[ALBUQUERQUE, NM] – Last night, the Albuquerque City Council voted to adopt a new and efficient building energy code, the 2018 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). This new energy code — the first update in a decade — is an important step in Albuquerque’s path forward as a leader in energy conservation in the region and moves the City forward on the path towards sustainability.

“Updating our energy code is one of the most important and effective things Albuquerque can do to reduce its climate impact from the buildings sector,” said Tammy Fiebelkorn, the New Mexico representative for the Southwest Energy Efficiency Project. “Every home built under the new energy code will use at least 22% less energy than homes built under the old, outdated code. This reduces the need for more power plants and cuts burning of fossil fuels.”

Additionally, a newer energy code improves the durability of homes and the resilience of communities during severe weather events, which are increasingly common during the climate crisis.

Updating the energy code will make new home ownership in Albuquerque more affordable. Energy bills are the second highest expense of home ownership, after a mortgage. The new energy code will pay for itself many times over in lower energy bills. In fact, analysis funded by the U.S. Department of Energy shows the average new single-family home in Albuquerque will save $6,493 over the course of a 30-year mortgage.

“This new update brings Albuquerque’s code forward a decade, ensuring our residents and building owners are getting the innovations in efficiency, technology, and cost savings seen in other parts of the region” added Fiebelkorn. “Thanks to Councilors Benton, Davis, and Gibson for their leadership on this code update which took over two years to complete. They have worked incredibly hard to bring the benefits of increased energy conservation, comfort, and safety to Albuquerque residents.”

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The Southwest Energy Efficiency Project (SWEEP) is a public-interest organization promoting greater energy efficiency and clean transportation in Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming. For more information about our programs and other work, please visit swenergy.org