Since Summer 2023, the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) has been reviewing changes to the state’s 2021 and 2024 Energy Codes (IECC). The next energy code Minnesota adopts, implemented in 2027, will be the first residential energy code change since 2014, as Housing First Minnesota was instrumental in holding the line in the 2024 code change.
Throughout the process, energy efficiency groups have advocated against the performance path options as well as sought to make home construction more costly in Minnesota.
So far, Housing First Minnesota and TAG appointee Eric Boyd of Arxcis have held the line on many proposals that would negatively impact homebuilders.
“The biggest challenge we are facing in this TAG Committee is a balance between affordability and common-sense improvements,” said Boyd. “Every discussion revolves around affordability, but the elephant in the room is complying with the new state law. Our immediate goal is to adopt the 2024 IECC code with the fewest changes possible so we can all adjust our business practice to the various performance paths available.”
Complicating this discussion is a law passed last session, which Housing First Minnesota advocated against.
Beginning in 2026, the commissioner shall act on the new model residential energy code by adopting each new published edition of the International Energy Conservation Code or a more efficient standard. The residential energy code in effect in 2038 and thereafter must achieve a 70% reduction in annual net energy consumption or greater, using the 2006 International Energy Conservation Code State Level Residential Codes Energy Use Index for Minnesota, as published by the United States Department of Energy’s Building Energy Codes Program, as a baseline. The commissioner shall adopt residential energy codes from 2026 to 2038 that incrementally move toward achieving the 70% reduction in annual net energy consumption. Requirements must be adopted such that electricity-only and mixed-fuel buildings attain the same site energy use intensity. By January 15 of the year following each new code adoption, the commissioner shall make a report on progress under this section to the legislative committees with jurisdiction over the energy code. Source: http://revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/326b.106
The energy code will now be on a three-year adoption cycle through 2038 and will shift the efficiency requirement far beyond that of the IECC, regardless of cost or durability. Housing First Minnesota is asking DLI to stick to the 2024 IECC without adjusting the efficiency requirements beyond code this cycle. This will allow code officials, builders, and their trade partners to better acclimate to the new code. As this is the first energy code change in over a decade, we believe a more gradual move is in the best interests of all parties, including homebuyers.
“With the Legislature tossing affordability out of the energy code last session, it is critical that the performance paths be part of the next code,” said Nick Erickson, senior director of housing policy for Housing First Minnesota. “Performance paths, both simulated building performance and ERI will allow our builders to comply with the aggressive efficiency targets in an affordable manner. Housing First Minnesota will continue to fiercely advocate for their inclusion in the next residential energy code.”
On Monday, the Residential Energy Code Technical Advisory Group (TAG) met to discuss energy code change proposals, including one that would remove performance path options. Over a dozen members and Housing First Minnesota staff were present at the meeting in opposition to this proposal.
Housing First Minnesota thanks the following members for their participation and advocacy efforts related to this issue:
- Arxcis *
- Creative Homes
- Gonyea Custom Homes/Stonegate
- KEY LAND HOMES *
- Lennar
- M/I Homes *
- Pulte *
- Robert Thomas Homes *
* Denotes multiple staff members present
Law Change Note: Housing First Minnesota advocacy efforts achieved a change from an 80% reduction in annual net energy consumption, to the final language of a 70% reduction.
