Louisiana Takes Huge Leap Forward to 2021 International Energy Conservation Code
Building energy codes are essential for the benefits of energy savings, improved indoor air quality, and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Previously, Louisiana codes were in accordance with IECC 2015 standards. In June, Louisiana unanimously passed a new law that will require statewide provisions of the House Bill (HB) 803; the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), and the 2021 International Residential Code (IRC).
Code Council Chief Executive Officer, Dominic Sims, CBO, shared that adopting and implementing modern building codes and standards plays a vital role in achieving a safe, affordable, and sustainable environment.
“Codes help avoid wasted energy and save consumers money on their utility bills.” – Code Council Chief Executive Officer, Dominic Sims, CBO
The bill will push commercial energy code enforcement beyond the state government to the local, municipal/parish government, and other third-party providers. HB 803 plays a vital role in achieving safe, affordable, and sustainable building environments.
Most states right now are under earlier standards of the IECC, which can lead to an undertrained workforce and wasted energy due to out-of-date building stock. Aeroseal is hopeful that the recently passed Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and this six-year leap in codes will jumpstart a trend amongst other states to do the same with their building standards. The IRA provides $1 billion for states to update and implement energy-efficient building codes.
This new legislation kicks off the Code on a Mission campaign, aiming to have over a third of the U.S population covered by energy codes compliant to 2021 or over by the end of 2023.
The Energy Code Implementation Program
This funding program was established in the Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act (IIJA), which passed in November 2021. The DOE is expected to announce this funding opportunity later this year, as it will provide $225 million over the next five years.
How Aeroseal and AeroBarrier Can Help
Aeroseal and AeroBarrier help builders meet the high-performance duct sealing and air sealing requirements of IECC-2021. Our technology makes meeting building specifications easy and cost-effective.
To learn more about the 2021 IECC building code, click here.