On June 16, 2015, Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed HB 1736 into Texas law. This will move the state’s single-family residential code from the 2009 code to the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). All local jurisdictions must comply with the new code by September 1, 2016. The new Texas code includes an Energy Rating Index compliance option. The Texas state legislature modified the 2015 IECC required Energy Rating Index scores to a set of scaled scores that increases in stringency over time. The required index scores in Texas are: Climate Zones 2 & 3 A 65 or lower score from September 1, 2016, to August 31, 2019 A 63 or lower score from September 1, 2019, to August 31, 2022 A 59 or lower score after September 1, 2022 Climate Zone 4 A 69 or lower score from September 1, 2016, to August 31, 2019 A 67 or lower score from September 1, 2019, to August 31, 2022 A 63 or lower score after September 1, 2022 In addition to the Energy Rating Index Score the state’s code requires that builders meet the 2009 IECC standards for insulation. To view the new Texas energy code go to 2015 IECC and Energy Rating Index Option The Energy Rating Index option in the Texas energy code will serve to improve the energy performance of homes in the Lone Star state while giving builders flexibility in meeting the energy efficiency targets. The legislation was supported by a coalition of interests including homebuilders and the Sierra Club. While RESNET supports the Energy Rating Index numbers contained in the 2015 IECC it recognizes that states and local code jurisdictions have the flexibility to alter the national code to meet their conditions.
