The RBES was enacted into law in 1997 (30 V.S.A. § 5.1). It is the energy code for all residential buildings and residential building three stories or less above grade. The Vermont energy code reflects standards published by the International Energy Code Council (IECC).
The latest RBES update took effect on July 1, 2024, and applies to construction commenced on or after the effective date.
RBES applies to all new residential construction, including additions, alterations, renovations, and repairs. This effective date applies to both the RBES Base code and the RBES Stretch code. The RBES Stretch code is used to satisfy criterion 9(f) of all Act 250 projects.
The CBES was enacted into law in 2006 (30 V.S.A. § 53). It is the energy code for all commercial buildings and residential building four stories or greater above grade in Vermont and took effect January 1, 2007.
The latest CBES update took effect on July 1, 2024, and applies to construction commenced on or after the effective date.
CBES applies to all new commercial building construction, additions, alterations, renovations, and repairs.
Residential Building Energy Standards (RBES)
Residential Building Energy Standards
Located on Vermont Public Service Department website
Brochure – Residential Energy Code
Poster – Residential Energy Code
Guide – Municipal Guide for Vermont Energy Codes
Guide – RBES requirements for Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE)
A resource guide on the Vermont 2024 RBES requirements for Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE).
Video – RBES Training
Learn about recent changes that are now in effect for the Vermont residential building energy standards.
Video – RBES & Building Envelope Assemblies Training
This training gives a deeper dive into RBES and Building Envelope Assembly options.
Video – RBES Compliance Options
Learn about the 2024 residential energy code compliance options & where to find helpful tools and resources.
Video – RBES for Government Officials
This training is geared for municipal officials, planning commissions, and energy committees.
REScheck Software
REScheck™ has been developed by the Department of Energy (DOE) to show compliance with the Vermont 2020 Residential Building Energy Standards. (Note: this is a beta version of REScheck Web™).
Video – REScheck Software
Learn about REScheck software as a compliance pathway for RBES.
Video – RBES Mechanical Ventilation Requirements
Learn about mechanical ventialtion requirements
Video – RBES Solar Ready Requirements
Learn about solar ready requirements
Video – RBES Overview for Real Estate
How real estate professionals can leverage RBES compliance as a sales tool for their clients.
Video – RBES & Moisture Management for Durable Buildings
Learn why moisture management is amongst the top areas for builders to complete to Energy Code standards
Video – RBES Resilient Building Design & Comparative Modeling
Learn about comparative energy modeling an overall resilient building design
Video – RBES Air Sealing Techniques for Low Air Changes per Hour
Learn about RBES 2024 requirements to achieving low air changes per hour
RBES Official Code Documents
RBES ICC Code Book
Adopted State of Vermont Residential Building Energy Standards
RBES Project Completion Certificate
Form required to be completed and filed with the Town and DPS for every eligible residential construction project
RBES Owner/Builder Disclosure Statement
An alternative compliance document to the standard RBES project completion certificate for qualifying Owner/Builder projects
Residential New Construction Envelope Testing Contractors
RBES requires that all new construction projects be tested upon completion for building envelope air-leakage and testing results reported from a verified third party as part of the completion of the RBES project certificate. The link offers a list of Vermont Public Service Department certified building envelope testing contractors.
Historic Buildings Exemption Report
This form should be completed and sent to the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) for approval if compliance with the energy code may adversely affect a historic building.
Commercial Building Energy Standards (CBES)
Commercial Building Energy Standards
Digital copy located on Vermont Public Service Department website. Contact us to request a hard copy.
Guide – CBES requirements for Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE)
A resource guide on the Vermont 2024 CBES requirements for Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE).
Video – CBES Overview Training
Learn about recent changes that are now in effect for the Vermont commercial building energy standards.
Video – CBES Compliance Options & COMcheck
Learn more about compliance options, including prescriptive packages and COMcheck.
Video – CBES for Multifamily Buildings
Learn about the 2024 energy code requirements for multi-family structures and the nexus between commercial and residential code requirements.
Video – CBES Lighting & Electrical Vehicle Training
Learn about recent changes that are now in effect for the Vermont commercial building energy standards specific to lighting & electrical vehicle installation requirements.
Video – CBES for Government Officials
Get an introduction to Commercial Building Energy Standards from Barry Murphy of the Vermont Public Service Department, and Charlie Carpenter with Efficiency Vermont. This training is geared for municipal officials, planning commissions, and energy committees.
COMCheck SoftwareCOMcheck
™ contains support for the Vermont 2020 CBES. Currently, this is only available in a downloadable Windows format. COMcheckweb is now availible for use. Guidance on how to fill out COMcheck can be found on the
Building Energy Codes Program resource page.
Video – CBES for Compliant Building Shell and Air Barrier Design
Learn about compliant building shell design
Video – CBES for Additional Efficiency Package Options
Learn about additional CBES efficiency package options
Video – CBES for Electrical, HVAC, Domestic Hot Water
Learn about electrical, HVAC and domestic hot water for CBES
CBES Official Code Documents
CBES ICC Code Book
Adopted State of Vermont Commercial Building Energy Standards
CBES Project Certificate
This certificate is for projects whose state or local permit application was submitted on or after September 1, 2020
Historic Buildings Exemption Report
This form should be completed and sent to the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) for approval if compliance with the energy code may adversely affect a historic building.