The 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) is nearly finalized. This model building code will be a vehicle for significant cuts in carbon emissions.
Jurisdictions that adopt the code will effectively require new buildings to reduce covered energy use by more than 10% on average compared to buildings meeting the previous code. The 2021 code will improve efficiency by more than a third compared to an earlier IECC released in 2009.
Among the new code provisions are:
· Requirements for high-efficiency water heating
· Electric circuits to allow future conversions to highly-efficient electrified equipment
· Pre-wiring buildings for the installation of electric vehicle charging stations
· A flexible energy savings provision that allows developers to choose different energy efficiency measures for homes
· An optional zero energy appendix that provides a pathway for cities and states to construct ultra-energy efficient homes that meet their remaining energy needs with renewable energy
More than 2,000 state and city officials from 641 jurisdictions across the country participated in the code revision process.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | May 26, 2020
Is CLT really a green solution?
Sustainability depends upon forest stewardship, product manufacturing process.
Codes and Standards | May 20, 2020
St. Louis is first Midwest city to pass building energy performance standard
Allows owners broad flexibility on how to achieve goals.
Codes and Standards | May 20, 2020
Supreme Court says Georgia cannot copyright its entire official code
Ruling may have implications for other states claiming copyright for building codes.
Codes and Standards | May 18, 2020
Strategies to reduce personal contact in multifamily properties
Design can improve health amid COVID-19 pandemic.
Codes and Standards | May 18, 2020
Canada Green Building Council says building industry lacks zero-carbon skills, knowledge
Net-zero target requires shift in thinking and practices.
Codes and Standards | May 18, 2020
California’s grid can support all-electric buildings
Load-shifting will help reduce peak demand.
Codes and Standards | May 15, 2020
European cities to revamp transportation after pandemic reopening
Road closures, new rules for public transit will be imposed.
Codes and Standards | May 14, 2020
Washington State construction industry restart plan has three phases
In state with earliest COVID-19 cases, advisory group developing priorities based on risk.
Codes and Standards | May 14, 2020
More mass timber beam and column options available in the U.S.
Freres Lumber unveils new line of structural elements suitable for high-rise buildings.
Codes and Standards | May 13, 2020
Researchers flag insufficient training for construction workers on healthcare projects
May contribute to fungal disease outbreaks that endanger patients
