2022 Building Code Updates

The building code update process in Virginia is underway this year. Workgroups have begun to meet to discuss proposals that have been submitted to DHCD for review. Below are several energy proposals that are currently under consideration by the DHCD energy subgroup committee, on which VAEEC executive director, Chelsea Harnish participates.

Note: You will need to register for a free account on the DHCD website to access the links below.

Proposals under consideration that the VAEEC supports:

EC-C407.6-21: Zero energy construction proposal to align all energy conservation codes with the 2021 IECC

REC-R402.1.2(1)-21: strikes VA amendments to fully adopt the 2021 IECC wall insulation requirements; this proposal was submitted by VAEEC member, Eric Lacey, of the Responsible Energy Codes Alliance (RECA). Using the DOE methodology for reviewing code change proposals, RECA determined that this proposal alone would improve efficiency a whopping 13%!  

REC-R402.1.2(2)-21: strikes VA amendments to fully adopt the 2021 IECC wall insulation requirements; identical to the proposal above but submitted by a different patron.

REC-R402.4-21: strikes VA amendments to fully adopt the 2021 IECC air leakage requirements

REC-R402.4.1.2-21: requires 3ACH for air leakage but also provides a trade off for builders

REC-R403.3.3-21: updates air duct testing compliance to align with 2021 IECC

Additionally, the subgroup is also considering a proposal on electric vehicles:

REC-R404.2-21: Electric vehicles proposal to align residential energy code with the 2021 IECC

The Energy subgroup has taken positions on the following proposals, which were reviewed by the full working group on April 14th.

EC-C402.4-21: (Consensus) technical amendment to strikes Virginia amendment language currently in the Virginia Construction Code of the USBC that are either outdated or align with the 2021 IECC

EC1301.1.1.1-21: (Non-consensus) strikes Virginia amendments to fully adopt the 2021 IECC