Energy Efficient Building Codes: What's Sauce for the Massachusetts Goose is Sauce for the National Gander
We previously noted efforts by Massachusetts to require greater energy efficiency in new construction through revisions to the state building code. The Massachusetts Global Warming Solutions Act requires adoption of a more energy efficient code. Massachusetts is also pursuing an even more aggressive “Stretch” code, that municipalities would have the option of adopting.
Yesterday, Massachusetts took this green building message to Washington. The Environment Reporter states that Phil Giudice, Commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources, testified before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee in favor of Congressional action to require states to require at least a 30% increase in energy efficiency over current standards. The 30% figure appears to be a minimum. Mr. Giudice stated that a requirement for a 50% reduction would be even better.
There is little doubt that there is a lot of the proverbial low-hanging fruit to be picked with respect to energy efficiency in buildings. It’s good to see Massachusetts taking its message onto the national stage. At least this way, if such legislation is enacted, Massachusetts won’t be at a competitive disadvantage compared to other states whose codes currently do not require significant improvements in energy efficiency!
