Title 24 · California Energy Code

Compliance paths, energy budgets, performance modeling and forms/software requirements

This hub explains how Title 24 Part 6 defines prescriptive vs. performance compliance, how energy budgets (LSC and Source Energy) are calculated, and what certified software, certificates and forms are required for permit submittal.

Last reviewed: July 6, 2026

Overview

This portion of the California Energy Code (Title 24, Part 6) explains how projects demonstrate compliance using either prescriptive requirements or a performance (energy‑budget) approach. The performance path — required or optional depending on occupancy — compares the proposed design to a standard design using Commission‑certified compliance software and is described in Section §140.1 for nonresidential, §150.1 for single‑family, and §170.1 for multifamily buildings .

Energy budgets are expressed as Long‑Term System Cost (LSC) and/or Source Energy and are calculated hour‑by‑hour per the Energy Code methods (see §100.2 for definitions and calculation rules) — the budgets set the maximum annual energy the proposed design may consume to comply . The performance approach allows tradeoffs and the use of on‑site renewables, battery storage and demand‑flexibility credits in the Total LSC or Source Energy budget (PV/BESS and related equations and exceptions are detailed in the multifamily and nonresidential sections) .

Procedurally, projects using the performance path must run Commission‑certified compliance software (see Sections 10‑109 and 10‑116) and submit the required compliance documentation and Certificates of Compliance with the permit application per Sections 10‑103 and the applicable chapter requirements; field verification and specified installation/acceptance certificates are required when higher performance of installed systems is relied upon for compliance .

In this section

Code references

Grounded in the retrieved California Energy Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:

  • § 10-109 High relevance — show source text

    (b) Performance approach. A building complies with the performance approach if the energy consumption calculated for the proposed design building is no greater than the energy budget calculated for the standard design building using Commission-certified compliance software as specified by Sections 10-109(c) and 10-116.

    1. Energy budget. The energy budget is expressed in terms of source energy and long-term system cost (LSC). A. Long-term system cost (LSC). The LSC energy budget is determined by applying the mandatory and prescriptive requirements of the standard design to the proposed design building and has two components, the Efficiency LSC and the Total LSC.

    i. The Efficiency LSC energy is the sum of the LSC energy for space-conditioning, water heating, mechanical ventilation, and the self-utilization credit.

    ii. The Total LSC energy is the sum of the Efficiency LSC energy and LSC energy from the photovoltaic system, battery energy storage systems (BESS), lighting, demand flexibility, and other plug loads. B. Source energy. The source energy budget is determined by applying the mandatory and prescriptive requirements of the standard design to the proposed design building. The source energy is the total annual source energy. Exception to Section 150.1(b)1. A community shared solar electric generation system, or other renewable electric generation system, or community shared BESS, which provides dedicated power, utility energy reduction credits, or payments for energy bill reductions to the permitted building and is approved by the Energy Commission as specified in Title 24, Part 1, Section 10-115, may offset part or all of the solar electric generation system and demand flexibility Energy Design Rating required to comply with the Standards, as calculated according to methods established by the Commission in the Residential ACM Reference Manual.

    1. Compliance demonstration requirements for performance standards. A. Certificate of compliance and application for a building permit. The application for a building permit shall include documentation pursuant to Sections 10-103(a)1 and 10-103(a)2 which demonstrates, using an approved calculation method, that the building has been designed so that its energy consumption does not exceed the standard design energy budgets for the applicable climate zone. Exception to Section 150.1(b)2A Multiple orientation: A permit applicant may demonstrate compliance with the energy budget requirements of Section 150.1(a) and (b) for any orientation of the same building model if the documentation demonstrates that the building model with its proposed designs and features would comply in each of the four cardinal orientations.

    B. Field verification. When performance of installed features, materials, components, manufactured devices or systems above the minimum specified in Section 150.1(c) is necessary for the building to comply with Section 150.1(b), or is necessary to achieve a more stringent local ordinance, field verification shall be performed in accordance with the applicable requirements in the following subsections, and the results of the verification(s) shall be documented on applicable certificates of installation pursuant to Section 10-103(a)3 and applicable certificates of verification pursuant to Section 10-103(a)5. i. EER2/SEER2/CEER/HSPF2 Rating. When performance compliance requires installation of a space-conditioning system with a rating that is greater than the minimum rating required by Table 150.1-A or specified for the standard design, the installed system shall be field verified in accordance with the procedures specified in the applicable sections of Reference Residential Appendix RA3.4. ii. **Variable capacity heat pump (VCHP) compliance option.

