Turning up the heat

New statewide building code rules aimed at shaving energy consumption that go into effect next month are expected to add as much as 10% to the cost of commercial real estate development.

The new rules, which require new buildings to be 19% more energy efficient than existing standards, will apply to all commercial projects applying for a building permit after June 30.

The Florida regulations also mandate that engineers verify that projects with air-conditioning systems in excess of 40 tons are operating as designed, which also will add an expense to future developments.