Commercial Code
Mandatory commercial building codes require a minimum level of energy efficiency for new commercial buildings. The Department of Energy estimates that between 1992 and 2012, commercial codes resulted in cumulative energy savings of 2.8 quads. They project that an additional 24.5 quads will be saved through 2040 due to residential building energy codes.
The Alabama Energy and Residential Code (AERC) Board adopted the 2015 Alabama Commercial Energy Code, based on ASHRAE 90.1-2013. The updated commercial code took effect January 1, 2016. Local jurisdictions may adopt more stringent codes.
Last Reviewed: November 2024
Alaska has no statewide commercial building code, but all public facilities must comply with the thermal and lighting energy standards adopted by the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities mandated by AS44.42020 (a) (14).
Last reviewed: November 2024
Arizona is a home-rule state, meaning that codes are adopted and enforced on a local rather than state level. However, the Southwest Energy Efficiency Project has found that the majority of new construction activity occurs in jurisdictions who have adopted the 2012 IECC or 2018 IECC. In addition, all state-funded buildings constructed after February 11, 2005 must achieve LEED Silver certification and meet the energy standards of ASHRAE 90.1-2004 as mandated by Executive Order 2005-05.
Last Reviewed: November 2024
The Arkansas Energy Code for New Building Construction is mandatory state-wide for both residential and commercial buildings. The commercial energy code is the 2009 IECC, which in turn also allows ASHRAE 90.1-2007 for compliance. This code became effective on January 1, 2015. Newly constructed or remodeled state-owned buildings must comply with ASHRAE 90.1-2013.
Last Reviewed: November 2024
The 2022 Energy Code adopted in 2021 with an effective date of January 1, 2023, also focused on building decarbonization for nonresidential buildings. Using the same revitalized Time Dependent Valuation and long-term, hourly, marginal Source Energy metric, nonresidential buildings also were encouraged to optimize their energy features to help achieve California’s energy and climate mandates. The most important amendments in the 2022 triennial update to the Energy Code for nonresidential buildings that use single zone HVAC systems was to establish new baselines for minimum building performance as well as for prescriptive compliance to use heat pumps for space heating (for schools the single-zone heat pump space heating baseline was combined with a heat pump water heating baseline). The 2022 Energy Code also established first in the nation requirements for installing both solar photovoltaic and battery storage systems into nonresidential buildings.
The most important amendments in the 2025 triennial update to the Energy Code for nonresidential buildings establish new baselines for minimum building performance and prescriptive compliance to use air-to-water or variable flow heat pumps for offices and schools that use multi-zone HVAC systems. The 2025 Energy Code also updated solar photovoltaic and battery storage systems to achieve cost effective installations in consideration of revised net billing and virtual net billing rules in California.
Last Reviewed: September 2022
Colorado is a home-rule state, but has very advanced adoption of building codes. The 2015 IECC is the adopted code for all modular homes. Local governments are permitted to develop or adopt any stretch, or advanced building code they see fit. Some have adopted EV-ready codes. As of November 2024, nearly 97% of Colorado's population is on the 2015, 2018, or 2021 IECC.
In 2022, a new law was passed (HB22-1362) to update the minimum building energy codes that a jurisdiction with building codes needs to adopt, upon adopting or updating any other building codes:
- Municipalities or counties with building codes that decided to adopt or update their building codes before July 1, 2023, were required to adopt one of the three most recent versions of the energy code (2015, 2018, or 2021).
- If a municipality or a county with building codes decides to adopt or update their building codes between July 1, 2023 and July 1, 2026, then they would be required to adopt the 2021 IECC (or equivalent or better) and electric-ready, EV-ready, and solar-ready requirements.
- If a municipality or a county with building codes decides to adopt or update their building codes after July 1, 2026, then that jurisdiction must adopt the "low energy and carbon code."
Local code adoption can be found here.
The construction of health care and K-12 school facilities is regulated by the State of Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control which has adopted the 2021 IECC for these facility types.
The 2018 IECC is the minimum building energy code for the construction of state-owned facilities.
