2012 has ushered in a new era of building code changes, with the enhancements focused primarily on higher levels of energy efficiency. Their impact on the construction industry as a whole and the roofing industry are quite significant. Perhaps the most noteworthy are those prescribed in the 2012 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), which calls for buildings to achieve a 30 percent increase in energy efficiencies over the 2006 IECC. This sixth edition of the code illustrates the growing importance of ensuring that all buildings are achieving high levels of energy efficiency in congruence with model building codes such as the IBC (International Building Code.)
According to the International Code Council (ICC), this comprehensive set of changes includes measures to improve the building envelope, HVAC systems and electrical systems of residential buildings up to three stories in height. Commercial building enhancements include required energy efficiency for windows, doors, skylights and the building envelope; and increased efficiencies for installed HVAC equipment, among others.