Energy codes and appliance standards are important tools for capturing minimum efficiency gains in our buildings, appliances and equipment.
Energy codes contain minimum energy efficiency provisions for residential and commercial buildings and can include requirements for the efficiency of the windows, the levels of insulation, and the efficiency of the heating and cooling equipment used. Energy codes can have either a prescriptive approach, followed as prescribed, or a performance approach, where efficiency measures in one area can be traded off with other areas. An appliance standard sets the minimum energy efficiency requirement for equipment and appliances sold within the United States. Standards can be applied either at the manufacturing, sale, or installation stage. Standards that apply at the installation stage are usually part of a state's energy code.
The value of energy efficiency in the form of energy codes and appliance standards is recognized as a simple and cost-effective way to reduce energy consumption, reduce energy bills, make housing more affordable, reduce air pollution and improve air quality. Energy codes are important because it is easier to affect this before the building is constructed. Buildings consume 40% of the world's raw materials and energy and today's buildings may be around for 75 years. Therefore, if energy efficiency components are not incorporated in new construction, we lose savings opportunities over the lifetime of the building.
MEEA continuously monitors energy code upgrades and serves as a resource for states when upgrading their codes. MEEA supports statewide adoption of the most recent national energy code certified by the U.S. Department of Energy, by providing written and verbal testimony. MEEA also serves as a resource for states adopting appliance standards.
Call to Action
To learn more about energy codes, visit our Resources Section. To learn more or to invite MEEA's participation in your state's activities, contact Anne McKibbin, Policy Manager.
