Emma Gonzalez-Laders, RA, LEED AP -Assistant Director for Energy Code Services, New York Department of State

Emma Gonzalez-Laders leads the Energy Code Services Unit at the Division of Building Standards and Codes. Emma is a registered architect, a LEED Accredited Professional, and a certified code enforcement officer with over 20 years of private sector professional practice and over 10 years of public service. She has worked with the Department of State since 2018 and participated in the 2020 and the 2025 State code updates, as well as the development of the 2024 and 2027 International Energy Conservation Code.

Christopher Jensen, P.E. – Division of Building Standards and Codes, New York Department of State

NYS Energy Code Changes. An overview of the most significant changes in the New York State Energy Code update from the 2020 to the 2025 version which became effective on December 31, 2025. The changes include modified exceptions for historic buildings, thermal bridging mitigation and documentation, new climate zone assignments, limits on the use of electric resistance heat, requirements for renewable energy, additional efficiency credits, and more.