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CONNECTICUT FEATURED ACTIONS
Featured Bill
HB 6572 An Act Concerning the Establishment of Energy Use Building Standards for Voluntary Adoption​
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Connecticut is in danger of losing skill and talent because our buildings codes are falling behind our neighboring states. It is widely recognized that building codes are an important measure for scaling decarbonization. In order to meet the state’s climate mandates of reducing emissions by 45% by 2030, the built environment needs to be extensively transformed. Creating a voluntary building stretch code gives municipalities an important tool to transform their building stock toward meeting climate goals, reducing air pollution, and increasing energy affordability. HB 6572 would allow municipalities to increase efficiency standards by 10% on large construction projects, this modest improvement is a much needed first stride to reaching these climate goals. Please see this written testimony from the CT Green Building Council for more detailed information.
MASSACHUSETTS FEATURED ACTION
Breaking News - SUCCESS!
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The Republican Governor of Massachusetts, Charlie Baker, signed a climate bill into law on March 26, 2021 which includes a zero energy stretch code with the following provisions:
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Directing the Department of Energy Resources (DOER) to develop a net zero stretch code that cities and towns will have the option to adopt by 2022. This takes the responsibility away from the Board of Building Regulations and Standard (BBRS).
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Municipalities designated as Green Communities can opt in to the net zero code and those who don't will maintain their Green Communities status and funding. This is intended to give Green Communities flexibility as municipalities adjust to the new code.
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The opt-in stretch code includes, but is not limited to, net zero building performance standards and a definition of a net zero building. Standards provide the “how to” of executing the code. Including net zero building performance standards sends a strong message that the net zero stretch code must be developed!
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Only more stringent amendments to the IECC code can be taken up by the Board of Building Regulations and Standards (BBRS), the state entity that promulgates building code.
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Requiring DOER to hold at least 5 hearings in diverse locations, including one in an Environmental Justice community— this far exceeds the usual BBRS process for public hearing!
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Adding four new seats to the Board of Building Regulations and Standards for experts in building energy efficiency, advanced building technology, and the Commissioner of the Department of Energy Resources. Currently, the BBRS lacks expertise in these areas. These additions will greatly strengthen BBRS’s capacity to work with DOER.
NATIONAL FEATURED ACTIONS
