Today Governor Rod Blagojevich signed into law a bill that will bring greater energy efficiency to Illinois. The Governor signed House Bill 4099 (HB 4099), which sets minimum energy efficiency standards for all new commercial construction in Illinois. The legislation adopts the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) as the energy efficient commercial building code for Illinois. The code reduces energy usage in buildings by establishing standards for the building "envelope," heating/cooling/ventilation systems, water heating, lighting equipment and controls, and electrical power systems.
Businesses that own, operate or occupy new commercial space meeting these energy efficiency standards can expect to see their energy bills reduced by 6 to 17 percent.
Prior to the adoption of this code, Illinois was one of only twelve states with no energy code for commercial construction. Approximately 60 million square feet of new commercial building space is constructed in Illinois each year. For new commercial buildings, the impact of adopting this statewide energy efficiency building code will produce approximately $60-80 million of life-cycle energy and other cost savings for each year of construction.
The Bill received strong bi-partisan support in both the Illinois House and Senate. The Bill's lead sponsors were Representatives Julie Hamos (D-18th Dist.) and Eileen Lyons (R-82nd Dist.) in the House and Senators Denny Jacobs (D-36th Dist.) And Todd Sieben (R-45th Dist.) In the Senate. In its initial House floor vote on April 2, the bill received 62 votes in favor and 54 against. On May 13, the HB 4099 passed out of the Senate with 45 votes in favor and 11 against. When the bill returned to the House on a concurrence motion on May 20, it received 70 votes in favor and 48 against.
"With an eye to the future, this law will make sure we take full advantage of energy efficiency efforts, both protecting the environment and saving on energy costs in the long-term," said Rep. Julie Hamos, chief sponsor of the legislation. "I am delighted that the Governor has signed this into law."
"House Bill 4099 will help to control the cost of doing business for manufacturers and retailers," said Sen. Denny Jacobs, chief Senate sponsor. "This new law will help stabilize energy demands and control costs to the consumer." "This is a great day for energy efficiency in Illinois," added Howard Learner, executive director of the Environmental Law & Policy Center. "We are pleased that Governor Blagojevich is an advocate of energy efficient building construction and has joined the sponsors in supporting this important piece of legislation.
These state leaders have recognized that energy efficiency is good for the environment, for consumers and for Illinois' economy."
"Buildings have an impact on our communities and environment far beyond the design and construction phases," noted Michael Waldinger, executive vice president of the Illinois American Institute of Architects. "This new code recognizes the high ideals of not only architects but all involved in the building process for that lasting value."
The Illinois Capital Development Board will adopt the necessary regulations to implement the legislation and the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity will oversee the subsequent day-to-day administration of the code.
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