The code's purpose is to advance the state's energy policy, develop renewable energy sources and prepare for energy emergencies.[citation needed] A 2020 study found that the 1978 energy code successfully reduced energy consumption, and that the implementation of the policy passed a cost-benefit test.[2]
History
California was the first state to implement minimum energy efficiency standards in 1974. It was the first to establish an energy regulation commission – the California Energy Commission. These regulations and codes have been in effect since 1974. California has the lowest per capita energy consumption in the US.[3]
Structure
The three general parts, which include all the responsibilities and criteria of the standards, are:
Mandatory requirements
Performance standards
Prescriptive standards
All buildings must follow the mandatory requirements. Performance standards vary by the building location and type.
These parts are designed to accomplish the following:
Forecast future energy need
Support energy and technology research
Develop renewable energy resources
Develop renewable transportation fuels and technologies
Climate zones
Standards vary based on climate zone. California is divided into 16 zones:[4]
The 2019 California Energy Code became effective on January 1, 2020.[5] It focuses on such areas such as residential photovoltaic systems, thermal envelope standards and non-residential lighting requirements.
Homes built under this code are about 53% more energy efficient than those built to comply with the 2016 Energy Code.[6] This code provides a market for "smart" technologies.[7]
The 2019 Code added photovoltaic system requirements for low-rise residential buildings. Exceptions grant a reduction in size for photovoltaic systems.[8]
^Novan, Kevin; Smith, Aaron; Zhou, Tianxia (September 24, 2020). "Residential Building Codes Do Save Energy: Evidence from Hourly Smart-Meter Data". The Review of Economics and Statistics. 104 (3): 483–500. doi:10.1162/rest_a_00967. ISSN0034-6535.