In a recent editorial, the USGBC cited a growing number of U.S. state legislators who are “aiming to roll back building energy code standards and/or preempt local governments from advancing energy-efficient building codes.”
“This is a disheartening trend,” the article says, “because building codes are a cost-effective, high-impact strategy for reducing energy bills as well as greenhouse gas emissions.” To illustrate the point, the piece provides examples of legislation in four states that would stymie efforts to make new buildings more environmentally friendly.
In Idaho, a bill removed a clause that allowed certain local governments to maintain energy codes or energy-related requirements that are more stringent than the 2018 Idaho Energy Conservation Code. In Iowa, a bill would repeal energy conservation requirements for new construction and allow local governments to enact energy standards that are less restrictive than the state building code.
A Missouri bill would prevent local governments from enforcing portions of locally adopted ordinances with energy code provisions that go beyond 2009 IECC standards. In North Carolina, a bill proposes to significantly delay code updates.
Proponents of these measures argue that more stringent codes raise construction costs. Opponents cite the savings in utility bills that owners will realize over the life of the structure.
USGBC says it opposes these and similar legislative actions. “Codes are designed to gradually improve and increase efficiency over time, so that builders and the industry can make achievable, predictable adjustments rather than face drastic change,” the editorial states. “This requires that codes be regularly updated so that communities don’t fall far behind. In some states where localities have authority to adopt codes at least as stringent as the state codes, this can help bring the building industry along and facilitate acceptance of the next code version.”
Related Stories
| Feb 17, 2014
GBI to Offer AIA Approved Course Free for 60 Days to Train New Green Globes Professionals
The Green Building Initiative™ (GBI) announced today that between Feb. 13 and April 15 it will provide free access to its online certification course for Green Globes Professionals™ (GGPs). GGPs help guide building projects in achieving Green Globes® ratings, awarded for environmentally-focused design and construction.
| Feb 14, 2014
Must see: Developer stacks shipping containers atop grain silos to create student housing tower
Mill Junction will house up to 370 students and is supported by 50-year-old grain silos.
| Feb 4, 2014
World's fifth 'living building' certified at Smith College [slideshow]
The Bechtel Environmental Classroom utilizes solar power, composting toilets, and an energy recovery system, among other sustainable strategies, to meet the rigorous performance requirements of the Living Building Challenge.
| Jan 30, 2014
Mayors of 10 metros unite to cut building-related climate pollution
Organizers say combined initiative could cut as much climate-change pollution as generated by 1 million cars every year, and lower energy bills by nearly $1 billion annually.
| Jan 30, 2014
How reverse engineering nature can spur design innovation
It’s not enough to copy nature. Today’s designers need a deeper understanding of environmental nuance, from the biome in.
| Jan 23, 2014
Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill-designed Federation of Korean Industries tower opens in Seoul [slideshow]
The 50-story tower features a unique, angled building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) exterior designed to maximize the amount of energy collected.
| Jan 11, 2014
Getting to net-zero energy with brick masonry construction [AIA course]
When targeting net-zero energy performance, AEC professionals are advised to tackle energy demand first. This AIA course covers brick masonry's role in reducing energy consumption in buildings.
| Jan 6, 2014
Green Building Initiative names Jerry Yudelson as new President
The Green Building Initiative announced today that it has named Jerry Yudelson as its president to accelerate growth of the non-profit and further leverage its green building assessment tools, including the highly recognized Green Globes rating system.
| Jan 6, 2014
An interview with Jerry Yudelson, President, The Green Building Initiative
Green building consultant Jerry Yudelson has been named President of the Green Building Initiative and the Green Globes rating program. BD+C's Robert Cassidy talks with Yudelson about his appointment and the future of Green Globes.
| Jan 3, 2014
World’s tallest vegetated façade to sprout in Sri Lanka [slideshow]
Set to open in late 2015, the 46-story Clearpoint Residences condo tower will feature planted terraces circling the entire structure.
