SierraScape March 2016 - August 2016
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by Gretchen Waddell Barwick
Grassroots Organizer
Missouri Sierra Club

Building codes are the cornerstone of energy efficiency. Currently, building codes account for almost 40% of energy consumption in the United States. By adopting and implementing national building code standards immediately, St. Louis County could significantly reduce that number.

By adopting the 2015 IECC (International Energy Conservation Code), energy efficiency in homes would increase by 20%. Homes would be healthier, air and water pollution would decrease and, by using certified energy auditors, homeowners will have the peace of mind that their home is designed and constructed to the modern building code.

Unfortunately, special interest groups and bureaucratic red tape have stalled this step forward. The Home Builders Association (HBA) is lobbying to remove key elements of the 2015 IECC. If they succeed, the homes will be less energy efficient and cost home owners an average of $152 per year more in utility bills than a home built to today's code. The Building Commission, who must vote to send the St. Louis County Building Code to the St. Louis County Council, has not met in more than six months.

The time to take action is now. To add your name to the list of supporters for energy efficient building codes, please email Gretchen Waddell Barwick at Gretchen.WaddellBarwick@sierraclub.org or call our office at 314-644-1011 and learn how you can make a difference.