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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: Regulatory

Code Change Process: Building codes for 1- and 2-family residential buildings are promulgated through the Louisiana State Uniform Code Council. Because the state adopts the International Residential Code (IRC), changes to the IRC are reviewed and recommended by an IRC review subcommittee, then a Technical Advisory Committee, then by the full Code Council. The final decisions of the Code Council are must then proceed through the state's administrative rules review process before becoming law.

Building codes for other residential buildings and all commercial buildings are developed by the State Fire Marshal's office.

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.

On March 9, 2010, the Louisiana State Uniform Code Council voted to substitute the energy efficiency section (Chapter 11) of the 2006 IRC in place of Chapter 11 of the 2009 IRC. The Council's final decision must now proceed through the state's administrative rule review process. 

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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

Billy Williamson
Technology Assessment Division
Louisiana Department of Natural Resources
P.O. Box 94396
Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9396
Tel: (225) 342-4493
Email: William.Williamson2@LA.GOV

Paula Ridgeway
Manager
Technology Assessment Division
Louisiana Department of Natural Resources
617 North Third Street, LaSalle Building
Baton Rouge, LA 70802
Tel: (225) 342-1399
Fax: (225) 342-1397
Email: Paula.Ridgeway@LA.gov

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