in 1998 of the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), a model energy code that sets minimum standards for the energy efficiency of buildings. The IECC includes requirements for specific levels of insulation, air sealing, and lighting efficiency that are not included in the IBC. Additionally, the IECC includes requirements for mandatory blower door testing to measure a building's air leakage rate, which is not required by the IBC. Idaho has adopted modified versions of both the 2018 IECC for Residential and the 2015 IECC for Commercial buildings. While there is some overlap between the two codes, the IECC has more specific and detailed energy efficiency requirements than the IBC. Both codes contain provisions related to energy conservation, the IECC is more focused on energy efficiency and includes more specific requirements for achieving energy savings in buildings. Why is this important in our industry? According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), buildings (residential, commercial, and industrial) account for approximately 40% of total energy consumption in the United States. This includes energy used for heating, cooling, lighting, and powering appliances and electronics. The energy consumption of buildings in the United States is considerable and has a significant impact on the environment, including greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. As a result, improving the energy efficiency of buildings is a key strategy for reducing energy consumption and mitigating the environmental impact of buildings. This can be achieved through the use of energy-efficient building designs, materials, and technologies, as well as through changes in behavior and building management practices. With this background, one of the most challenging aspects of the ZBR process was DOPL’s evaluation and proposed edits of the energy provisions in both the IBC and IRC. While the state has adopted highly edited versions of the IECC as the statewide energy code, many of the current provisions have been overwritten with less restrictive provisions found in previous versions of the IECC. At the end of the 2022 DOPL efforts, it became apparent that the process met with such resistance and lack of consensus that it was ceased. We believe that the effort will reemerge this spring with a renewed focus on a truly collaborative effort between all parties. Each one of us should be engaged in the process of modifying our model codes. Our professional knowledge and experience is exceptionally valuable and should be relied upon in the process of code modifications. As architects, we are asked to interpret our model building codes as they impact the built environment. We have leadership from our professional association, the American Institute of Architects, with well-crafted position statements that help guide us when navigating code revisions. The same support encourages us to take the long position when advocating for proactive code modifications in support of life safety, health, welfare, and energy conservation language. As architects, we are empowered to think bigger than just the codes, to strive to raise the bar, and to educate our clients to follow pursuit. As the DOPL ZBR process resumes, get involved, be heard, and advocate for the future. b architecture interior design boise, idaho erstadarchitects.com Photos courtesy of erstad ARCHITECTS 9
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