This article was written for a precision diagnostic equipment company.
Investing $279 billion in updating and replacing equipment in buildings can yield as much as a $1 trillion in energy savings over 10 years, according to a recent report by The Rockefeller Foundation and the DB Climate Change Advisors.
The trend toward energy efficiency continues in 2018, as contractors look to increase resale values while reducing costs. When looking ahead to this coming year and into the foreseeable future, we see two major trends that will affect the energy diagnostic industry. The first is an increase in the adoption and enforcement of building codes. The second is a greater use of non code-based energy related testing done by independent energy auditors and graders.
As the construction of more sustainable and energy efficient houses and buildings increases, so too do the building codes and state requirements associated with them. The International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) is being more and more incorporated into state building codes. In 2018, we see more states moving toward adopting IECC standards and getting more rigorous enforcing them. These efforts are intended to provide a way for customers to evaluate homes and buildings in a more concrete and identifiable manner. And that’s good for everyone.
The second trend we see making strides in 2018 is a greater use of non-code-based energy related testing to determine a structure’s energy rating. The energy efficiency scoring is done by independent energy auditors and graders, who evaluate every aspect of a house or building, from siding and windows, to insulation, air tightness and the HVAC equipment. The data is calculated to register a final score that becomes its energy rating – 100 being an average house. Anything under a score of 100 means the house or building is more energy efficient, making it more valuable. At the forefront of this testing is the Department of Energy, using non-code based energy related testing to determine Energy Star ratings for houses.
As these trends begin to take shape and mold the energy diagnostic industry, programs around the country are connecting utilities companies and the like with independent energy auditors to score the houses and buildings and incorporate it into an MLS listing. In addition to saving money through energy conservation, the efficiency of a house or building can contribute to its overall value – and that’s good for business.
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