City of Houston – Residential and Commercial Green Building Requirements

Residential:

The City of Houston has demonstrated a commitment to advancing energy efficiency in residential construction through key ordinances and code adoptions.

1. Ordinance No. 2014-5 (2014): In 2014, the City Council of Houston passed Ordinance No. 2014-5. This ordinance mandates that new residential construction in the city must surpass the energy efficiency requirements outlined in the 2009 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) by an impressive margin of 15%. This proactive measure aims to elevate the energy performance standards of new homes, contributing to overall energy conservation efforts and reducing the environmental impact of residential buildings.

2. Adoption of Chapter 11 of the 2015 IECC (October 2016): Building on the foundation set by Ordinance No. 2014-5, the City of Houston took another significant step in October 2016. At this time, the city adopted Chapter 11 of the 2015 IECC, incorporating specific amendments as required by state law. This adoption reflects a commitment to staying current with evolving energy efficiency standards and aligning with nationally recognized codes, ensuring that residential buildings in Houston meet or exceed established benchmarks.

Commercial:

The City of Houston has implemented measures to enhance energy efficiency in commercial buildings, addressing both energy conservation codes and industry standards.

1. City of Houston Commercial Energy Conservation Code (April 2008): In April 2008, Houston adopted the City of Houston Commercial Energy Conservation Code. This code was based on the ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1-2004, a well-established standard for energy efficiency in commercial buildings. The adoption of this code signaled the city’s commitment to regulating and promoting energy-efficient practices in the commercial sector.

2. Adoption of the 2015 IECC and ASHRAE 90.1-2013 (December 2016): Continuing its efforts to stay at the forefront of energy conservation, in December 2016, the City of Houston adopted the 2015 IECC with amendments as required by state law. Additionally, the city incorporated ASHRAE 90.1-2013 with specific amendments, recognizing the importance of aligning with the latest advancements in energy efficiency standards for commercial buildings.

These comprehensive measures in both residential and commercial sectors underscore the City of Houston’s dedication to creating a more sustainable and energy-efficient built environment. The ordinances and code adoptions reflect a proactive approach to addressing energy challenges and contribute to Houston’s broader goals of environmental stewardship and responsible urban development.