  • § 170.0 High relevance — show source text

    Exception to Section 170.0 (a)3: If a single development falls in more than one climate zone, all buildings in the subdivision or tract may be designed to meet the performance or prescriptive standards for the climate zone that contains 50 percent or more of the dwelling units.

    NOTE: The Commission periodically updates, publishes and makes available to interested persons and local enforcement agencies precise descriptions of the climate zones, as specified in Reference Joint Appendix JA2—Weather/Climate Data.

    NOTE: The requirements of Sections 170.1(a) through 170.2(e) apply to newly constructed buildings and Sections 180.1 and 180.2 specify changes to the requirements of Sections 170.1(a) through 170.2(e) that apply to additions or alterations.

    NOTE: Authority: Sections 25213, 25218, 25218.5, 25402 and 25402.1, Public Resources Code . Reference: Sections 25007, 25008, 25218.5, 25310, 25402, 25402.1, 25402.4, 25402.5, 25402.8 and 25943, Public Resources Code .

    SECTION 170.1—PERFORMANCE APPROACH

    A building complies with the performance approach if the energy consumption calculated for the proposed design building is no greater than the energy budget calculated for the standard design building using Commission-certified compliance software as specified by Sections 10-109 and 10-116 and the Alternative Calculation Method Reference Manual.

    (a) Energy budget. The energy budget is expressed in terms of long-term system cost (LSC) and source energy:

    1. Long-term system cost (LSC). The LSC energy budget is determined by applying the mandatory and prescriptive requirements of the standard design to the proposed design building and has two components, the Efficiency LSC and the Total LSC.

    A. The Efficiency LSC energy is the sum of the LSC energy for space-conditioning, water heating, mechanical ventilation, lighting and the self-utilization credit. B. The Total LSC energy is the sum of the Efficiency LSC energy and LSC energy from the photovoltaic system, battery energy storage systems (BESS), and demand flexibility. 2. Source energy. The source energy budget is determined by applying the mandatory and prescriptive requirements of the standard design, except with a consumer gas or propane water heater, to the proposed design building.

    Exception to Section 170.1(a): A community shared solar electric generation system, or other renewable electric generation system, and/or community shared BESS, that provides dedicated power, utility energy reduction credits or payments for energy bill reductions to the permitted building and is approved by the Energy Commission as specified in Title 24, Part 1, Section 10-115, may offset part or all of the solar electric generation system or BESS LSC energy required to comply with the standards, as calculated according to methods established by the Commission in the Nonresidential ACM Reference Manual.

    (b) Compliance demonstration requirements for performance standards.

    1. Certificate of Compliance and Application for a Building Permit. The application for a building permit shall include documentation pursuant to Sections 10-103(a)1 and 10-103(a)2 that demonstrates, using an approved calculation method, that the building has been designed so that its source energy and LSC energy consumption do not exceed the standard design energy budgets for the applicable climate zone.
    2. Field verification of individual dwelling unit systems.
  • § 100.2 High relevance — show source text

    SECTION 100.2—CALCULATION OF ENERGY BUDGETS

    Energy budgets are adopted by the Commission to establish the maximum energy consumption that a proposed building, or portion of a building, can be designed to consume. A building complies with the performance standards compliance approach if the energy consumption calculated for the proposed design building is no greater than the energy budget calculated for the standard design building using Commission-certified compliance software as specified by the Alternative Calculation Methods Reference Manual. The energy budget for newly constructed single-family, multifamily, and nonresidential buildings are expressed in terms of Long-Term System Cost (LSC) and Source Energy. The energy budget for additions and alterations for all building types are expressed in terms of LSC.

    Long-term System Cost (LSC) is calculated by multiplying for each hour of the year the site energy use (electricity kWh, natural gas therms, or fuel oil or LPG gallons) for each energy type by the applicable CEC-published LSC hourly factors. LSC hourly factors vary for each hour of the year and by energy type (electricity, natural gas, or propane), by Climate Zone and by building type (residential, nonresidential). LSC hourly factors are summarized in Reference Joint Appendix JA3. LSC hourly factors for propane are used for all energy obtained from depletable sources other than electricity and natural gas.

