What’s the IECC? MUBEC? And how do they affect your plans?
Anyone who’s begun to plan for a renovation or new construction project is probably familiar with local building codes and standards. These are meant to protect people and property from damage caused by fire, floods and natural disasters, as well as create a uniform standard around things like structural integrity and material strength.
The earliest recorded building standard is included in the Code of Hammurabi, nearly 4,000 years old. Building codes in the U.S. can be traced back to the 1620s, when towns began regulating materials used in roofing. For example, in an effort to prevent fire, Boston outlawed chimneys made of wood and thatched roofs in the year 1630.
These rules predate many European standards, though early European building codes were largely designed for the same purpose: reducing the damage caused by fires in congested urban areas. After the Great Fire of London in 1666, Parliament passed an act limiting the density of the city and requiring that buildings employ some basic fire resistance measures. The first British building code was thus created.
Today, many countries, as well as states and municipalities in the U.S., follow the International Building Code (IBC). This set of standards is updated annually by the International Code Council and covers primarily commercial buildings. This isn’t the only code maintained by the International Code Council, who also annually publishes the International Residential Code (IRC), the International Plumbing Code, and the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code, among others.
Most places in the U.S. use some form of the IBC and IRC, though it is common to amend or adapt this international standard, creating a local variation meant to fit a specific environment or landscape.
Which brings us to the IECC and MUBEC. In addition to their role in promoting safety and protecting lives and property, it’s become increasingly clear to builders, designers, city planners and the general public that building codes can be used to limit pollution and require the use of high-efficiency materials. For many, this follows as a natural extension of the original purpose of building codes: to protect public health and safety.
This argument for a unified code around energy efficiency only becomes stronger in light of what we now know about the effects on the environment–and human health–of construction and development.
In 1983, the ICC made its first code concerning energy efficiency in buildings. The “Model Energy Code” as it was called at the time, was updated every three years and offered standards for residential and commercial buildings around the structural envelope (ceilings, walls and flooring) as well as mechanical, lighting and power systems.
In 1998, the name of this code was changed to the International Energy Conservation Code, the name we use today. While all states in the U.S. have accepted the IECC guidance, its enforcement is different everywhere. Some states codify the IECC as-is, others have amended it to suit local needs, and still others use the code as a suggestion for energy efficiency, but do not enforce it as law.
The IECC is revised regularly through an open, public-hearing process. Anyone who wishes to make a revision can request a code change form, prepare the request change information, and participate in the regular public debates.
In 2015, the IECC put in place new and more stringent requirements about ventilation and insulation. These standards have now been adopted by a majority of states in the U.S. Allen Sealock, product director for Huber Engineered Woods, said of the changes that “all professionals in the residential and commercial construction industries should familiarize themselves with the new requirements as well as economical ways to meet them.”
While the standards have meant an initial, slight rise in the cost of design and construction, they almost always lead to new efficiencies, which offset these costs over time. Additionally, the enforcement of these new standards, particularly in the last five years, has led to a burgeoning new industry centered on more eco-friendly building processes and materials.
So, what is MUBEC?
MUBEC, or the Maine Uniform Building and Energy Code, is simply Maine’s variant of the IECC. While Maine building codes have long included components covering materials and minimum standards for things like airflow and ventilation, this is the first time that everyone in the state will have a uniform set of guidelines concerning energy efficiency. 
MUBEC has actually been around for some time.
Speaking about the legislation in 2019, Christy Crocker, Executive Director of the Maine Indoor Air Quality Council told writer Tim King that in the early 2000s “there was a real effort to finally put some uniformity into the building codes” used in Maine. This yielded the 2008 Technical Building Codes and Standards Board, which set up minimum requirements for new home construction and renovations, the first Maine Uniform Building and Energy Code.
“The intent was to make the ICC’s International Residential Code mandatory for every city and town throughout the state,” Crocker said.
However, that didn’t pan out. By adding a stipulation that the code need only be enforced in towns and cities with more than 4,000 residents, the administration of then-Governor Paul LePage made the new standards unenforceable in about 80 percent of Maine municipalities. Moreover, since the initial legislation didn’t specify that compliance with MUBEC was mandatory, opposing legislators were able to amend its language and drastically reduce its effect on builders.
That’s why, in 2019, Maine legislators passed three new bills that, together, mandate the enforcement of MUBEC statewide. Not only that, but these bills have other provisions meant to strengthen Maine’s codes around energy efficiency and “future proof” the code process.
