Energy codes are evolving – and so are the solutions. Discover how engineered wood products and proven design techniques can help you meet today’s energy code requirements while keeping projects on schedule and affordable.
As building energy codes continue to evolve, builders and designers face growing pressure to construct homes that meet the increasingly stringent performance standards. Meeting today’s energy codes doesn’t have to mean sacrificing affordability, design flexibility or constructability. With the right materials, techniques and resources, builders can construct energy-efficient homes that are durable, cost-effective and built to last.
APA has an active voice in code development. APA participates in the development of national model energy codes and standards, advocating for science-based, balanced policies that recognize the value of engineered wood construction.
Proven assemblies backed by research. APA evaluates wall, roof and floor assemblies through rigorous research, testing and industry collaboration – assessing thermal performance, moisture management and long-term durability so builders can specify with confidence.
Flexible compliance pathways. APA advocates for approaches that allow builders to meet energy goals using a variety of compliant, proven assemblies – preserving design flexibility, affordability and constructability.
Wood is a naturally energy efficient building material. As an insulator, wood outperforms steel and concrete.
Engineered wood products give builders flexibility to meet code. From advanced framing techniques to structural insulated panels (SIPs), wood-based wall systems offer a range of proven options that balance energy performance, affordability and durability.
Wood structural panels do double duty. Plywood and OSB sheathing contribute to both the structural strength and energy performance of a wall system, helping builders meet code requirements without adding cost or complexity.
When new energy codes are introduced, the biggest concern for builders is often the cost impact of changes. While the IECC has become stricter over time, it has also evolved to permit greater flexibility for buildings, allowing different methods or “paths” to demonstrate compliance. Using a performance approach to code compliance lends maximum flexibility to meet or exceed the energy code in the most cost-effective manner.
A performance path uses energy modeling to demonstrate that the building as a whole uses equal or less energy than a home built using the prescriptive path.
Trade out high-cost assemblies for smarter solutions. The performance path allows flexibility to trade out many of the high-cost assemblies required in the prescriptive path, while delivering a home that is more energy-efficient from top to bottom.
Learn more in APA’s Performance Path to Energy Code Compliance, Form R505.
Advanced framing is a cost-effective way to meet or exceed energy code requirements. As energy codes have become more stringent, advanced framing has grown popular in climate zones where high prescriptive wall R-values are mandated or desired.
The technique maximizes space for cavity insulation while minimizing the potential for insulation voids, delivering significant energy performance and cost savings for the builder.
While framing with 2x6 studs spaced 16 inches on center is already common in many areas, increasing stud spacing to 24 inches on center, insulating effectively and fully sheathing with wood structural panels allows builders to cost-effectively balance energy and structural code requirements.
Learn more in APA’s Advanced Framing Construction Guide, Form M400.
APA offers a wide range of technical resources to help you build energy-efficient homes.
Learn more about energy-efficient design techniques, including:
Product Guide - H650
This publication covers SIP advantages, applications, design and construction considerations, connection details, assembly and related topics.
Construction Guide - M400
This publication explains the components of advanced framing in floor and wall framing, including illustrated construction details
Technical Guides - R330
This publication describes the key components of raised-heel trusses and identifies the advantages of using them in conjunction with continuous wood structural panel wall sheathing
Technical Guides - J440
This publication provides five basic steps to construct energy-saving wood wall systems that meet code, are durable to the forces of nature and help homeowners save money.
Technical Guides - P320
Joint ICC and APA publication describes how energy performance is measured in exterior wall assemblies and how to improve wall thermal performance to meet energy code requirements
Technical Guides - R505
This publication explains how to use a performance path to meet International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) requirements while balancing cost and structural requirements.
ENERGY STAR® Home Certification
APA Engineered Wood Specialist Matt Brown describes the process for the Energy Star Home Certification. He explains how home builders can strike an optimal balance between energy efficiency, structural performance and affordability by using advanced framing methods
3 minutes, 51 seconds
2021 & 2024 IECC: Impact on Structural Building Systems
56 minutes
Advanced Framing Boosts Energy Performance
This case study explains how a Pennsylvania home builder gained a competitive advantage by adopting advanced framing techniques that deliver lasting energy savings to customers.
PDF, 4 pages
The Performance Path to Energy Code Compliance
This publication explains how to use a performance path to meet International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) requirements while balancing cost and structural requirements.
PDF, 12 pages
Energy efficiency policies and building energy codes are evolving rapidly. APA supports practical, cost-effective energy solutions that maintain design flexibility, affordability, constructability and durability for builders and designers. Visit the APA Energy Efficiency Policies and Building Energy Codes page to learn more about APA’s advocacy work on behalf of the engineered wood industry.
The prescriptive path dictates how the thermal envelope of a home will be built. It requires the use of specific components that meet the R-value or U-value listed in the code table. This method must be strictly followed with few alternatives or differences allowed.
For more information, refer to APA’s The Performance Path to Energy Code Compliance, Form R505.
The performance path allows alternative options, giving builders the flexibility to pick and choose from many assemblies, as long as the energy performance of the entire house meets the code.
For more information, refer to APA’s The Performance Path to Energy Code Compliance, Form R505.
R-values for sheathing can be found in Table 3 of APA’s Product Report® PR-N217: Performance Standards and Qualification Policy for Wood Structural Panels and Performance Standard for 303 Siding.