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Linking Building Energy Codes With Benchmarking and Disclosure Policies

Building energy efficiency is widely recognized as the most cost-effective way to reduce reliance on non-renewable fuel sources and avoid the costly development of more power plants. Two key policy mechanisms available to assist with reducing building energy consumption are energy codes and benchmarking and disclosure policies. While building energy codes have been around since … Continued

2009 International Energy Conservation Code for Simple Commercial Buildings

Small commercial buildings (less than 50,000 square feet) make up more than 90 percent of the U.S. commercial building stock. Of those small buildings, most are considered “simple commercial buildings.” Many of the complex requirements in the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) do not apply to simple commercial buildings, so this compliance guide was created … Continued

Energy Efficient Residential Construction

What to expect under the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code Building Officials descended upon Atlantic City, New Jersey in October to attend the International Code Council’s (ICC) Public Comment Hearings and decide the final version of the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). The IECC is updated every three years and serves as the national … Continued

Standard Bearers: The Excellence in Energy Code Compliance Award

The Standard Bearers Award distinguishes jurisdictions that are using cost-effective code compliance strategies that have achieved energy code compliance and energy reduction. IMT and GBPN congratulate the winners of the 2013 Awards. Read about them in the PDF and be sure to sign up for the IMT newsletter to stay informed on applications for the 2014 Award and more!

Building Energy Codes: Creating Safe, Resilient, and Energy-Efficient Homes

Building energy codes establish minimum requirements for the elements within a building that impact energy consumption. The obvious benefit of buying a new home built in compliance with current energy codes is the energy cost savings for the homeowner. However, there are other significant benefits that come with the purchase of a home built in … Continued

Third-Party Building Code Enforcement: A Service Delivery Strategy with Cost Savings Potential

Conventionally, local governments implement and enforce building codes through a building or development services department, staffed by government employees. However, as municipal budgets shrink and construction volumes become more unpredictable, jurisdictions have found it difficult to maintain this enforcement structure while ensuring the same level of quality, timeliness, and customer service. One solution is to … Continued