Building Codes + Standards

Local and state government control of energy codes has the potential to be one of the largest drivers of energy savings in the coming decade. Our research team uses deep knowledge of building design and codes to provide guidance for codes and standards programs, code compliance, and more.

Highlights

Interior of a building

Market characterization studies to determine the hidden savings in Minnesota energy codes.

Overhead view of a secondary school

Research on how updated ASHRAE standards affect real building performance in secondary schools.

Chicago skyline

A project to advance utility support for advanced building policies such as stretch energy codes and building performance standards in Illinois.

February 26, 2021

The Fan Energy Index changes how we think about fans

Fans are everywhere in our buildings, but they mostly exist so we don’t have to think about them. When working properly, fans become the white noise of indoor spaces; we only tend to notice them when we’re uncomfortable.
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February 26, 2021

How to Prepare for Building Performance Standards: An Interview with New Buildings Institute

In the United States, existing buildings account for up to 40% of carbon emissions. That presents a huge opportunity for massive energy savings—if only we could set the appropriate targets. 
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March 22, 2017

Window-to-wall ratio and Chicago’s path to deep efficiency

Building enclosure performance provides the largest remaining opportunity for deep energy savings in Chicago’s multi-family building sector. Vast areas of exterior glazing have a greater impact on energy consumption than any other decision in the design of residential high-rises.
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