Building Energy Code

Much of the information presented in this summary is drawn from the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Building Energy Codes Program and the Building Codes Assistance Project (BCAP). For more detailed information about building energy codes, visit the DOE and BCAP websites.

Mississippi's existing state code is based on the 1977 Model Code for Energy Conservation (MCEC). The existing law does not mandate enforcement by localities, and any revised code will probably require adoption by local jurisdictions. To adopt the code at the local level, the local government must adopt it through a vote of the city council or county commission. Compliance for state-owned buildings is verified by the Bureau of Building. Other buildings are subject to enforcement by local authorities.

On April 6, 2006, HB 1406 was signed by the governor. The bill provides that the counties of Jackson, Harrison, Hancock and Pearl River enforce, on an emergency basis, all the wind and flood mitigation requirements prescribed by the 2003 International Residential Code and the 2003 International Building Code. These counties, and any other county in the state of Mississippi, may then choose to adopt the full versions of these two codes which reference the 2003 IECC.

SB 1281 (July 2013) mandates that all new commercial building construction beginning after July 1, 2013 adheres to ASHRAE 90.1-2010 energy efficiency standards. The bill grants local governments the authority to enforce the law as they see fit.