Energy Code Support
Efficiency Vermont is here to help Vermonters understand the most up to date State of Vermont building codes. We invite you to use the resources listed below as guidance. To request a hard copy of the RBES Handbook, CBES Standards, or technical assistance with energy codes please call us at 855-887-0673 (toll free).
The RBES was enacted into law in 2006 (30 V.S.A. § 5.1). It is the energy code for all residential buildings and residential building 3 stories or less above grade and took effect January 1, 2007.
The last RBES update took effect on September 1, 2020, 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.
On July 1, 2024, the 2024 RBES will become effective. These updated standards apply to construction commenced on or after the effective date.
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 4 stories or greater above grade in Vermont and took effect January 1, 2007.
On July 1, 2024, an update to CBES shall take effect, which applies to all new commercial building construction, additions, alterations, renovations, and repairs.
NOTE: In some cases when PDFs are posted with recordings, they may include updates made after the training to correct errors or add detail following questions that came up. These changes will not be reflected in the recordings themselves.
Residential Building Energy Standards (RBES)
Located on Vermont Public Service Department website
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Learn about recent changes that are now in effect for the Vermont residential building energy standards.
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This training gives a deeper dive into RBES and Building Envelope Assembly options.
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Learn about the 2024 residential energy code compliance options & where to find helpful tools and resources.
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This training is geared for municipal officials, planning commissions, and energy committees.
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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™).
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RBES Official Code Documents
Adopted State of Vermont Residential Building Energy Standards
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Form required to be completed and filed with the Town and DPS for every eligible residential construction project
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An alternative compliance document to the standard RBES project completion certificate for qualifying Owner/Builder projects
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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.
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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)
Digital copy located on Vermont Public Service Department website. Contact us to request a hard copy.
Digital Copy
Learn about recent changes that are now in effect for the Vermont commercial building energy standards.
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Learn more about compliance options, including prescriptive packages and COMcheck.
Learn about the 2024 energy code requirements for multi-family structures and the nexus between commercial and residential code requirements.
Learn about recent changes that are now in effect for the Vermont commercial building energy standards specific to lighting & electrical vehicle installation requirements.
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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.
Learn about additional CBES efficiency package options (60min).
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Learn about recent changes that are now in effect for Vermont commercial building energy standards specific to electrical, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) and domestic hot water (90min).
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Learn about recent changes that are now in effect for Vermont commercial building energy standards specific to compliant building shell and air barrier design (60min).
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COMcheck™ 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.
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2020 CBES Official Code Documents
Adopted State of Vermont Commercial Building Energy Standards
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This certificate is for projects whose state or local permit application was submitted on or after September 1, 2020
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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.
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