2022 Building Energy Efficiency Standards

Regulatory Advisory: Low-Rise Multifamily Compliance Forms for the 2022 Energy Code

The 2022 Building Energy Efficiency Standards (Energy Code) introduce new requirements for low-rise multifamily (LRMF) buildings. This includes requirements to register LRMF compliance forms with an approved registry. To date, a LRMF data registry has not been approved by the California Energy Commission (CEC) for use with the 2022 Energy Code. Resultingly, applicants have not yet been able to register compliance forms for LRMF buildings. Approved HERS Providers are continuing to work diligently to develop LRMF data registries, with the goal of submitting LRMF registries to the CEC for review and approval by the fourth quarter of 2023. Until a LRMF data registry is approved by the CEC, the Regulatory Advisory issued November 18, 2022, is still in effect. CEC staff recommends authorities having jurisdiction take several steps, as specified, to ensure permits for LRMF buildings under the 2022 Energy Code are not delayed.

2022 Energy Code for Residential and Nonresidential Buildings

2022 Energy Code

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Supporting Documents – Appendices, Compliance Manuals, and Forms

Reference Appendices
2022 Energy Code: Reference Appendices are adopted along with the Energy Code and contain data and other information that helps builders comply with the standards. The Reference Appendices includes sections on weather data, performance of assemblies with insulation, and residential and nonresidential tests and procedures.

2022 Energy Code Reference Appendices

Compliance Manuals
These documents, a part of the energy conservation manual, are designed to help the building industry comply with and regulators enforce the 2022 Energy Code for residential, nonresidential, and multifamily buildings. They are written as a reference and an instructional guide and can be helpful for anyone that is directly or indirectly involved in design and construction.

Compliance Documents - Forms

Impact Analysis

2022 Energy Code Impact Analysis

Software – Compliance Software, Manuals, and Tools

Compliance Software
CEC approved software to demonstrate performance compliance with residential and nonresidential provisions of the 2022 Energy Code. Performance modeling allows a user to assess building system performance or different building components against the Energy Code baseline.

2022 Energy Code Compliance Software

Alternative Calculation Method (ACM) Manuals
These manuals identify the modeling rules used within the compliance software.

Data Registry Requirements Manual
This manual is intended to aid in designing and implementing software procedures and user interface features. As a resource for data registry providers, it includes information and explanations regarding the functional and technical aspects of the requirements given in Reference Joint Appendix JA7.

2022 Data Registry Requirements Manual

Tools

Solar Assessment Tools
Builders must verify and document the shading conditions of a building’s installed solar photovoltaic (PV) system by using the CEC-approved solar assessment tool.
Climate Zone Tool
This tool helps to show addresses and locations quickly and accurately in relation to the geographic metes and bounds that determine California’s climate regions. Search by climate zone or zip code.
Special Cases for Building Energy Efficiency Standards
Information about calculation methods and measures that cannot be properly accounted for in the approved compliance approaches.
Manufacturer Certification for Building Equipment
Manufacturers certify to the CEC that the building equipment, products, and devices listed meet the applicable Energy Code requirements.

Acceptance Testing and Home Energy Rating System

Acceptance Test Technician Certification Provider Program - ATTCP
The program ensures that lighting control and mechanical contractors comply with the Energy Code in nonresidential buildings.
Home Energy Rating System Program - HERS
The program addresses construction defects and poor equipment installation, including HVAC systems and insulation, by evaluating homes.