Code Adoption Hearing

Connecticut is set to be one of the first states to adopt the 2021 ICC (International Construction Codes), which includes a new and improved energy conservation code. Fortunately, the State has not proposed any weakening amendments. 

There is a public hearing at 1pm on February 23rd. Anybody wishing to give oral testimony at the hearing should notify the agency by 1.00pm on Tuesday February 22, 2022, by e-mailing DAS.CodesStandards@ct.gov and e-mailing a written copy of the testimony before or after the hearing. Please include: (1) Your name; (2) The organization you represent; (3) The code you are referring to; (4) The subject of your testimony. Each testimony will be limited to five (5) minutes. The hearing will be held virtually only, using Microsoft Teams:

1.00pm, Wednesday February 23, 2022 Join on your computer or mobile app Click here to join the meeting Or call in (audio only) +1 860-840-2075,,252773827# Phone Conference ID: 252 773 827#

Submit written testimony during the public comment period (January 31, 2022 - March 17, 2022) via e-mail (preferred) - DAS.CodesStandards@ct.gov.

The CT Green Building Council is planning to make the following comments:

• Thank you for adopting the latest 2021 International Construction Codes to make sure construction in our state is complying with best industry practices, and improving the quality of our building stock for years to come.
• Thank you for adopting the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code without weakening amendments.
• We also recommend the following amendments to protect the health and wellbeing of Connecticut Residents:

IRC - R303.4 Mechanical ventilation Building and dwelling units complying with Section N1102.4.1 shall be provided with [add: whole-house] mechanical ventilation in accordance with Section M1505, or with other approved means of ventilation.

Reason for recommendation: Ventilation is incredibly important for health and wellbeing, and previous versions of the IRC required whole-house ventilation at air infiltration rates lower than 5 ACH. We believe that exhaust-only mechanical ventilation is not adequate for getting fresh air in a well-sealed home since exhaust-only ventilation relies on a leaky envelope for make-up air.

IECC - R403.6.1 Heat or energy recovery ventilation Dwelling units shall be provided with a heat recovery or energy recovery ventilation system [delete: in Climate Zone 7 and 8.] The system shall be balanced with a minimum sensible heat recovery efficiency of 65 percent at 32F (0C) at a flow greater than or equal to the design airflow.

Reason for recommendation: Connecticut residents have the highest energy bills in the nation, and we don’t think that healthy fresh air should come at an energy penalty. Incorporating energy recovery into new construction is a cost-effective way to provide fresh air without breaking the bank.