Final Report on Energy Efficiency Standards and Practices

Energy Code Memo

Iowa State Energy Code Review Form

Iowa Code section 103A.7, subsection 6 provides that the State of Iowa Building Code shall include "reasonable provisions" for:

• 6. The conservation of energy through thermal and lighting efficiency standards for buildings intended for human occupancy or use.

Related provisions of the Code of Iowa provide for the adoption of energy conservation requirements for commercial and for residential construction. The "State Energy Code" applies to all commercial construction, whether new construction or construction work on existing buildings. These requirements also apply to all new construction of one and two family residences in ths state, but not to renovation or remodeling of one and two family residences.

The State Energy Code is a part of the State Building Code, although it is set off in its own chapter of the administrative rules of the Department of Public Safety (661 Iowa Administrative Code, Chapter 303). With one amendment, the Building Code Commissioner has adopted the energy conservation requirements contained in the International Energy Conservation Code, 2006 edition.

The State Energy Code is a subject of significant interest currently. In 2008, the Iowa General Assembly enacted legislation creating the Commission on Energy Efficiency Standards and Practices. The Commission, which has a two-year life and is scheduled to deliver its final report by January 1, 2011, is charged with studying the following:

• Evaluate energy efficiency standards applicable to existing or newly constructed residential, commercial, and industrial buildings and vertical infrastructure at the state and local level and make suggestions for their improvement and enforcement. The evaluation of energy efficiency standards shall include but not be limited to a review of the following:
  (1) The reduction in energy usage likely to result from the adoption and enforcement of the standards.
  (2) The effect of compliance with the standards on indoor air quality.
  (3) The relationship of the standards to weatherization programs for existing housing stock and to the availability of affordable housing, including rental units.
• Develop recommendations for new energy efficiency standards, specifications, or guidelines applicable to newly constructed residential, commercial, and industrial buildings and vertical infrastructure.
• Develop recommendations for the establishment of incentives for energy efficiency construction projects which exceed currently applicable state and local building codes.
• Develop recommendations for adoption of a statewide energy efficiency building labeling or rating system for residential, commercial, and industrial buildings and complexes.