Building Energy Code

Note: 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 2014 Arkansas Energy Code is a combination of the International Energy Conservation Code and ASHRAE 90.1 standards. These standards exist in addition to the Arkansas Energy Code for New Building Construction Supplements and Amendments serve as the “Arkansas Energy Code” for residential and commercial builders in the state.

For residential buildings, the new code will take effect on January 1, 2015, the 2009 Edition of the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC 2009). Amendments for residential construction such as duct pressure testing are no longer required, but programmable thermostats and consumer disclosure labels specifying components of the home are now required/

For commercial structures, the ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2007 for Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings or the 2009 Edition of the International Energy Conservation Code (2009 IECC) Chapter can be utilized to show code compliance. The Arkansas Energy Office does not provide copies of this Standard. To order a copy call ASHRAE at 1-404-636-8400 or order this Standard online at: www.ashrae.org.

Enforcement in jurisdictions that have adopted the code is done by the local government through the established inspection process. Depending on the size of the local government, the same individual may be responsible for performing plan reviews and inspections. In jurisdictions that have not adopted codes, state enforcement staff or their agents use spot inspections and consumer notifications.

Information on the state's energy codes can be found here.