DOCKETED  
Docket Number:  24-BSTD -01 
Project Title:  2025 Energy Code Rulemaking  
TN #:  255315 -2 
Document Title:  2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards, Title 24 Parts 1 and 
6, Express Terms, 45 -day Language  
Description:  California Energy Commission’s proposed changes for the 2025 
Building Energy Efficiency Standards, Express Terms, 45 -Day 
Language.  
Filer:  Javier Perez  
Organization:  California Energy Commission  
Submitter Role:  Commission Staff   
Submission Date:  3/28/2024 12:28:36 PM 
Docketed Date:  3/28/2024  
 2025 Buildin g Energy Efficiency Standards  Page  
TABLE OF CONTENTS  2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page  1 
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS TITLE 24, PART 1  ADMINISTRACTIVE REGULATIONS  
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS  
TITLE 24, PART  1Page 2 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS TITLE 24, PART 1 , CHAPTER  10, S ECTION  102 – DEFINITIONS  ARTICLE 1 – ENERGY BUILDING REGULATIONS  
10-101 – SCOPE  
(a) This article contains administrative regulations relating to the energy building regulations in 
Title 24, Part 6. This article applies to all residential and nonresidential buildings.  
(b) Nothing in this article lessens any necessary qualifications or responsibilities of licensed or 
registered building professionals or other designers or builders, or the duties of enforcement 
agencies that exist under state or local law.  
(c) If any provision of the regulations in this article or the Building Energy Efficiency Standards, 
Title 24, Part 6, of the California Code of Regulations is found invalid by a court of competent 
jurisdiction, the remainder of these regulations shall rem ain in effect.  
NOTE:  Authority: Sections 25402 and 25402.1, Public Resources Code. Reference: Sections 25402 
and 25402.1, Public Resources Code
10-102 – DEFINITIONS  
In this article the following definitions apply:  
ACCEPTANCE REQUIREMENTS  are "acceptance requirements for code compliance" as defined 
in Section 100.1(b) of Part 6.  
ACCEPTANCE TEST TECHNICIAN (ATT)  is a Field Technician as defined in Section 10 -102 who 
is certified by an authorized Acceptance Test Technician Certification Provider to perform 
acceptance testing of either lighting controls or mechanical systems pursuant to the 
requirements of Sections  10-103.1 or 10 -103.2, respectively. ATTs are authorized to perform 
only those acceptance tests for which they are certified by an ATTCP; ATTs certified to 
perform acceptance testing of lighting controls are sometimes referr ed to as “lighting control 
ATTs”, and ATTs certified to perform acceptance testing of mechanical systems are 
sometimes referred to as “mechanical ATTs”. (See “Field Technician” and “Acceptance Test 
Technician Certification Provider”.)  
ACCEPTANCE TEST EMPLOYER  (ATE)  is a person or entity who employs an Acceptance Test 
Technician and is certified by an authorized Acceptance Test Technician Certification Provider 
pursuant to the requirements of Sections 10 -103.1 or 10 -103.2. ATEs are authorized to 
employ only those ATT s for which they are certified by an ATTCP; ATEs certified to employ 
ATTs that perform acceptance testing of lighting controls are sometimes referred to as 
“lighting control ATEs”, and ATEs certified to employ ATTs that perfor m acceptance testing of 
mechanical systems are sometimes referred to as “mechanical ATEs”. (See “Acceptance Test 
Technician” and “Acceptance Test Technician Certification Provider”.)  
ACCEPTANCE TEST TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATION PROVIDER  (ATTCP)  is an agency, 
organization or entity approved by the Energy Commission to train, certify and oversee ATTs 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page  3 
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS TITLE 24, PART 1 , CHAPTER 10, SECTION 102 – DEFINITIONS  and ATEs relating to either lighting controls or mechanical systems according to the 
requirements of Sections 10 -103.1 or 10 -103.2, respectively. ATTCPs are authorized to certify 
only those ATTs and ATEs for which they are approved by the Energy Commission ; ATTCPs 
approved to certify ATTs and ATEs relating to the acceptance testing of lighting controls are 
sometimes referred to as “lighting control ATTCPs”, and ATTCPs approved to certify ATTs and 
ATEs relating to the acceptance testing of mechanical systems  are sometimes referred to as 
“mechanical ATTCPs .” (See “Acceptance Test Technician” and “Acceptance Test Employer”) . 
