Building Codes Assistance Project

After giving initial approval to a proposed state energy code update on December 16, the New York State Uniform Fire and Building Code Council has scheduled a series of public hearings on the approved changes in early March. The proposed 2010 Energy Conservation Construction Code of New York State would be based on the 2009 IECC and ASHRAE 90.1-2007 (the current ECCCNYS is based on the 2004 IECC supplement and ASHRAE 90.1-2004). The New York Department of State (NYS-DOS) hopes to implement the new energy code by the end of this year.

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!

Code official Don Mallette and his associates with the Lewis County Department of Building and Fire Codes in New York recently went far beyond the call of duty to help a homeowner assure the insulation job was done correctly in their new home. For this effort, BCAP is proud to recognize Don and the Department as its Fall 2009 Energy Code Champions!

On April 23, a bill was introduced in the New York State Assembly that would mandate updating the state building code to include the 2009 IECC and ASHRAE 90.1-2007 and achieving compliance in 90 percent of new and renovated building space by the end of 2016.

Local codes may differ from the state code as long as they are "not inconsistent" with the state code.  Local codes may also be more stringent in energy efficiency.

On April 22, New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg and City Council Speaker Christine Quinn announced comprehensive legislation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from existing government, commercial, and residential buildings in America's largest city. The proposal is intended to dramatically reduce the New York City's energy usage and save consumers money, while simultaneously creating thousands of well-paying jobs and significantly reducing New York City's carbon footprint.

On March 26, legislation was introduced in the New York State Assembly requiring new or substantially renovated state buildings to be built to green standards to be determined by the state Office of General Services. These may include LEED, Green Globes, or some other rating system. Each state agency would have to report on building performance by June 30 of every year.

As of April 2, the bill was in the state Assembly's Committee on Governmental Operations.

The New York State Assembly and State Senate both unanimously agreed upon the State Green Building Construction Act (A 2005-C) on June 12, 2008. The bill has been sent to Governor David Paterson for his approval.

On June 23, 2008, the New York State Assembly agreed to pass legislation that will encourage the construction of new homes and the renovation of existing homes to meet "green building" standards. The bill (S 8134) authorizes the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) to create a program that will provide financial incentives to New Yorkers who "go green."

There are currently training courses available on the updated ECCCNYS 2007. These courses make up a four hour Code Enforcement In-service Training program addressing the changes to the 2007 Energy Conservation Construction Code of New York State which became effective on January 1, 2008.