Energy Code

• Overview
• Documents
• Forms
• Resources

What Is It?

Our Seattle Energy Code regulates the energy-use features of new and remodeled buildings, including:

• Building Envelope: requirements for roofs, walls, window,s etc. to control heat loss and air leakage 
• Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC): efficiency for heating and cooling equipment
• Water Heating: equipment efficiency and controls
• Lighting: number and type of lighting fixtures and controls
• Metering, plug load controls, transformers, motors, and renewable energy

Read the Code

Residential versus commercial. The Seattle Energy Code chapters that apply to your project depend on whether your project is a "residential building" or a "commercial building" as defined in the energy code. See below for a breakout of the chapters by each version of the code.

2012 Code

(Use this version for permit applications dated December 27, 2013 or later.)

• Use the “residential buildings” provisions for single-family homes, duplexes, and townhouses
• Use the “residential buildings” provisions for 1-, 2-, and 3-story multifamily buildings
• Use the “commercial buildings” provisions for 4-story and higher multifamily buildings
• Use the “commercial buildings” provisions for non-residential buildings

2009 Code

(Use this version for permit applications dated before December 27, 2013.)

• Chapters 1-10: Single-family homes, duplexes, and townhouses
• Chapters 11-15: Multifamily buildings, without Seattle amendments
• Chapters 11-16: Non-residential buildings, with Seattle amendments
• Chapters 2 (definitions), 7 (design temps) and 10 (U-values) apply to all projects

Remodeling Projects

2012 Code

• Use “residential building” code sections R101.4.1 through R101.4.5 for single-family homes, duplexes, and townhouses, and for 1-, 2- and 3-story multifamily buildings
• Use “commercial building” code sections C101.4.1 through C101.4.5 for non-residential and for 4-story and higher multifamily buildings

2009 Code

• Use section 101.3.2 for single-family homes, duplexes, and townhouses
• Use section 1130 for multifamily buildings, without Seattle amendments
• Use Section 1130 for non-residential buildings, with Seattle amendments

Proposed Changes

View our Draft 2015 Seattle Energy Code for the "commercial buildings" portion of the code.