Current Commercial Code of Vermont
2020 Vermont Commercial Building Energy Standards (CBES):
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- Adopted version of the IECC 2018.
- Amended to fit Vermont’s specific requirements.
- Effective from September 1, 2020.
- These standards are aimed at improving the energy efficiency of commercial buildings through regulations on insulation, windows, heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC) systems, and overall energy consumption.
Current Residential Code
2020 Vermont Residential Building Energy Standards (RBES):
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Vermont Residential Building Energy Standards (RBES) — effective July 1, 2024. Includes updated envelope, insulation, U-factors, air leakage, hot water pipe insulation, mechanical ventilation, and other improvements in line with newer IECC editions. Applies to new residential buildings three stories or less above grade (plus additions, alterations, etc.).Â
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Next Code Update: Expected to occur around mid-2027, assuming the typical three-year cycle continues.
Climate Zone: 6A
Code Adoption and Change Process
Legislative and Regulatory:
- RBES Revisions: The revisions to the Residential Building Energy Standards (RBES) are carried out according to the process specified in the State Administrative Procedures Act (3 V.S.A. Chapter 25). This process includes public notification, the opportunity for public hearing, and the collection of testimony and comments.
- Technical Assistance and Advisory Committee: The Vermont Department of Public Service is required to provide technical assistance and expert advice to the Commissioner of Labor and Industry concerning the interpretation of the RBES and in formulating specific revisions to the RBES. At least one year prior to adopting required revisions to the RBES, the Department of Public Service must convene an advisory committee. This committee provides recommendations to the commissioner.
- Rule Promulgation and Approval: Every three years, the Department of Public Service is tasked with promulgating rules to update both the residential and commercial building codes. These updates are meant to incorporate the most recent versions of the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) and the ASHRAE Standard 90.1. Once these rules are formulated, they must be approved by the Vermont Legislative Committee on Administrative Rules (LCAR) and are set to become effective within three months of their final adoption.
Code Change Cycle
- According to Vermont Act 45 of 2009, the Department of Public Service is mandated to update the residential and commercial building codes every three years. The updates must include the latest versions of the IECC and ASHRAE Standard 90.1 and have an effective date within three months of final adoption.
Next Code Update
- The specific date for the next code update is currently unknown. It will depend on the cycle and any intervening amendments or legislative changes that may influence the scheduling.
This structured approach ensures that Vermont’s building codes remain up-to-date with the latest standards in building safety and energy efficiency, reflecting ongoing developments in construction technology and environmental policy.
History
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July 1, 2024 |
2024 Vermont RBES and CBES take effect. RBES covers new residential buildings up to three stories, additions, alterations, and renovations. CBES applies to all new commercial construction and existing buildings undergoing significant changes. Updates incorporate efficiency improvements from IECC 2018, IECC 2021, and some 2024 IECC provisions, with Vermont-specific amendments. |
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September 1, 2020 |
2020 RBES (based on 2015 IECC with VT amendments) and 2020 CBES (based on 2018 IECC with VT amendments) become effective. |
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January 2016 |
Vermont publishes an updated Comprehensive Energy Plan, providing a framework for advancing energy efficiency and clean energy goals. |
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December 5, 2014 |
RBES updated to align with the 2015 IECC. CBES updated as a standalone document based on 2015 IECC with amendments, plus an alternative ASHRAE 90.1-2013 compliance path. Both effective March 1, 2015. |
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June 17, 2013 |
Act 89 clarifies applicability of RBES/CBES to mixed-use buildings and promotes compliance through permit processes. |
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October 3, 2011 |
2011 CBES update references 2009 IECC and ASHRAE 90.1-2007 with strengthening amendments from 2012 IECC. Effective January 3, 2012. |
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July 1, 2011 |
2011 RBES update references 2009 IECC with amendments from 2012 IECC. Effective October 1, 2011 (applies to construction >500 sq. ft). |
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May 27, 2009 |
Vermont Energy Act of 2009 directs adoption of 2009 IECC and ASHRAE 90.1-2007, plus triennial updates. DPS tasked with training, enforcement, and compliance plans. |
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January 1, 2007 |
2005 CBES, based on 2000 IECC and ASHRAE 90.1-2004, becomes effective. |
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2006 |
CBES enacted into law (21 V.S.A. § 268), covering all commercial buildings and high-rise residential. |
| January 1, 2005 | The 2005 RBES edition, based on the 2000 IECC, becomes effective. |
| May 1997 | The State of Vermont enacts the Vermont Residential Building Energy Standards (RBES), a statewide residential energy code based on the 1995 CABO/MEC and Vermont amendments to the 2000 IECC. It becomes effective July 1, 1998 and applies to virtually all new residential construction. The following buildings are exempt from both the technical and the certification requirements of the Vermont Energy Code: Existing buildings for which construction commenced before July 1, 1998; Act 250 projects permitted before July 1, 1997; Commercial buildings or portions classified as commercial or high-rise residential. (A residential portion of a mixed-use building must meet the Energy Code.) Mobile homes subject to Title VI of the National Manufactured Housing Construction & Safety Standards Act of 1974 (i.e., single- and double-wide homes on a permanent chassis with detachable wheels). Site-built components such as conditioned basements or crawlspaces are not exempt. Buildings or additions with very low energy use: Buildings or additions designed for a peak energy use of less than 3.4 Btu/h (1 Watt) per square foot of floor area. (Any occupied building intended to be heated and lived in will not meet this exemption.) Unconditioned buildings that are neither heated nor cooled Renovations except for those in Burlington which has its own municipal code Hunting camps. |
Contacts
Kelly Launder
Assistant Director
Department of Public Service (DPS)
Email: kelly.launder@state.vt.us
Kate Fournier
Environmental Officer
Grants Management
Agency of Commerce and Community Development
Email:
kate.fournier@vermont.gov
Carolyn Sarno Goldthwaite
Senior Program Manager
High Performance Buildings
Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships (NEEP)
Email: cgoldthwaite@neep.org
News and Events
- Energy Code Adoptions in 2015 February 1, 2016
- Comprehensive State Energy Plans: A Brief Comparison October 29, 2015
- High Performance Schools: Northeast States Paving The Way For This And Future Generations June 24, 2015
- New Year, New Codes February 24, 2015
BCAP Projects
Compliance Collaboratives
Compliance Planning Assistance
BCAP Resources
Helpful Links
Cosimina has been a member of BCAP for over a decade, actively contributing to the organization’s nationally acclaimed initiatives aimed at assisting states and local authorities in the establishment and enforcement of robust and efficient building energy codes. Her involvement spans across advocacy, technical guidance, outreach programs, and the formation of strategic coalitions.