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Building Codes for Energy Conservation
While transitioning to a renewable energy future is important to slow climate change, it is equally important to conserve energy and lessen demands on the power grid.
During Midwestern summers, you may be used to seeing “Peak Demand” alerts asking utility customers to turn up their thermostat by a couple of degrees or limit their use of major appliances during heat waves, but energy conservation is necessary year-round. Not only does it reduce utility bills, but it also reduces emissions from individual structures.
Statewide Energy Conservation Code
Energy conservation goes beyond just what each individual strives to do on their own. Through the Illinois Energy Efficient Building Act, the state has adopted the Illinois Energy Conservation Code. This energy conservation code is a component of a building ordinance or building code.
Building codes focus on how structures are built to ensure they are safe for habitation or use and will be structurally sound. Structural components covered by building codes can include roofs, foundations, windows and doors, electrical, and plumbing.
Energy conservation codes are a way to ensure that, for new construction and renovations, building design and construction practices will reduce energy consumption and the cost of utility bills. Energy conservation codes aim to help buildings retain heat during the winter and cold air during the summer, as well as for water heating and lighting systems to be efficient. Components covered by these codes include insulation, ductwork, and window and door assembly, among other items.
Another benefit of energy conservation codes is their impact on indoor air quality. Better ventilation and moisture control can help occupants stay healthy. During power outages, buildings constructed to meet energy conservation standards can also help occupants maintain a more comfortable indoor temperature due to higher insulation standards.
All new commercial and residential buildings, as well as renovations to such buildings, must comply with the Illinois Energy Conservation Code, which conforms with the latest published edition of the International Energy Conservation Code.
If local units of government in Illinois want to adopt higher energy conservation standards than are required under the general code, they could adopt the state’s “Stretch Energy Code.” This stretch code has more stringent requirements for energy efficiency, but it is entirely voluntary as to whether municipalities or counties decide to adopt it. At this time, only state-funded facilities are required to adhere to the stretch energy code.
While the cost of building to energy-efficient standards, whether they be the state of Illinois' base energy conservation code or the stretch code, may be higher initially, the aim is to save money on utility bills over time. Nationally, the U.S. Department of Energy estimates that between 2010 and 2040, energy-efficient building codes will save $182 billion in energy costs.
Energy Conservation Resources
The University of Illinois has ongoing research and consultation for energy efficiency building codes through the EnergySense Resilience Center. If your local unit of government is interested in learning more about incorporating energy-efficient building codes into its ordinance, explore Energy Sense Resilience Center resources to learn about what they can offer. They also offer energy assessments, free of charge, to publicly-owned water and wastewater treatment plants in Illinois.
Find more about the Illinois Energy Efficient Building Act on the Illinois General Assembly website.
More information about energy codes and their history is available from the federal Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.