LĪHU’E, HI – February 23, 2010 – (RealEstateRama) — County officials announced that the Energy Conservation Code governing all new construction on Kaua’i will be effective May 26.
The bill was passed by the County Council and signed into law by Mayor Bernard Carvalho, Jr. last month.
Paving the way for more energy-efficient homes and commercial buildings, the new code incorporates the 2009 edition of the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) along with local amendments developed by the state Building Code Council and Howard Wiig, energy specialist for the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, with assistance from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory.
“Energy efficiency is a key component in our efforts to become more sustainable,” said the mayor. “The new energy code supports this endeavor and is expected to result in cost savings to our residents and also help to protect the environment by reducing the amount of emissions associated with buildings.”
The provisions in the new Energy Conservation Code include:
- Improved window and roof efficiencies for homes built in warmer climates that lower energy costs during cooling periods.
- High-efficiency light bulbs as a requirement in at least 50 percent of permanent lighting fixtures in new homes.
- Increased efficiencies for air conditioning systems in commercial buildings thereby reducing energy costs.
Last December, the county‟s electrical code was amendment to include the adoption of the 2008 edition of the National Electrical Code.
Scheduled to take effect on March 14, the electrical code provides minimum requirements and standards for the safeguarding of persons and property from hazards arising from the use of electricity.
For more information about the county‟s energy and electrical codes, please contact the Building Division at 241-4854.
Contact:
DONALD FUJIMOTO, COUNTY ENGINEER
Tel (808) 241-4996
Fax (808) 241-6604
