Codes and Standards by U.S. Jurisdiction

Last Updated: January 5, 2024

Alabama

AGENCY: Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs

WEBSITE: https://adeca.alabama.gov/energycodes/

REQUIREMENTS:

Commercial Buildings (link to Code Section C402.3 of 2015 IECC)

  • Minimum 3-year aged solar reflectance of 0.55 and minimum 3-year aged thermal emittance of 0.75, or

  • Minimum 3-year aged solar reflectance index (SRI) of 64

Residential Buildings (link to Code Section R401.2.1 of 2015 IECC)

  • Residential buildings in the tropical zone at elevations below 2,400 feet (731.5 m) above sea level shall be deemed to comply with this chapter where the following conditions are met:
    • Low-sloped roofs must have a minimum aged solar reflectance of 0.55 and minimum aged thermal emittance of 0.75, or

    • Minimum aged solar reflectance index of 64, or

    • The roof/ceiling has insulation with an R-value of R-15 or greater (see code for further details)

Adopted 2015 IECC Amendments:

Arizona

AGENCY: City of Phoenix Department of Planning and Development

WEBSITE: https://www.phoenix.gov/pdd/devcode/buildingcode

REQUIREMENTS:

Commercial Buildings (link to Code Section C402.3 of 2018 IECC)

  • Minimum 3-year aged solar reflectance of 0.55 and minimum 3-year aged thermal emittance of 0.75, or

  • Minimum 3-year aged solar reflectance index of 64

Residential Buildings (link to Code Section R401.2.1 of 2018 IECC)

  • Residential buildings in the tropical zone at elevations below 2,400 feet (731.5 m) above sea level shall be deemed to comply with this chapter where the following conditions are met:
    • Low-sloped roofs must have a minimum aged solar reflectance of 0.55 and minimum aged thermal emittance of 0.75, or

    • Minimum aged solar reflectance index of 64, or

    • The roof/ceiling has insulation with an R-value of R-15 or greater (see code for further details)

Adopted 2018 IECC Amendments: https://www.phoenix.gov/pddsite/Documents/2018%20International%20Energy%20Conservation%20Code%20(IECC)%20Phoenix%20Amendments.pdf

AGENCY: City of Scottsdale Green Building Program

WEBSITE: https://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/green-building-program

REQUIREMENTS:

Commercial Buildings (link to Code Section amendments to C402.3 of 2021 IECC)

  • Section C402.3, Roof solar reflectance and thermal emittance, is amended to read as follows, with the exceptions and table remaining unchanged. C402.3 Roof solar reflectance and thermal emittance. Low-sloped roof surfaces over conditioned and unconditioned spaces in Climate Zones 0 through 3 shall comply with one or more of the options in Table C402.3:
    • Minimum 3-year aged solar reflectance of 0.55 and minimum 3-year aged thermal emittance of 0.75, or

    • Minimum 3-year aged solar reflectance index (SRI) of 64 over conditioned and non-conditioned spaces

Residential Buildings (link to amended Section R402.6 in 2021 IECC)

  • R402.6 Roof solar reflectance and thermal emittance. Where not prohibited by the city environmentally sensitive lands ordinance (ESLO), low-sloped roof surfaces over conditioned and unconditioned spaces in Climate Zones 0 through 3 shall comply with one or more of the options in Table R402.6.

    • Minimum 3-year aged solar reflectance of 0.55 and minimum 3-year aged thermal emittance of 0.75, or

    • Minimum 3-year aged solar reflectance index of 64

California

AGENCY: California Energy Commission

WEBSITE: https://www.energy.ca.gov/programs-and-topics/programs/building-energy-efficiency-standards/2022-building-energy-efficiency

REQUIREMENTS:

Mandatory Requirements (see Section 10-113)

  • Labeling Requirements.
    • Every roofing product installed in construction to take compliance credit or meet the prescriptive requirements for reflectance and emittance under Sections 140.1, 140.2, 140.3(a)1, 141.0(b)2B, 150.1(c)11, 150.2(b)1I or 150.2(b)2 shall have a clearly visible packaging label that lists the emittance and the initial and aged solar reflectance, or a CRRC Rapid Rating for solar reflectance, tested in accordance with CRRC-1. Packaging for liquid-applied roof coatings shall state the product meets the requirements specified in Section 110.8(i)4.
  • Certification Requirements.
    • Every roofing product installed in construction to take compliance credit or meet the prescriptive requirements for reflectance and emittance under Sections 140.1, 140.2, 140.3(a)1, 141.0(b)2B, 150.1(c)11, 150.2(b)1I or 150.2(b)2 shall be rated by CRRC or another supervisory entity approved by the Commission pursuant to Section 10-113(c).

Commercial Buildings - New Construction (see Section 140.3)

Commercial Buildings - Additions and Alterations (see Section 141.0)

Residential Buildings - Single Family New Construction (see Section 150.1(c)11)

Residential Buildings - Single Family Additions and Alterations (see Section 150.1(b))

Multifamily Buildings - New Construction (see Section 170.2)

Multifamily Buildings - Additions and Alterations (see Section 180)

AGENCY: City of Chula Vista

WEBSITE: https://chulavista.municipal.codes/CVMC/15.26

REQUIREMENTS:

Multifamily and Commercial Buildings (link to Code Section 15.26.050)

  • For steep slope roofs, install a roofing product rated by the Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC) with an aged solar reflectance of 0.25 or higher and thermal emittance of 0.75 or higher

For all other buildings and roof slopes, see California Building Energy Efficiency Standards (Title 24, Part 6)

