State Energy Efficiency Policy Database

California’s Title 24, Part 6, authorized by the Warren-Alquist Act of 1974, establishes prescriptive and mandatory guidelines for construction methods, materials, equipment, and controls that are used in new construction and major retrofits.

Stringency – California’s energy code is considered to be the most aggressive and best enforced energy code in the United States, and has been a powerful vehicle for advancing energy-efficiency standards for building equipment. Many specifications are performance-based, offering flexibility for designers. The code also stands out because it includes field verification requirements for certain measures and reports high compliance rates overall. The most recent code, effective January 1, 2010 is mandatory statewide and exceeds 2009 IECC standards for residential buildings and meets or exceeds ASHRAE/IESNA 90.1-2007 for commercial buildings.

Compliance– No studies have been conducted or funding identified to establish a baseline of compliance in California. Enforcement is at the local level and there are building departments in each of the 536 city and counties. Online training is available at www.energyvideos.com. Utilities, the California Energy Commission staff and local organizations and trade groups provide training to these building departments as well as to contractors and homeowners.

Links:

EERE Building Energy Codes Program

Online Code Environment & Advocacy Network (OCEAN)

California's Energy Efficiency Standards for Residential and Non-Residential Buildings

California Energy Commission

Contact:

California Energy Commission

Title 24 & Appliance Standards Hotline

Phone: 1-800-772-3300

Email: title24@energy.state.ca.us