Building Energy Code
If you're building a new home or significantly renovating an existing one in South Carolina, your project must comply with the 2009 IECC energy code standard that took effect January 1, 2013. This means your house will be built to meet statewide energy efficiency requirements for insulation, windows, heating and cooling systems, and other building envelope features. Work with your contractor to ensure the design and materials meet these requirements before construction begins.
South Carolina requires all new residential construction and substantial renovations to meet the 2009 IECC energy code, which has been in effect since January 1, 2013. You can use the COM/REScheck tool to demonstrate compliance with the code for residential projects. The state's Building Code Council oversees enforcement, and local jurisdictions may request variances from these requirements, so coordinate with your local building department on specific interpretation and approval.
South Carolina adopted the 2009 IECC for all new and renovated residential buildings effective January 1, 2013, with commercial buildings following the 2009 IECC and ASHRAE 90.1-2007. The state's Building Code Council manages adoption and implementation, with primary oversight by the Department of Labor Licensing and Regulation and technical support from the South Carolina Energy Office. Local jurisdictions enforce the code and can apply to the BCC for variances. COM/REScheck is available as a compliance demonstration tool for both residential and commercial projects.
Program details
- Program ID
- 1814
- Last updated
- 6/18/2023
Eligibility
- Sectors
- commercial residential
- Technologies
- comprehensive measures/whole building
Program summary
Much of the information presented in this summary is drawn from the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Building Energy Codes Program and the Building Codes Assistance Project (BCAP). For more detailed information about building energy codes, visit the DOE and BCAP websites.
Prior to 1997, South Carolina's local governments adopted and enforced the building codes. In 1997, the law required statewide use of the most up-to-date building codes, which then required the adoption and enforcement of the 1995 MEC (Model Energy Code). The MEC has since been published as the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). On November 28, 2007, the South Carolina Building Code Council (BCC) formally adopted the 2006 IECC for non-residential buildings. Due to the statutory process for code adoption, the 2006 IECC was officially implemented in South Carolina in July 2008 and updated to the 2009 IECC in March 2012. Effective January 2013, South Carolina legislation applies the 2009 IECC to all new and renovated buildings, including residential buildings. The previous standard of the 2006 IECC code will be utilized until such time. Local jurisdictions can apply to the BCC for a variance.
To learn more about South Carolina's building energy codes, click here.
Contact & resources
- Contact email
- WIGGINSG@LLR.SC.GOV
- Additional resources
Please verify current program details with the administering agency before making any financial decisions.
