Codes are Key to an Energy-Efficient Future

Get excited. The 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) is here.

No, seriously. While codes are off of the radar for most people, they are key to our energy future. And even though the spotlight often shines brightest on the emerging clean energy technology we may use tomorrow, smarter use of all energy sources today is equally important.

Updates from the IECC 2012 code will make 2015’s code more energy-efficient than ever. But code adoption can be a tough sell. Cities may be concerned about having the resources to enforce the codes, builders often perceive a high cost (financial and educational) to meeting new codes, and utilities may see new codes as a threat to their industry or customer retention.

All of these arguments are short-sighted, though, and state energy offices and regional energy efficiency organizations are going to have to focus on the positive, forward-looking messages to deliver to each key audience in the code adoption and implementation cycle. Here’s what they look like:

Cities

While cities may feel they lack the resources to enforce new rules, the argument in favor of adopting codes is actually also an economic one. Adopting up-to-date energy codes results in quality buildings that are safer and perform better. The code will also save citizens money — and no small amount when taken as a whole. According to a recent Energy Collective article, adopting the 2015 IECC would save the country a quarter of a trillion dollars over the next 15 years — money that goes back into local economies. It would also bring a reduction of three million metric tons of carbon equivalent — three percent all US emissions.

Builders and Developers

While updating building practices may seem like a chore, continually being able to market energy-efficient homes that meet and exceed code is a real selling point for builders. A California study found that green-certified homes sold for an average of 9 percent more than similar less-efficient homes. It also found a “Prius effect” that made this percentage even higher in areas where support for conservation is high.

Updates builders may need to make to meet the new code are also often more practical and more cost-effective than they might perceive. There are good builder-focused summaries of the differences between the 2012 and 2015 code here, here and here.

Utilities

While the new code will require shifting away from some technologies and appliances, water, electric and natural gas utilities actually stand to benefit from the implementation of a new code that encourages energy-efficiency. New homes built to code will save resources and lower monthly bills, something all customers can get behind. As an added bonus, utilities can incentivize builders to install appliances that meet or exceed code. When utilities offer energy-efficient rebates and incentives and teach customers how to use less energy at home, it continues to boost customer satisfaction and helps with retention.

Results from the 2014 JD Power Customer Satisfaction Survey of residential natural gas utilities illustrate this point. One of the key findings was “communication from gas utilities informing customers about efforts to keep energy costs low is a key driver of satisfaction and educated customers have higher price satisfaction when they are familiar with conservation programs and when they take action to lower their bills.”

The code is the common thread that can help cities, builders, utilities and consumers at the same time, but clear, consistent messaging to key audiences is needed to make the code work. Two recent studies show progress in both our state and across the country when it comes to energy code implementation. And in Texas, groups like SECO and SPEER are already offering training on the new 2015 code to keep that progress moving forward in ways that will help make sure the new code is something we can all get excited about.