Building Energy Standards

Much of the information presented in this summary is drawn from the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Building Energy Codes Program and the Building Codes Assistance Project (BCAP). For more detailed information about building energy codes, visit the DOE and BCAP websites.

The 2015 Vermont Commercial Building Energy Standards (CBES) took effect on March 1, 2015. The code is based on the 2015 IECC, with amendments to incorporate ASHRAE 90.1-2013. The new guidelines apply to all commercial construction, including alterations, renovations, repairs, and additions.

The 2015 Vermont Residential Building Energy Standards (RBES) apply to all new homes, alterations, renovations, repairs, and additions built after March 1, 2015. See the updated Vermont Residential Energy Code Handbook for revisions. 

Vermont enacted a Stretch Code for residential buildings to achieve greater energy savings than the RBES. Municipalities have the option of adopting the code as part of their land use bylaws. The stretch code became effective December 1, 2015.