The 2018 IECC was published by the International Code Council in November of 2017, which was supported by extensive analysis by the department of energy on a state-by-state basis, and is built on the foundation of ASHRAE 90.1-2016. While the code council officially reviews and adopts IECC revisions, for every 3-year cycle, both ASHRAE and the DOE provide deep analysis and scrutiny of recommended changes between code cycles. These cyclical changes undergo voting and associated discussion among ASHRAE code committees before the IECC sees any proposed changes, which gives the AEC industry peace of mind that updates receive rigorous technical and qualitative reviews.
As of November 2020, The City of Albuquerque has adopted the 2018 version of the IECC without making any local exceptions or amendments. To help summarize the major changes, EEA Consulting Engineers have developed a code update cheat sheet! The IECC code update cheat sheet is designed to highlight key changes from the previously enforced 2009 version, to the newly adopted IECC 2018, for A/E/C professionals in New Mexico. This document is not all-inclusive but is a helpful two-page guide pointing out prescriptive sections of the new energy code, with improvements categorized by industry sector. Some example insights include:
- Insulation requirements for roofing with insulation above-deck improved from R-20 to R-30
- A 50% improvement in Climate Zone 4B Envelope Requirements, which is where Bernalillo County is located
- Lighting power density requirements (Watts/Square-Foot) for offices and houses of worship are over 20% more efficient than in the 2009 IECC.
Where 2009 criteria have changed, percentages are included to illustrate the magnitude of the updated requirements, while significant new additions are summarized for quick reference. One of the biggest additions from the 2009 code is the inclusion of building systems commissioning, which is now required for medium and large commercial buildings. EEA can help project teams comply with this new section of the code, backed by our deep experience in MEP systems commissioning across all commercial building sectors in the southwest.
If you would like a copy of the IECC 2018 Cheat Sheet, fill out the form below and we will send you a copy!
