Title 24 · California Energy Code
When can I use the performance approach vs the prescriptive approach?
You must meet mandatory measures, then choose either the prescriptive route (install specific assemblies per the Code) or the performance route (use Commission‑certified software to show your building’s modeled energy use is no greater than the standard‑design energy budget). For single‑family see **§ 150.1**, for multifamily see **§ 170.0/170.2**, and for nonresidential see **§ 140.0/140.1/140.2**.
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
What the code requires — 2–4 sentences
You must choose either the performance approach or the prescriptive approach to show compliance for new construction in each occupancy group the Code covers. For nonresidential / hotel–motel buildings use § 140.1 (performance) or § 140.2 (prescriptive) as alternatives after you meet the mandatory measures; see § 140.0 for the overall requirement.
For single‑family homes the same choice is in § 150.1 (performance vs prescriptive) and for multifamily buildings the choice is in § 170.0 with the prescriptive path in § 170.2.
The single most important rule: You may pick either path, but you must always comply with the applicable mandatory measures first; the performance path compares your proposed design’s energy use to a standard design energy budget, while the prescriptive path requires installed components and assemblies to meet listed values.
Requirements in detail
Core definitions (first mentions)
- Performance approach — compliance by demonstrating the proposed building’s energy consumption is no greater than the energy budget of a standard design using Commission‑certified software (§ 140.1, also § 150.1 and § 170.1).
- Prescriptive approach — compliance by designing, constructing and installing systems/components that meet the prescriptive requirements listed in the Code (for nonresidential see § 140.2; for multifamily see § 170.2; for single‑family see § 150.1(c)).
- Energy budget — the standard‑design annual energy allowance expressed as source energy and long‑term system cost (LSC); performance compliance requires modeled proposed ≤ budget.
Decision table — when each path is permitted / typical tradeoffs
| Decision dimension | Prescriptive approach — what it requires | Performance approach — what it requires | Code Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Building type (new construction) | Allowed for nonresidential/hotel, single‑family (as prescriptive option), and multifamily (prescriptive tables) | Allowed for nonresidential/hotel, single‑family (performance option), and multifamily (performance option) | § 140.0, § 140.2, § 150.1, § 170.0 |
| Mandatory measures | Must always comply with mandatory measures (Sections 110–130 etc.) before applying either path | Same — mandatory measures are still required; performance compares proposed vs standard design after mandatory measures | § 140.0, § 150.1(a) |
| How compliance is demonstrated | Provide documentation that installed components meet prescriptive tables and sections (e.g., envelope, systems, lighting). | Use Commission‑certified compliance software to model proposed design and show proposed energy ≤ energy budget (LSC and source energy). | § 140.2, § 140.1, § 150.1(b) |
| Degree of design flexibility | Lower flexibility — you must install specific features/values in the Code | Higher flexibility — you can trade measures (e.g., better envelope vs on‑site PV) as long as modeled budget is met | § 140.2 vs § 140.1 |
| Required tools / verification | Field verification of specific prescriptive items where called for | Use Commission‑certified software and perform required field verification when installed performance exceeds minimums (see field verification rules) | § 140.1; single‑family field verification in § 150.1(b)2; multifamily in § 170.1(b) |
| Climate zone dependence | Prescriptive tables specify values by climate zone (must use the zone for your site) | Energy budget is calculated for the site/climate zone in the modeling software | § 140.0; climate zones referenced in § 150.1, § 170.0 |
Notes about modeling and energy budget
- The Code defines the energy budget in terms of source energy and long‑term system cost (LSC); performance modeling must produce both metrics and demonstrate compliance per the applicable section (nonresidential § 140.1, residential § 150.1, multifamily § 170.1).
- The Commission requires use of Commission‑certified compliance software for the performance path (see the sections referenced above).
Exceptions & special cases
- The Code still imposes mandatory measures (Sections 110–130) that apply regardless of whether you choose performance or prescriptive — you cannot avoid those by choosing performance. See § 140.0 and related occupancy sections.
- For single‑family and multifamily, certain subsections modify how performance or prescriptive rules apply to additions/alterations (see the notes in § 150.1 and § 170.0); those changes are spelled out in the Code sections for additions/alterations.
