Friday, June 25, 2010

Building Energy Codes Figure Prominently in New Legislation

The online publication, Green Building Insider, reported on June 15 that Sen. Richard Lugar (R-Ind.) has introduced an energy and climate change bill that would in part enact strong building codes in an effort to create long-term energy improvement targets for existing homes and commercial buildings.

Formally known as The Lugar Practical Energy and Climate Plan the bill seeks mandatory performance targets for new retrofits in residential, small business, and commercial projects.

Lugar also wants to see low-interest retrofits for rural consumers and is calling on federal agencies to adopt a position of leadership by imposing enhanced energy efficiency standards for federal buildings.