TRENTON, N.J. - The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs recently adopted the 2006 International Energy Conservation Code as the energy conservation standard for new construction in the State.  With this adoption, New Jersey joins a handful of states in moving to the latest energy conservation requirements published at the national level. 

“Governor Corzine is committed to ensuring New Jersey remains a national leader in promoting energy efficiency, renewable energy, and environmental protection for a better future,” DCA Commissioner Susan Bass Levin said.  “Through the support and development of comprehensive building codes that reduce energy consumption, we are positioning the State to meet the challenges ahead while providing environmentally advanced and economically sustainable buildings today.”

DCA also adopted the 2004 edition of ANSI/ASHRAE/IES 90.1, the most current standard available for energy-efficient design of commercial buildings promulgated by the American National Standards Institute; the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers and the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America.

DCA will also amend the requirements for existing buildings undergoing renovation.  The proposed amendments add insulation requirements for framed wall, floor, ceiling or roof assemblies that are opened or exposed as part of a renovation project and found to contain no insulation.  The amendments also establish minimum energy efficiency requirements for replacement windows.  In this way, energy efficiency of existing buildings will be improved as buildings are renovated.

A national leader in building code enforcement, DCA’s Division of Codes and Standards implements a regulatory system to ensure that all new construction in the State meets these higher energy efficiency standards.  As part of the review of construction plans for a project, prior to the issuance of a building permit, local construction officials require documentation of how the building complies with the Code’s energy conservation requirements.  The installation of insulation and energy efficient windows and equipment that comply with the requirements of the code is confirmed through inspections during the course of work.

These announcements support Executive Order No. 11 and Governor Corzine’s comprehensive Energy Master Plan, which are designed to increase energy efficiency in New Jersey and to preserve the State’s natural resources.  The Energy Master Plan addresses three areas: security, safety, and reliability of prices of energy supply and services; economic impact of energy production, transportation, and end use; and environmental impact associated with the production of energy.  
One of the central goals of this plan is to reduce the State’s demand for electricity by 20 percent by 2020.

Governor Corzine has also expressed support for S-2154, a bill sponsored by Senator Bob Smith that authorizes DCA to enhance the energy subcode adopted pursuant to the State Uniform Construction Code Act based on anticipated energy savings to consumers.  The bill allows DCA to impose more stringent requirements provided there are reasonable paybacks in terms of energy savings.

“With this adoption, we have established energy conservation requirements that bring New Jersey up to the most current national model requirements for new construction,” Governor Jon S. Corzine said.  “We are committed to working with the members of the Legislature on this and other pending legislation that will help conserve energy and reduce greenhouse gases.”