NY Energy Code Compliance and Consulting
Compliance pathway selection is more critical than ever. The differences between prescriptive and performance compliance pathways are more significant under the updated code. Selecting the right pathway early can heavily influence design flexibility, required systems, construction costs, and overall project compliance. ReVireo can manage the energy code compliance of your projects from early design through occupancy.
Need help navigating the 2025 NYSECCC?
Contact ReVireo today to discuss how to reduce the cost, difficulty, and risk of compliance with the NYSECCC and NYCECC.
CONTACT US2025 New York State Energy Conservation Construction Code (NYSECCC)
New York State adopted the 2025 NYSECCC effective December 31, 2025. The 2025 NYSECCC references the 2024 International Energy Conservation Code and ASHRAE 90.1-2022 with amendments.
The 2025 NYSECCC makes incremental improvements to the previous energy code version. Below is a non-comprehensive list of the major changes for both residential construction projects (one- and two-family dwellings, townhouses, and multi-family buildings 3 stories or less) and commercial construction projects (any buildings not defined above as residential, including multi-family buildings 4 stories or more).
Residential Building Projects
- All ducts must be in conditioned space. This change is intended to reduce energy losses from ductwork located in unconditioned areas, improving overall HVAC efficiency.
- Electric water heaters must have a demand response control. This allows electric water heating to respond to signals from a demand response system, helping manage when energy is used.
- Mechanical ventilation and exhaust fans must meet new efficiency and testing requirements. The updated code establishes new efficiency requirements for mechanical ventilation and all outdoor air ventilation systems. It also introduces third-party testing and verification of these systems where required by the code official, along with new controls for intermittent bathroom exhaust fans.
Commercial Building Projects
- ERVs are required in dwelling units. Under the prescriptive pathway (i.e. COMcheck) energy recovery ventilators are required for all dwelling units four stories and above. Energy modeling offers more flexibility and enables avoiding ERV (Energy Recovery Ventilator) installation.
- Renewables are now a major factor in NY energy code compliance. Even projects using the performance pathway may struggle to comply without incorporating renewable energy. The updated code establishes a baseline requirement of 0.75 watts/sq. ft. of conditioned floor area for on-site renewables – Multifamily projects may benefit from energy modeling to optimize compliance and potentially avoid the need for additional off-site renewable energy purchases.
- Efficiency credits are now required. Prescriptive projects must select and implement required efficiency measures, while modeled projects must also account for these requirements in the baseline model.
- Commissioning is more clearly defined and enforceable. Although commissioning was required under the last code update, more detailed compliance documentation and verification requirements are now in effect.
New York City Energy Conservation Code (NYCECC) NYStretch Energy Code
New York City continues to adopt requirements exceeding the statewide baseline, with the latest NYCECC aligned with the NYStretch Energy Code and updated to reflect advancements consistent with the 2024 International Energy Conservation Code standards.
Building on earlier versions, the current NYCECC includes enhanced provisions for building envelopes, mechanical systems, domestic hot water, and commissioning. These updates are intended to drive significantly higher performance, with efficiency levels exceeding the statewide code and supporting compliance with local climate laws such as local law 97 (LL97).
Residential Building Projects in NYC
- Adopted requirements to account for thermal bridging. Projects must now identify and document certain thermal bridges in the building envelope, bringing greater attention to areas where heat can bypass otherwise insulated assemblies.
- Sets efficiency requirements for domestic hot water distribution systems. The updated code establishes requirements intended to reduce energy losses associated with distributing hot water throughout the building.
- Sets mechanical ventilation requirements. The new requirements include heat or energy recovery ventilation provisions, making ERVs and HRVs an important consideration for residential projects.
Commercial Building Projects in NYC
- Whole-building air leakage testing is now required for every project. The updated code requires whole building air leakage testing, with guarded testing permitted for buildings over 50,000 sq. ft. Additional air barrier verification, documentation, and field inspection requirements also apply.
- Envelope requirements are more stringent. The updated code increases insulation requirements and places greater emphasis on air barrier continuity and thermal bridging. Under the prescriptive pathway, thermal bridging requirements are more stringent, while the envelope trade-off pathway provides additional flexibility.
- Commissioning and verification requirements have increased. More detailed requirements for envelope commissioning, air barrier verification, documentation, field inspections, and testing are now in place. Under ASHRAE 90.1, envelope commissioning requirements apply alongside whole-building air leakage testing.
- There is no longer a performance pathway option under the IECC. Projects using IECC must pursue other available compliance options, while ASHRAE 90.1 continues to allow performance-based modeling. It is no longer a requirement to complete an envelope COMcheck when using performance-based modeling. Selecting the right pathway early can affect design flexibility, required systems, construction costs, and overall compliance.
Need Help with the Transition?
Contact ReVireo today to discuss how to reduce the cost, difficulty, and risk of compliance with the NYSECCC and NYCECC.
Residential Energy Services
Our residential energy code compliance services include energy modeling, design consulting, REScheck & permit pathway documentation, HVAC manual calculations, inspections, envelope (blower door) testing, and duct leakage testing. ReVireo can complete all energy code forms.
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Commercial Energy Services
Our commercial energy code compliance services include energy modeling, design consulting, COMcheck & permit pathway documentation, commissioning, and HVAC testing & balancing. ReVireo can complete all energy code forms.
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