Georgia

Current Codes

2011 Georgia State Minimum Standard Energy Code

Code Type: Residential, Commercial

Based on: 2009 IECC, ASHRAE 90.1-2007 Mandatory

Date Effective: Saturday, January 1, 2011

Date Passed: Wednesday, November 3, 2010

2011 Georgia State Minimum Residential Green Building Standard (Permissive Code)

Code Type: Residential

Based on: 2008 National Green Building Standard Not Mandatory

Date Effective: Saturday, January 1, 2011

Date Passed: Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Expand All

Additional Code Information

Code Adoption & Change Process

Code Change Process:

A rulemaking process is used to adopt new codes and to change existing codes. When a proposed code change is forwarded to the Department of Community Affairs, it is first reviewed by a task force consisting of engineers, architects, builders, and contractors. The task force evaluates the proposal and forwards it to the State Codes Advisory Committee if deemed appropriate. The Advisory Committee also evaluates the proposal and submits it for public hearing. If approved, the proposal is adopted by the Board of Community Affairs for inclusion into the next edition of the code. The Department of Community Affairs is responsible for final rulemaking.

Code Change Cycle:

New editions of codes are reviewed as soon as practicable after publication. Supplements and amendments are updated annually.

History

The initial edition of the Georgia State Minimum Standard Energy Code was promulgated by the State Building Administration Board as authorized by Ga. L., 1978, p. 2212, which went into effect on July 16, 1978. The code was based on both the Model Code for Energy Conservation and ASHRAE Standard 90-1975.

The 2000 IECC with state amendments went into effect on January 1, 2003, and SHGC 0.40 requirements which went into effect on January 1, 2004. ASHRAE 90.1-2001 became effective January 1, 2003, although Chapter 8 of the 2000 IECC could be used as an alternative.

The 2006 IECC referencing ASHRAE 90.1-2004 went into effect January 1, 2008.

On January 1, 2011, the 2011 Georgia State Minimum Standard Energy Code became effective statewide. Approved by the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) Board on November 3, 2010, it is based on the 2009 IECC with 2011 Georgia Amendments (including mandatory blower door testing starting July 1, 2011) as a minimum (mandatory) code.

The state also adopted the 2011 Georgia State Minimum Residential Green Building Standard, based on the 2008 National Green Building Standard (NGBS) with 2011 Georgia Amendments, as a permissive (optional) code. It is available for local government adoption and enforcement. Local governments choosing to enforce any permissive codes must adopt the code(s) they wish to enforce, as well as administrative procedures and penalties

Basic Facts

Climate Zone:

Zones 2A and 3A (zones based on DOE's most recent zoning: zone numbers based on a spectrum, zone 1 represents very hot weather and zone 8 represents subarctic weather. Letters indicate climate type, A-Humid, B-Dry, C-Marine)

Population:

9,829,211 (2009, U.S. Census Bureau)

Construction Activity:

2008 New Housing Units Authorized by Permit:
Total units: 35,368
Number of Housing Units by Structure Type:
1 unit: 24,879
2 units: 280
3 and 4 units: 536
5 or more units: 9,673

(2008, Real Estate Center)

Projected Construction Rate:

Single family dwelling:25,030 (-55% less than previous year), and with an average value of 161,500 per unit (2008, Real Estate Center)

CO2 Emissions:

184.04 MMT CO₂ (2007)

Energy Data

Primary Energy Source:

Petrolium: 1,100.2 Trillion Btu (35.1%), Coal: 934.7 trillion Btu (30%) (2007, EIA)

Energy Consumption:

Total annual energy consumption of 3,133 Trillion Btu (2007, EIA)

Energy Expenditures:

34,542.10 Million Nominal Dollars (2007, EIA)

Energy Snapshot:

49% of the state’s natural gas supply is used for heating the home.

Georgia’s residential sector relies most heavily on solar energy forms for energy consumption

Residential use of natural gas in Georgia costs $20.69/thousand cu ft, well exceeding the national average.

