Codes & Standards
International Code Council proposes 15% energy efficiency increase for next code update
New proposed updates from the International Code Council to the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) would increase energy efficiency in new homes and commercial buildings by about 15%. Implementation of a new code probably wouldn't begin before late 2013. Some of the proposed changes include requiring that home builders mark the R-value of insulation (by posting hang tags every few feet in the attic, for instance); that three-quarters of the lighting in a home be high-efficiency; and that high-efficiency windows be used.