Building codes codify minimum construction standard to protect the health, safety, and welfare of those constructing, occupying, and managing buildings. Building codes ensure that construction standards are rigorous, keep pace with emerging technologies and practices, and promote continuity across city and state lines.
Buildings account for nearly half of carbon emissions in the United States. That percentage is even greater in Philadelphia where buildings are responsible for over 60% of carbon emissions citywide. To address this concern, the City of Philadelphia has a commitment to reduce local carbon emissions by 80 percent by the year 2050, while improving equality and health for all Philadelphians.
In the life cycle of a building, the most cost-effective time to ensure efficient energy usage and avoid unnecessary cost is in the initial design and construction phase. More energy efficient buildings save consumers money on utility bills and reduce the environmental impact from energy use in the built environment. Per an analysis by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PA DEP), adoption of modern building codes “provides the single most cost-effective and expeditious means of achieving reductions in energy-related GHG emissions in the building sector.”
For commercial buildings, the transition from Pennsylvania’s current code (2009 International Codes) to the code Pennsylvania is currently reviewing for adoption (2015 International Codes) yields an energy savings of over 25%, per U.S. Department of Energy reports[i]. With an adoption of the 2018 International Codes in Philadelphia, there’s potential for yet another 6.8% increase in energy savings from the previous edition.
While peer states including New Jersey, Maryland, and Massachusetts are currently on 2015 Codes, each updates its codes every three years in alignment with the release of the latest International Codes edition. The jump to 2018 Commercial Codes, effective October 1, 2018, would position Philadelphia as a leader in modern code adoption on par with neighboring states.