Tim King, writing for Green & Healthy Maine HOMES in 2019, put it like this: “[T]his will be the first time all builders will be required to follow the same set of building codes – no matter where they build the home. Together, this legislation essentially puts Maine back on a green building path it had originally started down more than a decade” prior.
King also noted that the Maine Building Officials and Inspectors Association board of directors unanimously supported this new legislation.
The three bills do something unique. First, they bring MUBEC standards up to IECC specifications and mandate that Maine’s building standards never fall too far behind the regularly changing ICC codes. Second, they eliminate the sort of loopholes that legislators previously used to weaken Maine’s building codes and their enforcement. Thirdly, they mandate that everyone in Maine build to the same standards… No more questions about the number of residents in a municipality! The laws do this by prohibiting any municipality from adopting or enforcing a building or energy code other than MUBEC. Fourth, these rules provide funding to enforce and support the new standards.
And lastly, the rules create a roadmap for those Maine builders and designers who want to go above and beyond the existing codes, by requiring that the Technical Building Codes and Standards Board create and maintain additional resources to develop more aggressive energy conservation benchmarks for those municipalities that want to voluntarily accept them.
This is the “stretch code,” a step beyond MUBEC. Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships (NEEP) estimates the stretch code to be about 15 percent more efficient than MUBEC. NEEP also created the stretch code FAQ sheet that we’ve reprinted at the end of this article.
There was widespread support for the adoption of the new rules.
From Tim King’s 2019 piece: “The ability to maintain a uniform building code across the entire state was something groups such as the Home Builders and Remodelers Association of Maine, Association of General Contractors – Maine, Professional Engineers and Architects and the Maine Municipal Association all viewed favorably.”
Those who helped set these goals are confident that they’ll not only help to achieve Maine’s climate ambitions, but will also spur on a green economy in the state. Said Matt Marks, CEO of AGC Maine and a member of the Maine Climate Council, “Maine’s clean-energy economy is building great opportunities for Maine-based contractors and providing incentives for students to consider careers in innovative energy generation right here at home.”
How does it affect me?
You might be asking, “How will this affect my project?” And the answer is, it may not affect it much.
MUBEC is composed mainly of existing codes (the 2015 IRC, IBC and International Existing Building Code, along with the 2009 IECC). So most of the code itself isn’t new and Maine contractors and designers have been following most of these rules for years. The state did adopt amendments to these codes, which can be found here: http://www.maine.gov/dps/bbcs/.
Take the guidance issued by Bucksport as an example of what builders and designers can expect. The following comes from the statement the town issues after the passage of the new MUBEC codes.
“In the Town of Bucksport, one of the most notable changes will be the requirements for inspections. For most new buildings, such as dwellings and commercial buildings, several inspections will need to be conducted by either the town’s Building Inspector, or a State-certified Third-Party Inspector (TPI) if that is the preference of the builder or owner…
In regard to complying with the MUBEC, most experienced contractors are already familiar with the building code components of the MUBEC, which have been applicable in some of the larger municipalities in Maine for many years. Some adjustments in building habits may be needed in regard to the energy and ventilation components of the MUBEC. For example, higher insulation R-values are now in effect than what has been typical in the past, and greater attention to sealing air leaks must be given in order to comply with maximum air change requirements. Radon control is another design item that has been often overlooked. Because Maine has radon levels that may exceed acceptable limits in occupied buildings, the MUBEC contains a radon standard to follow if radon control is planned…”
So, while it’s true that the new standards are more stringent than past codes, they do not vary greatly from the building rules that have been on the books in Maine for years. In fact, most builders and designers in Maine will have already started following several of these standards if they are using modern building techniques and materials.
Each municipality in Maine has issued its own guidance around these changes, so do a quick Google search and see what your town has said regarding MUBEC’s enforcement. If you are curious about how these new rules will affect your project, you can read the full standards at your town office during normal business hours. (Unfortunately, the full codes issued by the International Code Council are protected by copyright and it’s pretty hard to find them online.) Most municipalities will also let you schedule time to speak with the local building inspector and/or code enforcement officer. As it’s her job to read, internalize and communicate these codes to others, she will be your best resource when it comes to how these standards affect your project.
But, like, why?
Mainers are an independent bunch. When my grandfather built his camp outside of Bangor, I have a feeling that local codes were about the farthest thing from his mind. Why are we increasing the regulations around building?