- When performance compliance requires installing items that exceed minimum prescriptive values (for example higher‑efficiency HVAC), the Code often requires field verification of those items — check the specific field verification clauses in § 150.1(b)2 and § 170.1(b).
Common mistakes
- Assuming performance removes mandatory measures. It does not — mandatory Sections 110–130 still apply. Always confirm mandatory items first.
- Forgetting to use Commission‑certified software for performance compliance or to include the required documentation with the permit application. The performance paths require approved modeling software and permit documentation.
- Using prescriptive tables for a building type that must follow a different subchapter (e.g., treating multifamily like single‑family). Use the subchapter and tables that match your occupancy: § 150.1 for single‑family, § 170.2 for multifamily, § 140.2 for nonresidential prescriptive.
- Neglecting climate zone: prescriptive requirements and the standard design for the energy budget are climate‑zone specific. Check the climate zone mapping referenced in the sections.
Worked example — concrete scenario
Scenario: A developer proposes a new 10,000 ft² office building (nonresidential) in a California climate zone. The project must meet mandatory measures (Sections 110–130) and then choose a compliance path.
Prescriptive route (what you would do): Follow the prescriptive components in § 140.3–140.8 / § 140.2 (envelope U‑factors, lighting power densities, HVAC efficiencies, controls, etc.), select assemblies that meet the prescriptive values for the building’s climate zone, and submit documentation showing installed components meet those requirements. Compliance is demonstrated by matching the prescriptive tables and checks.
Performance route (what you would do): Model the proposed design using Commission‑certified software and produce the energy budget comparison required in § 140.1. Example (illustrative numbers only — actual budgets must come from the certified software):
- Standard design (budget) source energy = 100,000 kBtu/year (standard design produced by the certified tool).
- Proposed design modeled source energy = 92,000 kBtu/year.
- Because 92,000 ≤ 100,000, the project complies via the performance approach; include the modeling files and required forms with the permit application as required by § 140.1.
Note: the numeric values above are an illustration. The Code requires use of the certified software to produce the legally binding energy budget and documentation.
Related provisions
- § 140.0 — Performance and Prescriptive Compliance Approaches (overview for nonresidential/hotel–motel).
- § 140.1 — Performance approach: energy budgets and modeling requirements.
- § 140.2 — Prescriptive approach for nonresidential/hotel–motel buildings.
- § 150.1 — Performance and prescriptive compliance approaches for single‑family residential buildings.
- § 150.2 — (See Subsections that modify 150.1 for additions/alterations; consult the Code text in the applicable subchapter.)
- § 170.0 — General requirements for multifamily buildings and choice of compliance path.
- § 170.2 — Prescriptive approach for multifamily buildings (prescriptive tables and zone‑specific values).
Code references
Grounded in the retrieved California Energy Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:
§ 141.0 High relevance — show source text
ADDITIONS, ALTERATIONS AND REPAIRS
SECTION 141.0—ADDITIONS, ALTERATIONS AND REPAIRS TO EXISTING NONRESIDENTIAL AND HOTEL/ MOTEL BUILDINGS, TO EXISTING OUTDOOR LIGHTING, AND TO INTERNALLY AND EXTERNALLY ILLUMINATED SIGNS
Additions, alterations, and repairs to existing nonresidential and hotel/motel buildings, existing outdoor lighting for these occupancies, and internally and externally illuminated signs, shall meet the requirements specified in Sections 100.0 through 110.12, and 120.0 through 130.5 that are applicable to the building project, and either the performance compliance approach (energy budgets) in Section 141.0(a)2 (for additions) or 141.0(b) 3 (for alterations), or the prescriptive compliance approach in Section 141.0(a)1 (for additions) or 141.0(b)2 (for alterations), for the Climate Zone in which the building is located. Climate zones are shown in Figure 100.1-A.
Covered process requirements for additions, alterations and repairs to existing nonresidential and hotel/motel buildings are specified in Section 141.1.
Exception to Section 141.0: Alterations to healthcare facilities are not required to comply with this Section.
NOTES:
- For alterations that change the occupancy classification of the building, the requirements specified in Section 141.0(b) apply to the occupancy after the alterations.
- Relocation or moving of a relocatable public school building is not, by itself, considered an alteration for the purposes of Title 24, Part 6.
(a) Additions. Additions shall meet either Item 1 or 2 below.
