CALGreen · California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen)

Daylight, views and lighting/thermal comfort controls electives

CALGreen elective measures require occupant lighting and thermal controls (individual controls for most occupants), daylit spaces per the California Energy Code, and direct views to the outdoors for 90% of regularly occupied areas—documented with plans and sections and allowing some exceptions (e.g., storage, copy rooms).

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Last reviewed: July 6, 2026

What the code requires — 2-4 sentences

Provide enhanced daylighting, occupant views, and lighting/thermal comfort controls as voluntary Appendix A5 electives under § A5.507.1, § A5.507.2, and § A5.507.3 of CALGreen. § A5.507.1 requires provision of individual and shared lighting and thermal comfort controls for workplaces; § A5.507.2 requires daylit spaces consistent with the California Energy Code and lists design considerations; and § A5.507.3 requires direct sight lines to the outdoors for 90 percent of regularly occupied areas with specific height limits for vision glazing.

The single most important practical rule: design for occupant control (lighting + thermal) and ensure daylight and sight-lines so that most regularly occupied areas have daylight and a direct view to the outdoors. (See § A5.507.1, § A5.507.2, § A5.507.3.)

Requirements in detail

Lighting and thermal comfort controls (what to provide)

  • What the code says: Provide controls in the workplace as described in § A5.507.1.
  • Single‑occupant spaces: Provide individual controls meeting California Energy Code energy-use requirements (see § A5.507.1.1).
    • Lighting: individual task lighting and/or daylighting controls for at least 90 percent of building occupants (first occurrence: 90 percent). § A5.507.1.1.1.
    • Thermal comfort: individual thermal comfort controls for at least 50 percent of building occupants (first occurrence: 50 percent). Controls must give occupants control over at least one factor from ASHRAE 55‑2004 (air temperature, radiant temperature, air speed, humidity) per § A5.507.1.1.2. Substitution: occupants within 20 feet of the plane of and within 10 feet either side of operable windows may use those windows to satisfy the requirement when the operable window area meets the California Energy Code ventilation requirements.
  • Multi‑occupant spaces: Provide lighting and thermal comfort system controls for shared spaces (classrooms, conference rooms) per § A5.507.1.2.

Markdown table — decision‑relevant thresholds and references

Dimension / Threshold Required value / action Code Reference
Individual lighting control coverage 90 percent of building occupants § A5.507.1.1.1
Individual thermal control coverage 50 percent of building occupants § A5.507.1.1.2
Occupant substitution by operable windows Occupants within 20 feet of window plane and within 10 feet either side may substitute § A5.507.1.1.2
Shared space controls Lighting and thermal system controls are required for all shared multi‑occupant spaces § A5.507.1.2
Daylight compliance Provide daylit spaces as required for toplighting and sidelighting in the California Energy Code (see item list in § A5.507.2) § A5.507.2
Views (vision glazing height) Vision glazing between 2 ft 6 in and 7 ft 6 in above finish floor § A5.507.3
Views coverage Direct line of sight to outdoors for 90 percent of regularly occupied areas § A5.507.3
Interior office inclusion rule Interior office areas may be counted if 75 percent of each area has direct line of sight to perimeter glazing § A5.507.3.1

Daylight (design considerations)

  • CALGreen’s daylight elective directs designers to provide daylit spaces consistent with the California Energy Code (toplighting and sidelighting) and explicitly lists design strategies to consider: use of light shelves and reflective room surfaces, controls to eliminate glare and direct sun, photosensors to turn off electric lighting when daylight is sufficient, and avoiding diffuse daylighting glazing where views are desired. See § A5.507.2.
  • Note: the Energy Code contains the technical definitions of skylit/primary/secondary sidelit daylit zones and the requirements for daylight‑responsive controls (wattage thresholds, control behavior); CALGreen defers to that Part 6 for toplighting/sidelighting specifics. See § A5.507.2 and referenced California Energy Code provisions.

Views (how to demonstrate compliance)

  • The code requires achieving direct line of sight to the outdoor environment via vision glazing between 2 ft 6 in and 7 ft 6 in AFF (above finish floor) in 90 percent of regularly occupied areas, demonstrated by plan view and section cut diagrams per § A5.507.3.
  • For interior office spaces, whole areas may be included if at least 75 percent of each area has direct line-of-sight to perimeter vision glazing (§ A5.507.3.1). For multi‑occupant spaces count only the square footage that has direct line of sight (§ A5.507.3.2).

Exceptions & special cases

  • Spaces excluded from the daylight and views electives: copy/printing rooms, storage areas, mechanical spaces, restrooms, auditoria, and other intermittently or infrequently occupied spaces or spaces where daylight would interfere with use. These exceptions apply to § A5.507.2 and § A5.507.3.
  • For thermal comfort substitution using operable windows (to meet individual control requirement), the operable window areas must meet the California Energy Code ventilation requirements (referenced in § A5.507.1.1.2).
  • CALGreen says daylighting compliance is to be provided “as required for toplighting and sidelighting in the California Energy Code.” For the exact daylit zone geometry, photosensor placement, wattage thresholds, and automatic control behavior, consult the cited Energy Code sections (CALGreen delegates the technical daylit-zone definitions to Part 6). CALGreen itself does not restate those numeric daylit zone definitions; it points the designer to the Energy Code.

