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The model commercial building energy code and standard is produced by ASHRAE in Standard 90.1, and the International Code Council (ICC) in the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). These organizations perform periodic revisions through defined processes allowing participation from stakeholders, including public and governmental entities. Once the revision process is completed, a new edition of the model code is published. States and local jurisdictions can then reference these codes, to legislate increased energy efficiency in commercial buildings through their adoption processes. ASHRAE and the ICC also produce Green Building Codes following similar processes and promoting higher efficiency levels than minimum code requirements. The process defined under Regulations and Rulemaking is used to develop building energy codes for federal buildings and manufactured housing.
Support and Analysis
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) participates in the commercial building code and standards development process to foster increased efficiency in new and existing commercial buildings. In support of this goal, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) evaluates benefits associated with code changes.
DOE reviews both the IECC and Standard 90.1 for additional opportunities to save energy, then prepares and submits proposed changes with supporting documentation for consideration. DOE maintains membership on the Standard 90.1 Standing Standards Project Committee and provides support through each of its five subcommittees. For the IECC, DOE develops and submits proposed changes, and supports those proposals through the public hearing process. Pursuant to those activities, newer editions of both Standard 90.1 and the IECC provide criteria fostering increased energy efficiency in commercial buildings. More information on these processes may be found by visiting the ASHRAE or ICC websites.
For more information on the DOE role in the development of building energy codes, visit the About section of this website.