AGENCY: City of Los Angeles Department of Building Safety

WEBSITE: https://www.ladbs.org/services/green-building-sustainability

REQUIREMENTS:

Nonresidential Buildings (link to Code Section 99.05.106.13)

  • Low-sloped roofs (≤ 2:12) must have a minimum 3-year aged solar reflectance of 0.68, minimum initial or 3-year aged thermal emittance of 0.85, or minimum 3-year aged SRI of 82

  • Steep-sloped roofs (> 2:12) must have a minimum 3-year aged solar reflectance of 0.28, minimum initial or 3-year aged thermal emittance of 0.85, or minimum 3-year aged SRI of 27

Residential Buildings (link to Code Section 99.04.106.5)

  • Low-rise buildings with low-sloped roofs must have a minimum 3-year aged solar reflectance of 0.65, minimum initial or 3-year aged thermal emittance of 0.85, or minimum 3-year aged SRI of 78

  • Low-rise buildings with steep-sloped roofs must have a minimum 3-year aged solar reflectance of 0.25, minimum initial or 3-year aged thermal emittance of 0.85, or minimum 3-year aged SRI of 20

  • High-rise buildings with low-sloped roofs must have a minimum 3-year aged solar reflectance of 0.65, minimum initial or 3-year aged thermal emittance of 0.75, or minimum 3-year aged SRI of 78

  • High-rise buildings with steep-sloped roofs must have a minimum 3-year aged solar reflectance of 0.25, minimum initial or 3-year aged thermal emittance of 0.75, or minimum 3-year aged SRI of 20

AGENCY: Los Angeles County Public Works

WEBSITE: https://pw.lacounty.gov/building-and-safety/general

REQUIREMENTS:

Nonresidential Buildings (link to Code Section 5.106.11.3)

  • Low-sloped roofs (≤ 2:12) must have a minimum 3-year aged solar reflectance of 0.68, minimum initial or 3-year aged thermal emittance of 0.85, or minimum SRI of 82

  • Steep-sloped roofs (> 2:12) must have a minimum 3-year aged solar reflectance of 0.28, minimum initial or 3-year aged thermal emittance of 0.85, or minimum SRI of 27

Residential Buildings (link to Code Section 4.106.6)

  • Low-rise buildings with low-sloped roofs must have a minimum 3-year aged solar reflectance of 0.65, minimum initial or 3-year aged thermal emittance of 0.85, or minimum SRI of 78

  • Low-rise buildings with steep-sloped roofs must have a minimum 3-year aged solar reflectance of 0.25, minimum initial or 3-year aged thermal emittance of 0.85, or minimum SRI of 20

  • High-rise buildings with low-sloped roofs must have a minimum 3-year aged solar reflectance of 0.65, minimum initial or 3-year aged thermal emittance of 0.75, or minimum SRI of 78

  • High-rise buildings with steep-sloped roofs must have a minimum 3-year aged solar reflectance of 0.25, minimum initial or 3-year aged thermal emittance of 0.75, or minimum SRI of 20

Canada

AGENCY: City of Toronto Department of Planning and Development

WEBSITE: https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/bylaws/law-home/bylaw-inquiries-and-services.htm

REQUIREMENTS:

Industrial Buildings (see Article II, Section 492-2 C.2)

  • In the case of an Industrial Building or a building addition to an Industrial Building, constructed after April 29, 2012, with a Gross Floor area of 2,000 square meters or greater, the provisions in Subsection A above shall not apply, but the building or addition shall include: [Amended 2011-02-08 by By-law 182-2011; amended 2011-12-01 by By-law 1381-2011]

    • A roof that uses Cool Roofing Materials [minimum SRI of 78] for 100% of the Available Roof Space

Colorado

AGENCY: Denver Department of Community Planning and Development & office of Climate Action, Sustainability, and Resiliency

WEBSITE: https://www.denvergov.org/Government/Agencies-Departments-Offices/Agencies-Departments-Offices-Directory/Community-Planning-and-Development/Plan-Review-Permits-and-Inspections/Commercial-and-Multifamily-Projects/Green-Buildings-Ordinance

REQUIREMENTS:

New and Existing Buildings (see Section 3.03)

  1. Roof covering materials shall contain a minimum solar reflectance in accordance with Table 1 for a new roof, roof replacement, or roof re-cover of new or existing buildings containing 25,000 square feet or greater of gross floor area. Roof covering materials shall meet at least one of the values identified in Table 1; materials do not have to meet all four values.

(b)(i) Where a roof recover or roof replacement project introduces a cool roof where none previously existed, the roof shall be demonstrated, or modified, to meet one of the following designs…(see Section 3.03(b)(i) for list)

See ordinance for exceptions

AGENCY: Manitou Springs Planning Department

WEBSITE: https://www.manitouspringsgov.com/227/_Planning-Department

REQUIREMENTS:

Commercial and Mixed-Use Buildings (see Code Section 18.03.2.5)

  • Low-sloped (≤ 2:12) roofs must have a minimum initial SRI of 82 and minimum aged SRI of 64

  • Steep-sloped (> 2:12) roofs must have a minimum initial SRI of 30 and minimum aged SRI of 32

Parking Structures (see Code Section 18.03.7.5)

  • Covered parking spaces must have a minimum SRI of 29 or be placed beneath finished living space

Florida

AGENCY: Florida Building Commission

WEBSITE: https://floridabuilding.org/bc/bc_default.aspx

REQUIREMENTS:

Commercial Buildings (link to Code Section C402.3 of 2023 Florida Building Code)