Common mistakes

  • Treating CALGreen daylight and view statements as complete technical definitions — designers often skip the Energy Code reference. CALGreen requires daylit spaces “as required in the California Energy Code”; do not ignore Part 6 for zone geometry and control thresholds. § A5.507.2.
  • Forgetting to document with plan and section diagrams. View compliance must be “demonstrated by plan view and section cut diagrams” per § A5.507.3.
  • Miscounting interior office areas: you may only include entire interior office areas in the views calculation if 75 percent of each such area has direct line-of-sight to perimeter glazing (§ A5.507.3.1). Otherwise, count only the portions that meet the sight-line requirement.
  • Over-relying on diffuse glazing to meet both daylighting and view goals; CALGreen explicitly cautions against using diffuse daylighting glazing where views are desired (§ A5.507.2) — use clear vision glazing in view-priority areas.
  • Assuming operable windows automatically satisfy thermal comfort controls—only occupants within 20 feet of the plane and within 10 feet each side may substitute operable windows, and operable area must meet the Energy Code ventilation criteria (§ A5.507.1.1.2).

Worked example — open‑plan office, 12,000 sq ft

Project: single-floor, regularly occupied open‑plan office, 12,000 sq ft total regularly occupied area, perimeter glazing available.

Step 1 — Views requirement

  • Required coverage: 90 percent of regularly occupied areas must have direct line of sight to outdoors (§ A5.507.3).
  • Required area = 0.90 × 12,000 = 10,800 sq ft with direct line of sight.
  • If some interior office modules are fully interior, you may include an interior office area only if 75 percent of that area has direct line of sight to perimeter glazing (§ A5.507.3.1). For example, if you have a 1,000 sq ft interior office area and 800 sq ft of that has direct sight-lines, it meets the 75% test and the whole 1,000 sq ft may be counted toward the 10,800 sq ft target; if only 600 sq ft had sight-lines, you would count only the 600 sq ft toward the 10,800 sq ft.

Step 2 — Lighting and thermal controls (occupant counts)

  • Assume 120 occupants in building.
  • Lighting controls: individual task/daylighting controls must be provided for 90 percent of occupants → 0.90 × 120 = 108 occupants must have individual lighting/daylight controls (per § A5.507.1.1.1).
  • Thermal controls: individual thermal control for 50 percent of occupants → 0.50 × 120 = 60 occupants must have individual thermal controls giving control over at least one factor per ASHRAE 55‑2004 (per § A5.507.1.1.2). Operable windows can substitute only for occupants located within 20 ft of window plane and within 10 ft each side; verify those distances on plan to count substitutions.

Step 3 — Daylighting controls and detailing

  • Provide daylit zones consistent with the California Energy Code and install photosensors or daylight‑responsive controls to reduce electric lighting when daylight is sufficient as CALGreen directs in § A5.507.2. Show skylit and sidelit daylit zones and control strategy on the lighting plans.

Documentation: include plan and section cut diagrams demonstrating sight lines, lists of occupants with assigned individual controls, and references to Energy Code daylit-zone calculations as the CALGreen elective expects.

Related provisions (CALGreen & referenced codes)

  • § A5.507.1 — Lighting and thermal comfort controls (controls for single‑ and multi‑occupant spaces).
  • § A5.507.1.1.1 — Individual lighting requirement (90 percent).
  • § A5.507.1.1.2 — Individual thermal comfort requirement (50 percent) and ASHRAE 55 reference; substitution using operable windows (20 ft / 10 ft).
  • § A5.507.1.2 — Multi‑occupant space controls.
  • § A5.507.2 — Daylight elective; references California Energy Code toplighting/sidelighting and lists design considerations.
  • § A5.507.3 — Views elective; vision glazing heights and 90 percent coverage requirement.
  • § A5.507.3.1 — Interior office inclusion rule (75 percent).
  • California Energy Code — toplighting / sidelighting definitions and daylight‑responsive control technical requirements referenced by § A5.507.2 (see Part 6 references for wattage thresholds, daylit‑zone geometry, and photosensor/automatic control requirements).

If you want, I can:

  • produce the plan/section diagram checklist to demonstrate § A5.507.3 compliance; or
  • create a compliance worksheet (spreadsheet) that calculates occupant counts, areas, and required control counts for your specific floorplans.

Code references

Grounded in the retrieved California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen) — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:

  • CALGreen § 507.1 High relevance — show source text

    SECTION A5.507—ENVIRONMENTAL COMFORT

    A5.507.1 Lighting and thermal comfort controls. Provide controls in the workplace as described in Sections A5.507.1.1 and A5.507.1.2.

    A5.507.1.1 Single-occupant spaces. Provide individual controls that meet energy use requirements in the California Energy Code in accordance with Sections A5.507.1.1.1 and A5.507.1.1.2.

    A5.507.1.1.1 Lighting. Provide individual task lighting and/or daylighting controls for at least 90 percent of the building occupants.

