On Tuesday, Michigan took a major step toward a cleaner, more affordable energy future by adopting updated residential building codes. The new standards, based on the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), will take effect soon and apply to all new construction across the state.

This marks Michigan’s first major update to residential energy codes since 2015. The new codes are projected to significantly improve energy efficiency in both new builds and major home renovations—lowering utility costs for families, improving indoor air quality, and cutting climate pollution from one of the state’s largest sources of energy use. In response, Evergreen Action Deputy Policy Director Tony Sirna released the following statement:

“Modernizing Michigan’s building codes is a win for families across the state. It means lower monthly energy bills, cleaner air to breathe, and stronger protections against extreme weather. These updated standards are a long-overdue improvement that will raise the bar for how Michigan builds homes—cutting waste, curbing emissions, and delivering real savings and health benefits to Michigan communities for decades to come.”