703 Prescriptive Path – Above Green

703.1 - Mandatory Practices (30 points)

703.1.1: Building thermal envelope compliance

The building thermal envelope is in compliance with Section 703.1.1.1 or 703.1.1.2.

Exception: Section 703.1.1 is not required for Tropical Climate Zone.

Maximum UA and SHGC. For IECC residential buildings, the total building UA is less than or equal to the total maximum UA as computed by ICC IECC Section R402.1.5. The SHGC requirements for fenestration in Table R402.1.2 are also met. For IECC commercial buildings, the total UA is less than or equal to the sum of the UA for ICC IECC Tables C402.1.4 and C402.4, including the U-factor times the area and C-factor or F-factor times the perimeter. The SHGC requirements for fenestration in Table C402.4 are also met. The total UA proposed and baseline calculations are documented. REScheck or COMcheck is deemed to provide UA calculation documentation.
Prescriptive R-values and fenestration requirements. The building thermal envelope is in accordance with the insulation and fenestration requirements of ICC IECC Table R402.1.2 or Tables C402.1.3. The fenestration U-factors and SHGC’s are in accordance with Table 703.2.5.1 or ICC IECC Table C402.4.

703.1.2: Building envelope leakage

The building thermal envelope is in accordance with ICC IECC R402.4.1.2 or C402.5 as applicable.

Exception: Section 703.1.2 is not required for Tropical Climate Zone

Required Documentation

R402.4.1.2 Testing. The building or dwelling unit shall be tested and verified as having an air leakage rate of not exceeding 5 air changes per hour in Climate Zones 1 and 2, and 3 air changes per hour in Climate Zones 3 through 8. Testing shall be conducted with a blower door at a pressure of 0.2 inches w.g. (50 Pascals).

703.1.3: Duct testing

The duct system is in accordance with ICC IECC R403.3.2 through R403.3.5 as applicable.

703.2 - Building Envelope

703.2.1: UA improvement

The total building thermal envelope UA is less than or equal to the baseline total UA resulting from the U-factors provided in Table 703.2.1(a) or ICC IECC Tables C402.1.4 and C402.4, as applicable. Where insulation is used to achieve the UA improvement, the insulation installation is in accordance with Grade 1 meeting Section 701.4.3.2.1 as verified by a third-party. Total UA is documented using a RESCheck, COMCheck, or equivalent report to verify the baseline and the UA improvement.

703.2.2: Mass walls

More than 75 percent of the above-grade exterior opaque wall area of the building is mass walls.

A radiant barrier with an emittance of 0.05 or less is used in the attic. The product is tested in accordance with ASTM C1371 and installed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

Required Documentation

Manufacturer’s literature indicating conformance to ASTM C1371.

703.2.4: Building envelope leakage

The maximum building envelope leakage rate is in accordance with Table 703.2.4a or Table 703.2.4b and whole building ventilation is provided in accordance with Section 902.2.1.

Required Documentation

Test report showing ACH50 or ELR50.

703.2.5: Fenestration

NFRC-certified (or equivalent) U-factor and SHGC of windows, exterior doors, skylights, and tubular daylighting devices (TDDs) on an area-weighted average basis do not exceed the values in Table 703.2.5.1. Area weighted averages are calculated separately for the categories of 1) windows and exterior doors and 2) skylights and tubular daylighting devices (TDDs). Decorative fenestration elements with a combined total maximum area of 15 square feet (1.39 m2) or 10 percent of the total glazing area, whichever is less, are not required to comply with this practice.

Dynamic glazing. Dynamic glazing is permitted to satisfy the SHGC requirements of Table 703.2.5.1 provided the ratio of the higher to lower labeled SHGC is greater than or equal to 2.4 and the dynamic glazing is automatically controlled to modulate the amount of solar gain into the space in multiple steps. Fenestration with dynamic glazing is considered separately from other fenestration and area-weighted averaging with fenestration that does not use dynamic glazing is not permitted. Dynamic glazing is not required to be automatically controlled or comply with minimum SHGC ratio when both the lower and higher labeled SHGC already comply with the requirements of Table 703.2.5.1.

