Residential Green Building Code
Additions and Remodels
The Addition and Remodel Code requires either a Chapter 11 or Chapter 12 checklist, depending on the project's scope of work. The Green Code Applicability Chart helps determine which chapter applies.
For projects that must comply with Chapter 11, please complete the Green Code Chapter 11 Checklist Worksheet and submit printed copies and your building permit application. The information for the mechanical ventilation required in item 11.902.2.1 is here.
For projects that must comply with the Green Code Chapter 12 Checklist, you must comply with all of the items on the list that pertain to your project. Read this chapter, initial next to the items that apply to your project, and submit it with your building permit application.
New Construction
The Residential Green Building Code for new single-family, attached, and detached, including guest houses, requires a HERS (Home Energy Rating System) Index and a WERS (Water Efficiency Rating Score) rating completed by City-approved HERS and WERS raters. The ERS and WERS must be performed by professionals who have received training regarding the requirements of this code and are on a list of City-approved HERS and WERS raters.
Reports listed below must be attached to each plan set AND provided by email to GreenCodeSubmittal@santafenm.gov
- Home Energy Rating Certificate (HERC) showing an index of 60 or less; and
- 2018 IECC Building UA Compliance Report showing "as designed" lower than the "2018 IECC" levels and
- Air Leakage Report to show compliance with the "ASHRAE 62.2-2010" Ventilation Rate (CFM); and
- WERS Preliminary Rating Report (Two pages with "Not Final" at the bottom) showing a score of 70 or less. (Email l all pages)
- The following must be emailed but does not need to be attached to the plan set:
- Professional Heating and cooling system sizing calculations (ACCA Manual S and J (long form) or other such as Energy 10 for passive solar homes or passive house calculations). Also, ACCA Manual D is needed if the project has ductwork for heating and cooling.
Please note that your plan set will be compared to the inputs into these documents, which must match.
To Obtain a Certificate of Occupancy at the End of Construction:
- The HERS rater must submit via email to greencodesubmittal@santafenm.gov the same documents submitted for the application but marked "final" and the "Source Energy and Emissions Report."
- The WERS rater must submit via email to greencodesubmittal@santafenm.gov the final WERS spreadsheet (either the spreadsheet or PDFs of all tabs).
- The builder or homeowner must have a Homeowner's Manual on the site at the time of the Green Building Final inspection. The annual report must include the current information in the Santa Fe Homeowner's Manual Template at the time of the final inspection. It must also include a diagram of where the shut-offs are located for all major utilities.
City Rebates
Remember, the local utility companies offer rebates for many water and energy-conserving devices when doing a remodel or addition.
State Tax Credits
The NM State Sustainable Building Tax Credit is available for buildings that qualify. If you are interested in this tax credit, ask your HERS professional for advice.
Federal Tax Credits
New Beginning Jan. 1, 2023, the IRS offers a tax credit equal to 30% of certain qualified expenses, including:
- Qualified energy efficiency improvements installed during the year
- Residential energy property expenses
- Home energy audits
There are limits on the allowable annual credit and the amount of credit for certain types of qualified expenses. The credit is allowed for qualifying property placed in service on or after Jan. 1, 2023, and before Jan. 1, 2033.
The maximum credit you can claim each year is:
- $1,200 for energy property costs and certain energy-efficient home improvements, with limits on doors ($250 per door and $500 total), windows ($600), and home energy audits ($150)
- $2,000 per year for qualified heat pumps, biomass stoves, or biomass boilers
The credit has no lifetime dollar limit. You can claim the maximum annual credit every year that you make eligible improvements until 2033.
The credit is nonrefundable, so you can't get back more on it than you owe in taxes. You also can't apply any excess credit to future tax years.
https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/home-energy-tax-credits