    Source Energy is calculated by multiplying for each hour of the year the site energy use (electricity kWh, natural gas therms, or fuel oil or LPG gallons) by Btu factors for fossil fuel consumed either directly at the building site or caused to be consumed to meet the electrical demand of the building considering the long-term marginal hourly resources of Commission-projected electric system resource procurement.

    Note: Authority: Sections 25213, 25218, 25218.5, 25402 and 25402.1, Public Resources Code . Reference: Sections 25007, 25008, 25218.5, 25310, 25402, 25402.1, 25402.4, 25402.5, 25402.8 and 25943, Public Resources Code .

    36 2025 CALIFORNIA ENERGY CODE

    on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.

    ALL OCCUPANCIES—GENERAL PROVISIONS

    FIGURE 100.1-A CALIFORNIA CLIMATE ZONES

    Climate Zones for Residential and Nonresidential Occupancies

    2025 CALIFORNIA ENERGY CODE 37

    on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.

    38 2025 CALIFORNIA ENERGY CODE

    on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.

    2 ALL OCCUPANCIES—MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR THE

    MANUFACTURE, CONSTRUCTION AND INSTALLATION OF SYSTEMS, EQUIPMENT AND BUILDING COMPONENTS

    SECTION 110.0—SYSTEMS AND EQUIPMENT—GENERAL

    Sections 110.1 through 110.12 specify requirements for manufacturing, construction and installation of certain systems, equipment, appliances and building components that are installed in buildings within the scope of Section 100.0(a).

    Note: The requirements of Sections 110.0 through 110.12 apply to newly constructed buildings. Sections 141.0 and 150.2 specify which requirements of Sections 110.1 through 110.12 also apply to additions and alterations to existing buildings.

  • § 140.4 High relevance — show source text

    MULTI-PASS WATER HEATER is a water heater that the cold water passes through multiple times. The water temperature increases with each pass until the storage tank reaches the intended storage temperature.

    SINGLE-PASS WATER HEATER is a water heater which the cold water passes through once and is heated to the intended use temperature.

    2025 CALIFORNIA ENERGY CODE 35

    on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.

    ALL OCCUPANCIES—GENERAL PROVISIONS

    WEST-FACING (See “orientation.”)

    WINDOW FILM is a fenestration attachment product that consists of a flexible adhesive-backed polymer film, which may be applied to the interior or exterior surface of an existing glazing system.

    WOOD HEATER is an enclosed wood-burning appliance used for space heating and/or domestic water heating.

    WOOD STOVE (See “wood heater.”)

    ZONAL describes characterized by or relating to a zone or zones.

    ZONE, CRITICAL is a zone serving a process where reset of the zone temperature setpoint during a demand shed event might disrupt the process, including but not limited to computer rooms, data centers, telecom and private branch exchange (PBX) rooms, and laboratories.

    ZONE, NONCRITICAL is a zone that is not a critical zone.

    ZONE, SPACE-CONDITIONING, is a space or group of spaces within a building with sufficiently similar comfort conditioning requirements so that comfort conditions, as specified in Section 140.4(b)3 or 150.0(h), as applicable, can be maintained throughout the zone by a single controlling device.

    SECTION 100.2—CALCULATION OF ENERGY BUDGETS

    Energy budgets are adopted by the Commission to establish the maximum energy consumption that a proposed building, or portion of a building, can be designed to consume. A building complies with the performance standards compliance approach if the energy consumption calculated for the proposed design building is no greater than the energy budget calculated for the standard design building using Commission-certified compliance software as specified by the Alternative Calculation Methods Reference Manual. The energy budget for newly constructed single-family, multifamily, and nonresidential buildings are expressed in terms of Long-Term System Cost (LSC) and Source Energy. The energy budget for additions and alterations for all building types are expressed in terms of LSC.

