Illinois law requires all new commercial and residential construction projects to comply with a statewide energy conservation code. The current version is based on the 2018 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). Buildings built to these energy performance standards will see significant energy cost savings. For example, a typical commercial building will see annual energy costs reduced by approximately 30% when designed to the 2018 Energy Code standards.

One problem is that not all new construction and renovation projects in Illinois will be compliant. In fact, a 2012 study by ADM Associates found that between 15% and 22% of reviewed projects were not compliant with the current Energy Code standards. It also found that some jurisdictions had no review procedures and did not enforce Energy Code compliance.

Robert Cole, the Director of Buildings and Inspections for the City of East Peoria, is an outspoken champion of the Energy Code for his municipality. While he strongly believes that jurisdictions should enforce the Energy Code (“it’s the law”), he notes that not everyone feels the same way that he does. We share some of his advice.

Read our Code Compliance Smart Tip