The VA Board of Housing and Community Development should amend the Uniform Statewide Building Code to meet or exceed 2018 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) for all forms of construction covered by Virginia's Uniform Statewide Building Code.  

• • Virginia has lagged behind conservation requirements of the IECC since at least 2012.
  • Energy efficiency is the most low-cost energy source, and should be the cornerstone of building construction and rehabilitation, and is key for making  progress towards targets to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions under the VCEA - VA Clean Energy Act.  
  • Investment in energy efficiency of buildings and appliances will yield benefits to consumers in lower energy usage and  utility bills.
  • Nationally buildings represent 70% of electricity consumption!