Building Energy Code

June 18, 2023

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 websites.

The Texas State Energy Conservation Office (SECO) by rule may choose to adopt the latest published editions of the energy efficiency provisions of the International Residential Code (IRC) or the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) for residential or commercial buildings. When the International Code Council publishes new codes, the Energy Systems Laboratory (ESL), a division of Texas A&M University, reviews the new editions to ensure stringency of the IRC and IECC compared to existing Texas energy codes. ESL then provides SECO a written recommendation based on analysis and public review. If ESL recommends adopting the new code, a stakeholder meeting is held to gain input and a draft of the new rule is published for public comment. After comments are reviewed, SECO then makes the decision whether to adopt the latest energy codes in Texas.

Local municipalities or counties may choose to adopt local amendments to the energy code provided that the amendments do not result in less stringent energy efficiency requirements than the adopted state-mandated energy codes.

Program Overview

Implementing Sector:	State
Category:	Regulatory Policy
State:	Texas
Incentive Type:	Building Energy Code
Web Site:	https://www.energycodes.gov/status/states/texas
Administrator:
Start Date:
Eligible Renewable/Other Technologies:	Comprehensive Measures/Whole Building
Residential Code:	Chapter 11 of the 2015 International Residential Code; mandatory for single-family homes
Commercial Code:	2015 IECC; mandatory for commercial, industrial, and multi-family residential building
Code Change Cycle:	No set schedule. The energy codes are reviewed after issue of a notification in the Texas Register of SECO's intent to adopt an updated energy code.

Authorities

Name:	Tex. Health & Safety Code § 388.001 et seq.
Date Enacted:	06/15/2007
Effective Date:	09/01/2007

Name:	34 Tex. Administrative Code § 19.53
Date Enacted:	2001
Effective Date:	2002 (subsequently amended)

Contact

Name:	Eddy Trevino
Organization:	State Energy Conservation Office (SECO)
Address:	111 E. 17th Street Austin TX 78701
Phone:	(512) 463-1876
Email:	Eddy.trevino@cpa.state.tx.us

This information is sourced from DSIRE; the most comprehensive source of information on incentives and policies that support renewables and energy efficiency in the United States. Established in 1995, DSIRE is operated by the N.C. Clean Energy Technology Center at N.C. State University.