Energy Code Ambassadors are experienced building code officials who have been specially trained and certified on the energy code, and volunteer to offer their expertise and assistance to other code professionals in their state. They provide customized assistance to other code professionals or the construction and design industry. For example, in working with neighboring building departments, they provide an overview of the state energy code, assist with a plan review or site inspection, discuss compliance software such as REScheck or COMcheck, or present a specific topic such as air barriers, or mechanical requirements.

In Ohio…
Six Energy Code Ambassadors have worked together to develop six classes approved by the state for Continuing Education Units (CEUs). With support from two Ohio utilities: Columbia Gas of Ohio and AEP Ohio, the Energy Code Ambassadors are educating their peer code officials in neighboring jurisdictions, and providing free CEUs to participants. To date, they have visited neighboring jurisdictions 22 times, educating more than 400 code officials about the state’s energy code.

In Texas…
With support from the Southwest Partnership for Energy Efficiency as a Resource (SPEER) and the Building Codes Assistance Project (BCAP), thirteen code officials in Texas have become Energy Code Ambassadors, providing a network of support for code officials regionally. They meet monthly to coordinate efforts at improving energy code adoption, compliance, and enforcement in Texas.

For more information on the Energy Code Ambassador Program, click here.