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Building Energy Standards
Vermont's Building Energy Standards were established to set minimum efficiency requirements for new and renovated buildings. The standards are designed to provide more reductions in energy use and emissions over the life of a building, when compared with a similar building constructed prior to the standards going into effect.
Buildings that comply with the standards are generally more comfortable and cost-effective to heat and cool. They also help to advance the state's goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
On September 17, 2025, Governor Phil Scott signed
Executive Order 06-25
, which aims to promote housing construction and rehabilitation and address Vermont’s severe housing shortage. The order addresses regulatory barriers and permitting requirements, energy code standards, and permitting costs associated with housing projects.
The Executive Order (EO) reinstates the 2020 Building Code Energy Standards for residential and commercial buildings. The EO states, "All persons commencing building construction projects on July 1, 2024 or after shall have the option of complying with the 2020 Vermont Residential Building Energy Standards (RBES), [2020] Commercial Building Energy Standards (CBES), including the 2020 Stretch Code, or the 2024 RBES and CBES."
The Department has started the rulemaking process to effectuate the
Building Energy Code Reform
section of Governor Scott’s Executive Order. Below are links to the initial rulemaking documents that have been filed with the Interagency Committee for Administrative Rules (ICAR).
CBES Rulemaking documentation
(filed with ICAR - 12/9/25)
RBES Rulemaking documentation
(filed with ICAR - 12/9/25)
More information can be found on the
Building Energy Standards Update
page.
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The following pages provide more detailed information about the Building Energy Standards:
2024 Commercial Building Energy Standards
2024 Residential Building Energy Standards
Building Energy Standards Update
Building Energy Code Working Group (2024 & 2025) and Study Committee (2023)
Vermont Energy Code Compliance Plan (2012)
Upcoming RBES & CBES 2024 Training Opportunities
RBES 2024 Training Videos
You can access video recordings of in-person and online trainings focusing on substantial changes and compliance options for the 2024 RBES on the Efficiency Vermont
online training page
CBES 2024 Training Videos
You can access video recordings of in-person and online trainings focusing on substantial changes and compliance options for the 2024
Commercial Building Energy Standards (CBES)
on the Efficiency Vermont
online training page
Market Assessments
In 2020 the PSD undertook a market baseline assessment of Vermont’s residential and commercial building stock. This assessment characterizes Vermont’s current existing and new construction business (commercial/industrial) and residential (multifamily/single family) markets by documenting current equipment, lighting, HVAC, heating, process and hot water heating systems and building shell characteristics; as well as assesses adherence to Vermont’s Commercial and Residential Building Energy Standards (CBES & RBES) in the new construction market.
The latest
Residential and Commercial Market Assessment Reports
are available on the PSD website. The Appendices are available on request.