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Code Status: Tennessee

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

*View Tennessee Fact Sheet*

Current State Codes

  • Residential Code: 2003 IECC mandatory statewide; can use REScheck to show compliance.  Jurisdictions can adopt a more stringent code.
  • Commercial Code: ASHRAE 90A-1980 and 90B-1975 statewide, voluntary. Jurisdictions can adopt a more stringent code; IECC 2000 with 2001 amendments is an option.
  • Code Change Cycle: No set schedule. Most recent update effective: July 2003. The next update to the 2003 IECC will be effective January 1, 2009.
  • Jurisdictions: (Information last updated August 13, 2008. See ICC Online for up-to-date jurisdictional adoption information).
    • 2006 IECC: Athens, Blount County, Fayetteville, Greenville, Hamblen County, Hendersonville, Johnson City, Knox County, Mt. Juliet
    • 2004 IECC Supplement: Bristol
    • 2003 IECC: Brentwood, Chattanooga, Cowan, Franklin, Gallatin, Goodlettsville, Greenbrier, Harriman, Lakesite, Marion County, Millington, Pleasant View, Spring Hill, Tullahoma
    • 2000 IECC: Cheatham County, Columbia, Crossville, Rutherford County
    • Other local code: Murfeesboro, Nashville/Davidson County
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Code Adoption & Change Process

Process Type: Legislative

Code Change Process: Changes to the state's energy code proceed through the state legislature.

State Code History: Tennessee's first energy code, the 1977 Model Code for Energy Conservation (MCEC), was adopted by the legislature in 1978. This code was in effect until July 1, 1994, at which point the 1992 Council of American Building Officials (CABO) Model Energy Code (MEC) was adopted pursuant to Public Chapter 193, HB 641.

Legislation giving local codes jurisdictions an option whether continuing to use the 1992 MEC or upgrading to the 2000 IECC with 2001 Amendments was passed on May 28, 2003 and signed by the governor on June 11, 2003. It took effect on July 1, 2003.

On May 14, 2008 the state legislature amended Public Chapter No. 907 by establishing the 2003 IECC as the mandatory minimum energy conservation standard for new residential construction on or after January 1, 2009. The law strongly encourages builders to voluntarily adhere to the 2006 IECC standards for residential and commercial construction.

On June 25, 2009, Governor Phil Bredesen signed SB 2300 (now Public Chapter 529), placing residential energy efficiency codes under the purview of the State Fire Marshal, who shall select the specific ICC code edition to be implemented. The bill does not reference the IECC, instead establishing the IRC and IBC as adopted codes. During debate on the bill, the state House considered roughly 20 amendments to SB 2300, attempting to allow counties to opt out of the state residential code. An amendment containing a sunset provision for 2014 was approved. The codes provisions of the bill now also include a mechanism through which local legislative bodies can "opt out" their communities with a two-thirds vote. Additionally, for communities that have somewhat outdated codes programs, the state will provide incentives in the form of free training and materials to encourage them to update their standards.

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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: 522.6 Trillion BTU
  • Commercial Sector: 374.7 Trillion BTU
  • Total Energy Consumption: 897.3 Trillion BTU
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Construction Activity

Residential:

  • Population (2000 US Census)1: 5,689,283
  • Total Housing Units2: 2,519,825
  • 2004 New Housing Units Authorized by Permit (Privately Owned)3:
    • total units: 44,652
    • 1 unit: 37,061
    • 2 units: 826
    • 3 and 4 units: 853
    • 5+ units: 5,912
    • structures of 5+ units: 466

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
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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 Tennessee's allocated amount and updated information. 

 

Web Links

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State Energy Code Contacts

 

Ryan Gooch
Energy Policy Director
Economic and Community Development Dept.
Energy Policy Office
Tel: (615) 741-2994
ryan.gooch@state.tn.us


Clinton Berry
Program Manager
Tennessee Dept. of Economic and Community Development
Energy Division
312 Eight Avenue North - 9th Floor
Tennessee Tower
Nashville, TN 37243-0405
Tel: (615) 741-2994
Fax: (615) 741-5070
cberry@mail.state.tn.us

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