    Long-term System Cost (LSC) is calculated by multiplying for each hour of the year the site energy use (electricity kWh, natural gas therms, or fuel oil or LPG gallons) for each energy type by the applicable CEC-published LSC hourly factors. LSC hourly factors vary for each hour of the year and by energy type (electricity, natural gas, or propane), by Climate Zone and by building type (residential, nonresidential). LSC hourly factors are summarized in Reference Joint Appendix JA3. LSC hourly factors for propane are used for all energy obtained from depletable sources other than electricity and natural gas.

    Source Energy is calculated by multiplying for each hour of the year the site energy use (electricity kWh, natural gas therms, or fuel oil or LPG gallons) by Btu factors for fossil fuel consumed either directly at the building site or caused to be consumed to meet the electrical demand of the building considering the long-term marginal hourly resources of Commission-projected electric system resource procurement.

  • § 130.2 High relevance — show source text

    130.2 Outdoor Lighting Controls and Equipment . . . . . . .100

    130.3 Sign Lighting Controls. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .101

    130.4 Lighting Control Acceptance and Installation Certificate Requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .101

    130.5 Electrical Power Distribution Systems . . . . . . . . . . .102

    SUBCHAPTER 5 NONRESIDENTIAL AND

    HOTEL/MOTEL OCCUPANCIES—PERFORMANCE AND

    PRESCRIPTIVE COMPLIANCE APPROACHES FOR

    ACHIEVING ENERGY EFFICIENCY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105

    140.0 Performance and Prescriptive Compliance Approaches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .105

    140.1 Performance Approach: Energy Budgets . . . . . . . . .105

    140.2 Prescriptive Approach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .105

    140.3 Prescriptive Requirements for Building Envelopes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .105

    140.4 Prescriptive Requirements for Space-Conditioning Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .114

    140.5 Prescriptive Requirements for Service Water-Heating Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .129

    140.6 Prescriptive Requirements for Indoor Lighting. . . .130

    140.7 Prescriptive Requirements for Outdoor Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .138

    140.8 Prescriptive Requirements for Signs . . . . . . . . . . . . .141

    140.9 Prescriptive Requirements for Covered

    Processes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .141

    140.10 Prescriptive Requirements for Photovoltaic and Battery Energy Storage Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .145

    SUBCHAPTER 6 NONRESIDENTIAL AND

    HOTEL/MOTEL OCCUPANCIES—ADDITIONS, ALTERATIONS

    AND REPAIRS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149

    141.0 Additions, Alterations and Repairs to Existing Nonresidential and Hotel/Motel Buildings, to Existing Outdoor Lighting, and to Internally and Externally Illuminated Signs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .149

    141.1 Requirements for Covered Processes in Additions, Alterations to Existing Nonresidential and Hotel/Motel Buildings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .157

  • § 130.5 High relevance — show source text

    Exception 2 to Section 130.5(d): Receptacles in healthcare facilities.

    (e) Demand responsive controls and equipment. See Section 110.12 for requirements for demand responsive controls and equipment, including demand responsive controls for controlled receptacles.

    Note: Definitions of terms and phrases in Section 130.5 are determined as specified in Section 100.1(b). Terms and phrases not found in Section 100.1(b) shall be defined as specified in Title 24, Part 3, Article 100 of the California Electrical Code.

    Note: Authority: Sections 25213, 25218, 25218.5, 25402 and 25402.1, Public Resources Code. Reference: Sections 25007, 25008, 25218.5, 25310, 25402, 25402.1, 25402.4, 25402.5, 25402.8, and 25943, Public Resources Code.

    2025 CALIFORNIA ENERGY CODE 103

    on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.

    104 2025 CALIFORNIA ENERGY CODE

    on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.

    5 NONRESIDENTIAL AND HOTEL/MOTEL OCCUPANCIES—

    PERFORMANCE AND PRESCRIPTIVE COMPLIANCE APPROACHES FOR ACHIEVING ENERGY EFFICIENCY

    SECTION 140.0—PERFORMANCE AND PRESCRIPTIVE COMPLIANCE APPROACHES

    Nonresidential and hotel/motel buildings shall comply with all of the following: (a) The requirements of Sections 100.0 through 110.12 applicable to the building project (mandatory measures for all buildings). (b) The requirements of Sections 120.0 through 130.5 (mandatory measures for nonresidential and hotel/motel buildings). (c) Either the performance compliance approach (energy budgets) specified in Section 140.1 or the prescriptive compliance approach specified in Section 140.2 for the climate zone in which the building will be located. Climate zones are shown in Figure 100.1-A.

