Building energy codes in the U.S. will produce a cumulative savings on energy costs of $126 billion from 2010-2040, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
The savings from both the commercial and residential sectors is based on a projected reduction of 12.82 quads of primary energy. That translates to 841 million metric tons of avoided CO2 emissions.
Actual building energy usage would likely be lower than this projection, as savings from beyond-code programs, undertaken in some states, were not counted to make these projections. In addition, savings resulting from improvements in equipment efficiency due to federally mandated requirements were not included in the analysis.
The most recent three editions of the IECC and ASHRAE Standard 90.1 have the potential to reduce energy use by nearly 30% compared to codes a decade ago, DOE’s report states.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Jan 13, 2017
New BIM guide for owners released
National Institute of Building Sciences releases a manual for developing standard set of BIM documents.
Codes and Standards | Jan 11, 2017
OSHA prompts more proactive approach to construction site safety
Remote operated camera systems are being used to mitigate risk in real time.
Codes and Standards | Jan 10, 2017
Plunging solar power costs making PVs more compelling for owners, developers
Technical and manufacturing advances are driving down prices.
Codes and Standards | Jan 9, 2017
Boston’s plans for new development at odds with flood projections
One plan calls for building in areas predicted to be flooded during high tides as sea levels rise.
Codes and Standards | Jan 9, 2017
New LEED for Cities, LEED for Communities pilot certifications unveiled
Requires tracking of performance data and progress toward goals.
Codes and Standards | Jan 9, 2017
China claims top ranking outside of U.S. for total LEED-certified space
Canada, India, Brazil, and Korea round out top 5.
Codes and Standards | Jan 6, 2017
OSHA prompts more proactive approach to construction site safety
Remote operated camera systems are being used to mitigate risk in real time.
Codes and Standards | Jan 5, 2017
2018 building energy code upholds efficiency gains
Efforts to scale back efficiency requirements largely defeated.
Codes and Standards | Jan 4, 2017
Low-income housing doesn’t lower neighborhood housing values
A Trulia study contradicts longstanding fears.
Codes and Standards | Jan 3, 2017
Intelligent transportation systems have implications for designers, construction firms
Sensors and Internet of Things devices will have to be embedded in infrastructure.