California Energy Code
Section of the California Building Standards Code
The California Energy Code (also titled Building Energy Efficiency Standards for Residential and Nonresidential Buildings), called simply Title 24 in industry, is the sixth section of the California Building Standards Code. The code was created by the California Building Standards Commission in 1978 in response to a legislative mandate to reduce California's energy consumption. These standards are updated periodically by the California Energy Commission. The code includes energy conservation standards applicable to most buildings throughout California.
The code's purpose is to advance the state's energy policy, develop renewable energy sources and prepare for energy emergencies. A 2020 study found that the 1978 energy code successfully reduced energy consumption, and that the implementation of the policy passed a cost-benefit test.
01History
California was the first state to implement minimum energy efficiency standards in 1974. It was the first to establish an energy regulation commission, the California Energy Commission. These regulations and codes have been in effect since 1974. California has the lowest per capita energy consumption in the US.
02Structure
The three general parts, which include all the responsibilities and criteria of the standards, are:
- Mandatory requirements
- Performance standards
- Prescriptive standards
All buildings must follow the mandatory requirements. Performance standards vary by the building location and type.
These parts are designed to accomplish the following:
- Forecast future energy need
- Support energy and technology research
- Develop renewable energy resources
- Develop renewable transportation fuels and technologies
03Climate zones
Standards vary based on climate zone. California is divided into 16 zones:
042019 Code
The 2019 California Energy Code became effective on January 1, 2020. It focuses on such areas such as residential photovoltaic systems, thermal envelope standards and non-residential lighting requirements.
Homes built under this code are about 53% more energy efficient than those built to comply with the 2016 Energy Code. This code provides a market for "smart" technologies.
The 2019 Code added photovoltaic system requirements for low-rise residential buildings. Exceptions grant a reduction in size for photovoltaic systems.
Sources and credits
This article is adapted from the Wikipedia article “California Energy Code”, written by its contributors and licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Fathomly has changed the layout, removed citation markers, navigation and maintenance notices, and adjusted punctuation. This adapted version is shared under the same license. For references, see the original article.
Images, from Wikimedia Commons:
- Climatezones.png by Unknown authorUnknown author, CC BY-SA 4.0
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