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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.

Current State Codes

  • Residential Code: 1992 MEC, mandatory statewide; jurisdictions can adopt a more stringent code; can use REScheck to show compliance.
  • 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.

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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 2004, and are not limited to energy consumption based on building code-related factors. Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration.

  • Residential Sector: 500 Trillion BTU
  • Commercial Sector: 369.2 Trillion BTU
  • Total Energy Consumption: 869.2 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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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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