Important Vote on Energy Occurs This Weekend

An obscure vote, which will have a dramatic effect on the nation’s energy consumption for decades to come, is taking place this weekend in Minneapolis, Minn.

 

The International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), the body that writes the most utilized residential energy code in the country, will consider proposals to modify the 2009 version of America’s model energy code.

 

Since early 2008, Global Green has been working as part of the Energy Efficient Codes Coalition (EECC), which has offered a proposal dubbed the “30 percent Solution” because its the only code change proposal that would boost energy efficiency in new homes by 30 percent.

 

The International Codes Council (ICC), the body that votes and writes the codes, is made up of building code officials from all over the country. They only update the codes once every three years. The IECC is the model energy code recognized by federal law.

 

“The benefits of the 30 percent Solution reach far beyond property lines, this proposal will help mitigate the potentially devastating effects of the greatest threat facing humankind, global warming,” said Global Green Policy and Legislative Associate David Fink. “The way things stand now, increased energy consumption and an increase in greenhouse gas emissions go hand in hand, that is why a practical, cost-effective plan such as the 30 percent Solution is needed.”

 

Currently, homes and non-residential buildings use 40 percent of America’s energy and 75 percent of its electricity. Powering homes accounts for roughly 1/5 of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. While America’s energy needs rise, there becomes a demand for new power plant construction, which leads to decreased air quality, making this a public health issue as well.

 

A 30 percent boost in energy efficiency in the 2009 IECC will help struggling families pay their bills. High utility costs negatively impact low-income families most – they are typically the fourth highest household expense in a family’s budget.

 

Nationwide, the inability to pay utility bills is the second leading cause of eviction, so improvements in energy efficiency are critical to families in need, as well beneficial to affordable housing developers and operators as they result in more energy efficient buildings.

 

“One of the best ways to let the air out of the rising energy cost balloon is to build homes that are more energy efficient, meaning they are better insulated and do a better job of keeping air in,” Fink said.

 

Calls for a stronger energy code – on the order of 30 percent or beyond – have come from a growing number of highly-respected governmental and other bodies, including members of Congress and the EPA/DOE National Action Plan for Energy Efficiency, ASHRAE, Western Governors Association, U.S. Department of Energy, Architecture 2030, the National Petroleum Council, the American Institute of Architects, and the U.S. Conference of Mayors.