Building Energy Codes Program
| Type | Program |
|---|---|
| Sponsor Organization | Building Technologies Office |
| Top Organization | N/A |
| Creation Legislation | Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975 |
| Website | Website |
| Purpose | To support the development, adoption, implementation, and enforcement of energy-efficient building codes, aiming to reduce energy consumption, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and promote sustainable building practices across the United States.[1] |
| Program Start | 1977 |
| Initial Funding | |
| Duration | Indefinite |
| Historic | Yes |
Building Energy Codes Program (BECP) is dedicated to enhancing the energy efficiency of buildings by aiding in the development, adoption, implementation, and enforcement of energy codes. By promoting these standards, BECP seeks to reduce energy use, decrease greenhouse gas emissions, and support the transition to sustainable and cost-effective building practices across the nation.[2]
Goals
- Facilitate the development and adoption of energy-efficient building codes.[3]
- Provide technical assistance to states, local governments, and building professionals for code implementation.
- Reduce energy consumption and environmental impact through building standards.
Organization
BECP is managed by the Building Technologies Office (BTO) within the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE). It involves collaboration with state and local governments, code officials, and industry stakeholders. Funding for BECP comes from DOE's budget for energy efficiency programs.
The leader of the program holds the title/position of **Director, Building Technologies Office**.
Partners
- No specific partnerships are listed, but BECP works with various government agencies, industry associations, and educational institutions.
History
Established under the **Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975**, BECP has been instrumental in the evolution of building energy codes since its formal launch in 1977. Over the decades, it has influenced the creation of model codes like the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) and ASHRAE Standard 90.1. Key events include the program's expansion to support not only code development but also compliance and training initiatives, adapting to new technologies and policy goals.
Funding
Specific initial funding details are not public, but BECP is funded through DOE's annual appropriations for energy efficiency initiatives, with allocations aimed at supporting code development, technical assistance, and compliance efforts.
Implementation
Implementation involves:
- Research and analysis to support code updates.
- Providing tools like REScheck and COMcheck for code compliance.
- Offering technical assistance, training, and resources to building code officials and professionals.
BECP is set up to operate indefinitely, continuously adapting to new building technologies and energy efficiency standards.
Related
External links
- https://www.energy.gov/eere/buildings/building-energy-codes-program
- wikipedia:Building Energy Codes Program
Social media
- No specific social media accounts for BECP; follow the Department of Energy for updates.
References
- ↑ "Building Energy Codes Program". https://www.energy.gov/eere/buildings/building-energy-codes-program. Retrieved January 30, 2025.
- ↑ "Building Energy Codes Program". https://www.energy.gov/eere/buildings/building-energy-codes-program. Retrieved January 30, 2025.
- ↑ "Building Energy Codes Program". https://www.energy.gov/eere/buildings/building-energy-codes-program. Retrieved January 30, 2025.