BUILDING CODES

& ENERGY EFFICIENCY:

UTAH
Updated January 11, 2010

ECONOMIC BENEFITS

Consumers save money by reducing utility bills,

minimizing the negative impacts of fluctuations in
energy supply and cost, and by conserving available
energy resources. Retail and office buildings con-
structed to meet the requirements of the IECC can
be over 30 percent more energy efficient than
typical buildings not constructed to meet national
model energy standards.

B
Monetary savings derived from codes increase a
uildings account for roughly 40 percent of the
consumer's purchasing power, and help expand the
total energy use in the United States and 70
state’s economy by keeping local dollars in Utah.
percent of our electricity use, representing a
significant opportunity for energy savings. Energy effi-
BUILDING INDUSTRY BENEFITS
ciency—through the adoption and enforcement of
strong building energy codes—is the quickest, cheap- The national model code, the 2009 IECC, offers
est and cleanest way to reduce energy consumption and flexibility to Utah builders and design professionals,
achieve a sustainable and prosperous future. For the allowing them to optimize the cost-effectiveness of
state of Utah, the next step should be the adoption of energy efficient features in their building products,
the U.S. model energy codes—the 2009 International and to satisfy a variety of consumer preferences.
Energy Conservation Code (2009 IECC) and ASH-
RAE Standard 90.1-2007. The 2009 IECC also simplifies guidelines for build-
ers, providing a uniform code across the state with
In February 2009, the American Recovery and Rein- multiple options for compliance.
vestment Act (Recovery Act) – the federal stimulus
legislation appropriating funds for a variety of state Uniformity throughout Utah will enable local juris-
initiatives – allocated $3.1 billion for the U.S. Depart- dictions to pool limited resources and combine per-
ment of Energy’s State Energy Program (SEP) to assist sonnel to form county-wide, regional, and statewide
states with building energy efficiency efforts. As one enforcement and educational programs.
of the requirements to receive this funding, then-Gov.
Jon Huntsman certified to DOE1 that Utah would im- UTILITY AND ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS
plement energy standards of equal or greater strin-
gency than the latest national model codes—the 2009 Energy codes improve the energy efficiency per-
edition of the IECC and Standard 90.1-2007. formance of new buildings and reduce demand on
power generators, therefore improving the air qual-
Having already received $17.7 million2 in SEP funds, ity of local communities throughout Utah.
Utah is eligible to receive an additional $17.7 million
in grants upon demonstration of the successful imple- Electricity use is a leading generator of air pollution.
mentation of its energy plans submitted to DOE. It is in Rising power demand increases emissions of sul-
Utah’s best economic interest to adopt the 2009 IECC fur dioxide, nitrous oxides and carbon dioxide. En-
and Standard 90.1-2007 statewide and begin enjoy- ergy codes are a proven, cost-effective means for
ing the benefits of an efficient building sector. addressing these and other environmental impacts.
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Washington, DC 20036
www.bcap-ocean.org
 A MODEL STATE ENERGY CODE FOR UTAH
STATE ENERGY SUPPLIES
Utah has substantial fossil energy resources, including
coal, natural gas, and oil reserves. Although natural
gas-fired and hydroelectric generators also contribute,
coal-fired power plants dominate electricity generation
in Utah and supply almost the entire market. 8 Reduc-
ing local demand for electricity and natural gas would
free up more of the state’s energy resources for ex-
port to other states, decrease costs for consumers,
and increase profits for businesses.
HOUSEHOLD PROSPERITY
In 2007, Utah ranked 45th9 in the nation in per cap-
Delicate Arch in Arches Nat’l Park (Credit—Creative Commons) ita personal income. Energy expenses comprise an
economic drain on low-income communities. Low-

U
tah’s current energy code is based on the income households typically spend 17 percent of
2006 IECC (referencing Standard 90.1-2004) their total annual income on energy, compared with
and became effective in January 2007.3 This four percent for other households. According to some
code, however, does not achieve all of the energy estimates, more than four-fifths of energy expenses
savings potential of the 2009 IECC. The Utah Uni- leave low-income communities. Higher energy costs
form Building Code Commission has begun work to deprive these communities of resources needed to gen-
update the state energy code, but the process has been erate additional economic activity.
delayed until July 2010 upon the completion of a cost AN UNTAPPED RESOURCE
analysis study.4
Energy prices are projected to rise sharply over the
The 2009 IECC improves substantially upon the next decade. By using energy codes to increase the
state’s codes and makes it simpler to provide Utah significant potential energy supply improved build-
households and businesses lower utility costs, in- ing energy efficiency produces, Utah can enhance its
creased comfort, and better economic opportunity.5 A energy security by reducing energy demand within its
limited DOE analysis of the changes from the state's borders. Wise management of statewide energy policy
current residential code to the 2009 IECC resulted in should include seizing the low-hanging fruit that is the
estimated energy savings of 13-17 percent, or $219 energy savings improved building energy codes offer.
to $265 a year for an average new house at recent fuel Among the opportunities:
prices.6 Another DOE analysis of the changes from the If Utah began implementing the 2009 IECC and
state's current commercial code to Standard 90.1-2007 Standard 90.1-2007 statewide in 2011, businesses
estimates energy savings of 1-4 percent.7 and homeowners would save an estimated $39 mil-
lion annually by 2020 and an estimated $78 million
When states regularly update and enforce their energy
annually by 2030 in energy costs (assuming 2006
codes (in coordination with the three-year model code
energy prices).
update cycles), they ensure the consistency and contin-
ued enhancement of the benefits of model building Additionally, implementing the latest model codes
practice. By maintaining this commitment, Utah can would help avoid about 14 trillion Btu of primary
demonstrate leadership on energy efficiency issues annual energy use by 2030 and annual emissions of
by meeting national standards. more than 800,000 metric tons of CO2 by 2030.
** NOTES ** For more information, please visit www.bcap-ocean.org
1
US DOE (http://www.energy.gov/media/3275HuntsmanUtah.pdf) Residential_Utah.pdf)
2 7
US DOE (http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/news/progress_alerts.cfm/pa_id=190) US DOE (http://www.energycodes.gov/implement/state_codes/reports/commercial/
3
BCAP (http://bcap-energy.org/node/97) Commercial_Utah.pdf)
4 8
Utah UBC (http://www.dopl.utah.gov/programs/ubc/) US EIA (http://tonto.eia.doe.gov/state/state_energy_profiles.cfm?sid=UT)
5 9
BCAP (http://bcap-energy.org/node/330) US BEA (http://www.bea.gov/newsreleases/regional/spi/2008/spi0308.htm)
6
US DOE (http://www.energycodes.gov/implement/state_codes/reports/residential/
1850 M St. NW Suite 600
Washington, DC 20036
www.bcap-ocean.org