Worcester: A greener future, today.

Opportunities for Municipal Officials to Influence the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) and Improve the Building Energy Code in MA

In 2019, participating municipal officials across the country will have the power to determine a better, more efficient code in 2021. The International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) is the model code for new buildings built in the United States and beyond – and it is adopted, with few changes, by Massachusetts every three years*. The code has the power to maximize building efficiency and safety, and minimize carbon pollution and energy bills. Community officials are eligible to vote on the ICC changes every 3 years, but very few do.

This year, nine of the City departments have enlisted to vote on the code changes in November, with a goal of voting for code amendments that promote building energy efficiency. That's just one example of how Worcester is leading by example!

Resources:

Common Building Department questions about the IECC - Myths and Facts. By Energy-Efficient Codes Coalition.

Fact Sheet. A Better Building Code. By MCAN, NEEP, MAPC and Sierra Club Massachusetts.

Opinion. An Important Vote for the Climate. By Justin Gillis, New York Times. March 24, 2019.

Webinar. Opportunities to Influence the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) and Improve the Building Energy Code in MA. Organized by Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC). June 18, 2018.

Links to Other Resources:

• Energy-Efficient Codes Coalition
• International Code Council - Energy Conservation Code
• *MA Energy Code in Statute - MGL Chapter 143 Section 94: State board of building regulations and standards “to adopt and fully integrate the latest International Energy Conservation Code as part of the state building code, together with any more stringent energy-efficiency provisions that the board, in consultation with the Department of Energy Resources, concludes are warranted."
• Metropolitan Area Planning Council - Building Codes for Climate