While organizations such as the International Code Council set energy efficiency standards, in the U.S., state and local governments have the responsibility of adopting their own building codes.
This decentralized approach to code adoption means much of the work of reducing the carbon impact of buildings is occurring in statehouses and city halls. As a result, a growing group of clean energy and efficiency advocates are focusing on instituting local code amendments that improve on the model code.
In Minnesota, for instance, a coalition of cities and environmentalists are advocating for policy that would shift commercial buildings to net-zero by 2036. The New Buildings Institute (NBI) has submitted code proposals in that state to make new buildings electric-ready. NBI is also working on proposals for Wisconsin and Michigan.
New York, Seattle, and Massachusetts have strengthened building codes beyond the national standard, while lawmakers in nearly 20 states, including Wyoming, Iowa, and Colorado, have considered legislation that would prohibit bans on gas in new buildings. These developments indicate that the fight over energy efficiency code provisions is likely to heat up.
Related Stories
Smart Buildings | Jul 12, 2015
Office of Management and Budget asks agencies to consider climate change when budgeting for construction projects
For the first time, the U.S. Office of Management and Budget is asking agencies to submit budget plans that consider the effects of climate change on construction and maintenance of federal facilities.
Engineers | Jul 12, 2015
White paper explores low-flow toilets’ impact on drain lines, clogs
The research found that certain variables: toilet paper—along with the pipe slope and flush volume—are key variables in determining whether drain lines might be predisposed to clog.
Contractors | Jul 9, 2015
Opioid abuse blamed for increase in worker injuries, business losses
Insurance giant CNA says concerns are increasing in the construction industry.
Codes and Standards | Jul 8, 2015
California Supreme Court upholds affordable housing requirements
Court cites affordable housing crisis of ‘epic proportions.’
Codes and Standards | Jul 6, 2015
First valuation advisory for green and high performance property adopted
The document provides voluntary guidance to appraisers on the background and competency necessary to credibly value green buildings.
Codes and Standards | Jun 24, 2015
Maryland’s Prince George County turns to P3s to build green infrastructure
Over the next 10 years, the county must convert 15,000 acres of watertight surfaces—almost 5% of the county's total area—into surfaces that absorb or treat rainwater.
Codes and Standards | Jun 24, 2015
Philadelphia considers more incentives for green building
Developers could be allowed additional height, floor area on projects that meet benchmarks.
Codes and Standards | Jun 24, 2015
LEED building at Duke University may be retrofitted to prevent bird deaths
More birds die from colliding with buildings at Duke than on any other campus in a 45-school survey conducted by Augustana College. Duke is located along the Atlantic Flyway, a bird migration route.
Codes and Standards | Jun 24, 2015
Balcony collapse in Berkeley, Calif., prompts an examination of codes
Dry rot and too much weight appear to be the causes of a fatal accident at an eight-year-old building in Berkeley, Calif.
Codes and Standards | Jun 18, 2015
Guides to wood construction in high wind areas updated
The guides establish prescriptive, wind-resistive structural requirements for wood-frame buildings of different sizes and shapes.
