Residential New Construction Partners
Vermont Energy Code Assistance
Energy Code/ Vermont Residential Building Energy Standards training opportunities.
Download the current Vermont Energy Code Handbook (PDF).
Did you miss an VT-RBES/ Energy Code Workshop?
The Vermont Residential Building Energy Standards (VT-RBES), often referred to as the “Energy Code,” was first passed by the Vermont legislature in May 1997 as the minimum standard of energy efficiency applied to new residential construction in Vermont. On May 27, 2009, the Vermont state legislature passed the Vermont Energy Act of 2009 directing VT-RBES to be based on the 2009 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). IECC 2009, and in turn the VT-RBES requirements, represent an increase in energy efficiency that, for the first time, pushes the energy code requirements beyond long held conventional insulation and construction practice.
All new homes built in Vermont must meet the Vermont Residential Building Energy Standard. Enrollees participating in Efficiency Vermont’s Residential New Construction services receive Energy Code support and a completed copy of the Energy Code certificate (to be signed by the builder) upon successful completion of program requirements.
VT-RBES applies to:
- New single family homes (including modular & log homes)
- New multifamily homes (buildings up to 3 stories)
- Additions, alterations, renovations, & repairs (only applies to portion of the home being worked on)
VT-RBES does not apply to:
- Residential buildings started before July 1, 1998;
- Act 250 projects permitted before July 1, 1997;
- Commercial and high-rise residential buildings (except for the residential portion of a mixed-use building);
- Mobile homes on a permanent chassis with detachable wheels (except for site-built components such as conditioned basements or crawlspaces);
- Buildings or additions with very low energy use (those designed for a peak energy use of less than 3.4 Btu/h [1 Watt] per square foot of floor area);
- Unconditioned buildings (buildings that are not heated or cooled);
- Hunting camps
For more information about this state law, visit the Vermont Department of Public Service website.
Efficiency Vermont's Energy Code Assistance Center provides technical assistance, distributes code training materials and answers code compliance questions. You can contact the Energy Code Assistance Center at 855-887-0673.
Contact the Energy Code Assistance Center;
- For questions about Vermont's Residential Energy Code;
- To find out more about Residential Energy Code training sessions
- To receive copies of the Residential Building Energy Standards Certificate;
- To receive printed copies of the Energy Code Handbook or download the current Vermont Energy Code Handbook (PDF).