Vermont's Building Energy Standards were established to set minimum efficiency requirements for new and renovated buildings. The standards are designed to provide more reductions in energy use and emissions over the life of a building, when compared with a similar building constructed prior to the standards going into effect.
Buildings that comply with the standards are generally more comfortable and cost-effective to heat and cool. They also help to advance the state's goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Current Residential Building Energy Standard (RBES) is the 2020 RBES which took effect on September 1, 2020.
Current Commercial Building Energy Standard (CBES) is the 2020 CBES which took effect on September 1, 2020.
On July 1, 2024, RBES & CBES codes update to the 2024 RBES and 2024 CBES
In 2020 the PSD undertook a market baseline assessment of Vermont’s residential and commercial building stock. This assessment characterizes Vermont’s current existing and new construction business (commercial/industrial) and residential (multifamily/single family) markets by documenting current equipment, lighting, HVAC, heating, process and hot water heating systems and building shell characteristics; as well as assesses adherence to Vermont’s Commercial and Residential Building Energy Standards (CBES & RBES) in the new construction market.
The latest Residential and Commercial Market Assessment Reports are available on the PSD website. The Appendices are available on request.
The following pages provide more detailed information about the Building Energy Standards
- Commercial Building Energy Standards
- Residential Building Energy Standards
- Building Energy Standards Update
- Building Energy Code Study Committee
- Vermont Energy Code Compliance Plan (2012)
Upcoming RBES & CBES 2024 Training Opportunities
RBES 2024 In-Person Trainings
The following in-person trainings will focus on substantial changes and compliance options for the 2024 RBES, which will go into effect on July 1, 20204. Each of the below in-person sessions run from 9am to 11:30am. Click on each link below to register:
- April 25 - Montpelier
- April 30 - Marlboro
- May 10 - Rutland
- May 17 - Montpelier
- June 14 - Montpelier
RBES 2024 Online Trainings
Attend any of the three upcoming online-only trainings to learn about RBES updates for this most recent code cycle, with special focus areas as listed. Each of the below online sessions run from 7:30am to 8:30am. Click on each link below to register:
- April 26 - Deep dive into the points table & points options
- May 24 - Mechanical ventilation requirements – balance ventilation
- June 28 - Solar-ready & all-electric ready system requirements
CBES 2024 In-Person Trainings
Attend any of the five upcoming in-person trainings to learn about Commercial Building Energy Standards (CBES) updates for this most recent code cycle, with a focus on substantial changes and compliance options. Each of the below in-person sessions run from 9am to 11:30am. Click on each link below to register:
- April 26 - Montpelier
- May 3 - Marlboro
- May 17 - Rutland
- May 22 - Montpelier
- June 13 - Montpelier
CBES 2024 Online Trainings
Attend any of the three upcoming online-only trainings to learn about Commercial Building Energy Standards (CBES) updates for this most recent code cycle, with special focus areas as listed. Each of the below online sessions run from 7:30am to 8:30am. Click on each link below to register:
- April 18 - Additional efficiency package options table
- May 16 - Electrical, HVAC & domestic hot water
- June 20 - CBES compliant building shell & air barrier design