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Code Status: Alabama

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

Current State Codes

  • Residential Code: Residential Energy Code for Alabama (RECA 2000) is a state developed code equivalent to the 2000 IECC (without SHGC 0.40), and is voluntary. Download the Residential Energy Code for Alabama (2004) here. REScheck cannot be used to show compliance.
  • Commercial Code:The Alabama Building Energy Conservation Code (ABECC) is a mandatory building code for state government buildings. The code is based on ASHRAE/IESNA 90.1 - 2001. Download the Alabama Building Energy Conservation Code (2004) here.
  • Code Change Cycle: No set schedule. Most recent update adopted: March, 2005.
  • Jurisdictions: (Information last updated August 13, 2008. See ICC Online for up-to-date jurisdictional adoption information).
    • 2006 IECC: Phenix City, Vestavia Hills
    • 2003 IECC: Madison, Madison County, Tallahassee, Trinity
    • 2000 IECC: Decatur, Homewood, Monroeville
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Code Adoption & Change Process

Process Type: Legislative & Regulatory: The promulgation of a statewide mandatory energy code must be carried out through the state legislature. In 1995, the state's legislature created the Alabama Residential Energy Code Board to promote the adoption of the state's voluntary residential energy code.

Revisions to the State Building Code, for state funded buildings only, are made by the Alabama Building Commission, in accordance with procedures of the Alabama Administrative Procedures Act. The public will be notified of the Alabama Building Commission's intended action in the Alabama Administrative Monthly, published by the Legislative Reference Service, Administrative Procedure Division. The public will also be given the opportunity to present their views and opinions to the Director for consideration.

State Code History: The 2004 Alabama Building Energy Conservation Code (ABECC) for state funded buildings was adopted by the Alabama Building Commission on January 1, 2005, and is based on ASHRAE 90.1-2001.

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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 2005, and are not limited to energy consumption based on building code-related factors. Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration.

  • Residential Sector: 398.1 Trillion BTU
  • Commercial Sector: 268.4 Trillion BTU
  • Total Energy Consumption: 666.5 Trillion BTU
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Construction Activity

Residential:

  • Population (2000 US Census)1: 4,447,100
  • Total Housing Units2: 2,014,536
  • 2004 New Housing Units Authorized by Permit (Privately Owned)3:
    • total units: 26,896
    • 1 unit: 21,958
    • 2 units: 378
    • 3 and 4 units: 116
    • 5+ units: 4,444
    • structures of 5+ units: 240

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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Web Links

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State Energy Code Contacts

Karen Clifton
Energy, Weatherization and Technology Division
Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs
P.O. Box 5690
Montgomery, AL 36103-5690

Tel: (334) 242-5321
Fax: (334)242-0552

Email: karen.clifton@adeca.alabama.gov

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