New code to reduce energy usage
Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich recently signed House Bill 4099 into law, which sets minimum energy efficiency standards for new commercial building construction in Illinois. The new law adopts the International Energy Conservation Code (IEEE) as the energy efficient buildings code for the state.
Before the adoption of the code, Illinois was one of only 12 states with no energy code for commercial construction. The code’s authors hope it will reduce energy usage by establishing energy standards for lighting equipment and controls, electrical power systems, building envelope, water heating, and heating/cooling/ventilation systems.