Building Codes, Energy, and the Environment How Model Building Codes Affect Sustanability
Abstract
The building construction industry consumes a large share of the (often virgin) building materials produced. Most building energy and energy-related expenditures are applied to privately owned properties. Attempts to minimize building energy expenditures and their co- incidental environmental impacts must therefore focus on the private sector and on regulation mechanisms currently in place. The principal vehicle for the regulation of private building and construction practices is building codes and standards, which primarily work to ensure public health and safety. Today's "system" of codes and regulations is a patchwork developed and enforced by many agencies, none of which are focused on the conservation of energy or natural resources. What is needed is a general set of codes that also focus on life cycle costs of structures as those costs relate to energy use and the environment. This study summarizes the current status of national building codes and standards relative to energy efficiency and environmental competency. It also identifies ways in which those codes and standards could be changed to reduce energy consumption and negative effects on the environment.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2001
- Accession Number
- ADA386072
Entities
People
- Brian M. Deal
- Donald F. Fournier
Organizations
- Engineer Research and Development Center