  • Low-sloped roofs directly above cooled conditioned spaces in Climate Zones 1, 2 and 3 shall comply with one or more of the options:
    • Minimum 3-year aged solar reflectance of 0.55 (0.63 for Climate Zone 1A) and minimum 3-year aged thermal emittance of 0.75, or

    • Minimum 3-year aged solar reflectance index of 64 (75 for Climate Zone 1A)

Residential Buildings (link to Code Section R401.2.1 of 2023 Florida Building Code)

  • Residential buildings in the tropical zone at elevations below 2,400 feet (731.5 m) above sea level shall be deemed to comply with this chapter where the following conditions are met:
    • Low-sloped roofs must have a minimum aged solar reflectance of 0.55 (0.63 for Climate Zone 1A) and minimum aged thermal emittance of 0.75, or

    • Minimum aged solar reflectance index of 64 (75 for Climate Zone 1A), or

    • The roof/ceiling has insulation with an R-value of R-15 or greater (see code for further details)

  • Installation criteria for homes claiming the cool roof option (link to Code Section R405.7.2 of 2023 Code)
    • The cool roof option may be claimed where the roof to be installed has a tested solar reflectance of greater than 4 percent when evaluated in accordance with ASTM methods E-903, C-1549, E-1918 or CRRC Method #1. Emittance values provided by the roofing manufacturer in accordance with ASTM C1371 shall be used when available. In cases where the appropriate data are not known, emittance shall be the same as the Standard Reference Design. Testing of a qualifying sample of the roofing material shall be performed by an approved independent laboratory with these results provided by the manufacturer.

AGENCY: Miami Beach Planning Department

WEBSITE: https://www.miamibeachfl.gov/city-hall/planning/

REQUIREMENTS:

Residential - Single Family New Construction and Roof Replacements

  • Sustainable roofing system means a solar roof, blue roof, white roof, cool roof, green roof, metal roof, or any other roofing system recognized by a green building certification agency that reduces heat island effect, allows for the reuse or retention of stormwater or reduces greenhouse gasses (link to Code Subpart B, Chapter 114, Section 114-1)

  • Roofs should consist of a sustainable roofing system, subject to the review and approval of the planning department; or

  • If a sustainable roofing system is not utilized, then the property owner/applicant shall be required to pay a "sustainable roof fee," in the amount set forth in appendix A to the city Code (link to Code Subpart B, Chapter 142, Article IV, Division 7, Section 142-875)

AGENCY: Miami-Dade County Department of Regulatory and Economic Resources

WEBSITE: https://www.miamidade.gov/global/economy/building/home.page

REQUIREMENTS:

Commercial Buildings (link to Code Section C402.3 of 2023 Florida Building Code)

  • Low-sloped roofs directly above cooled conditioned spaces in Climate Zones 1, 2 and 3 shall comply with one or more of the options:
    • Minimum 3-year aged solar reflectance of 0.55 (0.63 for Climate Zone 1A) and minimum 3-year aged thermal emittance of 0.75, or

    • Minimum 3-year aged solar reflectance index of 64 (75 for Climate Zone 1A)

Residential Buildings (link to Code Section R401.2.1 of 2023 Florida Building Code)

  • Residential buildings in the tropical zone at elevations below 2,400 feet (731.5 m) above sea level shall be deemed to comply with this chapter where the following conditions are met:
    • Low-sloped roofs must have a minimum aged solar reflectance of 0.55 (0.63 for Climate Zone 1A) and minimum aged thermal emittance of 0.75, or

    • Minimum aged solar reflectance index of 64 (75 for Climate Zone 1A), or

    • The roof/ceiling has insulation with an R-value of R-15 or greater (see code for further details)

  • Installation criteria for homes claiming the cool roof option (link to Code Section R405.7.2 of 2023 Code)
    • The cool roof option may be claimed where the roof to be installed has a tested solar reflectance of greater than 4 percent when evaluated in accordance with ASTM methods E-903, C-1549, E-1918 or CRRC Method #1. Emittance values provided by the roofing manufacturer in accordance with ASTM C1371 shall be used when available. In cases where the appropriate data are not known, emittance shall be the same as the Standard Reference Design. Testing of a qualifying sample of the roofing material shall be performed by an approved independent laboratory with these results provided by the manufacturer.

Georgia

AGENCY: Georgia Department of Community Affairs

WEBSITE: https://www.dca.ga.gov/node/5689

REQUIREMENTS:

Commercial Buildings (link to Code Section C402.3 of 2015 IECC)

  • Minimum 3-year aged solar reflectance of 0.55 and minimum 3-year aged thermal emittance of 0.75, or

  • Minimum 3-year aged solar reflectance index (SRI) of 64

Residential Buildings

  • R401.2 Compliance. Projects shall comply with all provisions of Chapter 4 labeled “Mandatory” and one of the following: 1. Sections R401 through R404. 2. Section R405. 3. Section R406. 4. The most recent version of REScheck, keyed to the 2015 IECC (see Section R401.2 of Code Amendments)

  • Residential buildings in the tropical zone at elevations below 2,400 feet (731.5 m) above sea level shall be deemed to comply with this chapter where the following conditions are met (link to Code Section R401.2.1 of 2015 IECC):
    • Low-sloped roofs must have a minimum 3-year aged solar reflectance of 0.55 and minimum 3-year aged thermal emittance of 0.75, or

    • Minimum 3-year aged solar reflectance index of 64, or

    • The roof/ceiling has insulation with an R-value of R-15 or greater (see code for further details)

Adopted 2015 IECC Amendments: https://www.dca.ga.gov/sites/default/files/iecc2020_gaamendments_revised03082018.pdf

AGENCY: City of Atlanta Department of City Planning

WEBSITE: https://www.atlantaga.gov/government/departments/city-planning

REQUIREMENTS:

Commercial Buildings (see Part III Land Development Ordinance - Part 16 Zoning, Chapter 26-18p, Sec. 16-18 (Midtown District) and Section 16-18Q (Piedmont Avenue District))

  • All building and structural roofs shall be constructed of a heat-reflective material to achieve a minimum initial Solar SRI of 78 for a low-sloped roof (less than or equal to 2:12) and a minimum initial SRI of 29 for a steep-sloped roof (more than 2:12) except for those portions of roofing designated for vegetation.

