2009 IECC hearings changed code debates forever

Not long ago, the building and real estate lobby could routinely turn back improvements to the International Energy Conservation Code with the argument that requiring greater energy efficiency would add to the cost of housing and drive would-be homeowners from the market.

According to a story in The Washington Post, the Energy Efficient Code Coalition’s presence in the 2009 debate over the 2009 IECC changed that. True, the Coalition didn’t win the 30 percent improvement in energy savings over the 2006 code it sought. In fact, when averaged nationally, the upgrade over 2006 will be about 12 percent.

But the Coalition, 55 diverse groups organized by the Alliance to Save Energy, managed to demonstrate that big improvements in residential energy efficiency need not mean decreased home sales. Builders from places as different as Michigan and New Mexico testified during the hearings that big gains can be had without increased costs or, in cases where costs do rise in service of greater efficiency, that home buyers see the value in long-term operating cost savings.

The Coalition also organized persuasive arguments from advocates for low-income Americans, for whom buying a home is less a problem than covering ongoing costs like costs for heating, cooling and lighting, and electric utilities interested in meeting future energy demand without having to build and operate expensive new generating plants.

The Coalition is now turning its attention to the 2012 update to the IECC and gaining a 40 percent improvement over the 2006 baseline.

Tags: homepost