Building Codes, Appliance Standards, & Building Electrification

Energy codes and standards mandate baseline efficiency requirements for buildings and appliances in commercial and residential settings. These regulations serve to reduce power demand, lessen environmental impacts, and save consumers money. Codes and standards can also be one of the most cost-effective ways for utilities to save energy and claim savings through state programs.

A new wave of state and city climate change goals are emerging around the country that directly address decarbonization strategies for the building sector. Residential and commercial buildings account for roughly 40% of all energy consumed in the U.S., with electricity and natural gas being the most common energy sources (U.S. Energy Information Administration). This building decarbonization trend is prompting regions to implement new energy codes, as well as introduce innovative measures to existing regulations – including increased efficiency measures, new requirements for renewable energy, and goals to ‘electrify’ buildings by fuel switching from natural gas to electricity.

This specialized symposium will evaluate the current landscape of energy codes and standards for buildings and appliances for a power industry audience. It will discuss processes for energy code development and implementation for buildings and appliances, evaluate how processes vary in different regions, and review best strategies for improving building and appliance efficiency. This event will highlight the growing role of the electric utility in complying with – and collaborating on –these codes and standards, while analyzing the utility opportunity for being involved in energy code discussions, adoption and compliance. Although the event will be national in scope, there will be featured discussions on the advanced work being done in California in energy efficiency codes & standards and building electrification.