The answer is manifold. At its most basic level, this goes back to the very reason building codes were created in the first place: public safety and the protection of property. MUBEC’s new requirements around energy efficiency are meant to protect the environment from the damaging effects of human development. That, in turn, protects us from pollution and protects our property from natural disasters.
Besides the ecological incentive, there is the cost incentive. These changes are shown to reduce costs around electricity and fuel usage. They represent an investment that will pay dividends for years to come. And that’s beside the effect they will have in promoting Maine’s green economy.
There is also our legal responsibility as a state. Having committed to achieve certain climate goals, we now have an obligation to modernize and economize our building industry.
Oh, and also, it’s just the right thing to do–for ourselves, for posterity and for the planet.
Some of the things included in the 2021 Code include:
- Residential fuel burning systems will be required to be at least 95% energy efficient.
- Residential wall insulation increased to R-30 or 20+5c or 13+10c or 0+20c/U-0.045.
- Residential ceiling/Roof insulation increased to R-60.
- Fenestration (window) requirements are changing from U-factor of .35 to a factor of .30.
- Blower door tests have become a requirement in some construction and occupancy types, regardless of which compliance option you choose to use to meet code compliance.
- Changes to existing buildings are now regulated under their own chapters in the Residential and Commercial Energy Codes.
Maine Stretch Energy Code – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
(the following comes from the Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnership’s FAQ document)
Q: What is a Stretch Energy Code?
A: A stretch energy code is an alternative to the base energy code (in Maine, MUBEC). Maine’s stretch energy code is promulgated by the Office of the State Fire Marshal for communities looking to achieve greater energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness in their building stock. While base energy codes are required to be adopted and enforced (in Maine, for every community >4,000 residents), stretch codes are optional for communities to adopt. If adopted, the stretch energy code becomes the only enforceable energy code in that community. Stretch energy codes are typically 10-15% more energy efficient than the base energy code and are updated in sync with the base energy code.
Q: As a Mainer, why should I care about Maine’s Stretch Code?
A: Maine’s stretch code matters to Maine businesses and residents because it further reduces costs to consumers by assuring buildings meet advanced levels of energy efficiency, thereby reducing utility bills. MUBEC, Maine’s base energy code, reduces energy costs and dependence on heating oil; stretch codes take this even further by improving cost-effectiveness, health and safety, and resilience to extreme weather. This, in turn, reduces carbon emissions, helping Maine reach its climate goals.
Q: In these tough economic times, why should my town prioritize local adoption of Maine’s stretch energy code?
A: Mainers have a right to safe, affordable, and comfortable homes and buildings. With energy costs on the rise as well as the costs for financing and insuring homes and businesses, stretch codes can stimulate the creation of jobs as demand for energy auditors and contractors who can construct and certify building performance increase. Additionally, as weather becomes more extreme and unpredictable, stretch energy codes drive the market towards more resilient and affordable housing options through lower utility costs and better barriers between indoors and outdoors. Additionally, under MUBEC, third-party private sector inspectors may also perform building construction inspections on behalf of municipalities or homeowners, further growing the job market in Maine with employment that cannot be outsourced elsewhere.
Q: Is it true that building to a stretch energy code adds to construction costs, is more complicated, and can take longer to build?
A: YES and NO. Since the 2021 IECC was just published, there is little information regarding the additional costs to construction. There are additional costs associated with construction; however, historically, these are minor and involve small adjustments in insulation levels, better sealing of window and door openings against leakage, sealing ducts, using more efficient heating/cooling equipment and more efficient lighting, including additional compliance paths and flexibility, clarifying sections that previously caused confusion – all changes that make homes and businesses more comfortable, keep utility bills lower, and are standard practice throughout most of the country. The additional work required will not noticeably add onto the time a builder takes to construct a home, provided that materials and subcontractors are managed at the start of the work and not left to the last minute before they are required on the job.
The 2021 IECC was developed through a collaborative process that included contractors, manufacturers, builders, architects, code officials public government officials, and energy experts. While there are typically increases in energy efficiency in each new edition of the model energy code, a primary reason they are adopted regularly is to hear feedback from the industry on ease of use of the code and provide additional flexibility, clarification, and support where stakeholders indicate. In this way, the 2021 IECC likely provides more clarity and flexibility than previous versions, potentially making it less complicated than other energy codes.