Residential Buildings (see Part III Land Development Ordinance - Part 16 Zoning, Chapter 26-18p, Sec. 16-18 (Midtown District) and Section 16-18Q (Piedmont Avenue District))

  • All building and structural roofs shall be constructed of a heat-reflective material to achieve a minimum initial Solar SRI of 78 for a low-sloped roof (less than or equal to 2:12) and a minimum initial SRI of 29 for a steep-sloped roof (more than 2:12) except for those portions of roofing designated for vegetation.

Hawaii

AGENCY: Hawaii State Energy Office

WEBSITE: https://energy.hawaii.gov/

REQUIREMENTS:

Commercial Buildings (Roofs)

  • Low-sloped roofs must have a minimum 3-year aged solar reflectance of 0.55 and minimum 3-year aged thermal emittance of 0.75, or minimum 3-year aged SRI of 0.64 (see Section C402.3)

  • Roof replacement shall comply with Section C402.1.3, C402.1.4, C402.1.5 or C407 where the existing roof assembly is part of the building thermal envelope and contains insulation entirely above the roof deck. Replacement of uninsulated roofs shall include either initial reflectance ≥ 85% and aged reflectance ≥ 63% or at least one of the following:

    • EnergyStar compliant covering,

    • Radiant barrier, or

    • Attic ventilation via solar fan(s), ridge ventilation or gable vents

    • One or more exceptions in Section C402.3
      See adopted amendments to 2018 IECC

Commercial Buildings (Exterior Walls)

  • The minimum thermal resistance (R-value) of materials installed in the wall cavity between framing members and continuously on the walls shall be as specified in Table C402.1.3, based on framing type and construction materials used in the wall assembly.
    Exceptions: Continuous insulation for above grade walls and mass walls are not required when one of the following conditions are met:

    • Walls have a covering with a reflectance of ≥ 0.64; or

    • Walls have overhangs with a projection factor equal to or greater than 0.3. The projection factor is the horizontal distance from the surface of the wall to the farthest most point of the overhang divided by the vertical distance from the first-floor level to the bottom most point of the overhang

    • Concrete, CMU and similar mass walls are 6 inches or greater in thickness
      See Section C402.2.2 (page 4) of adopted amendments to 2018 IECC

Residential Buildings (Roofs)

  • Residential buildings in the tropical zone at elevations below 2,400 feet (731.5 m) above sea level shall be deemed to comply with this chapter where the following conditions are met:
    • Minimum 3-year aged solar reflectance of 0.55 and minimum 3-year aged thermal emittance of 0.75, or minimum 3-year aged solar reflectance index (SRI) of 64,

    • And the roof/ceiling has insulation with an R-value of R-13 or greater
      See adopted amendments to 2018 IECC

Residential Buildings (Exterior Walls)

  • IECC Table R402.1.2 is amended to read as follows: Climate Zone 1, Mass Wall R-Value: ¾ or NRj.
    j Exception: R-value for mass walls are not required if mass walls meet one of the following requirements:

AGENCY: City and County of Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting

WEBSITE: https://www.honolulu.gov/dpp.html

REQUIREMENTS:

Commercial Buildings (Roofs)

  • Low-sloped roofs must have a minimum aged solar reflectance of 0.55 and minimum aged thermal emittance of 0.75, or minimum aged SRI of 0.64 (see Section C402.3)

  • Roof replacement shall comply with Section C402.1.3, C402.1.4, C402.1.5 or C407 where the existing roof assembly is part of the building thermal envelope and contains insulation entirely above the roof deck. Replacement of uninsulated roofs shall include either initial reflectance ≥ 85% and aged reflectance ≥ 63% or at least one of the following:

Commercial Buildings (Exterior Walls)

  • The minimum thermal resistance (R-value) of materials installed in the wall cavity between framing members and continuously on the walls shall be as specified in Table C402.1.3, based on framing type and construction materials used in the wall assembly.
    Exceptions: Continuous insulation for above grade walls and mass walls are not required when one of the following conditions are met:

    • Walls have a covering with a reflectance of ≥ 0.64; or

    • Walls have overhangs with a projection factor equal to or greater than 0.3. The projection factor is the horizontal distance from the surface of the wall to the farthest most point of the overhang divided by the vertical distance from the first-floor level to the bottom most point of the overhang.