Source: EIA

Climate Concerns

Regional Issues & State Action:

According to the United States Global Change Research Program, extreme heat, declining air quality, draught and an increase in the frequency of severe precipitation and Atlantic hurricanes are likely to pose increasing problems for the Southeast United States. In addition, sea-level rise is projected to accelerate, endangering shorelines and major coastal cities. In the southeast, the annual average temperature has increased by 2°F since 1970. Annual average temperatures are projected to rise 4.5°F-9°F with the greatest increase occurring in the summer months. The effects of climate change could significantly alter the region’s economy, landscape, character, and quality of life.

Georgia does not have any formal climate action plan, but the governor has established a ‘Governor’s Energy Challenge’ which promotes saving money by saving energy. The website allows homeowners to calculate energy costs and use in their home while giving them energy saving tips. The Challenge is a part of the Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority.

BCAP Estimated Energy Savings

Contact Paul Karrer for savings information for your state Pkarrer@ase.org.

Resources

Discussions

No discussions found.

Groups

Southeast Region

People

johncummings06	BKerker	wsking	rlebrun
joelenzi	b09ed	ben taube	strott@knology.net

Advocacy Opportunities	Status	Explanations
Adopt Mandatory Codes		Residential Georgia is a home rule state. Georgia’s Energy Code is a mandatory residential code based on 2006 IECC with state amendments. Commercial Georgia is a home rule state. The mandatory statewide commercial code is ASHRAE/IESNA 90.1-2004.
Adopt an Automatic Review & Update Process		There is no legally binding review process. However, supplements and amendments are updated annually and new editions of codes are reviewed as soon as practicable after publication.
Create a Regulatory Process		Proposed code changes are forwarded to the Department of Community Affairs. They are first reviewed by a taskforce (consisting of engineers, architects, builders, and contractors) that evaluates the proposal and, if deemed appropriate, forwards it to the State Codes Advisory Committee. The Advisory Committee also evaluates the proposal and submits it for a public hearing. If approved, the proposal is adopted by the Board of Community Affairs for inclusion into the next edition of the code. The Department of Community Affairs is responsible for final rulemaking.
Improve Compliance		Residential State law does not require local enforcement. The Georgia Energy Code (GEC) is one of eight mandatory minimum standard construction codes in the state. It has statewide application and is mandatory regardless of whether it is adopted or enforced by a local jurisdiction. There is no mandatory enforcement at the local level which has proven to be an obstacle in the implementation of the state adopted code. In jurisdictions that are enforcing codes, compliance can be demonstrated during the plan review stage and verified by local inspection. Some jurisdictions may accept a registered design professional's seal on a letter stating that the design conforms with the code but acceptance of such a letter is up to the local building official. REScheck may also be used to show compliance. Commercial State law does not require local enforcement. The Georgia Energy Code (GEC) is one of eight mandatory minimum standard construction codes. It has statewide application and is mandatory regardless of whether it is adopted or enforced by a local jurisdiction. There is no mandatory enforcement at the local level which has proven to be an obstacle in the implementation of the state adopted code. In jurisdictions that are enforcing codes, compliance can be demonstrated during the plan review stage and verified by local inspection. Some jurisdictions may accept a registered design professional's seal on a letter stating that the design conforms with the code but acceptance of such a letter is up to the local building official. COMcheck may be used to show compliance.
Eliminate Weakening Amendments
Add Strengthening Amendments		The state has established a uniform U-factor statewide, an SHGC standard statewide, and a minimum R-values table.
Allow Innovation at the Local Level		If a local government wants to adopt a code more stringent than the state code, they must petition the state energy office.
Set Milestones
