The California Energy Commission last week approved a new California Energy Code that increases solar mandates, battery storage, and heat pump technologies for space and water heating. The proposed code, as adopted by the Energy Commission, now goes to the California Building Standards Commission for its consideration. If the Building Standards Commission adopts the proposed Energy Code, it will go into effect January 1, 2023.
The proposed Energy Code requires many new commercial buildings, including high-rise residential projects, to include solar power and battery storage. Additionally, new homes will have to be wired in ways that ease conversions of natural gas heating and appliances to electric sources.
AIA California submitted a letter in support of the proposed Energy Code, and AIA Members Charles Eley, FAIA, on behalf of Architecture 2030, and Alice Sung, AIA, on behalf of herself, testified in support of the proposed code.
You can watch the Energy Commission hearing here.
The Energy Commission staff presentation of the proposed Energy Code is from 33:00 to 46:30.
Public Comment and Commissioner discussion is from 46:30 to 3:47:30.
AIA California will provide a more detailed description of the proposed Energy Code in the future.
