Solar & Battery Regulation & Incentive Programs

Building Energy Code

Program Overview


Category:
Regulatory Policy
Program Type:
Building Energy Code
Implementing Sector:
State
State:
Wisconsin
Eligible Storage Technologies:
Comprehensive Measures/Whole Building
Website:
http://bcap-ocean.org/code-status/state/wisconsin/
Residential Code:
SPS 322 of the state-developed Uniform Dwelling Code (UDC) is applicable to 1 & 2 family dwellings and incorporates the 2006 IECC with state amendments. (REScheck may be used when the code assignment is indicated to be "Wisconsin" in REScheck). Multi-family dwellings also comply with these codes in addition to specific changes from the SPS 363 guidelines based on 2009 IECC implemented on September 1, 2011.
Commercial Code:
SPS 361-366 of the state-developed Commercial Building Code is mandatory statewide. Mixed occupancy buildings shall be separately considered. Glazed structures used for production of plant life are exempt from the building thermal envelope provisions. The 2009 IECC is applicable to all commercial buildings. Both COMcheck & REScheck can be used to demonstrate compliance.
Code Change Cycle:
Codes are updated automatically and on an ongoing basis through various citizen advisory project committees and the Wisconsin Building Code Advisory Review Board. Most recent update to SPS 363 code was effective September 1, 2011.
Applicable Sectors:
Commercial, Residential
Last Updated:
05/28/2020

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.

In March 2006, SB 459 was enacted to promote renewable energy and update the state's building energy codes.

The law required the former Department of Commerce (COMM) to create codes for energy conservation in public buildings and places of employment and to review that code. In conducting the review, the Dept. of Commerce (now the Dept. of Safety & Professional Services) must consider incorporating into the Energy Conservation Code design requirements from the most current national energy efficiency design standards that are generally acceptable and used by engineers and the construction industry. Unlike the previous law, SB 459 refers to the International Energy Conservation Code instead of the 1989 version of a standard adopted by ASHRAE. The bill also changes the five-year revision requirement to a three-year requirement. 

SPS 322  of the state-developed Uniform Dwelling Code (UDC) is applicable to 1 & 2 family dwellings and incorporates the 2006 IECC with state amendments. (REScheck may be used when the code assignment is indicated to be "Wisconsin" in REScheck). Multi-family dwellings also comply with these codes in addition to specific changes from the SPS 363 guidelines based on 2009 IECC implemented on September 1, 2011.