Building Codes Assistance Project

A New Mexico judge granted an injunction on October 3 against the enforcement of the city of Albuquerque's green building code, just two days after it became effective. The state's chief federal judge, Martha Vazquez, issued an order prohibiting the city from enforcing the code, which outlines a host of energy-efficiency measures for homes and businesses. The preliminary injunction will be in effect until the case is resolved permanently, putting the code's eventual reinstatement in doubt.

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.

The City of Albuquerque's ‘High Performance Building Ordinance', adopted by the Albuquerque City Council on September 17, 2007, establishes building design and construction code requirements that are designed to minimize the environmental impacts of residential and commercial buildings in Albuquerque by using energy, water and materials more efficiently. The requirements apply to new construction and remodeling or repairs to equipment and systems in existing buildings.