- Prescriptive approach. The envelope and lighting of the addition, any newly installed space-conditioning system, electrical power distribution system, or water-heating system; any addition to an outdoor lighting system; and any new sign installed in conjunction with an indoor or outdoor addition shall meet the applicable requirements of Sections 110.0 through 120.7, 120.9 through 130.5 and 140.2 through 140.9.
- Performance approach. A. The envelope and indoor lighting in the conditioned space of the addition, and any newly installed space-conditioning system, electrical power distribution system, or water-heating system, shall meet the applicable requirements of Sections 110.0 through 120.7, 120.9 through 130.5; and
B. Either:
i. The addition alone shall comply with Section 140.1; or ii. Existing plus addition plus alteration. The standard design for existing plus addition, plus alteration energy use is the combination of the existing building’s unaltered components to remain, existing building altered components that are the more efficient, in LSC, of either the existing conditions, or the requirements of Section 141.0(b)2, plus the proposed addition’s energy use meeting the requirements of Section 140.1. The proposed design energy use is the combination of the existing building’s unaltered components to remain and the altered component’s energy features, plus the proposed energy features of the addition.
Exception 1 to Section 141.0(a): When heating, cooling or service water heating to an addition are provided by expanding existing systems, the existing systems and equipment need not comply with Sections 110.0 through 120.9 or Sections 140.4 through 140.5.
§ 110.0 High relevance — show source text
(a) Additions. Additions shall meet either Item 1 or 2 below.
- Prescriptive approach. The envelope and lighting of the addition, any newly installed space-conditioning system, electrical power distribution system, or water-heating system; any addition to an outdoor lighting system; and any new sign installed in conjunction with an indoor or outdoor addition shall meet the applicable requirements of Sections 110.0 through 120.7, 120.9 through 130.5 and 140.2 through 140.9.
- Performance approach. A. The envelope and indoor lighting in the conditioned space of the addition, and any newly installed space-conditioning system, electrical power distribution system, or water-heating system, shall meet the applicable requirements of Sections 110.0 through 120.7, 120.9 through 130.5; and
B. Either:
i. The addition alone shall comply with Section 140.1; or ii. Existing plus addition plus alteration. The standard design for existing plus addition, plus alteration energy use is the combination of the existing building’s unaltered components to remain, existing building altered components that are the more efficient, in LSC, of either the existing conditions, or the requirements of Section 141.0(b)2, plus the proposed addition’s energy use meeting the requirements of Section 140.1. The proposed design energy use is the combination of the existing building’s unaltered components to remain and the altered component’s energy features, plus the proposed energy features of the addition.
Exception 1 to Section 141.0(a): When heating, cooling or service water heating to an addition are provided by expanding existing systems, the existing systems and equipment need not comply with Sections 110.0 through 120.9 or Sections 140.4 through 140.5.
Exception 2 to Section 141.0(a): Where an existing system with electric reheat is expanded by adding variable air volume (VAV) boxes to serve an addition, total electric reheat capacity may be expanded so that the total capacity does not exceed 150 percent of the existing installed electric heating capacity in any one permit, and the system need not comply with Section 140.4(g). Additional electric reheat capacity in excess of 150 percent of the existing installed electric heating capacity may be added subject to the requirements of Section 140.4(g).
Exception 3 to Section 141.0(a): Duct sealing. When ducts are extended from an existing duct system to serve the addition, the existing duct system and the extended ducts shall meet the applicable requirements specified in Section 141.0(b)2D.
Exception 4 to Section 141.0(a): Additions that increase the area of the roof by 2,000 square feet or less are not required to comply with Section 110.10.
Exception 5 to Section 141.0(a): A gas hot water boiler system with a total system input of at least 1 MMBtu/h but no more than 10 MMBtu/h added to an existing building is not required to comply with Section 140.4(k)8.
Exception 6 to Section 141.0(a): A gas service water-heating system with a total system input of at least 1 MMBtu/h added to an existing building is not required to comply with Section 140.5(c).
Exception 7 to Section 141.0(a) : Section 140.4(a)2 shall not apply to new space-conditioning systems or components.
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§ 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
§ 120.0 High relevance — show source text
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ALL OCCUPANCIES—GENERAL PROVISIONS
ii. Compliance approaches. In order to comply with Part 6, newly constructed nonresidential buildings and hotels/motels that are mechanically heated or mechanically cooled must meet the requirements of: a. Mandatory measures: The applicable provisions of Sections 120.0 through 130.5; and
b. Either:
(i) Performance approach: Section 140.1; or (ii) Prescriptive approach: Sections 140.2 through 140.10. C. Unconditioned nonresidential buildings and process space. Sections 110.9, 110.10, 120.6, 130.0 through 130.5, 140.3(c), 140.6, 140.7 and 140.8 apply to all newly constructed unconditioned buildings and for process spaces within the scope of Section 100.0(a). D. Single-family buildings. i. Sections applicable. Sections 150.0 through 150.1 apply to newly constructed single-family buildings. ii. Compliance approaches. In order to comply with Part 6, newly constructed single-family buildings must meet the requirements of: a. Mandatory measures: The applicable provisions of Sections 110.0 through 110.10 and 150.0; and
b. Either:
(i) Performance approach: Sections 150.1(a) and (b); or (ii) Prescriptive approach: Sections 150.1(a) and (c). Exception to Section 100.0(e)2Diib: Seasonally occupied agricultural housing limited by state or federal agency contract to occupancy not more than 180 days in any calendar year. E. Multifamily Buildings . i. Sections applicable. Sections 160.0 through 170.2 apply to newly constructed multifamily buildings. ii. Compliance approaches. In order to comply with Part 6, newly constructed multifamily buildings must meet the requirements of: a. Mandatory measures: The applicable provisions of Sections 110.0 through 110.10, and 160.0; and
b. Either:
(i) Performance approach: Section 170.1; or (ii) Prescriptive approach: Section 170.2(a) through (f).
F. Covered processes.
i. Sections applicable. Sections 110.2, 120.3, 120.6, 140.9, and 141.1 apply to covered processes. ii. Compliance approaches. In order to comply with Part 6, covered processes must meet the requirements of: a. The applicable mandatory measures in Sections 110.2, 120.3 and 120.6; and
b. Either:
(i) The performance approach requirements of Section 140.1; or (ii) The prescriptive approach requirements of Section 140.9. 3. New construction in existing buildings (additions, alterations and repairs). A. Nonresidential and hotel/motel buildings. Section 141.0 applies to new construction in existing nonresidential, high-rise residential and hotel/motel buildings. New construction in existing buildings includes additions, alterations and repairs. Section 141.0 specifies requirements that uniquely apply to additions, alterations or repairs to existing buildings, and specify which requirements in other sections also apply. For alterations that change the occupancy classification of the building, the requirements specified in Section 141.0 apply to the occupancy after the alterations. B. **Single-family buildings.
§ 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
§ 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.
- 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.
- 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.
California Energy Code High relevance — show source text
4|1|086|216|130|3|602| |4:00|2|000|408|280|6|805|1|093|226|820|3|780| |4:10|2|012|427|670|7|128|1|100|237|590|3|960| |4:20|2|025|447|180|7|453|1|107|248|430|4|140| |4:30|2|038|466|810|7|780|1|114|259|340|4|322| |4:40|2|050|486|560|8|110|1|121|270|310|4|505| |4:50|2|062|506|450|8|441|1|128|281|360|4|689| |5:00|2|075|526|450|8|774|1|135|292|470|4|874| |5:10|2|088|546|580|9|110|1|142|303|660|5|061| |5:20|2|100|566|840|9|447|1|149|315|910|5|248| |5:30|2|112|587|220|9|787|1|156|326|240|5|437| |5:40|2|125|607|730|10|129|1|163|337|630|5|627| |5:50|2|138|628|360|10|473|1|170|349|930|5|818| |6:00|2|150|649|120|10|819|1|177|360|620|6|010| |6:10|2|162|670|000|11|167|1|184|372|230|6|204| |6:20|2|175|691|010|11|517|1|191|383|900|6|398| |6:30|2|188|712|140|11|869|1|198|395|640|6|594| |6:40|2|200|733|400
§ 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.
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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.
§ 150.1 High relevance — show source text
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8 SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS—PERFORMANCE
AND PRESCRIPTIVE COMPLIANCE APPROACHES
SECTION 150.1—PERFORMANCE AND PRESCRIPTIVE COMPLIANCE APPROACHES FOR SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS
(a) Basic requirements. Single-family residential buildings shall meet all of the following:
- The applicable requirements of Sections 110.0 through 110.10.
