Why We’re Watching

Model Energy Code Adoption, Training, Third Party Inspections

Georgia Energy Code Status

Background

With a low cost of living, ample job growth, and a warm climate, the state of Georgia—and especially its fast-growing capital, Atlanta—has emerged as one of the most desirable places to live in the U.S. Since 1960, runaway growth in Atlanta’s booming suburbs has more than tripled the population of the once sleepy southern capital from 1.5 to 5.5 million residents across the 13 county metropolitan area. This growth has strained the city’s resources, however. As the city continues to grow, careful management of the region’s water, transportation systems, and energy resources will be important if the city is to continue to maintain its self-described role as the economic capital of the New South.

Model Code Adoption

Energy codes have emerged as one part of the state’s strategy to save energy. The state adopted the 2006 IECC effective January 1, 2008. Georgia is currently assessing the latest model energy codes, with the Georgia State Codes Advisory Committee (SCAC) kicking off the process with a meeting on July 23, 2009 to assemble task forces to review the 2009 IECC  and ASHRAE 90.1-2007 as well as the ICC-700 as a possible green building standard. Task force members represent state and local governments, utilities, homebuilding groups, and other private industries. If approved by the SCAC and the Board of Community Affairs (which is responsible for final rulemaking) the new code will take effect on January 1, 2011. The task forces must report back with their recommendations to the SCAC on July 29, 2010.

A number of proposed amendments are currently under consideration by the task force which would strengthen the model code. One amendment that has successfully passed would ban grid-connected attic ventilator fans in new construction.  Another state amendment will restrict the use of electric resistance heating for one and two family dwellings and all residential structures up to three stories in height. Possible amendments being considered by the task force include a requirement that homebuilders conduct mandatory blower door tests, which builders may conduct themselves if they take an approved certification class. Training for duct blaster and blower door tests would be provided by an eight hour course developed by the state. Another possible amendment would add an appendix to the code which could be adopted by local jurisdictions to require builders to retain third party inspectors to certify code compliance.

Green Building Code Task Force

The state of Georgia has also created a Residential Green Building Code Task Force that is reviewing the ICC 700-2008, the National Green Building Standard. The Task Force is charged with reviewing and making recommendations to the State Codes Advisory Committee on whether the state should adopt the standard.  If approved, the ICC-700 with Georgia Amendments will become a statewide permissive green building standard.  This means if a local jurisdiction would have to adopt the standard in their ordinance if they choose to enforce it. 

Recovery Act Funds

The state of Georgia, through the Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority (GEFA) so far distributed $185 million in Recovery Act funds to local jurisdictions. Of this total, $13.3 million was awarded to 64 small and medium-sized Georgia communities through the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) program, which includes a variety of energy efficiency programs, including code compliance efforts.

Program Contact

Ryan Meres
Building Codes Consultant
Georgia Dept. of Community Affairs
ryan.meres@dca.ga.gov
(404) 679-3109

More Information

Georgia Department of Community Affairs
Georgia 2009 IECC Task Force
Residential Green Building Code Task Force
Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority