N. Mariana Islands - Building Energy Code
This is a building energy code rather than a rebate, so it sets efficiency requirements for new homes and buildings in the Northern Mariana Islands. The CNMI adopted the Tropical Energy Code in 2009, which was designed for tropical island climates, so compliant construction should help with comfort and energy costs. For specific requirements on your project, contact the Building Safety Code Division in the Department of Public Works.
Energy code requirements apply to both residential and commercial construction in the CNMI, and the Tropical Energy Code, adopted in 2009, was designed for tropical island climates like the CNMI's. Building codes are adopted by the legislature and enforced by the Building Safety Code Division in the Department of Public Works, so plans and work should be checked with that office. Confirm the current code edition and compliance and permitting steps with the Division before bidding or building.
CNMI building codes are adopted by the legislature and enforced by the Building Safety Code Division within the Department of Public Works. The first energy codes were adopted in 1990, based on the 1991 Uniform Building Code (including Chapter 53 for commercial and multifamily buildings) and the 1989 CABO One- and Two-Family Dwelling Code, and in 2009 the CNMI became the first U.S. territory to adopt the Tropical Energy Code. The code covers residential and commercial sectors, and it is a regulatory requirement rather than a funded incentive.
Program details
- Program ID
- 4725
- Last updated
- 1/14/2026
Eligibility
- Sectors
- commercial residential
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 web sites.
Building codes for the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) are adopted by the legislature and enforced by the Building Safety Code Division in the Department of Public Works. The 1991 Uniform Building Code, including Chapter 53 (for commercial and all multifamily buildings), and the 1989 Council of American Building Officials (CABO) One- and Two-Family Dwelling Code were the first energy codes adopted by the CNMI in 1990.
In 2009 the CNMI became the first U.S. territory to adopt the Tropical Energy Code. The Tropical Energy Code was designed specifically to address the unique climate conditions of the US Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, CNMI, Guam and Hawaii.
In July 2011, National Renewable Energy Laboratory published the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Initial Technical Assessment Report that includes additional information about energy, energy policy and resources in the Northern Mariana Islands.
Contact & resources
- Contact email
- acamacho.tsd@dpw.gov.mp
Please verify current program details with the administering agency before making any financial decisions.
