Residential New Construction and Commercial New Construction Update

New RBES and CBES Code Implementation September 1

The Residential Building Energy Standards and Commercial Building Energy Standards code updates will be implemented September 1. The Energy Code Assistance Center (ECAC) will host online trainings and plans to host trainings in various locations throughout the state closer to implementation. Please stay tuned for more information.

Trainings and events

New RNC Program Requirements for New Enrollments Starting April 1

Efficiency Vermont’s Residential New Construction program has a handful of program updates that become effective April 1, 2020. New specifications and incentives will apply to all homes enrolling in the program April 1 or later. Also, as a reminder, Efficiency Vermont site visits (e.g., pre-drywall inspections) will occur only after a minimum of 24 hours has elapsed since the last application of spray polyurethane foam insulation.

Notable changes:

• A new $1,000 bonus incentive (in addition to $2,500 base / $3,000 high-performance home) is available for all-electric homes that meet requirements listed on the Specifications and Incentives document.
• The high-performance home (HPH) track now requires 100% of bathroom water fixtures to be WaterSense labeled. It also requires enhanced kitchen ventilation. (These requirements do not apply to the base program.) Any HPH project that enrolls on or after April 1, 2020, must meet these two updated requirements. Any project enrolled before April 1, 2020, is not subject to this change unless project completion occurs after December 31, 2020.