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Beyond Code: Resources for State and Local Governments
As part of its mission to promote more energy
efficient buildings in the Southwest, SWEEP is supporting local initiatives to
develop and implement a range of strategies for promoting energy efficiency
improvements in residential and commercial properties, including advanced
building energy codes, green building incentives, and minimum energy efficiency
standards for publicly funded projects.
While building energy codes set a floor on the
energy efficiency of new buildings, it is possible to move well beyond minimum
code requirements and reduce energy use in new buildings by 30% or more very
cost effectively. SWEEP has developed the Going Beyond Code guide
to help state and local governments design and implement successful efficiency
programs for new commercial and residential buildings in the Southwest. The
guide provides detailed descriptions and analysis of previously implemented
programs, including lessons learned and best practices. The Guide addresses each
of the primary areas that are typically addressed in beyond code or green
building programs, including energy efficiency materials and resource
conservation, water efficiency, indoor environmental quality, and site
development and land use. The guide includes recommendations for developing and
implementing beyond code programs as well as model energy codes.
The Guide provides detailed descriptions and
analysis of previously implemented programs, including lessons learned and best
practices. The Guide reviews national beyond code programs and standards, and
assesses their applicability to state and local codes. States and localities can
use the information on local programs, national codes and standards, and the
model energy efficiency criteria for residential and commercial buildings to
determine what which approach will work best for their jurisdiction, and develop
and implement an effective beyond code program.
Information Resources
SWEEP Report: Going Beyond Code: A Guide to Creating Energy Efficient and
Sustainable Buildings in the Southwest
Presentations
Municipal programs
Beyond Code and Green Building Program Resource Guides
Additional information resources
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SWEEP Beyond
Code Resources for States and Municipalities
Action steps
for states and municipalities interested in developing a beyond
code program:
- Adopt the most recent version
of the IECC for all new residential and commercial
construction
- Establish beyond code program
goals and adopt policies to achieve the goals with input
from stakeholders
- Consider working
collaboratively with other jurisdictions in your area or
region to develop a regional approach with consistent
requirements
- Establish an integrated
process to implement the program across all affected
departments and/or agencies
- Conduct education and outreach
to builders, community groups, businesses and households.
Consider offering incentives for going well beyond the
minimum program requirements.
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