Blueprint is the California Energy Commission’s quarterly e-newsletter that delves into the Building Energy Efficiency Standards and provides examples of projects. The newsletter provides updates, answers to frequently asked questions, clarifications to requirements, announcements, and educational resources and training.

Issue 144, October - December 2023

  • 2025 Energy Code Update: Draft Regulations
  • 2022 Energy Code: Daylighting with Linear Fixtures
  • 2022 Compliance Software
  • New Resources on the ORC
  • Q&A
    • Single-Family Energy Storage System (ESS) Ready
    • Instantaneous Electric Point-of-Use Water Heaters
    • Multifamily Fenestration NA6 Calculations

Issue 143, July - September 2023

  • California HERS Program Update
  • Low-Rise Multifamily Data Registry Update
  • 2022 Compliance Software
  • CF1R Special Circumstances
  • New Resources on the ORC
  • 2022 Energy Code Index
  • New Resource Hub
  • CalAPP Program Grants
  • CalEHP Program Grants
  • IRA Rebate Program in CA
  • Q&A
    • Single-Family Unconditioned Spaces
    • Nonresidential Fenestration NA6 Calculations
    • Default Values for Doors

Issue 142, April - June 2023

  • Covered Process or Process Space
  • Compliance Software
  • New Resources on the ORC
  • 2022 Compliance Manual Errata
  • Q&A
    • Single-Family Energy Storage System Ready
    • Single-Family Solar PV
    • Capture Efficiency Ratings
    • Nonresidential Economizers
    • Nonresidential HVAC Alterations

Issue 141, January - March 2023

  • CalAPP Program Grants
  • SARA Calculations for PV
  • Battery Sizing Examples
  • Demand Response Controls
  • Compliance Software
  • Q&A
    • Solar Ready
    • Single-Family Energy Storage Ready
    • Nonresidential Dehumidifiers
    • Nonresidential and Multifamily Roof Alterations

Issue 140, October - December 2022

  • 2019 Energy Code: SEER2 Guidance
  • 2022 Energy Code: Compliance Software
  • 2022 Energy Code: Compliance Documents
  • Compliance Document Signatures
  • Nonresidential Acceptance Testing
  • 2022 Energy Code: New Resources on the ORC
  • Q&A
    • Air Conditioning System Changeouts
    • Vented Range Hood Alterations
    • PV for Nonresidential Tenant Improvements
    • Unconditioned Space in PV Calculations
    • Multifamily Ceiling Insulation Alterations

Issue 139, July - September 2022

  • 2022 Energy Code: Single‑Family Summary
  • 2022 Energy Code: New Summaries on the ORC
  • Q&A
    • ESS Ready for ADUs
    • Single-Family Water Heating Alterations
    • Single-Family Water Heating for ADUs
    • Single-Family Ceiling Insulation Alterations
    • Single-Family Lighting

Issue 138, April - June 2022

  • 2022 Energy Code: Multifamily Summary
  • 2022 Energy Code: Compliance Software
  • 2019 Energy Code: HERS Verifications
  • Q&A
    • Solar PV for Multifamily Buildings
    • Multifamily Water Heating
    • Multifamily Common Use Areas

Issue 137, January - March 2022

  • 2022 Energy Code: Nonresidential Summary
  • 2019 Compliance Software Updates
  • New Resources
  • ATTCP Frequently Asked Questions
  • Q&A
    • Solar PV for Nonresidential Buildings
    • Nonresidential Indoor Lighting Alterations

Issue 136, October - December 2021

  • Nonresidential Acceptance Testing Reminder
  • HERS Registry Project Status Report
  • 2019 Compliance Software Update
  • New Resources on the ORC
  • Solar Assessment Tools Updated
  • Q&A
    • Solar Ready for Mixed UseOccupancies
    • Electric Resistance Water Heaters

Issue 135, July - September 2021

  • 2022 Energy Code Adopted
  • New Resources on ORC
  • 2019 Compliance Manual Errata
  • Q&A
    • PV for Newly Constructed Detached Buildings
    • Ultraviolet (UV) Lights for Sanitation

Issue 134, April - June 2021

  • Nonresidential Acceptance Testing
  • New Resources on ORC
  • Repeal of Title 20 Self-Contained Lighting Controls
  • 2019 Energy Code Software Approved
  • Q&A
    • Nonresidential Indoor Lighting Alterations
    • PV for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU)

Issue 133, January - March 2021

  • Snow Load and PV
  • New Fact Sheets on ORC
  • Virtual Compliance Assistant for NRCC Forms
  • Updated Lighting Videos
  • Q&A
    • Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Scenarios
    • Kitchen Range Hood HERS Verification for Alterations

Issue 132, October - December 2020

  • Local Ordinances Exceeding the 2019 Energy Code
  • Fillable 2019 NRCA Forms
  • Solar Assessment Tools Updated
  • Temporary Fenestration Labels
  • Certification of Mini-Split Systems and Multi-Split Systems
  • Q&A
    • Mini-Split and Multi-Split Performance Modeling Credit
    • Electric Resistance Space Heating - Natural Gas Availability
    • Water Heater Alterations in Outdoor Closets
    • Community Solar Compliance Option

Issue 131, July - September 2020

  • Nonresidential Mechanical Acceptance Testing
  • New 2019 Energy Code Resources Available on the ORC
    • 2019 HERS Reference Card
    • 2019 ATTCP Reference Card
    • 2019 Water Heater Guides
    • 2019 Energy Code Envelope Air Sealing Fact Sheet
    • 2019 Energy Code Presentations
  • Energy Code Dynamic Forms Relocated
  • Q&A
    • Nonresidential Indoor Lighting
    • Nonresidential Outdoor Lighting Alterations
    • Nonresidential Curtain Walls
    • High-Rise Residential and Low-Rise Residential Kitchen Range Hoods
    • Indoor Air Quality
    • Residential ADUs
    • Residential Single-Width Headers

Issue 130, April - June 2020

  • Nonresidential Indoor Lighting Alterations
  • COVID-19 Essential Workers
  • Nonresidential Outdoor Lighting Cutoff Requirements
  • 2019 Energy Code Updated with Navigational Links
  • Solar Assessment Tools
  • Q&A
    • Nonresidential Indoor Lighting
    • Nonresidential Outdoor Lighting
    • Nonresidential Ventilation Controls and Filtration for Alterations
    • Residential Filtration for Alterations
    • Residential Future HPWH Dedicated Receptacle
    • Residential Single-Width Headers
    • Residential PV Exception
    • Residential ADUs
    • Residential Non-HERS Compliance Forms
    • Residential Duct Testing
    • Camp Dwelling Occupancy

Issue 129, January - March 2020

  • 2019 Energy Code: Focus on Lighting
    • Nonresidential Lighting Changes
    • Residential Lighting Changes
    • Future Energy Codes
  • 2019 Energy Code: Central Heat Pump Water Heaters
  • Covid-19 Essential Workers
  • 2019 Energy Code: PV Requirements for ADUs
  • 2019 Energy Code: Updated Cool Roof Brochures
  • 2019 Energy Code: Approved Lighting ATTCPs
  • Q&A
    • Calculation of Allowed Indoor Lighting Power
    • Outdoor Solar Powered Lighting

Issue 128, October - December 2019

  • 2019 Energy Code: NRFC Rated Exterior Doors
  • 2019 Energy Code: Compliance Software
  • 2019 Energy Code: HERS Providers
  • Process Space
  • Q&A
    • Daylighting Controls and Opaque Curtain Walls
    • Building Commissioning
    • HVAC Occupancy Sensor Zone Control Requirements
    • Lighting Power Exceptions and Control Requirements
    • Occupant Controlled Smart Thermostats

Issue 127, July - September 2019

  • 2019 Energy Code: New Climate Zone Search Tool
  • 2019 Energy Code: Whole House Fan Compliance for Low-Rise Residential
  • 2019 Energy Code: Master Plan Permit Applications
  • 2019 Energy Code: Low-rise Residential Early Adopters
  • Q&A
    • PV Calculations for Multifamily
    • Integrated PV Roof Replacements
    • Lighting on Private Streets
    • Radiant Barriers
    • Modeling ADU plus Addition

Issue 126, April - June 2019

  • 2019 Energy Code: Low-rise Residential Summary of Major Changes
  • 2019 Energy Code: Nonresidential, Hotel and Motel, High-rise Residential Summary of Major Changes
  • 2019 Energy Code: CBECC Software and ACM Manuals Approved
  • 2016 Energy Code: New Fact Sheets and Videos for Covered Processes
  • Q&A
    • Outdoor Electric Heating
    • Flag Pole Lighting
    • Continuous Insulation and Z-Clips
  • Energy Code Ace Class Schedule
  • Energy Code Ace 2019 Reference Ace

Issue 125, January - March 2019

In This Issue

  • 2019 Energy Code Training
  • New Videos for Nonresidential HVAC Prescriptive Requirements
  • Whole House Fan Compliance for Low-rise Residential Buildings
  • Q and A
    • Townhouses vs. Duplexes
  • Energy Code Ace Class Schedule