Factory-built nonresidential structures and hotels, motels, and multi-family dwellings in areas of the State where no building codes exist must meet the 2015 IECC.
Last Reviewed: November 2024
Details regarding the state's code adoption process and schedule can be found on its Code Adoption Webpage. In addition, Connecticut Law now provides the State Building Inspector and Code Committee a process to adopt and implement the latest IECC during the same year.
Effective October 2022, Connecticut's 2022 state building code incorporates the 2021 IECC Family of Codes, which includes the 2021 IECC. Consistent with the residential code, the state building inspector is required to adopt the latest national model code within 18 months of publication. Conn. Gen. Stat. section 29-252. The CT code lacks weakening amendments.
The CT state building inspector is working with the Codes and Standards Committee to draft the 2025 state building code, which incorporates by reference the 2024 International Energy Conservation Code. The estimated date of adoption is Fall 2025.
Last reviewed: November 2024
Delaware adopted the commercial provisions of 2018 IECC and ASHRAE 90.1-2016 effective June 11, 2020. Secretary’s Order No: 2020-CCE-0014 was signed on April 28, 2020, approving the proposed amendments to 7 DE Admin. Code 2101: Regulations for State Energy Conservation Code. The final regulation and Secretary's Order was published in the June 1st Monthly Register of Regulations and with an effective date of June 11, 2020. The regulations adopt the 2018 IECC and ASHARE 90.1-2016 in there entirety by reference. The energy codes come in to force 6 months after the effective date. Residential and commercial codes are reviewed triennially by the Delaware Energy Office within the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control.
Review of the 2021 IECC has begun with adoption initially targeted for June 2023, though updates have not followed. Activities and events associated with the next code adoption cycle are posted on the DNREC webpage.
Last reviewed: November 2024
The 2017 DC Construction Codes consist of the 2015 International Code Council (ICC) family of model codes, the 2014 National Electrical Code, and 2013 ASHRAE 90.1, as amended by the District of Columbia Municipal Regulations (DCMR) Title 12, Sections A through M. The 2017 DC Construction Code took effect on May 29, 2020. Applicability and provisions for the prior editions of the code, (for Permits issued, Applications Filed, Tenant Layouts and Permit Revisions) will be governed by the Transitory Provision stipulated in section 123. (Link)
Both the commercial and residential building energy code was amended to strengthen energy efficiency in the District. Key elements of the new code require ENERGY STAR products for a variety of technologies and stringent gas efficiency. The high gas efficiencies required by this amended code remove the need for the energy efficiency utility to incentivize new construction gas projects, but moves the focus to strategic electrification for HVAC and water heating.
The codes also include an alternative compliance pathway for net zero buildings, including LEED Zero Energy and LEED Zero Carbon, for both commercial and residential construction (link). The District also has a Green Construction Code that enhances energy efficiency requirements in addition to the energy code. It applies to all commercial construction projects 10,000 square feet and larger and all residential projects that are 10,000 square feet and larger and four stories or higher.
Last Reviewed: November 2024
The Florida Building Commission, which has statutory authority to administer the Florida Building Code (s. 553.72(3), Florida Statutes), met on February 13, 2024, and certified to DOE that the commercial building provisions of the proposed 8th Edition (2023) Florida Building Code, Energy Conservation, meet the 2019 edition of the Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings, ANSI/ASHRAE/IES Standard 90.1.
Last Reviewed: November 2024
The 2020 Georgia State Minimum Standard Energy Code, based on the 2015 IECC with state specific amendments, went into effect January 1, 2020.
Last Reviewed: December 2022
On January 29, 2023, the 2021 IECC-C became the state commercial energy code by default and without any amendments from the State Building Code Council per Hawai'i Revised Statutes 107-24(c). This code took effect for all State Government commercial buildings on January 29, 2023. The counties have until January 29, 2025, to adopt the 2021 IECC-C with local amendments, or the state code shall become the county codes by default. The counties may also adopt local amendments to the 2021 IECC after 1/29/25. None of the counties have currently adopted the 2021 code.
As of August 2023, all four counties have adopted and are enforcing the 2018 IECC-C with county amendments.
