by the International Code Council, Inc. (ICC), together with amendments thereto hereinafter set forth to the articles and sections of this code.

A. The provisions of R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 23-27.3 establishing administration and enforcement are hereby incorporated by reference. § 8.3 of this Part (Chapter 1) immediately follows and is supplemental to the General Laws. Editorial Note: Code users please note:

1. When purchasing or using the International Energy Conservation Code 2015 code, please take note of the particular printing edition. Errata to that printing edition is available online directly at no charge at www.iccsafe.org/cs/codes/pages/errata.aspx or call the office of the State Building Code Commissioner at 401-889-5550 for further information.

2. Printed copies of the administrative and enforcement provisions of R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 23-27.3 are available at the Office of the State Building Code Commission or online at http://www.rilin.state.ri.us/Statutes/TITLE23/23-27.3/INDEX.HTM.

3. The International Energy Conservation Code, 2018 Edition, is protected by the copyright that has been issued to the ICC. As a result, the State Building Code is not available in complete form to the public in an electronic format. The State Energy Conservation Code 2021 edition that is referred to within is contained in a printed volume and is also in an electronic format that have been published by the ICC under an exclusive license.

B. Format: These code changes follow numbering sequence and topics of the INTERNATIONAL ENERGY CONSERVATION CODE 2018 (first printing). All Provisions of IECC 2018 are retained unless indicated as deleted or revised. Published errata are available from the ICC website dependent on the printing issue number and date.

Revise IECC section C101.1, Title, to read as follows:

C101.1 Title: This part shall be known as the State Energy Conservation Code SBC-8-2021 hereafter referred to as "this code.”

Add the following new section C101.1.1 Referenced Codes.

C101.1.1 Referenced Codes. The other codes listed in sections C101.4.1 through C101.4.6 and referenced elsewhere in this code shall be considered part of the requirements of this code to the prescribed extent of each such reference.

(1) Electrical. The provisions of Rhode Island State Electrical Code SBC-5-2021 (Part 5 of this Subchapter) shall apply wherever referenced in this code as the ICC Electrical Code, and shall apply to the installation of electrical systems, including alterations, repairs, replacement, equipment, appliances, fixtures, fittings, and appurtenances thereto.

(2) Gas. The provisions of the Rhode Island State Fuel Gas Code SBC-19-2021 (Part 19 of this Subchapter) shall apply wherever referenced in this code as the International Fuel Gas Code, and shall apply to the installation of gas piping from the point of delivery, gas appliances and related accessories as covered in this code. These requirements apply to gas piping systems extending from the point of delivery to the inlet connections of appliances and the installation and operation of residential and commercial gas appliances and related accessories.

(3) Mechanical. The provisions of the Rhode Island State Mechanical Code SBC-4-2021 (Part 4 of this Subchapter) shall apply wherever referenced in this code as the International Mechanical Code and shall apply to the installation, alterations, repairs and replacement of the mechanical systems, including equipment, appliances, fixtures, fittings and/or appurtenances, including ventilating, heating, cooling, air-conditioning and refrigeration systems, incinerators and other energy-related systems.

(4) Plumbing. The provisions of Rhode Island State Plumbing Code SBC-3-2021 (Part 3 of this Subchapter) shall apply wherever referenced in this code as the International Plumbing Code, and shall apply to the installation, alteration, repair and replacement of plumbing systems, including equipment, appliances, fixtures, fittings and appurtenances, and where connected to a water or sewage system and all aspects of a medical gas system.

(5) Property Maintenance. The provisions of the Rhode Island State Property Maintenance Code SBC-6-2021 (Part 6 of this Subchapter) provides requirements for continued use and maintenance buildings and property, and of related plumbing, mechanical, electrical and fire protection systems in existing residential nonresidential structures.

(6) Fire Prevention Code. Wherever and whenever provisions of the International Fire Code 2021 editions are referenced, the appropriate Rhode Island Fire Safety Code (450-RICR-00-00-1 through 10) requirements shall apply.

(7) Building Code. The provisions of the Rhode Island State Building Code SBC-1-2021 (Part 1 of this Subchapter) shall apply wherever referenced in this code as the International Building Code, and shall apply to all matters governing the design and construction of buildings.

