Codes that are enacted to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, critical factors in minimizing the impact buildings have on the environment.
Building Envelope: The building envelope is the physical barrier between the interior and exterior of a building. Energy efficiency codes typically place requirements on the thermal resistance, airtightness, and insulation of the building envelope.
HVAC Systems: Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems are major consumers of energy in buildings. Therefore, energy efficiency codes often set minimum requirements for HVAC systems, including minimum SEER and AFUE ratings for air conditioners and furnaces.
Lighting: Lighting is another major energy consumer in buildings. Energy efficiency codes may set requirements for lighting controls, such as occupancy sensors or daylight sensors, as well as minimum efficiency ratings for light fixtures and bulbs.
Electrical Systems: Energy efficiency codes may also set requirements for electrical systems, which can impact the energy usage of appliances and other electrical devices within the building.
Water Efficiency: Energy efficiency codes may also include requirements for water efficiency, including minimum standards for plumbing fixtures such as toilets, faucets, and showerheads.
Building Orientation and Design: The orientation and design of a building can impact its energy usage. Energy efficiency codes may set requirements for site selection, building orientation, and other design features.
Renewable Energy Systems: Energy efficiency codes may incentivize or require the use of renewable energy systems, such as solar panels or wind turbines, in order to reduce the building’s dependence on non-renewable energy sources.
Building Commissioning: Building commissioning is a process that ensures a building’s systems are properly installed and functioning as intended. Energy efficiency codes may require or incentivize building commissioning as a way to ensure that buildings are operating in an energy-efficient manner.
Energy Audits: Energy audits can help identify areas where a building may be losing energy and provide recommendations for improving energy efficiency. Energy efficiency codes may require or incentivize energy audits as a way to identify and address energy inefficiencies.
Energy Performance Standards: Energy performance standards are the measurement criteria used to determine whether a building meets the energy efficiency requirements set forth in energy efficiency codes. Energy efficiency codes may establish energy performance standards that buildings must meet in order to comply with the code.
International Energy Conservation Code (IECC): A model building code that regulates energy efficiency in residential and commercial buildings, covering everything from insulation to lighting to HVAC systems.
ASHRAE Standard 90.1: A standard for energy efficiency in commercial buildings that sets minimum requirements for insulation, lighting, heating and cooling systems, and more.
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED): A rating system that uses a point-based scoring system to measure a building's sustainability and energy efficiency.
California Energy Code (Title 24, Part 6): A building code specific to the state of California that emphasizes energy efficiency and includes requirements for renewable energy.
Passive House: A standard for energy-efficient construction that emphasizes a tightly sealed, super-insulated building envelope and minimal energy usage.
ENERGY STAR: A program that certifies buildings and appliances for energy efficiency, based on strict performance standards.
National Green Building Standard: A rating system that covers energy efficiency as well as other sustainability factors, such as water and materials usage, intended for both residential and commercial buildings.
Zero Energy Building (ZEB) Standard: A standard that requires buildings to produce as much energy as they consume on an annual basis, through a combination of energy efficiency measures and renewable energy production.
City-specific building codes: Some cities have their own building codes that emphasize energy efficiency, such as Boston's Stretch Energy Code or New York City's Energy Conservation Code.
Building Performance Institute (BPI) Standards: Standards set by the Building Performance Institute for energy auditors and home performance contractors, covering building science, energy efficiency, and health and safety.