Energy Code

2011 Arkansas Energy Code

The Arkansas Energy Code is a combination of the International Energy Conservation Code and ASHRAE 90.1 standards.  These standards in addition to the Arkansas Energy Code for New Building Construction Supplements and Amendments serve as the “Arkansas Energy Code” for residential and commercial builders in the state.

To view Arkansas –specific exceptions, exemptions, administration, enforcement and other changes, download a copy of the Arkansas Energy Code for New Building Construction Supplements and Amendments for 2011. Below highlights more detailed information for residential and commercial applications.

The Arkansas Energy Office does not provide copies of the IECC or ASHRAE standards.  To order copies please contact:

International Code Council: 1-800-786-4452 or visit www.iccsafe.org 
American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air –Conditioning Engineers:  1-800-527-4723 or visit www.ashrae.org 

Questions:  Contact the Arkansas Energy Office at 501-682-6103 or 1-800-558-2633.  E-mail us at Energyinfo@ArkansasEDC.com.  

For Residential Builders

The most recent update to the residential code went into effect on October 1, 2004 and includes the 2003 International Energy Conservation Code (2003 IECC).

Simplified Residential Code Compliance Tools make it easy to understand and comply with Arkansas’s residential energy code.  To download a "code card" for your climate zone go to: Residential Compliance Tools or contact the Arkansas Energy Office at 1-800-558-2633.

REScheck^TM for Arkansas is a”deem to comply" residential compliance software developed for Arkansas.

For Commercial Builders

The most recent update to the commercial code was adopted in November of 2011.  Accordingly, ASHRAE 90.1.2001 will continue to be in effect for commercial buildings until December 31, 2012.  On and after January 1, 2013, ASHRAE 90.1-2007 Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings or Chapter 5 of the 2009 IECC will be in effect. 

COMcheck is a “deem to comply” software tool to determine compliance with ASHRAE 90.1-2001 or 2007.  To download go to: www.energycodes.gov/comcheck/download.stm.

For Municipal Code Enforcement Officials

Cities or counties that issue building permits for new building construction are required to record that the builder has certified that the propoosed building will comply with the Arkansas Energy Code.

Any city or county which issues building permits for new building construction must adopt the Arkansas Energy Code by December 31, 2012.  An example of a model ordinance is below.

Upon adoption of the Arkansas Energy Code, applicable cities or counties are required to submit a copy of the adoption ordinance to the Arkansas Energy Office.  If a city or county has not adopted the Arkansas Energy code by December 31, 2012, the mayor and/or county judge is required to submit a letter to the Arkansas Energy Office, no later than 60 days after this deadline, describing why the city or county is not in compliance with Arkansas Code §15-10-205(b)(3)(B).

Sample Ordinance for Local Code Adoption