Getting Building Codes Right: Implementation and Enforcement

The Clean Energy Solutions Center, in partnership with the Global Buildings Performance Network (GBPN), hosted this webinar implementing and enforcing building codes.

As good as an energy code may seem on paper, proper implementation is essential if the code is to be fully effective in saving energy. For a code to be successful, a strong enforcement system—supported by other policy instruments such as finance, information, training, demonstration projects and public procurement—is necessary. Energy performance certification is also an important initiative that can support proper implementation. The GBPN Policy Comparative Tool has identified that, under the theme of implementation, there are significant issues across all countries with the enforcement of building codes.

This webinar explored barriers to implementing rigorous enforcement systems for new buildings, and it presented examples of good enforcement, other best-practice measures for supporting implementation, and lessons learned from implementing such measures.

Panelists

Ryan Meres, Senior Code Compliance Specialist, Institute for Market Transformation

Ryan Meres is a Senior Code Compliance Specialist at the Institute for Market Transformation and works with state and local governments to improve compliance with building energy codes. He also works on the development of code change proposals to improve the understanding of the application of the International Energy Conservation Code to renovations. Prior to joining IMT, Ryan was an International Code Council Fellow in the Building Energy Codes Program at the U.S. Department of Energy where he worked on federal rulemakings for energy efficiency in manufactured housing as well as sustainable design and fossil fuel reduction in federal buildings. Ryan has also worked at the Georgia Department of Community Affairs as a Building Codes Consultant where he led the adoption of energy and green building codes. He is a LEED Accredited Professional, an ICC Certified Residential Energy Inspector and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture from the Savannah College of Art and Design. Ryan’s first hands-on experience in energy efficiency was as an EarthCraft House Technical Advisor at the Southface Energy Institute, conducting insulation and air sealing inspections and building envelope and duct leakage testing.

Hans-Olof Karlsson-Hjorth, Boverket, Swedish National Board of Housing, Building and Planning

Hans-Olof Karlsson-Hjorth is Head of Unit for the Sustainable Buildings and Construction products. He also serves as the Swedish expert in the energy demand management committee, is a member of the Swedish delegation to standing committee construction CPR and is the Swedish contact person for Concerted Action II Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD). Recently, he was Head of Unit for the EU Market Surveillance and Energy. Hans-Olof has also served as the expert on European issues in connection to buildings and as an investigator with a focus on indoor environment and energy. He previously worked for the National Board of Housing for Building and Planning, was a project manager for indoor environment and energy issues in municipal buildings for the City of Stockholm and worked as a safety control engineer. He received a Master of Science degree in Civil engineering from the Lund Institute of Technology.

Jens Laustsen, Technical Director, Global Buildings Performance Network

Jens Laustsen is the Technical Director of the Global Buildings Performance Network. In the past, Jens has led policy work for buildings at the International Energy Agency, developing recommendations for IEA countries, G8 and large emerging economies. Before joining IEA, he developed building policies for the Danish Government for more than a decade. Recently, he worked as an independent international consultant within policies and initiatives for deep energy retrofit, low-energy construction and green global growth. Jens has worked with various aspects of energy efficient buildings as well as architect as for governments, international organizations and for private companies.

John Lee, Deputy Director for Green Buildings and Energy Efficiency, New York City Mayor’s Office of Long Term Planning and Sustainability

John Lee is the Deputy Director for Green Buildings and Energy Efficiency at the New York City Mayor’s Office of Long Term Planning and Sustainability. In this capacity, he leads the city’s policy and legislative efforts driving the built environment to unprecedented energy efficiency standards. John’s previous public sector service was with the NYC Department of Buildings as Senior Architect in the codes development division and with the Department of City Planning where he served as an Urban Designer. During his early career, John was a design architect in private sector architecture firms working on institutional buildings, transit facilities, and master plans for universities. He is a licensed architect and a graduate of Rice University and the Harvard University Graduate School of Design.