United States building energy codes
[1][10][11] As such, by setting the minimum energy-efficiency requirements for building design and construction, energy codes have the capacity to increase cost-savings, advance energy independence, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and drive economic opportunity through technological innovations.
[16][6][13] Standards, founded on evidence-based technical information, are non-mandatory recommendations and guidelines for best practices regarding various aspects of building design and construction.
[9] As the National Institute of Standards and Technology put it, “some states may limit or strike out new requirements they view as too costly, unnecessary or otherwise inappropriate for their constituents.
[6] In the development of model energy codes and standards, commercial and residential buildings are considered separate in order to allow for different provisions and parameters.
[22] Being a part of the ICC’s collection of model codes, the IECC is revised annually and published in full-form every three years.
[6][4][20] Headed by an ICC committee, revisions and code changes can be proposed by any interested individual, business, or organization.
[5] ASHRAE has a standards committee that manages the process, and votes on the final versions of the energy code.
[5] Provisions in the commercial sector of the model codes affect building design and construction factors such as: thermal envelope, water heating, HVAC, and lighting systems.
[7][22] In the 2021 IECC model code, for example, there are provisions that reference ASHRAE 90.1 concerning insulation R-values for opaque parts of the building envelope.
[22] As another example, there are provisions in the IECC concerning the length, flow-rate, and insulation of piping as it relates to hot-water heaters in commercial buildings.
[5][7] However, state and local jurisdictions will often carryout amendments, addenda, and provisions of their own to suit specific needs and preferences.
[13][4][6] The adoption of energy codes typically follow two main avenues: legislation or regulatory action.
[4] Likewise, federal regulations impact the processes involved in the development and adoption of national model energy codes.
Compliance requires cooperation at multiple levels and in multiple ways: state and local government issuing proper permits and establishing dedicated departments, the thorough education of building officials on new code developments, and the responsibility of building design and construction professionals to comply with the energy code.
[30] A reduction in carbon emissions can reduce air pollutants, mitigate harmful effects of climate change, and drive positive impacts on overall wellbeing and health.
[32] This is made more apparent when trying to chart a path toward a specific goal such as energy efficiency and emissions reduction.
