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About Building Energy Codes

What Does the Building Energy Codes Program Do?

The Building Energy Codes Program (BECP) mission is to support building energy code development, adoption, implementation and enforcement processes to achieve the maximum practicable, cost-effective improvements in energy efficiency while providing safe, healthy buildings for occupants.

The BECP accomplishes this by :

  • Participating in industry processes to develop codes - analyzing energy and cost savings associated with code updates and improvements
  • Providing technical assistance to states and localities - helping them adopt and implement better codes
  • Supporting energy code compliance - ensuring that intended savings are realized by U.S. home and business owners

Who are the Key BECP Partners?

The U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) activities surrounding building energy codes are established by Congress through federal statutory directives. BECP works closely with state and local government, energy efficiency organizations, code development bodies, building design and construction representatives, the code enforcement community, product manufacturers, and the general public.

How Does BECP Support the Mission of BTO and EERE?

BECP activities are a key component of the DOE Building Technologies Office (BTO) vision of a United States in which buildings use the minimum amount of energy required for occupant activities and comfort. The Building Energy Codes Program is a team within the BTO, which resides in the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE). For more information, view the Building Energy Codes Program Fact Sheet. Information on current BECP goals & activities is also outlined in the BTO Multi Year Program Plan (MYPP).

BECP Program Documents