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 | Jun 10, 2019
Intl. Code Council releases Natural Disaster Preparedness Guide
Provides tips for staying safe during and after a hurricane or severe weather.
Codes and Standards | Jun 7, 2019
Market conditions indicate slower growth in industrial real estate sector
E-commerce, market oversupply, rising interest rates to dampen hot market.
Codes and Standards | Jun 3, 2019
Haskell invests in BLOX, creator of modular-based delivery method
‘Represents important part of Haskell’s future strategy,’ says CEO.
Codes and Standards | Jun 3, 2019
Florida may eliminate certificate of need requirement for new hospitals
Bill could boost specialized facilities.
Codes and Standards | May 31, 2019
RELi 2.0 standard for sustainability, resilience being piloted
Will be open to LEED-registered or -certified projects, with introductory pricing and support.
Codes and Standards | May 31, 2019
Pankow Foundation releases report, tools for embodied carbon impacts
Focus is on MEP and tenant improvements.
Codes and Standards | May 24, 2019
USGBC receives funding for LEED for Cities and Communities Program
Bank of America provides $500,000 grant to certify 15 U.S. cities.
Codes and Standards | May 24, 2019
AIA updates Interiors Contract Documents
Six revised documents available for interior construction projects.
Codes and Standards | May 23, 2019
Northern California casino offers a template for resilient microgrids
Solar power with batteries and backup generators provide weeks of self-reliance.
Codes and Standards | May 23, 2019
Austin creates innovative plan to boost affordable housing
Approach includes loosened zoning, incentives for higher density in lower-cost and mixed-income developments.
