Category: Energy Codes and Policy
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...
Empowering Communities to Accelerate Distributed Energy Resources
Post / August 10, 2021
In many parts of the United States, navigating the building permits required for distributed energy resources such as solar, storage, and electric vehicles (EVs) can be a daunting process. Many communities have burdensome requirements for installing such technologies and/or lack...