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NYC Adopts Existing Building Code and International Energy Conservation Code

These adoptions are a significant step toward ensuring the safety, efficiency and resiliency of New York City

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New York City has adopted the 2025 NYC Energy Conservation Code based on the 2024 International Energy Conservation Code® (IECC®) and the NYC Existing Building Code based on the International Existing Building Code® (IEBC®). These decisions are a testament to the City’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards in building safety and sustainability.

“New York City is making history with the adoptions of the 2025 NYC Energy Conservation Code and the NYC Existing Building Code,” said Vice President, Government Relations at the International Code Council Dottie Mazzarella. “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.”

The main objective of the NYC Existing Building Code is to preserve and reuse existing buildings by offering flexible compliance options. This approach will ultimately result in safer buildings. Additionally, the code aims to:

Simplify the current complex regulatory structure
Provide clear guidance for the 80,000+ alteration applications filed annually
Eliminate obstacles to rehabilitating existing buildings
Promote compliance by making the code easier to navigate

In tandem, New York City has adopted the 2025 NYC Energy Conservation Code to reflect New York State’s adoption of the 2025 Energy Conservation Construction Code, which was based on the 2024 IECC.

Key updates include:

Mandatory air‑leakage testing for all buildings
Enhanced requirements for backup electric heating, supporting resilience during extreme weather events
Alignment with modern national standards that promote energy efficiency, reliability and long‑term cost savings