Building Energy-Efficient Homes and Businesses

Questions regarding applicable building code requirements, inspection or enforcement should be referred first to the local building inspector and then to the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation. Residential buildings comply with the Energy Code if they meet certain criteria.

Energy Efficiency Certification Programs
Construction of energy efficient new homes is the most cost-effective way of achieving an energy efficient housing stock over the course of time. The Energy Office is involved in a number of activities to encourage energy efficient new construction, including promoting the use of effective energy building codes, high energy efficiency rating systems, and other activities and publications, including a manual on passive solar construction.
Building Codes and Labeling Recommendations
The SC Energy Office is launching a working group to design a home energy label for South Carolina. The purpose of home energy labels is to provide reliable, standardized information to residents about a residential dwelling's estimated energy use. They also can provide an estimate of a home's energy costs and recommendations for energy-saving improvements. This information can help educate individuals about home energy use at the time of purchase or rental, or when making home upgrades.

SC Duct and Envelope Tightness Verifier

South Carolina has adopted the 2009 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), which requires leak testing of duct systems if the duct is outside the conditioned area of the home. The South Carolina Duct and Envelope Tightness (SCDET) Verifier training instructs HVAC technicians and installers on how to perform this required duct leak testing, as well as building envelope leak testing. All participants who successfully complete the training will be listed in the SC Association of Heating & Air Conditioning Contractor's SCDET database.