The International Code Council (ICC), a Washington, D.C.-based organization that develops building codes adopted across the U.S., recently announced changes to its 2024 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) that led to the removal of provisions aimed at making new homes more climate-friendly. This decision was made after industry experts argued that the original draft prioritized climate initiatives at the expense of energy efficiency, potentially leading to higher costs for consumers and businesses. The revised code will still result in energy efficiency gains of 7% in residential buildings and 10% in commercial construction, with jurisdictions having the option to adopt additional green measures if they choose.
Various industry groups, including the American Gas Association (AGA) and the Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI), filed appeals challenging the original version of the 2024 IECC, citing concerns about due process violations and potential harm to consumers and businesses. The ICC’s appeals board recommended rejecting these appeals, ultimately leaving the decision to the group’s board of directors. Provisions in the draft code opposed by these groups included requirements for new homes to have electrical infrastructure for home electric vehicle chargers, solar panel systems, and all-electric appliances, which were seen as problematic and potentially leading to legal challenges.
The AGA, the largest trade association representing natural gas service providers in the U.S., applauded the ICC’s decision to remove the controversial provisions from the 2024 IECC, emphasizing the role of natural gas in achieving energy security, environmental goals, and economic prosperity. Other groups that filed appeals against the original code included the American Public Gas Association, the Building Owners and Managers Association, and the National Multifamily Housing Council, as well as the ICC’s northeast regional branch. These organizations argued that the inclusion of certain provisions in the code could have negative consequences for energy efficiency and lead to legal disputes.
The ICC’s CEO Dominic Sims has highlighted the importance of the IECC in helping jurisdictions achieve energy efficiency and greenhouse gas reduction goals, noting that the code serves as a model for states and local governments to adopt and modify as needed. The flexibility provided by the IECC allows local authorities to tailor energy efficiency measures to the specific needs and goals of their communities. With jurisdictions across 48 states representing over 119 million Americans administering the IECC, the code plays a significant role in promoting sustainable construction practices and reducing carbon emissions.
In response to the ICC’s decision, industry groups like the AGA and AHRI have expressed their commitment to energy efficiency while raising concerns about the potential impact of certain provisions in the 2024 IECC on legal challenges and adoption rates by states and localities. AHRI President and CEO Stephen Yurek stressed the importance of avoiding preemption issues and ensuring that the code does not deter jurisdictions from implementing energy-efficient measures. The Biden administration has announced plans to allocate $1 billion in grants to assist more jurisdictions in implementing the IECC, further underscoring the importance of energy efficiency and sustainability in the construction industry.
