Hub: Codes And Policy

Embodied Carbon Building Code
Report / August 31, 2023
The Embodied Carbon Building Code overlay introduces code solutions incorporating prescriptive embodied carbon International Building Code (IBC) amendments for nearly 40 products, encompassing widely used and high carbon-emitting building materials. The overlay was created for policymakers seeking code language to…
California becomes the first state in the U.S. to tackle embodied carbon in its building codes
News / August 18, 2023
Published by The Architect’s Newspaper: The California Building Standards Commission (CBSC) and the Division of the State Architect (DSA) updated California’s building codes last week, putting into effect measures that set a new precedent in the United States. On August...
California Building Standards Commission Approves Landmark Embodied Carbon Requirement
News / August 9, 2023
California becomes the first state in the nation to require embodied carbon on buildings larger than 100,000 square feet. Sacramento, Calif.– In a unanimous decision, the California Building Standards Commission has passed two California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen) amendments...
U.S. Department of Energy Awards Grants to Eight Projects Supported by International Code Council
News / July 27, 2023
Published by PHCP Pros: In a move to enhance energy efficiency and building resilience, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced plans to allocate $90 million in grants to aid the implementation of stronger building energy codes for new and...
POTOMAC: Schumer Vows Permitting-Reform Push
News / July 20, 2023
Published by Clearing Up: The Department of Energy on July 12 awarded $90 million in grants for updating building energy codes. Western grant recipients include the California Energy Commission; the City of Fort Collins, Colorado; the Colorado Energy Office; and...
DOE awards $90 million for adoption of latest building energy efficiency codes
News / July 13, 2023
Published by PV Magazine US: New Buildings Institute was among various states, cities, tribes and nonprofits that were awarded grants for activities that will support energy code updates and implementation, including workforce development, community engagement, research and data collection, energy,...
The urgency of cooling access: Ensuring resilience and promoting equity in the U.S.
News / June 14, 2023
Published by Refigeration Industry: Financial assistance programs can help low-income households purchase energy-efficient, climate-friendly cooling appliances (like efficient air conditioners or heat pumps) that cost less to operate due to reduced energy consumption. Similar programs can also provide low-income households with...
Codifying Wood Pellet Heating’s Renewable Bona Fides
News / May 17, 2023
Published by Biomass Magazine: Believing that “biomass” was far too broad, New Buildings Institute introduced new language to further clarify biomass and exclude wood and wood-derived fuels. Specifically, NBI suggested revised language changed “biomass” to “biomass waste” adding a definition...
4 Big Questions as Building Codes Consider Embodied Carbon
News / May 2, 2023
Published by BuildingGreen: The urgency of curbing embodied carbon, the greenhouse gas emissions associated with building materials, continues to escalate. Voluntary rating systems have been working away at the issue for more than a decade. “We know carbon emitted from...
Tackling the Job of Building Modernization: A Toolkit for State Decision-Makers
News / April 7, 2023
Published by RAP Online: New Buildings Institute assisted in the assemble of Building Modernization Legislative Toolkit, a resource for policymakers seeking to help move forward the energy transition in buildings. The toolkit takes a comprehensive look at key topic areas...