Energy Policy Act (EPAct) Compliance - Residential

Download the full EPAct Compliance maps (pdf) or the complete EPAct status one-page handout (pdf)

NOTE: This map reflects only mandatory statewide residential codes currently in effect. States that have adopted new codes that are not yet effective are noted with an asterisk (*).

Go to the Commercial EPAct Status Map

Determination Status (as of March 6, 2013)

On May 17, 2012, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) issued a final determination that the 2012 IECC would achieve greater energy efficiency in low-rise residential buildings than the previous editions of the IECC.

State Certification (DUE: May 17, 2014)

This final determination is being published before the two-year deadline for states to file a certification for the 2009 IECC positive determination; therefore, a state may file just one certification to address both determinations. The certification must include a demonstration that the provisions of the state's residential building energy code regarding energy efficiency meet or exceed the 2012 IECC and be filed by July 19, 2013.

Certifications or Requests for Extension of Deadlines, solely with regard to the 2012 IECC, will be due to DOE on May 17, 2014. All states have two years to adopt the 2012 IECC or upgrade their existing residential building codes to meet or exceed its requirements.

Information on Residential Energy Code Determinations (DOE)

The 1992 Energy Policy Act (EPAct) required all states to review and consider adopting national model energy efficiency standards for new and renovated commercial and residential buildings. The Energy Policy Act of 2005 amended EPAct to specify the most current model energy codes: the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) and ASHRAE Standard 90.1. 

With each new edition of the IECC, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) issues a determination based on techincal analysis whether the new edition will improve energy efficiency in residential buildings. DOE has one year to publish the determination after the newest edition of the IECC is published. Determination results are published in the Federal Register.

If DOE determines that the newest version of the IECC is more energy efficient than the previous version, each state is required by EPAct to certify that it has reviewed its residential building energy code regarding energy efficiency and made a decision as to whether it is appropriate for that state to revise its residential building code to meet or exceed the revised code.

DOE may provide technical assistance to states to improve and implement state residential building energy codes or to otherwise promote the design and construction of energy-efficient residential buildings.

DOE also may provide incentive funding to states to implement stronger residential building energy codes. The amount of funding will be based on the actions proposed by the state to improve and implement residential energy codes and to promote energy efficiency through the use of energy codes.

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