What is the Illinois
Energy Conservation Code?

Chicago Energy Transformation Code

Illinois Stretch Code

Checklists

Frequently asked questions

SEDAC's Energy Code Smart Tips

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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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Domestic Hot Water Recirculation

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

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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Duct Leakage Testing

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

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Increasing Energy Code Compliance

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

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An Introduction to COMcheck & REScheck

The Department of Energy developed COMcheck and REScheck to improve consistency in code compliance. These free, easy-to-use tools help verify […]

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Thermal Comfort

Why should designers and building professionals make the extra effort to comply with the Illinois Energy Conservation Code? Following the […]

Apartment building

Energy Code: Low-income Housing

Nowhere is there a greater need for energy efficiency than in low-income housing. Low-income households have a higher energy burden. […]

Blower Door Test

Blower Door Testing

Energy code requirements have been a large driver for the increase in blower door testing. Blower door testing became a […]

Living room

Indoor Air Quality

Americans spend most of their time indoors where they can be exposed to pollutants and mold. Indoor air often contains […]