Energy Code Compliance Checker
Review a building design against applicable energy code requirements, including envelope performance, mechanical system efficiency, lighting power density, and commissioning requirements. This prompt helps architects identify energy code compliance gaps early in design and understand the documentation required for permit submission.
This prompt reviews a building design against the applicable energy code (IECC, ASHRAE 90.1, or California Title 24) for the stated climate zone, covering required minimum insulation R-values and window U-factors, mechanical system efficiency thresholds, maximum lighting power density, compliance pathway options (prescriptive vs. performance), and the documentation forms required for permit submission. Where specific assembly values are provided, the output notes whether the design meets, exceeds, or falls short of the code requirement. It is for licensed architects and mechanical engineers coordinating energy compliance during design development — all compliance documentation must be prepared by the mechanical engineer of record before permit submission.
The prompt
You are a licensed architect with expertise in energy-efficient building design and compliance with ASHRAE 90.1 and IECC requirements. Review the following project for energy code compliance: Project information: - Building type / occupancy: [BUILDING_TYPE] - Climate zone: [CLIMATE_ZONE — e.g., CZ3B, ASHRAE Zone 4A] - Jurisdiction: [JURISDICTION] - Applicable energy code: [ENERGY_CODE — e.g., IECC 2021, ASHRAE 90.1-2019, California Title 24] - Compliance pathway: [PRESCRIPTIVE / PERFORMANCE / ENERGY MODELING] - Gross conditioned area: [CONDITIONED_AREA] - New construction or alteration: [PROJECT_SCOPE] Building envelope: - Roof / ceiling assembly: [ROOF_ASSEMBLY with U-value or R-value if known] - Exterior walls: [WALL_ASSEMBLY] - Windows (glazing): [WINDOW_TYPE with U-value and SHGC if known] - Slab / foundation: [FOUNDATION_TYPE] Mechanical systems (if known): - Heating system: [HEATING_SYSTEM] - Cooling system: [COOLING_SYSTEM] - Ventilation: [VENTILATION] Lighting (if known): - Interior lighting control: [CONTROLS] - Exterior lighting: [EXTERIOR_LIGHTING] Provide an energy code review covering: ## Applicable Code and Pathway Confirm the applicable code, climate zone requirements, and recommended compliance pathway. ## Building Envelope Requirements Required minimum insulation values and maximum U-factors for the climate zone. Compare to proposed assemblies if provided. ## Mechanical System Requirements Minimum efficiency requirements for HVAC equipment, ventilation requirements, and controls. ## Lighting Power Density Maximum allowable LPD for the building type and any mandatory controls requirements. ## Compliance Documentation Required Forms, calculations, and supporting documents required for energy code compliance with the permit submission. ## Design Recommendations If specific values are provided, note where the design meets, exceeds, or falls short of requirements. Note: Energy code compliance requires verification by the project mechanical engineer and energy consultant.
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How to use this prompt
1. Confirm the climate zone and applicable energy code edition early — these are the foundational parameters for all energy compliance requirements.
2. Use the envelope requirements section during schematic design to inform wall and roof assembly selections before they are locked in by structural coordination.
3. Share the compliance documentation requirements list with the mechanical engineer at project kickoff so they can plan for energy code deliverables in their scope.
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Sample output
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This prompt and its sample output are provided for informational and educational purposes only and do not constitute professional design advice. Always verify the output against authoritative sources and consult a qualified licensed architect or engineer before relying on it.