Building Energy Code

NOTE: 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. The Maryland Building Performance Standards (MBPS) are adopted by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) Codes Administration. As required by legislation passed in 2009, DHCD must update the MBPS to incorporate the latest applicable IECC codes within 12 months of publication of the new code editions. The latest version of the Maryland Building Performance Standards, incorporating the 2018 IECC, became effective on March 25, 2019. The MBPS is mandatory statewide. Builders must demonstrate compliance to local government (cities, counties) that have adopted the code. In cities and counties that have not adopted the code, the builder must certify code compliance to the serving electric utility as a condition for electrical service. The new standards are posted on the web site. Legislation signed in May 2011 (HB 972) made Maryland the first state to allow its jurisdictions to voluntarily adopt the International Green Construction Code beginning in March 2012.