Be Eco-Friendly
nergy Efficiency and the Proposed Building Code for Jamaica
David Cuthbert, MArch, CSA
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s energy demands continue to increase in the Caribbean as well as the associated costs to procure, this article intends to be an introduction to the new building code proposed for use in Jamaica and the practical applications of sustainable design strategies towards more energy efficient design and construction. The proposed building code for which legislators are seeking adoption is made up of a number of documents from the International Code Council (ICC) and application documents used by local Environment Planning Agencies. One of the documents to be included in the proposed building code is the International Energy Efficiency Code (IECC) – a supplemental code developed to establish a minimum design and construction criteria for energy efficiency. The IECC proposes a four tiered approach to addressing energy efficiency through: 1. reduced energy usage 2. conservation of natural resources 3. cost savings 4. environmental impact of energy usage How does this translate to architecture and what is the role of architectural design in addressing energy efficiency?
Sadly, conventional buildings contribute adversely to the environment by the excessive consumption of energy in their construction and overall use. Buildings however can be designed and built to satisfy a greater level of energy efficiency through the use of sustainable design strategies. Some common sustainable design strategies are: Ÿ incorporation of solar passive design techniques Ÿ integration of renewable energy systems in the design Ÿ specification of low energy materials (windows, doors, lighting, etc) Ÿ construction that requires less energy Jamaica and other Caribbean territories still depend heavily on imported fossil fuels. The proposed building code envisions a framework for environmentally-friendly and energy efficient development. The new building code sets forth design criteria for buildings to utilize an effective medley of passive solar design strategies, energy efficient equipment and renewable sources of energy – integrating previous knowledge and historic practices, as well as new technologies and attitudes towards sustainability.
Places & Spaces
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