Energy Code Enforcement and Compliance Evaluation: Comparative Lessons Learned from the U.S. and China, and Opportunities for India

Building energy codes are one of the most cost-effective tools to achieve energy efficiency in buildings. The key to realizing their full benefits is strong enforcement and compliance. Studies have shown that robust enforcement and a high compliance rate are critical to improve the energy performance of buildings and unlock deeper energy savings. However, few countries have mechanisms for measuring and verifying code enforcement. This paper will provide a brief review of code enforcement activities, assess compliance evaluation methods in different countries, particularly in the U.S. and China, and summarize key lessons learned on building energy code enforcement and compliance. The U.S. recently developed methodologies measuring compliance with building energy codes at the state level. China has an annual survey investigating code compliance rate at the design and construction stages in major cities. Some states and countries also take simple approaches to evaluating code compliance. Like many developing countries, India has only recently begun implementing an energy code and is looking for an effective way for measuring compliance. As a case study on making codes more rigorous in fast-growing developing regions, we will examine how India might apply lessons learned from the U.S., China, and other jurisdictions to develop its own compliance evaluation approach. Experiences from these countries in measuring compliance rate will help design a robust system elsewhere to ensure effective implementation of building energy codes, which in turn leads to reduction in building energy use and associated emissions.