Senate advances S253 to study and improve building energy code compliance

Senators considered S253, a bill that focuses on building energy codes and improving compliance and enforcement.

The committee reporter described findings that heating and cooling are major sources of greenhouse gases in Vermont and noted compliance gaps for residential and commercial building energy standards. The bill continues an Energy Code Compliance Working Group, directs the Department of Public Service to support the group, requires annual reporting to the legislature (beginning Jan. 15, 2025 and annually through 2030), and asks the working group to recommend strategies including contractor training and potential transition of responsibility to the Division of Fire Safety. The bill also includes provisions to improve the Secretary of States contractor registry (e.g., designate geographic area, require an acknowledgement of applicable energy standards) and to provide clearer notices to consumers.

Supporters told the Senate the bill is designed to allow phased implementation, workforce training, and better consumer communication so that more homes and commercial buildings meet energy-code expectations without producing construction defects. The committee recommended passage as amended and the Senate adopted the committee report and ordered the bill for third reading.