    • Concrete, CMU and similar mass walls are 6 inches or greater in thickness
      See page 8 of Ordinance 23-25 (Bill 23-4)

Residential Buildings (Roofs)

  • Buildings shall comply with the following requirements, except where a requirement is preempted by a variance…These measures shall be treated as mandatory, and no credit shall be taken for the measures in the compliance path selected for compliance with Section R401.2:
    • Roofs, based on slope, shall meet either an initial or three-year aged solar reflectance index (SRI) value in accordance with Table R401.3.1.4

Residential Buildings (Exterior Walls)

  • Buildings shall comply with the following requirements, except where a requirement is preempted by a variance…These measures shall be treated as mandatory, and no credit shall be taken for the measures in the compliance path selected for compliance with Section R401.2:

Illinois

AGENCY: Chicago Buildings Department

WEBSITE: https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/bldgs/provdrs/bldg_code/svcs/chicago_buildingcodeonline.html

REQUIREMENTS:

Commercial Buildings (see Code Section C402.3 of Chicago Energy Transformation Code, which directs users to Code Section 1515.2 of Chicago Building Code)

  • Low-sloped roofs must have a minimum initial solar reflectance of 0.72 and minimum three-year installed reflectance of 0.50

  • Steep-sloped roofs must have a minimum initial solar reflectance of 0.15 or greater

Residential Buildings (see Code Section R607 of Energy Code, which refers users to Code Section 1515.2 of Chicago Building Code)

  • Low-sloped roofs must have a minimum initial solar reflectance of 0.72 and minimum three-year installed reflectance of 0.50

  • Steep-sloped roofs must have a minimum initial solar reflectance of 0.15 or greater

Nevada

AGENCY: Boulder City Community Development Department

WEBSITE: https://www.bcnv.org/156/Commu...

REQUIREMENTS:

Commercial Buildings (link to Code Section C402.3 of 2018 IECC)

  • Minimum 3-year aged solar reflectance of 0.55 and minimum 3-year aged thermal emittance of 0.75, or

  • Minimum aged solar reflectance index (SRI) of 64

Residential Buildings (link to Code Section R401.2.1 of 2018 IECC)

  • Minimum 3-year aged solar reflectance of 0.55 and minimum 3-year aged thermal emittance of 0.75, or

  • Minimum aged solar reflectance index (SRI) of 64), or

  • The roof/ceiling has insulation with an R-value of R-15 or greater (see code for further details)

Building Code Adoption Notice: https://www.bcnv.org/DocumentCenter/View/8363/Building-Code-Adoption_August-27-2020?bidId=

AGENCY: Clark County Building Department

WEBSITE: https://www.clarkcountynv.gov/government/departments/building___fire_prevention/index.php

REQUIREMENTS:

Commercial Buildings (link to Code Section C402.3 of 2018 IECC)

  • Minimum 3-year aged solar reflectance of 0.55 and minimum 3-year aged thermal emittance of 0.75, or

  • Minimum aged solar reflectance index (SRI) of 64

Residential Buildings (link to Code Section R401.2.1 of 2018 IECC)

  • Minimum 3-year aged solar reflectance of 0.55 and minimum 3-year aged thermal emittance of 0.75, or

  • Minimum aged solar reflectance index (SRI) of 64), or

  • The roof/ceiling has insulation with an R-value of R-15 or greater

Adopted 2018 IECC amendments: https://files.clarkcountynv.gov/clarkcounty/Building%20&%20Fire%20Prevention/Codes/2018%20International%20Energy%20Conservation%20Code.pdf

AGENCY: Henderson Department of Building and Safety

WEBSITE: https://www.cityofhenderson.com/government/departments/building-and-fire-safety/building-codes/international-energy-conservation-code

REQUIREMENTS:

Commercial Buildings (link to Code Section C402.3 of 2018 IECC)

  • Minimum 3-year aged solar reflectance of 0.55 and minimum 3-year aged thermal emittance of 0.75, or

  • Minimum aged solar reflectance index (SRI) of 64

Residential Buildings (link to Code Section R401.2.1 of 2018 IECC)

  • Minimum 3-year aged solar reflectance of 0.55 and minimum 3-year aged thermal emittance of 0.75, or

  • Minimum aged solar reflectance index (SRI) of 64), or

  • The roof/ceiling has insulation with an R-value of R-15 or greater (see code for further details)

AGENCY: City of Las Vegas Planning & Zoning and Building & Safety

WEBSITE: https://www.lasvegasnevada.gov/Business/Planning-Zoning/Building-Safety/Building-Safety-Resources

REQUIREMENTS:

Commercial Buildings (link to Code Section C402.3 of 2018 IECC)

  • Minimum 3-year aged solar reflectance of 0.55 and minimum 3-year aged thermal emittance of 0.75, or

  • Minimum aged solar reflectance index (SRI) of 64

Residential Buildings (link to Code Section R401.2.1 of 2018 IECC)

  • Minimum 3-year aged solar reflectance of 0.55 and minimum 3-year aged thermal emittance of 0.75, or

  • Minimum aged solar reflectance index (SRI) of 64), or

  • The roof/ceiling has insulation with an R-value of R-15 or greater

AGENCY: City of North Las Vegas Building Safety Division

WEBSITE: https://www.cityofnorthlasvegas.com/business/development-services/current-adopted-codes-and-ordinances

REQUIREMENTS:

Commercial Buildings (link to Code Section C402.3 of 2018 IECC)

  • Minimum 3-year aged solar reflectance of 0.55 and minimum 3-year aged thermal emittance of 0.75, or

  • Minimum aged solar reflectance index (SRI) of 64

Residential Buildings (link to Code Section R401.2.1 of 2018 IECC)

  • Minimum 3-year aged solar reflectance of 0.55 and minimum 3-year aged thermal emittance of 0.75, or

  • Minimum aged solar reflectance index (SRI) of 64), or

  • The roof/ceiling has insulation with an R-value of R-15 or greater (see code for further details)

New Mexico

AGENCY: New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department

WEBSITE: https://www.emnrd.nm.gov/ecmd/energy-code-for-buildings/

REQUIREMENTS:

Commercial Buildings (link to Code Section C402.3 of 2018 IECC)

