Building Code Glossary
Standard Reference Design: Building Code Definition
How the IECC 2009 define standard reference design, where the wording differs, and which chapters depend on the term.
On this page
Last updated September 7, 2026 · Definitions quoted from the 2009 International Codes as transcribed in this site's building-codes collection, with the source chapter linked for each quotation. Usage counts are computed over the chapters hosted here, one copy per code. The [ICC code library](https://codes.iccsafe.org/codes) publishes the current model text and the [ICC adoption maps](https://www.iccsafe.org/advocacy/code-adoption-maps/) show which edition a jurisdiction has adopted; those sources control.
Direct answer
Standard reference design is a defined term in the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) 2009, in Definitions. The code's own words are: “A version of the proposed design that meets the minimum requirements of this code and is used to determine the maximum annual energy use requirement for compliance based on total building performance.” No other I-Code in this corpus defines it, so the IECC 2009 definition is the one to work from. The term is used in 3 chapters of this corpus, most often in Residential Energy Efficiency (IECC 2009), Commercial Energy Efficiency (IECC 2009), Definitions (IECC 2009). These pages transcribe the 2009 model text; verify the definition against the edition and amendments your authority having jurisdiction has adopted.
Content and cited inputs reviewed by Scott Barrington, Harth founder and architectural technology specialist · Published 2026-09-07 · Updated 2026-09-07.
What does this term mean?
Standard Reference Design — IECC 2009, Definitions:
A version of the proposed design that meets the minimum requirements of this code and is used to determine the maximum annual energy use requirement for compliance based on total building performance.
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Standard Reference Design is defined once in this corpus, in the Definitions chapter of the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) 2009:
A version of the proposed design that meets the minimum requirements of this code and is used to determine the maximum annual energy use requirement for compliance based on total building performance.
Where standard reference design is used in the code
The term appears in 3 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next.
| Chapter | Code | Mentions |
|---|---|---|
| Residential Energy Efficiency | IECC 2009 | 24 |
| Commercial Energy Efficiency | IECC 2009 | 16 |
| Definitions | IECC 2009 | 2 |
The term in use
How the code actually writes about standard reference design, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:
Compliance based on simulated energy performance requires that a proposed residence (proposed design) be shown to have an annual energy cost that is less than or equal to the annual energy cost of the standard reference design.
Compliance based on total building performance requires that a proposed building (proposed design) be shown to have an annual energy cost that is less than or equal to the annual energy cost of the standard reference design.
Standard Reference Design compared with Proposed Design
These two are the closest pair in the 2009 I-Codes: about 50 per cent of their defining words are the same. The code states both and compares neither, so the difference is worth naming.
| Wording unique to it | |
|---|---|
| Standard Reference Design (IECC 2009) | version, design, meets, minimum, requirements, code, determine, maximum, requirement |
| Proposed Design (IECC 2009) | description, estimate, determining |
Everything else in the two definitions is shared. If a project turns on which of the two applies, those words are the whole of the test — and a local amendment that edits one of them without editing the other moves the boundary between standard reference design and proposed design.
The terms standard reference design is built out of
The definition above leans on 2 other defined terms. Each carries its own code definition, and a local amendment to any of them changes what standard reference design covers:
- Proposed Design — IECC 2009: A description of the proposed building used to estimate annual energy use for determining compliance based on total building performance.
- Building — IBC 2009: Any structure used or intended for supporting or sheltering any use or occupancy.
Standard Reference Design: what to open, and in what order
Every row is a document this term depends on. The ICC code library and the ICC adoption maps cover the middle rows.
| Check | Where | Confirmed |
|---|---|---|
| Read the definition in the adopted IECC | Definitions | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Residential Energy Efficiency (IECC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Commercial Energy Efficiency (IECC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Definitions (IECC 2009) | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Proposed Design | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Building | |
| Local amendment to any of the above | Jurisdiction's amendment list |
A research aid, not a code determination. The authority having jurisdiction decides which edition and which amendments apply.
Where can you explore related guidance?
- Explore all glossary guidance
- Proposed Design: Building Code Definition
- Building: Building Code Definition
Sources and method
Definitions quoted from the 2009 International Codes as transcribed in this site's building-codes collection, with the source chapter linked for each quotation. Usage counts are computed over the chapters hosted here, one copy per code. The ICC code library publishes the current model text and the ICC adoption maps show which edition a jurisdiction has adopted; those sources control.
Source links
Frequently asked questions
What is the code definition of standard reference design?
The International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) 2009 defines it in Definitions as: “A version of the proposed design that meets the minimum requirements of this code and is used to determine the maximum annual energy use requirement for compliance based on total building performance.” The 2009 model text is reproduced here; the definition that binds your project is the one in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted, as amended locally.
Which parts of the code depend on standard reference design?
In this corpus the term is used across 3 chapters, led by Residential Energy Efficiency in the IECC 2009. Those are the sections whose scope moves if the definition is amended locally, so read them together with Chapter 2 rather than on their own.
What is the standard building code?
Building is a separate defined term. The IBC 2009 defines it as: “Any structure used or intended for supporting or sheltering any use or occupancy.” That is not the same as standard reference design, which the IECC 2009 defines as “A version of the proposed design that meets the minimum requirements of this code and is used to determine the maximum annual energy use requirement for compliance based on total building performance.” — read both before applying either, and confirm the wording in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted.
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