IECC 2018 Updates
The most recent edition of the International Energy Conservation Code, the IECC 2018, was published in late 2017 and has now been adopted by many jurisdictions across the United States. Below is a brief summary of the most significant changes from the previous edition, the IECC 2015.
Luminaire-level lighting controls are allowed in lieu of a centralised control system, provided that each luminaire is equipped with an occupancy/vacancy sensor, and an ambient light sensor to allow for dimming to maintain desired light levels. (C405.2)
Open office areas are divided into “control zones” of up to 600 ft2. Lighting in each control zone must be controlled separately, including dimming to no more than 20% within 20-minutes of vacancy in each control zone. Additionally, daylight responsive controls within open office areas can only activate when the space is occupied. (C405.2.1)
The allowed lighting power density has been changed from most interior and exterior building area types. See the tables below for details:
Occupancy sensors and dedicated manual controls are required for display lighting, accent lighting, and supplemental task lighting, which includes “permanently installed” under-shelf and under-cabinet lighting. (C405.2.4)
Dwelling and sleeping units are no longer exempt from the requirement for daylight responsive controls. (C405.2.3)
Credits for on-site renewable energy are limited to 5% of the total energy cost.(C407.3)
The previous requirement for permanently installed lighting fixtures containing only high-efficacy lamps has been increased from 75% to 90%. (R404.1)
Table C405.3.2 (1) Interior Lighting Power Allowances Building Area Method
Table C405.4.2 (2) Lighting Power Allowances for Building Exteriors
Table C405.4.2 (3) Individual Lighting Power Allowances for Building Exteriors
Table C405.3.2 (2) Interior Lighting Power Allowances Space-by-Space Method
For more information please reach out to Dauphin X Flores, Project Designer.