By: Connor Brown, BLDUP NYC

If you’re interested in learning about how energy codes are mandated across the United States, it’s first important to know that each individual state has the power to decide whether or not to implement statewide energy codes. While most states chose to adopt set codes, approximately 9 states (Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Wyoming, Kansas, North Dakota, South Dakota, Mississippi, and Missouri) do not have set energy codes for either commercial or residential construction. These states instead leave energy code decisions up to local jurisdictions.

For states that do implement statewide energy codes, the general rule of thumb it seems is to employ some version of the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) for residential construction, and a variant of ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers) for commercial construction. Every state does this differently however, and while some states use IECC for both commercial and residential, many tend to pair together IECC and ASHRAE for commercial, while using IECC for residential exclusively. Both ASHRAE and IECC are updated periodically, so you’ll also find certain states employing different versions of the same code. West Virginia for example uses ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2013 for its commercial code, while New Mexico uses ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2016. On top of this, many states will modify and amend versions of ASHRAE and IECC codes to better suit their needs. They can even take it a step further by tailoring codes for specific counties with special environmental interests or higher energy demands. These are called “stretch codes”.

For our purposes, however, let's focus more in-depth on the tri-state area and New England:

New York State

Current New York energy codes for new building construction are based on the 2018 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), as well as the 2016 version of ASHRAE, known as “ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2016” for commercial structures. Residential properties on the other hand are to adhere to an amended version of the 2018 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC).

But there’s more…

The 2020 Energy Conservation Construction Code of New York State (ECCCNYS) was passed with the intent of establishing minimum energy-efficiency requirements for newly constructed buildings (both commercial and residential) in the State of New York. Based on the 2018 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), this piece of legislation has been in effect since May of 2020 and it remains one of the most strict energy codes in the United States to this day (although it does make some provisions for buildings under 3-stories). In 2020, New York State also released NYStretch Energy Code–2020. Although optional, the NYStretch code model can be voluntarily adopted by any jurisdiction at the local level. In comparison to the standard 2020 ECCCNYS, the NYStretch code sets energy standards that are 10–12% more efficient for certain building types. Several jurisdictions on Long Island and the Hudson Valley have already chosen to adopt NYStretch. While the 2020 ECCCNYS and NYStretch Energy Code–2020 are primarily designed to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions by a significant margin, they are also intended to lower operating and utility costs for building owners. 

To learn more about specific energy codes for New York City, we recommend reading our guide to Local Law 97, which can be found here.

New Jersey

Current New Jersey energy codes for new building construction are based on the 2019 version of ASHRAE, known as “ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2019” for commercial structures, while residential properties are to adhere to the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC).

Connecticut

Connecticut’s energy codes for new building construction are currently based on the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), as well as the 2019 version of ASHRAE, known as “ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2019” for commercial structures. Residential properties are to adhere to an amended version of the 2021 IECC.

Rhode Island

Rhode Island’s energy codes for new building construction are currently based on the 2018 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), as well as an amended variation of the 2016 version of ASHRAE, known as “ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2016” for commercial structures. Residential properties are to adhere to an amended version of the 2018 IECC.

Massachusetts

Massachusett’s energy codes for new building construction are currently based on the 2018 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), as well as the 2016 version of ASHRAE, known as “ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2016” for commercial structures. Residential properties are to adhere to an amended version of the 2018 IECC.

Regulations go even further in cities like Boston and Cambridge. In Boston, the Building Emissions Reduction and Disclosure Ordinance (BERDO) sets requirements for large buildings in order to reduce the amount of greenhouse gas emissions they emit. Enacted in 2013, the goal of BERDO is to reduce emissions gradually to net zero by 2050. To learn more about BERDO, we recommend reading our previous articles on the subject, which can be found here and here.

In Cambridge, the Building Energy Use Disclosure Ordinance (BEUDO) was enacted in 2014. Created for the same purpose as BERDO, BEUDO  will require large commercial buildings to reach Net Zero Emissions by 2035, and small commercial buildings to reach Net Zero Emissions by 2050.

This guide explaining how energy codes vary across the United States is the second article in a multi-part series exploring the topics of changing energy codes and energy-efficient buildings. Stay tuned each week for the next month as we dive into specific NYC mega-projects that are rising up to the challenge of Local Laws 97 and 154. These are game-changing projects that are redefining the way our city adapts, as we enter a brand new age defined by sustainable construction.