FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 3, 2026
Contact: press@theibe.org
ALBANY, NY – Today, the Institute for the Building Envelope (IBE) applauded the New York State Senate for passing S5940, legislation that would update New York’s building code to permit unvented attics and unvented enclosed rafter assemblies, sealed with air-impermeable insulation, as a pathway to meet the state’s building energy and decarbonization goals. The bill, sponsored by Sen. James Skoufis, cleared the Senate Committee on Housing, Construction and Community Development in March before advancing to a full Senate vote.
S5940 would modernize New York’s building and energy codes by recognizing unvented attic and enclosed rafter assemblies insulated with air-impermeable insulation that meet R-30 performance standards as compliant with the state’s Energy Conservation Construction Code. The legislation helps to ensure new homes are not just helping save energy and reducing emissions; but making homes more affordable.
“The Senate’s passage of S5940 is a major step forward for New York’s building codes and the state’s broader climate goals,” said Stephen Wieroniey, President of the Institute for the Building Envelope. “Allowing unvented attic assemblies insulated with air-impermeable materials gives builders a proven approach to improving energy performance, supporting electrification with heat pumps and lowering energy waste in homes across New York while helping improve housing affordability. We thank Sen. Skoufis and every member of the Senate who voted to advance this commonsense legislation.”
New York’s buildings account for roughly one-third of the state’s greenhouse gas emissions. As the state works to meet the targets established under the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, improving the performance of the building envelope will play a critical role in reducing energy consumption, lowering emissions and ensuring that clean energy technologies operate as efficiently as possible.
The Institute for the Building Envelope strongly encourages the Assembly to pass A7282 before the end of session to ensure builders can take advantage of this new path to affordable energy efficient housing.
“The Institute for the Building Envelope was formed to promote innovative, multifunctional materials that improve energy efficiency, safety and comfort,” Wieroniey added. “S5940 advances those goals while helping New York move toward a more resilient, energy-efficient building stock, while putting affordability at the forefront. We urge the Assembly to take up this legislation swiftly and send it to the Governor’s desk.”