Chicago Enacts New Building Code to Speed Decarbonization

Chicago’s City Council has passed a revised building code requiring stronger energy efficiency and electrification standards for new buildings in order to meet decarbonization goals.

The Chicago Energy Transformation Code, which goes into effect on Nov. 1, includes requirements that residential buildings are built with the wiring and electricity capacity in place to enable a switch to electric-powered appliances and that roofs on low-rise commercial buildings like warehouses are designed to accommodate the installation of solar panels.

The Energy Code also requires placement of windows in new buildings to minimize energy demands due to solar heat gain in the summer; improved insulation to reduce heat loss through the exterior walls of buildings with projecting balconies or parapets; requires indoor plant-growing facilities to use energy-efficient lighting; and prohibits new decorative gas lighting.

The code incentivizes the installation of smart heating, cooling and hot water equipment that is integrated with the electric power grid to reduce demand during peak usage.

The Energy Code also grants recognition to two building certification programs as alternative ways to comply with the new requirements: the 2021 Phius standard and the gold and emerald certification levels under the 2020 National Green Building Standard (NGBS).

The Phius and NGBS standards both require rigorous pre-construction reviews and post-construction verifications by independent third-party reviewers.

The code updates are aimed at aligning CRE in the Windy City with Chicago’s climate action plan, which aims to reduce carbon emissions 62% below 2017 levels by 2040. Buildings in Chicago produce an estimated 69% of the city’s carbon emissions.

Portions of the new code are based on the 2021 International Energy Conservations Code, which is revised every three years to incorporate new technology. Alignment with the 2021 international code is a required by the federal Inflation Reduction Act for Chicago and other cities to receive federal assistance of up to $1B for decarbonization efforts.

The amended code requires builders to install the wiring for future electric appliances even if they’re currently outfitting the residence with fossil fuel-powered appliances. An estimated 80% of Chicago households rely on natural gas.

According to Mayor Lori Lightfoot, the new Energy Transformation Code will result in a 40% improvement in energy efficiency for residential and commercial buildings compared with construction requirements the new rules replace.

“Chicago has long been a leader in adopting requirements for energy efficiency and sustainable design,” Lightfoot said, in a statement.

“Our buildings are major contributors to Chicago’s carbon footprint, so it’s critical that every construction and renovation project increases the efficiency and sustainability of our building stock as part of Chicago’s commitment to combat climate change,” the mayor said.