ACC Applauds New National Energy Conservation Code for Buildings

State and Local Adoption of National Model Could Boost Building Energy Efficiency By 30 Percent

WASHINGTON, Nov. 4, 2010 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- At hearings held by the International Code Council (ICC) last week in Charlotte, North Carolina, nearly 500 participating state and local government officials approved a new model national energy conservation code for 2012 that would raise energy efficiency standards for home and commercial building construction, additions and renovations. In states and localities where the new International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) is adopted, it could boost the energy efficiency of new homes by 30 percent.

The American Chemistry Council (ACC) issued the following statement:

"We applaud the ICC's significant achievement toward improving building energy efficiency and conservation across the country.  We are especially encouraged that the new model code meets the 30 percent improvement target sought by the U.S. Department of Energy, the U.S. Conference of Mayors, the National Association of State Energy Officials, governors, lawmakers, the Energy Efficient Codes Coalition (EECC) and the ACC. We urge every state and locality in the nation to adopt, implement and enforce the 2012 model energy conservation code.

"Energy efficiency has long been a priority for the chemistry industry.  Many chemistry products contribute to energy efficiency and conservation in building and construction. Use of chemistry-intensive products such as plastic foam insulation, housewraps, plastic window frames and glazing films, siding, roofing, caulks, sealants, roof coatings and solar panels is expected to substantially contribute to meeting the new standards. In our own plants, we've improved energy efficiency by 58 percent since 1974 and 36 percent since 1990.  

"Congress can help, too, by passing legislation that improves residential and commercial energy efficiency building code standards.  We support the building code measures in the American Clean Energy Leadership Act (S. 1462), sponsored by Senator Jeff Bingaman (D-N.M.)."  

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The American Chemistry Council (ACC) represents the leading companies engaged in the business of chemistry.  ACC members apply the science of chemistry to make innovative products and services that make people's lives better, healthier and safer.  ACC is committed to improved environmental, health and safety performance through Responsible Care®, common sense advocacy designed to address major public policy issues, and health and environmental research and product testing.  The business of chemistry is a $674 billion enterprise and a key element of the nation's economy.  It is one of the nation's largest exporters, accounting for ten cents out of every dollar in U.S. exports.  Chemistry companies are among the largest investors in research and development.  Safety and security have always been primary concerns of ACC members, and they have intensified their efforts, working closely with government agencies to improve security and to defend against any threat to the nation's critical infrastructure.

SOURCE American Chemistry Council