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.

In 2006 Iowa enacted H.F. 2361, requiring the State Building Commissioner to adopt energy conservation requirements based on a nationally recognized building energy code. The State Building Code Commissioner, in conjunction with the State's Building Code Advisory Council, adopts rules and holds public hearings on the proposed rules.

Effective June 1, 2014, the 2012 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) was adopted as the code for commercial and residential buildings with some amendments. Residential additions and renovations are exempt from the 2012 IECC.

Program Overview

Implementing Sector:	State
Category:	Regulatory Policy
State:	Iowa
Incentive Type:	Building Energy Code
Web Site:	https://www.energycodes.gov/status/states/iowa
Administrator:
Start Date:
Eligible Renewable/Other Technologies:	Comprehensive Measures/Whole Building
Residential Code:	2012 IECC with amendments mandatory statewide. Can use REScheck to show compliance.
Commercial Code:	2012 IECC with amendments mandatory statewide; ASHRAE 90.1-2007. Can use COMcheck to show compliance.
Code Change Cycle:	The state energy code is reviewed on a three-year code cycle corresponding to publication of the IECC. Written requests for changes to the state energy code can be submitted to the state Building Code Bureau. All suggested code revisions are processed through the state administrative rule-making process involving publication, public comments, and public hearings. The latest code update was on June 1, 2014.

Contact

Name:	Monica Stone
Organization:	Iowa Department of Natural Resources
Address:	Lucas State Office Building Des Moines IA 50319-0034
Phone:	(515) 281-8681
Email:	Monica.Stone@iowa.gov

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.