The NFRC-certified (or equivalent) U-factor and SHGC of windows, exterior doors, skylights, and tubular daylighting devices (TDDs) are in accordance with Table 703.2.5.2(a), (b), or (c). Decorative fenestration elements with a combined total maximum area of 15 square feet (1.39 m²) or 10 percent of the total glazing area, whichever is less, are not required to comply with this practice.

Dynamic glazing. Dynamic glazing is permitted to satisfy the SHGC requirements of Tables 703.2.5.2(a), 703.2.5.2(b), and 703.2.5.2(c) provided the ratio of the higher to lower labeled SHGC is greater than or equal to 2.4, and the dynamic glazing is automatically controlled to modulate the amount of solar gain into the space in multiple steps. Fenestration with dynamic glazing is considered separately from other fenestration, and area-weighted averaging with fenestration that does not use dynamic glazing is not permitted. Dynamic glazing is not required to be automatically controlled or comply with minimum SHGC ratio when both the lower and higher labeled SHGC already comply with the requirements.

703.3 HVAC Equipment Efficiency

Multiple heating and cooling systems. For multiple heating or cooling systems in one home, practices 703.3.1 through 703.3.6 apply to the system that supplies 80% or more of the total installed heating or cooling capacity. Where multiple systems each serve less than 80% of the total installed heating or cooling capacity, points under Sections 703.3.1 through 703.3.6 are awarded either for the system eligible for the fewest points or the weighted average of the systems. The weighted average shall be calculated in accordance with the following equation and be based upon the efficiency and capacity of the equipment as selected in accordance with ACCA Manual S with it loads calculated in accordance with ACCA Manual J.

Weighted Average = [(E_{unit 1}*C_{unit 1})+(E_{unit 2}*C_{unit 2})+…+(E_unit_n*C_unit_n)] / (C_{unit 1}+C_{unit 2}+…+C_unit_n)

where:

E = Rated AHRI efficiency for unit

C = Rated heating or cooling capacity for unit

n = Unit count

Combination space heating and water heating system (combo system) is installed using either a coil from the water heater connected to an air handler to provide heat for the building, dwelling unit or sleeping unit, or a space heating boiler using an indirect-fired water heater. Devices have a minimum combined annual efficiency of 0.80 and a minimum water heating recovery efficiency of 0.87.
- Required Documentation: Manufacturer’s specification for combo system showing combined annual efficiency of at least 0.80 and a minimum water heating recovery efficiency of 0.87.
Furnace and/or boiler efficiency is in accordance with one of the following:
- Gas and propane heaters:
  - ≥90% AFUE
  - ≥92% AFUE
  - ≥94% AFUE
  - ≥96% AFUE
  - ≥98% AFUE
- Oil furnace
  - ≥85% AFUE
  - ≥90% AFUE
- Gas boiler
  - ≥85% AFUE
  - ≥90% AFUE
  - ≥94% AFUE
  - ≥96% AFUE
- Oil boiler
  - ≥85% AFUE
  - ≥90% AFUE
Cooling efficiency is in accordance with Table 703.3.4(1) or Table 703.3.4(2). Refrigerant charge is verified for compliance with manufacturer’s instructions utilizing a method in Section 4.3 of ACCA 5 QI-2010.
- Electric Air Conditioning and Heat Pump Cooling
  - ≥15 SEER
  - ≥17 SEER
  - ≥19 SEER
  - ≥21 SEER
  - ≥25 SEER
  - Tropical Climate Zone: None of the occupied space is air conditioned and ceiling fans are provided for bedrooms and the largest space which is not used as a bedroom. (20 points)
- Gas Engine-Driven Heat Pump Cooling (≥1.2 COP at 95°F)
Water source cooling and heating efficiency is in accordance with Table 703.3.5. Refrigerant charge is verified for compliance with manufacturer’s instructions utilizing a method in Section 4.3 of ACCA 5 QI-2010.
- ≥15 SEER, ≥4.0 COP
Ground source heat pump is installed by a Certified Geothermal Service Contractor in accordance with Table 703.3.6. Refrigerant charge is verified for compliance with manufacturer’s instructions utilizing a method in Section 4.3 of ACCA 5 QI-2010
- ≥16 EER, ≥3.6 COP
- ≥24 EER, ≥4.3 COP
- ≥28 EER, ≥4.8 COP
ENERGY STAR, or equivalent, ceiling fans are installed. (1 point; points awarded per building)
- Note: Tropical Climate Zone and Climate Zones 2B, 3B, and 4B: points awarded per fan where AC is not installed in the dwelling unit or sleeping unit (Max 8 points), and where points awarded in Section 703.3.8 for these specific climate zones, points shall not be awarded
- Note: For multi-unit buildings, each dwelling unit must comply to claim this point.
- Required Documentation: Manufacturer’s literature. For products to comply, it is not simply enough for them to have an ENERGY STAR label. The product must meet the ENERGY STAR product specifications in Chapter 14. Verifiers must ensure that the products/appliances installed meet these eligibility criteria.
Whole-building or whole-dwelling unit or whole-sleeping unit fan(s) with insulated louvers and a sealed enclosure is installed.
- Note: For multi-unit buildings, each dwelling unit must have compliant whole-dwelling unit fans installed to claim these points.

