By Cyrus Reed
On Thursday, on a 9-0 city council vote (council members Troxclair and Zimmerman abstained), Austin became the latest city in Texas to adopt the most up to date building energy codes (the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code, or IECC) for new commercial and residential construction. This is much needed progress on making Austin’s buildings as energy efficient as they can be, and will help prevent wasted energy from escaping new homes and businesses.
Austin joins several cities in Texas, such as San Antonio and El Paso, which recently approved the codes. Houston, Dallas, and other cities have until September 1, 2016, to adopt the cities, when the code becomes the de facto state code.
A Step Up From the Norm
Along with this base code, Austin’s new code will include local amendments prepared by Austin Energy to require even more efficient lighting, insulation, and windows , which will continue to make Austin the state’s leader on energy efficient construction.
Another local amendment, known as the “solar-ready zone” provisions, was approved this week by both the Electric Utility Commission (7-1 vote) and Resource Management Commission (8-0 vote), but was not considered last night by city council. Instead, it will be brought to council later this year as part of a package of other technical building codes. While the new energy codes become effective in the fall, the other construction codes will likely become effective next year once city council passes them.
Why the Codes Are Good
In supporting the codes, Lone Star Chapter Conservation Director Cyrus Reed noted that the new codes were a win, win, win. Consumers will pay smaller utility bills due to more efficient buildings, Texas businesses will supply the better lighting, insulation, and ductwork, and the environment will benefit because Austin will need less fossil fuel power to supply our energy needs.
Solar-Ready Next
The solar-ready zone provisions would require all new buildings constructed in Austin to indicate a “solar-ready zone” on the roof for future solar photovoltaic systems, and a place on the outside electrical box for future solar electrical equipment. So builders would need to consider placement of vents, fans, and HVAC compressors, and reserve a place for future solar components. Doing so would lower solar installation costs for homeowners who want to add solar after they move in.
Similar solar-ready provisions have been adopted in a wide range of states and cities throughout the U.S. as a way to get ready for a clean energy future. The solar-ready zone amendments are supported by the Sierra Club, Austin Energy, and many builders and architects, and will likely go to city council for consideration this fall, when the other technical mechanical, building, and plumbing codes are considered for adoption.
Photo: albradenphoto.com