Last Reviewed: November 2024
The Idaho State Legislature adopted the 2018 IECC commercial provisions with amendments during the 2020 legislative sessions; these codes will take effect on January 1, 2021. This code adoption will replace Idaho’s current building code standards and bring all jurisdictions with building codes up to the 2018 IECC standard.
Idaho adopted the 2018 IECC standard in 2021 for all jurisidictions. New commercial buildings should be built to ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2019 in order to save energy and experience lower operational costs, which results in lower utility bills.
The 2018 IECC suite of codes was amended to meet Idaho needs. The changes included: energy rating index table for Idaho’s climate zones; and window u-factors and insulation tables based on Idaho’s climate zones. Approximately 96% of Iocal jurisdictions are covered by building codes adopted by the state.
Local jurisdictions may not adopt more or less stringent code than the current building code approved by the state legislature.
Last Reviewed: November 2024
By law Illinois is required to adopt the latest IECC, although the Capital Development Board may recommend amendments. Current code, effective January 2024, requires privately-funded commercial construction to meet 2021 IECC standards with state-specific amendments.
Last reviewed: November 2024
The Indiana Energy Conservation Code is state-developed and mandatory statewide. For commercial buildings (commercial and residential buildings with three or more dwelling units) the code references ASHRAE standard 90.1-2007 as of May 6, 2010. Executive Order 08-14, signed by Governor Mitch Daniels on June 28, 2008, requires all new state buildings to earn LEED silver certification.
Last Reviewed: November 2024
The Iowa State Energy code is mandatory statewide for commercial buildings, although jurisdictions are free to adopt stricter codes. Commercial buildings must comply with the 2012 IECC, with reference to ASHRAE 90.1 – 2010.
Last Reviewed: November 2024
Kansas is a home-rule state and thus has no statewide commercial building code. In April 2007, the 2006 IECC became the applicable standard for new commercial and industrial structures. However, jurisdictions in the state are not required to adopt the code.
Last Reviewed: November 2024
Starting in 2014, projects constructed under the 2013 Kentucky Building Code (KBC) must comply with the 2012 IECC and ASHRAE 90.1-2010.
Last Reviewed: November 2024
Effective July 2011, ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2007 applies to all private commercial buildings built or remodeled as well as state-owned construction.
Last Reviewed: November 2024
In 2019, the Maine Legislature enacted three important amendments to residential building codes. First, Public Law (PL) 391 established that the Maine Uniform Building and Energy Code (MUBEC) must update the code from the 2009 IECC to the 2015 or a newer version, that it must be kept up to date with the latest version of the IECC, and required that it be applied in every municipality in Maine, regardless of population. (Pursuant to existing law, enforcement of the code is voluntary in municipalities having fewer than 4,000 customers, representing about 40% of the population). Second, PL 517 modified and improved the oversight and training of code enforcement officers. Third, PL 392 required the MUBEC to establish a stretch code that may be adopted by any municipality. The MUBEC Board accepted the 2021 edition of all of the IRC, IEBC, and the IECC, and these rules will become effective in 2024 upon final review and approval by the Attorney General.
Last Reviewed: November 2024
During the 2022 Regular Session of the General Assembly of Maryland, Senate Bill 528, entitled Climate Solutions Now Act of 2022, was passed and adopted into law as Chapter 38 of 2022. Section 12-503 of the Public Safety article now requires the Maryland Department of Labor to adopt by regulation the 2018 International Green Construction Code (IGCC) by on or before January 1, 2023, and adopt subsequent versions of the code within 18 months after it has been issued. The IGCC contains an energy-related chapter focusing on energy efficiency and renewable energy. (See Chapter 38 and the IGCC)
In addition, the 2018 Maryland Building Performance Standards are mandatory statewide and reference the 2018 ICC Codes, including the 2018 IECC, for all new and renovated commercial buildings.§ 12-503 of the Public Safety article requires the Maryland Department of Labor to adopt the most recent version of the IECC within eighteen (18) months after it is issued and may adopt energy conservation requirements that are more stringent than the codes, but may not adopt energy conservation requirements that are less stringent. Modifications (e.g., innovative approach, design, equipment, or method of construction) are allowed if the modification can be demonstrated to offer performance that is at least the equivalent to the requirements of: 1. the International Energy Conservation Code; 2. Chapter 13, “Energy Efficiency”, of the International Building Code; or 3. Chapter 11, “Energy Efficiency”, of the International Residential Code (see §12–503(b)(iii)) of the Public Safety Article). Each locality in the state must adopt and begin enforcement of the code within 12 months of state adoption.
