Updating and Improving the DOE Methodology for Assessing the Cost-Effectiveness of Building Energy Codes, 59757-59758 [2015-25031]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 191 / Friday, October 2, 2015 / Notices mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Information regarding the meeting agenda, time, location, and how to register for the meeting is available on the PCAST Web site at: https:// whitehouse.gov/ostp/pcast. Questions about the meeting should be directed to Ms. Jennifer Michael at: Jennifer_L_ Michael@ostp.eop.gov, (202) 456–4444. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) is an advisory group of the nation’s leading scientists and engineers, appointed by the President to augment the science and technology advice available to him from inside the White House, cabinet departments, and other Federal agencies. See the Executive Order at https://www.whitehouse.gov/ostp/pcast. 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Additional information and the agenda, including any changes that arise, will be posted at the PCAST’s Web site at: https://whitehouse.gov/ostp/pcast. Public Comments: It is the policy of the PCAST to accept written public comments of any length, and to accommodate oral public comments whenever possible. The PCAST expects that public statements presented at its meetings will not be repetitive of previously submitted oral or written statements. The public comment period for this meeting will take place on October 23, 2015, at a time specified in the meeting agenda posted on the PCAST Web site at: https://whitehouse.gov/ostp/pcast. This public comment period is designed only for substantive commentary on VerDate Sep<11>2014 20:43 Oct 01, 2015 Jkt 238001 PCAST’s work, not for business marketing purposes. Oral Comments: To be considered for the public speaker list at the meeting, interested parties should register to speak at https://whitehouse.gov/ostp/ pcast, no later than 12:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) on October 14, 2015. Telephone or email reservations will not be accepted. To accommodate as many speakers as possible, the time for public comments will be limited to two (2) minutes per person, with a total public comment period of up to 10 minutes. If more speakers register than there is space available on the agenda, PCAST will randomly select speakers from among those who applied. Those not selected to present oral comments may always file written comments with the committee. Written Comments: Although written comments are accepted continuously, written comments should be submitted to PCAST no later than 12:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) on October 14, 2015, so the comments may be made available to the PCAST members, for their consideration, prior to the meeting. Information regarding how to submit comments and documents to PCAST is available at: https://whitehouse.gov/ostp/ pcast, in the section entitled: ‘‘Connect with PCAST.’’ Please note that because PCAST operates under the provisions of FACA, all public comments and/or presentations will be treated as public documents and will be made available for public inspection, including being posted on the PCAST Web site. Meeting Accommodations: Individuals requiring special accommodation to access this public meeting should contact Ms. Jennifer Michael at least ten business days prior to the meeting so that appropriate arrangements can be made. Issued in Washington, DC, on September 28, 2015. LaTanya R. Butler, Deputy Committee Management Officer. [FR Doc. 2015–25107 Filed 10–1–15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6450–01–P PO 00000 59757 DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy [EERE–2015–BT–BC–0001] Updating and Improving the DOE Methodology for Assessing the CostEffectiveness of Building Energy Codes Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Department of Energy. ACTION: Notice of availability. AGENCY: The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE or Department) has updated its methodology for assessing the cost-effectiveness of building energy codes. The Department relies upon this methodology in evaluating both potential code changes and entire new editions of model codes, such as the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) and the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and AirConditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) Standard 90.1. DOE developed its methodology through a public process, and reviews its methods regularly to ensure its underlying analysis and assumptions remain valid. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jeremiah Williams; U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, 1000 Independence Avenue SW. EE–5B, Washington, DC 20585; (202) 287–1941; Jeremiah.Williams@ee.doe.gov. For legal issues, please contact Kavita Vaidyanathan; U.S. Department of Energy, Office of the General Counsel, 1000 Independence Avenue SW. GC–33, Washington, DC 20585; (202) 586–0669; Kavita.Vaidyanathan@hq.doe.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: DOE issued a recent request for information (RFI) to seek public input on proposed updates to its methodology, and as part of a regular effort to ensure its analysis and underlying assumptions remain valid (80 FR 19974).1 The Department reviewed and considered each comment received, and has revised its methodology based on feedback resulting from the RFI. Updated methodology reports for residential and commercial buildings, respectively, are available on the DOE Building Energy Codes Program Web site: • Residential: https:// www.energycodes.gov/development/ residential/methodology. SUMMARY: 1 Recent request for information published in the Federal Register on April 14, 2015 (Docket No. EERE–2015–BT–BC–0001). Frm 00038 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\02OCN1.SGM 02OCN1 59758 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 191 / Friday, October 2, 2015 / Notices • Commercial: https:// www.energycodes.gov/development/ commercial/methodology. A summary of the changes to the DOE methodology is available in the associated public docket (EERE–2015– BT–BC–0001).2 This summary provides a discussion of relevant issues considered in updating the methodology, including: 1. Comments which prompted revisions to the DOE methodology; and 2. Comments not resulting in a revision to the methodology, but which raised legitimate