National Green Codes Pave the Way for Embodied Carbon Reporting

Post / December 4, 2023

The carbon footprint of a building starts at its inception, not when its occupants move in. Products like concrete, steel, aluminum, and insulation are key building components, but until recently were rarely considered by design and construction teams for their...

Using Policy and Code to Help Cities Most Impacted by Urban Heat Islands

Post / January 18, 2023

During the summer of 2022, there were more than 7,000 record-breaking daily temperatures reported across the U.S., according to data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Dangerously high temperatures in the U.S. impacted more than 40 million people,...

Embodied Carbon Draws Increased Attention from the Building Sector

Post / November 10, 2022

Over the past 15 years, many jurisdictions have reduced operational emissions in buildings through policies focused on energy efficiency, resulting in lower energy bills, better indoor air quality, and increased comfort. As the carbon emissions associated with operating buildings continues...

Make your voice heard: Comment on the Residential 2024 IECC update

Post / October 29, 2022

The 2024 draft Residential International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) is now out for public comment. The provisions in the 2024 code will build on the energy efficiency advancements made in the 2021 code cycle and introduce key provisions to address...

Advance climate action by getting involved now in the commercial 2024 IECC update

Post / September 7, 2022

With buildings currently representing 39% of U.S. carbon emissions, leading jurisdictions recognize the importance of using building codes and performance policies to respond to the effects of climate change and reduce future risks. To keep temperature rise below 1.5 degrees...

New Zero Emissions Buildings Policy helps jurisdictions lead by example

Post / May 17, 2022

With building construction and operations making up nearly 40% of U.S. carbon emissions, many jurisdictions have made reducing emissions from the built environment a top strategy for meeting climate action goals. The new Model Government Zero Emissions Buildings Policy released...

Future-ready buildings: increase asset value and reduce real estate investment risks by preparing for building performance standards now

Post / April 18, 2022

New construction codes have been driving toward net zero performance in jurisdictions around the country but building performance standards (BPS) with similar aims are emerging for existing buildings. Building performance standards are state and local laws that require existing buildings...

New study on electrification costs shows benefits to building owners and society

Post / April 14, 2022

Building electrification and decarbonization policies are being discussed by cities and states as well as in boardrooms across the country. Just last month, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission revealed a much-anticipated proposal to require public companies to disclose certain...

2024 IECC proposals address energy use in budding industry

Post / February 14, 2022

With the rapid growth of new indoor agriculture facilities growing vegetables, cannabis and other plants, the increased demand for energy and carbon intensive lighting and dehumidification for plant growth has skyrocketed. Lighting can consume between 50-70% of an indoor grow...

Proposals to drastically cut GHG delivered to IECC committees

Post / October 13, 2021

This week, New Buildings Institute (NBI) submitted code change proposals to the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) residential and commercial development committees. These proposals have the potential to drastically reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the building sector and help...