Last reviewed: November 2024
The Board of Building Regulations and Standards (BBRS) recently adopted the IECC 2021 with MA amendments as part of the 10th edition of the MA state building code. This becomes available this summer and will be required for new permits beginning in January 2025. Notable strengthening amendments include: adoption of the IECC solar-ready appendix CA, building envelope backstop provisions, requirements for an EV ready parking space at most new commercial buildings, and requiring 15 points in section C406. Massachusetts has a statewide stretch energy code that has now been adopted by 301 of the 351 cities and towns.
The commercial Stretch Code goes significantly beyond the IECC and ASHRAE model codes in envelope performance. It requires full thermal bridge derating for all code pathways, and requires meeting thermal energy demand intensity (TEDI) limits or Passivehouse certification for multi-family buildings, schools, and office buildings. The ASHRAE 90.1-2019 code is permitted for high ventilation buildings such as labs and hospitals. In addition, the Stretch Code adds requirements on heat recovery ventilation, an updated envelope backstop and solar ready and EV ready wiring requirements.
Finally, the state's 2021 Climate Policy legislation created an opt-in Specialized net-zero stretch code (Specialized Code) that defines a net-zero building and net-zero building performance standards to align with the state’s GHG limits. To date the Specialized Code has been adopted by 43 cities and towns. The Specialized Code commercial requirements are additive to the updated stretch code and similar to the residential specialized code, they include solar and electric pre-wiring requirements for new buildings using fossil fuels, as well as adoption of passivehouse standards for multi-family new construction.
Last reviewed: November 2024
Michigan is currently operating under the 2015 Michigan Energy Code. The state is currently in the process of completing an update of the commercial energy code to the most recent IECC 2021 code. Public comments were received during a series of meetings and through written comments and ended on 2/22/2024. The final code is expected to go to JCAR for review/approval with the goal of the new code going into effect in the fall of 2024.
Weakening amendments have been adopted for both the residential and commercial codes. Per analysis by the Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (MEEA), the Michigan-specific amendments to the residential code reduced the efficiency of the standard (2015 IECC) by 11%; the Michigan-specific amendments to the commercial code reduced the standard (ASHRAE 90.1-2013) by 1%.
The state has also started a low carbon purchasing policy on state procurement (including appliances) and developed an aggressive QAP green building policy for low-income housing credits. In addition to these efforts, through Governor Whitmer's ED 2020-10 required DTMB to: investigate the cost-effectiveness of energy efficiency opportunities when planning or renovating a building owned or operated by the State; reduce energy use 40% by 2040; make all major renovations of buildings and facilities carbon neutral by 2040.
Last Reviewed: May 2024
Minnesota adopted ASHRAE 90.1-2019 with Minnesota amendments as the commercial energy code, and officially went into effect January 5, 2024. ASHRAE 90.1 sections 1-12, Normative Appendix A, Normative Appendix C, Normative Appendix D, and Addendums a, c, d, g, h, l, q, r, w, af, & da are mandatory statewide.
Effective August 2023 and beginning in 2024, each newly published edition of ASHRAE 90.1--or a similarly stringent code--must be adopted. Legislation also requires that the commercial energy code in place after the year 2036 achieve no less than an 80 percent savings in annual energy cost compared to the 2004 version of ASHRAE 90.1. (Minn. Law §326B.106)
Last reviewed: November 2024
Mississippi is a home-rule state, although its commercial energy codes are mandatory statewide. In the 2023 Regular Session, the Mississippi Legislature passed and Governor Bryant signed laws setting the mandatory energy code standard for commercial and state-owned buildings as ASHRAE 90.1-2016, which took effect on January 31, 2024. Jurisdictions can adopt more stringent codes.
