NYC’s New Energy Code Is Reshaping MEP Design in 2026
New York City on Jan. 17 enacted the NYC Existing Building Code and Energy Conservation Code that together will require mandatory air-leakage testing for all buildings, enhance requirements for backup electric heating and eliminate obstacles to rehabilitating existing buildings.
Adoption of the 2025 New York City Energy Conservation Code, or NYCECC, helps the city align its code to the state, which has adopted the 2025 Energy Conservation Construction Code. The codes are aimed at promoting energy efficiency, reliability and long-term cost savings.
The NYCECC will also enhance requirements for backup electric heating to support resilience during extreme weather events, mandate air-leak testing for all buildings and place demand response requirements for commercial water heating and lighting to help maximize efficiency and savings.
The NYC Existing Building Code, based on the International Existing Building Code, is intended to give building operators flexible compliance options, the International Code Council said in a release. The council is a nonprofit dedicated to promoting model codes and standards for buildings.
This code aims to simplify the city’s complex regulatory structure, provide guidance to operators filing alteration applications, eliminate obstacles to rehabilitating buildings and make codes easier to navigate, the ICC said.
Alteration and maintenance of existing buildings will continue to be regulated by the Administrative Code of the City of New York and 2022 New York City Construction Codes until the EBC becomes effective on July 17, 2027, the NYC Department of Buildings says on its website.
“New York City is making history with the adoptions of the 2025 NYC Energy Conservation Code and the NYC Existing Building Code,” Dottie Mazzarella, vice president of government relations at the ICC, said in a statement. “These adoptions will modernize the City’s building regulatory framework and strengthen protection for its residents. It has been an honor to contribute to advancing public safety for the people of this great City.”