International Energy Conservation Code

The International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) is a building code created by the International Code Council in 2000. It is a model code adopted by many states and municipal governments in the United States for the establishment of minimum design and construction requirements for energy efficiency. The code is updated every 3 years, to provide an ongoing standard of best practices for energy efficiency.In addition to overall building standards the code defines the Climate Zones used in building, shown in this picture. These should not be confused with the USDA plant Hardiness zone.

International Energy Conservation Code Adoption Map The IECC is in use or adopted in 46 states, the District of Columbia, NYC, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands Dark = IECC administered statewide Light = IECC administered at the state and/or local level.

The International Residential Code (IRC) and the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) are two primary documents that guide these changes, and every update undergoes a thorough and detailed review by code councils, which include experts from various fields.

The 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) calls for residential buildings to be tested with a blower door and verified as having an air leakage rate not exceeding 3-5 air changes per hour at 50 Pascals, depending on climate.