Building Energy Code
Oregon's energy code requires all new residential construction and major renovations to meet mandatory energy efficiency standards, including provisions for solar water heating and photovoltaic systems. These requirements help reduce your energy consumption and utility bills through improved insulation, efficient HVAC systems, and renewable energy integration—compliance is built into your construction permit process.
Oregon's mandatory state energy code applies to all residential and commercial construction, with the current residential standard effective April 1, 2024, and commercial code (ASHRAE 90.1-2022) effective July 1, 2025. You must demonstrate compliance during permitting; the code allows use of COMcheck for commercial projects and includes specific amendments beyond the model code, so verify current requirements with the Building Codes Division before bidding.
Oregon's Building Codes Division (DCBS) administers mandatory statewide energy code for all heated/cooled residential and commercial construction; residential code is based on 2021 IECC with state amendments (effective 04/01/2024) and commercial on ASHRAE 90.1-2022 (effective 07/01/2025). The program is a regulatory baseline with no direct financial incentives; it covers one- and two-family dwellings (ORSC Chapter 11) and all other buildings (OSSC Chapter 13), and local jurisdictions cannot modify requirements without state approval.
Program details
- Program ID
- 1862
- Last updated
- 6/18/2023
Eligibility
- Sectors
- commercial residential
- Technologies
- solar water heat solar photovoltaics 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.
The Oregon Energy Code amendments were most recently updated for both residential and non-residential construction in 2017 and 2019, respectively.
The Oregon Residential Specialty Code (ORSC), Chapter 11, contains energy efficiency requirements for one- and two-family dwelling construction. The Oregon Structural Specialty Code (OSSC), Chapter 13, contains energy conservation requirements for buildings other than one- and two-family dwellings.
In 2006, Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski mandated a 15% increase in energy performance by new residential construction by 2015. In response to this, the Oregon Building Codes Division (BCD) and Dept. of Energy cooperatively submitted an energy code change proposal. This proposal was enacted in March 2008 and became effective July 1, 2008. The residential code was updated in 2011, then updated again on October 1, 2017.
The state energy code provisions are mandatory for all heated and/or cooled residential and commercial construction, including state-owned and -operated buildings that are constructed, altered, and repaired within the state. The energy conservation requirements are a mandatory statewide minimum that cannot be modified by local government without state approval.
Contact & resources
- Contact email
- shane.r.sumption@state.or.us
- Additional resources
Please verify current program details with the administering agency before making any financial decisions.
