What does Energy code (IECC) cover?

The building thermal envelope, including insulation levels and continuity of the air barrier; Fenestration and doors, where glazing and frames break the envelope; Duct sealing and insulation where distribution runs through unconditioned space; Mechanical provisions such as equipment controls and pipe insulation; Interior and exterior lighting provisions and their controls; The commissioning and documentation the code expects to accompany the work.

What does a field inspection against Energy code (IECC) look at?

Insulation and air barrier photographed at rough-in before drywall, with gaps, compression and penetrations shown while they can still be corrected. Fenestration documented as installed, capturing the label on the unit rather than a spec sheet from the submittal. Duct sealing photographed at the joints in unconditioned space, and insulation shown continuous over the run. Mechanical controls and pipe insulation captured in place, not carried over from a prior job's photos. Lighting controls demonstrated working on the walk, since the adopted edition and its stringency are the authority having jurisdiction's call.

Which checklists verify work against Energy code (IECC)?

4 free checklists in the RTI library reference this family. Each is listed on this page with the photo evidence every item needs before it can be submitted.

International Code Council

Energy code (IECC)

The International Energy Conservation Code governs how a building holds the energy it is conditioned with: the insulation and air barrier that make up the thermal envelope, the windows and doors set into it, and the ducts, mechanical systems and lighting that move and use that energy. On site it is a rough-in code as much as a final one, because most of what it governs disappears behind finishes.

Adoption varies by jurisdiction. Confirm the edition your authority having jurisdiction enforces before you run a walk against it.

What it covers

The building thermal envelope, including insulation levels and continuity of the air barrier
Fenestration and doors, where glazing and frames break the envelope
Duct sealing and insulation where distribution runs through unconditioned space
Mechanical provisions such as equipment controls and pipe insulation
Interior and exterior lighting provisions and their controls
The commissioning and documentation the code expects to accompany the work

What the evidence looks like

Insulation and air barrier photographed at rough-in before drywall, with gaps, compression and penetrations shown while they can still be corrected.
Fenestration documented as installed, capturing the label on the unit rather than a spec sheet from the submittal.
Duct sealing photographed at the joints in unconditioned space, and insulation shown continuous over the run.
Mechanical controls and pipe insulation captured in place, not carried over from a prior job's photos.
Lighting controls demonstrated working on the walk, since the adopted edition and its stringency are the authority having jurisdiction's call.

Checklists that verify work against Energy code (IECC)

4 free checklists, each with the photo every item needs before it can be submitted.

Insulation Rough-in· InsulationInsulation rough-in inspection checklistCavity fill, R-value and gaps checked while every stud bay is still open7 items12 photos Insulation Pre-cover· InsulationInsulation pre-cover inspection checklistThe hold-point walk before drywall buries the envelope4 items8 photos Insulation Final· InsulationInsulation final inspection checklistFinished-envelope checks: access points, attic depth and exposed edges4 items5 photos Insulation Punch· InsulationInsulation punch checklistCloseout walk for gaps, disturbed areas and missing hatch insulation3 items4 photos

See the whole checklist library

Common questions

What is Energy code (IECC)?: Building energy code: thermal envelope, fenestration, duct sealing and mechanical and lighting provisions. It is published by the International Code Council. The International Energy Conservation Code governs how a building holds the energy it is conditioned with: the insulation and air barrier that make up the thermal envelope, the windows and doors set into it, and the ducts, mechanical systems and lighting that move and use that energy. On site it is a rough-in code as much as a final one, because most of what it governs disappears behind finishes.
What does Energy code (IECC) cover?: The building thermal envelope, including insulation levels and continuity of the air barrier; Fenestration and doors, where glazing and frames break the envelope; Duct sealing and insulation where distribution runs through unconditioned space; Mechanical provisions such as equipment controls and pipe insulation; Interior and exterior lighting provisions and their controls; The commissioning and documentation the code expects to accompany the work.
What does a field inspection against Energy code (IECC) look at?: Insulation and air barrier photographed at rough-in before drywall, with gaps, compression and penetrations shown while they can still be corrected. Fenestration documented as installed, capturing the label on the unit rather than a spec sheet from the submittal. Duct sealing photographed at the joints in unconditioned space, and insulation shown continuous over the run. Mechanical controls and pipe insulation captured in place, not carried over from a prior job's photos. Lighting controls demonstrated working on the walk, since the adopted edition and its stringency are the authority having jurisdiction's call.
Which edition of Energy code (IECC) applies to my project?: Adoption varies by jurisdiction. Confirm the edition your authority having jurisdiction enforces before you run a walk against it.
Which checklists verify work against Energy code (IECC)?: 4 free checklists in the RTI library reference this family. Each is listed on this page with the photo evidence every item needs before it can be submitted.

A standard is only met if the evidence exists

RTI holds the submit button until every mandatory item is answered and the photos are attached, then chains the record so it can be proven untouched later.

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