ACM  means ALTERNATIVE CALCULATION METHOD are compliance software, or alternative 
component packages, or exceptional methods approved by the Commission under Section 10 -
109 and 10 -116. ACMs are also referred to as Compliance Software.  
ACM  APPROVAL MANUAL S are the documents establishing the requirements for Energy 
Commission approval of Compliance Software used to demonstrate compliance with the 
Building Energy Efficiency Standards for Residential and Nonresidential Buildings currently 
adopted by the Energy Commissi on. 
ACM REFERENCE MANUAL  is the document establishing the procedures required to 
implement Sections 140.1 and 150.1 of Title 24, Part 6 of the California Code of Regulations in 
Compliance Software.  
ADDITIONALITY  is a property of solar offsets whereby the offset causes additional benefits 
beyond what would occur as a result of all other actions, and which would exclusively benefit 
the building or property for which the offset substitutes for compliance obligations  that 
would otherwise be required for that building or property, and those benefits would not ever 
be transferred to other buildings or property.  
ALTERNATIVE COMPONENT PACKAGE  is a set of building measures whose aggregate 
calculated energy use is less than or equal to the maximum allowed Energy Budget.  
APPLIANCE EFFICIENCY REGULATIONS  are the regulations in Title 20, Section 1601 et. seq. of 
the California Code of Regulations.  
APPROVED CALCULATION METHOD  is compliance software, or alternative component 
packages, or exceptional methods approved under Section 10 -109.  
BUILDING ENERGY EFFICIENCY STANDARDS  are those regulations contained in Title 24, Part 6 
of the California Code of Regulations.  
BUILDING PERMIT  is an electrical, plumbing, mechanical, building, or other permit or 
approval, that is issued by an enforcement agency, and that authorizes any construction that 
is subject to Part 6.  
CALIFORNIA ENERGY COMMISSION  is the California State Energy Resources Conservation and 
Development Commission.  
COMMISSION  is the California State Energy Resources Conservation and Development 
Commission.  
COMPLEX MECHANICAL SYSTEM is defined here for the purposes of complying with the 
Design Phase Review component of Section 10 -103(a)1. Complex Mechanical Systems are 
systems that include 1) fan systems each serving multiple thermostatically controlled zones, Page 4 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS TITLE 24, PART 1 , CHAPTER  10, S ECTION  102 – DEFINITIONS  or 2) built -up air handler systems (non -unitary or nonpackaged HVAC equipment), or 3) 
hydronic or steam heating systems, or 4) hydronic cooling systems. Complex systems are NOT 
the following: unitary or packaged equipment listed in Tables 110.2 -A, 110.2 -B, 110.2 -C, and 
110.2 -E, that each serve one zone, or two -pipe, heating only systems serving one or more 
zones.  
COMPLIANCE APPROACH  is any one of the allowable methods by which the design and 
construction of a building may be demonstrated to be in compliance with Part 6. The 
compliance approaches are the performance compliance approach and the prescriptive 
compliance approach. The req uirements for each compliance approach are set forth in 
Section 100.0(e)2 of Part 6.  
COMPLIANCE DATA EXCHANGE FILE  is an Extensible Markup Language (XML) file that 
contains compliance data used to populate a Compliance Document. The Compliance Data 
Exchange File is part of the Compliance Registration Package.  
COMPLIANCE DOCUMENT  is any of the documents specified in Section 10 -103(a) utilized to 
demonstrate compliance with Part 6 (i.e., Certificate of Compliance, Certificate of Installation, 
Certificate of Acceptance, and Certificate of Verification).  
COMPLIANCE REGISTRATION PACKAGE means digitally signed or encrypted digital data that 
is transmitted to or from a Data Registry that contains the data required for registering a 
Compliance Document with a Data Registry, including the Compliance Data Exchange File. A 
commonly used method is the Zip file format, a data compression and archiving specification 
that is in the public domain. Files transmitted to or from a Data Registry using the Zip file 
format shall be password protected as described in JA7.6.3.2.7.  
COMPLIANCE SOFTWARE is software that has been approved pursuant to Section 10 -109 of 
Part 1.  
CONDITIONED FLOOR AREA  is the “conditioned floor area” as defined in Section 100.1(b) of 
Part 6.  
CRRC -1 is the Cool Roof Rating Council document titled “Product Rating Program”.  
