Tucson Unanimously Adopts the 2018 International Energy Conservation Code

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Aaron Kane

Last night, Mayor Rothschild and the Tucson City Council unanimously adopted the 2018 International Energy Conservation Code as recommended by the Tucson-Pima County Joint Consolidated Code Committee. The Committee’s recommendation was developed as a result of a rigorous, ten-month-long stakeholder process open to all interested participants. We are quite pleased with this vote.

Since our inception, the Arizona PIRG Education Fund has supported strong state, federal, and local energy efficiency initiatives because of the important customer, economic, and environmental benefits these investments deliver. We have been very encouraged by Tucson’s efforts to advance energy efficiency, including efforts to achieve ENERGY STAR® certification for city buildings.

There are many reasons why the adoption of the 2018 International Energy Conservation Code is important for Tucson residents and businesses.

·         The least expensive source of electricity is the electricity we don’t have to use. When we reduce waste, the savings compound, in bill after bill, month after month, year after year. But when we fail to limit waste, the costs compound in the same way.

·         Energy efficiency can help stabilize homeowner energy costs, improve homeowner comfort and allow homeowners additional space in their budget to prioritize other projects and expenditures.

·         Efficient homes ensure economic resilience, making it easier for people to buy, sell and own a home; decreasing the likelihood that a home will default; and preventing surprise expenses like the need for new insulation.

Robust building energy codes that ensure long-lasting, durable construction with fewer surprises to consumers, less maintenance, and fewer repairs are important.

We applaud Mayor Rothschild and the Tucson City Council for adopting the 2018 International Energy Conservation Code. Kudos is also deserved to members of the Tucson-Pima County Joint Consolidated Code Committee for developing such a significant recommendation. We look forward to other municipalities in Arizona acting in a similar manner very soon.

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