On July 1, 2024 the 2024 RBES went into effect and applies to construction commenced on or after that date.
The RBES code book and Handbook are nearing completion and an online “view only” version of the RBES Code Book will be available soon on the International Code Council Website. In the meantime, here is a link to view a draft copy of the 2024 RBES Handbook, and a link to the redline version of the 2024 RBES code language. [Note: the draft RBES Handbook has not been fully copy-edited or formatted and there are likely to be typographical and formatting errors.] Please contact the Energy Code Assistance Center at 1-855-887-0673 if you have questions about the code provisions or other information in the draft Handbook and code book.
Overview
The Vermont Residential Building Energy Standards (RBES) – 30 V.S.A. § 51 affects all new homes and all additions, alterations and repairs to residential buildings three stories or less above grade in Vermont.
The 2024 RBES took effect on July 1, 2024, and applies to construction commenced on or after the effective date. RBES applies to all new residential construction, including additions, alterations, renovations, and repairs. This effective date applies to both the RBES Base code and the RBES Stretch code. The RBES Stretch code is used to satisfy criterion 9(f) of all Act 250 projects.
• 2024 RBES Rule which includes changes made to the 2020 RBES.
• 2024 RBES Redline v. 5/19/23
The 2024 RBES Code Book and Handbook will be available online in the near future. Please check this page for links to those documents. In the meantime, please use the links above for details about the 2024 RBES.
The 2024 REScheck™ software is currently under development. Until the 2024 REScheck™ software is published, builders may comply with the 2024 RBES using the REScheck™ software compliance pathway by using the 2020 REScheck Software and achieving a total UA value 6% greater than the 2020 RBES compliance threshold.