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This past week, APGA submitted comments in response to both Public Draft #1 for the International Energy Conservation Code – Commercial (IECC-C), as well as a newly proposed addendum for ASHRAE Standard 189.1, a stretch code for residential buildings.

As with other building codes with which APGA is engaged, it was important to participate and ensure there is fair and balanced treatment of all fuels when determining building energy performance. With respect to the IECC-C, APGA supported the absence of electric-ready provisions in the base code, which neither guarantee energy savings nor emissions reductions, but always guaranteed higher costs. Additionally, APGA pushed back against the use of the term “fossil fuel,” as the term is not defined and does not appropriately encompass the many gaseous and liquid fuels used to fuel appliances. The newly proposed addendum for ASHRAE Standard 189.1 would add electric-ready provisions to the stretch code and also erroneously used the term “fossil fuel,” so APGA’s comments to the committee mirrored those submitted to the IECC-C consensus committee.

The public comment period for the first draft of the 2024 IECC – Residential (IECC-R) is set to open on Monday, October 31. APGA also plans to submit feedback on the IECC-R and encourages members to engage, as well.

For questions on this article, please contact Renée Lani of APGA staff by phone at 202-464-0836 or by email at rlani@apga.org.