What You Need to Know About California’s New Building Standards
Every three years, the California Energy Commission (CEC) adopts standards to increase the energy efficiency and lower the carbon footprint of buildings. It did so in grand fashion in August 2021, and its recommendations will now head to the California Building Standards Commission for adoption in December 2021.
This will be a first-in-the-nation set of building codes to require solar photovoltaic (PV) and onsite battery storage for many commercial, non-residential and multifamily buildings.
If approved in December 2021, the new codes will apply to buildings for which the permit application is submitted to any local building department in California on or after January 1, 2023.
According to an article on Facilities.net, the new standards will apply to a broad range of public and private buildings. Importantly, the new requirements are for new construction only. They do not apply to improvements or alterations to existing buildings.
The new standards focus on four key technical areas. The first is the addition of photovoltaic and battery storage systems to move the state toward its goal of 100% renewable energy, non-fossil fuel, electricity grid. The measures seek addition of systems sized to maximize onsite use of solar energy and avoid electricity demand during times when the grid must use gas-powered plants.
The second is addition of efficiency measures for the entire building. There are measures focused on addition of electric heat pump technology for space and water heating to reduce emissions from gas-powered units, and new ventilation standards to improve indoor air quality. These measures also include mandatory indoor lighting controls, occupancy and motion sensors, maximum wattage for certain interior areas, new duct work and sealing, special rules for refrigerated areas such as automatic door closures, special rules for computer rooms, process boilers and fans.
A third area focuses on new measures for commercial greenhouses, indoor growing, controlled horticulture, and in particular cannabis production.
Lastly, the new standards focus on establishing electric-ready requirements for single-family homes to position owners to use cleaner electric heating, cooking and electric vehicle (EV) charging options so electric appliances can eventually replace installed gas appliances.
Continue reading at Facilities.net here.
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