National Building Code Moves

National Building Code Moves
2:47

This edition calls to your attention some very positive and recent decisions in the green space. In this instance, green is a reference to the financial benefits, in addition to the sustainability effects, these decisions will have on many homeowners across the country.

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United States

In late April, the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) adopted updated Minimum Energy Standards for new single-family and multifamily homes. 

The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 requires HUD and USDA to jointly adopt the latest energy standards, contingent as long as the new standards do not negatively impact the affordability and availability of the homes.

As a result of the updated energy standards, energy-efficiency improvements of 37% will cut energy costs by more than $950 per year, saving homeowners tens-of-thousands of dollars over the lifetime of the home. 

The upfront costs of the energy efficiency improvements can be rolled into an FHA mortgage, which means that after paying for their mortgage, taxes and insurance, families can put almost $400 back in their pocket every year, saving almost $25,000 over a 30-year mortgage or $15,000 after financing. In new multifamily housing that is four stories and above, these standards save households $224 per apartment per year. 

The updated minimum energy standards will generate an estimated reduction of as much as 6.35 million metric tonnes in carbon emissions over 30 years.

Vermont

The state has updated its energy code once again. The 2024 Residential Building Energy Standards (RBES) are based on the 2021 IECC. Vermont is one of the few states that offers a prescriptive plus points option to energy code compliance. In their points table, there are a wide variety of options that can earn builders points, including 11 different water efficiency choices. For instance, a certified WERS will earn 2 points for a project. Depending on the size of the property, those 2 points can satisfy the entire points requirement for up to 4 different use-types under the base code and as many as 3 different use-types under the stretch code.

The 2024 RBES went into effect on July 1, 2024.

Oregon

The Oregon Residential Reach Code provides an additional choice for builders, consumers and contractors to increase energy efficiency for the construction of structures regulated by the Oregon Residential Specialty Code (ORSC). The latest version went into effect on July 1, 2024.