Cold Climate Conference: Building Science for the Northern Rockies

The Cold Climate Conference brings together nationally recognized building science experts and regional professionals to exchange ideas, share proven construction practices, and learn from one another’s experience building in cold climates. Leave with practical knowledge you can apply to your next project and a network of building professionals. NCAT’s Energy Program Director Carl Berntsen is speaking on October 14, 2026, on Montana’s Energy Code: What’s Changing and What it Means for Builders.

Montana is preparing to adopt the 2024 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), bringing significant changes to residential energy requirements across the state. This presentation will review Montana’s current residential energy code, highlight the most important changes coming with the 2024 IECC, and explain what those changes mean in practice for builders, designers, contractors, and code officials. The session will focus on the building envelope, air sealing, insulation, mechanical systems, and other requirements that will have the greatest impact on how Montana homes are designed, built, and inspected.