DOE recently published a Notice of Determination for the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), affirming that the updated code will result in energy savings in residential buildings. The DOE analysis indicates that buildings meeting the 2015 IECC would result in national residential building energy savings of approximately 1 percent, as regulated by the Code.
Following an affirmative DOE determination, each State is required by statute to certify that it has reviewed the provisions of its residential building code regarding energy efficiency, and made a determination as to whether it is appropriate to revise its code to meet or exceed the updated edition of the IECC. Additionally, DOE provides guidance to States on submitting certification statements.
The DOE Building Energy Codes Program encourages increased energy efficiency through building codes and standards. DOE is required to review published editions of model codes, including the IECC and Standard 90.1, and issue a determination as to whether the updated edition is expected to result in energy savings in residential and commercial buildings, respectively. Through its support for building energy codes, DOE helps states and local governments realize significant energy savings, resulting in cost savings for U.S. home and business owners, and associated environmental benefits due to avoided greenhouse gas emissions.
State Certification for Commercial Energy Code
Upon publication of an affirmative determination, States are required to certify that they have reviewed the provisions of their commercial building code regarding energy efficiency, and, as necessary, updated their codes to meet or exceed the updated edition of Standard 90.1. Additionally, DOE provides guidance to States on submitting certification statements and requests for deadline extensions. State certifications for Standard 90.1-2013 must be submitted by September 26, 2016.
State Certification for Residential Energy Code
Upon publication of an affirmative determination, States are required to certify that they have reviewed the provisions of their residential building code regarding energy efficiency, and made a determination as to whether it is appropriate for them to revise their code to meet or exceed the updated edition of the IECC. Additionally, DOE provides guidance to States on submitting certification statements and requests for deadline extensions. State certifications for the 2015 IECC must be submitted by May, 2017.
More information on DOE support for building energy codes is available at http://www.energycodes.gov.