In what is said to be the first United States study to measure the real impact of building energy codes on total household energy consumption, the Climate Policy Initiative (CPI) found that U.S. building energy codes have reduced household energy use and greenhouse gas emissions.

According to the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI), the National Energy Code for Buildings (NECB), which is scheduled to be published on Nov. 18, 2011, will yield significant savings in energy costs of typical buildings.

Judge Martha Vazquez of the Federal District Court for the District of New Mexico has issued an opinion and order in favor of the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI), finding that the provisions of the 2007 Albuquerque Energy Conservation Code relating to the energy efficiency of federally covered residential and commercial HVAC equipment and water heaters are preempted by federal law.

The Canadian Commission on Building and Fire Codes (CCBFC) recently invited stakeholders to comment on proposed changes to the 2010 National Building Code (NBC). Even though the review period has concluded, industry members may wish to note proposed changes include a requirement for venting that outlines minimum separation distances to vent products of combustion.

The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) and the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) have entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) detailing ways in which the organizations can work together to advance and promote built environment codes and standards.

ASHRAE and the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) have entered into a memorandum of understanding specifically detailing ways in which the two organizations can work together to advance and promote mutual interests in built environment codes and standards.

The International Green Construction Code (IgCC) has added air curtains to its code, recognizing them as alternatives to vestibules.

The future of bypass ducts in zoned California heating and cooling systems appears very bleak. The California Energy Commission (CEC) recently proposed a code change that would prohibit the use of bypass ducts in zoned heating and cooling systems, and eliminate existing Title 24 zonal performance compliance credits.

The National Research Council (NRC) is offering complimentary online presentations on the 2011 National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings (NECB).

Delmar, part of Cengage Learning, has announced the creation of seven eBooks from the codes published by the International Code Council (ICC). Referred to as the I-Codes, they are a set of comprehensive, coordinated building safety and fire prevention codes.