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Article #161 - About the MEC and the IECC

The Model Energy Code (MEC), published and maintained by the

*Copyright, 2003, International Code Council , Inc. Falls Church, Virginia. Reproduced with permission. All rights reserved. 2003 International Energy Conservation Code

(ICC) as the "International Energy Conservation Code" (IECC), contains energy efficiency criteria for new residential and commercial buildings and additions to existing buildings. It covers the building''s ceilings, walls, and floors/foundations; and the mechanical, lighting, and power systems.

The MEC was first published in 1983, with subsequent full editions published in 1986, 1989, 1992, 1993, and 1995. The IECC was published in 1998, 2000, 2003, and 2006.

Some states have adopted the MEC/IECC without modification, while other states have adopted one of the editions with state-developed amendments. Still others have adopted the MEC/IECC as recommended practice but have no statewide requirement that all new construction use it. For a state status listing, see the Status of State Energy Codes .

Free software tools are available to help determine code compliance. REScheck materials were developed to simplify and clarify code compliance with the MEC, the IECC, and a number of state codes. REScheck can be used to show residential compliance using automated trade-off calculations. COMcheck materials (software, manual code compliance, and reference guides) simplify and clarify commercial and high-rise residential energy code compliance by offering a flexible computer-based alternative to manual calculations. Most states can use either REScheck or COMcheck for energy code compliance (see maps).

The MEC/IECC is revised on a regular cycle through an open public hearing process. Anyone wanting to suggest a revision to the MEC/IECC can request a code change form, prepare a recommended change and substantiation, and participate in open public debate. All proposed changes are published and distributed for review prior to an open public hearing. Testimony for and against each change is heard, and a committee votes on a recommendation for each code change. The results of this first hearing are then published. Those wishing to have a proposed code change reconsidered and discussed at a second public hearing may submit a challenge to the committee''s recommended action. Based on arguments at the second hearing, building officials could vote to overturn the committee''s recommendation. A new edition of the MEC/IECC (appearing every three years) or supplement to the previous edition (in years when a new edition does not appear) is published around the spring of each year.