Last Reviewed: May 2024
Missouri is a home-rule state and thus has no mandatory state-wide codes. As of July 1, 2015, state-owned commercial buildings must comply with the 2015 IECC. Executive Order 09-18, issued in 2009, requires that “all new state construction, buildings being constructed for lease by the state, and significant renovations and replacement of energy-using equipment shall be at least as stringent as the most recent energy efficiency standards of the IECC.” In response to the Executive Order, the Office of Administration, Division of Facilities Management, Design and Construction (OA-FMDC) developed and adopted a State Building Energy Efficiency Design Standard (BEEDS). Approximately 50% of the state’s population is covered by the 2009, 2012, 2015, or 2018 IECC or equivalent codes.
The building codes adopted by jurisdictions throughout the state are listed on the State of Missouri Data Portal.
Last Reviewed: November 2024
Montana's commercial building code, codified in ARM Title 24, Chapter 301.160, is mandatory statewide. The commercial building code requires compliance with the 2018 IECC or ASHRAE 90.1-2016.
Last Reviewed: November 2024
Nebraska is a home-rule state, but its commercial energy code, referred to as the Nebraska Energy Code (NEC), is mandatory statewide. Commercial buildings, starting July 1, 2020, must comply with the 2018 IECC/NEC with reference to ASHRAE 90.1 - 2016, with administrative amendments. Local jurisdictions can adopt any code that is more stringent than the NEC. A 2014 study found 87% compliance, while a 2018 dissertation provides further analysis.
Effective July 1, 2020, the Nebraska Energy Code will be based on the 2018 IECC with no amendments.
Last reviewed: November 2024
In July 2021, the 2021 IECC with Electric Vehicle ready appendices was adopted for commercial buildings in Nevada with ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2016 as an acceptable compliance path. While the code is not being enforced statewide, local governments are not allowed to adopt less-efficient energy codes.
Last Reviewed: November 2024
Effective July 2022, the NH legislature adopted the 2018 ICC codes with state-specific energy related amendments to the 2018 IRC. The code is mandatory statewide.
Last Reviewed: November 2024
On September 5, 2022, New Jersey adopted without amendments the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) Standard 90.1-2019 for commercial structures. New Jersey adopted the zero energy code provisions in the 2021 IECC-Appendix CC as optional at the discretion of the permit applicant.
For existing buildings, the Rehabilitation subcode (NJAC 5:23-6) applies certain energy conservation provisions of the new codes based on the scope of the project.
Last Reviewed: November 2024
The ASHRAE 90.1 Standard is adopted by reference. In addition, the USDOE grant will provide training that will help builders comply. In August 2020, the New Mexico Construction Industries Commission (CIC) voted to adopt the 2018 New Mexico Energy Conservation Code (NMECC), based on the 2018 IECC with state-specific amendments. The code applies statewide. Local building jurisdictions must meet or exceed the state code which becomes the minimum code. Because localities are permitted to adopt stretch codes, the City of Santa Fe and Town of Taos have adopted more stringent building codes. The City of Albuquerque is also planning to adopt a stretch code beyond the 2018 IECC. Builders can also use the updated NM Energy Conservation Code Residential Applications Manual to comply when building a passive solar or high mass home.
Last reviewed: June 2022
On December 6, 2019 the Fire Prevention and Building Code Council voted to adopt major updates to the Energy Conservation Construction Code of New York State, incorporating the 2018 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) and ASHRAE 90.1-2016. Effective May 12, 2020, commercial buildings must comply with the 2020 Energy Conservation Construction Code of New York State.
