Almost all building code updates have an associated cost; however, the IECC is the only code that actually pays for itself via lower energy bills, then makes money for building and home owners. Each year in the U.S. about 110,000 new commercial buildings (about 1.6 billion square feet!) and more than one million new homes are built — all new space that needs to be heated, cooled, and powered. These buildings should be constructed as energy efficiently as possible to protect owners and tenants from unnecessarily high energy bills, improve each building’s durability, and reduce pollution caused by our demand for energy.

Building codes are updated every three years, and 2019 is the year to vote on our next model energy code: the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC).

Of the 20,000 potential voters (Governmental Member Voting Representatives or GMVRs) eligible to vote in the last code cycle, only about 500 cast votes for IECC proposals.

The Vote

America’s model energy code will be determined by local government employees registered as “Governmental Members” with the International Code Council (ICC), which administers the process for updating building codes. Only ICC “Governmental Members” can vote in November 2019 to determine the next energy code.

Therefore, the most important thing to do before March 29, 2019 is to get local government offices registered as “Governmental Members” with the ICC.

The Glide Path

If enough pro-efficiency officials register and vote, we can start to reduce the energy needs of new U.S. buildings, reduce carbon emissions, save households and businesses thousands in reduced energy bills, improve building durability and safety, and set America on track for energy independence and security. With modest efficiency gains at each three-year code cycle from now on, we can achieve Net Zero energy codes by the year 2050 — or sooner with stronger codes.

Here’s How

• If possible, connect with other advocates (such as a climate action group, environmental group, or city/county/state person who cares about energy, environmental, or affordability issues). Meet with them to discuss your plan. An EECC representative would be happy to attend via conference call to support your efforts. Advocating as a group shows greater support and makes it easier for you make your case.
  • Determine which messages will be of interest to the people you’re meeting with. For example, discuss your city’s economic viability, taking meaningful action on climate change, being a regional leader on energy issues, and the importance of reducing energy bills for both households and businesses.
• Use the EECC Code Carbon Calculator to estimate the quantifiable benefits of energy reduction to your city. Bring copies of it with you to help you make your case.
• Set up a meeting with whichever local government agencies may be interested. For example, that may be the Mayor’s office, a local sustainability officer, or your local building department.
• Use the EECC resources to make your case. Discuss the importance of city leadership on climate change, and how simply voting for a more efficient national model energy code could impact your city (or state, county, region).

How GMVRs Votes Work

Each Government Member may register a set number of voters called “Governmental Member Voting Representatives” or “GMVRs,” based on their town’s population. A city/town can have multiple Governmental Members, and each member is eligible to register a full roster of GMVRs, so registering multiple departments increases a city/town’s voting power.

Although the full roster of GMVRs doesn’t have to be submitted until September 23, it’s best to submit all GMVRs (if possible) during ICC registration to assure this critical task is complete.

GMVRs shall be designated in writing, by the Governmental Member, and shall be employees or officials of the Governmental Member or departments of the Governmental Member, provided that each of the designated voting representatives shall be an employee or a public official actively engaged either full or part time, in the administration, formulation, implementation or enforcement of laws, ordinances, rules or regulations relating to the public health, safety and welfare.