The International Code Council stripped out provisions from the 2024 update to the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) that would have included beefed up circuitry for hooking up electric appliances and car chargers.
The update would have made it more economical for building owners to install solar panels, induction stoves, and heat pumps. Instead, if a building is constructed to the code’s watered-down standards, the owner faces a costly upgrade to electrify the property.
The ICC’s appeals board had rejected challenges by the natural gas industry to the proposed electrification provisions. But, the ICC’s board of directors, which typically goes along with its appeals board’s recommendations, overruled the decision. Although the building electrification components will be included in the optional appendix section of the codebook, widespread adoption of more robust circuitry is unlikely without a mandate.
The ICC board has received sharp criticism from energy efficiency advocates for its action, with some accusing the board of allowing fossil fuel interests too much sway in the code development process.
Related Stories
Contractors | Apr 11, 2019
The construction industry has a problem, and women are going to solve it
Women currently comprise 9% of the construction industry. Here’s how we will change this to solve one of the industry’s most pressing issues.
Building Tech | Apr 8, 2019
Factory-based construction with no siloes starts with a single source of truth
Working from a single source of truth means every factor of design, procurement, manufacturing, and assembly will be accounted for before the assembly line is turned on.
Contractors | Apr 8, 2019
Employers at risk when using construction equipment not sized for women
As more women enter male-dominated fields, gear supply has not kept up with demand.
Mixed-Use | Apr 7, 2019
Chicago-area joint venture antes up $1 billion for Opportunity Zone development investment
Decennial Group says it’s looking at 250 potential projects, primarily in America’s heartland and rural areas.
AEC Tech | Jan 9, 2019
Our robotic future: Assessing AI's impact on the AEC profession and the built environment
This is the first in a series by Lance Hosey, FAIA, on how automation is disrupting design and construction.
Great Solutions | Jan 2, 2019
Net zero construction trailer brings health and wellness to the jobsite
As AEC firms scramble to upgrade their offices to maximize occupant wellness and productivity, Pepper Construction asks, What about the jobsite office?
Building Owners | Dec 18, 2018
More-frequent catastrophes are exposing commercial real estate and properties to potentially higher insurance rates
A new report on the property and casualty market foresees modest rate hikes for construction projects.
Building Technology | Dec 18, 2018
Data and analytics are becoming essential for EC firms competing to rebuild America’s infrastructure
A new paper from Deloitte Consulting advises companies to revise their strategies with an eye toward leveraging advanced technologies.
3D Printing | Dec 7, 2018
Additive manufacturing heads to the jobsite
Prototype mobile 3D printing shop aims to identify additive manufacturing applications for construction jobsites.
Contractors | Oct 26, 2018
How three contractors expanded thin profit margins
If there’s one issue that every contractor is familiar with, it’s the challenge of finishing the job on time and on budget.