DATA REGISTRY is a web service with a user interface and database maintained by a 
Registration Provider that complies with the applicable requirements in Reference Joint 
Appendix JA7, with guidance from the Data Registry Requirements Manual, and provides for 
registratio n of residential or nonresidential compliance documentation used for 
demonstrating compliance with Part 6.  
RESIDENTIAL DATA REGISTRY is a data registry that is maintained by a n HERS ECC-
Provider that provides for registration, when required by Part 6 of all residential 
compliance documentation and the nonresidential Certificate of Verification, and 
complies with the Data Maintenance requirements of Title 20, Chapter 4, Article 8, 
Section 1670 et seq Section 10 -103.3 . 
NONRESIDENTIAL DATA REGISTRY is a data registry that is maintained by a Registration 
Provider approved by the Commission that provides for registration, when required by 
Part 6 of all nonresidential compliance documentation , excluding all Certificates of 
Acceptance recorded by an acceptance test technician certification provider (10 -103.1 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page  5 
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS TITLE 24, PART 1 , CHAPTER 10, SECTION 102 – DEFINITIONS  and 10 -103.2) . However, nonresidential data registries may not provide for registration of 
nonresidential Certificates of Verification.  
DATA REGISTRY REQUIREMENTS MANUAL  is a document that provides additional detailed 
guidance regarding the functional and technical aspects of the data registry requirements 
given in Joint Appendix JA7.  
DOCUMENTATION AUTHOR is a person who prepares a Title 24 Part 6 compliance document 
that must subsequently be reviewed and signed by a responsible person in order to certify 
compliance with Part 6.  
ENERGY BUDGET  is the  maximum energy consumption that a proposed building, or portion of 
a building, can be desi gned to consume, calculated using Commission approved compliance 
software as specified in by Section 10 -109 of the Energy Code and the Alternative Calculation 
Method Reference Manual. The Energy Budget for the newly constructed buildings isare 
expressed in  terms of the Long -Term  System Cost (LSC) and Source Energy . The energy 
budget for additions and alterations is expressed in terms of LSC. “energy budget” as defined 
in Section 100.1(b) of Part 6 . 
ENERGY CODE COMPLIANCE (ECC) PROGRAM  is the program for field verification and 
diagnostic testing  for residentia l construction  as set forth in Section 10 -103.3 to verify the 
newly  constructed buildings and additions and alterations to existing   buildings comply with 
the requirements of the Energy Code.  
ECC-PROVIDER  is an organization approved by the Commission to administer the ECC 
program pursuant to the requirements of Section 10 -103.3.  
ECC-RATER  is a person trained, tested, and certified by an ECC -Provider to perform 
field verification and diagnostic testing for the ECC program pursuant to the 
requirements of Section 10 -103.3.  
ECC-RATER COMPANY  is an organization certified by an ECC -Provider to offer field 
verification and diagnostic testing services by the ECC -Rater Company’s ECC -Raters for 
the ECC program pursuant to the requirements of Section 10 -103.3.  
EXEMPLARY  ECC-RATER  is an ECC -Rater that has achieved the status of “Verified” as 
set forth in Section 10 -103.3(d)5B.  
ENERGY COMMISSION  is the California State Energy Resources Conservation and 
Development Commission.  
ENFORCEMENT AGENCY  is the city, county, or state agency responsible for issuing a building 
permit.  
EXCEPTIONAL METHOD  is a method for estimating the energy performance of building 
features that cannot be adequately modeled using existing Compliance Software and that is 
approved by the Executive Director.  
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR  is the executive director of the Commission.  
FIELD TECHNICIAN  is a person who performs acceptance tests in accordance with the 
specifications in Reference Nonresidential Appendix NA7,   and reports the results of the Page 6 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS TITLE 24, PART 1 , CHAPTER  10, S ECTION  102 – DEFINITIONS  acceptance tests on the Certificate of Acceptance in accordance with the requirements of 
Section 10 -103(a)4.  
HERS is the California Home Energy Rating System as described in Title 20, Chapter 4, Article 
8, Section 1670.  
HERS PROVIDER is an organization that administers a home energy rating system as described 
in Title 20, Chapter 4, Article 8, Section 1670.  
HERS PROVIDER DATA REGISTRY  is a data registry maintained by a HERS provider in 
compliance with requirements per Title 20, Chapter 4, Article 8, Section 1670 et seq.  
HERS RATER is a person who has been trained, tested, and certified by a HERS Provider to 
perform the field verification and diagnostic testing required for demonstrating compliance 
with the Part 6 as described in Title 20, Chapter 4, Article 8, Section 1670(i).  
