Building Energy Code

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 Texas State Energy Conservation Office (SECO) by rule may choose to adopt the latest published editions of the energy efficiency provisions of the International Residential Code (IRC) or the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) for residential or commercial buildings. When the International Code Council publishes new codes, the Energy Systems Laboratory (ESL), a division of Texas A&M University, reviews the new editions to ensure stringency of the IRC and IECC compared to existing Texas energy codes. ESL then provides SECO a written recommendation based on analysis and public review. If ESL recommends adopting the new code, a stakeholder meeting is held to gain input and a draft of the new rule is published for public comment. After comments are reviewed, SECO then makes the decision whether to adopt the latest energy codes in Texas. Local municipalities or counties may choose to adopt local amendments to the energy code provided that the amendments do not result in less stringent energy efficiency requirements than the adopted state-mandated energy codes.