The 30% Solution 2012 Is Focused on:

Efficiency: Achieving the best in readily achievable gains in new home energy efficiency

The 30% Solution 2012 will put the 2012 IECC well on the path to achieve Congress’ 50% looming energy efficiency target. Taken together with the roughly 13% gains from the 2009 IECC, “The 30% Solution 2012” would result in a new IECC approaching 40% greater energy efficiency than the 2006 baseline. No other comprehensive proposal before the ICC was as dedicated to assembling the best line-up of readily available energy efficiency technologies.

Simplicity: Supporting energy code administration and enforcement

The 30% Solution 2012 was written with the burdens of code officials in mind. With a rising inspection burden from heightened energy requirements, code officials told us to keep the code as simple as possible – lots of easy-to-follow charts, minimal calculations, limited allowable variations and exceptions. We took their concerns to heart, seeking code official review before and even after submitting “The 30% Solution 2012.”

Lifetime and Ease of Replacement: Recognizing improvements that last for generations

All efficiency isn’t created equal . . . for example, there’s often only one shot to get envelope improvements right, but they last for decades. In contrast, homeowners will go through light bulbs, hot water heaters and HVAC systems with relatively greater frequency. The 30% Solution 2012 not only contains the strongest envelope requirements for the most part, but it emphasizes those improvements that will last the longest.

A Complete Solution: Integrating all elements of energy efficiency

EECC believes that energy efficiency should be NOT approached in silos. The 30% Solution 2012 addresses all aspects of home construction and avoids approaches that would allow, for example, solely mechanical improvements. Simply stated, it’s better to improve both the envelope and the HVAC system than to install the most efficient HVAC system in a poorly built home.

Learn More

• See highlights of the EECC proposal
• View EECC’s Guiding Principles for the 2012 IECC
• Review technical details of EECC’s Proposals for the 2012 IECC
• Find Out About the ICC’s Code Forum at the Hilton in Baltimore, MD. (IRC Energy Chapter Hearings scheduled for 1pm-8pm on Monday, October 26 and 8am-8pm on Tuesday, October 27. IECC Hearings scheduled from 8am-8pm each day from Wednesday, October 28 to Saturday, October 31.)
• A Significant Efficiency Boost in 2009 IECC: With support from over 60% of ICC members, the 2009 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) will significantly boost new home energy efficiency significantly over its 2006 counterpart. View and download EECC’s Report on the 2009 IECC Energy Savings as well as The Complete ICF Analysis.