By Gretchen Waddell Barwick, Chapter Organizer
Energy efficient building codes save us money and energy. They make our homes safer and our air cleaner. However, since Missouri does not have a statewide building code, it is up to cities and counties to adopt and update their residential and commercial codes.
Clayton, St. Charles, Kirksville, Marshall and Branson in Missouri have adopted the most recent version of the International Residential Code (2015 IRC) but most are woefully behind. Do you know where your building code is?
St. Louis County is considering the 2015 IRC but special interests have lobbied for the removal of important energy-saving portions like programmable thermostats. Other jurisdictions, like Springfield, have removed the energy efficiency chapter all together. The Columbia City Council is currently considering adopting the 2015 IRC with similar weakening amendments.
By moving from the 2006 IRC to the 2015 IRC, homes save 30% more energy their 2006 IRC counterparts.
Learn how you can be more involved by contacting Gretchen at Gretchen.waddellbarwick@sierraclub.org or (800) 628-5333.