    Note to Section 140.0(c): The Commission periodically updates, publishes and makes available to interested persons and local enforcement agencies precise descriptions of the climate zones, which is available by zip code boundaries depicted in the Reference Joint Appendices along with a list of the communities in each zone.

    Note to Section 140.0: The requirements of Sections 140.1 through 140.10 apply to newly constructed buildings. Section 141.0 specifies which requirements of Sections 140.1 through 140.10 also apply to additions or alterations to existing buildings.

    Note: Authority: Sections 25213, 25218, 25218.5, 25402 and 25402.1, Public Resources Code. Reference: Sections 25007, 25008, 25218.5, 25310, 25402, 25402.1, 25402.4, 25402.5, 25402.8, and 25943, Public Resources Code.

    SECTION 140.1—PERFORMANCE APPROACH: ENERGY BUDGETS

    A building complies with the performance standards if the energy consumption calculated for the proposed design building is no greater than the energy budget calculated for the standard design building using Commission-certified compliance software as specified by Sections 10-109(c) and 10-116.

  • § 120.5 High relevance — show source text

    120.5 Required Nonresidential Mechanical System Acceptance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79

    120.6 Mandatory Requirements for Covered

    Processes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80

    120.7 Mandatory Requirements for Building Envelopes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

    120.8 Nonresidential Building Commissioning. . . . . . . . . . 91

    120.9 Mandatory Requirements for Commercial Boilers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93

    120.10 Mandatory Requirements for Fans. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93

    SUBCHAPTER 4 NONRESIDENTIAL AND HOTEL/MOTEL OCCUPANCIES—MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR LIGHTING SYSTEMS AND EQUIPMENT, AND ELECTRICAL

    POWER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95

    130.0 Lighting Systems and Equipment, and Electrical Power Distribution Systems—General . . . . . . . . . . . 95

    130.1 Mandatory Indoor Lighting Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96

    130.2 Outdoor Lighting Controls and Equipment . . . . . . .100

    130.3 Sign Lighting Controls. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .101

    130.4 Lighting Control Acceptance and Installation Certificate Requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .101

    130.5 Electrical Power Distribution Systems . . . . . . . . . . .102

    SUBCHAPTER 5 NONRESIDENTIAL AND

    HOTEL/MOTEL OCCUPANCIES—PERFORMANCE AND

    PRESCRIPTIVE COMPLIANCE APPROACHES FOR

    ACHIEVING ENERGY EFFICIENCY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105

    140.0 Performance and Prescriptive Compliance Approaches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .105

    140.1 Performance Approach: Energy Budgets . . . . . . . . .105

    140.2 Prescriptive Approach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .105

    140.3 Prescriptive Requirements for Building Envelopes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .105

    140.4 Prescriptive Requirements for Space-Conditioning Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .114

  • § 203.1.1 High relevance — show source text

    A4.203.1.1 Long-term system cost (LSC). LSC rating for the building’s Proposed Design shall be computed by Compliance Software certified by the Energy Commission as specified in Title 24, Part 6, Section 100.1 and 150.1(b), and shall reduce the LSC required in the Compliance Software for minimum performance-based compliance with the California Energy Code by the compliance margin specified in Table A4.203.1.1. The rating shall be included in the Certificate of Compliance documentation.

    TABLE A4.203.1.1—RECOMMENDED LSC MARGINS BY CLIMATE ZONES Col2
    CALIFORNIA ENERGY CODE CLIMATE ZONE TOTAL LSC COMPLIANCE MARGIN
    1 2.70
    2 1.62
    3 1.10
    4 1.11
    5 1.01
    6 0.24
    7 0.24
    8 0.21
    9 0.20
    10 0.18
    11 1.11
    12 1.05
    13 0.96
    14 1.21
    15 0.59
    16 1.68
    Note: Community shared options complying with Title 24, Part 1, Section 10-115 may be used to achieve LSC targets. Note: Community shared options complying with Title 24, Part 1, Section 10-115 may be used to achieve LSC targets.

    2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE APPENDIX A4-9

    on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.

