“Just do what the inspector says” is often the approach to following building code in our industry and it’s no wonder why — building codes are complex! Building code is a term that is both specific and general. Specifically, it addresses structural and architectural requirements. Generally, it encompasses the primary trade codes of plumbing, mechanical, and electrical. Energy codes also fall under the general umbrella of building codes. But under the specific purpose of enabling effective use and conservation of energy, there are an assortment of other codes, standards, programs, and certifications. Making sense of all this is a full-day event, so here’s an introduction to the subject and an invitation to learn more. 

Stretch codes are a mechanism for an authority to adopt a specific edition of energy code, while including energy efficiency enhancements of the next, often unpublished, edition. It’s like adopting an updated version of the code before it’s available for adoption. This concept is unique to energy codes, because energy codes are rapidly changing in response to our society’s expectations and innovations.

The federal government also promotes and encourages energy efficiency directly to the consumer through programs that offer tax incentives and certifications to boost consumer confidence. The Energy Policy Act of 1992 led to the creation of ENERGY STAR® ratings for consumer products and by 1995 an ENERGY STAR rating for an entire new house.  Updated under the Inflation Reduction in 2022, a $2,500 tax credit is available to builders of single-family homes. This credit can be doubled to $5,000 when the new house meets the requirements of the Zero Energy Ready Homes (ZERH) program. There are also tax credits available for energy improvements made on existing homes for a variety of ENERGY STAR certified products, from water heaters to windows.