Clean Energy Strategist | Speaker | Accelerating the Energy Transition | Decoding Market Signals |
Building Code Chaos Creates Opening for Electrification Leaders The recent failure to update building codes with electrification requirements is a mess - but it also opens a big opportunity for forward-thinking leaders. After a long process to add requirements for EV chargers, solar panels, and electric appliances, the International Code Council stripped these out of the core 2024 model energy code at the last minute. Due to pressure from the gas industry, they made these changes optional add-ons that fewer cities will likely adopt. This contested outcome shows the code council lacks a real commitment to climate action and future planning. By punting on critical building electrification issues, they created a leadership vacuum that innovative companies must fill. Smart builders know electrification is inevitable for climate goals and that a massive market shift is coming. Why get stuck just meeting outdated minimum codes when you could get ahead and deliver the electrified future that customers want? The economic stakes are huge. Offering full electrification solutions, from rooftop solar to EV chargers, positions companies for major growth as policies eventually mandate this transition. Builders training electrification workforces now gain key experience advantages. Pioneers embedding energy load flexibility solidify resilient revenue streams. Electrification also cuts operating costs, boosts property values, and keeps tenants happy. Health-conscious customers will flock to all-electric units without toxic gas emissions. Leaders operating in multiple regions can also get ahead by customizing electrified designs for different local policies now. While laggards scramble to meet patchwork minimum codes, innovators lock in first-mover advantages. However, smoothly navigating this transition requires new capabilities many lack - from redesigned construction workflows to new compensation incentivizing integrated teams to cross-train together. Pursuing one-off electrification projects won't prepare companies. The code chaos ultimately exposes the renewables sector's failure to cultivate a unified vision for driving rapid adoption of pollution-free buildings. #buildingregs #electrificationshift #codefailures #leadership https://lnkd.in/ggfk7pdq
Sandeep Kainth
7mo
How do you ensure that the electricity wasn't produced burning coal? How would you make homes in colder climate zones comfortable without the backup heat?
"The code chaos ultimately exposes the renewables sector's failure to cultivate a unified vision for driving rapid adoption of pollution-free buildings". It also exposed deeply ingrained corruption.
Nick Mandala
7mo
Jamie Skaar great post - it’s a clean break that is needed - codes can’t mandate change; the market and customer dollars will. Darkest before the dawn comes to mind. Stay tuned! #EnergyPositiveLiving Energy Positive Living Consortium Positive Energy Action Inc.
its almost a biblical battle between that's good and that which is not,n
To my knowledge there are 2 or 3 jurisdictions that have actually adopted the 2021 IECC. Why is anyone surprised no one liked 2024 changes. 🤷🏻♂️😎
Brett Little
7mo
Is anyone surprised? No. #nationalEnergycode
Great points, Jamie Skaar! The building code gap is a chance for #electrification leaders. At Suntek, we're committed to sustainability & see electric lawn care as a key piece of the eco-friendly future. #buildingregs #electrificationshift
Bruce Kniffin
7mo
Oh no.........
Leading Residential HVAC Design Expert & Educator | Green Building and Home Performance Professional| Founding Shareholder of HVAC 2 Home Performance & HVAC Design Partners
7moConsidering most states adopt the latest energy code then admend back to whatever pleases the local HBAs this is pretty much a nothing burger. Not many were going to pick it up whether it was in the code or not Also define and quantify "smart builder "? Most builders considered smart are the ones who fiscally turn a profit. Unless there is some huge incentive to do things or a lot of clients are asking for these features, most fiscally "smart" builders aren't including them by default