Issue 124, October - December 2018

In this issue:

  • Center of Glass Calculations for Low-Rise Residential Buildings
  • Residential Replacement Window Insulation
  • New Videos for Nonresidential HVAC Mandatory Requirements
  • Townhouse Classifications
  • Question and Answers 
    • Townhouses: High-Rise or Low-Rise
    • Natural Gas in Accessory Dwelling Unit
    • Concrete Wall Insulation
    • Approved Pool Pumps
  • Energy Code Ace New Tool: Q&Ace

Issue 123, April - September 2018

In This Issue

  • 2019 Energy Code Adopted!
  • Modeling ADUs
  • Certified Mechanical ATTs
  • Q and A
    • ADUs
    • Native American Reservations
    • Gas Lighting
    • Built-In Water Heater Isolation Valves
  • Energy Code Ace Nonresidential PEBI Classes

Issue 122, January - March 2018

In This Issue

  • CBECC-Res FAQs Updated
  • Fewer and Simpler Nonresidential Forms
  • Simplified 2016 Power Distribution and Solar Ready Forms
  • Thank You, LBO and City of Chico
  • Covered Processes Quick Reference Guide Available
  • Rebuilding After Disasters
  • Presentations Posted
  • Regulatory Advisory
  • Accessory Dwelling Units
  • Q&A
    • Accessory Dwelling Units
    • Residential Performance Modeling and HERS Verification
    • LED Trim Kits
    • Insulating Refrigerant Lines
  • Energy Code Class Schedule

Issue 121, October - December 2017

In This Issue

  • IAPMO-R&T Approved
  • New Fact Sheet
  • Appliance Efficiency Regulations for State Regulated Lamps
  • Separation of Electrical Circuits
  • Q and A
    • Residential Attic Insulation
    • Pipe Insulation

Issue 120, July - September 2017

In This Issue

  • New 2016 NRCC-LTI-E
  • New Lighting Videos and Fact Sheets
  • 2016 Acceptance Forms From CALCTP and NLCAA
  • 2019 CBECC - Res Research Version Now Available
  • Uniform Energy Factors for Water Heaters
  • Q and A
    • Water Heater Types

Issue 119, April - June 2017

In This Issue

  • Tubular LED Lamps and the 2016 Energy Standards
  • HVAC Videos Now Available!
  • High Performance Attics and Batt Insulation Below the Roof Deck
  • Electrical Power Distribution Systems
  • New Resources Added to the Online Resource Center!
  • Q and A
    • Tubular LED Lamps
    • Electrical Power Distribution Systems
  • BayREN Resources
  • Energy Code Ace Class Schedule

Issue 118, January - March 2017

In This Issue

  • 2019 Energy Standards Development
  • 2016 Energy Standards Are in Effect
  • 2016 Compliance Software
  • Open Source Software
  • 2016 HERS Providers
  • 2016 HERS Reference Card Now Available
  • 2016 Compliance Document Upgrades
  • Lighting ATTCP Training Approved for the 2016 Energy Standards
  • Training Opportunities
  • Q and A
    • Sun Rooms
    • Buildings and Spaces Used for Commercial Plant Growth
    • Wall Extensions in Low-Rise Residential Additions
    • Residential Compliance Documents
  • Energy Code Ace Materials for the 2016 Energy Standards

Issue 117, November - December 2016 (CEC-400-2016-027)

The Lighting Issue

  • Title 24's JA8 and Title 20's State Regulated Lamp Requirements
  • 2016 Prescriptive Indoor Lighting Alteration Options
  • Q and A

Issue 116, September 2016 - October 2016 (CEC-400-2016-022)

  • Are You Ready for January 1, 2017?
  • 2016 Mandatory Measures Summary Now Available
  • New Project Status Report Available!
  • Dynamic Compliance Documents for 2016 Residential Non-HERS Projects
  • Residential Early Adopters
  • Master Plan Permit Applications
  • Online Resource Center
  • Lighting ATTCP Training Approved for 2016
  • 2016 High Efficacy Requirements for Ceiling Recessed and Enclosed Luminaires
  • Deep-Dimming Fluorescent Lamp Ballast Efficiency Standards
  • Overlapping Requirements for Residential Hot Water Pipe Insulation
  • New Mechanical ATTCP
  • ATTCP and HERS Reference Cards Now Available
  • Q and A
    • 2016 Nonresidential Lighting Alterations
    • 2016 Residential Water Heating Options

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Energy Standards Hotline
Title24@energy.ca.gov

Toll-Free in California: 800-772-3300
Outside California: 916-654-5106

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