Under New York State Energy Law, Article 11, local energy codes are permitted by law, as long as the local energy code is more stringent than the state energy code. The state developed a stretch energy code with contributions from an advisory group and technical working groups represented by state and local government, utilities, design professionals, building trades and advocacy groups. NYStretch Energy Code-2020 was published July 2019 for voluntary, local adoption. The Commercial Provisions of NYStretch are approximately 7% more efficient than the 2020 New York State Energy Conservation Construction Code. To date, NYStretch has been adopted by 42 local governments, including New York City. The City of Ithaca includes NYStretch as an optional path in their Green Building Code. NYSERDA is promoting and supporting local adoption, and dozens of additional jurisdictions throughout the state and considering local laws to adopt NYStretch-2020. NYStretch-2020 adoption is incentized until June 30, 2022 through NYSERDA's Clean Energy Communities Program (Link). The City of Ithaca includes NYStretch as an optional path in their Green Building Code. NYSERDA also worked with the State University of New York Construction Fund to pass a directive that all construction on its campuses will meet NYStretch provisions.
Last Updated: November 2024
The 2018 North Carolina Energy Conservation Code (NCECC) is mandatory statewide for commercial buildings. The commercial code is based on the 2015 IECC with amendments. State Building Code Council develops new codes on a six-year cycle. Most recent update was effective January 1, 2019. (Source)
Last reviewed: November 2024
North Dakota is a home rule state and has no statewide mandatory energy codes. The state recently adopted an amended version of the 2021 IECC as its voluntary residential code. Approximately 91% of the state’s population lives in a jurisdiction that has adopted the ND State Building Code which includes the 2021 IECC.
Last Reviewed: November 2024
Ohio's commercial energy code is mandatory statewide and allows the use of either the 2021 IECC or the 2019 ASHRAE 90.1 with amendments to demonstrate compliance.
Weakening amendments were made to both the IECC commercial provisions and the ASHRAE 90.1, deleting the requirement for automatic receptacle controls and energy monitoring. The IECC residential provisions, as applied to low-rise commercial residential occupancies, were amended to allow building framing cavities to be used for return air. A unique Ohio exception was added to ASHRAE 90.1 that allows certain buildings used for industrial or manufacturing purposes to be considered semiheated.
Local jurisdictions are not permitted to adopt energy codes that conflict with the commercial energy codes adopted by the state.
November 2024
Oklahoma has in place mandatory statewide building codes for residential and commercial buildings. The Oklahoma Uniform Building Code Commission (OUBCC) reviews and recommends building codes for residential and commercial construction. Commercial buildings must comply with the 2915 ICC/IBC standards; however, the energy chapter references the 2006 IECC.
While Oklahoma does not currently require all jurisdiction to adopt a statewide energy code, counties are allowed to participate in PACE programs for energy efficiency through the Oklahoma Energy Indepence Act. In fact, on May 20th, 2020, Governor Kevin Stitt signed into law SB 1592 expanding the scope of the current Oklahoma Energy Indepence Act to allow all properties but single family residences to be eligible for the program.
The jurisdictions listed here have adopted their own building codes. They represent approximately 40% of the population of Oklahoma, or 1,507,066 people (based on the 2010 Census).
Last Reviewed: November 2024
The Oregon Building Codes Division (BCD) produces Chapter 13 of the 2019 Oregon Structural Specialty Code (2019 OSSC) which now utilizes ASHRAE 90.1-2019 as the energy efficiency construction standards. Chapter 13 is also known as the 2021 Oregon Energy Efficiency Specialty Code (2021 OEESC). It is mandatory statewide and has been effective since April 1st, 2021, with a 6-month phase-in period. To demonstrate compliance with Part I of the energy code, Construction documents for new buildings shall include the Oregon Zero Energy Ready Compliance Form, including a ZERO Code Calculator report. Minor amendments to ASHRAE 90.1-2019 are primarily for integration with the building code administrative provisions. A few amendments allow for Oregon marketplace trade offs which neither increase nor decrease site regulated efficiency. Oregon intends to update Chapter 13 of the OSSC with ASHRAE 90.1 as the construction standards when the DOE makes its ‘Determination’ and COMcheck has updated each cycle.
The commercial code update process is part of a target in EO 17-20 which includes equivalent performance for aspects of ASHRAE 189.1. The Executive Order from 2021 (EO 20-04) builds on EO 17-20 and provide an aggressive target for Commercial codes to be 60% better than the baseline year of 2006, by the year 2030. Oregon is on track to meet this goal. BCD will begin working with the Commercial and Industrial Energy Board (CIEB) and statewide stakeholders to begin work on the adoption process of ASHRAE 90.1-2022 within 180 days of its publication (https://www.oregon.gov/bcd/codes-stand/Pages/energy-commercial-compliance.aspx).