    A5.507.1.1.2 Thermal comfort. Provide individual thermal comfort controls for at least 50 percent of the building occupants.

    1. Occupants shall have control over at least one of the factors of air temperature, radiant temperature, air speed and humidity as described in ASHRAE 55-2004.
    2. Occupants inside 20 feet of the plane of and within 10 feet either side of operable windows can substitute windows to control thermal comfort. The areas of operable window must meet the requirements of Section 120.1 (Requirement for Ventilation) of the California Energy Code.

    A5.507.1.2 Multi-occupant spaces. Provide lighting and thermal comfort system controls for all shared multi-occupant spaces, such as classrooms and conference rooms.

    A5.507.2 Daylight. Provide daylit spaces as required for toplighting and sidelighting in the California Energy Code. In constructing a design, consider the following:

    1. Use of light shelves and reflective room surfaces to maximize daylight penetrating the rooms
    2. Means to eliminate glare and direct sun light, including through skylights
    3. Use of photosensors to turn off electric lighting when daylight is sufficient
    4. Not using diffuse daylighting glazing where views are desired

    A5.507.3 Views. Achieve direct line of sight to the outdoor environment via vision glazing between 2 feet 6 inches and 7 feet 6 inches above finish floor for building occupants in 90 percent of all regularly occupied areas as demonstrated by plan view and section cut diagrams.

    A5.507.3.1 Interior office spaces. Entire areas of interior office spaces may be included in the calculation if at least 75 percent of each area has direct line of sight to perimeter vision glazing.

    A5.507.3.2 Multi-occupant spaces. Include in the calculation the square footage with direct line of sight to perimeter vision glazing.

    Exceptions to Sections A5.507.2 and A5.507.3. Copy/ printing rooms, storage areas, mechanical spaces, rest- rooms, auditoria and other intermittently or infrequently occupied spaces or spaces where daylight would interfere with use of the space.

    A5.507.5 Acoustical control [DSA-SS]. Public Schools and Community Colleges: Unoccupied, furnished classrooms must have a maximum background noise level of no more than 45 dBA LAeq and a maximum (unoccupied, furnished) reverberation of 0.6-second time for classrooms with less than 10,000 cubic feet and a maximum (unoccupied, furnished) reverberation of 0.7-second time for classroom volumes with between 10,000 cubic feet and 20,000 cubic feet.

    SECTION A5.508—OUTDOOR AIR QUALITY

  • CALGreen § 504.5 High relevance — show source text

    A5.504.5 Hazardous particulates and chemical pollutants. Minimize and control pollutant entry into buildings and cross-contamination of regularly occupied areas.

    A5.504.5.1 Entryway systems. Install permanent entryway systems measuring at least six feet in the primary direction of travel to capture dirt and particulates at entryways directly connected to the outdoors.

    1. Qualifying entryways are those that serve as regular entry points for building users.
    2. Acceptable entryway systems include, but are not limited to, permanently installed grates, grilles or slotted systems that allow cleaning underneath.

    APPENDIX A5-36 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE

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

    APPENDIX A5 — NONRESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES

    1. Roll-out mats are acceptable only when maintained regularly by janitorial contractors as documented in service contract or by in-house staff as documented by written policies and procedures.

    A5.504.5.2 Isolation of pollutant sources. In rooms where activities produce hazardous fumes or chemicals, such as garages, janitorial or laundry rooms and copy or printing rooms, exhaust them and isolate them from their adjacent rooms.

    1. Exhaust each space with no air recirculation in accordance with ASHRAE 62.1, Table 6-4 to create negative pressure with respect to adjacent spaces with the doors to the room closed.
    2. For each space, provide self-closing doors and deck to deck partitions or a hard ceiling.
    3. Install low-noise, vented range hoods for all cooking appliances and in laboratory or other chemical mixing areas.

    SECTION A5.507—ENVIRONMENTAL COMFORT

    A5.507.1 Lighting and thermal comfort controls. Provide controls in the workplace as described in Sections A5.507.1.1 and A5.507.1.2.

    A5.507.1.1 Single-occupant spaces. Provide individual controls that meet energy use requirements in the California Energy Code in accordance with Sections A5.507.1.1.1 and A5.507.1.1.2.

    A5.507.1.1.1 Lighting. Provide individual task lighting and/or daylighting controls for at least 90 percent of the building occupants.

    A5.507.1.1.2 Thermal comfort. Provide individual thermal comfort controls for at least 50 percent of the building occupants.

    1. Occupants shall have control over at least one of the factors of air temperature, radiant temperature, air speed and humidity as described in ASHRAE 55-2004.
    2. Occupants inside 20 feet of the plane of and within 10 feet either side of operable windows can substitute windows to control thermal comfort. The areas of operable window must meet the requirements of Section 120.1 (Requirement for Ventilation) of the California Energy Code.

    A5.507.1.2 Multi-occupant spaces. Provide lighting and thermal comfort system controls for all shared multi-occupant spaces, such as classrooms and conference rooms.

