Best Practices for State Energy Code Policy

Given the growing national concern over the cost and availability of energy resources and the reliability of en-ergy distribution networks, building energy codes serve as logical starting points for cost-effective policies that capture energy savings. States and municipalities are updating existing codes, adopting new codes, and expanding code programs to improve compliance and achieve significant energy and financial savings. Well-designed, im-plemented, and enforced building energy codes establish the foundation of cost-effective energy policy for the buildings sector. The following are the top five best practice policy measures States and municipalities can use to incorporate and enhance current model energy codes into local laws.