    APPENDIX A4RESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES

    A4.203.1.2 Prerequisite options. In addition, a minimum of TWO of the efficiency measures specified in Sections A4.203.1.2.1 through A4.203.1.2.7 must be met.

    A4.203.1.2.1 Roof deck insulation, or ducts in conditioned space. Meet one of the three options for the location of ducts and air handlers as well as insulation R -values and installation of a radiant barrier as specified in Title 24, Part 6, Section 150.1(c)9A or B:

    1. Below roof deck insulation with a minimum R -value of 19; or,

    2. Continuous above deck insulation with a minimum R-8 and with an air space present between the roofing and the roof deck; or,

    3. All ducts and air handlers in conditioned space as specified in the Title 24, Part 6, Reference Appendix RA3.1.

    A4.203.1.2.2 High performance walls. Meet the climate zone dependent U -factor or insulation R -value for either 2x6 or 2x4 framing as specified in Title 24, Part 6, Section 150.1(c)1B: maximum U -factor of 0.048.

    A4.203.1.2.3 Compact hot water distribution system. Meet the requirements for installation of Compact Hot Water Distribution Systems specified in the Title 24, Part 6, Reference Appendix RA3.6.5.

  • § 170.2 High relevance — show source text

    The rated energy capacity shall be not less than the Minimum Rated Useable Energy Capacity determined by Equation 170.2-E, or by Equation 170.2-F if SARA was used to determine the PV capacity in Section 170.2-D, and the rated power capacity shall be not less than the Minimum Power Capacity determined by Equation 170.2-G. In mixed occupancy buildings, the total battery system capacity for the building shall be determined by applying the Minimum Rated Usable Energy Capacity to each of the listed building types and summing the capacities determined for each.

    EQUATION 170.2-E—BATTERY ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM MINIMUM RATED USABLE ENERGY CAPACITY kWh batt = k((CFA × B)/(1000 × C [0.5] ))

    EQUATION 170.2-F BATTERY ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM MINIMUM RATED USABLE ENERGY CAPACITY, SARA-ADJUSTED kWh batt = k((CFA × B)/(1000 × C [0.5] )) × (kWP Vdc,SARA /kWP Vdc )

    268 2025 CALIFORNIA ENERGY CODE

    on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.

    MULTIFAMILY BUILDINGS—PERFORMANCE AND PRESCRIPTIVE COMPLIANCE APPROACHES

    where:

    kWh batt = Minimum Rated Usable Energy Capacity of the BESS in kWh.

    kW PVdc = Minimum Rated PV System Capacity in kW from Equation 170.2D. kW PVdc, SARA = Minimum Rated PV System Capacity in kW from the SARA calculation. CFA = Conditioned floor area that is subject to the PV system requirements of Section 170.2(g) in square feet.

    B = BESS Capacity Factor in Wh/square foot as specified in Table 170.2-V for the building type.

    C = Rated single charge-discharge cycle AC to AC (round-trip) efficiency of the BESS.

    EQUATION 170.2-G—BATTERY ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM MINIMUM RATED POWER CAPACITY

    kW batt = kW batt /4

    where:

    kW batt = Minimum Rated Power Capacity of the BESS in kW dc .

    kWh batt = Minimum Rated Usable Energy Capacity of the BESS in kWh.

    Exception 1 to Section 170.2(h): No BESS is required if the installed PV system capacity is less than 15 percent of the capacity determined by Equation 170.2-D.

    Exception 2 to Section 170.2(h): No BESS is required in buildings with BESS requirements with less than 10 kWh minimum rated usable energy capacity.

    |TABLE 170.