  • CALGreen § 507.1 High relevance — show source text

    5**
    Environmental
    Quality
    Select One Elective|Select One Elective|Elective|Lighting and thermal comfort controls|A5.507.1,
    A5.507.1.1
    through
    A5.507.1.2|||||

    2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE APPENDIX A5-53

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    APPENDIX A5 — NONRESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES

    CHAPTER 5 DIVISIONS Col2 Col3 SECTION TITLE CODE
    SECTION    		 Y N O PLAN SHEET,
    SPEC OR
    ATTACH
    (continued)
    DIVISION 5.5
    Environmen-
    tal
    Quality    		 Select One Elective Daylight A5.507.2
    (continued)
    DIVISION 5.5
    Environmen-
    tal
    Quality    		 Select One Elective Views A5.507.3
    (continued)
    DIVISION 5.5
    Environmen-
    tal
    Quality    		 Select One Elective Interior office spaces A5.507.3.1
    (continued)
    DIVISION 5.5
    Environmen-
    tal
    Quality    		 Select One Elective Multi-occupant spaces (with exceptions) A5.507.3.2
    (continued)
    DIVISION 5.5
    Environmen-
    tal
    Quality    		 Select One Elective Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) A5.508.1.3
    (continued)
    DIVISION 5.5
    Environmen-
    tal
    Quality    		 Select One Elective Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) A5.508.1.4
    Additional
    Measures    		 Additional
    Measures    		 Select 1 additional measure from any division Add section #
    Total number of Measures required Total number of Measures required Total number of Measures required Total number of Measures required 15
    Total number of Measures selected Total number of Measures selected Total number of Measures selected Total number of Measures selected
  • CALGreen § 403.3 High relevance — show source text

    ENERGY STAR equipment and appliances Appendix A6.1(OSHPD), A4.403.3, A5.204.1 General 4.201, 5.201, A5.201 Performance approach A4.203, A5.203 Outdoor lighting A5.203.1.1.1 Prescriptive approach Appendix A6.1(OSHPD), 203.3.1.2 Alterations to existing buildings A4.204.1, A4.204.1.2, A5.204.1,

    A5.204.1.1 Energy Efficient Steel Framing A5.213 Environmental Comfort 4.507, 5.507,

    A5.507

    Acoustical control A4.507, A5.507.5 Daylight A5.507.2 Lighting and thermal comfort controls A5.507.1

    Views A5.507.3

    Fireplaces 4.503, 5.503 Foundation Systems A4.403 Frost protected foundation systems A4.403.1

    Reduction in cement use A4.403.2 Framing, Energy Efficient Steel A5.213 Framing Techniques, Efficient A4.404, A5.404 Building systems A4.404.3 Lumber size A4.404.1

    Pre-cut materials and details A4.404.4 Wood framing A5.404.1

    Green Building Chapter 3 Mixed occupancy buildings 302 Phased projects 303 Voluntary tiers 304, 305 Voluntary measures 306

    HVAC Design, Equipment and Installation Appendix A6.1 (OSHPD), A5.207

    Indoor Air Quality And Exhaust 4.506, 5.506 Bathroom exhaust fans 4.506.1 Carbon dioxide monitoring 5.506.2 Carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) monitoring in classrooms 5.506.3

    Filters 5.504.5, A4.506.1 Outside air delivery 5.506.1 Indoor Moisture Control 4.505, 5.505.1 Concrete slab foundations 4.505.2

    2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE INDEX-1

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    INDEX

    Appendix A6.1 (OSHPD), Table A5.504.8.5 Covering of duct openings and protection of mechanical equipment during construction 4.504.1, 5.504.3 Environmental tobacco smoke control 5.504.7, Appendix A6.1 (OSHPD), A5.504.9 Finish material pollutant control 4.504.2, 5.504.4 Hazardous particulates and chemical pollutants A5.504.5 Indoor air quality (IAQ) during construction 5.504.1, A5.504.1 IAQ Post-construction A5.504.2 Paints and coatings 4.504.2.2, 5.504.4.3 Resilient flooring systems 4.504.4, 5.504.4.6, A4.504.2, A5.504.4.7 Thermal insulation 5.504.4.7, A4.504.3,

