Buildings consume about 40% of the energy our nation uses, so making buildings as efficient as possible is important. America’s model energy code — called the International Energy Conservation Code or IECC — sets out minimum efficiency standards for new construction for a structure’s walls, floors, ceilings, lighting, windows, doors, duct leakage and air leakage.

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The IECC is referred to as America’s model energy code because building codes are state laws; there is no national building energy code. Regardless of when any state adopts a code, every three years, officials from municipalities and states across the nation vote on proposed changes to the IECC to incorporate new building technologies and practices as they evolve over time, and ensure that new American homes and commercial buildings meet modern-day minimum levels of safety, fire protection, and efficiency.

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The IECC serves as the go-to source for states adopting an energy code; an ICC code is in use or adopted in all 50 states and beyond. That’s why it’s important to get each three-year version right, so that states can be confident they’re adopting an updated, well-vetted, and feasibly implementable building energy code.