  • Minimum 3-year aged solar reflectance of 0.55 and minimum 3-year aged thermal emittance of 0.75, or

  • Minimum aged solar reflectance index (SRI) of 64

Residential Buildings (link to Code Section R401.2.1 of 2018 IECC)

  • Minimum 3-year aged solar reflectance of 0.55 and minimum 3-year aged thermal emittance of 0.75, or

  • Minimum aged solar reflectance index (SRI) of 64), or

  • The roof/ceiling has insulation with an R-value of R-15 or greater

New York

AGENCY: NYC Buildings

WEBSITE: https://www.nyc.gov/site/buildings/codes/nyc-code.page

REQUIREMENTS:

Commercial Buildings

Residential Buildings

Texas

AGENCY: Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation

WEBSITE: https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/ihb/codes.htm

REQUIREMENTS:

Commercial Buildings (link to Code Section C402.3 of 2015 IECC)

  • Minimum 3-year aged solar reflectance of 0.55 and minimum 3-year aged thermal emittance of 0.75, or

  • Minimum aged solar reflectance index (SRI) of 64

Residential Buildings (link to Code Section R401.2.1 of 2015 IECC)

  • Minimum 3-year aged solar reflectance of 0.55 and minimum 3-year aged thermal emittance of 0.75, or

  • Minimum aged solar reflectance index (SRI) of 64), or

  • The roof/ceiling has insulation with an R-value of R-15 or greater (see code for further details)

Adopted 2015 IECC Amendments: https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/ihb/pdf/2017%20IHB%20Mandatory%20Building%20Code%20Amendments.pdf

AGENCY: Austin Development Services Department

WEBSITE: https://www.austintexas.gov/page/building-technical-codes

REQUIREMENTS:

Low-Rise Nonresidential Buildings (see Section 25-12-261, C402.3 of Article 12 - Energy Code)

  • Low-sloped roofs ( ≤ 2:12) must have a minimum aged solar reflectance of 0.55 and minimum aged thermal emittance of 0.75, or minimum aged SRI of 64

  • Steep-sloped roofs ( > 2:12) must have a minimum solar reflectance of 0.35 or a minimum initial SRI of 29

Low-Rise Residential Buildings (see Section 25-12-261, 5.4.4 of Article 12 - Energy Code)

  • Low-sloped roofs must have a minimum 3-year aged solar reflectance of 0.55 and minimum 3-year aged thermal emittance of 0.75, or
    • Minimum aged SRI of 64), or

    • The roof/ceiling has insulation with an R-value of R-15 or greater

  • Steep-sloped roofs must have a minimum solar reflectance of 0.35 or a minimum initial SRI of 29

AGENCY: Plan Review & Field Service Inspections

WEBSITE: https://dallascityhall.com/departments/sustainabledevelopment/buildinginspection/Pages/construction_codes.aspx

REQUIREMENTS:

Commercial Buildings (link to Code Section to C402.3 of 2021 IECC)

  • Low-sloped roofs directly above cooled conditioned spaces in Climate Zones 0 through 3 shall comply with one or more of the options:
    • Minimum 3-year aged solar reflectance of 0.55 and minimum 3-year aged thermal emittance of 0.75, or

    • Minimum 3-year aged solar reflectance index of 64

Residential Buildings (link to Section R407.2 in 2021 IECC)

  • Low-sloped roofs must have a minimum aged solar reflectance of 0.55 and minimum aged thermal emittance of 0.75, or
    • Minimum aged solar reflectance index of 64, or

    • The roof/ceiling has insulation with an R-value of R-15 or greater (see code for further details)

Adopted 2021 IECC Amendments: https://dallascityhall.com/departments/sustainabledevelopment/buildinginspection/DCH%20documents/pdf/code_amendments/2021_codes/23-0472.pdf

AGENCY: Houston Planning and Development Department

WEBSITE: https://www.houstontx.gov/codes/

REQUIREMENTS:

Commercial Buildings (link to Code Section C402.3 of 2015 IECC)

  • Minimum 3-year aged solar reflectance of 0.55 and minimum 3-year aged thermal emittance of 0.75, or

  • Minimum 3-year aged solar reflectance index (SRI) of 64

Residential Buildings (link to Code Section R401.2.1 of 2015 IECC)

  • Minimum 3-year aged solar reflectance of 0.55 and minimum 3-year aged thermal emittance of 0.75, or

  • Minimum 3-year aged solar reflectance index (SRI) of 64), or

  • The roof/ceiling has insulation with an R-value of R-15 or greater (see code for further details)

Adopted 2015 IECC Amendments: https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&cx=007462047559130269396:kh5jk-orvlw&q=https://www.houstonpermittingcenter.org/media/1986/download&sa=U&ved=2ahUKEwjkobu1msyCAxV5CTQIHa9EDOEQFnoECAMQAQ&usg=AOvVaw1DLTCylPheDM1TSWXAgn

2021 IECC Amendments (Pending Adoption): https://www.houstonpermittingcenter.org/media/7466/download?inline

AGENCY: Department of Development Services

WEBSITE: https://www.sa.gov/Directory/Departments/DSD/Codes-Ordinances

REQUIREMENTS:

Commercial Buildings (see Section 10-92 Amendments in Ordinance 2022-11-10-0875)

  • Low-sloped roofs ( ≤ 2:12) directly above cooled conditioned spaces in Climate Zones 0 through 3 shall comply with one or more of the options in Table C402.3 (link to 2021 IECC Section C402.3)
    • A minimum 3-year aged solar reflectance of 0.55 and minimum 3-year aged thermal emittance of 0.75, or