    A5.504.4.8

  • CALGreen § 160.5 High relevance — show source text

    No more than 500 watts of rated lighting power shall be controlled together as a single zone; and iii. The occupant sensing controls shall be capable of automatically turning the lighting fully ON only in the separately controlled zone and shall be automatically activated from all designed paths of egress. Interior areas of parking garages are under the classification of indoor lighting and shall comply with Section 160.5(b)4Cvic. Parking areas on the roof of a parking structure are under the classification of outdoor hardscape and shall comply with Section 160.5(c). D. Daylight responsive controls. Daylight responsive controls shall be installed in the following locations, as applicable: i. In any enclosed space where the total installed wattage of general lighting luminaires completely or partially within skylit daylit zones is 75 watts or greater, the general lighting in the skylit daylit zones shall be controlled by daylight responsive controls. ii. In any enclosed space where the total installed wattage of general lighting luminaires completely or partially within primary sidelit daylit zones is 75 watts or greater, the general lighting in the primary sidelit daylit zones shall be controlled by daylight responsive controls. iii. In any enclosed space where the total wattage of general lighting luminaires in the secondary zones is 75 watts or greater, the general lighting in the secondary sidelit daylit zones shall be controlled by daylight responsive controls. General lighting in the secondary sidelit daylit zones shall be controlled independently of general lighting in the primary sidelit daylit zones. iv. For skylights located in an atrium, the skylit daylit zones shall apply to the floor area directly under the atrium and the top floor area directly adjacent to the atrium. v. Parking garage areas where the total installed wattage of the general lighting in the primary and the secondary sidelit daylit zones is 60 watts or greater, the general lighting in the primary and secondary sidelit daylit zones shall be controlled by daylight responsive controls. All daylight responsive controls shall meet the following requirements: vi. All skylit daylit zones, primary sidelit daylit zones, secondary sidelit daylit zones and the combined primary and secondary sidelit daylit zones in parking garages shall be shown on the plans; and NOTE: Parking areas on the roof of a parking structure are outdoor hardscape, not skylit daylit areas. vii. The daylight responsive controls shall provide separate control for general lighting in each type of daylit zone. The daylight responsive controls shall meet the following: a. General lighting in overlapping skylit daylit zone and sidelit daylit zone shall be controlled as part of the skylit daylit zone.

    2025 CALIFORNIA ENERGY CODE 229

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

    MULTIFAMILY BUILDINGS—MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS

    b. General lighting in overlapping primary and secondary sidelit daylit zone shall be controlled as part of the primary sidelit daylit zone. c. General lighting luminaires longer than 8 feet shall be controlled as segments of 8 feet or less according to the type of the daylit zone where the segment is primarily located; and Exception to Section 160.5(b)4Dviic: Where a luminaire contains a factory-assembled housing and light source as an integral unit in segments longer than 8 feet, the luminaire is allowed to be controlled according to the type of the daylit zone in which the segment is primarily located. viii. The daylight responsive controls shall meet the following: a.

  • CALGreen § 160.5 High relevance — show source text

    viii. The daylight responsive controls shall meet the following: a. For spaces where the installation of multilevel lighting controls is required under Section 160.5(b)4B, allow the multilevel lighting controls to adjust the light level with continuous dimming; b. For each space, ensure the combined illuminance from the controlled lighting and daylight is not less than the illuminance from controlled lighting when no daylight is available; c. For areas other than parking garages, ensure that when the daylight illuminance is greater than 150 percent of the illuminance provided by the controlled lighting system when no daylight is available, the controlled lighting power in that daylight zone shall be reduced by a minimum of 90 percent; and d. For parking garages, ensure that when daylight illuminance levels measured at the farthest edge of the secondary sidelit zone away from the glazing or opening are greater than 150 percent of the illuminance provided by the controlled lighting when no daylight is available, the controlled lighting power in the combined primary and secondary sidelit daylight zones shall be reduced by 100 percent; and ix. Photosensors shall be located so that they are not readily accessible to unauthorized personnel; and x. The location where calibration adjustments are made to the daylight responsive controls shall be readily accessible to authorized personnel but may be inside a locked case or under a cover that requires a tool for access; and xi. Interaction with other lighting controls in a space where manual controls are required, the manual controls shall be capable of turning off or decreasing light levels below the light level set by the daylight responsive controls. Exception 1 to Section 160.5(b)4D: Areas under skylights where it is documented that existing adjacent structures or natural objects block direct sunlight for more than 1,500 daytime hours per year between 8 a.m. and 4

    p.m. Exception 2 to Section 160.5(b)4D: Areas adjacent to vertical glazing below an overhang, where the overhang covers the entire width of the vertical glazing, no vertical glazing is above the overhang, and the ratio of the overhang projection to the overhang rise is greater than 1.5 for south, east and west orientations or greater than 1 for north orientations.

    Exception 3 to Section 160.5(b)4D: Where daylight responsive controls are not required for the primary sidelit daylit zones, and where the total wattage of general lighting luminaires in the secondary sidelit daylit zones is less than 85 watts, daylight responsive controls are not required for the secondary sidelit zone. Exception 4 to Section 160.5(b)4D: Reserved. Exception 5 to Section 160.5(b)4D: Rooms that have a total glazing area of less than 24 square feet, or parking garage areas with a combined total of less than 36 square feet of glazing or opening. Exception 6 to Section 160.5(b)4D: For parking garages, luminaires located in the daylight adaptation zone. Exception 7 to Section 160.5(b)4D: Luminaires in sidelit daylit zones in retail merchandise sales and wholesale showroom areas.

