US state and local officials have voted to improve the national building model energy code to deliver a 30% boost in savings.
The new 2012 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) covers the constructions of both new homes and commercial buildings across the US, as well as additions and renovations.
The changes to the code ensures that homes are better sealed to reduce heating and cooling losses, improves the efficiency of windows and lighting, increases insulation in ceilings and walls, and improves hot water systems to reduce waste energy.
Commercial buildings will have to match homes with similar features, but will also include daylighting controls, continuous air barriers and use of economisers for climate controls. Efficiency will be further increased through use of renewable energy systems, more efficient HVAC equipment or lighting.
The measures also require that new buildings will be commissioned to ensure that the actual energy performance meets the design brief.
“In the last four years, the International Code Council has accomplished more in efficiency improvements than all updates combined since 1975,” comments Harry Misuriello, fellow of the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE). “Local governments clearly realize that they and their citizens have an important stake in reducing building energy use.”
It now remains for states and local regions to adopt the 2012 IECC. It won’t happen overnight, but states have committed to be 90% compliant with the IECC by 2017.