HVAC SYSTEM  is the “HVAC system” as defined in Section 100.1(b) of Part 6.  
LONG -TERM SYSTEM COST (LSC)  is the CEC-projected present value of costs over a 30 -year 
period related to for California’s energy system s. LSC does not represent a prediction of 
individual utility bills.  
MANUFACTURED DEVICE  is the “manufactured device” as defined in Section 100.1(b) of Part 
6. 
NFRC 100  is the National Fenestration Rating Council document titled “NFRC 100: Procedure 
for Determining Fenestration Product U -factors.” (2017) NFRC 100 includes procedures for 
the Component Modeling Approach (CMA) and site -built fenestration formerly included i n a 
separate document, NFRC 100 -SB. 
NFRC 200  is the National Fenestration Rating Council document titled “NFRC 200: Procedure 
for Determining Fenestration Product Solar Heat Gain Coefficients and Visible Transmittance 
at Normal Incidence.” (2017),  
NFRC 202  is the National Fenestration Rating Council document titled “NFRC 202: Procedures 
for Determining Translucent Fenestration Product Visible Transmittance at Normal 
Incidence.” (2017).  
NFRC 203  is the National Fenestration Rating Council document titled “NFRC 203: Procedure 
for Determining Visible Transmittance of Tubular Daylighting Devices.” (2017),  
NFRC 400  is the National Fenestration Rating Council document titled “NFRC 400: Procedure 
for Determining Fenestration Product Air Leakage.” (2017).  
PART 6  is Title 24, Part 6 of the California Code of Regulations.  
PUBLIC ADVISER  is the Public Adviser of the Commission.  
R-VALUE  is the measure of the thermal resistance of insulation or any material or building 
component expressed in ft² -hr-°F/Btu.  
RECORD DRAWINGS  are drawings that document the as installed location and performance 
data on all lighting and space conditioning system components, devices, appliances and 
equipment, including but not limited to wiring sequences, control sequences, duct and pipe 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page  7 
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS TITLE 24, PART 1 , CHAPTER 10, SECTION 102 – DEFINITIONS  distribution system layout and sizes, space conditioning system terminal device layout and 
airflow rates, hydronic system and flow rates, and connections for the space conditioning 
system. Record drawings are sometimes referred to as “as built” drawings.  
REFERENCE APPENDICES  are the support document for the Building Energy Efficiency 
Standards and the ACM Approval Manuals. The document consists of three sections: the 
Reference Joint Appendices (JA), the Reference Residential Appendices (RA), and the 
Reference Nonresidential A ppendices (NA) currently adopted by the Energy Commission.  
REFERENCE JOINT APPENDICES  are the Reference Joint Appendices currently adopted by the 
Energy Commission.  
REFERENCE NONRESIDENTIAL APPENDICES  are the Reference Nonresidential Appendices 
currently adopted by the Energy Commission.  
REFERENCE RESIDENTIAL APPENDICES  are the Reference Residential Appendices currently 
adopted by the Energy Commission.  
REGISTERED COMPLIANCE DOCUMENT is a compliance document that has been submitted to 
a residential or nonresidential Data Registry for retention, verified as valid with an XML 
schema approved by the Commission, and has gone through the registration process so that 
the Registered Document displays all applicable electronic signatures as well as the 
Registration Provider's digital certificate and the document's unique registration number. The 
image of the registered document is accessible for printing or viewin g by authorized users of 
the Data Registry. The registered document’s unique visible registration number is appended 
onto the document image by the Data Registry .  
REGISTRATION PROVIDER  is an organization that administers a data registry service that 
conforms to the requirements in Reference Joint Appendix JA7.  
SOURCE ENERGY  is defined as the long run marginal source energy of fossil fuels that are 
combusted as a result of building energy consumption considering  the long -term effects of 
Commission -projected energy resource procurement . For a given hour, the value in that hour 
for each forecasted year is averaged to establish  a lifetime average source energy.  
STANDARD DESIGN BUILDING  is a “Standard Design Building” as defined in Section 100.1(b) 
of Part 6.  
TRIENNIAL CODE CYCLE  is the three -year period for which a particular cycle of California’s 
building codes is effective, as used and defined by State Building Standards Law and the 
California Building Standards Commission pursuant to Health and Safety Code 18901 et seq.  