703.4 - Duct Systems

All space heating is provided by a system(s) that does not include air ducts.
- (No points awarded for multifamily buildings four or more stories in height.)
All space cooling is provided by a system(s) that does not include air ducts.
- (No points awarded for multifamily buildings four or more stories in height.)
Ductwork is in accordance with all of the following:
- Building cavities are not used as return ductwork.
- Heating and cooling ducts and mechanical equipment are installed within the conditioned building space.
- Ductwork is not installed in exterior walls.
The entire central HVAC duct system, including air handlers and register boots, is tested by a third party for total leakage at a pressure differential of 0.1 inches w.g. (25 Pa) and maximum air leakage is equal to or less than 6 percent of the system design flow rate or 4 cubic feet per minute per 100 square feet of conditioned floor area.
- ductwork entirely outside the building's thermal envelope
- ductwork entirely inside the building's thermal envelope
- ductwork inside and outside the building's thermal envelope
  - Required Documentation: 3rd party duct leakage test report.

703.5 - Water Heating System

703.5.1: Water heater Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) is in accordance with the following:

Where multiple systems are used, points awarded based on the system with the lowest efficiency.
Water heater design is based on only 1 (one) water heater per dwelling unit, based on approved methods from IPC or ASPE or manufacturer specifications.
All table values are based on water heaters with medium water draws as defined by the US DOE text procedures (55 gallons per day).

Gas water heating
- Storage Water Heater, Rated Storage Volume > 20 Gallons and ≤ 55 Gallons, Medium Water Draw
  - UEF: 0.65 to <0.78
  - UEF: ≥0.78
- Storage Water Heater, Rated Storage Volume > 55 Gallons and ≤ 100 Gallons, Medium Water Draw (1 point)
- Storage Water Heater with Input Rate Greater than 75,000 Btu/h (Commercial)
  - Thermal Efficiency: 0.90 to < 0.95
  - Thermal Efficiency: ≥0.95
- Thermal Efficiency: ≥0.95
  - Thermal Efficiency: 0.92 to < 0.95 (1 point)
  - Thermal Efficiency: ≥0.95
- Instantaneous Water Heater, Rated Storage Volume < 2 Gallons and Input Rate of > 50,000 Btu/h, Medium Water Draw
  - UEF: 0.89 to < 0.94
  - UEF: ≥0.94
Electric water heating
- Storage Water Heater, Rated Storage Volume ≥ 20 Gallons and ≤ 55 Gallons, Medium Water Draw
  - UEF: 0.94 to <1.0 (1 point)
  - UEF: 1.0 to <1.5
  - UEF: 1.5 to <2.0
  - UEF: 2.0 to <2.2
  - UEF: 2.2 to <2.5
  - UEF: 2.5 to <3.0
  - UEF: ≥3.0
- Storage Water Heater, Rated Storage Volume ≥ 55 Gallons and ≤ 120 Gallons, Medium Water Draw
  - UEF: 2.2 to <2.5
  - UEF: 2.5 to <3.0
  - UEF: 3.0 to <3.5
  - UEF: ≥3.5
- Electric Tabletop Water Heating (Tabletop Water Heater, Rated Storage Volume ≥ 20 Gallons and ≤ 120 Gallons, Medium Water Draw) (1 point)
- Electric Instantaneous Water Heating (Instantaneous Electric Water Heater, Rated Storage Volume < 2 Gallons, Medium Water Draw) (1 point)
- Electric Grid Enabled Water Heating (Grid Enabled Storage Water Heater, Rated Storage Volume ≥ 75 Gallons, Medium Water Draw) (2 points)
Oil water heating (Oil water heating, < 50 gallons, Medium water draw)

