Rhode Island House Bill H6101

Rhode Island 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/3/23
• Refer: 3/3/23

Caption

State Building Code

Impact

The passage of H6101 is expected to have a significant impact on construction practices in Rhode Island. By requiring one hundred percent compliance for both residential and commercial buildings with current energy conservation regulations, builders will need to adopt more sustainable building practices. This could potentially increase project costs in the short term due to the need for updated materials and practices, but it aims to yield long-term energy savings for residents and businesses, as well as contribute positively to the state’s environmental goals.

Summary

House Bill H6101 aims to amend the Rhode Island State Building Code by mandating the adoption of the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) standards for both residential and commercial building spaces. The bill stipulates that the state building code standards committee is required to ensure that all new and renovated structures comply with these standards, emphasizing energy efficiency and the use of renewable resources. The law seeks to enhance the state's commitment to energy conservation, aiming for a reduction in energy consumption across building operations within the state.

Contention

Notably, while the bill presents a forward-thinking approach towards energy efficiency, it may face pushback from stakeholders concerned about the immediate costs associated with compliance. Builders and developers could argue that the stringent requirements could hinder the pace of construction or make housing unaffordable in the short run. Moreover, the need for ongoing training and enforcement as mandated by the bill may raise questions about the resources available for effective implementation and oversight.