Current Codes
Israel currently has many standards in place, mandatory and voluntary, that address energy efficiency in buildings. Most notably, SI 1045 establishes minimum requirements for thermal insulation of buildings that are used for extended overnight stays Standards on air conditioning, cooling, and window certification have also been established.
Israeli standardization: energy efficiency and renewable energies
Helpful Links
- Israel Ministry of Environmental Protection
- Ministry of National Infrastructure, Energy and Water Resources
- Green Building Standards in Israel
- Israeli Green Building Council (on LinkedIn)
- National Energy Efficiency Program: Reducing Electricity Consumption 2010-2020
Published in 2010 to comply with Government Resolution 4095
History
As a result of the 1973 oil crisis, Israel began taking energy efficiency measures in building construction. The first measure passed was IS-1045, a standard on insulation in residential buildings. The standard was completely revised in the 1980’s, and again in the 1990’s when it was extended to cover virtually all buildings. Israel has also passed standards on air conditioning and window certification. Other policies of note are the Energy Sources Law of 1989, and the Energy Sector Law of 1996, which aim to regulate energy and source distribution and consumption. In 2005, Israel established IS-5282, a voluntary measure that defines criteria for the rating of both residential and office buildings according to their energy consumption. It is used in conjunction with IS-5281 to assess the energy efficiency measures taken, and gives a rating for the building. Builders can use a prescriptive, descriptive, or performance-based path for compliance.
As of July 2013, SI 5281 is undergoing another revision. Changes that will be made may include expanding it to industrial buildings, neighborhoods and campuses, and more.