The International Code Council (ICC) recently made the decision to scale back a plan to incorporate more climate-friendly measures into building codes. The organization, which issues codes that regulate new construction in the U.S., faced criticism for putting too much emphasis on climate initiatives, leading to potentially higher costs for new homes. The 2024 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) will still result in energy efficiency gains for residential and commercial buildings, with jurisdictions having the option to adopt more aggressive green measures. Industry experts and organizations like the American Gas Association (AGA) supported the decision to remove the controversial provisions from the code.
Various energy industry associations and housing groups, including the AGA, filed an appeal challenging the original version of the 2024 energy conservation code, arguing that the ICC had violated due process requirements when developing the IECC and that the green provisions would be detrimental to consumers and businesses. The ICC’s appeals board recommended rejecting these appeals, leaving the final decision in the hands of the board of directors. The draft IECC included measures such as requiring new homes to have electrical infrastructure for electric vehicle chargers, wiring for solar panels, and all-electric appliances, which were contested by industry groups.
The Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) warned that the proposed code could lead to legal challenges and potential issues with preemption in certain states and localities. AHRI, along with other organizations like the American Public Gas Association and the Building Owners and Managers Association, filed appeals against the draft IECC. The ICC’s Northeast regional branch also joined in the appeals process. The IECC, which is administered by jurisdictions across 48 states and impacts more than 119 million Americans, is seen as an essential tool for achieving energy efficiency and greenhouse gas reduction goals.
ICC CEO Dominic Sims emphasized the flexibility of the IECC and other International Codes, stating that the adoption and amendment of these codes are at the discretion of state and local governments. The Biden administration announced plans to redirect $1 billion in grants to assist jurisdictions in implementing the ICC’s IECC, further highlighting the importance of energy efficiency in building construction. The decision by the ICC to remove the controversial climate provisions from the 2024 IECC reflects a balance between energy efficiency and green initiatives, allowing local governments to tailor their approach to meet the unique needs of their communities.
