What is an energy code?

Standardizes building efficiency practices, establishing a minimum level of energy smart construction for all homes and commercial buildings.

What’s the best standard? 

The International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) sets building efficiency standards, and updates them every 3 years.   The IECC is only the energy portion of the ICC (International Construction Code), which includes other standards such as plumbing, earthquake, fire safety, etc.

What could a statewide energy code do for Missouri? 

• Ensure retail and office buildings are constructed to meet IECC standards, saving 30%-40% more energy than typical buildings not constructed to meet the energy code.
• Save Missourians approximately $108 million on energy bills by 2020 (http://bcap-energy.org/).
• Provide statewide consistency for the construction sector.
• Enable local jurisdictions to pool limited resources and combine personnel to form regional administration and education programs.
• Remove 2.2 million tons of CO2 from the atmosphere every year – the equivalent of heating and cooling 450,000 homes or removing 400,000 cars from the road.  Energy codes are also the most cost-effective way to decrease air pollution and reduce the demand for new, nonrenewable energy sources.

Why is a statewide energy code especially important for Missouri now?

• Missouri is one of only nine states without a statewide code. 
• Federal stimulus money is available for states that adopt statewide energy codes now.

What should Missouri do to improve Energy Standards?

Missouri state legislators should implement the 2009 IECC statewide.  2009 IECC has several significant new provisions to boost energy efficiency, including:

• Increased insulation in basements, floors and walls
• Improved window efficiency
• Reductions in wasted energy from leaky heating & cooling ducts
• High-efficiency lighting
• Improved air sealing within the building envelope

See bcap-energy.org for more details