2022 Building Energy Efficiency Standards

The Building Energy Efficiency Standards (Energy Code) apply to newly constructed buildings, additions, and alterations. They are a vital pillar of California’s climate action plan. The 2022 Energy Code will produce benefits to support the state’s public health, climate, and clean energy goals.

The California Energy Commission (CEC) updates the Energy Code every three years. On August 11, 2021, the CEC adopted the 2022 Energy Code. In December, it was approved by the California Building Standards Commission for inclusion into the California Building Standards Code. The 2022 Energy Code encourages efficient electric heat pumps, establishes electric-ready requirements for new homes, expands solar photovoltaic and battery storage standards, strengthens ventilation standards, and more. Buildings whose permit applications are applied for on or after January 1, 2023, must comply with the 2022 Energy Code.

The CEC is preparing an Environmental Impact Report (or EIR) for the proposed 2022 update to the Energy Code.

The complete docket for the environmental analysis conducted by the CEC, along with all received public comments, can be found at  Docket Log (21-BSTD-02). 
 

The CEC uses a public process and a rulemaking to adopt changes to the Energy Code contained in the California Code of Regulations (CCR), Title 24, Part 6, and associated administrative regulations in Part 1 (collectively considered the Energy Code). The updated standards will be proposed for adoption in 2021 with an effective date of January 1, 2023. 

The CEC has recently published a pre-rulemaking draft of the Express Terms for 2022. The Notice of Availability, as well as the Express Terms files, are linked to below:

Public comments can be submitted for consideration ahead of the formal rulemaking period until March 9, 2021. Instructions and deadlines for submitting public commentary are stated in the Notice of Availability.

See public participation section below for more information.

The CEC encourages public participation in its proceedings. 

To participate in the rulemaking, you can attend the workshops and provide verbal comments to the record. Written comments can be submitted to the rulemaking docket. Instructions for submitting comments can be found on workshop notices.

The public can propose an energy efficiency measure for consideration in current or future Energy Code updates. To document the proposed measure and cost-effectiveness, use the Building Energy Efficiency Measure Proposal Template. Samples of past proposals are available in the 2019 Energy Code docket or by request.

The Public Advisor's Office can help anyone with questions about the proceedings.

Sign up for the Building Standards list serve to keep up to date about ongoing activities.

The investor-owned utilities hold stakeholder meetings to discuss their sponsored measure proposals. The CEC does not run those meetings, and participation in them is not required to participate in the CEC proceeding.

Supporting Content

News Release: 2022 Energy Code Adoption
Energy Commission Adopts Updated Building Standards to Improve Efficiency, Reduce Emissions From Homes and Businesses

2022 Building Energy Efficiency Standards Summary
A summary describing what was adopted within the 2022 Energy Code and the benefits.

Building Energy Efficiency Standards - Title 24

Proceeding Information

Contact

Building Energy Efficiency Standards - Title 24

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

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