According to a DOE mandate, all states are required to adopt a new commercial energy code that meets or exceeds ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2010 by Oct. 18. Many states have complied and the remaining ones will soon follow.
The newest version of the landmark energy efficiency building standard was published in August 2010. When adopted and implemented by states, 90.1-2010 is estimated to result in an 18.2% savings in energy cost when compared to the 2007 version, according to the DOE.
CODE VARIATIONS
The International Building Code (IBC) 2012 and the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) 2012 are among the codes that are compliant with the new standard.
A few changes these codes will bring includes required increased use of continuous insulation (CI), integration of a continuous air barrier, and NFPA 285 fire test compliance for air/water-resistive barriers.
Since it is not always feasible for states to adopt national codes, your state may choose to adopt a national model code by reference and then amend the code or develop a state or local code that better fits their energy goals.
Find out what code your area has adopted at the International Code Council website.
