Energy Efficiency Policies and Building Energy Codes

What to Know

1. Energy efficiency policies and building energy codes continue to evolve rapidly at the federal, state, and local levels, directly impacting residential and commercial construction practices. The International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) serves as the foundation for many state and local energy codes. They influence construction practices, including wall assemblies, insulation requirements, air sealing, continuous insulation, and overall building envelope performance.

2. APA supports practical, cost-effective energy solutions that maintain design flexibility, affordability, constructability, and durability for builders and designers.

3. Engineered wood products play a critical role in high-performance wall, floor, and roof systems by supporting:

   • Durable assemblies

   • Advanced framing techniques

   • Efficient insulation strategies

4. Overly prescriptive mandates can unintentionally:

   • Limit material choice

   • Increase housing costs

   • Reduce innovation opportunities within the wood products industry

5. APA advocates for flexible compliance approaches that allow builders to meet energy goals using a variety of compliant and proven assemblies. Maintaining balanced code development processes is essential to ensuring energy efficiency improvements remain achievable and economically practical.

What We're Doing

• APA actively participates in the development of national model energy codes and standards, including the IECC and ASHRAE 90.1 processes.

• APA technical staff engage with code officials, policymakers, builders, and industry stakeholders to advocate for science-based and balanced energy policies that recognize the value of engineered wood construction.

• APA develops technical resources, assembly guidance, and educational programs to support compliant and high-performing wood-frame construction.

• APA monitors federal and state energy policy proposals that could impact:

  • Engineered wood product manufacturing

  • Design flexibility

  • Housing affordability

• APA evaluates wall, roof, and floor assemblies through research, testing, and collaboration with industry partners, for:

  • Long-term durability

  • Thermal performance

  • Moisture management

• APA works to ensure energy policies remain product-neutral and avoid unintended consequences that may disadvantage wood construction systems.

• APA supports builder education initiatives that help improve code compliance while promoting practical and durable energy-efficient building practices.