A new study from the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy indicates if Louisiana updates its building energy codes, energy use in new buildings could be cut by as much as 20% in residential and 32% in commercial structures.
“Improving energy efficiency can also make communities less susceptible to extreme weather and reduce strain on the electric grid,” said ACEEE Senior Manager Mike Waite.
Waite said the benefits of the new building energy codes are immediate. He said Louisiana is still operating under 2009 national guidelines that are updated every three years, which means Louisiana is four versions behind.
“But last June, Governor Edwards signed into law a requirement for the adoption of the most recent national model energy code. That code with some amendments is going to take effect July 1st of this year,” said Waite.
The annual savings on energy costs for the average Louisiana home built under the newest guidelines, Waite said is significant.
“The Department of Energy estimated that this could save the average Louisiana home $400 a year on utility bills,” said Waite.
ACEEE said Louisiana is among the top ten states that would see the biggest impact upon the adoption of the newest building codes.
For more on the study click here.
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