Residential Building Energy Codes

Policy description:

The Department of Energy (DOE) projects that, over time, improvements in building codes can have the greatest single impact in energy efficiency within the built environment than any other policy initiative. Because buildings will be around for generations, energy efficiency within the built environment is a matter of statewide and long-term importance. Some states have statewide building codes, others defer to local governments. In either case, legislation can set a baseline efficiency standard – preferably also providing for regular review and update by a code panel that has rule making authority. For more information, see the full policy brief.

Download Full Policy Brief View Policy Component Questions

1. Does the policy exist?
2. Is the policy statewide?
3. Has the state adopted the 2009 IECC standards for residential buildings?
4. Has the state adopted the 2012 IECC standards for residential buildings?
5. Has the state adopted at least the 2015 IECC standards for residential buildings?
6. Does the state have a dedicated procedure for updating energy codes?