Last reviewed: November 2024
Pennsylvania adopted the 2018 IECC and ASHRAE 90.1 - 2016 (with some amendments), effective February 14, 2022. In June 2018, Philadelphia City adopted the 2018 International Building Code for commercial construction.
Last reviewed: November 2024
"On June 20, 2023, Rhode Island formally changed its adoption of the IECC-equivalent standards for commercial buildings, bringing the state's base code in line with the currently published version of the standard. The Rhode Island Building Code Commission will adopt the 2024 IECC standards within three months of their publication for both residential and commercial buildings. Within 18 months of publication, the State Building Code Standards Committee would devise a plan to ensure at least 90% of new construction and renovated buildings comply with the standards. While Rhode Island is a home rule state, towns are not permitted to adopt a code that is different from the state's. https://webserver.rilegislature.gov//Statutes/TITLE23/23-27.3/23-1/23-27.3-100.1.5.4.htm
On June 10, 2021, Rhode Island formally adopted the 2018 IECC and ASHRAE 90.1-2010 for commercial buildings, with state-specific amendments. The code went into effect on February 1, 2022 and is mandatory statewide. The Rhode Island commercial code pulls some strengthening amendments from the 2018 IECC, however, it also weakens some provisions of the code. One weakening amendment divides the state into two climate zones; the ICC published code has only one climate zone for Rhode Island. While Rhode Island is a home rule state, towns are not permitted to adopt a code that is different from the state's. In 2013, Rhode Island mandated that all state buildings adhere to the International Green Construction Code. As part of the Rhode Island’s Energy Efficiency Procurement Plan, a Building Codes & Standards Initiative was approved by the RI Public Utilities Commission, and a stated feature is the continued support and maintenance of a “stretch” code targeting “15% more energy efficiency than buildings constructed according to the prevailing path.” This effort was pursued in conjunction with the Rhode Island Building Code Commission and the Rhode Island Builder’s Association.
In 2024, the Rhode Island Building Code Commission is preparing to adopt the next iteration of the State's building code which will be based on the 2024 International Code.
Last reviewed: June 2024
On January 1, 2013, the 2013 South Carolina Energy Standard became effective. The commercial provisions reference the 2009 IECC as well, including that code’s reference to ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2007 as an alternative compliance path. Local jurisdictions may adopt more stringent energy codes.
Last Reviewed: November 2024
South Dakota has no mandatory statewide energy codes for commercial construction, however most jurisdictions have adopted codes based on the 2015 IECC. Codes are adopted by jurisdiction voluntarily. For commercial construction, ASHRAE 90.1 or IECC compliance is required by reference in the 2012 IBC, which is the mandatory statewide commercial building standard in state law unless local jurisdictions have either opted out of it or specifically adopted another code.
Last Reviewed: November 2024
On August 19, 2015, C&I conducted a rulemaking hearing to adopt the 2012 IECC for commercial and State-owned buildings. The permanent rules were filed with the Secretary of State on May 6, 2016 and went into effect on August 4, 2016. For certain types of commercial facilities—specifically Moderate-hazard factory industrial, Group F-1; Low-hazard factory industrial, Group F-2; Moderate-hazard storage, Group S-1; and Low-hazard storage, Group S-2 buildings—2006 IECC applies in lieu of 2012 IECC under these rules. See https://www.energycodes.gov/adoption/states/tennessee for additional information.
As is noted above, because Tennessee is a “home rule” state, significant variation exists in codes adoption and enforcement at the local level. Local jurisdictions cannot be required to adopt a local code that is more stringent than the one adopted by the State, but they may voluntarily choose to adopt an updated code version.
