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Code Status: Alabama

This page contains information about current energy codes in the state of Alabama. Information for all 50 States is also available.

Alabama Code News

* View Alabama Fact Sheet *

Current State Codes

  • Residential Code: Residential Energy Code for Alabama (RECA 2004) -- a voluntary state-developed code which meets or exceeds the 2000 IECC except for the SHGC 0.40 requirement for glass. REScheck cannot be used to show compliance.
  • Commercial Code: 2006 IECC is voluntary effective December 1, 2008.  For state-funded and government buildings, the 2006 IECC is mandatory, but the Alabama Building Energy Conservation Code (ABECC 2004) based on ASHRAE 90.1-2001, may be used until June 1, 2009. 
  • Code Change Cycle: No set schedule. Most recent update occurred in November 2008.
  • Jurisdictions: (Information current as of June 1, 2009. See ICC Online for up-to-date jurisdictional adoption information).
    • 2006 IECC: Phenix City, Vestavia Hills
    • 2003 IECC: Madison, Madison County, Trinity
    • Other local code: Decatur, Homewood, Monroeville
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Code Adoption & Change Process

Process Type: Legislative & Regulatory: The promulgation of a statewide mandatory energy code must be carried out through the state legislature. In 1995, the state's legislature created the Alabama Residential Energy Code Board to promote the adoption of the state's voluntary residential energy code.

Revisions to the State Building Code, for state funded buildings only, are made by the Alabama Building Commission, in accordance with procedures of the Alabama Administrative Procedures Act. The public will be notified of the Alabama Building Commission's intended action in the Alabama Administrative Monthly, published by the Legislative Reference Service, Administrative Procedure Division. The public will also be given the opportunity to present their views and opinions to the Director for consideration.

State Code History: The 2004 Alabama Building Energy Conservation Code (ABECC) for state funded buildings was adopted by the Alabama Building Commission on January 1, 2005, and is based on ASHRAE 90.1-2001.

After an attempt in the state legislature to require the 2006 IECC for commercial buildings failed in the state Senate, a joint resolution established the 2006 IECC as the recommended code for the state of Alabama. Effective December 1, 2008, all new construction within the jurisdiction of the state building commission (state-funded buildings) is subject to the 2006 IECC, though residential and commercial construction is not yet required to comply. 

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Energy Consumption Estimates

The consumption estimates below are derived from the total end use of residential and commercial energy consumption in the United States in 2006, and are not limited to energy consumption based on building code-related factors. Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration.

  • Residential Sector: 401.1 Trillion BTU
  • Commercial Sector: 275.7 Trillion BTU
  • Total Energy Consumption: 676.8 Trillion BTU
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Construction Activity

Residential:

  • Population (2000 US Census)1: 4,447,100
  • Total Housing Units2: 2,014,536
  • 2004 New Housing Units Authorized by Permit (Privately Owned)3:
    • total units: 26,896
    • 1 unit: 21,958
    • 2 units: 378
    • 3 and 4 units: 116
    • 5+ units: 4,444
    • structures of 5+ units: 240

References:

  1. http://www.census.gov/population/cen2000/phc-t2/tab01.xls
  2. http://www.census.gov/population/estimates/housing/sthuhh1.txt
  3. http://www.census.gov/const/C40/Table2/20k_t2yu200412.txt

Green Building Initiatives

Code Funding Opportunities

There are two funding opportunities under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA): Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants and State Energy Program. Please reference the U.S. Department of Energy for Alabama's allocated amount and updated information. 

  

Web Links

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State Energy Code Contacts

Karen Clifton
Energy, Weatherization and Technology Division
Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs
P.O. Box 5690
Montgomery, AL 36103-5690

Tel: (334) 242-5321
Fax: (334) 242-0552

Email: karen.clifton@adeca.alabama.gov

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Ms. Terri Adams
Division Director
Energy, Weatherization and Technology Division
Department of Economic and Community Affairs
401 Adams Avenue, Suite 560
Montgomery, AL 36103-5690

Tel: (334) 242-5292
Fax: (334) 353-3515

Email: terri.adams@adeca.alabama.gov

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