Ontario Construction News staff writer
The City of Chicago will be among first major U.S. cities and first in Illinois to adopt and exceed the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code
Most requirements will apply to building permits applied for on or after September 1, 2022, with additional requirements taking effect on January 1, 2023.
“The City of Chicago has long been a leader in adopting requirements for energy efficiency and sustainable design,” said Mayor Lori Lightfoot.
Chicago’s new Energy prohibits new decorative gas lighting and:
- placement of windows in new buildings to minimize energy demands due to solar heat gain in summer
- new low-rise commercial buildings, such as warehouses, to be designed so roofs can support the future installation of solar panels
- new residences with gas-fired appliances to be built with the electrical capacity and wiring necessary to switch to electric appliances in the future without opening walls or upgrading the electrical service
- improved insulation to reduce heat loss through the exterior walls of buildings with projecting balconies or parapets
- Incentivizes the use of smart heating, cooling, and hot water equipment that is integrated with the electric grid to reduce demand during peak usage
- indoor plant-growing facilities to use energy-efficient lighting
“Our buildings are major contributors to Chicago’s carbon footprint, so it’s critical that every construction and renovation project increases the efficiency and sustainability of our building stock as part of Chicago’s commitment to combat climate change.”
Chicago’s first energy-efficient construction requirements were adopted in 2001, based on the 2000 edition of the IECC. These requirements have been regularly strengthened in alignment with the IECC’s 3-year revision cycle.
Most recently, the city adopted requirements based on the 2018 IECC in April 2019. Each new edition of the Chicago Energy Code has provided for the cost-effective reduction of energy use. The 2022 Code will result in an approximately 40% improvement in energy efficiency for residential and commercial buildings compared to the 2001 ordinance.
It will incentivize the use of equipment types and energy sources that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, consistent with the City’s recently released Climate Action Plan. Implementation of the Energy Transformation Code will save energy and reduce the carbon footprint for both residential and commercial buildings.
The U.S. Department of Energy has determined that the 2021 IECC represents a 9.4% site energy savings improvement and an 8.7% improvement in carbon emissions for residential buildings relative to the 2018 IECC, saving homeowners an average of $2,320 over the life of a typical mortgage. The 2021 IECC is estimated to result in a 5% energy savings for commercial buildings relative to the 2018 IECC.
Further, Chicago’s new Energy Code will recognize two rigorous building certification programs as alternative ways to comply: the 2021 Phius standard and the gold and emerald certification levels under the 2020 National Green Building Standard (NGBS). The Phius 2021 Standard, sometimes referred to as a “passive building” standard, is maintained by a Chicago-based non-profit and is widely recognized throughout the United States for balancing aggressive energy and carbon reduction targets with cost-effectiveness.
“The Department of Buildings looks forward to working with our partners in the design and construction industry to successfully implement these critical changes,” said Department of Buildings Commissioner Matthew Beaudet.
