Home

Code Status: New Mexico

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

Current State Codes

  • Residential Code: 2006 IECC mandatory statewide. REScheck can be used to show compliance.
  • Commercial Code: ASHRAE 90.1-2004 mandatory statewide. COMcheck can be used to show compliance.
  • Code Change Cycle: Generally reviewed at least every three years with the publication of the new editions of the model codes. Most recent code update effective July 1st, 2008.

top

Code Adoption & Change Process

Process Type: Regulatory

Code Change Process: The state traditionally adopts the current version of the International Code Council (ICC) codes on a three year cycle concurrent with their publication.

The codes are adopted or amended by the Construction Industries Division, on recommendation of the various trade bureaus that have been created under its auspices. As part of the process, the new code or code amendments are reviewed by the general construction technical advisory council and a code change committee. Once approved, comments are solicited at public hearings. The final version is prepared by Construction Industry Division staff and sent to the Construction Industry Commission. If approved, the changes are sent to archive and become effective after a thirty day waiting period.

State Code History: The New Mexico Construction Industries Licensing Act of 1978 established requirements for all building trades contractors to be licensed and certified to ensure that compliance with the state codes is, to the maximum extent possible, uniform in application, procedure, and enforcement. This Act has been updated periodically since 1978.

The state energy code contains statewide mandatory minimum requirements that local jurisdictions must adopt and enforce.

The Construction Industries Commission adopted the 2003 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC 2003) with an effective date of July 1, 2004.

In 2004, New Mexico passed a bill establishing a tax credit for green homes. In order to qualify, homes had to achieve a HERS rating of 60, which means that it will have to be 40 percent more energy efficient than a reference home built according to code. Additionally, a qualified home had to achieve either a LEED for Homes Silver certification or a Build Green NM Gold certification. The tax credit amount depended on the home's energy performance and sustainability rating.

On January 1, 2008, the 2006 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) went into effect with a six- month grace period to use either the new code or 2003 IECC. Commercial buildings are exempt and subject to ASHRAE 90.1-2004.

This rule applies to all contracting work performed in New Mexico on or after January 1, 2008, that is subject to the jurisdiction of the Construction Industries Division (CID), unless performed pursuant to a permit for which an application was received by CID before that date, except that commercial buildings, which comply with the requirements of the 2004 edition of ASHRAE/IESNA 90.1, are exempt from the requirements of this rule.

Two amendments were adopted with the 2006 IECC:

  • 1. Slab edge insulation is not required between attached garages and heated space, or at door thresholds.
  • 2. Individual unit utility meters are not required in multi-family housing.
top

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: 106.7 Trillion BTU
  • Commercial Sector: 120.7 Trillion BTU
  • Total Energy Consumption: 227.4 Trillion BTU
top

Construction Activity

Residential:

  • Population (2000 US Census)1: 1,819,046
  • Total Housing Units2: 805,293
  • 2004 New Housing Units Authorized by Permit (Privately Owned)3:
    • total units: 12,793
    • 1 unit: 11,895
    • 2 units: 28
    • 3 and 4 units: 192
    • 5+ units: 678
    • structures of 5+ units: 55

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
top

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 New Mexico's allocated amount and updated information. 

 

Web Links

top

State Energy Code Contacts

Fermin Aragon
Bureau Chief
New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department
Construction Industries Division
725 St. Michael's Drive
P.O. Box 25101
Santa Fe, NM 87504

Tel: (505) 476-4672

Email: fermin.aragon@state.nm.us

***

Fernando Martinez
Director
Energy Conservation and Management Division
NM Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Dept.
1220 South St. Francis Dr.
Santa Fe, NM 87505

Tel: (505) 476-3310

Email: Fernando.martinez@state.nm.us

top