Model Energy & Green Codes

NBI works collaboratively with a wide range of industry partners to bring model energy codes up to current market capabilities in terms of energy efficiency. Measures promoted by NBI include higher efficiency standards for equipment and advanced design strategies such as daylighting. Once adopted by states and local jurisdictions, the model code becomes the basis for minimum energy requirements.

2015 IECC and IEBC

Currently, NBI and several other leading national organizations are proposing code revisions for a range of 2015 International Code Council codes (I-codes). The purpose of the revision is to help the usability and effectiveness of the energy provisions in many of these I-codes as they relate to existing structures. Read More

2012 IECC

In the previous I-Code cycle, NBI worked with AIA, U.S. DOE and other industry partners to offer proposals that would improve the 2012 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) by 20% to 30%. NBI and partners offered comprehensive changes to the IECC based largely on NBI’s Core Performance Guide, which describes a direct and prescriptive path to high performance building that is practical, achievable and affordable. Read More

International Green Construction Code (IgCC)

NBI is involved in the International Code Council’s efforts to create a new green overlay code intended for more advanced jurisdictions and institutions. Known as the International Green Construction Code (IgCC), the IgCC provides an opportunityfor communities to adopt energy codes that are more advanced and holistic than the base IECC code or ASHRAE Standard 90.1.  Read More

Other Model Codes & Resources

Additional resources are available to help with code development. For example, the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) and the state of California have developed model energy and green codes that states and municipalities can consider when developing local codes. A selection of additional resources are provided here: 

• Building Energy Codes Resource Guide: Commercial Buildings for Architects this introductory guide to model energy codes sets the stage for the development and increased use of more advanced resources on both energy and green codes. Prepared by the Building Energy Codes Program (BECP) and the American Institute of Architects (AIA). (September 2011)
• ANSI/ASHRAE/USGBC/IES Standard 189.1
• Online Code Environment and Advocacy Network (OCEAN) supports stakeholders in adopting and implementing building energy codes.
• International Energy Conservation Code Resource Page
  ICC and the DOE Building Energy Codes Program are collaborating to provide resources featuring products and services to assist code officials.