Energy Codes

LB 405, which updates the Nebraska Energy Code from the 2009 IECC to the 2018 IECC and ASHRAE 90.1-2016, was passed by the state's Unicameral Legislature on May 2, 2019 and signed by the Governor on May 8, 2019.

The 2018 IECC code went into effect July 1, 2020.

If your town or county has not adopted an energy code or does not wish to adopt an energy code, the Nebraska Department of Environment & Energy, Planning & Aid Division will enforce the code in your jurisdiction.

The Nebraska Energy Code (2018 IECC)

A digital version of the 2018 IECC can be found here.

REScheck & COMcheck

REScheck is a computer software that makes it easy for designers, builders, and contractors to determine whether a new residential (which includes groups R-2, R-3, & R-4 three stories or less) building meets the building thermal envelope requirements of the 2018 IECC or other selected code. It is a simple UA tradeoff calculation that allows individual components of a building to be customized to the builders’ needs while keeping the entire building at or above the code requirements. The REScheck software can be found here.

COMcheck is a computer software for commercial energy code compliance that makes it easy to ensure energy code compliance with the 2018 IECC or ASHRAE 90.1. The COMcheck software can be found here.

ACCA Manual J

ACCA Manual J is listed in the 2018 IECC for heating and cooling load calculations for residential structures. A load calculation should be performed for all new buildings. Rule-of-thumb sizing and other less scrupulous methods should not be used, as heating and cooling loads have changed dramatically over time with improved energy codes and these methods commonly lead to oversized equipment. Information about ACCA Manual J can be found here.

A list of approved ACCA Manual J software for residential load calculations can be found here.

Fact Sheet

A fact sheet detailing common compliance issues and requirements can be found here.

Nebraska Energy Codes Training Program

This program is put on in conjunction with the Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (MEEA) to provide trainings for energy code compliance and other information. A webpage with training recordings and a list of upcoming trainings, as well as additional resources, can be found here.

Energy Impact Studies

An energy impact study comparing the energy usage and related costs associated with Nebraska updating from the 2018 IECC and the 2021 IECC can be found here.

An energy impact study comparing the energy usage and related costs associated with Nebraska updating from the 2018 IECC and the 2024 IECC can be found here.

Applicable Statutes

Nebraska Revised Statutes 81-1608 through 81-1626 and 72-805 are the pertinent statutes regarding the energy code in Nebraska. These can be found on the Nebraska Legislature’s website, which can be found here.

Additional Videos

Training Videos about the changes from the previous Nebraska Energy Code to the 2018 IECC can be found here.

Questions regarding energy code compliance can be directed to Bryce Puck.