Calling B.S. on the Energy Conservation Code – InDepthNH.org
Calling B.S. on the Energy Conservation Code - InDepthNH.orgInDepthNH.org InDepthNH.org
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Power to the People: The Importance of Energy Efficiency in New Hampshire Homes
Power to the People is a column by Donald M. Kreis, New Hampshire’s Consumer Advocate. Kreis and his staff of four represent the interests of residential utility customers before the NH Public Utilities Commission and elsewhere.
Introduction
In this report, we will discuss the significance of energy efficiency in newly built homes in New Hampshire. We will explore the impact of the state’s energy conservation code on residential ratepayers and emphasize the importance of adopting the 2021 version of the code to achieve sustainable development goals.
The Long-Term Investment of a Home
My parents purchased our family home in 1961 when it was brand new. They are now finally selling it after 63 years. This highlights the long-term nature of homeownership and the importance of making informed decisions when investing in a new home.
The Role of Building Codes
New Hampshire has building codes in place to ensure that newly constructed homes meet certain standards. These codes, particularly the energy conservation code, play a crucial role in determining the energy efficiency of homes. Well-insulated and properly designed homes with efficient heating and cooling systems can result in significant cost savings for homeowners.
The Opposition to Energy Efficiency
Unfortunately, the trade group representing building contractors in New Hampshire is resistant to providing buyers of new homes with the energy efficiency they need. Recently, the Executive Departments and Administration Committee of the House of Representatives recommended a bill that would keep the state’s energy conservation code frozen at the 2018 version, ignoring the updates made by the International Code Council (ICC) in subsequent editions.
The Benefits of the 2021 Energy Conservation Code
Adopting the 2021 version of the energy conservation code would have significant benefits for residential ratepayers. According to an analysis by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, homes built to the standards of the 2021 code would experience reduced energy costs of 7.44 percent in southern New Hampshire’s climate zone. Over the course of several decades, these savings can add up significantly.
The Cost Argument
Opponents of updating to the 2021 code claim that it would raise the price of a typical new home by $31,000. However, this argument is based on data from the National Association of Home Builders, a self-interested group that is campaigning against the 2021 code. An analysis specific to New Hampshire conducted by the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory shows that updating to the 2021 code would yield net savings of $10,956 over the life of a new home.
The Need for Progress
While New Hampshire is hesitant to adopt even the 2021 energy conservation code, other states are already looking ahead to the 2024 edition, which requires even more energy-efficient buildings. The American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy has accused the ICC of diluting the 2024 code to accommodate special interests. It is essential for New Hampshire to keep up with energy efficiency standards to ensure sustainable development.
The Role of Home Builders and Utilities
New Hampshire’s home builders, represented by their trade association, are reluctant to reflect the costs of energy efficiency measures directly in the prices of new homes. On the other hand, utilities, despite their claims of supporting energy efficiency, have no incentive to challenge the trade association on updating the energy conservation code. This lack of collaboration hinders progress in achieving energy efficiency goals.
Solving the Housing Shortage
New Hampshire must address its housing shortage to attract young people and avoid becoming solely a retirement community. However, expecting young people to live in homes with unnecessarily high energy bills for decades is not a solution. Prioritizing energy efficiency in new home construction is crucial for both cost savings and sustainable development.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis:
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 13: Climate Action
The article discusses the energy efficiency of newly built homes and the impact on energy costs. This aligns with SDG 7, which aims to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all. It also relates to SDG 11, which focuses on making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. Additionally, the article touches on the importance of energy conservation in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, which is relevant to SDG 13 and its goal of taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 7.3: By 2030, double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency
- SDG 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management
- SDG 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning
The article emphasizes the importance of energy efficiency in new homes to reduce energy costs. This aligns with SDG 7.3, which aims to improve global energy efficiency rates. It also highlights the impact of energy conservation on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, which is relevant to SDG 11.6. Additionally, the article discusses the need to update energy conservation codes to address climate change, which relates to SDG 13.2.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Energy cost savings percentage
- Net savings over the life of a new home
The article mentions an analysis from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, which provides specific energy cost savings percentages associated with adopting different versions of the energy conservation code. This can be used as an indicator to measure progress towards SDG 7.3 and SDG 11.6. Additionally, the article mentions a report from the same laboratory that calculates net savings over the life of a new home based on the energy conservation code. This can serve as an indicator to measure progress towards SDG 7.3 and SDG 13.2.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table:
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy | 7.3: By 2030, double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency | – Energy cost savings percentage – Net savings over the life of a new home |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management | – Energy cost savings percentage – Net savings over the life of a new home |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning | – Energy cost savings percentage – Net savings over the life of a new home |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: indepthnh.org
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