The state of Illinois has released its first integrated, custom energy code, with plans in place for the release of an additional stretch energy code later this year. The new energy code was derived from the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code® (IECC) and positions the state as a national leader in energy conservation.

“Illinois is committed to reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions,” said the Capital Development Board Executive Director, TJ Edwards. “The new 2021 Illinois Energy Conservation Code puts Illinois at the forefront of energy efficient building construction and saves the average new homeowner almost 10% on utility bills. The Capital Development Board’s partnership with the Code Council to publish the Illinois Energy Conservation Code will make it easier for owners, designers, and officials to implement and enforce the code.”

The Illinois Capital Development Board is also working with the International Code Council to publish a stretch energy code for jurisdictions seeking enhanced energy efficiency standards beyond the base code. The residential stretch energy code will be based on the 2021 IECC and the commercial stretch energy code will be based on the 2024 IECC.

“Illinois has emerged as a leader on the national stage for its commitment to energy conservation,” said Code Council Chief Executive Officer Dominic Sims, CBO. “We look forward to future collaborations and commend Illinois for prioritizing and leveraging building codes to improve energy efficiency within its communities.”

This week, the Capital Development Board will ship complimentary copies of the new energy code to most jurisdictions statewide. The Code Council will continue its support of the Illinois Energy Code with future training planned for code officials and building departments charged with the implementation and enforcement of the code. 

The U.S. Department of Energy has acknowledged the 2021 IECC for its resilience benefits in response to the growing frequency of extreme weather events. Fourteen states have adopted minimum energy codes based on the 2021 IECC or its equivalent, affecting over a third of the U.S. population (119 million Americans).

Learn more about the 2021 Illinois Energy Conservation Code here. 

Learn more about the Code Council’s energy resources here.