BUILDING CODES
Washington Needs a Fair and Better Energy Code
The Washington State Building Code Council (SBCC) is considering significant changes to the state Energy Code through the CR-102 rulemaking process.
Many of these proposals extend well beyond improving building efficiency. Instead, they would substantially increase construction costs, complicate renovations, reduce equipment choices, and make it much more expensive to maintain existing commercial buildings and homes. Businesses and familes that own, operate, build or renovate homes and commercial facilities have an important opportunity to encourage the SBCC to adopt a more balanced approach.
We Support an Energy Code That:
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Improves energy efficiency.
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Maintains affordability.
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Preserves consumer and business choice.
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Allows practical compliance pathways.
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Supports Washington's economic competitiveness.
The current CR-102 proposals should be modified to achieve those goals.
The Washington State Building Code Council (SBCC) is now accepting public comments on the proposed 2024 Washington State Energy Code as part of the formal CR-102 rulemaking process. This is the public's opportunity to help shape the final code before it is adopted.
Anyone—including homeowners, businesses, contractors, builders, manufacturers, utilities, and other interested stakeholders—may submit written comments and provide oral testimony at one of the scheduled public hearings. Written comments become part of the official rulemaking record and will be considered by the Council before taking final action.
Why This Matters
The stakes continue to get higher on businesses in Washington as the SBCC increases its mandates and moves beyond its real purpose. The high-level impact on Washington businesses in the commercial energy code proposals being considered in the current CR 102 include:
Three Immediate Priorities
Make Your Voice Heard
How to Submit Testimony
Comments may be submitted by email to sbcc@des.wa.gov, and individuals wishing to testify at a public hearing may sign up through the SBCC's public testimony process.
The current CR-102 public comment period for the residential and commercial energy codes runs through August 7, 2026, with public hearings scheduled for August 5 and August 7 before final Council action is expected in September.
Information on hearing dates, testimony registration, agendas, and the complete CR-102 proposal is available on the Washington State Building Code Council website: Washington State Building Code Council and the 2024 Code Adoption page: 2024 Code Adoption Cycle.
Written testimony must be sent to sbcc@des.wa.gov and must be received by 11:59 p.m. on August 7, 2026. Please specify in your e-mail subject line that your submitting Energy Code comments.
For public testimony, you must sign up a minimum of 30 minutes prior to either the August 5 or August 7 hearing. The testimony sign-up sheet is here: https://sbcc.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2026-07/Public%20Testimony%20Sign%20Up%20Sheet%20Template%2007012026_0.pdf
Every comment matters. Taking just a few minutes to submit your perspective can help ensure the final energy code reflects the interests of Washington consumers, businesses, and communities.