Required Documentation

Manufacturer’s literature.

703.5.2: Desuperheater is installed by a qualified installer or is pre-installed in the factory.

Required Documentation

Manufacturer’s literature showing factory installation or invoice/statement of work by qualified installer.

703.5.3: Drain-water heat recovery system is installed. (2 points; points awarded per building)

703.5.4: Indirect-fired water heater storage tanks heated from boiler systems are installed. (1 point)

703.5.5: Solar Water Heater

SRCC (Solar Rating & Certification Corporation) OG 300 rated, or equivalent, solar domestic water heating system is installed. Solar Energy Factor (SEF) as defined by SRCC

Storage Water Heater, Rated Storage Volume of Backup Water Heater is ≥ 0.1 Gallon and ≤ 55 Gallons, Medium Water Draw
- SEF ≥ 1.3
- SEF ≥ 1.51
- SEF ≥ 1.81
- SEF ≥ 2.31
- SEF ≥ 3.01
Storage Water Heater, Rated Storage Volume of Backup Water Heater is >55 Gallons, Medium Water Draw
- SEF ≥ 1.3
- SEF ≥ 1.51
- SEF ≥ 1.81
- SEF ≥ 2.31
- SEF ≥ 3.01

Required Documentation

Manufacturer's literature for installed equipment.

703.6 - Lighting and Appliances

703.6.1: Hard-wired lighting

Hard-wired lighting is in accordance with one of the following:

A minimum percent (95%) of the total hard-wired interior luminaires or lamps qualify as ENERGY STAR, DesignLights Consortium (DLC), or applicable equivalent.
A minimum of 80 percent of the exterior lighting wattage has a minimum efficacy of 61 lumens per watt or is solar-powered. (1 point)
In multifamily buildings, common area lighting power density (LPD) is less than 0.51 Watts per square foot. (7 points)

Required Documentation

Manufacturer’s literature or labels, or documentation demonstrating equivalent to ENERGY STAR requirements. For products to comply, it is not simply enough for them to have an ENERGY STAR label. The product must meet the ENERGY STAR product specifications in Chapter 14. Verifiers must ensure that the products/appliances installed meet these eligibility criteria.

703.6.2: Appliances

ENERGY STAR or equivalent appliance(s) are installed:

Refrigerator (1 point)
Dishwasher (1 point)
Washing machine (4 points)
- Multifamily Building Note: Washing machines in ALL units must comply.

Required Documentation

Manufacturer’s literature or labels. For products to comply, it is not simply enough for them to have an ENERGY STAR label. The product must meet the ENERGY STAR product specifications in Chapter 14. Verifiers must ensure that the products/appliances installed meet these eligibility criteria.

703.7 - Passive Solar Design

703.7.1: Sun-tempered design

Building orientation, sizing of glazing, and design of overhangs are in accordance with all of the following (4 points):

The long side (or one side if of equal length) of the building faces within 20 degrees of true south.
Vertical glazing area is between 5 and 7 percent of the gross conditioned floor area on the south face [also see Section 703.7.1(8)] and glazing U-factors.
Vertical glazing area is less than 2 percent of the gross conditioned floor area on the west face.
Vertical glazing area is less than 4 percent of the gross conditioned floor area on the east face.
Vertical glazing area is less than 8 percent of the gross conditioned floor area on the north face.
Skylights, where installed, are in accordance with the following:
- shades and insulated wells are used, and all glazing meets requirements.
- horizontal skylights are less than 0.5 percent of finished ceiling area
- sloped skylights on slopes facing within 45 degrees of true south, east, or west are less than 1.5 percent of the finished ceiling area
Overhangs or adjustable canopies or awnings or trellises provide shading on south-facing glass for the appropriate climate zone.

