Building Codes Assistance Project

To stay current with product improvements and design advances that capture energy savings, model energy codes need to be regularly revised and improved. States and local governments should, at a minimum, meet the most recent model energy codes, but ideally they should lead by example - adopting and enforcing advanced building guidelines that exceed the minimums established by model codes.

State and city energy offices, building departments, and code officials are encouraged to participate in the code development process by sharing their local code amendments that exceed the national model code. Demonstrating experience with advanced code requirements helps provide verified energy performance results to justify needed improvements to the model energy code for the rest of the country. This active participation allows codes to stay in step with building sector advances and become more efficient over time while encouraging better building design practices.

• North Carolina Senate Bill 668 (PDF 47.23 KB), requires all major facility projects of public agencies shall be designed, constructed, and certified to at least thirty percent (30%) greater energy efficiency than the standard under ASHRAE 90.1-2004. For major renovations a twenty percent (20%) greater energy efficiency standard than ASHRAE 90.1-2004 shall be used.
• Massachusetts Executive Order 484, "Leading by Example - Clean Energy and Efficient Buildings" (PDF 465.69 KB), instructed all agencies involved in the construction and major renovation projects of over 20,000 square feet to meet LEED certification as well as energy performance 20% better than the Massachusetts Energy Code, independent third- party commissioning, and outdoor water reduction requirements.
• California Assembly Bill 1065 (PDF 140.62 KB) will require the California Energy Commission to adopt standards that would progressively reduce the energy consumption (per gross square foot of floorspace) of new residential and new non-residential buildings from offsite sources, on a specified schedule using Title 24 standards adopted in 2003 as a baseline.
• The Chicago Building Code Section 18-13-303 (p.10), "Urban Heat Islands" (PDF 825.96 KB), prohibits black roofs and requires increasingly high solar reflectance for roofs through 2008 when roofs must conform to the EPA ENERGY STAR 0.65 reflectance requirement.