The Challenge
Codes and voluntary programs - particularly those that pro-
mote “beyond-code” or “advanced building” energy effi-
ciency - are inextricably linked for several reasons:
Voluntary advanced efficiency programs are often used as mandatory ordinances and code implementation
tools by early adopter communities looking to advance more quickly than model codes allow.
The US-Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Energy Star Homes program promotes construction to a level
15% more energy efficient (roughly equal to the 2006 IECC) than the baseline 2004 International Residential
Code requires.
The US-Department of Energy Building America Builder’s Challenge—incorporating numerous energy effi-
ciency and other building performance improvements over the baseline codes— promotes energy perform-
ance that is 30% better than the 2006 IECC.
On the commercial building side, the US Green Building Council (USGBC) and the LEED New Construction Pro-
gram (LEED-NC) require that buildings meet the ASHRAE 90.1 2004 standard. Points are awarded toward
meeting LEED performance goals for measures that are even more efficient, which are based on percentage
performance over that minimum standard.
Resource Links
http://www.ciwmb.ca.gov/GREENBUILDING/Basics.htm. Resources for green building provided by the city of San
Jose.
http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/states/alternatives/voluntary_rating_systems.cfm. US-Department of Energy re-
sources for better understanding the relationship between the codes and voluntary programs.
http://www.epa.gov/partners/programs/. Voluntary, partner-based energy and resource-efficiency programs from
the Environmental Protection Agency.
http://energy.dow.com/energy_plan/green_building.htm. DOW Energy’s perspective on voluntary programs.
http://www.hp.com/hpinfo/abouthp/government/ww/gib_energy.html. Hewlett Packard’s perspectives on volun-
tary programs.
http://www.natresnet.org/Nevada/codes.htm. Information on Nevada’s use of Home Energy Rater Service (HERS).
BCAP Council (NRDC), and the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE)
1850 M St. NW Suite 600 | Washington, DC | www.bcap-ocean.org