  • § 108.1 High relevance — show source text

    108.1** Items in this section are necessary to address innovative
    concepts or local environmental conditions.||||||| |Item 1|
    |
    |
    |
    |
    |
    | |Item 2|
    |
    |
    |
    |
    |
    | |Item 3||||||| |ENERGY EFFICIENCY||||||| |General||||||| |4.201.1 Building meets or exceeds the requirements of the_California_
    _Building Energy Efficiency Standards_3.||2|2|||| |Performance Approach for Newly
    Constructed Buildings||||||| |**A4.203.1.1 Hourly Source Energy Rating (EDR1).**EDR1 ratings for
    building design shall be computed by Energy Compliant software and
    shall reduce the EDR1 required by the software by the compliance
    margins specified in Table A4.203.1.1.||2|2|||| |**A4.203.1.2 Prerequisite options.In addition, a minimum of two of
    the efficiency measures specified in Sections A4.203.1.2.1 through
    A4.203.1.2.8 will be required to be met.
    · Roof Deck Insulation or Ducts in Conditioned Space.
    · High-performance Walls.
    · Compact Hot Water Distribution System.
    · Drain Water Heat Recovery.
    · High Performance Vertical Fenestration.
    · Heat Pump Water Heater Demand Management.
    · Battery Storage System Controls.
    · **Heat Pump Space and Water Heating.||2|2|||| |**A4.203.1.3 Consultation with local electric service provider.**Local
    jurisdictions considering adoption of reduced EDR targets based on
    using solar photovoltaic (PV) systems larger than required by the
    California Energy Code shall consult with the local electric service
    provider to ensure that that PV system sizing required to comply with
    the EDR targets will be acceptable to the local electric service
    provider.||2|2||||

    2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE APPENDIX A4-25

    on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.

    APPENDIX A4RESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES

    SECTION A4.602—RESIDENTIAL OCCUPANCIES APPLICATION CHECKLIST—continued

  • § 204.1 Medium relevance — show source text

    ** Buildings complying with the second level of advanced energy efficiency shall have an Energy Budget that is no greater than indicated below, depending on building type and the type of energy systems included in the building project. If the newly constructed building or addition does not include indoor lighting or mechanical systems, then no additional performance requirements above Title 24, Part 6 are required.

    1. For nonresidential building projects that include indoor lighting or mechanical systems, but not both: No greater than 90 percent of the Title 24, Part 6, Energy Budget for the Standard Design Building as calculated by compliance software certified by the Energy Commission.
    2. For nonresidential building projects that include indoor lighting and mechanical systems: No greater than 85 percent of the Title 24, Part 6, Energy Budget for the Standard Design Building as calculated by compliance software certified by the Energy Commission.
    3. For high-rise residential and hotel/motel building projects: No greater than 95 percent of the Title 24, Part 6, Energy Budget for the Standard Design Building as calculated by compliance software certified by the Energy Commission.

    Note: For Energy Budget calculations, high-rise residential and hotel/motel buildings are considered nonresidential buildings.

    SECTION A5.204—MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR ALTERATIONS TO EXISTING BUILDINGS

    A5.204.1 Energy efficiency . Alterations to existing nonresidential buildings shall comply with Section A5.204.1.1.

    A5.204.1.1 Altered pool and/or spa heating for existing nonresidential buildings . Alteration of existing nonresidential pool and/or spa heating system shall meet the following.

    Heating source sizing. Heating systems or equipment for pools or spas shall meet one of the sizing requirements of Items 1 through 5 below:

    1. Solar pool heating system with a solar collector surface area that is equivalent to 65 percent or greater of the surface areas of the pool or spa or a combination of both respectively; or
    2. A heat pump pool heater as the primary heating system that meets the sizing requirements of Reference Joint Appendix JA16.3. The control for the heat pump pool heater shall meet the requirements specified in Section 110.4(d). The supplementary heater can be of any energy source; or
    3. A heating system that derives at least 60 percent of the annual heating energy from on-site renewable energy or on-site recovered energy; or
    4. A combination of a solar pool heating system and heat pump pool heater without any additional supplementary heater;

    or

    1. A pool heating system determined by the Energy Commission Executive Director to use no more energy than the systems specified in Item 1, 2, 3, or 4 above.

    Exception 1 to A5.204.1.1: Portable electric spas compliant with 20 CCR, Section 1605.3(g)(7) of the Appliance Efficiency Regulations.

    Exception 2 to A5.204.1.1: A pool or spa that is heated solely by a solar pool heating system without any supplementary heater.

    Exception 3 to A5.204.1.1: An existing building with inadequate Solar Access Roof Area (SARA) as specified in Section 140.10(a) for a solar pool heating system to be installed.

    Exception 4 to A5.204.1.1: Heating systems which are used exclusively for permanent spa applications in existing buildings with gas availability.