  • CALGreen § 130.1 High relevance — show source text

    C. The daylight responsive controls shall meet the following: i. For spaces where the installation of multilevel lighting controls is required under Section 130.1(b), allow the multilevel lighting controls to adjust the light level with continuous dimming; ii. For each space, ensure the combined illuminance from the controlled lighting and daylight is not less than the illuminance from controlled lighting when no daylight is available; iii. For areas other than parking garages, ensure that, when the daylight illuminance is greater than 150 percent of the illuminance provided by the controlled lighting when no daylight is available, the controlled lighting power in that daylight zone shall be reduced by a minimum of 90 percent; and iv. For parking garages, ensure that when daylight illuminance levels measured at the farthest edge of the secondary sidelit zone away from the glazing or opening are greater than 150 percent of the illuminance provided by the controlled lighting when no daylight is available, the controlled lighting power in the combined primary and secondary sidelit daylit zones shall be reduced by 100 percent; and D. Photosensors shall be located so that they are not readily accessible to unauthorized personnel; and E. The location where calibration adjustments are made to the daylight responsive controls shall be readily accessible to authorized personnel but may be inside a locked case or under a cover which requires a tool for access; and F. The automatic daylighting control shall permit the multilevel lighting control to adjust the level of lighting.

    Exception 1 to Section 130.1(d): Areas under skylights where it is documented that existing adjacent structures or natural objects block direct sunlight for more than 1,500 daytime hours per year between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.

    Exception 2 to Section 130.1(d): Areas adjacent to vertical glazing below an overhang, where the overhang covers the entire width of the vertical glazing, no vertical glazing is above the overhang, and the ratio of the overhang projection to the overhang rise is greater than 1.5 for south, east and west orientations or greater than 1 for north orientations.

    Exception 3 to Section 130.1(d): Where daylight responsive controls are not required for the primary sidelit daylit zones, and where the total wattage of general lighting luminaires in the secondary sidelit daylit zones is less than 85 watts, daylight responsive controls are not required for the secondary sidelit zone.

    Exception 4 to Section 130.1(d): Reserved.

    Exception 5 to Section 130.1(d): Rooms that have a total glazing area of less than 24 square feet, or parking garage areas with a combined total of less than 36 square feet of glazing or opening.

    Exception 6 to Section 130.1(d): For parking garages, luminaires located in the daylight adaptation zone.

    Exception 7 to Section 130.1(d): Luminaires in sidelit daylit zones in retail merchandise sales and wholesale showroom areas.

    (e) Demand responsive controls. See Section 110.12 for requirements for demand responsive lighting controls.

    (f) Occupancy sensing controls interactions with space-conditioning systems. For space-conditioning system zones serving only spaces that are required to have occupant sensing controls as specified in Sections 130.1(c)5 and 6, and where Table 120.1-A allows the ventilation air to be reduced to zero when the space is in occupied-standby mode, the space-conditioning system shall be permitted to be controlled by occupancy sensing controls as specified in Section 120.2(e)3.

  • CALGreen § 130.1 High relevance — show source text

    General lighting in the secondary sidelit daylit zones shall be controlled independently of general lighting in the primary sidelit daylit zones.

    98 2025 CALIFORNIA ENERGY CODE

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

    NONRESIDENTIAL AND HOTEL/MOTEL OCCUPANCIES—MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR LIGHTING SYSTEMS AND EQUIPMENT, AND ELECTRICAL POWER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS

    D. For skylights located in an atrium, the skylit daylit zone definition shall apply to the floor area directly under the atrium and the top floor area directly adjacent to the atrium. E. Parking garage areas where the total installed wattage of the general lighting in the primary and the secondary sidelit daylit zones is 60 watts or greater, the general lighting in the primary and secondary sidelit daylit zones shall be controlled by daylight responsive controls. 2. All daylight responsive controls shall meet the following requirements: A. All skylit daylit zones, primary sidelit daylit zones, secondary sidelit daylit zones, and the combined primary and secondary sidelit daylit zones in parking garages shall be shown on the plans; and Note: Parking areas on the roof of a parking structure are outdoor hardscape, not skylit daylit areas. B. The daylight responsive controls shall provide separate control for general lighting in each type of daylit zone. The daylight responsive controls shall meet the following: i. General lighting in overlapping skylit daylit zone and sidelit daylit zone shall be controlled as part of the skylit daylit zone. ii. General lighting in overlapping primary and secondary sidelit daylit zones shall be controlled as part of the primary sidelit daylit zone. iii. General lighting luminaires longer than 8 feet shall be controlled as segments of 8 feet or less according to the type of the daylit zone in which the segment is primarily located; and Exception to Section 130.1(d)2Biii: Where a luminaire contains a factory assembled housing and light source as an integral unit in segments longer than 8 feet, the luminaire segment is allowed to be controlled according to the type of the daylit zone in which the segment is primarily located. C. The daylight responsive controls shall meet the following: i. For spaces where the installation of multilevel lighting controls is required under Section 130.1(b), allow the multilevel lighting controls to adjust the light level with continuous dimming; ii. For each space, ensure the combined illuminance from the controlled lighting and daylight is not less than the illuminance from controlled lighting when no daylight is available; iii. For areas other than parking garages, ensure that, when the daylight illuminance is greater than 150 percent of the illuminance provided by the controlled lighting when no daylight is available, the controlled lighting power in that daylight zone shall be reduced by a minimum of 90 percent; and iv. For parking garages, ensure that when daylight illuminance levels measured at the farthest edge of the secondary sidelit zone away from the glazing or opening are greater than 150 percent of the illuminance provided by the controlled lighting when no daylight is available, the controlled lighting power in the combined primary and secondary sidelit daylit zones shall be reduced by 100 percent; and D. Photosensors shall be located so that they are not readily accessible to unauthorized personnel; and E. The location where calibration adjustments are made to the daylight responsive controls shall be readily accessible to authorized personnel but may be inside a locked case or under a cover which requires a tool for access; and F.

