Arizona Energy Codes Requirements
State Profile
| Category |
Details |
| State |
Arizona |
| Population (2023) |
~7.5 million |
| Climate Zones |
Predominantly Hot-Dry and Mixed-Dry |
| Building Energy Code |
2018 IECC for residential and commercial buildings (varies by jurisdiction) |
| Adoption Authority |
Local jurisdictions with statewide guidance |
Certification
| Certification |
Details |
| Residential Code Compliance |
ResCheck, Manual J/D/S reports accepted by many cities |
| Commercial Code Compliance |
ComCheck, ASHRAE 90.1 (alternative compliance pathway) |
| Third-Party Certification |
Local jurisdictions may require third-party verification |
| Energy Efficiency Incentives |
Utility-driven rebate programs for energy-efficient buildings |
Model Code Savings Potential
| Category |
Potential Savings |
| Energy Savings for Residential |
~14% reduction compared to 2009 IECC |
| Energy Savings for Commercial |
~17% reduction compared to 2009 IECC |
| Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction |
~10-15% reduction for new buildings |
| Adoption of Renewables |
Enhanced integration of solar energy systems statewide |
Consumer Cost Savings
| Metric |
Residential |
Commercial |
| Annual Energy Bill Savings |
$250 – $450 |
Varies by project |
| Payback Period for Efficiency |
3 – 7 years |
5 – 10 years |
| Incentives |
Federal and utility rebates available for solar, insulation, and HVAC upgrades |
|
Compliance
| Compliance Metrics |
Details |
| Residential Code Compliance Rate |
65-75% (varies by jurisdiction) |
| Commercial Code Compliance Rate |
70-80% |
| Training and Support |
Statewide energy code training programs via Arizona Department of Energy |
| Inspection Process |
Local building departments enforce compliance |
Resources
| Resource |
Details |
| Arizona Department of Energy |
Offers training and guidance on energy code compliance |
| Southwest Energy Efficiency Project (SWEEP) |
Provides resources for adopting and implementing energy-efficient policies |
| Utility Incentive Programs |
APS and SRP offer rebates for energy efficiency improvements |
| Energy Code Support Tools |
ResCheck, ComCheck, and DOE resources for modeling and compliance |
State Energy Code Background
| Category |
Details |
| Background |
Arizona’s energy codes are based on the 2018 IECC, but local jurisdictions have the authority to modify and enforce them. |
| State-Owned/Funded Buildings |
State-owned or funded buildings are required to meet or exceed the 2018 IECC, with some green building initiatives. |
| Adoption Process |
Energy codes are adopted at the municipal or county level. The state provides recommendations and support. |
| Enforcement Process |
Local building departments are responsible for enforcement. This includes plan reviews, inspections, and approval processes. |
| Compliance Process |
Compliance is ensured through plan reviews, on-site inspections, and third-party verification in some jurisdictions. |
2018 Phoenix Amendments to the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC)
The City of Phoenix has adopted amendments to the 2018 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) to address the unique climate and energy needs of the region. These changes aim to balance energy efficiency, flexibility, and cost savings for both residential and commercial buildings. Below are the key highlights from the amendments.
Scope and Applicability
| Category |
Details |
| Commercial Buildings |
Applies to all systems, sites, and equipment within commercial buildings. |
| Residential Buildings |
Covers all residential building types and associated systems. |
| Mixed-Use Buildings |
Allows flexibility for mixed residential and commercial zones, each portion to comply with relevant IECC provisions. |
General Requirements
- Title (C101.1 & R101.1): The code is officially titled the “Energy Conservation Code for the City of Phoenix.”
- Intent (C101.3 & R101.3): Designed to regulate the energy efficiency of building design, systems, and construction while allowing for innovative approaches.
- Applicability (C101.4 & R101.4): In cases of conflict, the more restrictive requirement prevails.
Key Provisions in Phoenix Amendments
1. Construction Documentation Requirements
- Thermal Envelope Depiction (C103.2.1 & R103.2.1): Construction documents must clearly show the building’s thermal envelope, including insulation and fenestration details (R-values and U-factors).
- Compliance Documentation (C103.6.2): Compliance records must be provided to building owners, including energy code editions used and all calculations.
2. Compliance Pathways
- Commercial Compliance Options (C401.2):
- Comply with ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA 90.1 or IECC Sections C402–C408.
- Optional compliance for system commissioning under Section C408.
- Residential Compliance Options (R101.5):
- Follow IECC Residential Provisions, with approved RESNET standards for testing.
3. Duct and Insulation Efficiency
- Duct Insulation (R403.3.1):
- R-value requirements: R-8 for large ducts (≥3 inches), R-6 for smaller ducts.
- Exemptions: Ducts inside the thermal envelope or buildings with alternative energy efficiency measures.
4. Functional Testing for Lighting Controls
- Section C408.3.1:
- Lighting control systems must undergo functional testing before final inspection.
- Reports must include deferred tests and follow-up schedules.
Special Considerations
Mixed-Use Buildings
Buildings with both residential and commercial spaces can choose the compliance pathway (residential or commercial provisions) best suited for each portion. This flexibility allows developers to optimize energy efficiency for specific building uses.
Climate-Specific Adjustments
The Phoenix amendments address the hot-dry climate zone with tailored provisions:
- Enhanced requirements for insulation and fenestration to minimize heat transfer.
- Incentives for using radiant barriers and other cooling-focused techniques.
Benefits of the Phoenix Amendments
| Category |
Details |
| Energy Efficiency |
Higher standards for insulation, duct sealing, and lighting systems. |
| Flexibility for Developers |
Options for mixed-use buildings and simplified compliance processes. |
| Cost Savings |
Adjustments to optional provisions reduce upfront costs for certain projects. |
Compliance Process
| Step |
Details |
| Plan Submission |
Construction plans must include energy efficiency measures and compliance paths. |
| Documentation |
Energy compliance documents must be submitted within 90 days of occupancy. |
| Inspection |
Functional testing for lighting, duct sealing, and HVAC systems required. |
Download Full Phoenix Amendments
Click here to download the complete PDF to review the full list of amendments and compliance guidelines for the 2018 IECC in Phoenix.
Cosimina has been a member of BCAP for over a decade, actively contributing to the organization’s nationally acclaimed initiatives aimed at assisting states and local authorities in the establishment and enforcement of robust and efficient building energy codes. Her involvement spans across advocacy, technical guidance, outreach programs, and the formation of strategic coalitions.
