Residential Building Energy Standards | Department of Public Service

Free hard copies of the 2020 RBES code book are available now, and hard copies of the updated 2020 Vermont Residential Energy Code Handbook are available by calling the Energy Code Assistance Center, 1-855-887-0673. Or you can download an electronic copy of the RBES Handbook. Electronic copies of the codebook are available for purchase through the International Code Council (ICC). There is also a free viewable-only copy of the codebook on the ICC website.

Overview

The Vermont Residential Building Energy Standard (RBES) - 30 V.S.A. § 51 affects all new homes built after July 1, 1998. It is the energy code for all residential buildings 3 stories or less above grade in Vermont.

The 2020 RBES took effect on September 1, 2020, and applies to construction commenced on or after the effective date. RBES applies to all new residential construction, including additions, alterations, renovations, and repairs. This effective date applies to both the RBES Base code and the RBES Stretch code. The RBES Stretch code is used to satisfy criterion 9(f) of all Act 250 projects.

On July 1, 2024 the 2024 RBES will go into effect, and will apply to construction commenced on or after the effective date.

Upcoming RBES 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

2020 Residential Building Energy Standards (RBES)

2020 Residential Energy Code Handbook (includes both base and stretch codes)
2020 Vermont Residential Building Energy Standards - Free Viewable*
2020 RBES Certificate
2020 RBES Owner/Builder Disclosure Statement
Historic Buildings Exemption Report. This form should be completed and sent to the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) for approval if compliance with the energy code may adversely affect a historic building.
REScheck Software REScheck™ has been developed by the Department of Energy (DOE) to show compliance with the Vermont 2020 Residential Building Energy Standards. (Note: this is a beta version of REScheck Web™. Guidance of how to fill out REScheck can be found on the Building Energy Codes Program resource page. Please email keith.levenson@vermont.gov if you experience any issues with this software.)

*Note: if you are having trouble accessing the free viewable version of either RBES online, click on the ICC Digital Codes Library search webpage or go to the ICC Digital Codes Library webpage and search for "Vermont". Then click on "FREE VIEW" under the icon for the 2020 RBES.

2020 RBES Training Videos

Part 1 - Background Information

Part 2 - Code Updates

Online training video from the Energy Code Assistance Center at Efficiency Vermont will be available soon. When they are available, links can be found at the Energy Code Support webpage.

2015 Residential Building Energy Standards (RBES)

(For homes built between March 1, 2015, and August 31, 2020.)

2015 Residential Energy Code Handbook (includes both base and stretch codes)
2015 Vermont Residential Building Energy Standards - Free Viewable*
2015 RBES Certificate
2015 RBES Owner/Builder Disclosure Statement
Historic Buildings Exemption Report. This form should be completed and sent to the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) for approval if compliance with the energy code may adversely affect an historic building.
REScheck Software This is software designed by the Department of Energy (DOE) to show compliance with the Vermont 2015 Residential Building Energy Standards. Until the 2015 VT REScheck software is available the PSD will accept 2011 VT REScheck with envelopes exceeding 9% or more as complying with the 2015 RBES.

*Note: if you are having trouble accessing the free viewable version of either RBES or CBES online, click on this link or go to https://codes.iccsafe.org/ and search for "Vermont". Then click on "FREE VIEW" under the icon for the 2015 RBES or 2015 CBES.

Hard copies of code materials are available free of charge from the Energy Code Assistance Center (toll free #: 1-855-887-0673).

Energy Code Materials for Homes Built October 1, 2011 -- February 28, 2015

Energy Code Materials for Homes Built January 1, 2005 -- September 30, 2011

Energy Code Material for Homes Built July 1, 1998 -- December 31, 2004

Other Resources

Energy Code Assistance Center: 1-855-887-0673
The Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET). Helpful information on home energy rating systems and energy efficient mortgages.
Energy and Environmental Building Alliance. EEBA promotes the awareness, education and development of energy efficient, environmentally responsible buildings and communities.
ENERGY STAR Homes Program. Voluntary partnerships with home builders to construct residences that are 30 percent more energy efficient than the current Model Energy Code (MEC).
Building Green. Articles, reviews, and news stories on energy-efficient, resource-efficient, and healthy building practices. Environmental Building News (EBN) addresses material selection, siting, indoor air quality, day lighting, and other subjects relating to green building practices.
Home Energy Magazine
OIKOS Green Building Resource. Information on green building products and materials along with techniques for sustainable design and construction.
HERS Provider Accreditation Procedure

For more information please contact Keith Levenson by email, or 1-802-828-4072, at the Department of Public Service.