State Energy Efficiency Policy Database

Stringency– Nebraska's residential and commercial energy codes, referred to as the Nebraska Energy Code, are mandatory statewide. Residential buildings are required to comply with the 2009 IECC. Commercial buildings must also comply with the 2009 IECC with reference to ASHRAE 90.1 – 2007. Two of the state’s largest code jurisdictions (comprising more than half of the annual new construction in the state) have expressed an interest in working with the state to adopt “stretch” codes beyond the 2009 IECC.

Compliance– Nebraska completed a baseline compliance study of 100 homes across the state comparing actual construction to requirements of the building energy code, modeled on the study performed by Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. In partnership with the Building Codes Assistance Project, it also completed a gap analysis in 2011. Local jurisdictions that adopt and enforce an energy or thermal efficiency code are required by statute to adopt a code that meets or exceeds the minimum requirements of the Nebraska Energy Code. Otherwise, enforcement of the code falls to the Nebraska Energy Office. Since 2004, the NE Energy Office has provided energy code compliance and education opportunities across the state. More than 1,100 members of the state’s construction industry have been trained on the code requirements. To date, in 2011 eleven trainings have been provided from ICC, ASHRAE and other members of the building science community. Three ResCHECK and three ComCHECK workshops were held in 2012 for over 120 attendees. The agency has provided free copies of the 2009 IECC code books, 2009 IECC/ASHRAE combo code books, 2009 Inspector Guides and other enforcement tools to all code jurisdictions.The Nebraska Energy Office is hosting a regional energy codes conference in Omaha October 16-18, 2012. The conference will present practical how-to content, best practices and thought-provoking ideas, all with a focus on how states and local code jurisdictions can achieve compliance with the 2009 and 2012 International Energy Conservation Codes.   

Links:

EERE Building Energy Codes Program

Online Code Environment & Advocacy Network (OCEAN)

Nebraska Energy Office

Contacts:

Lynn K. Chamberlin, Building Program Specialist

Nebraska Energy Office

Phone: 402-471-3358

Email: lynn.chamberlin@nebraska.gov