A building code is a set of rules that specify the standards for constructed objects such as residential homes and commercial-use buildings. The main purpose of building codes is to protect public health, safety and general welfare as they relate to the construction and occupancy of buildings and structures.
Does Your Building Satisfy Your Required Building Code?
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Building Energy Codes Program reviews adoption of energy codes for residential and commercial buildings. Standard 90.1 by ASHRAE provides the minimum requirements for energy-efficient design of most buildings, except low-rise residential buildings. It offers, in detail, the minimum energy efficiency requirements for design and construction of new buildings and their systems, new portions of buildings and their systems, and new systems and equipment in existing buildings, as well as criteria for determining compliance with these requirements. It is an indispensable reference for engineers and other professionals involved in design of buildings and building systems.
State-wise adoption of above described ASHRAE 90.1 codes as of March 2020:
90.1-2016
California
Illinois
Maryland
Minnesota
Nevada
New Jersey
Oregon
Utah
90.1-2013
Alabama
Connecticut
Florida
Georgia
Idaho
Massachusetts
Michigan
New Hampshire
New York
North Carolina
Pennsylvania
Texas
Vermont
Virginia
Wisconsin
2015 Washington State Energy Code (90.1-2013)
Washington
90.1-2010:
Delaware
District of Columbia
Iowa
Kentucky
Montana
Ohio
Tennessee
West Virginia
90.1-2007
Arkansas
Indiana
Louisiana
Maine
Nebraska
New Mexico
South Carolina
90.1-2004
Oklahoma
Home Rule (no statewide code)
A home rule state is one where codes are adopted and enforced at the local level. Some home rule states will have a mandate that jurisdictions can go above code but also have to meet a certain minimum code. In general terms, the idea of home rule is defined as the ability of a local government to act and make policy in all areas that have not been designated to be of statewide interest through general law, state constitutional provisions, or initiatives and referenda.
Alaska
Arizona
Colorado
Hawaii
Kansas
Missouri
Mississippi
North Dakota
South Dakota
Wyoming
Briefly Described Code Compliances In Regards to Occupancy Sensors and Automatic Lighting Systems:
What it means if your building code requirements are ASHRAE 90.1-2007 or anything before that:
No occupancy sensors required.
What it means if your building code requirements are ASHRAE 90.1-2010:
In previous versions of ASHRAE/IES 90.1, occupancy sensors began to be required in certain applications. The 2010 version expands this list: Occupancy sensors (or timer switches, per approval by the authority having jurisdiction) that turn the lights OFF within 30 minutes of the space becoming unoccupied are required in:
• classrooms and lecture halls;
• conference, meeting and training rooms;
• employee lunch and break rooms;
• storage and supply rooms between 50 and 1,000 sq.ft. in size;
• rooms used for document copying and printing;
• office spaces up to 250 sq.ft.
• restrooms; and
• dressing, locker and fitting rooms.
What it means if your building code requirements are ASHRAE 90.1-2013:
Occupancy sensors must be set to turn the lights off within 20 minutes (instead of 30 minutes) after a space is vacated. Rest is the same as 90.1-2010.
What it means if your building code requirements are ASHRAE 90.1-2016:
Allows light sensor calibration in daylight-responsive control systems to occur without a person being present. This change recognizes the utility of auto-commissioning sensors.
Requires all lighting be automatically turned OFF when not in use, including “night lighting” on emergency circuits not required by life/safety statute.
Rest keeping with 90.1-2013