Here's the Bright, Cheerie Side to Strong Energy Codes

PHCC linked to this New York Times article in their July 21 "PHCC Online" issue about the need for a strong national energy code. The article seemed to omit discussion of California's issues with enforcement and compliance for their Title 24 energy code, and didn't explain how much of that projected energy savings was based on new construction that has hit a screeching halt in, say, California. The issue is simple in my estimation. Sensible energy codes for new construction make sense once the lending community acknowledges the equity value of those higher performing buildings. Energy code mandates applied to existing buildings has thus far proven to be too great a task for any state, no matter how progressive. The existing building market is best tackled through market-based incentive programs.