This week, the International Code Council launched its “Code on a Mission” challenge which aims to have over one-third of the U.S. population covered by the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) by the end of 2023.

As you know, the 2021 IECC saw significant improvements over the 2018 edition. At the same time, with the zero-energy building goals set forth by the U.S. Administration for new construction by 2030 and 2050 for all buildings, heightened pressure is being placed on governments and elements of the building industry to address the need to reduce greenhouse gases (GHGs).

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has determined that that the residential provisions of the 2021 IECC provide a 9.4% improvement in energy use and an 8.7% improvement in carbon emissions over the 2018 IECC, saving homeowners an average of $2,320 over the life of a typical mortgage. Since 2006, the IECC has provided an approximately 40% improvement in energy efficiency, meaning that residents in states and cities on older IECC editions would see far greater savings. Energy codes continue to be an essential tool in achieving energy efficiency and GHG reduction goals and we are urging national, state and local governments to join the Code Council in this challenge.

We are challenging both the building industry and communities alike to update their building energy codes to meet or exceed the requirements of the 2021 IECC.

In support of the Code on a Mission challenge, the Code Council has developed a suite of resources: