CRC · California Residential Code
Where the CRC points you for mandatory energy compliance
The CRC tells California users not to rely on CRC Part IV for state energy requirements: mandatory energy compliance is in Title 24, Part 6 (California Energy Code). For residential work, follow the Energy Code mandatory sections (e.g., §110.0 series, §150.0/§150.1 for single‑family, §160.0/§170.1 for multifamily), meet mandatory measures first, then choose the performance or prescriptive path and submit the required certificates at permit.
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
What the code requires
The California Residential Code (CRC) does not contain California’s mandatory energy requirements inside its own Part IV — Energy Conservation; instead it directs users to the California Energy Code (Title 24, Part 6) for mandatory energy compliance. For newly constructed residential work you must follow the mandatory measures and then either the prescriptive or performance compliance path shown in the Energy Code (for single‑family: § 150.1; for multifamily: § 160.0 / § 170.1) rather than Part IV text of the IRC.
The CRC tells you: don’t look for California’s mandatory energy rules inside CRC Part IV — follow Title 24, Part 6 (the California Energy Code) and the specific mandatory sections for your building type instead.
Requirements in detail
Short route (what to open first)
- For state mandatory energy rules open Title 24, Part 6 — California Energy Code (the CRC points you here).
- Key mandatory sections you will use immediately: § 100.0 (general applicability and compliance approaches), § 110.0–110.10 (mandatory equipment/manufactured product requirements), § 150.0 / § 150.1 (single‑family mandatory & compliance paths), § 160.0 / § 170.1 (multifamily mandatory & compliance paths).
Decision table — which sections govern your job?
| Building / situation | Decision‑relevant dimension | What the CRC points you to (Code Reference) |
|---|---|---|
| New single‑family house | Must meet mandatory measures + choose prescriptive or performance | § 150.1 (Single‑family mandatory + prescriptive/performance). |
| Single‑family addition/alteration | Apply Section 150.2 rules for additions/alterations | § 150.2 (Energy for additions/alterations). |
| New multifamily building | Mandatory measures for building envelope, HVAC, water heating; choose performance or prescriptive path | § 160.0 (General) and § 170.1 / § 170.2 (Performance/prescriptive for multifamily). |
| Appliances & HVAC equipment | Certified appliances / manufacturer certification required | § 110.1 and § 110.2 (appliance and space‑conditioning mandatory rules). |
| Demonstrating compliance at permit | Must submit Certificate of Compliance and approved documentation / modeling | Requirements referenced in § 150.1(b) and the administrative references to Section 10‑103 (Title 24, Part 1). |
What "mandatory measures" means (short)
- Mandatory measures are the non‑optional items in the Energy Code that every applicable project must meet (examples: equipment certification, certain envelope air‑sealing practices, appliance efficiency levels). See the Energy Code mandatory sections § 110.0–§ 130.5 and the mandatory items referenced under the occupancy‑specific chapters (e.g., § 150.0 for residential).
Compliance approaches (what you can choose)
- The Energy Code requires meeting mandatory measures plus either:
- The Performance approach (modeled energy use ≤ energy budget using Commission‑certified software), or
- The Prescriptive approach (meet a specified package of prescriptive requirements). See § 100.0 (overall approaches) and § 150.1 for single‑family.
Exceptions & special cases
- Subdivision climate‑zone exception: if a contiguous tract falls in more than one climate zone you may design all buildings to the climate zone containing 50% or more of the dwelling units; see the exception to § 150.1(a)3.
- Community/shared solar and BESS options may offset some Energy Code requirements under specific Commission rules (see the exceptions to § 150.1(b) and companion notes about community shared systems). These offsets are handled by the Energy Commission methods and the ACM Reference Manual — consult the specific exception text in the Energy Code.
- Local jurisdictions may adopt more stringent local energy ordinances, but such local standards require California Energy Commission review/approval per Title 24, Part 1 § 10‑106 and the CRC/CalGreen guidance on local modifications. See CalGreen notes and CRC administrative rules.
Common mistakes
- Looking for “energy rules” inside CRC Part IV text and applying IRC energy text — the CRC explicitly defers to Title 24, Part 6 for California mandatory energy standards. Always open the Energy Code when you need state mandatory energy requirements.
- Failing to apply the mandatory measures first. Mandatory items (for example appliance certification or specific envelope requirements) must be met independent of whether you choose prescriptive or performance compliance (see § 110.0–§ 130.5 and § 150.0).
- Submitting permit plans without the required Certificate of Compliance / modeling (the application must include the required documentation per § 150.1(b) and Part 1 administrative sections).
- Confusing federal appliance directories or non‑certified equipment with the Energy Commission’s certification requirement — check appliance listings and manufacturer certification as required by § 110.1 / § 110.2.
Worked example — subdivision climate‑zone choice (concrete numbers)
Scenario: A developer has a 120‑lot contiguous subdivision. 70 lots lie in Climate Zone 3; 50 lots lie in Climate Zone 4. The developer asks whether all homes can be designed to one climate zone’s requirements.
Application of the rule:
- The Energy Code exception to § 150.1(a)3 allows a subdivision that falls in more than one climate zone to be designed to the climate zone that contains 50% or more of the dwelling units. Because 70/120 = 58%, the developer may design all dwelling units to Climate Zone 3.
Note: For each dwelling the project still must submit the required Certificate of Compliance and any modeling or field verification documentation required by the Energy Code and Part 1 administrative provisions.
Related provisions (quick list)
- CRC statement about replacement of IRC Parts IV–VIII with Title 24 references — see the CRC introductory material.
- Title 24, Part 6 — General applicability and compliance approaches: § 100.0.
- Title 24, Part 6 — Mandatory manufactured equipment/appliance rules: § 110.0 / § 110.1 / § 110.2.
- Title 24, Part 6 — Single‑family mandatory features and compliance approaches: § 150.0 / § 150.1 / § 150.2.
- Title 24, Part 6 — Multifamily mandatory requirements and performance sections: § 160.0 / § 170.1 / § 170.2.
- Title 24, Part 1 — Administrative/certification: Section 10‑103 (certificates at permit), Section 10‑106 (local ordinance/CEC review), Section 10‑115 (community shared solar approvals).
Code references
Grounded in the retrieved California Residential Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:
CRC § 10-109 Medium 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.
CRC § 170.1 Medium relevance — show source text
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.
- 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.
- Field verification of individual dwelling unit systems. When performance of installed features, materials, components, manufactured devices or systems above the minimum specified in Section 170.2 is necessary for the building to comply with Section 170.1, 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. 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.
CRC § 101.7 Medium relevance — show source text
As specified in Section 101.7, additional prerequisite measures may be included by the enforcing agency to address specific local environmental conditions and may be listed in the Innovative Concepts and Local Environmental Conditions portions of the checklist.
A4.601.3 Elective measures. In addition to the required measures, Tier 1 and Tier 2 buildings must incorporate at least the number of elective measures specified in Sections A4.601.4.2 and A4.601.5.2.
A4.601.4 Tier 1. To achieve Tier 1 status a project must comply with the following:
A4.601.4.1 Mandatory measures for Tier 1. The project shall meet or exceed all of the mandatory measures in Chapter 4, Divisions 4.1 through 4.5 and Chapter 7 as applicable.
A4.601.4.2 Prerequisite and elective measures for Tier 1. In addition to the mandatory measures, compliance with the following prerequisite and elective measures from Appendix A4 is also required to achieve Tier 1 status:
From Division A4.1, Planning and Design. 1.1. Comply with the topsoil protection requirements in Section A4.106.2.3. 1.2. Comply with the 20 percent permeable paving requirements in Section A4.106.4. 1.3. Comply with the cool roof requirements in Section A4.106.5. 1.4. Comply with the Tier 1 electric vehicle (EV) charging requirements in Section A4.106.8. 1.5. Comply with at least two elective measures selected from Division A4.1.
From Division A4.2, Energy Efficiency. 2.1. For newly constructed low-rise residential buildings, comply with the energy efficiency requirements in Sections A4.203.1, A4.203.1.1, Table A4.203.1.1, A4.203.1.2 and A4.203.1.3.
From Division A4.3, Water Efficiency and Conservation. 3.1. Comply with at least two elective measures selected from Division A4.3.
From Division A4.4, Material Conservation and Resource Efficiency. 4.1. Comply with the 20 percent cement reduction requirements in Section A4.403.2. 4.2. Comply with the 10 percent recycled content requirements in Section A4.405.3.1. 4.3. Comply with the 65 percent reduction in construction waste in Section A4.408.1. 4.4. Comply with at least two elective measures selected from Division A4.4.
From Division A4.5, Environmental Quality. 5.1. Comply with the 90 percent resilient flooring systems requirements in Section A4.504.2. 5.2. Comply with the thermal insulation requirements for Tier 1 in Section A4.504.3. 5.3. Comply with at least one elective measure selected from Division A4.5.
Note: The Residential Occupancies Application Checklist contained in Section A4.602 may be used to show which elective measures are selected.
A4.601.5 Tier 2. To achieve Tier 2 status a project must comply with the following.
Note: The measures necessary to achieve Tier 2 status are very stringent. Cities, counties, and cities and counties considering adoption of Tier 2 as mandatory should carefully consider the stringency of each measure and ensure that the measures are achievable in their location.
CRC § 201.1 Medium relevance — show source text
DIVISION A5.2 – ENERGY EFFICIENCY
(Matrix Adoption Tables are nonregulatory, intended only as an aid to the code user. See Chapter 1 for state agency authority and building applications.)
Adopting agency BSC BSC-
CGSFM HCD Col6 Col7 DSA Col9 OSHPD Col11 Col12 Col13 Col14 Col15 BSCC DPH AGR DWR CEC CA SL SLC Adopting agency BSC BSC-
CGSFM 1 2 1/AC AC SS 1 1R 2 3 4 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 Adopt entire CA chapter Adopt entire chapter as
amended (amended
sections listed below)Adopt only those sections that
are listed belowX Chapter/Section Appendix A5.2 X 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE APPENDIX A5-11
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APPENDIX A5-12 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE
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A5 NONRESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES
DIVISION A5.2 – ENERGY EFFICIENCY
SECTION A5.201—GENERAL
A5.201.1 Scope. For the purposes of mandatory energy efficiency standards in this code, the California Energy Commission will continue to adopt mandatory standards. 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 findings 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 modifications 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/building-energy-efficiency-standards/2025-building-energy-efficiency
SECTION A5.202—DEFINITIONS
A5.202.1 Definitions. The following terms are defined in Chapter 2.
ENERGY BUDGET.
GEOTHERMAL.
CRC § 5.2 Medium relevance — show source text
CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE – MATRIX ADOPTION TABLE
CHAPTER 5 – NONRESIDENTIAL MANDATORY MEASURES
DIVISION 5.2 – ENERGY EFFICIENCY
(Matrix Adoption Tables are nonregulatory, intended only as an aid to the code user. See Chapter 1 for state agency authority and building applications.)
Adopting agency BSC BSC-
CGSFM HCD Col6 Col7 DSA Col9 OSHPD Col11 Col12 Col13 Col14 Col15 BSCC DPH AGR DWR CEC CA SL SLC Adopting agency BSC BSC-
CGSFM 1 2 1/AC AC SS 1 1R 2 3 4 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 Adopt entire CA chapter Adopt entire chapter as
amended (amended
sections listed below)Adopt only those sections that
are listed belowX Chapter/Section Division 5.2 X 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE 5-13
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5 NONRESIDENTIAL MANDATORY MEASURES
DIVISION 5.2 – ENERGY EFFICIENCY
SECTION 5.201—GENERAL
5.201.1 Scope. California Energy Code . For the purposes of mandatory energy efficiency standards in this code, the California Energy Commission will continue to adopt mandatory building standards.
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CHAPTER 5 – NONRESIDENTIAL MANDATORY MEASURES
DIVISION 5.3 – WATER EFFICIENCY AND CONSERVATION
(Matrix Adoption Tables are nonregulatory, intended only as an aid to the code user. See Chapter 1 for state agency authority and building applications.)
CRC § 5.2 Medium relevance — show source text
2**
Energy
Efficiency|(continued)
DIVISION 5.2
Energy
Efficiency|Elective|On-site renewable energy (with documentation)|A5.211.1,
A5.211.1.1||||| |(continued)
DIVISION 5.2
Energy
Efficiency|(continued)
DIVISION 5.2
Energy
Efficiency|Elective|Green power|A5.211.3||||| |(continued)
DIVISION 5.2
Energy
Efficiency|(continued)
DIVISION 5.2
Energy
Efficiency|Elective|Elevators with car lights and fan|A5.212.1.1,
A5.212.1.1.1||||| |(continued)
DIVISION 5.2
Energy
Efficiency|(continued)
DIVISION 5.2
Energy
Efficiency|Elective|Escalators|A5.212.1.2||||| |(continued)
DIVISION 5.2
Energy
Efficiency|(continued)
DIVISION 5.2
Energy
Efficiency|Elective|Controls that reduce energy|A5.212.1.4||||| |(continued)
DIVISION 5.2
Energy
Efficiency|(continued)
DIVISION 5.2
Energy
Efficiency|Elective|Steel framing|A5.213.1||||| |DIVISION 5.3
Water
Efficiency and
Conservation
Select Three Electives|DIVISION 5.3
Water
Efficiency and
Conservation
Select Three Electives|Mandatory|Separate meters (new buildings or additions > 50,000 sf
that consume more than 100 gal/day)|5.303.1.1||||| |DIVISION 5.3
Water
Efficiency and
Conservation
Select Three Electives|DIVISION 5.3
Water
Efficiency and
Conservation
Select Three Electives|Mandatory|Separate meters (for tenants in new buildings or additions
that consume more than 1,000 gal/day)|5.303.1.2||||| |DIVISION 5.3
Water
Efficiency and
Conservation
Select Three Electives|**DIVISION 5.CRC § 201.1 Medium relevance — show source text
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A5 NONRESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES
DIVISION A5.2 – ENERGY EFFICIENCY
SECTION A5.201—GENERAL
A5.201.1 Scope. For the purposes of mandatory energy efficiency standards in this code, the California Energy Commission will continue to adopt mandatory standards. 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 findings 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 modifications 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/building-energy-efficiency-standards/2025-building-energy-efficiency
SECTION A5.202—DEFINITIONS
A5.202.1 Definitions. The following terms are defined in Chapter 2.
ENERGY BUDGET.
GEOTHERMAL.
LONG-TERM SYSTEM COST (LSC).
PROCESS.
RECOVERED ENERGY, ON-SITE.
SOLAR ACCESS.
SOLAR POOL HEATING SYSTEM.
SECTION A5.203—PERFORMANCE APPROACH
A5.203.1 Energy efficiency. Nonresidential, high-rise residential and hotel/motel buildings that include lighting and/or mechanical systems shall comply with Sections A5.203.1.1 and A5.203.1.2. Newly constructed buildings and additions are included in the scope of these sections. Buildings permitted without lighting or mechanical systems shall comply with Section A5.203.1.1 but are not required to comply with Section A5.203.1.2.
A5.203.1.1 Tier 1 and Tier 2 prerequisites. To comply with Tier 1, ONE of the following efficiency measures is required for all applicable components of the building project. To comply with Tier 2, TWO of the following efficiency measures are required.
A5.203.1.1.1 Outdoor lighting. Outdoor lighting requirements are described below.
A5.203.1.1.1.1 Newly installed outdoor lighting power shall be no greater than 90 percent of the Allowed Outdoor Lighting Power, and general hardscape lighting within the scope of Title 24, Part 6, Section 140.7(b)1 shall have a color temperature no higher than 3000K. The Allowed Outdoor Lighting Power calculation is specified in Title 24, Part 6, Section 140.7, Requirements for Outdoor Lighting.
Exception to Section A5.203.1.1.1.1:
CRC § 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
CRC § 602.1 Medium relevance — show source text
)_|TABLE A5.601 NONRESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS: Green Building Standards Code Proposed Performance Approach
Note: This table is intended only as an aid in illustrating the nonresidential tier structure (Refer to Checklists A5.602, A5.602.1 and A5.602.2 for
CALGreen verification guidelines for Mandatory Checklist, Tier 1 Checklist and Tier 2 Checklist.)| |CATEGORY|ENVIRONMENTAL
PERFORMANCE GOAL|TIER 1|TIER 2| |All|Minimum Mandatory
(See Mandatory Checklist)|Meet all of the provisions
of Chapter 5 (See Tier 1 Checklist)|Meet all of the provisions
of Chapter 5 (See Tier 2 Checklist)| |DIVISION 5.1
Planning and Design|Reuse of existing building|See Section A5.105.1 and Section
A5.105.2 requirements|See Section A5.105.1 and Section
A5.105.2 requirements| |DIVISION 5.1
Planning and Design|Designated Parking for
Fuel Efficient Vehicles
(Tier 1 and Tier 2 only)|Approx. 35% of total spaces|Approx. 50% of total spaces| |DIVISION 5.1
Planning and Design|Electric Vehicle Charging|Approx. 30% of total spaces|Approx. 45% of total spaces| |DIVISION 5.1
Planning and Design|Cool Roof to Reduce
Heat Island Effect|Roof Slope < 2:12 SRI 75
Roof Slope > 2:12 SRI 16|Roof Slope < 2:12 SRI 82
Roof Slope > 2:12 SRI 27| |DIVISION 5.1
Planning and Design||1 additional Elective from Division A5.1|3 additional Electives from Division A5.1| |DIVISION 5.2
Energy Efficiency|Energy Performance2a, 2b|Outdoor lighting power 90%
of Part 6 allowance|Outdoor lighting power 90%
of Part 6 allowance| |||If applicable, solar water-heating system
with minimum solar savings fraction of 0.15|If applicable, solar water-heating system
with minimum solar savings fraction of 0.15| |||Warehouse door seals|Warehouse door seals| |||Comply with day lighting requirements|Comply with day lighting requirements| |||Exhaust heat recovery|Exhaust heat recovery| |||Energy Budget 95% or 90%
of Part 6 calculated value of allowance|Energy Budget 90% or 85%
of Part 6 calculated value of allowance| |DIVISION 5.3
Water Efficiency
and Conservation|Indoor Water Use|12% Savings|20% Savings| |DIVISION 5.3
Water Efficiency
and Conservation||1 additional Elective from Division A5.3|3 additional Electives from Division A5.3| |DIVISION 5.4
Material Conservation
and Resource Efficiency3|Construction Waste Reduction|At least 65% reduction|At least 80% reduction| |**DIVISION 5.CRC § 5-13 Medium relevance — show source text
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5 NONRESIDENTIAL MANDATORY MEASURES
DIVISION 5.2 – ENERGY EFFICIENCY
SECTION 5.201—GENERAL
5.201.1 Scope. California Energy Code . For the purposes of mandatory energy efficiency standards in this code, the California Energy Commission will continue to adopt mandatory building standards.
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CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE – MATRIX ADOPTION TABLE
CHAPTER 5 – NONRESIDENTIAL MANDATORY MEASURES
DIVISION 5.3 – WATER EFFICIENCY AND CONSERVATION
(Matrix Adoption Tables are nonregulatory, intended only as an aid to the code user. See Chapter 1 for state agency authority and building applications.)
Adopting agency BSC BSC-
CGSFM HCD Col6 Col7 DSA Col9 OSHPD Col11 Col12 Col13 Col14 Col15 BSCC DPH AGR DWR CEC CA SL SLC Adopting agency BSC BSC-
CGSFM 1 2 1/AC AC SS 1 1R 2 3 4 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 Adopt entire CA chapter X Adopt entire chapter as
amended (amended
sections listed below)Adopt only those sections
that are listed belowX Chapter/Section 5.301.1 X 5.302.1 Definitions X 5.303.3.1 X 5.303.3.2 X 5.303.3.3 X 5.303.3.4 X 5.303.6 X 5.304.6 and subsections † X The state agency does not adopt sections identified by the following symbol: †.
CRC § 212.1.4 Medium relevance — show source text
2**
Energy
Efficiency|Elective|Controls that reduce energy|A5.212.1.4||||| |(continued)
DIVISION 5.2
Energy
Efficiency|(continued)
DIVISION 5.2
Energy
Efficiency|Elective|Steel framing|A5.213.1||||| |DIVISION 5.3
Water
Efficiency and
Conservation
Select Three Electives|DIVISION 5.3
Water
Efficiency and
Conservation
Select Three Electives|Mandatory|Separate meters (new buildings or additions > 50,000 sf
that consume more than 100 gal/day)|5.303.1.1||||| |DIVISION 5.3
Water
Efficiency and
Conservation
Select Three Electives|DIVISION 5.3
Water
Efficiency and
Conservation
Select Three Electives|Mandatory|Separate meters (for tenants in new buildings or additions
that consume more than 1,000 gal/day)|5.303.1.2||||| |DIVISION 5.3
Water
Efficiency and
Conservation
Select Three Electives|DIVISION 5.3
Water
Efficiency and
Conservation
Select Three Electives|Tier 2
Prerequisite|Water reduction Tier 2—20% or 25% savings over the
“water use baseline” in Table A5.303.2.2|A5.303.2.3.2
or A5.303.2.3.3||||| |DIVISION 5.3
Water
Efficiency and
Conservation
Select Three Electives|DIVISION 5.3
Water
Efficiency and
Conservation
Select Three Electives|Mandatory|Water closets shall not exceed 1.28 gallons per flush (gpf)|5.303.3.1||||| |DIVISION 5.3
Water
Efficiency and
Conservation
Select Three Electives|DIVISION 5.3
Water
Efficiency and
Conservation
Select Three Electives|Mandatory|Wall-mounted urinals shall not exceed 0.125 gpf|5.303.3.2.1||||| |DIVISION 5.3
Water
Efficiency and
Conservation
Select Three Electives|DIVISION 5.3
Water
Efficiency and
Conservation
Select Three Electives|Mandatory|Floor-mounted urinals shall not exceed 0.CRC § 110.1 Medium relevance — show source text
SECTION 110.1—MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR APPLIANCES
(a) Any appliance regulated by the Appliance Efficiency Regulations, Title 20 California Code of Regulations, Section 1601 et seq., may be installed only if the appliance fully complies with Section 1608(a) of those regulations.
