Chicago’s New Energy Code Will Mandate Changes on Your Property
SOLAR IN COMING IN FORCE TO CHICAGOLAND AND ILLINOIS. AS ENERGY INFLATION HITS DUE TO NEW LEGISLATION TO PUSH PEOPLE TO SOLAR THE TAX BREAKS WILL EVAPORATE. MOVING INTO IT SOONER THAT LATER IS A SMART MOVE. SOLAR ADOPTION WILL TRIP IN THE NEXT 7 YEARS.
Luckily, Chicago is one of the cities at the forefront of energy conservation in the United States, specifically through the city’s base energy codes.
After having been the catalyst for the first line of LEED CERTIFIED homes in attracting two builders to construct +PLUSHOUSE homes around Chicago on spec(to build and then sell) I have been hoping for these regulations since 2015. I also now have joined as a solar representative for the fastest growing Solar company in the country POWUR solar. If you want to go solar simply click here and fill out the survey and I will get right back to you with a proposal for solar at 0 money down and then various scenarios.
Click on photo to read this article. This is where the city will be heading in the next few years — NO GAS in homes. This is the reality of what will be required to hit the climate goals. This might be alot to absorb conceptually but it’s in the cards. This is another reason to go solar sooner than later… as more people go solar the tax breaks will disappear because energy inflation will force people into solar anyway over the next decade.
Here is a summary of the new changes and links to the resources on the city website.
A year ago, on January 1, 2023, Chicago’s New Energy Transformation Code took full effect for any new or renovated properties in the city. Within the Chicago Construction Code, this was enacted as part of Chicago’s plan to address the climate crisis, with a focus on equity.
There are two main objectives to the code:
To create effective use and conservation of energy.
To reduce carbon emissions.
So, what exactly does this code outline for new and renovated properties? Get a closer look below!
FOR RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES
ROOFS AND WALLS NOW REQUIRE MORE INSULATION.
These specific requirements can be found on Chicago.gov/energycode, along with more information about all the new requirements.
ELECTRICAL POWER AND LIGHTING SYSTEM WILL REQUIRE CHANGES.
All permanent lighting must be high-efficiency, and most interior lights require dimmers or occupant sensors, unless the lighting is in a bathroom, hallway or stairs.
ADDITIONAL EFFICIENCY CHOICES ARE REQUIRED.
A property must choose two of the five additional efficiency requirements:
Enhanced envelope performance, i.e., the foundations, floors, walls, roofs, windows and doors
More efficient HVAC equipment performance
Reduced energy used in service water heating
More efficient duct distribution system
Improved air sealing for ventilation system
NO NEW GAS LIGHTING ALLOWED.
If you do not need to change them, existing gas lights can remain, but no new gas lights can be added. This was changed in an effort to move away from certain fossil fuel sources.
ELECTRONIFICATION READINESS IS REQUIRED.
Appliances for indoor cooking (like stoves), clothes drying and hot water heating do not need to be electric—but they must have electrical capacity with the appropriate wiring and outlets for electronification updates in the future. This requirement does not apply to heating or cooling units.
FOR COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS
Stricter envelope requirements and additional requirements for testing on the envelope.
New provisions for the heating and cooling requirements in spaces like revolving and interlocking doors and windows.
Updated efficiency requirements for heating, ventilating and air conditioning.
New requirements for outlets to be tied to occupancy sensors or timer controls to remove vampire loads from items that are plugged in to outlets.
New provisions for plant growth lighting for indoor agriculture.
HOW TO ENSURE YOU’RE IN COMPLIANCE
While these changes help hold us accountable to a more sustainable lifestyle, it may be difficult to determine if you’re in compliance with the code.
When the time comes, and you’re done with renovations or construction of a property, it’s required that the architect informs the owner and contractor of what testing needs to be done to ensure compliance with the code. The owner and contractor must then conduct this testing.
For more information on Chicago’s New Energy Transformation Code, visit Chicago.gov/energycode.
