International Energy Conservation Code Being Updated in Atlantic City

On Wednesday, October 2, the International Code Council (ICC) opened the Public Comment Hearing in Atlantic City, NJ, on proposed changes to several of its model building codes known as the I-Codes, including the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). As part of the ICC’s code-development process, this hearing (previously known as a Final Action Hearing) will finalize changes that will appear in updated I-Codes formally released in 2015. The hearing is free and open to the public (view the full schedule here ), and offers the opportunity to learn more about codes, become involved in the code development process, and voice one's opinion about the proposed code changes. Only eligible and registered voters such as municipal code officials are allowed to vote on the final changes.

 

UPDATE In voting to approve the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) and several other I-Codes at the International Code Council's final-action public hearings this month, building code officials reaffirmed the demand and need for minimum safety, health and energy efficiency standards for new houses and other new buildings. Code officials rejected proposals to roll back efficiency increases in the 2012 IECC and approved the use of building energy rating systems such as the HERS Index as a method to comply with the 2015 energy code. Builders and energy efficiency advocates alike welcomed approval of the energy rating index as a compliance path as it gives designers and builders more flexibility in how to reduce energy consumption than the prescriptive measures specified in the code. The 2012 IECC requires newly constructed buildings to be about 30 percent more efficient than those built to the 2006 IECC. The 2015 IECC continues that goal (many states still have not adopted the 2012 code), and the new compliance option could make it easier for builders to achieve the minimum required energy savings, or more.

First introduced in 2000, the IECC was an important addition to the suite of model building codes. The IECC is intended to improve the energy efficiency of new buildings by setting minimum requirements for the design and construction of the building envelope (air tightness, for instance), specification of lighting and mechanical systems, and use of new materials and techniques.

The progressive adoption and enforcement of energy efficiency codes for new homes and commercial buildings helps reduce building energy consumption, which is critical to U.S. energy security, affordable housing, and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, in 2012 buildings accounted for 41 percent of primary energy consumption, 74 percent of all electricity used, and 39 percent of total carbon dioxide emissions. Once constructed, a building’s energy performance will be locked in for decades.

Studies have consistently shown that the energy-cost savings of buildings that meet current codes outweigh the increase in construction costs that builders pass along to buyers. A task force led by the Institute for Market Transformation found that every dollar spent on code compliance and enforcement efforts returns six in energy savings, an impressive 600 percent return on investment. A study by the Building Codes Assistance Project and ICF International found that single-family homes in Illinois built to the 2012 IECC saved between $9,780 and $11,100 over the mortgage term. And a survey conducted by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) found that “nine out of ten buyers would choose a highly energy efficient home with lower utility bills rather than one costing 2-3 percent less without those features.”

ICC is one of several private-sector organizations that develop codes and standards, which then may be adopted and required by state and local governments. I-Codes have been adopted by 50 States and the District of Columbia at either the state or local level. The I-Codes are updated every three years to ensure new buildings use current technology and construction practices. Other I-Codes address building safety, health and resiliency. Measures that make buildings and infrastructure more resilient also make communities less vulnerable to extreme weather and provide long-term savings for taxpayers, households and insurers. A 2005 study funded by FEMA and conducted by the National Institute of Building Sciences found that every dollar spent on mitigation would save four dollars in losses.

Authors: Mengpin Ge and Ellen Vaughan