Building Efficiency into Illinois Policy: New Legislation

Today Governor Rod Blagojevich signed into law a bill that will bring greater energy efficiency to Illinois. The Governor signed House Bill 4099 (HB 4099), which sets minimum energy efficiency standards for all new commercial construction in Illinois. The legislation adopts the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) as the energy efficient commercial building code for Illinois. The code reduces energy usage in buildings by establishing standards for the building "envelope," heating/cooling/ventilation systems, water heating, lighting equipment and controls, and electrical power systems. Businesses that own, operate or occupy new commercial space meeting these energy efficiency standards can expect to see their energy bills reduced by 6 to 17 percent. Prior to the adoption of this code, Illinois was one of only twelve states with no energy code for commercial construction. Approximately 60 million square feet of new commercial building space is constructed in Illinois each year. For new commercial buildings, the impact of adopting this statewide energy efficiency building code will produce approximately $60-80 million of life-cycle energy and other cost savings for each year of construction. The Bill received strong bi-partisan support in both the Illinois House and Senate. The Bill's lead sponsors were Representatives Julie Hamos (D-18th Dist.) […]

Read More