1. What are Energy Codes?
2. What above code programs are available?
   
3. What are the advantages of energy codes?
4. How are energy codes passed?
5. Energy codes in Utah
6. Utah energy code training

What are Energy Codes?
Like other building codes, energy codes are legally adopted guidelines that establish the minimum allowable levels of design and construction for residential and commercial structures to ensure the wellbeing of building occupants. Energy codes must be followed by all engineers, contractors, builders, architects, building officials, etc. who are involved in the design, construction, and inspection of homes, commercial buildings and other structures. Energy codes address wall and ceiling insulation, window and door specifications, Heating, Ventilation, and Air-Conditioning (HVAC) equipment efficiency, as well as lighting fixtures and controls.

What Programs are Available?
Of course, there are also programs that describe how to construct buildings that exceed the minimum level of energy conservation described in the code, such as:

• ENERGY STAR
• LEED
• Builders Challenge Program
• National Green Building Standard

What are the advantages of energy codes?
While energy codes do not address the traditional immediate “health and life safety” of the building occupants like other building codes, energy codes offer other substantial benefits to individuals and society. Most notably, implementing energy codes result in a reduced demand for energy and associated reductions in energy bills.

The financial savings resulting from energy codes reduces energy bills, which can then be invested by businesses, schools, and homeowners in other products and services.  A 2006 study found that Utahns could save $526 million (net) by 2015 by adopting and enforcing updated energy codes!  For more information about the many benefits of energy codes, read this 2009 report by the Institute for Electric Efficiency.

Additionally, improved energy codes reduce strain on utility electricity transmission and distribution systems and reduce pollution associated with the burning of fossil fuels in the home (e.g. by furnaces or boilers) and at power plants that provide electricity. Due to improved energy efficiency and reduced energy demand, energy codes also improve energy security and energy independence, and increase utility system reliability. If updated building energy codes are not adopted and followed, Utah’s families and businesses would be subjected to higher energy bills.

How are energy codes passed?
Since the late 1980s, Utah has received positive recognition from other states for its model code adoption process. Through this process, the most advanced energy code reviewed by experts from varied building disciplines, and is then adopted, with or without amendments, by Utah’s Uniform Building Code Commission. Since this time, a single, uniform suite of building codes have been in effect for the entire state of Utah.

Energy codes in Utah
Utah has regularly reviewed and adopted the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), a national model building code that establishes the minimum energy conservation requirements for new residential and commercial buildings or major renovations. Resulting from the adoption of a controversial bill that passed in the 2009 Utah Legislative Session, this process has changed and gives final decision-making authority for building and energy code adoption to the Utah Legislature.
 

Utah Energy Code Training
The Utah State Energy Program offers FREE energy code training in partnership with Rocky Mountain Power, Questar Gas, the Governor’s Energy Advisor, the Utah Rural Electric Association, St. George Water & Energy Services, Logan City, and Provo City Power. For more information about the State of Utah Building Energy Codes Program visit the State Energy Program website.