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 Conservation and Production Act (ECPA) establishes a role for the DOE to determine whether revisions to the 1995 Model Energy Code (succeeded by the IECC) or the ASHRAE/IES Standard 90.1-1989 (succeeded by the Standard 90.1-1999) would improve energy efficiency in residential and commercial buildings, respectively.
DOE Assistance - DOE provides technical assistance to states and local jurisdictions to promote the adoption, implementation, and enforcement of residential building energy codes.
Code Development
2007 IECC
New DOE Code-Change Proposals for the International Energy Conservation Code and International Residential Code.
Equipment Rulemakings
State Energy Code Criteria for Residential AC and HP Preempted January 23, 2006.
2006 IECC
Statement of the Department of Energy - State Energy Code Criteria for Residential AC and HP.
DOE Notices Requesting Public Input