California Energy Standards

The California Building Standards Code, often referred to as ‘Title 24’, was created by the California Building Standards Commission in 1978. The Standards are updated periodically by the California Energy Commission to allow consideration for and possible incorporation of new energy efficiency technologies and methods.

The goal of Title 24 is to ensure that building construction, system design and installation achieve energy efficiency and preserve outdoor and indoor environmental quality. The Standards establish a minimum level of building energy efficiency for both residential and nonresidential buildings. A building can be designed to a higher efficiency level, resulting in additional energy savings.

The 2013 version changes to Title 24 requirements occur in ‘Part 6’ of the California Building Standards Code. Title 24, Part 6 refers specifically to Energy Efficiency Standards for Residential and Nonresidential Buildings.

The most significant efficiency improvements to the residential Standards are proposed for windows, envelope insulation and HVAC system testing. The most significant efficiency improvements to the nonresidential Standards are proposed for lighting controls, windows, unitary HVAC equipment and building commissioning.