The proposed 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) would be the most energy efficient code ever, but appeals may reduce the efficiency it promotes.
Several industry groups, including the National Association of Home Builders, the Leading Builders of America, the Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute, the American Gas Association, and the American Public Gas Association, have appealed specific provisions of the proposed code. Among the code challenges are: electrification and electric vehicle readiness, water heating efficiency, and numerous other provisions.
“The sheer number of appeals is unprecedented—likely because the interest in a more efficient code is greater than ever before,” writes Lauren Urbanek, a Natural Resources Defense Council policy advocate. More than 20 efficiency proposals that were approved by the ICC process and that passed the governmental vote with a supermajority have been appealed.
ICC technical committees—which are dominated by industry representatives—had voted to reject the 20 proposals. But their recommendations were overturned by a two-thirds majority vote.
The final hearing was scheduled for September 14 to discuss the legitimacy of the vote. After hearings are completed, the full ICC Board of Directors was scheduled to weigh in on September 16.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Dec 5, 2016
International Construction Measurement Standards draft released
The goal is to improve consistency for calculating costs and reducing risk.
Codes and Standards | Dec 2, 2016
D.C. Council passes bill to reduce number of blighted properties
The new legislation reduces the amount of time a vacant property can qualify for a lower tax rate.
Codes and Standards | Dec 1, 2016
Passive House standard gaining influence in commercial sector
Some industry watchers predict it will become the base building code.
Codes and Standards | Nov 30, 2016
Researchers finding solutions to bird/building collisions
Glass facades pose a serious risk to birds and cause millions of avian deaths each year.
Codes and Standards | Nov 29, 2016
New OSHA rules to reduce fall and trip hazards
Employers can choose from a variety of fall protection systems.
Codes and Standards | Nov 29, 2016
Seattle imposes new construction regulation to address rat problem
The city ranks first in U.S. in rat population.
Codes and Standards | Nov 28, 2016
Construction groups sue New York City over crane safety regulation
The rule bans cranes from operating when wind exceeds 30 mph.
Codes and Standards | Nov 28, 2016
Marines plan first net zero energy military base
The Albany, Ga., site will have ground source heat pumps and a biomass generator.
Codes and Standards | Nov 18, 2016
Mahesh Ramanujam takes reins as U.S. Green Building Council President and CEO
Ramanujam brings his tech and business consulting background to the post.
Codes and Standards | Nov 18, 2016
Canada GBC launching Zero Carbon Buildings Initiative
First step toward Zero Carbon Building Standard.