A cost analysis study conducted by PNNL found that updating to the 2015 IECC (MUBEC’s energy code) would result in incremental costs of $2,629.39 per new home. However, the annual energy savings per home would be $847.77 on average, meaning the simple payback for homeowners would occur in 2.8 years. Over 30 years, the life-cycle of a home or building and a standard mortgage length, homeowners would be able to expect a life-cycle energy cost savings of $13,954.72. This is for the base energy code – for the stretch energy code, similar additional costs can be expected, but greater energy cost savings can also be expected, shortening the simple payback period and putting money in Mainers’ pockets after just a couple of years after construction of the home or building.
Q: I agree with having a base energy code code, but why should I support the adoption of a stretch energy code?
A: As weather becomes more extreme and unpredictable and energy costs continue to rise, stretch energy codes provide an opportunity for communities to protect their citizens while supporting their financial flexibility. Adopting a stretch code not only improves energy efficiency; it also lowers monthly utility costs, saving home and building owners money; improves indoor air quality and comfort, benefitting home and building occupant health; and supports momentum towards advanced construction technology and methods such as electric vehicles and solar panels. Together, this benefits Mainers and the state as it works to achieve climate goals and carbon emission reductions, goals Maine cannot meet without focusing on its homes and buildings.
Q: Builders are not given adequate time to learn the newest codes, how can they be expected to build according to and comply with the stretch energy code?
A: Every state in the northeast and mid-Atlantic faces the necessity of training their building workforce whenever codes are adopted or revised. Maine has had the benefit of learning from states that have already met this challenge. The Office of the State Fire Marshal has worked to promulgate trainings during past code adoptions and is doing the same, along with the Efficiency Maine Trust, for this update. The real problem is that some in the construction industry do not take advantage of trainings and are not prepared for understanding and using either MUBEC or the stretch code.
Building codes, including energy codes, are not new to either the United States or to this part of the country. For a century, Americans of all classes, and businesses of all types, have benefited from buildings being built to minimum standards for health, safety and building integrity. It is also true that the entire construction industry in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic has accepted and profited from these code changes in learning how to use them; indeed, many regularly go beyond state code requirements and build to advanced voluntary standards. This has been a shared experience throughout the region since statewide code adoptions began in 1971. In many housing markets, builders take pride in advertising that their homes are built better and to more efficient energy standards than required by state code; it has proved to be an effective market strategy.
Q: Will Maine’s stretch energy code lead to stricter regulation and stronger government control?
A: Unlikely. Once a stretch code is adopted by a community, it functions the same way MUBEC would function – as the enforceable energy code in that jurisdiction. Since there is only one energy code option promulgated statewide, the industry faces little potential for confusion regarding regulation. Stretch codes are also optional – the state cannot force a community to adopt the stretch energy code.
Q: Do mobile, modular or log homes have to meet stretch energy code requirements?
A: YES and NO. If the home or building type falls under state regulations and is being constructed in a community that has adopted the stretch code, then it must comply with its provisions. By state law, log homes are exempted from MUBEC, but modular homes must meet the MUBEC or stretch code requirements. Mobile homes must meet minimum Federal codes. However, building to the equivalent of what is required by MUBEC will bring log home owners savings year after year from the money they will not have to spend on energy to keep their homes comfortable.
Q: When building on an addition, will I have to pay for the entire home to be brought up to code?
A: NO. MUBEC does not require any portion of an existing home that is not altered by the addition to be updated to the latest requirements. Only those parts of a dwelling that must be modified to accomplish fitting the addition to the existing dwelling must be revised.
Q: If I build according to the stretch energy code, do I have to hire a third party inspector to verify compliance?
A: MAYBE. If your town adopts the stretch code and chooses to enforce the requirements through a building department with permit fees and inspections – NO. If your town opts not to establish a building department, then you would have to engage a third party inspector to verify compliance in order to get a Certificate of Occupancy. Under current law (LD 1416) towns not required to adopt MUBEC (any town under 4,000) would have no requirement to certify your home as meeting any minimum standard.
Q: Is it true that third party inspections cost up to $3000?
A: MAYBE. Third party inspectors are hired by either you or your contractor, and they will perform only what work they are contracted to do. Depending on the scope of work and the prices set by individual inspectors, the cost will vary. With too few inspections, the third party may not be able to certify the work as complete and meeting requirements. Certification will undoubtedly help you in securing financing and lowering property insurance costs. As in many situations that are only loosely regulated, you get what you pay for. It is best to discuss this with the bank and your insurance agent before you proceed.