For Design & Construction Professionals
Tools to help you get the job done right.
Energy codes set the minimum energy efficiency requirements for building design and construction. They serve as a roadmap to help New York State architects, professional engineers, builders, and other stakeholders manage the long-term energy use, utility costs, and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of buildings. However, energy efficiency and low- to zero-carbon emitting technologies are not just good for the planet — they are good for business too. Home builders, developers, architects, and professional engineers can set themselves apart from their competition by building and retrofitting to energy efficiency standards above the New York State Building Code — ensuring that they meet or exceed compliance in the process.
Investing in clean energy improvements can increase the value of your building, cut down your operating costs, and result in cleaner and healthier environments. It can also attract new tenants and investors who value community health and sustainability. Expertise with energy codes can help you earn a trusted reputation in the communities you serve, and going above and beyond to retrofit, design, and construct highly energy efficient buildings that use clean technologies can create a competitive edge in an in-demand market.
When it comes to implementing advanced building energy codes into practice, New York’s design and construction professionals truly are the “boots on the ground,” playing a key role in meeting the requirements of a green building infrastructure as defined by the Clean Energy Fund (CEF) Codes Chapter [PDF] and the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (Climate Act) 
. NYSERDA’s programs offer technical and financial support for new construction and gut rehab projects, helping you meet the demands of today’s marketplace.
About New York State Energy Codes
The 2020 Energy Conservation Construction Code of New York State (2020 State Energy Code) is the minimum building standard for energy efficiency in New York State. In 2022, New York State also passed the Advanced Building Codes, Appliance and Equipment Efficiency Standards Act of 2022 . This State legislation requires NYSERDA to continue advancing clean energy building codes and standards with the Department of State. These codes are designed to standardize clean and efficient energy usage in New York’s buildings. They are considered companions to The Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code , so it is important for to pay attention to both sets of building codes.
Depending on where you do business in New York State, you may need to meet more rigorous building energy codes. For example, New York City has implemented Local Laws 48, 94, and 95, and communities across the State have adopted NYStretch, a supplement to the State Energy Code that can improve energy efficiency by roughly 10%.
The 2020 State Energy Code is administered by the Department of State, Division of Building Standards and Codes . A free, online version of the 2020 State Energy Code is available through the International Code Council. The 2020 State Energy Code is based on the 2018 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), with some New York State Amendments. The 2020 State Energy Code also incorporates by reference ANSI/ASHRAE/IES Standard 90.1-2016 and certain provisions are amended by New York State, as set forth in 19 NYCRR Part 1240 . Local jurisdictions enforce the State Energy Code in whole or may adopt a local energy conservation construction code more rigorous than the State Energy Code (Energy law § 11-109), with approval from the State Fire Prevention and Building Code Council.
Energy Codes Training and Resources for the Design and Construction Community
When it comes to building energy codes, NYSERDA has the tools to help you get the job done right. NYSERDA offers free and low-cost training and support services to architects, engineers, building energy professionals, and members of the construction trades—all designed to improve compliance with the State Energy Code.
- ENERGY CODE TRAINING
- State Energy Code Training Directory - Lists trainings that are tailored for the 2020 State Energy Code, funded by NYSERDA, and are currently available to the public. This directory will be updated periodically as new training opportunities become available.
- Webinars
- NYStretch Training Directory - Lists trainings that are tailored for the NYStretch Energy Code Supplement, funded by NYSERDA, and are currently available to the public. This directory will be updated periodically as new training opportunities become available.
- Energy Code Training Website
- ENERGY CODE RESOURCES
- Code Hotline - Offers technical support to building design, construction, and code enforcement professionals with questions on the 2020 Energy Conservation Construction Code of New York State (2020 State Energy Code) and NYStretch-2020.
- New York State Energy Code Manual for Design Professionals - Helps building professionals design projects that comply with New York State Energy Code. This manual translates the Energy Code into actionable insights and guidance. While this manual incorporates information that is consistent with good design practice, it is not intended to be a complete design resource. It does not comprehensively address all Energy Code requirements or other areas of design beyond energy efficiency.
- Build Better Field Guide - Explains building practices to reduce energy bills and create quieter, more comfortable, and healthier homes.
- Contractor Pool Teaming Arrangements and Partnership Opportunities - Lists opportunities for mini-bids with firms and organizations that were competitively selected to provide NYSERDA with technical, regulatory and policy support for energy code, new construction, and product standards efforts.