issues for which DOE wishes to provide its rationale for leaving the methodology unchanged. In addition, a ‘redline’ document is provided in the public docket.3 This document illustrates specific changes to the DOE methodology reports in underline and strikethrough formatting. The combination of documents is intended to ensure transparency and make the update more easily understood. More information on the methodology, including the resulting energy and cost analysis, is available on the DOE Building Energy Codes Program Web site: www.energycodes.gov. Issued in Washington, DC, on September 14, 2015. David Cohan, Manager, Building Energy Codes Program, Building Technologies Office, Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy. [FR Doc. 2015–25031 Filed 10–1–15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6450–01–P DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Amendment to an Approved Agency Information Collection Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, U.S. Department of Energy. ACTION: Notice and request for comments. AGENCY: The Department of Energy (DOE) invites public comment on a proposed collection of information that DOE is developing for submission to the Office of Management and Budget mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES SUMMARY: 2 See DOE Cost Summary of changes responding to RFI comments (09022015) found at https:// www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=EERE2015-BT-BC-0001-0021. 3 See Methodology for Evaluating CostEffectiveness of Residential Energy Code Changes (REDLINE Version) August, 2015 (PNNL–21294 Rev 1) found at https://www.regulations.gov/ #!documentDetail;D=EERE-2015-BT-BC-0001-0022. VerDate Sep<11>2014 20:43 Oct 01, 2015 Jkt 238001 (OMB) pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The proposed collection of information relates to three of DOE’s Better Buildings Programs. Comments are invited on: (a) whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency’s estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. DATES: Comments regarding this proposed information collection must be received on or before December 1, 2015. If you anticipate difficulty in submitting comments within that period, contact the person listed in ADDRESSES as soon as possible. ADDRESSES: Written comments may be sent Andre de Fontaine, EE–5A/ Forrestal Building, 1000 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20585, by fax at 202–586–5234, or by email at andre.defontaine@ee.doe.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or copies of the information collection instrument and instructions should be directed to Andre de Fontaine, EE–5F/ Forrestal Building, 1000 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20585, by fax at 202–586–5234, or by email at andre.defontaine@ee.doe.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This information collection request contains: (1) OMB No.1910–5141; (2) Information Collection Request Title: Department of Energy Better Buildings Challenge, Better Buildings Alliance, and the Better Buildings, Better Plants Voluntary Pledge Program; (3) Type of Request: Amendment; (4) Purpose: This Information Collection Request applies to three Department of Energy (DOE) voluntary leadership initiatives that fall under the President’s Better Buildings Initiative: (1) The Better Buildings Challenge; (2) the Better Buildings, Better Plants Program; and (3) the Better Buildings Alliance. The information being collected is needed so as to include participants in new sub-programs under the Better Buildings Challenge concerning energy efficiency in the multifamily residential and data center sectors, as well as a new water savings PO 00000 Frm 00039 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 challenge. Additionally, other preexisting collection forms are being amended for clarity and to reduce burden on respondents. Also, the total number of respondents for individual program areas is being adjusted to align with practical experience and to account for the fact that certain one-time reporting requirements have already been satisfied by a majority of the participants. The leadership initiatives under the Better Buildings Initiative covered under this Information Collection Request are intended to drive greater energy and water efficiency in the commercial, public, residential, data center, and industrial marketplace to reduce pollution, cut costs, and create jobs. This will be accomplished by highlighting the ways participants overcome market barriers to greater efficiency with replicable solutions. The program will showcase real solutions and partner with industry leaders to better understand policy and technical opportunities. There are three types of information to be collected from primary participants, also referred to as ‘‘Partners’’: (1) Background data, including contact information, a partnership agreement form, logo(s), information needed to support public announcements, updates on participants’ showcase projects, and an energy savings goal; (2) Portfolio-wide energy performance information; and (3) Information on market innovations participants are including in their energy efficiency processes. Background data will primarily be used to develop Web site content that will be publically available. Portfolio-wide facility-level energy performance information will be used by DOE to measure the participants’ progress in meeting the goals of the program, as well as to aggregate the change in energy performance and related metrics for the entire program. Information on market innovation will be used to highlight successful strategies participants use to overcome challenges, and will be publicly available. Additional background information is being collected from ‘‘Allies’’, financial and utility organizations that make a public commitment to support the energy efficiency marketplace. Background information including name, commitment in terms of dollars committed by financial allies, or percent of commercial customer class committed by utility allies, and a company logo will be used to develop publically available Web site content. Responses to the DOE’s Information Collection Request will be voluntary. E:\FR\FM\02OCN1.SGM 02OCN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 191 (Friday, October 2, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Pages 59757-59758]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-25031]


