The International Code Council (ICC) Opens Period for Code Change Submittals for the 2024 International Energy Conservation Code and Chapter 11 International Residential Code — Proposals Due October 12, 2021.
The International Code Council announced this week ( July 19 News Release attached) that it is currently accepting code change proposals for the development of its 2024 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) and Chapter 11 of the International Residential Code (IRC).  In its announcement, the ICC stated “As established through the Code Council’s recently released energy efficiency framework, Leading the Way to Energy Efficiency: A Path Forward on Energy and Sustainability to Confront a Changing Climate, the 2024 IECC and Chapter 11 of the IRC will be updated using the Code Council’s American National Standards Institute (ANSI) approved standards process.” Code change proposals will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. PT on Oct. 12, 2021.
In addition to accepting code change proposals to the IECC and Residential Code, the ICC is also requesting public comments on electrical vehicle (EV) charging resources that could be adopted by states and jurisdictions along with the 2021 Edition of the IECC. Specifically, the ICC states the following: “Additionally, the Code Council is seeking public input on an electrical vehicle (EV) charging resource, the first in a series of energy efficiency and greenhouse gas emission resources as outlined in the Code Council’s framework. Covering residential, commercial and multifamily applications, the resource provides communities flexibility in determining the best combination of EV-installed, EV-ready and EV-capable spaces. The Code Council staff draft is based on input from stakeholders, code change proposals considered for the 2021 IECC and policies already implemented in some jurisdictions. It also captures information on approaches states and localities have already taken to help support other jurisdictions considering use of the language, and provides communities with model language coordinated with the International Codes to help achieve additional efficiency and greenhouse gas reductions. Comments on the EV resource are due August 16. Access the draft and instructions for commenting here. “
It should be noted that proposals for adding EV charging resources were not approved  during the ICC Appeals Hearings on the 2021 Edition of the IECC last fall mainly because EV charging devices are not within the scope of the IECC and IRC and determining any energy efficiency improvements by adding such a requirement would be questionable and in fact increases home and buildings energy use. AGA spoke in opposition of adding the requirement for those reasons. This approach by the ICC of proposing such amendments  on proposals that were not approved during the formal ICC code development process is disturbing and can result in promoting proposals that bypass the ICC code development process and which the ICC membership have decided as not worthy of being included in the ICC developed code.
DOE Issues Model Energy Code Determinations for Residential and Commercial Buildings
This week, the Department of Energy (DOE) issued pre-publication Federal Register notices determining that the updated model building energy codes, the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) and ANSI/ASHRAE/IES Standard 90.1-2019, will increase energy efficiency in residential and commercial buildings, respectively. DOE analysis estimates the following national average savings for buildings meeting the updated code (as compared to the previous respective edition).

Upon publication of this affirmative determination, each State must review and certify their state building codes relative to the updated editions of the IECC and Standard 90.1. Each notice provides further guidance on State code review processes and associated certifications.Certification statements provided by States shall be submitted two years after the notice has published in the Federal Register. DOE will send a follow-up email to announce the closing date once each notice has published. Supporting technical analysis, as well as links to the Federal docket and public comments received, are available at:https://www.energycodes.gov/development/determinations. Additional information on the program can be found here:  Building Energy Codes Program

State Codes Activity Update.
Attached  is a weekly feature of the “Friday Update” covering state code calendar activities as presented by the online utility “Fiscal Note,” which is sponsored by APGA and AGA Code and Standards. Please review the update and determine if there are state code activities that impact your service territory or organization.

For Immediate Release
July 19, 2021
www.iccsafe.org
Contact: Whitney Doll
(202) 568-1978
[email protected]

Code Change Proposal Submittals Open for the 2024 International Energy Conservation Code and Chapter 11 International Residential Code
International Code Council’s resource on electric vehicle charging will also be open for public input

Washington, D.C. – The International Code Council, the developer of the most widely used and highly regarded set of building safety codes and standards in the world, is currently accepting code change proposals for the development of its 2024 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) and Chapter 11 of the International Residential Code (IRC). As established through the Code Council’s recently released energy efficiency framework, Leading the Way to Energy Efficiency: A Path Forward on Energy and Sustainability to Confront a Changing Climate, the 2024 IECC and Chapter 11 of the IRC will be updated using the Code Council’s American National Standards Institute (ANSI) approved standards process.
The 2024 edition will continue to build on the success of the prior editions allowing the IECC to remain a strong avenue for communities to reach their energy efficiency and sustainability goals globally. As part of the 2024 development process, code change proposals will be asked to include an assessment of cost effectiveness in accordance with the intent statement of the IECC and shall consider any changes to the code as they impact the building owner, occupants and the energy system as a whole. Additionally, the Residential Energy Code Consensus Committee and a Commercial Energy Code Consensus Committee shall adhere to the Code Council Board approved intents and scopes outlined in the framework.
“The IECC in conjunction with the Code Council’s recently released framework are invaluable resources for communities to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and achieve their energy efficiency goals,” said Dominic Sims, CBO, Chief Executive Officer of the Code Council. “Understanding this, the Code Council is committed to providing the necessary processes and forums to enable the continued development and maintenance of these tools and resources such as the IECC.”
Additionally, the Code Council is seeking public input on an electrical vehicle (EV) charging resource, the first in a series of energy efficiency and greenhouse gas emission resources as outlined in the Code Council’s framework. Covering residential, commercial and multifamily applications, the resource provides communities flexibility in determining the best combination of EV-Installed, EV-Ready and EV-Capable spaces. The Code Council staff draft is based on input from stakeholders, code change proposals considered for the 2021 IECC and policies already implemented in some jurisdictions. It also captures information on approaches states and localities have already taken to help support other jurisdictions considering use of the language and provides communities with model language coordinated with the International Codes (I-Codes) to help achieve additional GHG reductions. Comments on the EV resource are due August 16th. Access the draft and instructions for commenting: here.
Modern building codes require input from professionals throughout the building pipeline to be effective. Participation from various stakeholders in an equitable, accessible and responsive environment is key in developing a consensus standard that all of society will find impactful. The Code Council urges all interested parties from building safety professionals to government officials and concerned citizens to submit a code change proposal and engage in the development process.
Code change proposals will be accepted until 11:59 pm PT on October 12th. To submit a code change proposal, please visit the new energy only version of cdpACCESS here. For additional information on the Code Council’s energy initiatives, the framework and related FAQs, visit www.iccsafe.org/energy.

About the International Code Council
The International Code Council is the leading global source of model codes and standards and building safety solutions. Code Council codes, standards and solutions are used to ensure safe, affordable and sustainable communities and buildings worldwide.