Energy Code
See also:
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
2015 Seattle Energy Code
Below is a read-only version of the 2015 Seattle Energy Code. You can buy a full version from iccsafe.org. Print copies are available for sale in our Public Resource Center.
The 2015 Seattle Energy Code contains substantial copyrighted material from the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code which is proprietary to and copyrighted by International Code Council, Inc. The licensed material is copyrighted by the International Code Council, Inc., has been obtained and reproduced with permission. The acronym “ICC” and the ICC logo are trademarks and service marks of ICC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Seattle Energy Code - Commercial
Seattle Energy Code - Residential
Washington State Appendices
Previous Versions
2009 Code
2012 Code
This is a read-only version of the 2012 Seattle Energy Code. You can buy a full version from iccsafe.org.
Seattle Energy Code - Commercial
Seattle Energy Code - Residential
Washington State Appendices
Purchase Codes
Residential or Commercial Energy Code?
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.
- 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
Addition, Alteration, & Repair Projects
2015 Code
- Use the new Chapter 5 in the “residential building” portion of the code for single-family homes, duplexes, and townhouses, and for 1-, 2- and 3-story multifamily buildings
- Use the new Chapter 5 in the “commercial building” portion of the code or non-residential and for 4-story and higher multifamily buildings
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
Proposed Changes
None.