Why Building Energy Codes?

Building energy codes represent a significant savings opportunity for U.S. home and business owners. Model energy codes1 for residential and commercial buildings are projected to save (cumulative 2010-2040):

• $138 billion energy cost savings

• 900 MMT of avoided CO2 emissions

• 13.5 quads of primary energy

These savings equate to the annual emissions of:

• 195 million passenger vehicles

• 227 coal power plants

• 108 million homes2

For perspective, the primary energy consumption of the entire U.S. commercial and residential sectors in 2020 was estimated at 38 quads.3

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, U.S. residential and commercial buildings account for approximately 40% of all energy consumed.4 Building energy codes, which govern up to 80% of a building's energy load,5 increase energy efficiency and yield significant savings for the U.S. economy. Efficient buildings reduce power demand, and have less of an environmental impact, and put money back into consumer's pockets.

The Purpose of Building Energy Codes

Energy codes and standards set minimum efficiency requirements for new and renovated buildings, assuring reductions in energy use and emissions over the life of the building. Energy codes are a subset of building codes, which establish baseline requirements and govern building construction. Code buildings are more comfortable and cost-effective to operate, assuring energy, economic and environmental benefits. The reduction in energy expenditures also correlates to a mitigated dependency on foreign oil, impacting national security. In light of these fundamental environmental issues, economic challenges, and uncertain energy costs, building energy codes are a key component of sound public policy.

The Benefits of Building Energy Codes

It is estimated that by 2035, 75% of the building stock in the U. S. will be new or renovated.6 As a building's operation and environmental impact is largely determined by upfront decisions, energy codes present a unique opportunity to assure savings through efficient building design, technologies, and construction practices. Once a building is constructed, it is significantly more expensive to achieve higher efficiency levels. Energy codes ensure that a building's energy use is including as a fundamental part of the design and construction process; making this early investment in energy efficiency will pay dividends to owners and occupants for years into the future.

Who benefits from energy codes?

• Consumers and homebuyers can be assured that they have purchased or rented a home that meets minimum standards for energy efficiency, and as a result will see significantly lower utility bills.

• The construction industry can have a documented advantage over existing homes, as well as a level playing field, with respect to minimum energy efficiency requirements.

• Code officials can be confident that new and renovated buildings are designed and built to meet industry standards for quality and comfort, thus improving consumer protection.

• Utilities can benefit from supporting energy codes through access to cost-benefit data to use in determining future investments and attribution of savings to efficiency programs. Additionally, codes can provide better energy forecasting and decreased peak demand.

• State and local governments can reduce energy demand and greenhouse gas emissions, while ensuring that their constituents live and work in comfortable buildings with low utility bills.

https://www.energycodes.gov/why-building-energy-codes

Navigating Building Permits: The Critical Role of Accurate Energy Load Reports

Securing a building permit marks the pivotal first step for any contractor. The repercussions of rejected or delayed applications extend beyond inconvenience, affecting scheduling, subcontractors, teams, and financial planning. In the intricate dance of construction, getting the required application items right the first time is not just a preference but a significant factor in a construction company’s bottom line.

The Evolving Landscape:

While some municipalities embraced energy-conscious and sustainable building practices early on, others are only now implementing new requirements. These mandates necessitate a pass/fail score based on a proposed home's energy efficiency to obtain permit approval. Failing to provide a passing certification from a verification report means your permit is at a standstill.

Learning from Experience:

In our journey, we encountered the challenges of obtaining accurate reports firsthand. The scramble to keep projects moving led us through trial and error, with firms delivering reports that misrepresented crucial details. From mislabeling foundations to overlooking windows and doors, the pursuit of a passing score often overshadowed precision and accuracy.

The Hidden Costs of Inaccurate Reports:

We soon realized that the pursuit of a passing score, at any cost, could lead to long-term complications. Certification includes an inspection report where a city inspector verifies the alignment of the build with the submitted plans. Inconsistencies could result in documentation, potentially inviting increased scrutiny over time. Transparent, concise reports, on the other hand, build confidence and trust with inspectors, ensuring a smoother process toward the coveted Certificate of Occupancy.

Focusing on Core Competencies:

Construction projects are complex, with numerous moving parts demanding attention. Builders would rather dedicate time to the core elements of construction than deal with smaller details, even though these details hold the key to project approval. The solution lies in leveraging experts who comprehend both the construction process and the intricacies of permit requirements.

Our Commitment to You:

Understanding the value of time and the importance of professionally done reports, we strive to provide a service that reflects your integrity as a licensed contractor. By handling the legwork, we aim to give you an edge with permitting teams, assuring them that your application is thorough, accurate, and deserving of approval.

Turning Knowledge into Action:

The challenges we faced taught us invaluable lessons. Now, we offer to translate that knowledge into action for you.

Place your order for a detailed, professionally crafted energy load report today and experience the difference it can make in securing a smooth and swift permit approval process.