Energy Code Adoption Updates

Minnesota

The Minnesota Commercial Energy Code Technical Advisory Group (TAG) met for the second time on January 19th to discuss the provisions and proposed amendments to ASHRAE 90.1-2019, which the state is reviewing for potential adoption as the new statewide energy code for commercial buildings. The state’s decision to adopt the ASHRAE 90.1-2019 standard comes shortly after the release of a final report from a building efficiency working group convened by the Department of Labor and Industry and the Department of Commerce. The group was tasked to explore policy options for advancing energy efficiency and achieving carbon reduction goals in the state.

The TAG will continue to meet every two weeks through the beginning of March, with the next meeting on Tuesday, February 2 at 9:00 a.m. CST. For more information, visit the Department of Labor and Industry’s website or contact Rich Lockrem at rich.lockrem@state.mn.us with any questions.

Indiana

The Indiana DHS Fire Prevention and Building Safety Commission voted unanimously to form an Exploratory Committee to review the existing building and fire safety codes and recommend a possible plan forward for updating the state’s building codes. The Commission will meet next on February 2nd, but it is not yet known when the first meeting for the Exploratory Committee will be set. For more information, visit the Fire Prevention and Building Safety Commission's website.

Missouri

Boone County, MO -  Boone County, Missouri will resume their review of the 2018 suite of codes for potential adoption. The County’s adoption process was stalled after questions were raised regarding the proposed codes. The Building Codes Commission has scheduled the next meeting for January 27 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Boone County is currently on an amended version of the 2015 IECC.
 
Jefferson City, MO – Jefferson City MO is currently reviewing the 2018 suite of codes for potential adoption in the city. A review committee has been formed, but the process has been halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information about the proposed codes, visit Jefferson City’s website.

Other Building Policy News

The IECC: A Code or a Standard?

In December 2020, the International Code Council (ICC) Board of Directors began reviewing a proposal to transfer the development of the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) from a governmental process to a standards process. If passed, the proposal would remove the vote of states and municipal governments during the IECC development process. Instead, the code would be approved by a committee of experts selected by the ICC.

The ICC Board of Directors met on Thursday, January 21, 2021 to hear testimony on the proposed change, with more than 100 members and stakeholders joining the call. Opponents of the change stated that governmental members are fundamental to the code's development and removing them from the voting process would leave the code to be shaped by special interest groups.

The Board of Directors will reconvene sometime in February to make their final decision on the proposal. To view the written comments and learn more, visit the ICC's website. 

Upcoming Events

Using Portfolio Manager for Benchmarking Compliance

This webinar will serve as a beginner’s guide to EnergyStar Portfolio Manager and provide attendees with all the essential information to start benchmarking and reporting building data for compliance. Topics covered will include understanding how state and local jurisdictions use EPA’s Portfolio Manager tool to facilitate reporting, setting up your Portfolio Manager account and properties, entering energy data and reporting or sharing data with your jurisdiction.

2020 Midwest Energy Efficiency Review

In 2020, the Midwest saw significant disruptions to energy efficiency in the region yet demonstrated a clear need for greater energy affordability. Join MEEA for the rollout of our Midwest Spotlight, a showcase of various metrics for the region’s efficiency activity. The webinar will also feature Weston Berg of ACEEE for a breakdown of the Midwest state rankings in ACEEE’s 2020 State Scorecard, including context for state scores along with discussion on policy issues, opportunities and successes.

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