Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Building codes: Simple energy savings

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

In energy policy of dear legislators often carrots sticks because it minimizes the opposition.  But mandatory regulations, such as energy building codes, can save energy and pay back many times over during the useful life of buildings.


The State of Illinois is ready to be a regional leader through the adoption of the 2012 international energy conservation code (IECC) and example of small-seeming rules high-impact.  40% Of primary energy consumption in the United States is, for example, in buildings, along with about 40 percent of greenhouse gas emissions.  So which adopt 2012 IECC (how does Illinois), with energy efficiency standards 28 percent stronger than the code 2006, make a large hole in the CO2 emissions.


The financial savings can also add.  In 2005 it is estimated that the federal energy information are administration homeowners in the Midwest household energy consumption on average $1,800 per year spent on.  Under the assumption that the IECC 2006 already had assumed figure States for the previous issues, the implementation of the code could save $500 per year a 2012 of families.


Builders often to fight code, and in Illinois are no different, claiming that the cost of the improvements the cost of a new House $5,000 is added.  But in fact, the increased cost of a house built, the code 2012 in Illinois, the House increases cost $1,500 (~$ 6 per month) but $33 per month save energy costs.


In other words, saves energy efficiency in building regulations homeowners from day 1.


The U.S. Department of energy provides maps with the current status of State building codes, their living map is shown below.


The pattern follows already 30 States which have adopt IECC 2009 or is better and interesting, non-traditional red blue-state political structure.


A code is of course only as good as compliance — compelled by the local government - and the Alliance to save energy suggests that it may be spotty.  If you know good studies code compliance?


This post originally appeared on energy self reliant States, a resource of the Institute for local self-reliance (check out our new Web site!).


View the original article here


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