By linking home energy ratings to code compliance, code officials, builders, and consumers can realize the multiple benefits of better-designed, better built, and more affordable homes. Listed below are three key information sources on energy codes. State energy codes for residential buildings are often based on the Model Energy Code (MEC). Building designs are checked against the state codes using prescriptive packages, trade-off worksheets, and computer codes such as REScheck.

1. The U.S. Department of Energy has developed an energy codes website. This site provides links to the latest news, information, and training on energy codes. DOE has also developed four resources to simplify and clarify code compliance with the Model Energy Code (MEC), the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), and a number of state codes.
   
   Available through the DOE website, these resources include:
   
   
   • REScheck Software calculates tradeoffs between all building envelope components and heating and cooling equipment efficiencies. REScheck can be run on most DOS-based computers and is capable of generating reports that can be used to document code compliance.
     
     
   • REScheck Software Users Guide takes users step-by-step from software installation to report generation.
     
     
   • REScheck Prescriptive Packages. Design and construction professionals can select a package of insulation and window requirements based on the specific climate zone in which their building is located. Each climate zone package lists all compliance standards for insulation, glazing areas, glazing U-values, and heating and cooling efficiency.
     
     
   • RESCheck Package Generator. Rather than the traditional approach of following pre-determined prescriptive packages for code compliance, the package generator allows you to generate your own code-compliant insulation and window packages based on building location, window-to-wall ratio, and your choice of insulation levels. Select a package you desire and print or save (in PDF) a Compliance Report and Inspection Checklist.
     
     
2. RESNET Energy Code Information. The RESNET Energy Code web page also provides information sources for energy codes, effectiveness of codes, and the linkage of residential codes on home energy ratings.