- The applicable requirements of Section 150.0 (mandatory features).
- Either the performance standards or the prescriptive standards set forth in this section for the climate zone in which the building is located. Climate zones are shown in Reference Joint Appendix JA2–Weather/Climate Data. Exception to Section 150.1(a)3: If a single contiguous subdivision or tract 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 150.0(a) through 150.0(r) apply to newly constructed buildings and Sections 150.2(a) and 150.2(b) specifies changes to the requirements of Sections 150.1(a) through 150.1(c) that apply to additions or alterations.
(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.
- 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.
§ 2.5. High relevance — show source text
ii. Temperature maintenance tank. Meet one of the following: A. The electrical power required to power a HPWH system temperature maintenance tank that meets the total building hot water demand as calculated and documented by the responsible person associated with the project. B. The electrical power required that meets the requirements specified for the temperature maintenance tank in Joint Appendix JA15.2.5.
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 .
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11 MULTIFAMILY BUILDINGS—PERFORMANCE
AND PRESCRIPTIVE COMPLIANCE APPROACHES
SECTION 170.0—GENERAL
Multifamily buildings shall comply with the applicable requirements of Sections 170.0 through 170.2. Sections 170.0 through 170.2 apply to dwelling units and common use areas in multifamily buildings. Nonresidential occupancies in mixed occupancy buildings shall comply with nonresidential requirements in Sections 120, 130, 140 and 141.
(a) Multifamily buildings shall meet all of the following:
- The applicable requirements of Sections 110.0 through 110.10.
- The applicable requirements of Section 160.0 (mandatory features).
- Either the performance standards Section 170.1 or the prescriptive standards Section 170.2 set forth in this subchapter for the climate zone in which the building is located. Climate zones are shown in Reference Joint Appendix JA2— Weather/Climate Data.
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.
§ 25218.5 Medium relevance — show source text
Reference: Sections 25007, 25008, 25218.5, 25310, 25402, 25402.1, 25402.4, 25402.5,
25402.8 and 25943,Public Resources Code.|N.A. = Not Applicable
1.
Nonresidential and hotel/motel buildings that contain covered processes may conform to the applicable requirements of both occupancy types listed in this table.
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.|N.A. = Not Applicable
1.
Nonresidential and hotel/motel buildings that contain covered processes may conform to the applicable requirements of both occupancy types listed in this table.
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.|- Newly constructed buildings. A. All newly constructed buildings. Sections 110.0 through 110.12 apply to all newly constructed buildings within the scope of Section 100.0(a). In addition, newly constructed buildings shall meet the requirements of Subsections B, C, D or E, as applicable. B. Nonresidential and hotel/motel buildings that are mechanically heated or mechanically cooled. i. Sections applicable. Sections 120.0 through 140.8 apply to newly constructed nonresidential buildings and hotels/motels that are mechanically heated or mechanically cooled.
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ALL OCCUPANCIES—GENERAL PROVISIONS
ii. Compliance approaches. In order to comply with Part 6, newly constructed nonresidential buildings and hotels/motels that are mechanically heated or mechanically cooled must meet the requirements of: a. Mandatory measures: The applicable provisions of Sections 120.0 through 130.5; and
b. Either:
(i) Performance approach: Section 140.1; or (ii) Prescriptive approach: Sections 140.2 through 140.10. C. Unconditioned nonresidential buildings and process space. Sections 110.9, 110.10, 120.6, 130.0 through 130.5, 140.3(c), 140.6, 140.7 and 140.8 apply to all newly constructed unconditioned buildings and for process spaces within the scope of Section 100.0(a). D. Single-family buildings. i. Sections applicable. Sections 150.0 through 150.1 apply to newly constructed single-family buildings. ii. Compliance approaches. In order to comply with Part 6, newly constructed single-family buildings must meet the requirements of: a. Mandatory measures: The applicable provisions of Sections 110.0 through 110.10 and 150.0; and
b. Either:
§ 170.2 Medium relevance — show source text
A. 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 170.2-K or specified for the standard
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MULTIFAMILY BUILDINGS—PERFORMANCE AND PRESCRIPTIVE COMPLIANCE APPROACHES
design, the installed system shall be field verified in accordance with the procedures specified in the applicable sections of Reference Residential Appendix RA3. B. Variable capacity heat pump (VCHP) compliance option. When performance compliance requires installation of a heat pump system that meets all the requirements of the VCHP compliance option specified in the ACM Reference Manual, the system shall be field verified in accordance with the procedures in Reference Residential Appendix RA3.4.4.3.
