States stress conservation in updated building codes.

Target 15- to 20 Percent Efficiency Increase

States Stress Conservation In Updated Building Codes

NEW YORK--As new and tighter state codes for lighting and building efficiency come into effect here this month, at least eight other states across the country are studying the adoption of more stringent standards or are planning to institute their first energy efficiency codes.

Energy officials from Connecticut, Florida, New Hampshire, Minnesota, Oregon, Texas, Washington and California report that their new or revised codes will target an energy reduction, on average, between 15- and 20 percent.

While current and prospective state codes take different approachs--some addressing the use of specific technologies, others setting lighting limits with an open apprroch to systems--they are an indication of a heightened concern on the state level for energy efficiency in buildings.

Late last year, the New York Energy Office approved a major overhaul of its 1970s building efficiency standards, adding a power limit of 2.4 watts-per-square foot, automatic controls requirements and unprecedented luminaire efficiency minimums.

Although many building sources here laud the efforts to improve and update standards, many contended that the codes are still difficult to decipher and will typically add to first …