(8) Existing Building Code. The provisions of the State Building Codes SBC-1-2021 (Part 1 of this Subchapter) in conjunction with the State Rehabilitation Code SRC-1 (Part 20 of this Subchapter) and the Rhode Island Fire Safety Code (450-RICR-00-00-1 through 10) shall apply wherever referenced in this code as the International Existing Building Code.

(9) Swimming Pool and Spa Code. The Provisions of the Rhode Island Swimming Pool and Spa Code SBC-14-2021 (Part 14 of this Subchapter) shall apply whenever referenced in this code the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code and shall apply to matters governing the design and construction of swimming pools and spas.

(10) Any and all such references to the various International Code Council family of code shall be substituted for the appropriate state code as indicated above.

Delete Definition of Residential Building and substitute the following:

Residential Buildings for this code include Group R-1, R-2, R-3 and R-4 buildings three (3) stories of less in height above grade plane. One (1) and Two (2) Family dwellings and townhouses shall comply with SBC-2, Chapter 11.

Delete section C301 in its entirety and substitute the following:

Section C301 Climate Zones

C301.1 General Rhode Island shall be considered as climate zone 5 with the following design conditions.

Table C301.1 Delete and substitute the following:

Delete Figure C301.1 and Substitute the following: Figure C301.1

Delete without substitution section C301.2 , C301.3 and C301.4

Delete without substitution Table C301.3(1)

Delete table C301.3(2) and substitute the following

TABLE C301.3(2)

RHODE ISLAND CLIMATE ZONE DEFINITION

Delete C401.2 Application. And add the following:

C401.2 Application. Commercial buildings projects shall comply with the requirements in sections C403 (Building Envelope Requirements), C403 (Building Mechanical Systems), C404 (Service Water Heating), C405 (Electrical Power and Lighting Systems) and C406 (Tenant Spaces, including C406.1.1) in its entirety. As an alternative, commercial buildings projects shall comply with the energy cost budget method in ASHRAE/IESNA 90.1.

Delete without substitute section C401.2.1 Application to existing building.

Delete Table C402.1.4 and substitute the following

TABLE C402.1.4

OPAQUE THERMAL ENVELOPE ASSEMBLY REQUIREMENTS

a. Use opaque assembly U-factors, C-factors, and F-factors from ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA 90.1 Appendix A shall be permitted, provided the construction complies with the applicable construction details from ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA 90.1 Appendix A.

b. When heated slabs are placed below-grade, below grade walls must meet the F-factor requirements for heated slabs.

c. The first value is for perimeter the second value is for full slab insulation

Delete Table C402.1.3 and substitute the following:

TABLE C402.1.3

OPAQUE THERMAL ENVELOPE REQUIREMENTS

For SI:1 inch = 25.4mm.

Ci = Continuous insulation. NR = No requirement.

a. Assembly descriptions can be found in ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA Appendix A.

b. When using R-value compliance method, a thermal spacer block shall be provided, otherwise use the U-factor compliance method in Table C402.1.2.

c. R-5.7ci is allowed to be substituted with concrete block walls complying with ASTM C 90, ungrouted or partially grouted at thirty-two inches (32”) or less on center vertically and forty-eight inches (48”) or less on center horizontally, with ungrouted cores filled with materials having a maximum thermal conductivity of 0.44 Btu-in/h-f2 F.

d. Where heated slabs are below grade, below-grade walls shall comply with the exterior insulation requirements for heated slabs.

e. Steel floor joist systems shall be insulated to R-38.

Delete Table C402.4 and substitute the following

TABLE C402.4

BUILDING ENVELOPE REQUIREMENTS: FENESTRATION

Add Exception: #8

C402.5.7: Exception: #8 Where a compliant main entrance is already required such as patio doors intended for seasonal use.

Section C403.2.1 Delete and Substitute:

C403.2.1 Calculation of heating and cooling loads. Design loads shall be determined in accordance with the procedures described in the ANSI/ASHRAE/ACCA Standard 183.

The design loads shall account for the building envelope, lighting, ventilation and occupancy loads based on the projected design.

Heating and cooling loads shall be adjusted to account for load reductions that are achieved when energy recovery systems are utilized in the HVAC system.

Alternatively, design loads shall be determined by an approved equivalent computation procedure, using the design parameters specified in Chapter 3.

