The NESEA region is leading the building industry toward zero carbon and zero energy buildings. Still, one essential step to getting there is by states prioritizing the adoption of the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). The 2021 IECC is arguably the most significant iteration of the IECC because this version of the code increases building energy efficiency by almost 10 percent and reduces greenhouse gases by almost 9 percent over the 2018 IECC. These energy efficiency improvements are essential for the NESEA region because they will increase the Northeast’s progress towards zero energy buildings. This session will address the most recent energy codes (2021 IECC, ASHRAE 90.1-2019, ASHRAE 189, IECC Zero energy appendixes), regional zero energy codes (MA, DC, NY), and how states in the NESEA region must prioritize their adoption to bring the region toward zero-energy buildings proliferation. Attendees will learn which states are already adopting the 2021 IECC, what systemic barriers to code adoption exist, and the multiple ways the 2021 IECC and zero energy codes will benefit the Northeast, including workforce development, climate equity, and improving the health and comfort within the built environment.