Codes Update
Several states have adopted new energy codes in 2008, and many others have taken action to implement code changes.
Here are some of the recent code developments as reported by the Building Codes Assistant Project (at www.bcap-energy.org) and the Responsible Energy Codes Alliance (RECA):
Earlier this year, the Alabama House of Representatives passed legislation adopting the 2006 IECC as a minimum requirement for commercial buildings. It is currently awaiting consideration by the state Senate.
In March, the Arizona House of Representatives passed legislation creating energy efficiency goals for residential and commercial construction, schools, and state buildings. The bill also requires all state agency buildings constructed on or after July 1, 2009, to meet LEED rating standards or an equivalent green rating standard. The legislation is still under consideration in the state Senate.
Connecticut lawmakers introduced legislation that would revise the State Building Code to include the most stringent energy standards available. In March, the House Environment Committee passed the legislation and it is now awaiting debate in the House Committee on Public Safety and Security.
A legislative proposal in Illinois would require the state to adopt the most recent version of the IECC one year after each update. Debate on the proposal is expected to resume in November.
Maine adopted a new statewide building energy code that establishes the most up-to-date versions of the IECC, IRC, IBC, and IEBC. Enforcement of the code will begin June 1, 2010.
The Missouri legislature is considering two bills that would adjust energy efficiency requirements for public buildings, create home improvement energy efficiency incentive programs, and provide incentives for environmentally sustainable buildings.
In March, Ohio rolled back rules requiring compliance with the 2006 IECC for one-, two- and three-family dwellings to the 2003 IECC until further study of the 2006 IECC can be completed.
A new bill in Oklahoma would require all new construction and major renovation of state buildings to meet the LEED standard. The legislation passed the state House earlier this spring.
Tennessee enacted a law making the 2003 IECC a mandatory residential code, marking the first code update for the state in 15 years. The legislation also included provisions making the 2006 IECC a voluntary code for both commercial and residential building.
In March, Vermont’s governor signed the Energy Efficiency and Affordability Act of 2008 into law, requiring code updates to be made promptly after new standards are issued for commercial and residential buildings under the IECC. At a minimum, the code must be updated every three years.
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NFRC Update | Spring/Summer 2008