What are the EECC’s guiding principles?

In approaching the 2009 - 2010 IECC Code Development Cycle, the EECC identified nine guiding principles in preparing “The 30% Solution 2012”:

1. Consistency Through a Single Model Energy Code. We support true consistency through ICC adoption of a single model I-Code for energy efficiency and conservation in all buildings – the IECC – and have introduced two proposals (RE-1 and RE-2) to achieve that goal. To the degree the IRC contains specific energy provisions, we recommend they be equally as stringent as those in the IECC or refer to IECC provisions.
2. The Greatest Achievable Boost in Residential Energy Efficiency With Today’s Technologies. We support the adoption of a 2012 IECC which – taken together with the 2009 IECC –achieves at least the 30% residential energy savings target moving through Congress (as measured by reduced energy costs for heating, cooling, hot water and lighting from the 2006 model code) and preferably puts the IECC on a path to Congress’ 50% target for the 2015 code. EC-25/“30Plus” is estimated to boost the efficiency of the 2009 IECC by between 20-25%, which, when added to the 12-15% nationally averaged efficiency gains the 2009 IECC achieved over the 2006 IECC, would result in a 2012 IECC that is well over 30% more energy efficient than the 2006.
3. Commercial IECC Provisions as Stringent as ASHRAE 90.1. We support continued, substantial improvement in the commercial building provisions of the IECC so that the IECC is at least as energy efficient as the most current version of ASHRAE 90.1.
4. No Backsliding. We oppose modifications or proposals that weaken energy efficiency or overturn gains and improvements achieved in the 2006 and 2009 IECCs and IRCs.
5. Longevity, Simplicity, Ease of Enforcement, Comfort & Energy/Environmental Benefits Are Paramount. We believe that all reasonable energy code improvements should be adopted; however, if they are to be prioritized, a key factor is their permanence and longevity. In addition, characteristics other than energy savings should be considered in evaluating proposals, including simplicity, ease of enforcement, and other impacts (such as peak energy demand, occupant comfort, and environmental benefits).
6. “Trade-Ups,” Not “Trade-Offs.” We oppose the adoption of prescriptive “trade-offs” (which result in no energy efficiency gains and serve to complicate code enforcement and compliance), but support reasonable “trade-ups” (which boost energy efficiency) where the trade-up involves reasonably equivalent options that cannot be included as reasonable stand-alone prescriptive requirements.
7. No Industry- or Product-Specific Provisions. We oppose industry- or product-specific special exemptions or provisions.
8. Independent Testing & Certification. Where feasible, we support independent product and building testing and certification.
9. No Pride of Authorship.   We support the adoption of all reasonable energy code proposals that boost the energy efficiency of residential and commercial building construction and renovation, regardless of author. If proposals by other proponents are better than EECC proposals, we will support the best proposal.