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The south face windows have a SHGC of 0.40 or higher.
Return air or transfer grilles/ducts are in accordance with Section 705.4.

Multifamily Building Note: The site is designed such that at least 40 percent of the multifamily dwelling or sleeping units have one south facing wall (within 15 degrees) containing at least 50 percent of glazing for entire unit, Effective shading is required for passive solar control on all south facing glazing. The floor area of at least 15 feet from the south facing perimeter glazing is massive and exposed to capture solar heat during the day and reradiate at night.

Required Documentation

Window label or other documentation showing glazing.

703.7.2: Window shading (1 point)

Automated solar protection or dynamic glazing is installed to provide shading for windows.

703.7.3: Passive cooling design

Passive cooling design features are in accordance with three or more of the following (1 point per item; minimum of 3 to achieve points):

Exterior shading is provided on east and west windows using one or a combination of the following:
- vine-covered trellises with the vegetation separated a minimum of 1 foot (305 mm) from face of building
- moveable awnings or louvers
- covered porches
- attached or detached (un)conditioned enclosed space that provides full shade of east and west windows (e.g. detached garage, shed, or building)
Overhangs are installed to provide shading on south-facing glazing.
Windows and/or venting skylights are located to facilitate cross and stack effect ventilation.
Solar reflective roof or radiant barrier is installed in climate zones 1, 2, or 3 and roof material achieves a 3-year aged criteria of 0.50.
Internal exposed thermal mass is a minimum of three inches (76 mm) in thickness. Thermal mass consists of concrete, brick, and/or tile fully adhered to a masonry base or other masonry material in accordance with one or a combination of the following:
- A minimum of 1 square foot (0.09 m²) of exposed thermal mass of floor per 3 square feet (2.8 m²) of gross finished floor area.
- A minimum of 3 square feet (2.8 m²) of exposed thermal mass in interior walls or elements per square foot (0.09 m²) of gross finished floor area.
Roofing material is installed with a minimum 0.75 inch (19 mm) continuous air space offset from the roof deck from eave to ridge.

Required Documentation

When thermal mass is claimed provide calculation for ratio of exposed thermal mass to conditioned floor space.

703.7.4: Passive solar heating design (4 points)

In addition to the sun-tempered design features in Section 703.7.1, all of the following are implemented:

Note: Points shall not be awarded in the Tropical Climate Zone.

Additional glazing, no greater than 12 percent, is permitted on the south wall. This additional glazing is in accordance with the requirements of Section 703.7.1.
Additional thermal mass for any room with south-facing glazing of more than 7 percent of the finished floor area is provided in accordance with the following:
- Thermal mass is solid and a minimum of 3 inches (76 mm) in thickness. Where two thermal mass materials are layered together (e.g., ceramic tile on concrete base) to achieve the appropriate thickness, they are fully adhered to (touching) each other.
- Thermal mass directly exposed to sunlight is provided in accordance with the following minimum ratios:
  - Above latitude 35 degrees: 5 square feet (0.465 m²) of thermal mass for every 1 square foot (0.0929 m²) of south-facing glazing.
  - Latitude 30 degrees to 35 degrees: 5.5 square feet (0.51 m²) of thermal mass for every 1 square foot (0.0929 m²) of south-facing glazing.
  - Latitude 25 degrees to 30 degrees: 6 square feet (0.557 m²) of thermal mass for every 1 square foot (0.0929 m²) of south-facing glazing.
- Thermal mass not directly exposed to sunlight is permitted to be used to achieve thermal mass requirements of Section 703.7.4 (2) based on a ratio of 40 square feet (3.72 m²) of thermal mass for every 1 square foot (0.0929 m²) of south-facing glazing.
In addition to return air or transfer grilles/ducts required by Section 703.7.1(9), provisions for forced airflow to adjoining areas are implemented as needed.

Required Documentation

Calculations for ratio of south glazing to floor area and ratio of exposed thermal mass to conditioned floor space.