Building Energy Efficiency Program
California Building Energy Efficiency Standards or Title 24 – Part 6 of the California Codes are applicable to new and alterations or additions to residential and non-residential buildings. The codes are being used to raise the bar for energy efficiency in buildings to eventually get them to net zero energy use. The standards now include voluntary “beyond code” or “reach” requirements over and above the mandatory ones, and in each update, beyond code requirement of the previous one become mandatory in the updated version. To improve code effectiveness, they are being synchronized with other state initiatives.
http://www.energy.ca.gov/title24/
Appliance Efficiency Program
Appliances must comply with California’s appliance efficiency standards. Manufacturers are required to submit data about each product prototype, which if compliant, is provided a compliance label. The appliance efficiency database is a public repository with up-to-date information on specific parameters of each appliance introduced in the market.
http://www.energy.ca.gov/appliances/
ZNE Pilot Programs
A host of resource and non-resource demonstration programs by utility companies in California are striving to prove the feasibility and advantages of NZEBs. The non-resource programs do not offer rebates for energy savings, but either provide technical assistance in design, implementation and operations of the pilot projects, or guide potential pilots to other incentive programs. Some pilot programs also try to directly accelerate commercialization of innovative, new-in-the-market technologies by providing information and analytical tools to use them.
Pacific Gas and Energy ZNE Pilot Program
Non Residential Building Energy Use Disclosure Program
Program regulations are currently applicable only to non-residential buildings larger than 10, 000 square feet. Energy use and ENERGY STAR® scores have to be disclosed to prospective buyer, lender and lessee.
http://www.energy.ca.gov/ab1103/
California Green Building Standards
CAL Green Code or Part 11 of the California Building Standards Codes focuses on improving design and construction practices of buildings to reduce their environmental footprint. Mandatory sustainable design practices and construction practices are defined in the standard along with minimum efficiency to be achieved in water, energy and material use. Local authorities can increase the stringency of CAL Green code in areas under their jurisdiction.
http://www.bsc.ca.gov/Home/CALGreen.aspx