The climate emergency we are in demands swift and bold actions, not to mention leadership. And, in the absence of federal direction, the national model code development system has chosen a path misaligned with the federal government's own stated climate objectives, as well as its international climate commitments.

Buildings are expected to play a primary role in achieving climate neutrality and the development a retrofit code, alongside a stringent model code for new buildings, has been identified as key to reaching climate neutrality in our built environment. Reaching the deep energy and emissions reductions needed in our built environment demands the federal government step up and aligns our national model codes with federal climate commitments.