Vermont's Residential Building Energy Standards under 9 V.S.A. Section 3201 set strong efficiency rules for new homes. Burlington layers its Net Zero Energy Roadmap on top, encouraging electrification and high-performance construction.
Vermont's Residential Building Energy Standards (RBES) and Commercial Building Energy Standards (CBES), authorized by 9 V.S.A. Chapter 74 and Section 3201, apply statewide to new construction and substantial renovations. Builders must certify compliance through prescriptive, performance, or HERS-rating paths. Burlington's Climate Action Plan and Net Zero Energy Roadmap, adopted in 2014 and updated, push beyond minimum code through Burlington Electric Department incentives, fossil-fuel restrictions in new municipal buildings, and a goal of net zero by 2030. Permit applicants in Burlington should expect both the state energy-code certificate and city-level review tied to climate goals.
Failure of state energy-code certification can delay or block certificate of occupancy. City projects that miss net-zero requirements may lose BED incentives or municipal funding.
See how Burlington's green building code rules stack up against other locations.
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