The State began implementation and enforcement of adopted energy codes for new building projects in July 2011. The State Fire Marshal’s Office requires a State building permit for certain commercial construction in areas of the State, except those where an exempt local government is enforcing a commercial building code itself. Building construction projects subject to code enforcement by the State Fire Marshal’s Office are required to obtain a State building code permit prior to commencing construction. The Department verifies contractors' licensure as part of the permitting process.
A listing of the State’s currently adopted codes and codes history is available here: https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/commerce/documents/fire_prevention/posts/2020-4-12_sfmo-code-adoption-and-history.pdf.
Last Reviewed: May 2022
Texas' building codes are mandatory for commercial construction. Commercial and multi-family buildings must comply with the 2015 IECC and state-funded buildings must meet the ASHRAE 90.1 – 2013 standard. For all buildings, jurisdictions can choose to adopt more stringent standards.
Last Reviewed: November 2024
There have been changes to the stringency of the commercial building code. In 2023 the Legislature adopted the 2021 IECC Commercial Energy Code, without amendments.
While localities may adopt stretch codes, it is a difficult process to do so. Localities may only adopt stretch codes if approved through the state legislative process. Amendments may not be adopted at the local level. As a result, none have adopted stretch codes.
Last Reviewed: November 2024
The Vermont Commercial Building Energy Standards (CBES) is mandatory statewide. The current CBES became effective July 1, 2024 and is based on the 2020 Vermont CBES, which are based upon the International Energy Conservation Code® (IECC®) 2018 edition. The 2024 CBES also includes elements of the 2021 and 2024 IECC energy efficiency requirements as well as select language updates and additional, more stringent Vermont energy efficiency requirements. The 2024 CBES also incorporates elements of ANSI/ASHRAE/IES Standard 90.1- 2019 Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings. The state updates its energy codes every three years.
Last reviewed: November 2024
With an effective date of January 18, 2024, Virginia's Uniform State Building Code (USBC) has been updated to incorporate energy efficiency provisions for commercial buildings of the 2021 IECC and ASHRAE 90.1-2019. All buildings with permit application date of January 18, 2025 or after must comply.
Section C402.1.6 was amended during the 2021 code development cycle by stakeholders to provide an alternative building thermal envelope compliance path for groups F, S, and U.
The code development process for the 2024 USBC (which includes the 2024 Virginia Energy Conservation Code), is anticipated to begin Q3 of 2024. The 2024 USBC will be using the 2024 I-Codes as the model codes.
Last reviewed: June 2024
The 2021 Washington State Energy Code is a state-developed code that is a mandatory minimum code statewide. Local jurisdictions have authority to adopt a reach code for non-residential strutures. Based originally on the 2021 IECC it has been extensively modified to reach state specific energy reduction targets incorporating parts of ASHRAE 90.1, ASHRAE 90.4 as well as unique features. The Washington State Energy Code provides savings equivalent to or greater than the ASHRAE 90.1 -2018.
In December of 2023 the state building code council adopted the 2021 Washington State Energy Code - Commercial. The evaluation of code outcomes notes that the incorporated code changes achieve 56% percent reduction in whole building energy use compared to the 2006 edition of the WA Code. This code became effective March 15, 2024.
Last reviewed: November 2024
West Virginia's commercial building code is mandatory statewide; however, adoption by jurisdictions is voluntary. The state now follows ASHRAE 90.1-2010. In March 2022, the Governor signed HB4141 authorizing the legislative rule filed by the Fire Commission to amend the State Building Code to update the ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1 from the 2010 edition to the 2013 edition.
Last Reviewed: November 2024
In May 2018, Wisconsin updated its commercial building energy codes to reference the 2015 IECC/ASHRAE 90.1-2013 with amendments.
Last Reviewed: June 2024
On September 22, 2021 the State of Wyoming adopted the 2021 International Codes. The following codes apply:
2021 International Fire Code,
2021 International Building Code,
2021 International Fuel & Gas Code,
2021 International Mechanical Code,
2021 International Existing Building Code
The current edition of the National Electrical Code.
All new plan review submissions from, October 1, 2021 and until further notice, must be compliant with the current edition of the ICC 2021 adopted state codes and referenced standards.
Enforced by Wyoming Statute 35-9-108
Last reviewed: November 2024