Delete C403.7.1 and replace with Demand controlled ventilation (Mandatory)

Demand control ventilation (DCV) shall be provided for spaces larger than five hundred (500) square feet (46.5 m2) and with an average occupant load of twenty-five (25) or more people per one thousand (1,000) square feet (93 m²) of floor area and served by systems with one or more of the following:

TABLE C403.7.4(1)

ENERGY RECOVERY REQUIREMENT

403.11.1 Delete and substitute:

C403.11.1 Duct and plenum insulation and sealing (Mandatory). All supply and return air ducts and plenums shall be insulated with a minimum of R-8 insulation when located in unconditioned spaces and a minimum of R-12 insulation when located outside the building. When located within a building envelope assembly, the duct or plenum shall be separated from the building exterior or unconditioned or exempt spaces by a minimum of R-8 insulation.

Exceptions:

1. When located within equipment.

2. When the design temperature difference between the interior and exterior of the duct or plenum does not exceed fifteen degrees Fahrenheit (15° F) (eight degrees Celsius (8° C)).

3. All ducts, air handlers and filter boxes shall be sealed. Joints and seams shall comply with section 603.9 of the International Mechanical Code.

Delete without substitute section C407

Reference Standards

Delete without substitute:

ASHRAE –2016 ASHRAE HVAC Systems and Equipment Handbook –2016.

8.8.1 ADMINISTRATION

Revise IECC section R101.1, Title, to read as follows:

R101.1 Title: These Regulations shall be known as the State Energy Conservation Code Regulation SBC-8-2021 hereafter referred to as "this code.”

Add the following new section R101.1.1 referenced codes:

R101.1.1 Referenced Codes. The other codes listed in sections R101.4.1 through R101.4.7 and referenced elsewhere in this code shall be considered part of the requirements of this code to the prescribed extent of each such reference.

(1) Electrical. The provisions of Rhode Island State Electrical Code SBC-5-2021(Part 5 of this Subchapter) shall apply wherever referenced in this code as the ICC Electrical Code, and shall apply to the installation of electrical systems, including alterations, repairs, replacement, equipment, appliances, fixtures, fittings, and appurtenances thereto.

(2) Gas. The provisions of the Rhode Island State Fuel Gas Code SBC-19-2021 (Part 19 of this Subchapter) shall apply wherever referenced in this code as the International Fuel Gas Code, and shall apply to the installation of gas piping from the point of delivery, gas appliances and related accessories as covered in this code. These requirements apply to gas piping systems extending from the point of delivery to the inlet connections of appliances and the installation and operation of residential and commercial gas appliances and related accessories.

(3) Mechanical. The provisions of the Rhode Island State Mechanical Code SBC-4- 2021 (Part 4 of this Subchapter) shall apply wherever referenced in this code as the International Mechanical Code and shall apply to the installation, alterations, repairs and replacement of the mechanical systems, including equipment, appliances, fixtures, fittings and/or appurtenances, including ventilating, heating, cooling, air-conditioning and refrigeration systems, incinerators and other energy-related systems.

(4) Plumbing. The provisions of Rhode Island State Plumbing Code SBC-3-2021(Part 3 of this Subchapter) shall apply wherever referenced in this code as the International Plumbing Code, and shall apply to the installation, alteration, repair and replacement of plumbing systems, including equipment, appliances, fixtures, fittings and appurtenances, and where connected to a water or sewage system and all aspects of a medical gas system.

(5) Property Maintenance. The provisions of the Rhode Island State Property Maintenance Code SBC-6-2021 (Part 6 of this Subchapter) Provides requirements for continued use and maintenance buildings and property, and of related plumbing, mechanical, electrical and fire protection systems in existing residential nonresidential structures.

(6) Fire Prevention Code. Wherever and whenever provisions of the International Fire Code 2021 editions are referenced, the appropriate Rhode Island Fire Safety Code (450-RICR-00-00-1 through 10) requirements shall apply.

(7) Building Code. The provisions of the Rhode Island State Building Code SBC-1-2021 (Part 1 of this Subchapter) shall apply wherever referenced in this code as the International Building Code, and shall apply to all matters governing the design and construction of buildings.

(8) Existing Building Code. The provisions of the State Building Codes SBC-1-2021 (Part 1 of this Subchapter) in conjunction with the State Rehabilitation Code SRC-1 (Part 20 of this Part) and the Rhode Island Fire Safety Code (450-RICR-00-00-1 through 10) shall apply wherever referenced in this code as the International Existing Building Code.

(9) Swimming Pool and Spa Code. The Provisions of the Rhode Island Swimming Pool and Spa Code SBC-14-2021 (Part 14 of this Subchapter) shall apply whenever referenced in this code the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code and shall apply to matters governing the design and construction of swimming pools and spas.

