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).
More about RBES
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.
More about CBES
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
Located on Vermont Public Service Department website
2024 RBES
link
link
2020 RBES
link
link
Poster – Residential Energy Code
2024 RBES
PDF
Guide – Municipal Guide for Vermont Energy Codes
2024 RBES
PDF
Guide – RBES requirements for Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE)
A resource guide on the Vermont 2024 RBES requirements for Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE).
A resource guide on the Vermont 2024 RBES requirements for Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE).
2024 RBES
PDF
Video – RBES Training
Learn about recent changes that are now in effect for the Vermont residential building energy standards.
Learn about recent changes that are now in effect for the Vermont residential building energy standards.
2020 RBES
video
video
Video – RBES & Building Envelope Assemblies Training
This training gives a deeper dive into RBES and Building Envelope Assembly options.
This training gives a deeper dive into RBES and Building Envelope Assembly options.
2024 RBES
video
video
2020 RBES
video
video
Video – RBES Compliance Options
Learn about the 2024 residential energy code compliance options & where to find helpful tools and resources.
Learn about the 2024 residential energy code compliance options & where to find helpful tools and resources.
2024 RBES
video
video
Video – RBES for Government Officials
This training is geared for municipal officials, planning commissions, and energy committees.
This training is geared for municipal officials, planning commissions, and energy committees.
2024 RBES
video
video
2020 RBES
video
video
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™).
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™).
2024 RBES
COMING SOON
COMING SOON
2020 RBES
link
link
Video – RBES Mechanical Ventilation Requirements
Learn about mechanical ventialtion requirements
Learn about mechanical ventialtion requirements
2024 RBES
video
video
Video – RBES Solar Ready Requirements
Learn about solar ready requirements
Learn about solar ready requirements
2024 RBES
video
video
RBES Official Code Documents
RBES ICC Code Book
Adopted State of Vermont Residential Building Energy Standards
Adopted State of Vermont Residential Building Energy Standards
2024 RBES
COMING SOON
COMING SOON
2020 RBES
link
link
RBES Project Completion Certificate
Form required to be completed and filed with the Town and DPS for every eligible residential construction project
Form required to be completed and filed with the Town and DPS for every eligible residential construction project
2024 RBES
COMING SOON
COMING SOON
2020 RBES
PDF
RBES Owner/Builder Disclosure Statement
An alternative compliance document to the standard RBES project completion certificate for qualifying Owner/Builder projects
An alternative compliance document to the standard RBES project completion certificate for qualifying Owner/Builder projects
2024 RBES
COMING SOON
COMING SOON
2020 RBES
PDF
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.
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.
2024 RBES
link
link
2020 RBES
link
link
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.
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.
2024 RBES
PDF
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.
Digital copy located on Vermont Public Service Department website. Contact us to request a hard copy.
2024 CBES
Digital Copy
Digital 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).
A resource guide on the Vermont 2024 CBES requirements for Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE).
2024 CBES
PDF
Video – CBES Overview Training
Learn about recent changes that are now in effect for the Vermont commercial building energy standards.
Learn about recent changes that are now in effect for the Vermont commercial building energy standards.
2020 CBES
video
video
Video – CBES Compliance Options & COMcheck
Learn more about compliance options, including prescriptive packages and 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.
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.
Learn about recent changes that are now in effect for the Vermont commercial building energy standards specific to lighting & electrical vehicle installation requirements.
2020 CBES
video
video
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.
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.
Video – CBES Package Options
Learn about additional CBES efficiency package options (60min).
Learn about additional CBES efficiency package options (60min).
2024 CBES
COMING SOON
COMING SOON
Video – CBES HVAC Training
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).
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).
2024 CBES
COMING SOON
COMING SOON
Video – CBES Building Shell & Air Barrier Design
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).
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).
2024 CBES
COMING SOON
COMING SOON
COMCheck Software
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.
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.
2024 CBES
COMING SOON
COMING SOON
2020 CBES
link
link
Video – CBES for Compliant Building Shell and Air Barrier Design
Learn about compliant building shell design
Learn about compliant building shell design
Video – CBES for Additional Efficiency Package Options
Learn about additional CBES 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
Learn about electrical, HVAC and domestic hot water for CBES
2020 CBES Official Code Documents
CBES ICC Code Book
Adopted State of Vermont Commercial Building Energy Standards
Adopted State of Vermont Commercial Building Energy Standards
2024 CBES
COMING SOON
COMING SOON
2020 CBES
link
link
CBES Project Certificate
This certificate is for projects whose state or local permit application was submitted on or after September 1, 2020
This certificate is for projects whose state or local permit application was submitted on or after September 1, 2020
2024 CBES
COMING SOON
COMING SOON
2020 CBES
PDF
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.
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.
2024 CBES
link
link