RESBlog | Site Map | Search | Home

Energy Codes

A key component of RESNET’s mission is to increase the energy efficiency of the nation’s housing stock. RESNET supports the adoption and effective implementation of residential energy codes because they provide a critical function by establishing a "floor level" of energy efficiency which homes can not legally be built below. In far too many cases the benefits of an residential energy code are not being realized because of ineffective implementation. Such organizations as the Alliance to Save Energy and the Building Codes Assistance Project agree that by linking home energy ratings to code compliance, code officials, builders, and consumers can realize the multiple benefits of better designed, better built, and more affordable homes. Listed below are information sources on the Model Energy Code, the effectiveness of codes, and the linkage of residential codes and home energy ratings:

• RESNET Brochure on How to Save $$$ Complying with Residential Energy Codes
  Brochure developed by the RESNET Task Force on Code Compliance
• RESNET Task Force on Code Performance
• RESNET White Paper on Using Home Energy Ratings to Improve Energy Code Compliance 
  View the white paper
• State Statutes and Local Ordinances That Allow Home Energy Ratings as Compliance Option for Residential Energy Code
  A key task of the RESNET Task Force on Code Performance was to post examples of legislation that incorporates performance testing such as home energy ratings as an optional energy code compliance tool. These statues can serve as models for state and local governments in incorporation performance testing into their residential energy code.
• Richard Faesy White Paper on ENERGY Star as Code in Long Island New York

State Information

• Nevada Energy Efficient Housing Connection
  Web site sponsored by the Nevada State Energy Office that contains information on the Model Energy Code, MECcheck, building code resources, analysis of the differences between the 1992, 1993, and 1995 versions of the Model Energy Code, and the linkage between home energy ratings and energy codes.
• Arkansas Energy Code Performance Evaluation
  Performance evaluation of new homes to determine compliance to the Arkansas energy code conducted by the Arkansas energy office. PDF file - 111KB
• Fostering Affordable Housing in Alabama Through Energy Efficient Construction: The Residential Energy Code of Alabama
  Web site sponsored by the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs. Contains information on the Residential Energy Code of Alabama and the role that the market place can play in the effective implementation of the code.
• Fort Collins Evaluation of New Home Energy Efficiency
  Assessment of the 1996 Fort Collins, Colorado Residential Energy Code and benchmark study of design, construction, and performance of homes built between 1994 and 1999.