Building Energy Code
Administered by New Jersey Department of Community Affairs
New Jersey has adopted updated building energy codes (2021 IECC for residential, ASHRAE 90.1-2019 for commercial) that set minimum efficiency standards for new construction and major renovations. These codes are enforced by the state's Division of Codes and Standards through licensed code officials, meaning your new home or commercial building must meet these standards—this protects long-term energy performance and operational costs.
You must design and construct projects to meet New Jersey's current energy codes: 2021 IECC with amendments (residential) and ASHRAE 90.1-2019 (commercial). Code officials licensed by the Department of Community Affairs will verify compliance during permitting and inspection; staying current with the adopted standards is essential for project approval and avoiding delays.
New Jersey adopts model codes (IECC for residential, ASHRAE 90.1 for commercial) at least every three years under the Uniform Construction Code Act, with the most recent adoption in September 2022. The Department of Community Affairs, Division of Codes and Standards oversees enforcement through licensed code officials statewide, ensuring all new construction and major renovations in both residential and commercial sectors meet minimum energy performance requirements.
Program details
- Program ID
- 1855
- Last updated
- 5/21/2025
Eligibility
- Sectors
- commercial residential
- Technologies
- comprehensive measures/whole building
Program summary
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 New Jersey Uniform Construction Code Act provides that model codes and standards publications shall not be adopted more frequently than once every three years. However, a revision or amendment may be adopted at any time if a commissioner of community affairs finds that imminent danger exists to the public's health, safety or welfare.
On September 3, 2019, New Jersey adopted the 2018 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) with amendments as the new residential code and ASHRAE 90.1-2016 as the new commercial code.
On September 6, 2022, New Jersey adopted the 2021 IECC with amendments as the new residential code and ASHRAE 90.1-2019 without amendments as the new commercial code.
The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, Division of Codes and Standards enforces the code through licensed code officials. Click here to access New Jersey's building energy code.
History
On September, 2015, New Jersey adopted the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) with amendments and ASHRAE 90.1-2013 with minor amendments as the new commercial code. There was a grace period until March 7, 2016 while the state transitioned to the new code. Until that time, permits were given for buildings which met the previous code requirements of 2009 IECC and ASHRAE 90.1-2007.
Contact & resources
- Contact email
- CodeAssist@dca.nj.gov
- Additional resources
Please verify current program details with the administering agency before making any financial decisions.
