The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (12/31/2014), written by Mandy Mahoney, Judy Knight and Lauren Westmoreland
This op-ed highlights the results of the Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance’s (SEEA) recent codes research, confirming that the adoption of stronger energy codes across the Southeast has no adverse effect on commercial construction activity. In Georgia, when the state adopted the 2009 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) with Georgia State Supplements and Amendments in 2011, it saw the largest ever number of activated construction permits. Reviewing permits from 2005 to 2013, the state also showed a trend toward increased growth in commercial construction following the adoption of stronger energy codes. In addition, the research shows an increasing number of participants in building energy efficiency programs such as the Better Buildings Challenge since 2011.