Chicago Energy Conservation Code

The City of Chicago amended Title 18 of the City's Municipal Code to add Chapter 13 to promote the use energy conservation measures in buildings.  Energy efficiency upgrades can help to reduce waste energy from buildings, which contributes to the urban heat island effect in the city. Energy efficiency measures in buildings also can help reduce carbon pollution.

The Chicago Energy Conservation Code requires buildings, both residential and commercial, to use energy efficiency measures that go above and beyond the State building code requirements.  Chapter 18-13 also provides regulators with flexibility to permit the use of innovative approaches and techniques to achieve the effective use of energy.  This code establishes standards to limit the amount of solar energy absorbed by building roofs and transmitted to the atmosphere, a condition known as the urban heat island effect. In addition, reducing energy use will also reduce pollution from power plants and greenhouse gas emissions.  The requirements to improve energy efficiency include the insulation of floors, roofs and walls as well as the installation of energy efficient windows and mechanical systems, and the code establishes minimum regulations for the design of energy-efficient buildings and systems. The Code applies to new development and some redevelopment.

The amendments were developed by a joint committee comprised of the members of the Committee on Buildings and the Committee on Energy, Environmental Protection and Public Utilities for the City of Chicago. This Chapter 18 -13 is to be known as the 'International Energy Conservation Code' of the City of Chicago, and is referred to as the Chicago Energy Conservation Code on the City's website.

Publication Date: November 5, 2008

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