Green Requirements

Intl. Energy Conservation Code Coming

Some government reports are saying the 2012 IECC (Intl. Energy Conservation Code) could require a 30% improvement in energy savings compared to the 2006 IECC—which means homes and businesses will have to be built more efficiently. With this news looming on the horizon, it might be time for construction companies to consider green technologies.

The ICC (Intl. Code Council), www.iccsafe.org, Washington, D.C., is expected to publish the new building code in early 2011. The organization is comprised of state and local energy and safety code officials, building representatives, and stakeholders. The ICC is responsible for safety, efficiency, and fire-prevention requirements for U.S. construction.

According to the U.S. DOE (Dept. of Energy), www.doe.gov, Washington, D.C., at a hearing in October members passed a series of energy-saving code changes, which is anticipated to achieve the DOE’s 30% goal of energy savings in both residential and commercial building code. Once the 2012 IECC publication is available early next year, the DOE will take a formal rulemaking determination for energy efficiency. {read rest}