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Code Status: Vermont

This page contains information about current energy codes in the state of Vermont. Information for all 50 States is also available. Vermont Code News.

Current State Codes

  • Residential Code: The Vermont Residential Building Energy Standard (RBES), based on the 2000 IECC with state specific amendments, mandatory statewide; can use REScheck to show compliance.
  • Commercial Code: 2005 Vermont Guidelines for Energy Efficient Commercial Construction based upon amendments to the IECC 2004 Supplement and an alternative path of ASHRAE 90.1-2004 with amendments.
  • Code Change Cycle: Both the residential and commercial code will be updated every three years.

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Code Adoption & Change Process

Process Type: Regulatory

Code Change Process: RBES Revisions go through a process specified in the State Administrative Procedures Act (3 V.S.A. Chapter 25), including public notification, public hearing, testimony, and comments. The Vermont Department of Public Service must provide technical assistance and expert advice to the Commissioner of Labor and Industry on the interpretation of the RBES and in formulating specific revisions to the RBES. At least one year prior to adopting required revisions to the RBES, the Department of Public Service must convene an advisory committee to provide recommendations to the commissioner.

State Code History: In 1997, The State of Vermont enacted the Vermont Residential Building Energy Standards (RBES), a statewide residential energy code based on the 1995 CABO/MEC. The RBES was revised in 2004 and revisions took effect January, 2005. Vermont published its IECC based 2001 Vermont Guidelines for Energy Efficient Commercial Construction in October 2001. The 2001 Commercial Guidelines incorporate ASHRAE /IESNA 90.1-1999 and a number of Vermont specific amendments. The 2001 Commercial Guidelines are currently under adoption as the single energy code for commercial buildings on a statewide basis.

The Commercial Building Energy Standards (CBES) was enacted into law in 2006 (21 V.S.A. § 268). The CBES is the energy code for all commercial buildings and residential building 4 stories or greater above grade in Vermont, and was effective as of January 1, 2007.

On May 27, 2009, the state legislature passed the Vermont Energy Act of 2009 (H.446) which directs the Commissioner of the Department of Public Service to adopt the 2009 IECC and ASHRAE 90.1-2007 as well as develop a plan to achieve compliance with these codes in 90% of new building space within eight years (as directed by the federal stimulus legislation ARRA, or the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act).

The bill directs the Department of Public Service to complete rulemaking on the adoption of the 2009 IECC for residential buildings (new construction and renovations of more than 500 square feet) and either the 2009 IECC or ASHRAE 90.1-2007 for commercial buildings by January 1, 2011, effective immediately upon final adoption.

Every three years after that date, the Department of Public Service shall update the residential and commerical codes to incorporate the most recent versions of the IECC and ASHRAE Standard 90.1, with an effective date within three months of final adoption.

By September 1, 2011, the Commissioner must also issue a plan to achieve 90% compliance by February 1, 2017. The Commissioner must also establish training and enforcement programs as well as a system to annually measure the compliance rate by June 30, 2012.

 

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Energy Consumption Estimates

The consumption estimates below are derived from the total end use of residential and commercial energy consumption in the United States in 2006, and are not limited to energy consumption based on building code-related factors. Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration.

  • Residential Sector: 47.7 Trillion BTU
  • Commercial Sector: 31.2 Trillion BTU
  • Total Energy Consumption: 78.9 Trillion BTU
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Construction Activity

Residential:

  • Population (2000 US Census)1: 608,827
  • Total Housing Units2: 299,570
  • 2004 New Housing Units Authorized by Permit (Privately Owned)3:
    • total units: 3,906
    • 1 unit: 3,182
    • 2 units: 196
    • 3 and 4 units: 76
    • 5+ units: 452
    • structures of 5+ units: 19

References:

  1. http://www.census.gov/population/cen2000/phc-t2/tab01.xls
  2. http://www.census.gov/population/estimates/housing/sthuhh1.txt
  3. http://www.census.gov/const/C40/Table2/20k_t2yu200412.txt
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Green Building Initiatives

 

Code Funding Opportunities

There are two funding opportunities under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA): Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants and State Energy Program. Please reference the U.S. Department of Energy for Vermont's allocated amount and updated information. 

 

Web Links

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State Energy Code Contacts

Randall Lloyd
Demand Side Specialist
Vermont Department of Public Service
Energy Efficiency Division
112 State Street, Drawer 20
Montpelier, VT 05620-2601

Tel: (802) 828-4020
Fax: (802) 828-2342

Email: randall.lloyd@state.vt.us

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Erin Lawrence
Federal Grants and Finance Administrator
Finance and Economics Division
VT Dept. of Public Service
112 State Street, Drawer 20
Montpelier, VT 05620-2601

Tel: (802) 828-4036
Fax: (802) 828-2342

Email: erin.lawrence@state.vt.us

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