Building Energy Codes Training

In May of 2018 the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code Review and Advisory Council voted in favor of adopting the 2015 International Energy Conservation Codes with minimal PA-specific amendments. In Philadelphia, the 2018 IECC was approved. This means all new buildings and major renovations that are not under contract by October 1, 2018, and with approved permits in place by April 1, 2019, must be built to these new codes.

As more efficient buildings can put money in building owner pockets and increase their profits, a building can save money by reducing ongoing utility and operating costs when it's built to or better than energy code. When the owner or their tenant saves money on utility bills, they're also improving productivity and occupant health. These are marketing tools for prospective clients, or tenants, with outcomes that can improve more than just the bottom line of utility bills. Energy codes and standards set minimum efficiency requirements for new and renovated buildings, assuring reductions in energy use and emissions over the life of the building. 

A major step to supporting efforts in ensuring PA's buildings are built to the new code is by supporting energy code trainings for our energy code professionals. Through US Department of Energy's State Energy Program (SEP), DEP's Energy Program’s Office is supporting building energy codes in-person workshops, webinars and circuit rider trainings (customized trainings). For more information about what is available, visit the Pennsylvania Construction Codes Academy (PCCA), a service provider who offers energy code trainings and technical assistance. 

If you are interested in reading more about Pennsylvania building energy code, you may visit: