Michigan

Current Codes

2009 Michigan Uniform Energy Code (MUEC)

Code Type: Residential, Commercial

Based on: 2009 IECC, ASHRAE 90.1-2007 Mandatory

Date Effective: Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Date Passed: Monday, November 8, 2010

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Additional Code Information

Code Adoption & Change Process

Code Change Process:

The Michigan Uniform Energy Code (MUEC) is promulgated by the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA, formerly DELEG) Bureau of Construction Codes and is evaluated for revisions or modifications every three years.

Code Change Cycle:

The Bureau of Construction Codes in the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA, formerly DELEG) reviews the MUEC every three years in concurrence with the national model code cycle.

Next Code Update:

Rules to update the 2009 Michigan Uniform Energy Code (MUEC), Part 10 (Residential) and Part 10a (Commercial) became effective March 9, 2011.

History

Prior to June 22, 1977, the state of Michigan had no building energy efficiency requirements. As of that date, the state adopted ASHRAE/IES Standard 90-1975 statewide. On July 27, 1985, the state adopted ANSI/ASHRAE/IES Standard 90A-1980 statewide.

SB 719, signed in early January 1996, repealed the 1995 adoption of the 1993 MEC. The legislation directed the state construction code commission to, by April 1, 1997, provide cost-effective standards and establish a program to provide home buyers with energy rating information. A 10-member ad hoc committee was established to assist with these efforts.

The Michigan Uniform Energy Code Part 10 Rules were updated March 31, 1999.

In 2002, the Department of Labor & Economic Growth (DELEG) established a committee to review and update Michigan's Uniform Energy Code. After review and promulgation of the code, the Ingham County Circuit Court issued an injunction to halt the February 28, 2005 effective date of the rules in response to a lawsuit by the Michigan Association of Home Builders (MAHB). The new code was not implemented between 2005 and 2008 while litigation was before the courts.

On October 24, 2008, the judge presiding over the litigation dismissed the MAHB complaint and dissolved the lawsuit, making the rules effective immediately. Therefore, every unit of government enforcing the single state construction code had to apply the 2003 Michigan Uniform Energy Code to newly issued permits. The 2003 MUEC was based on the 2003 International Residential Code (IRC) with references to the 2004 IECC supplement and ASHRAE Standard 90.1-1999.

Rules to update the 2009 Michigan Uniform Energy Code (MUEC), Part 10 (Residential) and Part 10a (Commercial) were filed with the Secretary of State on November 8, 2010 became effective March 9, 2011. The rules adopted the 2009 IECC with Michigan amendments and ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2007. The new codes were originally approved on July 20, 2010 by the Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth (DELEG) Bureau of Construction Codes.

As of July 1, 2011, the Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth (DELEG) has become the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA).

Basic Facts

Climate Zone:

6A, 7A (zones based on DOE's most recent zoning: zone numbers based on a spectrum, zone 1 represents very hot weather and zone 8 represents subarctic weather. Letters indicate climate type, A-Humid, B-Dry, C-Marine)

Population:

9,969,727 (2009, U.S. Census Bureau)

Construction Activity:

New Housing Units Authorized by Permit:
Total units: 10,911
Number of Housing Units by Structure Type:
1 unit: 8,984
2 units: 142
3 and 4 units: 233
5 or more units: 1,552
(2008, Real Estate Center)

Projected Construction Rate:

Single family dwelling: 8,984 (-41% less than previous year), and with an avarage value of $181,500 per unit
(2008, Real Estate Center)

CO2 Emissions:

182.98 MMT CO₂ (2007)

Energy Data

Primary Energy Source:

Petroleum: 32.6% (2007, EIA)

Energy Consumption:

Total Annual Energy Consumption of 3,026.9 Trillion BTU (2007, EIA)

Energy Expenditures:

36,882.2 Million Nominal Dollars (2007, EIA)

Energy Snapshot:

78% of the state’s natural gas supply is used for heating the home.

Natural gas is the largest consumed source of energy for the state’s residential sector

Residential use of natural gas in Michigan costs up to $10.75/thousand cu ft.

Source: EIA

Climate Concerns

Regional Issues & State Action:

According to the United States Global Change Research Program, the Midwest has experienced rising average temperatures with the largest warming seen in the winter months. The growing season has been extended by one week because of earlier last spring frosts and precipitation has become more frequent including increased instances of heavy downpours. Since the 1980s, large heat waves have become more frequent than any time in the last century. In addition, there has been a decrease in lake ice, including on the Great Lakes. These effects of climate change are predicted to continue, threatening the region’s economy, landscape, character, and quality of life.

The Michigan Climate Action Council (Council) was formed on November 14, 2007 by an executive order sign by Governor Granholm. The Council was charged with producing an inventory and forecast of greenhouse gas emissions and creating a climate action plan with recommendations for mitigating the effects of climate change completed in March 2009. The Department of Natural Resources and Environment currently houses a Climate Change webpage with current activities, tools, and resources. In addition, Michiagan signed on to be a member of the Midwest Greenhouse Gas Reduction Accord which was signed by nine governors and two Canadian premiers in 2007 in recognition of the impacts that the Midwest has on climate change.

BCAP Estimated Energy Savings

If Michigan began implementing the 2009 IECC and Standard 90.1-2007 statewide in 2011, businesses and homeowners would save an estimated $99 million annually by 2020 and $202 million annually by 2030 in energy costs (assuming 2006 prices).

