To graphically illustrate the need to upgrade state building codes regarding energy efficiency, Icehouse Demonstration Day: Unfreeze PA Energy Codes, features two temporary “icehouse” structures will be placed outside the Main Capitol Rotunda beginning June 1 and remain in place for three to four weeks. There will be a press conference onsite at 9 a.m., June 6.

One of the six-by-eight-by-eight-foot structures will be built to 2009 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) code, which is the current requirement in Pennsylvania. The other will be built to beyond-code (high-performance) standards. Both will house a huge block of ice inside the structure.

Via the rate of ice melt within the structures, U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) Central PA participants will visually demonstrate the superior performance of beyond-code structures as a reason to make changes to the building code adoption process and update current energy codes in Pennsylvania.

USGBC Central PA & partners will be standing beside the Icehouses educating passersby and legislators about the importance of energy codes and high-performance buildings until 4 p.m. Any time during the month of June, people can stop by the Icehouses to view the ice melt and read the educational signage.

Location: 501 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg. To sign up for meetings, visit dvgbc.org/event/green-building-advocacy-day.