Alabama Board Approves Strengthened 2009 IRC; New Codes Go to Public Hearing
On April 12, both the residential energy subcommittee and the full membership of the Alabama Residential and Energy Codes Board approved a proposal to adopt a new residential energy code based on the 2009 IRC with strengthening amendments that would make it equivalent to the 2009 IECC.
The Board had previously approved a new commercial code based on the 2009 IECC on January 25. The Board’s recommendations will be published for 35 days in the state administrative journal, followed by a final public comment hearing and final vote by the Board.
These mandatory statewide energy codes would be a first for Alabama. This direction comes from legislation passed in March 2010, requiring the code be at least as stringent as the 2006 IECC, but permitting the Board to pursue a stronger code.
The state has previously adopted the Residential Energy Code for Alabama (RECA 2004) – based on the 2000 IECC – as a voluntary code for residential construction. Since December 2008, the 2006 IECC has been encouraged for private commercial construction. The Alabama Building Commission enforces ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2007 for all state building construction.
More Information: ADECA Building Energy Efficiency | ADECA Building Energy Codes | SB 315
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