El Paso, TX Building Safety: Green Building Code (2026)
Key Facts
- Energy code
- IECC via El Paso Ch. 9.40
- State coordinator
- Texas SECO
- Statute
- Tex. HSC Ch. 388
- Local plan
- El Paso Climate Action Plan
Summary
El Paso enforces energy and water-efficiency rules through the locally adopted International Energy Conservation Code, plus Texas State Energy Conservation Office requirements. Plan El Paso and the 2020 Climate Action Plan add sustainability goals tied to the city's Chihuahuan Desert climate.
Sec. 388.001. LEGISLATIVE FINDINGS. (a) The legislature finds that an effective building energy code is essential to:(1) reducing the air pollutant emissions that are affecting the health of residents of this state;(2) moderating future peak electric power demand;(3) assuring the reliability of the electrical grid; and(4) controlling energy costs for residents and businesses in this state.(b) The legislature further finds that this state has a number of unique climate types, all of which require more energy for cooling than for heating, and that there are many cost-effective measures that can reduce peak energy use and reduce cooling and other energy costs in buildings.
Full Breakdown
El Paso adopts the International Energy Conservation Code under Chapter 9.40 to set envelope, mechanical, lighting, and water-heating efficiency for new construction and major remodels. Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 388 directs the Texas State Energy Conservation Office (SECO) to coordinate code adoption and updates statewide. The 2020 El Paso Climate Action Plan sets greenhouse-gas reduction targets, encourages cool roofs, EV-ready wiring, and shade tree plantings. EPWU's regional drought stage rules add irrigation-system and landscape requirements. Plan El Paso supports compact, mixed-use development tuned to the Chihuahuan Desert climate.
Violations & Fines
Plan-review rejection, stop-work, certificate-of-occupancy denial, and SECO enforcement under Tex. Health and Safety Code Ch. 388 for nonconforming code adoptions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does El Paso require LEED or another green-building certification?
How does the desert climate affect El Paso green-building rules?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in El Paso
Texas rules heatmap·Compare El Paso to another location·View the Texas building safety overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.