    SECTION A5.211—RESERVED

    SECTION A5.212—ELEVATORS, ESCALATORS AND OTHER EQUIPMENT

  • § 201.1 Medium relevance — show source text

    SECTION A4.201—GENERAL

    A4.201.1 Scope. For the purposes of mandatory energy efficiency standards in the California Building Standards Code (Title 24), the California Energy Commission will continue to adopt mandatory standards in the California Energy Code (Title 24, Part 6). It is the intent of these voluntary provisions to encourage local jurisdictions through codification to achieve exemplary performance in the area of building energy efficiency. Local jurisdictions adopting these voluntary provisions as mandatory local energy efficiency standards shall submit the required application and receive the required approval of the California Energy Commission in compliance with Title 24, Part 1, Section 10-106 prior to enforcement. Once the required filing has been verified and finding has been made by the Energy Commission, local jurisdictions shall file an ordinance expressly marking the local modification along with findings and receive the required acceptance from the California Building Standards Commission in compliance with Section 101.7 of this code, prior to enforcement. (Title 24, Part 1, Section 10-106 is available at https://www.energy.ca.gov/programs-and-topics/programs/build- ing-energy-efficiency-standards/2025-building-energy-efficiency

    SECTION A4.202—DEFINITIONS

    A4.202.1 Definitions. The following terms are defined in Chapter 2.

    ENERGY BUDGET.

    LONG-TERM SYSTEM COST (LSC).

    RECOVERED ENERGY, ON-SITE.

    SOLAR POOL HEATING SYSTEM.

    SECTION A4.203—PERFORMANCE APPROACH FOR NEWLY CONSTRUCTED BUILDINGS

    A4.203.1 Energy efficiency. Newly constructed low-rise residential buildings shall comply with Sections A4.203.1.1 through A4.203.1.4.

    A4.203.1.1 Long-term system cost (LSC). LSC rating for the building’s Proposed Design shall be computed by Compliance Software certified by the Energy Commission as specified in Title 24, Part 6, Section 100.1 and 150.1(b), and shall reduce the LSC required in the Compliance Software for minimum performance-based compliance with the California Energy Code by the compliance margin specified in Table A4.203.1.1. The rating shall be included in the Certificate of Compliance documentation.

    TABLE A4.203.1.1—RECOMMENDED LSC MARGINS BY CLIMATE ZONES Col2
    CALIFORNIA ENERGY CODE CLIMATE ZONE TOTAL LSC COMPLIANCE MARGIN
    1 2.70
    2 1.62
    3 1.10
    4 1.11
    5 1.01
    6 0.24
    7 0.24
    8 0.21
    9 0.20
    10 0.18
    11 1.11
    12 1.05
    13 0.96
    14 1.21
    15 0.59
    16 1.68
    Note: Community shared options complying with Title 24, Part 1, Section 10-115 may be used to achieve LSC targets. Note: Community shared options complying with Title 24, Part 1, Section 10-115 may be used to achieve LSC targets.

    2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE APPENDIX A4-9

Frequently asked questions

Which compliance path is simpler for a small commercial project: prescriptive or performance?

The prescriptive path (see §140.2) is generally simpler because it requires meeting a set list of component requirements; the performance path (§140.1) is appropriate when you need design flexibility or want to use tradeoffs (e.g., larger PV, high‑efficiency HVAC, BESS) to meet an hourly LSC or Source Energy budget .

What software outputs and forms do I need to submit for performance compliance?

You must use Energy Commission‑certified compliance software (Sections 10‑109 and 10‑116) and include the Certificate of Compliance and supporting calculation files with the building‑permit application per Sections 10‑103(a)1 and 10‑103(a)2; additionally, required installation and verification certificates or field‑verification reports must be included when performance depends on installed features exceeding prescriptive minima .

What are the energy‑budget components I should understand before modeling?

Know that the budget is expressed in LSC and/or Source Energy; LSC combines Efficiency LSC (space conditioning, water heating, ventilation, lighting, self‑utilization) and Total LSC (adds PV, BESS and demand flexibility), and Source Energy is calculated per the hourly Btu factors and long‑term marginal resource assumptions in the code guidance (§100.2 and §140.1) .

More in California Energy Code

Ask about the California Energy Code

Get cited, plain-English answers on the California Energy Code for your project — any code section, any scenario.

Start Free Trial

Related in the California Energy Code