New Buildings Institute (NBI) has released the Existing Building Decarbonization Code. NBI bills the document as “a new way for jurisdictions to reduce carbon emissions and meet climate action plan goals and interconnected goals around public health and equity.”
New construction represents less than 2% of building activity in any given year, NBI says, “leaving a vast opportunity to update technologies in the current building stock. By requiring existing buildings to be more energy efficient, cities could cut about 30% of all urban emissions by 2050.”
NBI’s released the Building Decarbonization Code—the first off-the-shelf solution for jurisdictions to transform energy codes into decarbonization codes for new buildings—in February 2020. Expanding on that platform, the Existing Building Decarbonization Code adds provisions for existing buildings covering both residential and commercial buildings, including all-electric and mix-fuel energy use pathways.
The new code provisions have been crafted to match reasonable and effective decarbonization strategies with replacement events. The code outlines strategies to pair key opportunities to decarbonize—including change of occupancy, additions, and alterations—with additional efficiency measures.
The Existing Building Decarbonization Code also incorporates trigger events and solutions for the inclusion of grid integration measures including renewable energy production, electric vehicles, and battery storage.
Related Stories
Contractors | Jun 21, 2016
Bigness counts when it comes to construction backlogs
Large companies that can attract talent are better able to commit to more work, according to a national trade group for builders and contractors.
Building Materials | Jun 16, 2016
ABC: Construction material prices rise again in May
Nonresidential construction price gains were largely driven by iron and steel prices and steel mill product prices.
Movers+Shapers | Jun 14, 2016
VERTICAL INTEGRATOR: How Brooklyn’s Alloy LLC evolved from an architecture firm into a full-fledged development company
Led by an ambitious President and a CEO with deep pockets, Alloy LLC's six entities control the entire development process: real estate development, design, construction, brokerage, property management, and community development.
Building Team | Jun 13, 2016
BD+C launches Women in Design+Construction Conference
Inaugural 2.5-day event will convene 125+ leading AEC women in Dana Point, Calif., November 9-11, for professional development, networking, and career training.
Market Data | Jun 7, 2016
Global construction disputes took longer to resolve in 2015
The good news: the length and value of disputes in the U.S. fell last year, according to latest Arcadis report.
Market Data | Jun 3, 2016
JLL report: Retail renovation drives construction growth in 2016
Retail construction projects were up nearly 25% year-over-year, and the industrial and office construction sectors fared well, too. Economic uncertainty looms over everything, however.
Market Data | Jun 2, 2016
ABC: Nonresidential construction spending down in April
Lower building material prices, a sluggish U.S. economy, and hesitation among private developers all factor into the 2.1% drop.
Airports | Jun 1, 2016
LaGuardia Airport’s massive redevelopment begins construction
The development consortium has secured financing for the $4 billion project, and signed an operating lease through 2050.
Building Team Awards | Jun 1, 2016
Multifamily tower and office building revitalize Philadelphia cathedral
The Philadelphia Episcopal Cathedral capitalizes on hot property to help fund much needed upgrades and programs.
Building Team Awards | Jun 1, 2016
Central utility power plant takes center stage at UC San Diego Jacobs Medical Center
An undulating roof, floor-to-ceiling glass, and façade scheme give visual appeal to a plant that serves the 10-story medical center.