Efficient New Homes Code Overlay to the 2024 International Energy Conservation Code

This document is the first in a three-part series by the Next Generation Codes Coalition to provide state and local jurisdictions with pathways to strengthen their residential building energy codes to increase energy savings, reduce water use and air pollution, and improve comfort and health.

This code overlay shows how jurisdictions can update the 2024 International Energy Conservation Code to align new homes with criteria established by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Efficient New Homes program. Homes built to these criteria deliver excellent energy savings, comfort, health, and durability.

Relative to the International Energy Conservation Code, this code overlay aligns building insulation, air sealing, and equipment efficiency with Efficient New Homes program levels. It adds water efficiency, quality control, and indoor air quality protection, and it includes requirements to make new homes ready for future installation of solar panels, electric vehicle chargers, and heat pumps.

Led by ACEEE, the Next Generation Codes Coalition comprises the states of California, Colorado, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, and Washington, as well as the City of Seattle, Enterprise Community Partners, the National Association of State Energy Officials, and the New Buildings Institute. 

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Homes and Multifamily Buildings Building Policies and Codes