Codes

The Future of Energy Efficient Building Construction

Where are we with training a new workforce?

Building and energy codes are improving with each edition published so that occupants of new buildings have an increasingly healthier, safer environment, and a reduction in energy consumption and carbon impact. Highlighted in conversations with building officials and builders across the Midwest is the fact that skilled workers are retiring. Young people looking for a career path, or those looking for a career change, are not aware of the career possibilities in the construction industry that support healthier buildings. How many high schoolers say they want a career as a building inspector or as a HERS rater?

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New Construction in Oak Park Will Now Be All-Electric

On June 20, 2023, the Village Board of Oak Park, Illinois voted in favor of an all-electric new construction ordinance as part of their building code. This makes Oak Park the first municipality in Illinois - and the Midwest - to pass an electrification ordinance. Electrification was one of the steps identified as necessary to achieve community-wide net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, as set forth by the Village in Climate Ready Oak Park. This follows the adoption of a benchmarking ordinance approved in February 2023.

Oak Park, IL Initiates Benchmarking to Be Climate Ready

On February 6, 2023, the Village Board of Oak Park (Village) unanimously passed an energy and water benchmarking ordinance for commercial and multifamily buildings. This benchmarking ordinance is one of the steps identified as necessary to achieve community-wide net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, as set forth by the Village in Climate Ready Oak Park.

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13th Annual Midwest Building Energy Codes Conference Recap

MEEA’s 13th Annual Midwest Building Energy Codes Conference took place earlier this month, running from Tuesday, November 8 through Thursday, November 10, 2022. The virtual conference had no shortage of lively discussion and useful information presented. 

 

Pre-Conference Day