Latest News

Concerned about the future of the Residential Energy Code?

April 30, 2022

BIAW members have a broad range of opinions when it comes to Washington’s Residential Energy Code and the Residential Energy Code TAG is ready to hear them. Regardless of where you stand on the issue, the State Building Code Council’s Residential Energy Code Technical Advisory Group (TAG) has scheduled a series of meetings to gather public input leading up to the full adoption of Washington’s Residential Energy Code.

Help our voice be heard

It doesn’t matter if you can’t attend all of the meetings. We welcome any and all participation and input. If you have specific concerns regarding the Energy Code and cannot be present at these meetings, please reach out to our voting representative on the TAG and BIAW’s Policy and Research Manager, Andrea Smith (andreas@biaw.com).

Residential Energy Code TAG Meetings

The upcoming TAG meetings will be 8:30 am to 2 pm via Zoom on the following dates:

The SBCC will provide agendas, the code proposal log and login information for Zoom on the SBCC website at least 24 hours before the scheduled meeting time.

Proposed amendments

BIAW has proposed two changes to Washington’s Residential Code to increase flexibility and protect housing affordability.

One proposed change allows builders of new construction to use simulated performance alternatives to demonstrate a home meets or exceeds required carbon emission reductions and the energy rating index in the state’s residential energy code.

The other proposed change exempts certain dwellings from the requirement for electric vehicle charging infrastructure. The proposal applies to new single-family homes, duplexes and townhomes with attached private garages. And it only applies if it will cost more than $1,500 per dwelling.

Read more about these proposals

Return to blog