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New York City Adopts Energy Rating Index Compliance Option to Municipal Energy Code

Sep 6, 2016

On July 14, 2016, New York City joined the ranks of states and municipalities that have adopted the 2015 IECC Energy Rating Index option when the New York City Council voted to adopt the 2016 New York City Energy Conservation Code.

The residential section of the 2016 New York City Energy Conservation Construction Code is based on the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code as modified by the City of New York.  Included in the new code is Section R 406, the Energy Rating Index compliance option.  This will go into effect on October 3, 2016.

The required Energy Rating Index score in New York City that must be met is 54 or lower.  The Energy Rating Index score required in New York is contained in Section R406 of the 2015 IECC. The Energy Rating Index 2009 IECC backstop is also included in the New York City code.

Previously the New York City energy code was based on the 2013 IECC.

In the state of New York in 2015 there were 3.802 homes rated according to the RESNET standards and issued a HERS® Index Score.  The average HERS® Index Score of homes rated in the state was 54.

RESNET and the International Code Council (ICC) presented a webinar on the Energy Rating Index Option to the 2015 IECC and the opportunities for certified RESNET HERS® Raters to be ICC certified Energy Code Inspectors.  To download the webinar go to https://vimeo.com/140228425

RESNET and the ICC have produced a video production explaining how HERS® can be used to demonstrate compliance to an energy code.  To view the video go to HERS® Index and Energy Codes