As a part of the changes to the new code language, Chicago has made additions to the model code (2021 International Energy Conservation Code) to help create an energy transformation code, with the intent to drive more than just energy efficiency within buildings, but to also address future developments and technology, encouraging the use of green or clean energy.
Four major additions to the model code were added as a part of the 2022 Chicago Energy Transformation Code (2022 CETC). Note that these sections are the requirements for all buildings that are not defined in the code as residential buildings (Group R-2, R-3, R-4, and R-5 occupancies with no more than four stories above grade plane.). Note that residential buildings are provided with similar requirements with some minor differences.
- Section 603 - Solar-Ready Roofs
This section requires solar-ready zones to be provided on buildings with low-slope roofs that have a height of 60’-0” or less. Five exceptions are noted that allow a building to not provide a solar-ready zone.
- A building with a permanently installed, on-site renewable energy system.
- A roof that will be shaded by existing structures or existing vegetation for more than 50 percent of daylight hours annually, as certified by a registered design professional based on calculations.
- A roof where the incident solar radiation is available is not feasible for a solar photovoltaic or solar thermal system, as certified by a registered design professional based on analysis.
- A roof where a registered design professional certifies that the solar-ready zone area required by Section C603.4 cannot be met because of extensive rooftop equipment, skylights, occupiable rooftop areas, vegetative roof areas or similar obstructions.
- Group H occupancies. Some other additions to the code included a section to refer to the building code for the roof reflectance requirements in the building code, as well as the electric vehicle parking/supply requirements in the zoning code.
Please feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions about what is required by the energy transformation code, or if you have any other questions about the building code.
- The solar-ready zone is required to be not less than 40% of the available roof area of the building. Within this zone, the structure must meet a collateral 5 lb per sq. ft. dead lead for the future installation of solar panels. The available area is defined as the horizontally projected gross roof area, with the areas occupied by skylights, rooftop parking, occupied areas, and vegetated roof areas. Additionally, a pathway or route must be shown from the solar-ready zone to the electrical service panel and energy storage system-ready area or service water heating system. The energy storage system ready area is a minimum 2 ft. by 4 ft. area that must be noted on the plans for the future installation of an energy storage system. The main electrical breaker must have space reserved for future solar installation. These spaces shall be labeled “For Future Solar Electric and Storage.” The reserved spaces must be positioned at the end of the panel that is opposite from the panel supply conductor connection. All of these items must be clearly noted on the permit documents.
- Section C604 Electrification-Ready Residences. In new construction or changes of use in existing buildings to residential buildings, if natural gas equipment is being provided for each dwelling unit, electrical connections, including wiring and outlets, as well as dedicated breakers on the panels for the units, must be installed at the time of construction for all cooking devices (stoves and ovens), clothes dryers, and water heaters. The circuits must be sized and included in the load calculations for the building at the time of construction.
- C605 Exterior Balconies and Parapets. In all new construction projects, all balconies or parapets that interrupt the building thermal envelope must be either provided with continuous insulation fully encapsulating the balcony with an R-value matching what is required in the adjacent wall assembly as listed in Table C402.1.3 or an R-3 thermal break where the element penetrates the building thermal envelope. Note that an exception is provided for penetrations that are less than 1 sq. ft. in area.
- C606 Gas Lighting Prohibited. No new permanent fuel gas-powered lighting appliances are permitted to be installed.
Some other additions to the code included a section to refer to the building code for the roof reflectance requirements in the building code, as well as the electric vehicle parking/supply requirements in the zoning code.
Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions about what is required by the energy transformation code, or if you have any other questions about the building code.