NOTE:  Authority: Sections 25402 and 25402.1, and 25213, Public Resources Code. Reference: 
Sections 25007, 25008, 25218.5, 25310, 25402 and 25402.1, 25402.4, 25402.5, 25402.8 and 
25943, Public Resources Code.  
  Page 8 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS TITLE 24, PART 1, CHAPTER 10, SECTION  103 – PERMIT, 
CERTIFICATE, INFORMATIONAL, AND ENFORCEMENT REQUIREMENTS FOR DESIGNERS, 
INSTALLERS, BUILDERS, MANUFACTURERS, AND SUPPLIERS  10-103 – PERMIT, CERTIFICATE, INFORMATIONAL, AND ENFORCEMENT 
REQUIREMENTS FOR DESIGNERS, INSTALLERS, BUILDERS, MANUFACTURERS, 
AND SUPPLIERS  
(a) Documentation.  For all buildings other than healthcare facilities, the following 
documentation is required to demonstrate compliance with Part 6. This documentation shall 
meet the requirements of Section 10 -103(a) or alternatives approved by the Executive 
Director. Heal thcare facilities shall instead comply with the applicable provisions of Chapter 
7. 
1. Certificate of Compliance.  For all buildings, the Certificate of Compliance described in 
Section 10 -103 shall be signed by the person who is eligible under Division 3 of the 
Business and Professions Code to accept responsibility for the building design 
(responsible person ); and submitted in accordance with Sections 10 -103(a)1 and 10 -
103(a)2 to certify conformance with Part 6. If more than one person has responsibility 
for the building design, each person shall sign the Certificate of Compliance document( s) 
applicable to that portion of the design for which the person is responsible. 
Alternatively, the person with chief responsibility for the building design shall prepare 
and sign the Certificate of Compliance document(s) for the entire building design. 
Subject to the requirements of Sections 10 -103(a)1 and 10 -103(a)2, persons who 
prepare Certificate of Compliance documents ( documentation authors ) shall sign a 
declaration statement on the documents they prepare to certify the information 
provided on the doc umentation is accurate and complete. In accordance with applicable 
requirements of 10 -103(a)1, the signatures provided by responsible persons  and 
documentation authors  shall be original signatures on paper documents or electronic 
signatures on electronic documents conforming to the electronic signature specifications 
in Reference Joint Appendix JA7.  
 For all Nonresidential buildings, the Design Review Kickoff Certificate(s) of Compliance 
and the Construction Document Design Review Checklist Certificate(s) of Compliance 
shall be reviewed and signed by a licensed professional engineer or licensed archit ect, or 
a licensed contractor representing services performed by or under the direct supervision 
of a licensed engineer or architect, as specified in the provisions of Division 3 of the 
Business and Professions Code. For buildings less than 10,000 square f eet, this signer 
may be the engineer or architect of record. For buildings greater than 10,000 square feet 
but less than 50,000 square feet, this signer shall be a qualified in -house engineer or 
architect with no other project involvement or a third -party engineer, architect, or 
contractor. For buildings greater than 50,000 square feet and all buildings with complex 
mechanical systems serving more than 10,000 square feet, this signer shall be a third -
party engineer, architect, or contractor.  
A. All Certificate of Compliance documentation shall conform to a format and 
informational order and content approved by the Energy Commission.  2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page  9 
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS TITLE 24, PART 1, CHAPTER 10, SECTION  103 – PERMIT, 
CERTIFICATE, INFORMATIONAL, AND ENFORCEMENT REQUIREMENTS FOR DESIGNERS, 
INSTALLERS, BUILDERS, MANUFACTURERS, AND SUPPLIERS   These documents shall:  
i. Identify the energy features, performance specifications, materials, components, 
and manufactured devices required for compliance with Part 6.  
ii. Identify the building project name and location. The building project name and 
location identification on the Certificate of Compliance shall be consistent with 
the building project name and location identification given on the other 
applicable building de sign plans and specifications submitted to the enforcement 
agency for approval with the building permit application.  
iii. Display the unique registration number assigned by the data registry if Section 
10-103(a)1 requires the document to be registered.  
iv. Include a declaration statement to the effect that the building energy features, 
performance specifications, materials, components, and manufactured devices 
for the building design identified on the Certificate of Compliance indicate the 
building is in com pliance with the requirements of Title 24, Parts 1 and 6, and the 
building design features identified on the Certificate of Compliance are consistent 
with the building design features identified on the other applicable compliance 
documents, worksheets, cal culations, plans, and specifications submitted to the 
enforcement agency for approval with the building permit application.  
