by Brianna Crandall — November 18, 2016 — The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recently found that strong energy codes could save building owners, homeowners and tenants over $126 billion on energy bills over the next 25 years. Recognizing this massive potential, the Institute for Market Transformation (IMT) and the International Code Council (ICC) recently announced the 2016 winners for the Standard Bearers Awards for Excellence in Energy Code Compliance.
Now in its fifth year, the awards honor states, cities, towns, and individuals who go above and beyond to raise compliance with building energy codes — and by doing so, help unlock billions in savings and improve the efficiency of America’s new and existing buildings and homes using cost-effective, practical and innovative strategies.
IMT and ICC noted that strong building energy codes are one of the most effective and affordable tools to guarantee that buildings save people money on energy bills and provide safe, healthy, and comfortable environments, and that stakeholders will be voting on proposed changes to the 2018 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) this year.
The 2016 Standard Bearers Award winners for energy code compliance are:
- State Jurisdiction Winner: Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs, Energy Division
- Local Jurisdiction Winner: Chula Vista, CA
- Energy Code Leader: Darren Meyers of Tinley Park, IL
While the recent DOE analysis examined changes over the coming 25 years, IMT research asserts that savings could begin much sooner: bringing a year’s worth of new residential and commercial construction up to code in the United States could save $189 million in one year, equal to a lifetime savings of up to $37.1 billion for just five years’ worth of new buildings.
For more information on the Standard Bearers Awards and descriptions of the 2016 winners, visit the IMT Web site.
