June 1, 2009 Minnesota adopted a new residential energy code. This page was created to help you understand the new energy code, provide summaries of the energy code changes, tools and a place to ask questions.
On this page you will find:
Using Interior Draintile And Sand As An Alternate
To A Gravel Base For Passive Radon Systems
The Minnesota Residential Energy Code does not specifically allow contractors to use interior draintile in a gravel bed with a sand base as a subfloor preparation for a passive radon system. BAM created this technical document so you can submit this method as an alternate to AF103.2, #3 to a local building official.
This alternate method is supported by both the Environmental Protection Agency's Building Radon Out document and ASTM E 1465-07a: Standard Practice for Radon Control for the Design and Construction of New Low-Rise Residential Buildings.
Since this is an alternate method, contractors are required to get PRIOR APPROVAL from each and every building inspection department BEFORE CONSTRUCTION. The alternate code language can be found in appendix 1 of this document. The entire document will help a local building official understand the technical arguments for why the sand/interior draintile option is an acceptable alternate to the current code option of using a sand base and geotextile mat material.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Q: Who can install a passive or active radon system?
A: Any tradesperson chosen by a builder can install a radon system. There are no code requirements or federal or state laws that require certification or training to install radon systems. There are a number of radon mitigation specialists operating in Minnesota, but a builder is not obligated to hire one.
Q: Are passive radon systems required for additions?
A: According to the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry, every addition requires the installation of a passive radon system. Unlike new homes, existing homes can be easily tested for radon. BAM suggests you have your homeowner test their home. If the radon level is below 4.0 pico/L (the EPA "action level"), have the the homeowner ask the local building official for waiver from this requirement in their addition.
Q: Does a cap block meet the intent of a "continuous course of solid masonry" that "prevents passage of air from the interior of the wall into the living space" as required by section AF103.4.5?
A: Yes a cap block meets the intent of section AF103.4.5. The material or system has to prevent open blocks from allowing air into the living space. A cap block accomplishes this goal.
Q: Can Form-A-Drain be used to meet the new radon requirements?
A: BAM believes this system meets the intent of the radon code. However, your local building official has to pre-approve this system. Form-A-Drain is marketed as a radon mitigation system. Page 6 of the installation manual specifically describes how to install a passive or active radon system.
http://www.certainteed.com/resources/fadinstallbrochgreen409504d.pdf
Download The Complete Field Guide To The New Energy Code With 27 Illustrations
The new BAM Member Guide: Field Guide to the Residential Energy Code Including Radon Requirements explains the new code from start to finish. The Guide is made possible by a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy and the Minnesota Department of Commerce. You can download the free guide as one document or in parts:
Download the text of the guide
Download the illustrations
If your computer connection is slow, download parts of the Guide:
Part 1: Guide Text
Part 2: Illustrations #1-5 (Climate map, R-5 Foundation Trade-off, Sunrooms, R-Values, Building Certificate)
Part 3: Illustrations #6-19 (Foundation Insulation Options)
Part 4: Illustrations #20-23 (Remodelers Checklist & Townhome Diagrams)
Part 5: Illustrations #24 & 25 (Mechanical Ventilation)
Part 6: Illustrations #26 & 27 (Radon Systems)
Ask a Question About the Energy Code
Building Certificate Form To Meet Energy Code Section N1101.8
The new energy code requires builders to post a Building Certificate in a "permanently visible location inside the building." BAM has created a one-page form that meets all of the requirements of section N1101.8 of the residential energy code. These resources were made possible by a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy and the Minnesota Department of Commerce.
Download an Excel version you can customize with your logo and save to your computer
Excel Building Certificate Form
Download a PDF version you can print and fill out by hand.
PDF Building Certificate Form
Email BAM a comment or question about this form.
BAM Member Guide: Top 20 Changes To The Residential Energy Code
For New Construction, Additions and Remodels
The Builders Association of Minnesota (BAM) has published this guide to help home builders, remodelers, building officials, subcontractors, product suppliers and others involved in new home construction and remodeling understand the new code provisions.
Download a free copy of the BAM Member Guide: Top 20 Changes To The Residential Energy Code here.
Residential Code Language
The 2009 Residential Energy Code was effective as of June 1, 2009. Be sure you're aware of the major changes to which you are required to build. To obtain a copy of the code language, MN Statute Chapter 1322, the link is:
https://www.revisor.mn.gov/data/revisor/rule/current/1322/1322.pdf
Commercial Energy Code Language
Multi-family buildings that meet all of the following requirements must be built to the 2009 MN Residential Energy Code.
- Are not more than three stories in height.
- Contain no conditioned (heated/cooled) space that is shared between dwellings like a foyers, hallway or laundry room.
- Each dwelling unit has a separate means of egress.
See Section N1101.1 on page 4 of the MN Residential Energy Code for specific code language.
All other commercial buildings must meet the requirements of the MN Commercial Energy Code. To obtain a copy of this code language, MN Rules Chapter 1323 click on this link:
https://www.revisor.mn.gov/data/revisor/rule/current/1323/1323.pdf
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