v. Be signed by the documentation author  to certify the documentation is accurate 
and complete. When document registration is required by Section 10 -103(a)1, 
the signature shall be an electronic signature on an electronic document in 
accordance with the electronic signature specifications in Ref erence Joint 
Appendix JA7.  
vi. Be signed by the responsible person  eligible under Division 3 of the Business and 
Professions Code to accept responsibility for the design to certify conformance 
with Part 6. When document registration is required by Section 10 -103(a)1, the 
signature shall be an electronic signature on an e lectronic document in 
accordance with the electronic signature specifications in Reference Joint 
Appendix JA7.  
B. For all low -rise residential buildings for which compliance requires HERS field 
verification, the person(s) responsible for the Certificate(s) of Compliance shall 
submit the Certificate(s) and their associated Compliance Registration Packages for 
registration and retention to a n HERS ECC-provider data registry in compliance with 
Title 20, Chapter 4, Article 8, Section 1670 et seq  Section 10 -103.3 . The submittals to 
the HERS ECC-provider data registry shall be made electronically in accordance with 
the sp ecifications in Reference Joint Appendix JA7.  
Contingent upon availability and approval of an electronic document repository by 
the Executive Director, Certificate of Compliance documents and their associated 
Compliance Registration Packages that are registered and retained by a n HERS ECC-Page 10 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS TITLE 24, PART 1, CHAPTER 10, SECTION  103 – PERMIT, 
CERTIFICATE, INFORMATIONAL, AND ENFORCEMENT REQUIREMENTS FOR DESIGNERS, 
INSTALLERS, BUILDERS, MANUFACTURERS, AND SUPPLIERS  provider data registry shall also be automatically transmitted by the data registry in 
compliance with Title 20, Chapter 4, Article 8, Section 1670 et seq Section 10 -103.3 , 
to an electronic document repository for retention in accordance with the 
specifications in Reference Joint Appendix JA7.  
C. For alterations to existing residential buildings for which HERS field verification is not 
required, including but not limited to water heater and window replacements, and 
for additions to existing residential buildings that are less than 300 square feet for 
which HERS field verification is not required, the enforcement agencies may at their 
discretion not require any Certificate of Compliance documentation, or may develop 
simplified Certificate of Compliance documentation for demonstrating compliance 
with the Standards.  
 Allowances by enforcement agencies to not require Exemptions  from submitting 
compliance documentation shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work 
to be done in any manner in violation of this code or other provisions of law.  
D. Contingent upon approval of data registry(s) by the Commission, all nonresidential 
buildings, high -rise residential buildings, and hotels and motels, when designated to 
allow use of an occupancy group or type regulated by Part 6 the person(s) 
responsibl e for the Certificate(s) of Compliance shall submit the Certificate(s) and 
their associated Compliance Registration Packages for registration and retention to a 
data registry approved by the Commission. The submittals to the approved data 
registry shall be  made electronically in accordance with the specifications in 
Reference Joint Appendix JA7.  
Contingent upon availability and approval of an electronic document repository by 
the Executive Director, Certificate of Compliance documents and their associated 
Compliance Registration Packages that are registered and retained by an approved 
data registr y shall also be automatically transmitted by the data registry to an 
electronic document repository for retention in accordance with the specifications in 
Reference Joint Appendix JA7.  
2. Application for a building permit.  Each application for a building permit subject to Part 6 
shall contain at least one copy of the documents specified in Sections 10 -103(a)2A, 10 -
103(a)2B, and 10 -103(a)2C.  
A. For all newly constructed buildings, additions, alterations, or repairs regulated by 
Part 6 the applicant shall submit the applicable Certificate(s) of Compliance to the 
enforcement agency for approval. The certificate(s) shall conform to the 
requiremen ts of Section 10 -103(a)1, and shall be approved by the local enforcement 
agency, in accordance with all applicable requirements of Section 10 -103(d), by 
stamp or authorized signature prior to issuance of a building permit. A copy of the 
Certificate(s) of C ompliance shall be included with the documentation the builder 
provides to the building owner at occupancy as specified in Section 10 -103(b).  2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page  11 
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS TITLE 24, PART 1, CHAPTER 10, SECTION  103 – PERMIT, 
CERTIFICATE, INFORMATIONAL, AND ENFORCEMENT REQUIREMENTS FOR DESIGNERS, 
INSTALLERS, BUILDERS, MANUFACTURERS, AND SUPPLIERS   For alterations to existing residential buildings for which HERS field verification is 
required, and when the enforcement agency does not require building design plans 
to be submitted with the application for a building permit,  the applicable Certificate 
of Compliance documentation specified in Section 10 -103(a)1 is not required to be 
approved by the enforcement agency prior to issuance of a building permit, but shall 
be approved by the enforcement agency prior to final inspectio n of the dwelling unit, 
and shall be made available to the enforcement agency for all applicable inspections, 
or made available for viewing on an approved data registry.  
When the enforcement agency requires building design plans to be submitted with 
the application for a building permit,  the applicable Certificate of Compliance 
documents shall be incorporated into the building design plans. When Section 10 -
103(a)1 requires document registration, the certificate(s) that are incorporated into 
the building design plans shall be copies of the regi stered Certificate of Compliance 
documents from a n HERS ECC-provider data registry, or a data registry approved by 
the Commission.  
B. When the enforcement agency requires building design plans and specifications to 
be submitted with the application for a building permit, the plans shall conform to 
the specifications for the features, materials, components, and manufactured 
devices ide ntified on the Certificate(s) of Compliance, and shall conform to all other 
applicable requirements of Part 6. Plans and specifications shall be submitted to the 
enforcement agency for any other feature, material, component, or manufactured 
device that Par t 6 requires be indicated on the building design plans and 
specifications. Plans and specifications submitted with each application for a building 
permit for Nonresidential buildings, High -rise Residential buildings and Hotels and 
Motels shall provide acce ptance requirements for code compliance of each feature, 
material, component or manufactured device when acceptance requirements are 
required under Part 6. Plans and specifications for Nonresidential buildings, High -rise 
Residential buildings and Hotels an d Motels shall require, and indicate with a 
prominent note on the plans, that within 90 days after the Enforcement Agency 
issues a permanent final occupancy permit, record drawings be provided to the 
building owner.  
 For all buildings, if the specification for a building design feature, material, 
component, or manufactured device is changed before final construction or 
installation, such that the building may no longer comply with Part 6 the building 
must be brought b ack into compliance, and so indicated on amended plans, 
specifications, and Certificate(s) of Compliance that shall be submitted to the 
enforcement agency for approval. Such characteristics shall include the efficiency (or 
other characteristic regulated by  Part 6) of each building design feature, material, 
component, or device.  
C. The enforcement agency shall have the authority to require submittal of any 
supportive documentation that was used to generate the Certificate(s) of Page 12 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS TITLE 24, PART 1, CHAPTER 10, SECTION  103 – PERMIT, 
CERTIFICATE, INFORMATIONAL, AND ENFORCEMENT REQUIREMENTS FOR DESIGNERS, 
INSTALLERS, BUILDERS, MANUFACTURERS, AND SUPPLIERS  Compliance, including but not limited to the electronic input file for the compliance 
software tool that was used to generate performance method Certificate(s) of 
Compliance; or any other supportive documentation that is necessary to 
demonstrate that the b uilding design conforms to the requirements of Part 6.  
3. Certificate  of Installation . For all buildings, the person in charge of the construction or 
installation, who is eligible under Division 3 of the Business and Professions Code to 
accept responsibility for the construction or installation of features, materials, 
components, or manufac tured devices regulated by Part 6 or the Appliance Efficiency 
Regulations ( responsible person ) shall sign and submit Certificate of Installation 
documentation as specified in Section 10 -103(a)3 to certify conformance with Par t 6. If 
more than one person has responsibility for the construction or installation, each person 
shall sign and submit the Certificate of Installation documentation applicable to the 
portion of the construction or installation for which they are responsib le; alternatively, 
the person with chief responsibility for the construction or installation shall sign and 
submit the Certificate of Installation documentation for the entire construction or 
installation scope of work for the project. Subject to the requi rements of Section 10 -
103(a)3, persons who prepare Certificate of Installation documentation ( documentation 
authors ) shall sign a declaration statement on the documents they prepare to certify the 
information provided on the documentation is accurate and complete. In accordance 
with applicable requirements of 10 -103(a)3, the signatures provided by responsible 
persons  and documentation authors  shall be original signatures on paper documents or 
electronic signatures on electronic documents conforming to the e lectronic signature 
specifications in Reference Joint Appendix JA7.  