    • A minimum 3-year aged SRI of 64, or

    • The roof/ceiling has insulation with an R-value of R-15 or greater (see code for further details)

  • Steep-sloped roofs ( > 2:12) directly above cooled conditioned spaces shall have a minimum reflectance of 0.35 or a minimum Solar Reflectance Index of 29

Residential Buildings ((see Section 10-92 Amendments in Ordinance 2022-11-10-0875 and link to Section R407.2 in 2021 IECC for reference to Section C402.3)

  • Low-sloped roofs ( ≤ 2:12) directly above cooled conditioned spaces shall have a minimum 3-year aged solar reflectance of 0.55 and minimum 3-year aged thermal emittance of 0.75, or a minimum aged solar reflectance index of 64, or the roof/ceiling has insulation with an R-value of R-15 or greater (see code for further details)

  • Steep-sloped roofs ( > 2:12) directly above cooled conditioned spaces shall have a minimum reflectance of 0.35 or a minimum Solar Reflectance Index of 29

Adopted 2021 IECC Amendments: https://docsonline.sanantonio.gov/DSDUploads/Ordinance2022-11-10-0875Chapter10.pdf

Washington, DC (District of Columbia)

AGENCY: District of Columbia Department of Consumer and Regulatory

Affairs (DCRA)

WEBSITE: https://dcratransition.dc.gov/

REQUIREMENTS:

Commercial Buildings (see Section 5.5.3.1.1 of 2017 DC Energy Conservation Code)

  • Roofs in Climate Zone 4 shall have one of the following:

    • A minimum three-year-aged solar reflectance of 0.55 and a minimum three-year-aged thermal emittance of 0.75 when tested in accordance with CRRC-1 Standard (ANSI/CRRC S100), or

    • For low-sloped roofs ( ≤ 2:12), a minimum initial Solar Reflectance Index of 82 and for steep-sloped roofs ( > 2:12) a minimum initial Solar Reflectance Index of 39, when determined in accordance with the Solar Reflectance Index method in ASTM E1980 using a convection coefficient of 2.1 Btu/h·ft2 ·°F, based on three-year-aged solar reflectance and three-year-aged thermal emittance tested in accordance with CRRC-1 Standard

The values for three-year-aged solar reflectance and three year-aged thermal emittance shall be determined by a laboratory accredited by a nationally recognized accreditation organization and shall be labeled and certified by the manufacturer.

High-Rise Residential Buildings (see Section 5.5.3.1.1 of 2017 DC Energy Conservation Code)

  • Roofs in Climate Zone 4 shall have one of the following:

    • A minimum three-year-aged solar reflectance of 0.55 and a minimum three-year-aged thermal emittance of 0.75 when tested in accordance with CRRC-1 Standard (ANSI/CRRC S100), or

    • For low-sloped roofs ( ≤ 2:12), a minimum initial Solar Reflectance Index of 82 and for steep-sloped roofs ( > 2:12) a minimum initial Solar Reflectance Index of 39, when determined in accordance with the Solar Reflectance Index method in ASTM E1980 using a convection coefficient of 2.1 Btu/h·ft2 ·°F, based on three-year-aged solar reflectance and three-year-aged thermal emittance tested in accordance with CRRC-1 Standard

The values for three-year-aged solar reflectance and three year-aged thermal emittance shall be determined by a laboratory accredited by a nationally recognized accreditation organization and shall be labeled and certified by the manufacturer.

Adopted ASHRAE 90.1-2013 and 2015 IECC Amendments: https://dob.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/dob/publication/attachments/2017%20DC%20Energy%20Code.pdf

Cool Roof Model Codes & Standards

Last Updated: November 21, 2023

CODE / STANDARD

TITLE

EDITION

DESCRIPTION

WEBSITE

ASHRAE Standard 90.1

Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings (I-P Edition)

2022

This model code provides the minimum requirements for energy-efficient design of most buildings, except low-rise residential buildings. The code becomes mandatory once it is adopted by a jurisdiction. Roofs are required to meet minimum three-year-aged solar reflectance and thermal emittance values. Section 5.5.3.1.4 contains cool roof requirements.

ASHRAE

ASHRAE Standard 90.2

Energy-Efficient Design of Low-Rise Residential Buildings

2018

This model code establishes minimum whole-building energy performance requirements for energy-efficient residential buildings. The code becomes mandatory once it is adopted by a jurisdiction. Roofs are required to meet minimum three-year-aged solar reflectance and thermal emittance values.

ASHRAE

CALGreen

California Green Building Standards Code (Title 24, Part 11)

2022

California's Green Building Standards Code. The code becomes mandatory once it is adopted by a jurisdiction. There are voluntary cool roof provisions in Sections A4.106.5 (Residential) and A5.106.11.2, A5.601.2.4 & A5.601.3.4 (Nonresidential).

CALGreen

IECC

International Energy Conservation Code

2021

This model code regulates the minimum energy conservation and efficiency requirements for new buildings. Section C402 contains cool roof requirements for low-sloped buildings in climates zones 0-3. Section. Section R401 contains cool roof requirements for Tropical Climate Regions.

ICC - International Code Council

IgCC

International Green Conservation Code

2021

This model code takes a whole system approach to the design, construction and operation of buildings that result in better indoor environments and lower impact on natural resources. The code becomes mandatory once it is adopted by a jurisdiction. Roofs are required to meet minimum three-year-aged solar reflectance and thermal emittance values (see Section 501.3.5.3 & 501.3.5.4).

