flexiblefullpage
billboard
interstitial1
catfish1
Currently Reading

NBI stretch code a tool for accelerating efficiency standards

Codes and Standards

NBI stretch code a tool for accelerating efficiency standards

It provides a strategy to leapfrog minimum code requirements.


By Peter Fabris, Contributing Editor | November 15, 2017

Photo: Hat600, Wikimedia Commons

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 | Jun 15, 2017

Cornell Tech unveils plans to reach Net Zero at The Bloomberg Center

Campus plans include photovoltaic arrays and geothermal ground source heat pumps.

Codes and Standards | Jun 13, 2017

Canada Green Building Council and Green Business Certification Inc. announce partnership

New joint venture will deliver enhanced services and support tools and programs throughout Canada.

Codes and Standards | Jun 8, 2017

Nail-Laminated Timber Design and Construction Guide released

New document focuses on design and construction considerations for horizontal NLT applications.

Codes and Standards | Jun 8, 2017

Car sharing popularity means parking zoning and codes may be promoting overbuilding of garages

Some designers look to modular designs in anticipation of alternate uses.

Codes and Standards | Jun 7, 2017

IAPMO advances toward new 2017 Water Efficiency and Sanitation Standard

Revised pipe-sizing method for residential applications will be included.

Codes and Standards | Jun 7, 2017

New Colorado law could stimulate stalled condo market

Construction defect law modifications could ease litigation risk and cut insurance rates.

Codes and Standards | May 30, 2017

Industry Groups move toward Unified Green Building Model Code in 2018

The effort involves combining ASHRAE's Standard 189.1 with the International Green Construction Code.

Codes and Standards | May 30, 2017

OSHA suspends electronic injury, illness reporting requirement

The agency is keeping records from being publicly disclosed—for now.

boombox1
boombox2
native1

More In Category


Reconstruction & Renovation

Movement to protect historic buildings raises sharp criticism

While the movement to preserve historic buildings has widespread support, it also has some sharp critics with well-funded opposition groups springing up in recent years. Some opponents are linked to the Stand Together Foundation, founded and bankrolled by the Koch family’s conservative philanthropic organization, according to a column in Governing magazine.



halfpage1

Most Popular Content

  1. 2021 Giants 400 Report
  2. Top 150 Architecture Firms for 2019
  3. 13 projects that represent the future of affordable housing
  4. Sagrada Familia completion date pushed back due to coronavirus
  5. Top 160 Architecture Firms 2021