News Releases
Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - November 15, 2001
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Locke applauds new state energy code standards

OLYMPIA – Gov. Gary Locke today praised the State Building Code Council for its action requiring stricter energy-efficiency standards in new buildings.

“The council’s action is a positive step for the environment and for consumers,” the governor said. “Not only will it result in tremendous energy savings, but it also will reduce the operating costs of homes and businesses throughout Washington.”

The council voted last Friday to revise the state energy code to improve the energy efficiency of new or renovated residential buildings by increasing insulation levels and improving the quality of windows.

The Northwest Power Planning Council estimates the improvements will result in a savings of 29 trillion British Thermal Units, or BTUs, of natural gas over the next 15 years -- almost one-half of the state’s annual residential natural gas consumption. In the same period, it will achieve electricity savings of more than 640 megawatts, or more than enough energy to serve the communities of Ellensburg and Centralia for a year.

The council also adopted energy code changes for nonresidential buildings, including new standards for mechanical equipment and cooling economizers, which cool buildings with outdoor air.

Locke last year asked the council to revisit its energy code in the face of tightening energy supplies and higher prices. The council had not made significant changes in the state energy codes since 1994.

Stan Price, the council vice-chair and chair of the technical advisory group that developed the proposed changes over the last year, also praised the council’s action. “Greater energy efficiency in buildings provides cost-effective savings for consumers and improves the power supply picture in the state,” he said.

“Governor Locke owns the success of these changes. I commend the governor for his leadership in accomplishing important energy-efficiency gains for buildings in Washington state,” Price added.

The council also adopted changes in the Uniform Plumbing Code to address water conservation and Department of Health requirements isolating potential sources of contamination of the water supply.

The new rules will go into effect on July 1, 2002.
Related Links:
- Northwest Power Planning Council
- Washington State Department of Health
- Washington State Building Code Council


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