Building Codes Assistance Project

Building energy codes are one of the easiest and most cost efficient ways for states and local jurisdictions to implement energy management policies. It is even easier to adopt and amend (if necessary) national model codes since they have been fully developed by national organizations (ICC and ASHRAE/IESNA), and have a broad base of support for implementation and enforcement.

An important reason to adopt energy codes is that it is simply the right thing to do. Energy production and use rank among the largest contributing factors to greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. Most emissions are produced by the combustion of fossil fuels, which accounts for nearly 70 percent of the total electricity generated in the United States. Aggregate emissions from electric utilities of all greenhouse gases increased by 11.8 percent from 1990-1997, and accounted for jus t under 30 percent of total U.S. greenhouse emissions during the same period. Overall, the generation of electricity results in a larger portion of total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions than any other activity. Buildings account for approximately 35% of total US CO2 emissions at about 683 million metric tons per year.

While the share of electricity in household energy consumption has been rising, it accounted for just 35% of household energy consumption in 1997, while natural gas accounted for 52%, fuel oil for 10%, and LPG for 4% of total consumption. At the same time, the end use of energy in U.S. households has been changing as well. 56% of energy went towards space heating in 1978, as compared to 51% in 1997. In the meantime, energy usage for appliances has increased from 17% in 1978 to 27% in 1997, and energy use for water heating has increased from 15% in 1978 to 19% in 1997.

Aside from the environmental benefits, energy codes, as part of broader energy efficiency policies, have potential economics benefits. ACEEE released a study in 2005 which found that the implementation of statewide energy efficiency programs (including building energy codes) in the Midwest would result in significant job creation. The region was expected to produce 30,220 jobs resulting in compensation of $750 million by 2010, and 66,620 jobs resulting in compensation of $1,770 million by 2020. Since the Midwest imports most of its natural gas, a reduction in demand means less money flowing out of the region, and more savings. These savings in turn work through economic multipliers to increase regional investment and growth.