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Code Status: Louisiana

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

Current State Codes

  • Residential Code: 2006 IRC mandatory statewide. Chapter 11 of the IRC provides energy conservation standards. Can use REScheck to show compliance.
  • Commercial Code: ASHRAE/IESNA 90.1-2004, and 2006 IECC for buildings not covered by ASHRAE, mandatory statewide; can use COMcheck to show compliance.
  • Code Change Cycle: Beginning in January, 2007, codes are upgraded every 3 years. Last update effective on June 22, 2007.
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Code Adoption & Change Process

Process Type: Legislative & Regulatory

Code Change Process: Energy codes are adopted through the state legislature. However, the Office of the State Fire Marshal is granted the authority to promulgate amendments, revisions, and alternative compliance methods for the code. Once promulgated, they replace the existing code.

Additionally, HB 552, signed on June 21, 2005, allows for future commercial energy code updates to be carried out through regulatory instead of legislative process.

State Code History: During the 1997 regular session of the legislature, Senate Bill No. 1167 was passed and enacted. This act created a new Part IV-B of Chapter 8 of Title 40 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes. The purpose of the legislation is to institute minimum energy conservation standards for all new commercial construction and all applicable alterations and repairs in commercial buildings. The legislation was passed in June 1997, signed by the governor on July 14, 1997, and became effective on January 1, 1999. The legislation also establishes requirements for education and training and an Advisory Committee.

As of January 1, 2007, ACT 12 (PDF) mandates that the 2006 IRC is effective statewide.

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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: 345.9 Trillion BTU
  • Commercial Sector: 264.4 Trillion BTU
  • Total Energy Consumption: 610.3 Trillion BTU
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Construction Activity

Residential:

  • Population (2000 US Census)1: 4,468,976
  • Total Housing Units2: 1,880,122
  • 2004 New Housing Units Authorized by Permit (Privately Owned)3:
    • total units: 23,510
    • 1 unit: 20,784
    • 2 units: 582
    • 3 and 4 units: 198
    • 5+ units: 1,946
    • structures of 5+ units: 185

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
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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 Louisiana's allocated amount and updated information. 

  

Web Links

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State Energy Code Contacts

Paula Ridgeway
Manager, Technology Assessment Division -- Energy Section
LA Dept. of Natural Resources
617 North Third Street, LaSalle Building
Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70802

Tel: (225) 342-1399
Fax: (225) 342-1397

Email: Paula.Ridgeway@LA.gov

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