Building Codes Assistance Project

On September 29, the Texas A&M Energy Systems Laboratory (ESL) -- directed by Texas Health & Safety Code - Section 388.00 -- recommended that the Texas State Energy Conservation Office (SECO) promulgate rules to update the Texas Building Energy Performance Standards (currently based on the 2000 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) with the 2001 Supplement) to the 2009 IECC and the energy efficiency provisions (Chapter 11) of the 2009 International Residential Code (IRC). ESL also advised the state to "immediately begin educating, training, and providing technical assistance for building professionals and enforcement officials to enable statewide compliance."

When using a prescriptive path for residential construction with a window to floor ratio or 15 percent or less, ESL recommends compliance with the 2009 IECC or Chapter 11 of the 2009 IRC, although it notes that there is a "marginal improvement in overall residential energy efficiency of the 2009 IECC over the energy provisions of the 2009 IRC." For all other residential and commercial construction, ESL recommends compliance with the performance path of the 2009 IECC.

More information: Sept. 29 ESL Report to SECO | BCAP Comments to Texas SECO on 2009 IRC

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BCAP Texas Code Status Page