Clean & Resilient Building Energy Codes
New York’s nation-leading greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction goals in the 2019 Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (Climate Act) requires partnership among all of us to advance innovative solutions that support cleaner and more resilient buildings. In New York State, buildings account for more than 30% of state greenhouse gas emissions. The implementation of effective building energy codes are therefore an essential pathway for addressing climate goals.
While energy codes were primarily developed to enhance energy efficiency, advancing progress on cleaner energy codes supports community-based well-being and resilience. Building energy codes lead to important financial, health, and safety outcomes for our communities, especially for vulnerable and underserved populations who spend a disproportionate amount of their income on energy expenses or live in areas with higher levels of air pollution.
By advancing progress on building codes that improve energy efficiency, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and promote health and safety, we can ensure that all New Yorkers have access to the benefits of a clean energy transition. The benefits of updated cleaner and more resilient building codes are known to provide energy savings and allow buildings to better adapt to extreme cold and heat. These benefits include a more durable building thermal envelope; increased air leakage prevention and air sealing requirements; and increased use of insulation.
Additional information on New York State's path to zero-emissions building codes can be found in the New York State Climate Action Council Scoping Plan [PDF] .
Explore Energy Code Training Opportunities and Resources
Whether you are a municipal code official, a real estate developer, or a community advocate, NYSERDA is your partner for energy code technical assistance and compliance. To get started, choose from the following options, check out our directory of training and resources, or contact us.
For Municipalities & Code Officials
Training, resources, and additional programs to help you adopt and enforce green building energy codes in your community.
For Design & Construction Professionals
Training and resources to help you understand building energy codes with a directory of NYSERDA programs to help you implement building energy solutions.
For Residents & Communities
Resources to help you stay informed about New York State’s building energy codes.
For All Training & Resources
View all training and resources to support your green building energy code needs.
New York State legislation requires NYSERDA, alongside the New York Department of State, to develop and implement the next generation of modern building energy codes and standards. Through this work, local governments, builders, contractors, design professionals, and community advocates will have the opportunity to come together to help us reach our clean energy goals as defined by the Advanced Building Codes, Appliance and Equipment Efficiency Standards Act of 2022 and the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (Climate Act) .
Questions? Get In Touch.
If you need help finding the appropriate training and resources, or you are interested in learning more about NYSERDA’s Building Energy Code activities, email us at [email protected] for more information.