(b) Except for those circumstances described in Section 110.1(c), conformance with efficiency levels required to comply with Part 6 mandatory, prescriptive and performance standards shall be verified utilizing data from either:
- The Energy Commission’s database of certified appliances maintained pursuant to Title 20 California Code of Regulations Section 1606, and which is available at: www.energy.ca.gov/appliances/database/ ; or
- An equivalent directory published by a federal agency; or
- An approved trade association directory as defined in Title 20 California Code of Regulations Section 1606(h).
(c) Conformance with efficiency levels required to comply with Part 6 mandatory, prescriptive and performance standards shall be demonstrated either by default to the mandatory efficiency levels specified in Part 6 or by following procedures approved by the Commission pursuant to Section 10-109 of Title 24, Part 1, when:
- Data to verify conformance with efficiency levels required to comply with Part 6 mandatory, prescriptive and performance standards is not available pursuant to subdivision (b); or
- Field verification and diagnostic testing is required for compliance with Part 6 and the Energy Commission has not approved a field verification and diagnostic test protocol that is applicable to the appliance; or
- The appliance meets the requirements of Section 110.1(a) but has been site-modified in a way that affects its performance; or
2025 CALIFORNIA ENERGY CODE 39
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
ALL OCCUPANCIES—MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MANUFACTURE, CONSTRUCTION AND INSTALLATION OF SYSTEMS, EQUIPMENT AND BUILDING COMPONENTS
- The U.S. Department of Energy has approved a waiver from federal test procedures, pursuant to 10 CFR Section 430.27 or Section 431.401 and that waiver fails to specify how the efficiency of the system shall be determined.
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 110.2—MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR SPACE-CONDITIONING EQUIPMENT
Certification by manufacturers. Any space-conditioning equipment listed in this section may be installed only if the manufacturer has certified to the Commission that the equipment complies with all the applicable requirements of this section.
(a) Efficiency. Equipment shall meet the applicable efficiency requirements in Tables 110.2-A through 110.2-L, subject to the following:
- If more than one efficiency standard is listed for any equipment in Tables 110.2-A through 110.2-L, the equipment shall meet all the applicable standards that are listed; and
- If more than one test method is listed in Tables 110.2-A through 110.2-L, the equipment shall comply with the applicable efficiency standard when tested with each listed test method; and
Frequently asked questions
Must I follow anything inside CRC Part IV for California houses?
No — the CRC explains that Parts IV–VIII of the IRC are not adopted in California and are replaced by Title 24 references. For mandatory state energy requirements use Title 24, Part 6 (the California Energy Code).
For a new single‑family house which section controls the compliance path?
See § 150.1 — you must meet mandatory measures and then choose either the prescriptive or performance path per that section.
Where do I show compliance at permit?
The application must include the Certificate of Compliance and supporting documentation as required by the Energy Code and the Part 1 administrative rules (see references to Section 10‑103 and § 150.1(b)).
Can a local city require stricter energy rules than Title 24?
Yes, but local jurisdictions must obtain Energy Commission review/approval for local energy ordinances that differ from Part 6 as required under Title 24, Part 1 (see § 10‑106 and CalGreen guidance).
If appliances are installed, how do I confirm they meet code?
Appliances and equipment must be certified as required by § 110.1 / § 110.2 (Energy Commission database, federal directories, or approved directories as allowed). Check the Energy Commission’s certified appliance database.
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