More than 500 state and local code officials voted on changes to the nation's model energy code to achieve energy savings of 30% relative to the current code. The new 2012
International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) meets the 30% savings goal sought by the U.S. Department of Energy, the U.S. Conference of Mayors, the National Association of State Energy Officials, and other organizations. The code governs home and commercial building construction, additions, and renovations in 47 states, including Connecticut. Local building codes are based on these national model standards.
In the residential sector, the new code improvements will:
- ensure that new homes are better sealed to reduce heating and cooling losses,
- improve the efficiency of windows and skylights,
- increase insulation in ceilings, walls, and foundations,
- reduce wasted energy from leaky heating and cooling ducts,
- improve hot-water systems to reduce wasted energy and water in piping, and
- boost lighting efficiency.
The package of improvements for commercial buildings should match those for homes in terms of energy savings. In addition to many of the features cited above, the commercial buildings package includes continuous air barriers, daylighting controls, use of economizers in additional climates, and a choice of three paths for designers and developers to increase efficiency: renewable energy systems, more efficient HVAC equipment, or improved lighting systems. The package also requires testing of new buildings to ensure that the actual energy performance of the building meets the design intent.
