Illinois Governor Signs Law Adopting Statewide Residential Energy Code
[Updated September 1, 2009]
On May 31, the Illinois General Assembly approved the Energy Efficient Building Act (HB 3987), which now includes residential buildings under the requirements of the state building code, preempting local jurisdiction home rule power over energy codes. The bill requires the state's Capital Development Board to adopt the most recent version of the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) within 9 months of its publication and take effect 3 months thereafter (Section 20-a).
After several iterations of the bill throughout its time before the legislature, Sen. Don Harmon introduced Senate Amendment 002, essentially replacing the entire text of the bill. The requirements of the new energy code will apply to all new residential and commercial buildings (including alterations, additions, renovations, and repairs). Local jurisdictions would be prohibited from adopting energy codes less stringent than the new state code (i.e. the 2009 IECC) for commercial buildings. Local jurisdictions would also be prohibited from adopting energy codes more or less stringent than the new state code for residential buildings. There are exemptions, however, that allow the city of Chicago and cities that have adopted an energy code equivalent to or more stringent than the 2006 IECC before May 15, 2009. These cities many not administer codes less stringent than the 2009 IECC, but will be allowed to go above the 2009 IECC (Section 45).
Also, local jurisdictions that do not currently administer building energy standards will not be required to adopt or enforce the new state code, but the state government will implement and enforce the new state code on their behalf. (Section 20-d)
The Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (MEEA) estimates that passing energy efficient building codes could save Illinois homeowners $287-$667 on annual energy costs.
STATUS: Gov. Pat Quinn signed HB 3987 into law on August 28, 2009, establishing Public Act 096-0778. the Capital Development Board will have a maximum of 9 months to review and implement the 2009 IECC.
More information on HB 3987: Bill Home Page | Bill History | Text (Public Act 096-0778) | MEEA Fact Sheet