The Department of Labor and Industry Monday announced a new Uniform Construction Code for both new commercial and residential buildings will take effect on October 1, the first update since 2009.

Moving from the 2009 to the 2015 International Code Council Code will result in energy use savings of up to 25 percent for owners and occupants of new residential buildings and up to 11.5 percent for new commercial buildings.

New increased insulation values and less expensive compliance costs in the 2015 Code translates to saving $300 to $500 per year for residential housing, depending on home size and type of fuel.

As a result of this new Code, building owners and occupants not only save money and energy, but reduce their carbon footprint.

The updated codes will apply to all Commonwealth residents including business owners who build and/or renovate commercial structures, commercial and residential contractors, building and construction code officials, architects, engineers and construction trades. 

“It’s been nearly a decade since there has been a major adoption of more current codes, a change that is expected to have a positive impact on both commercial and residential construction projects across the commonwealth,” said L&I Secretary Jerry Oleksiak. “I’d like to thank the builders, building and construction code officials, stakeholders and Pennsylvania residents whose invaluable insight and expertise was the cornerstone of this effort to streamline and modernize the UCC codes.”

For more information on the new Code, visit the Department of Labor and Industry’s Uniform Construction Code webpage.

Articles Evaluating Energy Impacts Of The Code Changes:

Re-Coding Commercial Construction In Philadelphia

PA Adopts 2015 IECC, Philly Adopts 2018 Commercial IECC

New Buildings in Pennsylvania to Leap Forward in Efficiency

Pennsylvania Adopts Energy Rating Index Option To Their Building Code

Pennsylvania Adopts New Building Codes for More Energy Efficient Lighting Controls

Pennsylvania to Adopt the 2015 IECC (with Amendments)

NewsClip:

Centre County Moves Forward On Energy-Saving Projects

[Posted: Sept. 19, 2018]

9/24/2018