C. Low leakage air handler. When performance compliance requires installation of a low leakage air-handling unit, the installed air handling unit shall be field verified in accordance with the procedures specified in Reference Residential Appendix RA3.1.4.3.9. D. Thermal balancing valve. When performance compliance requires installation of thermal balancing valves with variable speed circulation pump(s), the installation shall meet the procedures specified in Reference Residential Appendix RA4.4.3. E. Heat pump—rated heating capacity. When performance compliance requires installation of a heat pump system, the heating capacity values at 47°F and 17°F shall be field verified in accordance with the procedures specified in Reference Residential Appendix RA3.4.4.2. F. Dwelling unit enclosure air leakage. When performance compliance requires a building enclosure leakage rate that is lower than the standard design, the building enclosure shall be field verified in accordance with the procedures specified in Reference Residential Appendix RA3.8. G. Quality insulation installation (QII). When performance compliance requires field verification of QII, the building insulation system shall be field verified in accordance with the procedures in Reference Residential Appendix RA3.5.
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 170.2—PRESCRIPTIVE APPROACH
Multifamily buildings, including both dwelling units and common use areas, that comply with the prescriptive standards shall be designed, constructed and equipped to meet all of the requirements for the appropriate climate zone shown in Table 170.2-A. In Table 170.2-A, NA (not allowed) means that feature is not permitted in a particular climate zone and NR (no requirement) means that there is no prescriptive requirement for that feature in a particular climate zone. Installed components shall meet the following requirements:
(a) Envelope component requirements .
- Exterior roofs and ceilings . Exterior roofs and ceilings shall comply with each of the applicable requirements in this subsection:
Frequently asked questions
Can I mix the two approaches (some features prescriptive, some performance)?
Yes. The Code lets you meet mandatory measures and then choose either the prescriptive path or the performance path for overall compliance. Practically, many teams use prescriptive packages for some systems and then model the whole building with performance software to capture tradeoffs — but the official compliance submittal must follow the rules of the chosen approach (modeling with certified software for performance).
Do I always need modeling software for the performance path?
Yes — performance compliance must be demonstrated with Commission‑certified compliance software that produces the standard‑design energy budget and compares the proposed design; see § 140.1 (nonresidential), § 150.1(b) (single‑family), and § 170.1 (multifamily).
Are mandatory measures different between the two paths?
No. Mandatory measures (Sections 110–130 etc.) apply regardless of whether you choose performance or prescriptive; you must comply with those first, then demonstrate compliance by either path.
Where do I find the prescriptive values (U‑factors, LPDs, equipment efficiencies)?
Prescriptive values for nonresidential buildings are in the prescriptive subchapters § 140.3–140.10 referenced from § 140.2; for multifamily see § 170.2; for single‑family see the prescriptive tables referenced in § 150.1(c).
If my project spans more than one climate zone, which zone do I use?
The Code provides rules for subdivisions/developments that span climate zones in the single‑family and multifamily sections — typically you may design to the climate zone that contains 50% or more of the units; see § 150.1 and § 170.0 notes.
More in California Energy Code
- Compliance paths, energy budgets, performance modeling and forms/software requirements
- Controls, commissioning, demand-response, sensors, and field verification/diagnostic testing
- Domestic hot water systems, efficiency, controls and installation requirements
- Electrical infrastructure, EV charging readiness, load management and demand controls
- Envelope construction, insulation, fenestration and thermal performance
- HVAC systems, ventilation rates, ducting, controls and testing
- Interior and exterior lighting power, controls and daylighting requirements
- Mandatory measures, appliance efficiency and certification requirements
- Photovoltaic requirements, BESS (battery energy storage) sizing and SARA procedures
- Reference appendices, test procedures, product certification and labeling requirements
- Scope, applicability, definitions and administrative requirements
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