Florida Energy Efficiency Code for Building Construction

Florida's Energy Efficiency Code for Building Construction ensures that newly constructed homes in Florida perform to industry thermal and lighting standards to reduce energy waste.

Authorization

• The legal authorization for development and implementation of the Florida Energy Efficiency Code for Building Construction can be found in Chapter 553, Part VIII, Florida Statutes, Rule 9B-13, Florida Administrative Code.

History

• According to the U.S. Department of Energy, Florida established its own energy efficiency code for buildings in 1979 because existing codes were not applicable to Florida's climate. The code has been updated several times since then.

Significance

• Drs. Jacobson and Kotchen found that the Florida Energy Efficiency Code for Building Construction was responsible for reducing electricity consumption by 4 percent and natural gas consumption by 6 percent.

Compliance

• Since 2006, builders can use an automated energy code compliance tracking software to ensure that newly constructed homes meet the Florida Energy Efficiency Code.