Solar & Battery Regulation & Incentive Programs

Building Energy Code

Program Overview


Category:
Regulatory Policy
Program Type:
Building Energy Code
Implementing Sector:
State
State:
Texas
Eligible Storage Technologies:
Comprehensive Measures/Whole Building
Website:
http://seco.cpa.state.tx.us/tbec/
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.
Applicable Sectors:
Commercial, Residential
Last Updated:
06/04/2020

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.


Authorities

NameEnacted DateEffective DateExpired Date
Tex. Health & Safety Code § 388.001 et seq.06/15/200709/01/2007
34 Tex. Administrative Code § 19.5320012002 (subsequently amended)