New Jersey has adopted the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). The ReVireo team is dedicated to assisting all New Jersey design, development, and construction professionals in the effort to reduce the cost, difficulty, and risk involved with energy code compliance.
Effective March 6, 2023, all new construction projects in New Jersey are required to permit under the 2021 IECC.
Below is an overview of the major changes for both residential construction projects (one- and two-family dwellings, townhouses, and multi-family buildings 3 stories or less) and commercial construction projects (any buildings not defined above as residential, including multi-family buildings 4 stories or more).
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Contact ReVireo today to discuss the NJ 2021 Energy Code in more detail and how it affects your projects.
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Residential Energy Code
The following are key changes that design, development, and construction professionals of residential construction projects will need to plan for in the energy code change from 2018 to 2021 IECC.
Need blower door or duct leakage testing?
Call ReVireo TodayEnvelope Leakage (Blower Door) Testing
A blower door test is mandatory, in addition to a visual air barrier inspection.
Duct Leakage Testing
Duct leakage testing is required for all HVAC systems, including those in conditioned space.
Reference Insulation Requirements
Reference insulation requirements are significantly increased, including the addition of continuous exterior insulation. Alternative pathways (Performance/ERI) that allow for additional tradeoffs may be more financially beneficial as a result.
Additional Energy Efficiency Option
An additional energy efficiency option is required for all energy code pathways, including, but not limited to:
- 5% improved UA Tradeoff, Performance, or ERI calculation
- Improved HVAC or plumbing efficiency
- All ductwork in the conditioned space
- Airtight envelope with Energy Recovery Ventilation
Commercial Energy Code
New Jersey amended the 2021 IECC so that the only energy code for commercial buildings is the referenced ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2019, which replaces the formerly referenced ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2016.
The following are key changes that design, development, and construction professionals of commercial construction projects will need to plan for in the energy code change from 2018 to 2021 IECC.
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Call ReVireo TodayWindow U-factors
The reference window u-factors are more efficient. The alternative Performance pathway that allows for additional tradeoffs may be more financially beneficial as a result.
HVAC Commissioning
HVAC Commissioning requirements are stricter and include a plan review.
Building Envelope – Air Tightness
Envelope commissioning or envelope leakage testing is mandatory. Envelope commissioning requires a plan review to confirm the compliance with the code, as well as inspections to verify the proper installation of envelope assemblies.
Lighting Power Densities
The requirements for Lighting Power Densities are more stringent. This means that buildings are required to lower the installed lighting wattage per square foot. Most areas require LED lighting along with lighting controls.
Residential Services
Our residential energy code compliance services include energy modeling, design consulting, REScheck & permit pathway documentation, HVAC manual calculations, inspections, envelope (blower door) testing, and duct leakage testing. ReVireo can complete all energy code forms.
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Commercial Services
Our commercial energy code compliance services include energy modeling, design consulting, COMcheck & permit pathway documentation, commissioning, and HVAC testing & balancing. ReVireo can complete all energy code forms.
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