Code Status: Nebraska

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

Current State Codes
Code Adoption & Change Process
Energy Consumption Estimates
Construction Activity
Web Links
State Energy Code Contacts

Current State Codes

Residential Code: The Nebraska Energy Code, based on the 2003 IECC, mandatory statewide. All state-owned and state-funded buildings must comply with 2003 IECC for buildings where construction will start after July 1, 2005. Can use REScheck to show compliance.
Commercial Code: The Nebraska Energy Code, based on the 2003 IECC, mandatory statewide. All state-owned and state-funded buildings must comply with 2003 IECC for buildings where construction will start after July 1, 2005. Can use COMcheck to show compliance.
Code Change Cycle: No set schedule. Most recent update effective July 1, 2005.
Jurisdictions: (Information last updated August 13, 2008. See ICC Online for up-to-date jurisdictional adoption information).
- 2006 IECC: Valley

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Code Adoption & Change Process

Process Type: Legislative

Code Change Process: Changes to the statewide energy code must be made through the state legislature. Additionally, local jurisidictions are not required to adopt or enforce the code.

State Code History: The first energy code in Nebraska was adopted in 1980, based on the ASHRAE/IES Standard 90-1975. This state code was modified in 1984 to require compliance with the 1983 MEC. Legislation was proposed in the winter of 1994-1995 to adopt the 1992 MEC statewide. The legislation did not pass and the code for general construction remains unchanged since 1984. In 1999 the legislature passed a bill requiring compliance with the 1998 IECC for all new and remodeled state-owned buildings and new state-funded buildings.

On July 1, 2005, the 2003 IECC became the Nebraska Energy Code. The Code applies to all new buildings, or renovations of or additions to any existing buildings. However, only those renovations that will cost more than 50 percent of the replacement cost of the building must comply with the Code.

Vandemusser Design has released a study on the energy impacts in Nebraska of the 2003 IECC compared to the 2009 IECC, finding that a reduction in whole-house energy consumption ranging from 3-12 percent in different areas of the state. Savings of 13-15 percent were achieved in homes with gas furnaces by choosing Energy Star rated equipment.

Enforcement: If a town or county has not adopted an energy code or does not wish to adopt an energy code, the Nebraska Energy Office will enforce the Code in that jurisdiction. Cities and counties may adopt codes that differ from the Nebraska Energy Code, however, state law requires the adopted code to be equivalent to the Nebraska Energy Code.

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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: 145.6 Trillion BTU
Commercial Sector: 129.7 Trillion BTU
Total Energy Consumption: 275.3 Trillion BTU

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Construction Activity

Residential:

Population (2000 US Census)¹: 1,711,263
Total Housing Units²: 738,870
2004 New Housing Units Authorized by Permit (Privately Owned)³:
- total units: 11,597
- 1 unit: 9,341
- 2 units: 264
- 3 and 4 units: 51
- 5+ units: 1,941
- structures of 5+ units: 129

References:

Green Building Initiatives

9 Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Certified Buildings
ENERGY STAR Qualified New Homes Market Index less than 3%
19 ENERGY STAR Labeled Buildings and Plants

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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 Nebraska's allocated amount and updated information.