Chicago Energy Conservation Code Overview

Introduction to the Chicago Energy Code

Note: Compliance with the Energy Code is mandatory and will be enforced. Plans submitted with a compliance statement by a Registered Energy Professional (REP) will proceed through the permit process without delay. Plans subject to the Energy Code which are submitted without (1) a Compliance Statement, OR (2) Statement that Compliance is Not Required, will not be accepted.

NOTE: Completion of a Chicago Energy Conservation Code Seminar and provision of a copy of your Illinois license (architect or engineer), qualifies you for Chicago Register Energy Professional (REP) status (residential, commercial, or both) until such time as other training or certification is required by the commissioner of the City of Chicago Department of Buildings. This includes all past and present REP sessions to date.

An amendment to Chapter 18-13 was passed by the Chicago City Council on November 5, 2008.

The Chicago Energy Conservation Code provides multiple paths for demonstrating code compliance including prescriptive, performance, and acceptable practice approaches. User-friendly software – MECcheck for residential and REScheck for commercial buildings – provides flexibility and makes determining compliance much easier.

The 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 Chicago Energy Conservation Code is endorsed by the U.S. Department of Energy and the State of Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs.

Since Sept. 3, 2002, applicants for Energy Code-applicable building permits are required to include a statement of compliance from an architect or engineer who has attended one or more city Energy Code workshops and who is listed on this web site as a Registered Energy Professional for Residential Buildings, Commercial Buildings or both. Statements of compliance may be from a professional other than the architect or engineer of record for the project, but it must be from a licensed architect or engineer who is listed with the Department of Buildings as a Registered Energy Professional.

Applicability Chapter 18-13 Energy Conservation

Chicago Energy Conservation Code 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. Establishing minimum regulations for the design of energy-efficient buildings and systems, the Chicago Energy Conservation Code applies to all work performed in buildings as follows.

Residential Buildings
See 18-13-401 for details.

1. All new Buildings or additions to existing buildings.
2. All occupancy changes in existing buildings including alterations to add dwelling units.
3. All conversions of existing unconditioned space to conditioned space.
4. Replacement of an entire building system, including building envelope components such as all of the exterior wall finish, roofing membrane, windows, and doors, or the entire mechanical, refrigeration, service water heating, electrical or lighting system.

Exceptions: Repairs of partial systems or systems that are untouched within the scope of work do not comply with the requirements of this chapter.

Commercial Buildings
See 18-13-501 and ASHRAE/IESNA 90.1-2004 for details.

Applicability is determined by ASHRAE/IESNA 90.1-2004, Energy Standard for Buildings except Low-Rise Residential Buildings, Section 4.1 Compliance Requirements.

Compliance categories include New Buildings, Existing Buildings, Additions to Existing Buildings, Alterations to Existing Buildings, Envelope Alterations, HVAC, Service Water Heating Alterations, Power Alterations, Lighting Alterations, Other Equipment Alterations and Changes in Space Conditioning. Some of the sections allow for some exceptions. Please refer to 18-13-101.4 for details.

About the Book Chapter 18-13 Energy Conservation Interested professionals are encouraged to become familiar with the Chicago Energy Conservation Code. It is available via a web site, www.amlegal.com, as well as posted on the DOB web site.