What is the Illinois
Energy Conservation Code?

Chicago Energy Transformation Code

Illinois Stretch Code

Checklists

Frequently asked questions

SEDAC's Energy Code Smart Tips

Build Tight, Ventilate Right

“Build tight, ventilate right” is an often-repeated motto of those who consider energy efficiency and comfort as critical to the […]

Cold Climate Heat Pumps Work!

Heat pump technology is far from new. The concept was first developed in the mid to late 1800’s and has […]

2021 IECC: Code Basics and Simplifying Code Compliance Workshop

SEDAC Energy Code trainers Shawn Maurer and Ryan Siegel traveled to Springfield on October 17, 2023 to present an energy […]

Building Electrification

Building electrification describes the shift to using electricity rather than burning fossil fuels like oil, gas, and coal for heating […]

Illinois Stretch Energy Code

On September 15, 2021, Governor Pritzker signed Senate Bill 2408, enacting the Illinois Energy Transition Act (formerly known as the […]

2021 IECC Significant Changes

Updates to the International Energy Conservation Code (2018 to 2021) aim to improve building energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gases. […]

Zero Code

In 2018, the non-profit organization Architecture 2030 created the Zero Code with the goal of reducing overall building sector emissions […]

Passive House

Do you know Passive House certified homes use about 90% less energy than the average home? Passive House building standards […]

Energy Code Benefits for Architects & Engineers

Energy codes provide an opportunity for architects and engineers to serve the public good by creating buildings with low environmental […]

Energy Code Benefits for Homeowners and Realtors

For over 25 years, building energy codes have played a significant role in saving American homeowners money on utilities while […]

Urbana downtown

Energy Code Benefits for Communities

How do energy codes benefit communities? Energy codes lower utility costs, increase resilience to climate events, reduce pollution, place less […]

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Energy Code Benefits for Contractors

A common myth is that energy codes are bad for the construction industry. In fact, energy codes have many benefits […]

Image capture of Manual J

Manual J Load Sizing

Check out SEDAC's Energy Code Smart Tip on Manual J Load Sizing. Learn about why modern buildings need Manual J […]

hot water circulator

Domestic Hot Water Recirculation

Can Domestic Hot Water Recirculation Systems Conserve Energy? The US Department of Energy estimates that more than 400 billion gallons […]

Crawlspace wall spray foam

Below-grade Insulation

Check out our new Energy Code Smart Tip for below-grade insulation! What insulation is required for below-grade walls? On the […]

Floor image

Slab Insulation

Slabs can be big culprits for energy loss from heat that is conducted outward and through the perimeter of the […]

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Energy Rating Index

Newly constructed residential buildings in Illinois have three paths for compliance. This energy code smart tip explores the basics of […]

Architects reviewing design plans

How COVID-19 is Affecting Code Officials

How is the COVID-19 pandemic impacting the work that code officials do? Will the pandemic impact compliance with the Energy […]

Duct blaster test equipment

Duct Leakage Testing

Duct leakage testing helps to make sure that ducts are properly sealed to create an energy efficient, comfortable, and healthy […]

Urbana downtown

Increasing Energy Code Compliance

Illinois law requires all new commercial and residential construction projects to comply with a statewide energy conservation code. The current […]