Building Energy Code
Nebraska requires new buildings and major renovations (costing over 50% of replacement value) to meet the 2018 International Energy Conservation Code, which sets minimum efficiency standards for insulation, HVAC, lighting, and other systems. You'll benefit from lower operating costs and more consistent comfort in any newly constructed or substantially renovated home.
Projects subject to Nebraska's Building Energy Code (new construction and renovations exceeding 50% of replacement cost) must comply with the 2018 IECC or ASHRAE 90.1-2016 standards; you can use the DOE's COMcheck and REScheck tools to demonstrate compliance. Local jurisdictions may adopt equivalent codes or seek waivers from the State Energy Office, so confirm requirements with your local authority before beginning design.
Nebraska adopted the 2018 IECC and ASHRAE 90.1-2016 effective July 1, 2020, administered by the State Building Administrator in the Department of Administrative Services with the State Energy Office. The State Energy Office enforces the code in jurisdictions that have not adopted their own equivalent standard; local governments may propose waivers if they demonstrate through life-cycle cost analysis that a requirement is not economically justified.
Program details
- Program ID
- 1921
- Last updated
- 4/28/2023
Eligibility
- Sectors
- commercial residential state government
- 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.
Effective July 1, 2020, Nebraska recently adopted the 2018 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) and ASHRAE 90.1-2016 for residential and commercial buildings.
The State Building Administrator of the Department of Administrative Services, in consultation with the State Energy Office, may specify a more recent edition of the IECC, additional energy efficiency or renewable energy requirements for buildings, and waivers of specific requirements which are demonstrated through life-cycle cost analysis to not be in the state's best interest.
Any county, city, or village may adopt a code that differ from the Nebraska Energy Code if the adopted code is “deemed equivalent” to the Nebraska Energy Code. Any county, city, or village also may waive a specific requirement from the Code if the standard is “not economically justified” according to an analysis it submits to the State Energy Office. If no code is adopted by a town or county, the Nebraska Energy Office enforces the Code in the jurisdiction.
History
In September 2011 the Nebraska Building Energy Code was updated to the 2009 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) standards. As with the previous 2003 IECC standards, which had been in place since 2005, the Code applies to all new buildings, renovations, or additions to existing buildings. However, only those renovations that will cost more than 50% of the replacement cost of the building must comply with the Code. The Nebraska Energy Code also includes new and renovated state buildings within the 2009 IECC standard.
Contact & resources
- Additional resources
Please verify current program details with the administering agency before making any financial decisions.
