DOE issues determination of energy savings for residential buildings
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has published a Notice of Determination for the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), affirming that the updated code will result in energy savings in residential buildings. DOE analysis indicates that buildings meeting the 2015 IECC (as compared with buildings meeting the previous 2012 edition) would result in national residential building energy savings of approximately 1%, as regulated by the Code.
Following an affirmative DOE determination, each State is required by statute to certify that it has reviewed the provisions of its residential building code regarding energy efficiency, and made a determination as to whether it is appropriate to revise its code to meet or exceed the updated edition of the IECC. Additionally, DOE provides guidance to States on submitting certification statements.
The DOE Building Energy Codes Program encourages increased energy efficiency through building codes and standards. DOE is required to review published editions of model codes, including the IECC and Standard 90.1, and issue a determination as to whether the updated edition is expected to result in energy savings in residential and commercial buildings, respectively. Through its support for building energy codes, DOE helps states and local governments realize significant energy savings, resulting in cost savings for U.S. home and business owners, and associated environmental benefits due to avoided greenhouse gas emissions.
