Code Analysis and Development

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) strives to improve energy efficiency by encouraging the use of new technologies and better building practices. DOE's Building Energy Codes Program (BECP) works with federal agencies, national code organizations, the building industry, and state and local officials to promote more stringent building energy codes.

BECP works closely with the ICC, ASHRAE, IESNA, American Institute of Architects (AIA), and other code user groups to develop more stringent and easy-to-understand building energy codes and to assess potential code barriers to new energy-efficient technologies.

Code Analysis

DOE Code Determinations

The Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA, 42 USC 6833) establishes a role for the DOE to determine whether revisions to the Model Energy Code (succeeded by the IECC) or the ASHRAE/IES Standard 90.1 would improve energy efficiency in residential and commercial buildings, respectively.

DOE Code Comparison

DOE has prepared a Comparison of Standard 90.1-07 and the 2009 IECC with Respect to Commercial Buildings. This comparison is available to states who may wish to understand the differences between Standard 90.1-2007 and the 2009 IECC.

A comparison for residential buildings is not available at this time.

Code Development

2009/2010 ICC
DOE Code Change Proposals for the 2009/2010 International Conservation Code Development Cycle.

30/30 Vision – Goal in Sight—Hearings Bring DOE Closer to 30% More Stringent IECC

Development of Energy Efficiency Standards for Manufactured Housing

DOE Assistance

DOE provides technical assistance to states and local jurisdictions to promote the adoption, implementation, and enforcement of residential building energy codes.