  • CALGreen § 160.5 High relevance — show source text

    All daylight responsive controls shall meet the following requirements: vi. All skylit daylit zones, primary sidelit daylit zones, secondary sidelit daylit zones and the combined primary and secondary sidelit daylit zones in parking garages shall be shown on the plans; and NOTE: Parking areas on the roof of a parking structure are outdoor hardscape, not skylit daylit areas. vii. The daylight responsive controls shall provide separate control for general lighting in each type of daylit zone. The daylight responsive controls shall meet the following: a. General lighting in overlapping skylit daylit zone and sidelit daylit zone shall be controlled as part of the skylit daylit zone.

    2025 CALIFORNIA ENERGY CODE 229

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

    MULTIFAMILY BUILDINGS—MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS

    b. General lighting in overlapping primary and secondary sidelit daylit zone shall be controlled as part of the primary sidelit daylit zone. c. General lighting luminaires longer than 8 feet shall be controlled as segments of 8 feet or less according to the type of the daylit zone where the segment is primarily located; and Exception to Section 160.5(b)4Dviic: Where a luminaire contains a factory-assembled housing and light source as an integral unit in segments longer than 8 feet, the luminaire is allowed to be controlled according to the type of the daylit zone in which the segment is primarily located. viii. The daylight responsive controls shall meet the following: a. For spaces where the installation of multilevel lighting controls is required under Section 160.5(b)4B, allow the multilevel lighting controls to adjust the light level with continuous dimming; b. For each space, ensure the combined illuminance from the controlled lighting and daylight is not less than the illuminance from controlled lighting when no daylight is available; c. For areas other than parking garages, ensure that when the daylight illuminance is greater than 150 percent of the illuminance provided by the controlled lighting system when no daylight is available, the controlled lighting power in that daylight zone shall be reduced by a minimum of 90 percent; and d. For parking garages, ensure that when daylight illuminance levels measured at the farthest edge of the secondary sidelit zone away from the glazing or opening are greater than 150 percent of the illuminance provided by the controlled lighting when no daylight is available, the controlled lighting power in the combined primary and secondary sidelit daylight zones shall be reduced by 100 percent; and ix. Photosensors shall be located so that they are not readily accessible to unauthorized personnel; and x. The location where calibration adjustments are made to the daylight responsive controls shall be readily accessible to authorized personnel but may be inside a locked case or under a cover that requires a tool for access; and xi. Interaction with other lighting controls in a space where manual controls are required, the manual controls shall be capable of turning off or decreasing light levels below the light level set by the daylight responsive controls. Exception 1 to Section 160.5(b)4D: Areas under skylights where it is documented that existing adjacent structures or natural objects block direct sunlight for more than 1,500 daytime hours per year between 8 a.m. and 4

  • CALGreen § 209.2.3.2.3 High relevance — show source text

    A6.209.2.3.2.3 The primary sidelit area(s) shall be shown on the plans and the general lighting in the primary sidelit areas shall be controlled independently by an automatic daylighting control device that meets the applicable requirements of Section A6.209.1 and is installed in accordance with Section A6.209.2.3.2.4.

    Exceptions:

    1. Where the total primary sidelit daylight area in any enclosed space has an area less than or equal to 2,500 square feet.

    2. Primary sidelit daylight areas where the effective aperture is less than 0.1. The effective aperture for primary sidelit daylight areas is specified in Section 146(a)2E of Title 24, Part 6.

    3. Primary sidelit daylight areas where existing adjacent structures are twice as tall as their distance away from the windows.

    4. Parking garages.

    A6.209.2.3.2.4 Automatic daylighting control device installation and operation. Automatic daylighting control devices shall be installed and configured to operate according to all of the following requirements:

    1. Automatic daylighting control devices shall have photosensors that are located so that they are not readily accessible in accordance with the designer’s or manufacturer’s instructions.

    2. The location where calibration adjustments are made to the automatic daylighting control device shall be readily accessible to authorized personnel or located within 2 feet of a ceiling access panel that is no higher than 11 feet above floor level.

    3. Automatic daylighting controls shall be multilevel, including continuous dimming and have at least one control step that is between 50 percent to 70 percent of rated power of the controlled lighting. Exceptions:

    4. Controlled lighting having a lighting power density less than 0.3 W/ft [2] .

    5. When skylights are replaced or added to on an existing building with an existing general lighting system.

    6. Under all daylight conditions in all areas served by the controlled lighting, the combined illuminance from the controlled lighting and daylight is not less than the illuminance from controlled lighting when no daylight is available.

