Arkansas

Residential

2003 IECC, with amendments, is in force. REScheck can be used to show compliance.

Commercial

2003 IECC (including ASHRAE/IESNA 90.1-2001), is in force.
COMcheck can be used to show compliance.
 

Most recent code update became effective, October 1, 2004.

Arkansas has a mixed regulatory and legislative process for code review, adoption, and update. A rule-making process is used to adopt new codes and change existing codes. When a proposed code change is initiated by the Arkansas Energy Office (AEO), it is first reviewed by the affected stakeholders. They evaluate the proposed changes and work with the AEO to refine them to satisfy all parties, if possible. All changes are then submitted for public hearing. After approval at the public hearing, the proposed changes are acted upon by the AEO and by two legislative committees before they are included in the next edition of the code.

Residential

Proof and verification of compliance is required statewide for all buildings by having the responsible party sign a self-certification seal. In jurisdictions that have adopted the energy code, a local inspection is required to verify compliance and the builder must also sign the self-certification seal. The certification seal documents the building's envelope R- and U-values only and must be placed in the building for visible inspection.

Commercial

Governor Beebe’s Act No. 1498, which is only pertinent to state-owned buildings, stipulates that metered data from the first twelve months of the building’s operation must be compared with the energy design target and reported to the Arkansas Energy Office or to the governing board of the higher education institution. If the report shows the energy or water consumption at the one-year period is more than the baseline consumption established in ASHRAE 90.1-2007, an investigation will take place.

On April 14, 2009, Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe signed Act No. 1494 into law. It promotes the conservation of energy and natural resources in buildings owned by the state or institutions of higher education. It establishes performance criteria and goals for sustainable and energy-efficient new and majorly renovated public buildings based on ASHRAE 90.1-2007. Buildings must be designed, constructed and certified to at least 10% reduction below the baseline energy consumption determined with the performance rating method of Appendix G of ASHRAE 90.1-2207.

Municipality:
Fayettville

Municipal program:
Municipal Building Standards, 2007

Description:
All new city-owned facilities greater than 5,000 ft2 must achieve a minimum of LEED silver certification.  Also requires all other new construction in the city to submit a LEED checklist with application of permit.

Energy Standards:
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 and verification, and green power.

Municipal Program:
(Fayettville) Energy Score Card (2008)

Description:
New homes are required to display an Energy Score Card so builders and buyers will know how it compares to other homes in the area.

Energy Standards:
Disclose energy use of residence compared to others.