BUILDING ENERGY STANDARDS

Residential Building Energy Standards (RBES)

The Vermont Legislature passed RBES into law in 1997 (21 V.S.A. § 266). The RBES was revised effective January, 2005, and applies to dwelling units in buildings three stories or less in height.

See Vermont Department of Public Service Residential Building Energy Standards

Commercial Building Energy Standards (CBES)

Enacted into law in 2006, the CBES applies to all commercial buildings, and residential buildings not covered by the RBES. The CBES uses the 2005 Vermont Guidelines for Energy Efficient Commercial Construction as the stand alone energy code for Vermont and is based on the International Energy Conservation Code®, 2004 Supplement.

Certification Required

Both the RBES and the CBES requires that the builder, or a licensed professional engineer or architect, certify that the building meets the Vermont Energy Guidelines. The certification must be submitted to the Department of Public Service.

Energy Efficiency Certificates - The CBES (Commercial Building Energy Standard) certificates have now been finalized by the Dept of Public Service and are available on line. The Division of Fire Safety is now required to check to see if the certificates are posted in new construction. This section from the Vermont Fire & Building Safety Code further explains the requirement.

Chapter 13 Energy Efficiency: Certification, approved by the Department of Public Service, indicating compliance with the Vermont Guidelines for Energy Efficient Commercial Construction, for the design and construction of any public building, other than one & two family dwellings and multi-family dwellings three stories or less in height, shall be affixed in a visible location inside the building, in the vicinity of the heating or cooling equipment or the electrical service panel, as a condition for a final occupancy permit, [The Department of Public Service provides technical assistance and expert advice regarding the energy standard requirements for new construction.  This includes criteria that builders may use in lieu of computer or systems analysis of the building.  For additional information contact the Vermont Department of Public Service at 1-888-373-2255.]

The certificates can be found by clicking here.

Information and Technical Assistance

Contact the Department of Public Service at 1-800-642-3281 or 802-828-4056 for information and assistance on the certification process, the Vermont Energy Guidelines and other questions regarding the requirements of the Commercial Building Energy Standards. Click here for a link to the CBES Certificate and Affidavit forms or you may call 1-800-642-3281 or 802-828-4056.

Solar/Wind Incentive Program - Information is available at:  www.rerc-vt.org/incentives

Certified Installer - Information on becoming a “certified” installer to qualify for incentive funds is available at: http://www.revermont.org/installers.php