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Model Energy Code
The 1993 State Legislature updated the state energy code to the standard in the American Council of American Building Official's Model Energy Code, 1989 Edition, and established a procedure to update the standard. Then in 1995, following consultation with an advisory group, the energy code was updated to the Model Energy Code, 1993 edition, with reference made to the ASHRAE Standard 90.1 - 1989 for commercial structures.
A local government body which elects to administer and enforce energy conservation standards in new construction must apply standards at least as stringent as these.
To the best of our knowledge, few governmental subdivisions have formally adopted the thermal standards. At the same time, the home mortgage industry has begun to focus on energy standards. Federal guarantees for many home mortgages require that any new construction financed through those programs meet these standards. In certain instances, several private mortgages provide preferential treatment to energy-efficient homes.
For some time, DCS energy staff have held the opinion that the requirements in the code are not particularly onerous, and that most or all homes built with current construction practices may well meet this standard.
In May, 1999, the office contracted with the North Dakota Association of Builders to conduct a study to determine the energy efficiency of homes currently being constructed in North Dakota. Specifically, the study was to determine if newly-constructed homes meet or exceed the requirements of the 1993 Model Energy Code. The results indicated that the new construction homes in the study met or exceeded the requirements of the 1993 Model Energy Code. If you would like to see a copy of the report, email Andrea Holl Pfennig.
For information about the energy code, contact Paul Govig, Director, Division of Community Services (701) 328-4499.
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