NEEP’S Work Central to Progress on Energy Codes

Compliance with building energy codes represents one of the most cost-effective ways to decrease energy consumption and operating costs while curbing carbon emissions. NEEP has been actively participating in this year’s whirlwind of code developments – from the billions of dollars allocated to energy codes under the Recovery Act, to the development of “green” residential and commercial codes, to the ongoing pursuit of a 30 percent improvement in building energy efficiency over the 2006 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). 

The world of building energy codes is shifting, as the demand for green and high performance building practices increases. In an effort to develop truly enforceable and comprehensive green building criteria, the International Code Council and its partners are developing green residential and commercial codes. These “green codes” take a comprehensive approach to sustainability, increasing energy efficiency while addressing areas such as water, natural resources, materials, etc.

Unlike voluntary green building rating systems, these codes are intended to be administered by code officials and adopted by governments.  NEEP headed to Chicago this past August to attend the public hearings for the International Green Construction Code (IgCC), where over 1600 proposals were discussed and voted on by the IgCC Code Development Committee. NEEP is currently reviewing the results of the Chicago hearings in order to help develop a second draft that preserves and enhances the core energy efficiency requirements.

Alongside work to develop a green code, the International Code Council (ICC) is also in the process of updating the standard building energy code, which is published every three years.  The ICC code development process is a critical avenue for achieving zero net energy buildings, a goal shared by many groups including NEEP and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).  In 2006, DOE and many other energy efficiency advocates called for the next iteration of the energy code to be 30 percent more energy efficient than the 2006 code (www.thirtypercentsolution.org). 

The 2009 code, however, missed the mark by about 14 percent. NEEP has been working with the Energy Efficient Codes Coalition (EECC) to submit proposals for the upcoming 2012 residential and commercial codes that would boost energy efficiency by as much as 30 percent over the 2009 code and 40 percent over the 2006 code.  Both of these codes will be heard in Charlotte, North Carolina later this October. NEEP has been working with several national advocates and supporters of this energy code transformation to increase attendance at the hearings by governmental voting members, who can make the difference in these recommendations being incorporated into the 2012 IECC commercial and residential codes.

Adoption of the latest energy code, the 2009 IECC, is required by states receiving funding under the Recovery Act.  NEEP has been working closely with Connecticut, Maine, and Vermont, commenting and suggesting changes to preserve the effectiveness of the codes and eliminate defects that could compromise Recovery Act compliance determinations.  Since few members of these state bodies have the comprehensive experience in overall codes adoptions that NEEP possesses, our comments are welcomed and our advice is carefully considered to minimize inconsistency between adopted codes as well as individual state statutory requirements.

NEEP continues to train and collaborate with building professionals throughout the region. Future training sessions are being planned for the new Vermont energy requirements. NEEP has also been communicating with the log homes industry with suggestions on how they might continue to be a viable option for home construction in colder climates, as greater building efficiency requirements are introduced into the model codes.