Additionally, implementing the latest model codes would help avoid about 28.6 trillion Btu of primary annual energy use by 2030 and annual emissions of more than 1.80 million metric tons of CO₂ by 2030.

A 2010 BCAP analysis indicates that the weighted average incremental construction cost of upgrading to the 2009 IECC in Michigan would be $965.19 per home. On average, the annual energy savings per home would be $274.00, meaning the simple payback for homeowners would occur, on average, in 3.52 years. These estimates are conservative and represent the upper bound on incremental cost.

Resources

Michigan Strategic Compliance Plan

posted by Mark Lessans
Energy Efficiency Resource Standards: A Progress Report on State Experience

posted by Anonymous
(1 comment)
Incremental Cost Payback: Michigan

posted by Mark Lessans
Michigan Gap Analysis Report

posted by John Miller
2010 Midwest Energy Codes Needs Analysis Report

posted by Eric Plunkett

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Stephen Christensen

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Advocacy Opportunities	Status	Explanations
Adopt Mandatory Codes		Residential: Michigan has a mandatory statewide residential code, the 2003 IRC with reference to the 2004 IECC supplement. Commercial: Michigan has a mandatory statewide commercial code, ASHRAE/IESNA 90.1-1999.
Adopt an Automatic Review & Update Process		Michigan follows a triennial code review process. The Michigan Uniform Energy Code (MUEC) is promulgated by the Bureau of Construction Codes & Fire Safety, and is evaluated for revisions or modifications every three years.
Create a Regulatory Process		The Michigan Uniform Energy Code (MUEC) is promulgated by the Bureau of Construction Codes & Fire Safety and is evaluated for revisions or modifications every three years.
Improve Compliance		Residential: Compliance is determined by plan review and inspection by the local code official or state building official. Commercial: Compliance is determined by plan review and inspection by the local code official or state building official. Building professionals may use COMcheck to demonstrate compliance
Eliminate Weakening Amendments
Add Strengthening Amendments		Improved insulation values.
Allow Innovation at the Local Level
Set Milestones		A bill was introduced in April 2009, and, if enacted, Michigan would adopt the current version of the IECC and ASHRAE 90.1-2007 as well as a plan for local jurisdictions to achieve compliance with the standards within 8 years. The bill, HB 4756, has been referred to Committee and awaits final determinations. As of May 11, HB 4756 has been referred to the House Committee on Energy and Technology. HB 4756: Bill Home \| Text (introduced)
Adopt Green Codes		State Wide Program: Michigan. Executive Order #2005-4 Program Description: All state-funded new construction and major renovation projects over $1,000,000 must be built in accordance with LEED guidelines. Energy Standard: Commercial LEED Certification: below is summarized from LEED NC, details vary according to certification program. Mandatory: minimum 10% compliance beyond ASHRAE 90.1-2007, or use of NBI's Core Performance or one of ASHRAE's Advanced Energy Design Guidelines. LEED options include: optimize energy performance, on-site renewable energy, enhanced commissioning, enhanced refrigerant management, measurement & verification, and green power. City Wide Program: Grand Rapids, Michigan. Requirements for Municipal Buildings, 2006 Program Description: All construction and renovation projects involving municipal buildings larger than 10,000 square feet and a cost of $1 million or more must receive LEED certification. Energy Standard: Commercial LEED Certification: below is summarized from LEED NC, details vary according to certification program. Mandatory: minimum 10% compliance beyond ASHRAE 90.1-2007, or use of NBI's Core Performance or one of ASHRAE's Advanced Energy Design Guidelines. LEED options include: optimize energy performance, on-site renewable energy, enhanced commissioning, enhanced refrigerant management, measurement & verification, and green power. City Wide Program: Rochester Hills, Michigan. Master Land Use Plan, 2006 Program Description: All new construction and major renovations of municipal buildings must achieve LEED certification. Energy Standard: Commercial LEED Certification: below is summarized from LEED NC, details vary according to certification program. Mandatory: minimum 10% compliance beyond ASHRAE 90.1-2007, or use of NBI's Core Performance or one of ASHRAE's Advanced Energy Design Guidelines. LEED options include: optimize energy performance, on-site renewable energy, enhanced commissioning, enhanced refrigerant management, measurement & verification, and green power.

August 2009

Resources:

ICLEI - international association of local governments and their associations
www.iclei.org
Michigan has eight local government members:
Ann Arbor County, Washtenaw County, Clinton County, East Lansing, Ferndale, Grand Rapids, Grand Traverse County, and Traverse City.

Mayors Climate Protection Center
www.usmayors.org
Twenty-four Michigan Mayors have signed The U.S. Conference of Mayors’ Climate Protection Agreement:
(City)
Ann Arbor, Battle Creek, Berkley, Dearborn Heights, East Lansing, Ferndale, Grand Rapids, Holland, Kalamazoo, Lansing, Marquette, Meridian Township, Pittsfield Charter Township, Portage, Royal Oak, Saline, Southfield, Southgate, Sturgis, Suttons Bay, Taylor, Township of West Bloomfield, Traverse City, Warren, and Ypsilanti.

International Codes Council (ICC) Regional Support and State Offices:
Ms. Kathy Slawinski
ICC Chicago District Office
4051 West Flossmoor Road
Country Club Hills, IL 60478
Phone: 1-888-422-7233, Ext. 4319
KSlawinski@iccsafe.org

Mr. Corey Roblee
Regional Manager
Government Relations
333 E. Royal Forest Blvd.
Columbus, OH 43214
Phone: 1-888-422-7233, Ext. 7202
CRoblee@iccsafe.org

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