In the construction sector of New York, several regulations must be adhered to. This is especially true when it comes to energy efficiency. One specific regulation within this code is Rescheck, which sets out requirements for energy efficiency compliance in all residential and commercial construction projects. It is therefore essential for professionals and stakeholders in the construction industry to understand these regulations so they can make sure their project meets the necessary standards. By reading this guide, you will learn everything you need to know about ensuring that your project complies with New York’s Rescheck regulations.
New York first implemented its state-wide Energy Conservation Construction Code (the Energy Code) on January 1, 1979. Residential building amendments were made in 1987 before being entirely rewritten in March of 1991. The NYS Governor's Executive Chamber announced an agreement between themselves and the NYS legislature regarding the state’s conversion to a model energy code supported by the recently awarded 1999 DOE State Energy Code Assistance Grant on July 29, 1999. The implementation of the new code took place on July 3rd, 2002.
Come January 1st, 2008 the old code was updated based on the 2004 supplement to the original IECC with NY amendments for residential buildings as well as its own set of amendments for commercial buildings. A newer update came out in April of that same year adopting ASHRAE’s edition from back in ‘04.
On July 6th, 2009 Governor David A. Paterson excitedly announced that he had received approval from none other than Barack Obama himself regarding his plan for federal stimulus funding through ARRA’s State Energy Program (SEP). This announcement would inevitably lead to a complete overhaul if not simply an adjustment of New York's energy law.
Then on December 28th, just over a year later, those changes went into effect after several amendments to the Energy Code were made. The most crucial of which was a change that expanded the applicability of the Energy Code for existing buildings in New York.
After a couple more amendments, as well as some updates based on ASHRAE 90.1-2013’s edition, we reached October 3rd, 2016. This was the day that typically marked when construction companies and their workers needed to be completely updated on all the new regulations. Which usually resulted in an entire month or two of constant training.
Faster forward to September 22nd, 2022 and we have Gov. Kathy Hochul signing her very first Executive Order No.22: Leading by Example: Directing State Agencies to Adopt a Sustainability and Decarbonization Program (EO 22). In this document, she establishes the GreenNY Council and gives them free rein over its implementation.
Just seven months after GreenNY Council was established they turned right around with a mandate that required each state facility’s operators to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, waste, and embodied carbon in State facilities. All within six months too!
The State Energy Code for New York is under construction – made up of the 2024 IECC and ASHRAE 90.1-2022 with state-specific amendments. There’s still no word on when these changes will be officially adopted, but a target adoption date of 2024 has been set. In the construction sector of New York, several regulations must be adhered to. This is especially true when it comes to energy efficiency. One specific regulation within this code is Rescheck, which sets out requirements for energy efficiency compliance in all residential and commercial construction projects. It is therefore essential for professionals and stakeholders in the construction industry to understand these regulations so they can make sure their project meets the necessary standards. By reading this guide, you will learn everything you need to know about ensuring that your project complies with New York’s Rescheck regulations.
New York first implemented its state-wide Energy Conservation Construction Code (the Energy Code) on January 1, 1979. Residential building amendments were made in 1987 before being entirely rewritten in March of 1991. The NYS Governor's Executive Chamber announced an agreement between themselves and the NYS legislature regarding the state’s conversion to a model energy code supported by the recently awarded 1999 DOE State Energy Code Assistance Grant on July 29, 1999. The implementation of the new code took place on July 3rd, 2002.
Come January 1st, 2008 the old code was updated based on the 2004 supplement to the original IECC with NY amendments for residential buildings as well as its own set of amendments for commercial buildings. A newer update came out in April of that same year adopting ASHRAE’s edition from back in ‘04.
On July 6th, 2009 Governor David A. Paterson excitedly announced that he had received approval from none other than Barack Obama himself regarding his plan for federal stimulus funding through ARRA’s State Energy Program (SEP). This announcement would inevitably lead to a complete overhaul if not simply an adjustment of New York's energy law.
Then on December 28th, just over a year later, those changes went into effect after several amendments to the Energy Code were made. The most crucial of which was a change that expanded the applicability of the Energy Code for existing buildings in New York.
After a couple more amendments, as well as some updates based on ASHRAE 90.1-2013’s edition, we reached October 3rd, 2016. This was the day that typically marked when construction companies and their workers needed to be completely updated on all the new regulations. Which usually resulted in an entire month or two of constant training.
Faster forward to September 22nd, 2022 and we have Gov. Kathy Hochul signing her very first Executive Order No.22: Leading by Example: Directing State Agencies to Adopt a Sustainability and Decarbonization Program (EO 22). In this document, she establishes the GreenNY Council and gives them free rein over its implementation.
Just seven months after GreenNY Council was established they turned right around with a mandate that required each state facility’s operators to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, waste, and embodied carbon in State facilities. All within six months too!
The State Energy Code for New York is under construction – made up of the 2024 IECC and ASHRAE 90.1-2022 with state-specific amendments. There’s still no word on when these changes will be officially adopted, but a target adoption date of 2024 has been set. To receive updates on code and regulatory changes, training opportunities, and other information relevant to the code enforcement community, send an email request to listserver@ny.gov.
Here are some tips to help you get your REScheck right in New York:
Learn About the Energy Code
Get familiar with NYSECCC (New York State Energy Conservation Construction Code) or whatever energy code applies to your project. Codes do change.
Gather Your Info
Building plans, specifications, insulation types, window specifications, HVAC system details – get it all lined up now.
Ask for Help
Energy consultants/architects/engineers who have experience with energy codes can help optimize your design so that it complies with or exceeds energy efficiency standards. Here at Rescheck Review, we have extensive knowledge of the regulations for the NYSECCC so ordering a report from us guarantees you will comply with code directives.
Talk to Local Authorities
Connect with local building officials/authorities early on. They’ll be able to help make sure your project meets all applicable requirements. Submitting your REScheck documentation along with those building plans will also give them time to review if necessary.
Stay Informed
Make a habit of checking for updates on energy codes and any changes in REScheck requirements. Government-run websites/local building departments/professional organizations usually have good info on their sites/emails/next to the coffee maker in their breakrooms/etc…
Go Back To School
Attend courses offered by local building departments/relevant organizations! They’ll bring you up to speed with recent developments in energy codes/compliance procedures.
Pre-Construction Meetings:
Attend these meetings before starting construction so you can address questions or concerns they may have about your REScheck documentation before work begins.
And remember! Make sure your current knowledge matches the current requirements—check in with your local building departments and consult the latest energy code documents.
For more information, contact us at Rescheck Review.