Adopt Green Codes		Municipality: Athens Clarke County Municipal Program: Municipal Building Policy Description: All municipal new construction and major renovation shall be built to LEED certification levels. USGBC registration is not required and the county has procedures for prioritizing credits. Energy Standards: Commercial LEED Certification: below is summarized from LEED NC, details vary according to certification program. Mandatory: minimum 10% compliance beyond ASHRAE 90.1-2007, or use of NBI's Core Performance or one of ASHRAE's Advanced Energy Design Guidelines. LEED options include: optimize energy performance, on-site renewable energy, enhanced commissioning, enhanced refrigerant management, measurement & verification, and green power. Municipality: Atlanta Municipal Program: N/A (?) Description: City-funded projects over 5,000 ft2 or costing $2 million must meet a LEED Silver certified level. Projects exempt from this policy are required to complete a LEED checklist to assess any sustainable design techniques. Energy Standard: Commercial LEED Certification: below is summarized from LEED NC, details vary according to certification program. Mandatory: minimum 10% compliance beyond ASHRAE 90.1-2007, or use of NBI's Core Performance or one of ASHRAE's Advanced Energy Design Guidelines. LEED options include: optimize energy performance, on-site renewable energy, enhanced commissioning, enhanced refrigerant management, measurement & verification, and green power. Municipality: Chamblee Municipal Program: LEED Certification Ordinance, 2008 Description: All future public construction of any size is to earn LEED Certified or one Green Globe. The policy also requires that all new commercial construction of 20,000 sq ft or greater earn LEED Certified certification or one Green Globe. Energy Standards: Commercial LEED Certification: below is summarized from LEED NC, details vary according to certification program. Mandatory: minimum 10% compliance beyond ASHRAE 90.1-2007, or use of NBI's Core Performance or one of ASHRAE's Advanced Energy Design Guidelines. LEED options include: optimize energy performance, on-site renewable energy, enhanced commissioning, enhanced refrigerant management, measurement & verification, and green power. Municipality: Conyers Municipal Program: Municipal Building Standards, 2008 Description: Conyers City requires all new residential or municipal buildings with over 5,000 sq ft of occupied space to achieve LEED certification or be EarthCraft House certified. Energy Standard: Commercial LEED Certification - below is summarized from LEED NC, details vary according to certification program, Mandatory: Minimum 10% compliance beyond ASHRAE 90.1-2007, or use of NBI's Core Performance or one of ASHRAE's Advanced Energy Design Guidelines. LEED Options Include: Optimize Energy Performance, On-Site Renewable Energy, Enhanced Commissioning, Enhanced Refrigerant Management, measurement & Verification, and Green Power. Earthcraft Requirements include Energy Star certification, and compliance with 2006 IECC, Energy Star Homes are 15% more efficient than the IRC/IECC. Mandatory requirements include an extensive air sealing checklist, blower door test minimum at ,0.50 ELR = sfm/sfbe, increased insulation levels (per climate zone), window U-factor of 0.65, HVAC designed and installed per ACCA Manuals J and S, duct blaster test results < 15% floor area TOTAL leakage and < 6% floor area leakage to outside, Includes optional requirements in air sealing, insulation, windows, roof, HVAC, ductwork, duct blaster test water heating and lighting and appliances. Sample options include interior air sealing, blower door test results at < .40 or <.45 ELR, increased insulation, certified passive solar design, attic radiant barrier, Energy Star roof, zone controlled HVAC, duct in conditioned spaces, increased return air ducts or transfer grills, reduced duct blaster results, solar water heating, Energy Star Advanced Lighting Package.

August 2009

Resources:

ICLEI - international association of local governments and their associations
www.iclei.org
Georgia has four local government members:
Atlanta, Decatur, Fulton County, and Savannah.

Mayors Climate Protection Center
www.usmayors.org
Nine Georgia Mayors who have signed The U.S. Conference of Mayors’ Climate Protection Agreement:
(City)
Alpharetta, Athens, Atlanta, Augusta, Decatur, East Point, Macon, Savannah, and Tybee Island.

International Codes Council (ICC) Regional Support and State Offices:
Ms. Janice Moy
ICC Chicago District Office
4051 West Flossmoor Road
Country Club Hills, IL 60478
Phone: 1-888-422-7233, Ext. 4525
JMoy@iccsafe.org

Mr. Vaughn Wicker, C.B.O.
Vice President, State & Local Government Relations
P.O. Box 1207
Simpsonville, SC 29681
Phone: 1-888-422-7233, Ext. 7402
VWicker@iccsafe.org

Current Codes

Resources

Discussions

Groups

People

User login

Contact

Related Links