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Building Energy Standards

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