Helpful information on North Carolina’s 2018 Energy Conservation Code

North Carolina’s current 2018 Energy Conservation Code (2018 NCECC) began on January 1, 2019 following several years of development by the North Carolina Building Code Council, its Energy Ad Hoc Committee and stakeholder organizations including NCBPA. 

Overview of the 2018 NCECC

The new 2018 NCECC is split into two primary parts for residential and commercial.  Each part has requirements for new construction and existing, as well as a section for energy code.

The energy code is generally based on the 2015 IECC with weakening amendments, making it most similar to the 2012 IECC.  Compared to the prior 2012 North Carolina Code, the 2018 code incorporates minor energy efficiency improvements across several measures.

Because of the customization of North Carolina’s 2018 code, neither COMcheck or REScheck are available through the Department of Energy.  One significant improvement on the residential energy code is the availability of the Energy Rating Index (ERI) as an optional pathway for residential energy code compliance.

In October of 2019, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper released the state’s new Clean Energy Plan.  NCBPA and our members played an active role in the codes recommendations for this plan, as well as the Energy Efficiency Roadmap.  One key milestone included is the recommendation for North Carolina to require zero net energy ready new homes and buildings by 2042.  Click here to learn more about NCBPA’s policy work on energy code.

NCBPA offers professional training for builders, contractors, code officials and others on North Carolina’s energy code.  Contact us for information on available webinars, presentations and workshops.

Summary Flyers for the 2018 NCECC

NCBPA is actively developing summary flyers to help code officials, builders, contractors and others understand key aspects of the 2018 NCECC.  Check back regularly for additional flyers.

Click here to access our flyer for 2018 NCECC Residential and Commercial Mechanical Requirements.

Click here to access NAIMA’s 2018 NCECC Summary of Key Residential Envelope Changes.

Click here to access our flyer for the Residential Energy Rating Index (ERI) Compliance Option.

About North Carolina’s Residential Energy Code

The residential energy code will be in place from 2019 – 2024.  The 6-year code cycle was adopted by the legislature a few years ago.  Small to moderate changes to the code can be made during the cycle by following the standard code change proposal process through the NC Building Code Council.

One of the most important changes to the new 2018 NCECC is the addition of the Energy Rating Index (ERI) as a performance-based compliance option.  Click here to view a summary flyer on it.

Looking for more information?  Contact us!  NCBPA member companies have access to a wealth of additional energy code information including summary flyers, training presentations, webinar recordings and much more.

Click on the below links for more information on:

About North Carolina’s Commercial Energy Code

The commercial energy code will be in place from 2019 – 2021 with the next major revision planned for 2025.  Small to moderate changes to the code can be made during the cycle by following the standard code change proposal process through the NC Building Code Council.

Looking for more information?  Contact us!  NCBPA member companies have access to a wealth of additional energy code information including summary flyers, training presentations, webinar recordings and much more.

Click on the below links for more information on: