Current Commercial Code
2012 IECC
Adopted 5/6/2016, effective 8/4/2016
The provisions of the 2006 IECC shall continue to apply to the following occupancy classifications as defined by the 2012 IBC:
- Moderate-hazard factory industrial, Group F-1;
- Low-hazard factory industrial, Group F-2;
- Moderate-hazard storage, Group S-1; and
- Low-hazard storage, Group S-2;
Current Residential Code
2009 IECC with amendments
Adopted 11/4/2016; effective 2/2/2017
Amendments to the residential code include:
- Section 402.4.2.1, Testing option has been removed.
- Section 403.2.2, Sealing Mandatory has been removed.
- Table N1102.1, Insulation and Fenestration Requirements by Component, has been amended by adding certain exceptions for log walls.
Both the residential and commercial code are mandatory statewide. All new and renovated buildings and additions constructed within the state must comply with this standard. Local jurisdictions may adopt more stringent codes. Nashville/Davidson County, for example, has adopted the 2012 IECC.
Climate Zones: 3A, 4A
Code Adoption and Change Process
Code Change Process
Legislative: Changes to the state’s energy code proceed through the state legislature.
Code Change Cycle
No set schedule.
Next Code Update
No set schedule.
History
Tennessee Adopted Codes and History Last updated August 8, 2016 | |
June 2, 2011 | The Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office announces that it will begin the implementation and enforcement of adopted energy codes for new building project submissions as of July 1, 2011. These include ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2007 for all state buildings and Chapter 11 of the 2009 IRC (with the 2006 IECC as an alternate compliance path) for all other residential and commercial construction. |
March 29, 2010 | After the passage of legislation in June requiring the state to update its building energy standards, the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance’s Division of Fire Prevention files a rule doing so with the Secretary of State. Pending review by the Attorney General’s office, the rule will enact statewide standards for residential and state-owned building construction. Among the key changes:
Other provisions in the rule regarding local adoption and enforcement include:
|
January 28, 2010 | Companion bills (HB 3215 and SB 3192) are introduced in the Tennessee House and Senate that would establish ASHRAE 90.1-2007 as the minimum energy standard for all new buildings that are not 1- and 2-family dwellings. The bills, however, also allow jurisdictions to adopt Standard 90.1-2001, its equivalent, or a more stringent code. The state currently does not have a mandatory energy code for this construction. |
October 2009 | The Tennessee Fire Marshal’s office holds public hearings throughout the state on the prospective regulations. Among the proposed changes:
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June 25, 2009 | Governor Phil Bredesen signs SB 2300 (Public Chapter 529), placing residential energy efficiency codes under the purview of the State Fire Marshal, who shall select the specific ICC code edition to be implemented. The bill does not reference the IECC, instead establishing the IRC and IBC as adopted codes. During debate on the bill, the state House considers roughly 20 amendments to SB 2300, attempting to allow counties to opt out of the state residential code. An amendment containing a sunset provision for 2014 is approved. The codes provisions of the bill now also include a mechanism through which local legislative bodies can “opt out” their communities with a two-thirds vote. Additionally, for communities that have somewhat outdated codes programs, the state will provide incentives in the form of free training and materials to encourage them to update their standards. |
May 14, 2008 | The state legislature amends Public Chapter No. 907 by establishing the 2003 IECC as the mandatory minimum energy conservation standard for new residential construction on or after January 1, 2009. The law strongly encourages builders to voluntarily adhere to the 2006 IECC standards for residential and commercial construction. |
July 1, 2003 | New legislation (HB 2757) becomes effective, giving local codes jurisdictions the option of whether to continue using the 1992 MEC or upgrade to the 2000 IECC with 2001 Amendments. This bill is passed on May 28th and signed by the governor on June 11th. |
July 1, 1994 | The 1992 Council of American Building Officials (CABO) Model Energy Code (MEC) is adopted pursuant to Public Chapter 193, HB 641. |
1978 | Tennessee’s first energy code, the 1977 Model Code for Energy Conservation (MCEC), is adopted by the legislature. |
Contacts
Gary Farley
Director, Electrical Residential and Marina Division
Department of Commerce and Insurance
Email: gary.farley@tn.gov
Molly R. Cripps
Director
Office of Energy Programs
Contact: Meet the Team
Sareena Nagpal
Energy Codes Manager
Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance (SEEA)
Email: snagpal@seealliance.org
News and Events
BCAP Resources
Helpful Links

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.