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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

[EERE-2015-BT-BC-0001]


Updating and Improving the DOE Methodology for Assessing the 
Cost-Effectiveness of Building Energy Codes

AGENCY: Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Department of Energy.

ACTION: Notice of availability.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE or Department) has updated 
its methodology for assessing the cost-effectiveness of building energy 
codes. The Department relies upon this methodology in evaluating both 
potential code changes and entire new editions of model codes, such as 
the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) and the American 
Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers 
(ASHRAE) Standard 90.1. DOE developed its methodology through a public 
process, and reviews its methods regularly to ensure its underlying 
analysis and assumptions remain valid.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jeremiah Williams; U.S. Department of 
Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, 1000 
Independence Avenue SW. EE-5B, Washington, DC 20585; (202) 287-1941; 
Jeremiah.Williams@ee.doe.gov.
    For legal issues, please contact Kavita Vaidyanathan; U.S. 
Department of Energy, Office of the General Counsel, 1000 Independence 
Avenue SW. GC-33, Washington, DC 20585; (202) 586-0669; 
Kavita.Vaidyanathan@hq.doe.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: DOE issued a recent request for information 
(RFI) to seek public input on proposed updates to its methodology, and 
as part of a regular effort to ensure its analysis and underlying 
assumptions remain valid (80 FR 19974).\1\ The Department reviewed and 
considered each comment received, and has revised its methodology based 
on feedback resulting from the RFI. Updated methodology reports for 
residential and commercial buildings, respectively, are available on 
the DOE Building Energy Codes Program Web site:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ Recent request for information published in the Federal 
Register on April 14, 2015 (Docket No. EERE-2015-BT-BC-0001).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

     Residential: https://www.energycodes.gov/development/residential/methodology.

[[Page 59758]]

     Commercial: https://www.energycodes.gov/development/commercial/methodology.
    A summary of the changes to the DOE methodology is available in the 
associated public docket (EERE-2015-BT-BC-0001).\2\ This summary 
provides a discussion of relevant issues considered in updating the 
methodology, including:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \2\ See DOE Cost Summary of changes responding to RFI comments 
(09022015) found at https://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=EERE-2015-BT-BC-0001-0021.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    1. Comments which prompted revisions to the DOE methodology; and
    2. Comments not resulting in a revision to the methodology, but 
which raised legitimate issues for which DOE wishes to provide its 
rationale for leaving the methodology unchanged.
    In addition, a `redline' document is provided in the public 
docket.\3\ This document illustrates specific changes to the DOE 
methodology reports in underline and strikethrough formatting. The 
combination of documents is intended to ensure transparency and make 
the update more easily understood.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \3\ See Methodology for Evaluating Cost-Effectiveness of 
Residential Energy Code Changes (REDLINE Version) August, 2015 
(PNNL-21294 Rev 1) found at https://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=EERE-2015-BT-BC-0001-0022.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    More information on the methodology, including the resulting energy 
and cost analysis, is available on the DOE Building Energy Codes 
Program Web site: www.energycodes.gov.

    Issued in Washington, DC, on September 14, 2015.
David Cohan,
Manager, Building Energy Codes Program, Building Technologies Office, 
Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy.
[FR Doc. 2015-25031 Filed 10-1-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 6450-01-P
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