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Code Status: Vermont

This page contains information about current energy codes in the state of Vermont. Information for all 50 States is also available. Vermont Code News.

Current State Codes

  • Residential Code: The Vermont Residential Building Energy Standard (RBES), based on the 2000 IECC with state specific amendments, mandatory statewide; can use REScheck to show compliance.
  • Commercial Code: 2005 Vermont Guidelines for Energy Efficient Commercial Construction based upon amendments to the IECC 2004 Supplement and an alternative path of ASHRAE 90.1-2004 with amendments.
  • Code Change Cycle: Both the residential and commercial code will be updated every three years.

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Code Adoption & Change Process

Process Type: Regulatory

Code Change Process: RBES Revisions go through a process specified in the State Administrative Procedures Act (3 V.S.A. Chapter 25), including public notification, public hearing, testimony, and comments. The Vermont Department of Public Service must provide technical assistance and expert advice to the Commissioner of Labor and Industry on the interpretation of the RBES and in formulating specific revisions to the RBES. At least one year prior to adopting required revisions to the RBES, the Department of Public Service must convene an advisory committee to provide recommendations to the commissioner.

State Code History: In 1997, The State of Vermont enacted the Vermont Residential Building Energy Standards (RBES), a statewide residential energy code based on the 1995 CABO/MEC. The RBES was revised in 2004 and revisions took effect January, 2005. Vermont published its IECC based 2001 Vermont Guidelines for Energy Efficient Commercial Construction in October 2001. The 2001 Commercial Guidelines incorporate ASHRAE /IESNA 90.1-1999 and a number of Vermont specific amendments. The 2001 Commercial Guidelines are currently under adoption as the single energy code for commercial buildings on a statewide basis.

The Commercial Building Energy Standards (CBES) was enacted into law in 2006 (21 V.S.A. ยง 268). The CBES is the energy code for all commercial buildings and residential building 4 stories or greater above grade in Vermont, and was effective as of January 1, 2007.

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Energy Consumption Estimates

The consumption estimates below are derived from the total end use of residential and commercial energy consumption in the United States in 2005, and are not limited to energy consumption based on building code-related factors. Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration.

  • Residential Sector: 49.8 Trillion BTU
  • Commercial Sector: 32.4 Trillion BTU
  • Total Energy Consumption: 82.2 Trillion BTU
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Construction Activity

Residential:

  • Population (2000 US Census)1: 608,827
  • Total Housing Units2: 299,570
  • 2004 New Housing Units Authorized by Permit (Privately Owned)3:
    • total units: 3,906
    • 1 unit: 3,182
    • 2 units: 196
    • 3 and 4 units: 76
    • 5+ units: 452
    • structures of 5+ units: 19

References:

  1. http://www.census.gov/population/cen2000/phc-t2/tab01.xls
  2. http://www.census.gov/population/estimates/housing/sthuhh1.txt
  3. http://www.census.gov/const/C40/Table2/20k_t2yu200412.txt
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Web Links

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State Energy Code Contacts

Randall Lloyd
Demand Side Specialist
Vermont Department of Public Service
Energy Efficiency Division
112 State Street, Drawer 20
Montpelier, VT 05620-2601

Tel: (802) 828-4020
Fax: (802) 828-2342
randall.lloyd@state.vt.us

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