The 20% Stretch Code, a new set of standards developed by New Buildings Institute (NBI), offers a tool for accelerating the use of more energy efficient designs in new buildings.
Most new buildings are constructed to meet only the minimum energy efficiency requirements in state or local building codes that are often based upon national model codes such as the International Energy Conservation Code and ASHRAE 90.1.The stretch code provides a way for localities to move ahead more quickly with greener standards than they would by simply adopting national building codes.
The adoption of national building codes by states can be a slow, erratic process. Some states are still using codes that are up to three development cycles behind the most recent codes, representing design and construction practices from 2009. Stretch codes can also be adopted as voluntary codes or policies that can be fostered by devising incentives for designers and builders to use them.
As of October 2017, 214 municipalities have adopted the stretch code.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Jul 11, 2018
D.C. local worker requirement not being met
Government doing little to verify self-reported project data.
Codes and Standards | Jul 10, 2018
Carbon emissions in cement production threaten GHG reduction goals
Cement is essential to many infrastructure projects that address climate change.
Codes and Standards | Jul 10, 2018
DOE’s Better Buildings Summit to be held in Cleveland, August 21-23
Agenda includes technical training and networking opportunities.
Codes and Standards | Jul 6, 2018
Houston’s lessons learned from Harvey include lack of awareness by residents of flood danger
Inconsistent regulatory environment also cited.
Codes and Standards | Jul 6, 2018
Delos and HDR will co-develop wellness design tools and collaborate on research
WELL Building Standard pioneer teams with architects to advance wellness innovations in the built environment.
Codes and Standards | Jul 5, 2018
BREEAM New Construction standard launched in U.S.
Follows successful launch of BREEAM In-Use standard.
Codes and Standards | Jun 29, 2018
Nearly half of nonresidential construction projects now delivered by design-build
‘Alternative’ method now mainstream for nonresidential, highway/street, and water/wastewater construction projects.
Codes and Standards | Jun 28, 2018
Modular construction may be key to relieving housing crunch
May be only way to meet needs as ranks of construction workers decline.
Codes and Standards | Jun 27, 2018
Thirty nine San Francisco high rises at risk of collapse in major earthquake
Vulnerable buildings have welded columns and beams.
Codes and Standards | Jun 26, 2018
Boston enacts new climate resiliency rules for buildings
New policy is likely a first in the nation.