Energy Cost and Savings

There is no denying the potential to save money through tougher energy codes. Recent BCAP analysis has shown that, given an appropriate payback period, in most cases the financial savings from reduced energy use in a home built to the model energy codes will be higher in the long run than the initial upfront cost increase to build to those higher standards. The property value of energy-efficient buildings will also be greater than those that don’t meet model codes, as more consumers and businesses look to live and work in comfortable, efficient spaces. This “low-hanging fruit” is easily attainable, as stricter codes are the fastest and cheapest method to significantly reduce energy costs.

The implementation of building energy codes serves one major purpose: saving energy. Buildings are a relatively untapped source for energy savings, as the construction and operation of buildings in the U.S. accounts for nearly 40% of all domestic energy consumed. Reducing the energy used by buildings can save money for homeowners, companies, and other property owners who can reinvest it in the economy.

OCEAN offers an abundance of resources through the OCEAN Code Status page. Here individuals and organizations can find detailed information on energy cost savings and economic indicators for specific states, as well as additional data, including climate concerns, green building initiatives, and more code funding opportunities. State Fact Sheets are also available on OCEAN to provide advocates, policymakers, and code officials with useful information for each state on the possible savings it can achieve by implementing tougher building energy codes.