We offer training and technical resources in support of the commercial provisions of the WSEC. Check this webpage periodically for updates.

2021 WSEC Commercial Provisions Trainings

The commercial and residential 2021 WSEC goes into effect on July 1, 2023. See schedule below for training opportunities about the new energy code requirements.

________________________________________________________

2023 WABO ANNUAL EDUCATION INSTITUTE – March 20-24th, 2023

• Wednesday, March 22nd – Name that HVAC System!
  • This training will highlight a new mechanical technical resource that provides   general narratives and visual descriptions for the HVAC system and equipment types that are governed by the 2021 WSEC-C. We'll demonstrate how the WSEC commercial technical support website handles equipment efficiencies and higher efficiency adjustments for additional energy efficiency measures and various HVAC exceptions. We'll also cover the new heat pump space heating requirements in the 2021 WSEC.
• Thursday, March 23rd – 2021 WSEC Commercial – Key Changes and Tools to Navigate Them
  • Through a facilitated discussion we'll summarize the most substantive commercial changes and recommendations for compliance verification. Discussion will focus on provisions where the scope of the code will be expanded including additional energy efficiency & load management measures, heat pump space heating & service water heating, demand responsive controls and on-site renewable energy. 

Refer to the WABO website for more information about this training event and how to register - Go to WABO Website

2023 SPRING WEBINAR SERIES - 2021 WSEC-C

Our webinar series about the 2021 WSEC commercial provisions (WSEC-C) will kick off in April 2023. We offer a virtual training program for the convenience of the construction industry professionals we serve.  Training content will cover the most substantive changes between the 2018 WSEC-C and 2021 WSEC-C. We’ll focus on the provisions that have been determined to offer the highest potential for energy savings. 

Stay tuned for dates and information about how to register. Funding for this webinar series is provided by the Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (NEEA).

Webinar Series General Topics:

• Welcome to the 2021 WSEC-C – Kick off session for our webinar series will cover the general scope of the commercial energy code, project type fundamentals, compliance path options by discipline and more!
• Building Thermal Envelope & Air Barriers 
• Lighting Power & Lighting Controls Systems
• Mechanical & Refrigeration Systems (2 Part Series)
• Service Water Heating Systems
• Additional Energy Efficiency & NEW Load Management Measures
• Renewable Energy Systems & Energy Metering

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

2018 WSEC-C - FALL FOCUS TRAINING SERIES 

This webinar series provided detailed information about service water heating systems, solar readiness and energy metering.

Missed these webinars? Go to the On Demand Training page and scroll down to the bottom of the page to view these training videos.

Service Water Heating Systems and Technologies

      Key topics:

• Water heating equipment efficiency details
• Requirements for high-input water heating systems
• Heat pump water heating systems
• Circulating and temperature maintenance systems
• Domestic hot water metering in Group R-2 with central SWH systems
• SWH additional efficiency credits
• When commissioning is required for SWH systems

Solar Readiness and Energy Metering

      Key topics:

• Project types that the solar readiness requirements apply to
• Architectural & structural requirements to support a future solar array
• Electrical requirements to support a future photovoltaic system
• Project types that the energy metering requirements apply to
• Energy source metering & tenant sub-metering
• Electric energy metering in Group R-2 buildings
• Systems requiring end-use metering & exceptions
• Data acquisition system & energy display

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

2018 WSEC-C - EXISTING BUILDING ALTERATIONS TRAINING SERIES

This webinar series summarized 2018 Washington State Energy Code (WSEC) commercial requirements for existing building alterations. 

Missed these webinars? Go to the On Demand Training page and scroll down to the bottom of the page to view these training videos.

Building Envelope Alterations

      Key topics:

• Alterations to existing opaque thermal envelope
• Roof replacement and alterations
• Replacement of existing and new windows, skylights and doors
• Requirements for a change in space use or space reconfiguration alteration
• Additions to existing buildings

Lighting & Electrical System Alterations

      Key topics:

• Calculating lighting power allowances for fixture replacement projects
• Alterations that require lighting controls updates
• Requirements for a change in space use or space reconfiguration alteration
• Alterations that require compliance with controlled receptacle provisions

Mechanical & Service Water Heating System Alterations

      Key topics:

• DOAS and economizer requirements when replacing or adding cooling systems.
• Like-for-like HVAC and SWH equipment replacement.
• Projects that include a change of space conditioning, occupancy or space use

 

 

What is Total System Peformance Ratio (TSPR)?

This fact sheet provides a general overview of the purpose of this  mechanical requirement and how this performance ratio is calculated. Also refer to training videos about the TSPR webtool on the On Demand Training webpage.

 

Commissioning Fact Sheet (PDF 2.6 MB)

Commissioning significantly increases the likelihood that technical details such as system configurations and flow rates, occupancy and temperature settings, and record drawings are correct and complete. Getting these technical details right can have a significant impact on the long-term performance of the building systems. Commissioning requirements in the WSEC elevate the priority for this important step in the construction process. This fact explains the basics of commissioning and when it is required per the WSEC.

 

Smart Service Water Heating Circulation Pumps Fact Sheet (PDF 2.5 MB)

Service water heating circulation systems are used in commercial buildings to maintain the design supply temperature in the primary piping loop. The WSEC requires this system to have a circulation pump with controls that manage the water temperature in the circulation system and turns off the pump when there is no demand for hot water. This strategy saves energy and reduces water use by minimizing the time required for hot water to reach a fixture.

Smart circulation pumps offer a better than code strategy that simplifies installation and operation with integrated sensors, programmable control logic and ECM motors. This fact sheet provides information about this strategy and links to helpful resources. 

Coming soon!