The Updated 2021 International Energy Conservation Code is Available: Includes Model Codes for Lighting
June 9, 2020
The International Code Council (ICC) recently updated the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), which includes model codes for lighting. The International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD) actively participates in this effort and responds to proposed code changes that can affect the lighting design community. It is through this consensus-based approach that the ICC updates the international codes every three years.
IALD’s consistent involvement in the code development process has strengthened the relationship between IALD and the IECC, helping to ensure that lighting designers’ perspectives are considered. “IALD members have an unparalleled knowledge of architectural lighting, and this expertise is recognized and valued by IECC,” stated Jack Bailey, IALD, partner at One Lux Studios and IALD’s IECC member-volunteer. “This differentiates IALD from the manufacturers, trade organizations and advocacy groups that participate in the code development process.”
Unlike past code cycles where IALD member-volunteers advocated for control requirements as a way to improve lighting system energy efficiency, the 2021 IECC code will reflect proposals aimed at improving usability and clarity in the code. Bailey commented, “As users of the code, our interests align closely with those of the building code officials who vote on these proposals—namely that the code should be easy to understand and use.”
