Codes and Standards

Building codes are set at the state and local level. The United States does not have a national building code or energy code. Instead, states or local governments can choose to adopt one of the national model energy codes, a modified version of the model code, or their own state-specific code.

Two independent organizations develop the best-known national model energy codes and standards. The American Society of Heating and Refrigeration Engineers (ASHRAE) develops a model energy standard for commercial buildings, known as 90.1, among others. The International Code Council (ICC) develops the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), which contains chapters for both residential and commercial buildings. The predominantly used commercial standard is ASHRAE's 90.1, and the predominantly used residential code is the residential portion of the IECC.

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Any interested party can participate in the national model energy code and standard development processes. Proposals to change the existing versions can be submitted or comments on others’ proposals can be made. The development cycles are continuous, with each code and standard being updated every three years.

APGA is concerned that some involved in the codes and standards development processes are pushing for only electric appliances to be installed in residential and commercial buildings.

• Natural gas is one of the cleanest burning fuels available. Direct use of natural gas in a home or business to fuel cooking, water, and space heating, as well as clothes drying, is even more efficient than burning it to produce electricity. Direct use of natural gas will become less carbon intense as more renewable natural gas (RNG) is utilized. Biomethane collected from agricultural waste, landfills, and wastewater treatment plants is plentiful and when converted to RNG reduces methane emissions.
• Natural gas is also affordable. As not-for-profits, APGA member utilities strive to provide dependable natural gas service at the lowest cost possible. Homes that use natural gas save an average of $1000 per year compared to a typical electric home.
  • Families and businesses depend on the energy APGA members provide. The natural gas distribution system has proven to be more resilient and reliable than the outage-prone electric grid. Pipeline infrastructure is underground, looped, and shielded from many types of disruptions that can lead to power outages. When the power goes out, natural gas directly delivered to homes can still provide fuel for heat and the ability to cook and boil water.