    7. When all areas served by the controlled lighting are receiving daylight illuminance levels greater than 150 percent of the illuminance from controlled lighting when no daylight is available, the controlled lighting power consumption shall be no greater than 35 percent of the rated power of the controlled lighting.

    A6.209.2.4 Shut-off controls.

    A6.209.2.4.1 In addition to the manual controls installed to comply with Sections A6.209.2.1 and A6.209.2.2 for every floor, all indoor lighting systems shall be equipped with separate automatic controls to shut off the lighting. These automatic controls shall meet the requirements of Section A6.209.1and may be an occupant sensor, automatic time switch or other device capable of automatically shutting off the lighting.

    Exceptions:

    1. Where the lighting system is serving an area that must be continuously lit, 24 hours per day/365 days per year.
    2. Lighting in corridors, guestrooms, dwelling units of high-rise residential buildings and hotel/motels and parking

    garages. 3. Up to 0.3 watts per square foot of lighting in any area within a building that must be continuously illuminated for reasons of building security or emergency egress, provided that the area is designated a security or emergency egress area on the plans and specifications submitted to the enforcement agency under Section 10-103(a)2 of Title 24, Part 1.

  • CALGreen § 405.4 Medium relevance — show source text
    1. From Division A5.4,

    a. Comply with recycled content of 10 percent of materials based on estimated total cost, or use two products from Table A5.405.4 for at least 75 percent by cost in Section A5.405.4. b. Comply with the 65-percent reduction in construction and demolition waste in Section A5.408.3.1. c. Comply with one elective measure selected from this division.

    1. From Division A5.5,

    a. Comply with resilient flooring systems for 90 percent of resilient flooring in Section A5.504.4.7. b. Comply with thermal insulation meeting 2009 CHPS low-emitting materials list in Section A5.504.4.8. c. Comply with one elective measure selected from this division. 6. Comply with one additional elective measure selected from any division.

    1 Cool roof is required for compliance with Tiers 1 and 2 and may be used to meet energy standards in Part 6, exceed energy standards and to mitigate heat island effect.

    A5.601.3 CALGreen Tier 2.

    A5.601.3.1 Prerequisites. To achieve CALGreen tier status, a project must meet all of the mandatory measures in Chapter 5 and, in addition, meet the provisions of this section.

    A5.601.3.2 Energy performance. For the purposes of mandatory energy efficiency standards in this code, the California Energy Commission will continue to adopt mandatory standards.

    A5.601.3.3 Tier 2. Comply with the energy efficiency requirements in Section A5.203.1.1 and Section A5.203.1.2.2.

    A5.601.3.4 Voluntary measures for Tier 2. In addition to the provisions of Sections A5.601.3.1 and A5.601.3.3 above, compliance with the following voluntary measures from Appendix A5 is required for Tier 2:

    1. From Division A5.1, a. Comply with the designated parking requirements for fuel efficient vehicles for a minimum of 50 percent of parking capacity per Section A5.106.5.1. b. Electric vehicle (EV) charging [N] and Table A5.106.5.3.2 with footnotes. c. Comply with thermal emittance, solar reflectance or SRI values for cool roofs in Section A5.106.11.2 and Table A5.106.11.2.3. [1]

    d. Comply with three elective measures selected from this division.

    APPENDIX A5-42 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE

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

    APPENDIX A5 — NONRESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES

    1. From Division A5.2 comply with TWO of the following:

    2. Outdoor lighting as described in A5.203.1.1.1.

    3. Service water heating in restaurants as described in A5.203.1.1.2.

    4. Warehouse Dock Seal Doors A5.203.1.1.3.

    5. Daylight Design Power Adjustments 5.203.1.1.4.

    6. Exhaust Air Heat Recovery A5.203.1.1.5.

    7. From Division A5.3,

Frequently asked questions

Can operable windows always substitute for individual thermal controls?

No. Operable windows can substitute only for occupants located within 20 feet of the plane of and within 10 feet either side of the operable window, and the operable window areas must meet the California Energy Code ventilation requirements per § A5.507.1.1.2.

How do I document view compliance for plan review?

You must demonstrate direct line of sight by providing plan view and section cut diagrams that show the vision glazing between 2 ft 6 in and 7 ft 6 in AFF and the areas that have direct line‑of‑sight; use § A5.507.3 as the controlling citation.

Does CALGreen give numeric daylit zone geometry and sensor thresholds?

No. § A5.507.2 requires daylit spaces “as required in the California Energy Code” and lists design considerations; the Energy Code (Part 6) contains the technical daylit‑zone geometry, wattage thresholds, and daylight‑responsive control behavior.

Are copy/printing rooms and auditoria counted for the daylight and views electives?

No. CALGreen lists copy/printing rooms, storage, mechanical spaces, restrooms, auditoria and other intermittently or infrequently occupied spaces as exceptions to § A5.507.2 and § A5.507.3.

What does “individual thermal comfort control” mean in practice?

Per § A5.507.1.1.2, it means occupants must have control over at least one factor described in ASHRAE 55‑2004 (air temperature, radiant temperature, air speed, or humidity). The code requires control provision for 50 percent of occupants.

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California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen)