State Energy Codes

Mandatory Energy Codes in Arizona
Arizona is a home rule state. Mandatory codes are adopted and enforced on a local level. A number of communities have adopted energy codes or building codes that contain energy chapters, such as the International Residential Code (IRC).

Voluntary State Energy Code
On a statewide level, there has been an effort to develop consistent baseline standards and guidelines for potential incentive programs operating in Arizona. Through these efforts, House Bill 2541, signed by Governor Jane Dee Hull, May 4, 2001, established a State Energy Code; and, further established a State Energy Code Advisory Commission to review and recommend changes. The code is directed to be voluntary and incentive based, and to significantly reduce energy use.

Arizona Revised Statute 41-1511, State Energy Code; Advisory Commission
www.azleg.state.az.us/ars/41/01511.htm

The State Energy Code is to be based on the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) for residential construction, and the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) for commercial construction. The Energy Code Advisory Commission will review the state energy code through an open, voluntary and consensus process; perform cost benefit analyses of potential state incentives for the use of energy saving devices and methods; and, provide annual reports on the findings.

Local Mandatory Energy Codes in Arizona
A number of communities have adopted energy codes or building codes that contain energy chapters, such as the International Residential Code (IRC). For more information on energy codes adopted by local communities, visit www.icbo.org/Code_Talk/Adoptions/

Note: IRC, Chapter 11 specifies the energy efficiency requirements of the International Residential Code (IRC). For homes with glazing area that exceeds 15% of the gross area of exterior walls, compliance must be demonstrated by following the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC)

The Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG)
The Maricopa Association of Governments is a Council of Governments (COG) that serves as the regional agency for the metropolitan Phoenix area. MAG provides regional planning and policy decisions in areas of transportation, air quality, environment analysis, regional development, and social services.

MAG has adopted a policy, in addition to compliance methods listed in the IRC and IECC, for any detached one and two-family dwelling, compliance may also be demonstrated by participation in the Energy Star, Engineered for Life, Environments for Living, and other such nationally recognized third party energy programs. For more information on this policy, visit www.mag.maricopa.gov/pdf/cms.resource/attachcombine_125.pdf

Tucson
The City of Tucson has adopted the 2000 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). For more information, visit www.ci.tucson.az.us/dsd/Codes___Ordinances/codes___ordinances.html

Pima County

Pima County has adopted the 2000 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). For more information, visit http://www.pima.gov/

Compliance Tools
There are a number of tools available to assist in showing compliance to energy codes. It is important to check which methods have been approved by local communities to verify compliance to their energy codes.

U.S. Department of Energy - Building Energy Codes
The U.S. Department of Energy (U.S. DOE) provides support for various energy codes by developing compliance tools that simplify the compliance process. You may demonstrate compliance for both residential and commercial buildings using the tools listed on the U.S. DOE web site www.energycodes.gov

Home Energy Rating Systems (HERS)
Getting information on the relative energy efficiency of washers, dryers, heating systems, computers and cars is easy for a consumer - just check the product efficiency label on the product. Ironically, when buying a home, the largest single purchase and by far the biggest source of energy bills for most families, consumers do not have such a reference. A home energy rating, comparable to checking the miles per gallon sticker on a new car, fills that need.

The home energy rating is a standard measurement of a home’s energy efficiency. An energy rating can be used to determine if a home is in compliance with an adopted energy code. More information on certified Home Energy Raters in Arizona can be found on the Residential Energy Services Network’s (RESNET) web site www.natresnet.org/codes/hers_benefits.pdf

A homebuyer, to easily compare the energy costs for the homes being considered, can also use the home energy rating. A homeowner who wants to upgrade the home’s energy efficiency can use the energy rating to evaluate and pinpoint specific, cost-effective improvements. For more information, visit www.natresnet.org/default.htm

EPA Energy Star
ENERGY STAR, an innovative energy efficiency program first introduced in 1995 by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), is a voluntary national partnership. To qualify for the ENERGY STAR label, a home must exceed the Model Energy Code by 30 percent. An independent third party must inspect, test, and verify that the home meets ENERGY STAR guidelines for energy efficiency. A number of local communities recognize ENERGY STAR as a compliance method for their local energy codes. For more information, visit www.energystar.gov