ICC - International Code Council

RESNET 301

Standard for the Calculation and Labeling of the Energy Performance of Low-Rising Residential Buildings using the HERS Index

2022

This standard provides a consistent, uniform methodology for evaluating and labeling the energy performance of Dwelling Units and Sleeping Units, including all detached and attached housing types. Requires compliance with minimum solar absorptance and thermal emittance values (see Table 4.2.2(1)).

RESNET

Cool Exterior Wall Model Codes & Standards

Last Updated November 21, 2023

CODE / STANDARD

TITLE

EDITION

DESCRIPTION

WEBSITE

ASHRAE Standard 90.1

Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings (I-P Edition)

Addendum S

2022

This model code provides the minimum requirements for energy-efficient design of most buildings, except low-rise residential buildings. The code becomes mandatory once it is adopted by a jurisdiction. Wall requirements are located in Section 5.5.3.2 (Above-Grade Wall Insulation). The 2022 edition offers a compliance credit for the installation of highly-reflective wall materials in all climate zones above 0 (see Table G3.1).

ASHRAE

CALGreen

California Green Building Standards Code (Title 24, Part 11)

2022

California's Green Building Standards Code. The code becomes mandatory once it is adopted by a jurisdiction. Voluntary wall provisions for nonresidential buildings are located in Section A5.106.7.2.

CALGreen

IgCC

International Green Conservation Code

2021

This model code takes a whole system approach to the design, construction and operation of buildings that result in better indoor environments and lower impact on natural resources. The code becomes mandatory once it is adopted by a jurisdiction. Wall requirements are located in Section 501.3.5.2 (5.3.5.2).

ICC - International Code Council

National

National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)

National Green Building Standard; ICC 700; 2020

Voluntary standard for green building design and construction. There are reflective wall requirements in Section 701.1.6.

NAHB

RESNET 301

Standard for the Calculation and Labeling of the Energy Performance of Low-Rising Residential Buildings using the HERS Index

2022

This standard provides a consistent, uniform methodology for evaluating and labeling the energy performance of Dwelling Units and Sleeping Units, including all detached and attached housing types. Requires compliance with minimum solar absorptance and thermal emittance values for above-grade walls. Wall requirements are located in Sections 4.2.2 and 4.3.1.

RESNET

Cool Roof Voluntary Programs

Last Updated November 21, 2023

LOCATION

AGENCY

PROGRAM OR STANDARD

DESCRIPTION

WEBSITE

United States and Canada

Green Building Initiative

Green Globes Assessment Protocol for Commercial Buildings; ANSI/GBI 01; 2021

Green Globes is an online assessment protocol, rating system, and guidance for green building design, operation and management. There are cool roof provisions in Section 7.3.4 (Mitigating Heat Island Effect).

Green Globes

International

US Green Building Council (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)

Site Sustainability - Heat Island Reduction; Version 4.1

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is the U.S. Green Building Council's (USGBC) voluntary green building certification system. It is a third-party green building certification program and the globally recognized standard for the design, construction and operation of high-performance green buildings and neighborhoods. There is a heat island mitigation compliance credit for the installation of a cool roof based on minimum solar reflectance, thermal emittance, and SRI values. The following rating systems award up to 2 points for heat island reduction under the Sustainable Sites Credit: Building Design and Construction (BD+C); Building Operations and Maintenance (O+M); Neighborhood Development (ND) (LEED Version 4.0 2018); and Residential (Single Family and Multifamily).

USGBC

US Southeast

EarthCraft

EarthCraft House Technical Guidelines (2020)

The EarthCraft House Technical Guidelines apply to all new construction and gut rehab projects in the EarthCraft House program, including single-family homes, duplexes, and townhomes. CMFRT 2 includes cool roof requirements.

EarthCraft

Washington

Washington, State of

Evergreen Sustainable Development Standard, Version 4.0

Evergreen Sustainable Development Standard (ESDS). Section 6.04a has cool roof provisions for the heat island reduction credit.

ESDS

Cool Exterior Wall Voluntary Programs

Last Updated November 21, 2023

LOCATION

AGENCY

PROGRAM OR STANDARD

DESCRIPTION

WEBSITE

United States and Canada

Green Building Initiative

Green Globes Assessment Protocol for Commercial Buildings; ANSI/GBI 01; 2021

Green Globes is an online assessment protocol, rating system, and guidance for green building design, operation and management. It is interactive, flexible and affordable, and provides market recognition of a building’s environmental attributes through third-party assessment. There are reflective wall requirements in Section 7.3.4.3.

Green Globes

National

Green Seal Standard for Paints, Coatings, Stains, and Sealers (GS-11-2021)

2021

The Green Seal Standard (GS-11-2021) establishes environmental, health, and performance requirements for certain field-applied architectural coatings that are intended to be applied on-site. Section 2.7 specifies minimum solar reflectance and thermal emittance values for elastomeric wall coatings.

Green Seal

International

US Green Building Council (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)

Site Sustainability - Heat Island Mitigation with Cool Walls Pilot Credit

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is the U.S. Green Building Council's (USGBC) voluntary green building certification system. The USGBC published a LEED v4.1 Heat Island Mitigation pilot credit for solar reflective walls on April 9, 2021. The intent of the credit is to reduce the urban heat island (UHI) effect through the use of cool exterior wall products.

The credit is worth one possible point under the Heat Island Reduction Sustainable Sites Credit for the Building Design and Construction (BD+C) rating system. To achieve the credit, at least 60% of the building’s gross exterior wall area (including vertical fenestration) must be surfaced with a wall material that has a solar reflectance of at least 0.60 and thermal emittance of at least 0.75

USGBC