Voting to Add Optional Outcome-Based Pathway to 2018 IECC Is Open

Nov. 16, 2016
To become part of the 2018 IECC, the proposal must undergo one more vote from the ICC membership. Voting will close at midnight PT on Nov. 22.

During the recent International Code Council (ICC) Public Comment Hearings in Kansas City, Mo., governmental members considered the National Institute of Building Sciences’ proposal (CE37-16) to add an optional outcome-based pathway for compliance to the 2018 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC).

The institute proposed the change reasoning many jurisdictions do not have the personnel or fiscal resources to adequately ensure compliance with energy and sustainability requirements. By focusing on real outcomes, the institute says, code officials and communities can be assured requirements are being met while not incurring additional enforcement burdens. An outcome-based compliance pathway would set targets for the actual energy use of a building and determine compliance through the building’s achievement of those targets once in operation.

“The outcome-based pathway has received strong support from across the industry,” Ryan Colker, National Institute of Building Sciences presidential advisor, said.

During the hearings, representatives of the National Institute of Building Sciences, New Buildings Institute, Target Corp., and the Alliance to Save Energy spoke in favor of the proposal. Additional supporters include the Institute for Market Transformation and the National Insulation Association.

To become part of the 2018 IECC, the proposal must undergo one more vote from the ICC membership.

“If you’re an ICC governmental member, we urge you to vote in support of this code change,” Colker said. “If you’re not a voting member, we encourage you to reach out to your colleagues who do vote to let them know why you support this measure.”

Governmental members are requested to vote in favor of the proposal “as submitted.” Voting will close at midnight PT on Nov. 22. To vote, click here.

The IECC, which is updated every three years, is in use or adopted in 47 states, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico.