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, DOEās report states.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Mar 2, 2015
Nevada moves to suspend prevailing wage rules on school projects
The Nevada Senate approved a bill that would suspend prevailing wage rules on school projects.
Codes and Standards | Mar 2, 2015
Proposed energy standard for data centers, telecom buildings open for public comment
The intent of ASHRAE Standard 90.4P is to create a performance-based approach that would be more flexible and accommodating of innovative change.
Codes and Standards | Feb 22, 2015
Louisiana officials critical of stricter building standards in flood-prone areas
Buildings would have to be built either two or three feet above the base flood elevation for a 100-year flood or above the base elevation for a 500-year flood.Ā
Codes and Standards | Feb 18, 2015
Buildings with rocking steel-braced frames are advantageous in earthquakes
Research at Case Western Reserve University has found that buildings that rock during an earthquake and return to plumb would withstand seismic shaking better than structural designs commonly used today in vulnerable zones of California and elsewhere.
Codes and Standards | Feb 18, 2015
USGBC concerned about developers using LEED registration in marketing
LEED administrators are concerned about a small group of developers or project owners who tout their projects as āLEED pre-certifiedā and then fail to follow through with certification.
Codes and Standards | Feb 12, 2015
ASHRAE, USGBC, IES consider biomass requirements in green building standard
The proposal would add biomass to approved renewables.
Codes and Standards | Feb 12, 2015
New Appraisal Institute form aids in analysis of green commercial building features
The Instituteās Commercial Green and Energy Efficient Addendum offers a communication tool that lenders can use as part of the scope of work.Ā
Codes and Standards | Feb 8, 2015
ASHRAE, IAQA approve consolidation
Under the consolidation, IAQA will become a part of the ASHRAE organization while maintaining its own brand and Board of Directors.
Codes and Standards | Feb 6, 2015
Obama executive order requires federal construction projects to consider flood damage caused by climate change
To meet the new standard, builders mustĀ build two feet above the currently projected elevation for 100-year floods for most projects.
HVAC | Feb 6, 2015
ASHRAE, REHVA publish guide to chilled beam systems
The guide provides tools andĀ advice for designing, commissioning, and operating chilled-beam systems.