(10) Any and all such references to the various International Code Council family of code shall be substituted for the appropriate State code as indicated above.

Delete Definition of Residential Building and substitute the following

Residential Buildings for this code include Group R-1, R-2, R-3 and R-4 buildings three (3) stories of less in height above grade plane. One (1) and Two (2) Family dwellings and townhouses shall comply with SBC-2, Chapter 11.

Delete section R301 and substitute the following.

Section C301 Climate Zones

R301.1 General Rhode Island shall be considered as climate zone 5 with the following design conditions.

Table R301.1 Delete and substitute the following:

Delete without substitute section R301.2 and R301.3

Delete Table R301.3(1) without substitute

Delete Table R301.3(2) without substitute

Delete Figure R301.1 and substitute the following: figure R301.1

R401.2 Delete section R401.2 and substitute the following:

R401.2 Compliance Methods

Compliance shall be demonstrated by either:

1. Meeting the requirements of the Rhode Island Energy Conservation Code SBC-8-2021(this Part).

2. Meeting the requirements of this Chapter using the criteria for climate zone 5 from figure N 1102A or table 1102.1.2.

3. Compliance submission of Res-Check for Zone 5 & Rhode Island Energy Conservation Code Residential Provisions.

Add the following to R401.3 Certificate:

Delete and substitute Table R402.1.2:

For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm.

a. R-values are minimums U-factors and SHGC are maximums. R-19 batts compressed into a nominal two by six (2 × 6) framing cavity such that the R- value is reduced by R-1 or more shall be marked with the compressed batt R-value in addition to the full thickness R-value.

b. The fenestration U-factor column excludes skylights. The SHGC column applies to all glazed fenestration.

c. “10/13” means R-10 continuous insulated sheathing on the interior or exterior of the home or R-13 cavity insulation at the interior of the basement wall.

d. R-5 shall be added to the entire slab and the required slab edge R-values for heated slabs

e. Or insulation sufficient to fill the framing cavity, R-19 minimum.

f. “13+5” means R-13 cavity insulation plus R-5 insulated sheathing. If structural sheathing covers twenty-five percent (25%) or less of the exterior, insulating sheathing is not required where structural sheathing is used. If structural sheathing covers more than twenty-five percent (25%) of exterior, structural sheathing shall be supplemented with insulated sheathing of at least R-2.

g. The second R-value applies when more than half the insulation is on the interior of the mass wall.

Delete and substitute TABLE R402.1.4 EQUIVALENT U-FACTORS, ^a

R402.1.5 Total UA alternative delete and substitute:

R402.1.5 Total UA alternative. If the total building thermal envelope UA (sum of U-factor times assembly area) is less than or equal to the total UA resulting from using the U-factors in Table R402.1.3 (multiplied by the same assembly area as in the proposed building), the building shall be considered in compliance with Table R402.1.1. The UA calculation shall include the thermal bridge effects of framing materials. The UA calculation shall include the thermal bridging effects of framing materials. The SHGC requirements shall be met in addition to UA compliance

R402.4.1.2 Delete and substitute the following:

R402.4.1.2 Testing. The building or dwelling unit shall be tested, and the air leakage rate shall be verified. Testing shall be conducted with a blower door at a pressure of two tenths of one inch (0.2”) (fifty (50) Pascals). Maximum air change rates per hour: 5. Testing shall be conducted by an approved third (3^rd) party, where required by the building official. A written report of the results of the test shall be signed by the party conducting the test and provided to the building official. Testing shall be performed at any time after creation of all penetrations of the building thermal envelope.

During testing:

1. Exterior windows and doors, fireplace and stove doors shall be closed, but not sealed, beyond the intended weather-stripping or other infiltration control measures;

2. Dampers including exhaust, intake, makeup air, backdraft and flue dampers shall be closed, but not sealed beyond intended infiltration control measures;

3. Interior doors, if installed at the time of the test, shall be open.

4. Exterior doors for continuous ventilation systems and heat recovery ventilators shall be closed and sealed.

5. Heating and cooling systems, if installed at the time of the test, shall be turned off; and

6. Supply and return registers, if installed at the time of the test, shall be fully open.

Reference Standards

Delete without substitute

ASHRAE –2017 ASHRAE Handbook of Fundamentals.