Building Codes Assistance Project

Join over 700 of energy efficiency's most notable leaders, representing 40+ countries, at the Energy Efficiency Global Forum & Exposition (EE Global), being held May 10-12, 2010 at the Washington DC Convention Center. With over 80% of 2009 participants self-identifying as executives or managers, EE Global 2010 will provide access to decision makers and offer executive-level insight and dialogue. Focusing solely on energy efficiency from the perspective of all energy end-use sectors (buildings, industrial and transportation) and with coverage of all cross-cutting issues (finance, policy, technology, and market transformation), EE Global serves as an exchange of best practices and policies for global implementation of energy efficiency. Visit www.eeglobalforum.org for detailed information about this exciting event!

The Albuquerque City Council approved Ordinance 09-85 on August 3, establishing a new local energy code that will go into effect December 1, 2009 should the city's mayor sign the legislation. The 2009 Albuquerque Energy Conservation Code is based on the 2006 IECC but also contains several amendments that are more stringent than corresponding sections of the 2009 IECC, including testing for air filtration and duct leakage.

A New Mexico judge granted an injunction on October 3 against the enforcement of the city of Albuquerque's green building code, just two days after it became effective. The state's chief federal judge, Martha Vazquez, issued an order prohibiting the city from enforcing the code, which outlines a host of energy-efficiency measures for homes and businesses. The preliminary injunction will be in effect until the case is resolved permanently, putting the code's eventual reinstatement in doubt.

On January 1, 2008, the 2006 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) went into effect with a six- month grace period to use either the new code or 2003 IECC. Commercial buildings are exempt and subject to ASHRAE 90.1-2004.

The City of Albuquerque's ‘High Performance Building Ordinance', adopted by the Albuquerque City Council on September 17, 2007, establishes building design and construction code requirements that are designed to minimize the environmental impacts of residential and commercial buildings in Albuquerque by using energy, water and materials more efficiently. The requirements apply to new construction and remodeling or repairs to equipment and systems in existing buildings.