On October 7, 2013, the International Code Council (ICC) voted to incorporate an optional Energy Rating Index compliance path into the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) at its meeting in Atlantic City. The ICC action establishes a new voluntary performance compliance path for the 2015 version of the IECC the “Energy Rating Index”. The Energy Rating Index is a numeric score where “100” is equivalent to the 2006 IECC and “0” is equivalent to a net-zero energy home. The current HERS® Index Score is compatible to the Energy Rating Index requirements. This means a builder can use a HERS® rating to comply with the 2015 IECC. The adopted new performance path also requires that a builder must meet the mandatory envelope requirements of the 2009 IECC. The rating scores that were adopted by the IECC are: Regions 1 and 2 52 Region 3 51 Region 4 54 Region 5 55 Region 6 54 Region 7 and 8 53 The new compliance path was proposed by the Natural Resources Defense Council, Institute of Market Transformation and the Brill/Makela Group. RESNET backed an amendment that represented a compromise on higher rating scores that was reached between the Leading Builders of America and the cosponsors. This amendment, however, was defeated. RESNET Executive Director Steve Baden lauded the ICC’s action as a “victory for consumers and builders. Homes complying through this path will be higher performing hence having lower utility bills while at the same time provides more flexibility to builders in meeting the code. The action is also a big step for RESNET and the HERS® industry. With this new responsibility RESNET has to step up its game and make a concentrated effort to ensure consistent and accurate HERS® Index Scores.” Much appreciation must be expressed to our partners for their effective leadership. Without the leadership of the by the Natural Resources Defense Council, Leading Builders of America, Institute of Market Transformation and the Brill/Makela Group this would not have been possible. Support from the National Home Builders Association, North American Insulation Manufacturers Association, DOW, Green Building Coalition and the Southwest Energy Efficiency Program was critical as well as the more than 150 RESNET member companies and organizations added their voices in support of this effort. The implications of this action will be explored in detail at the 2014 RESNET Building Performance Conference in February in Atlanta.