A. Delegation of Signature Authority.  Except where prohibited by law, including but 
not limited to any requirements under Division 3 of the Business and Professions 
Code, the Responsible Person  may delegate signature authority to third parties 
(Authorized Representatives ) provided that there is a written agreement:  
i. Between the Responsible Person  and the person to be designated as the 
Authorized Representative . 
ii. Specifying that the Authorized Representative  may sign Certificates of Installation 
on behalf of the Responsible Person . 
iii. Specifying that the legal responsibility for construction or installation in the 
applicable classification for the scope of work specified on the Certificate of 
Installation document(s) remains with the Responsible Person . 
iv. That is signed by both the Responsible Person  and the Authorized Representative . 
v. That is retained by the HERS ECC-Provider to which all compliance documents are 
submitted for the building to which the Certificate of Installation documentation 
pertains.  2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page  13 
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS TITLE 24, PART 1, CHAPTER 10, SECTION  103 – PERMIT, 
CERTIFICATE, INFORMATIONAL, AND ENFORCEMENT REQUIREMENTS FOR DESIGNERS, 
INSTALLERS, BUILDERS, MANUFACTURERS, AND SUPPLIERS  vi. That is maintained in the HERS ECC-Provider  Data Registry such that it is 
accessible for verification by,   included  including  but not limited to, the Energy 
Commission and enforcement agencies.  
B. Format.  All Certificate of Installation documentation shall conform to a format and 
informational order and content approved by the Energy Commission.  
 These documents shall:  
i. Identify the features, materials, components, manufactured devices, and system 
performance diagnostic results required to demonstrate compliance with Part 6 
and the Appliance Efficiency Regulations.  
ii. State the number of the building permit under which the construction or 
installation was performed.  
iii. Display the unique registration number assigned by the data registry if Section 
10-103(a)3 requires the document to be registered.  
iv. Include a declaration statement indicating that the constructed or installed 
features, materials, components or manufactured devices (the installation) 
identified on the Certificate of Installation conforms to all applicable codes and 
regulations, and the installati on conforms to the requirements given on the plans 
and specifications approved by the enforcement agency.  
v. Be signed by the documentation author  to certify the documentation is accurate 
and complete. When document registration is required by Section 10 -103(a)3, 
the signature shall be an electronic signature on an electronic document in 
accordance with the electronic signature specifications in Ref erence Joint 
Appendix JA7.  
vi. Be signed by the Responsible Person  eligible under Division 3 of the Business and 
Professions Code to accept responsibility for construction or installation in the 
applicable classification for the scope of work specified on the Certificate of 
Installation document(s), or shall be signed by  their Authorized Representative . 
When document registration is required by Section 10 -103(a)3, the signature 
shall be an electronic signature on an electronic document in accordance with 
the electronic signature specific ations in Reference Joint Appendix JA7.  
C. For all low -rise residential buildings, the person(s) responsible for the Certificate(s) of 
Installation, or their Authorized Representative(s) , shall submit the following 
Certificate of Installation documentation and their associated Compliance 
Registration Packages that is applicable to the building to a n HERS ECC-provider data 
registry for registration and retention in accordance with Title 20, Chapter 4, Article 
8, Section 1670 et. seq. Section 10 -103.3  and procedures specified in Reference 
Residentia l Appendix RA2:  
i. All Certificates of Installation for which compliance requires HERS field 
verification.  Page 14 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS TITLE 24, PART 1, CHAPTER 10, SECTION  103 – PERMIT, 
CERTIFICATE, INFORMATIONAL, AND ENFORCEMENT REQUIREMENTS FOR DESIGNERS, 
INSTALLERS, BUILDERS, MANUFACTURERS, AND SUPPLIERS  ii. All other Certificates of Installation, except those not required exempted  by the 
Energy Commission.  
The submittals to the HERS ECC-provider data registry shall be made electronically in 
accordance with the specifications in Reference Joint Appendix JA7.  
Contingent upon availability and approval of an electronic document repository by 
the Executive Director, Certificate of Installation documents and their associated 
Compliance Registration Packages that are registered and retained by a n HERS ECC-
provider data registry in compliance with Title 20, Chapter 4, Article 8, Section 1670 
et seq Section 10 -103.3  shall also be automatically transmitted by the data registry to 
an electronic document repository for retention in accordance with the 
specifications in Ref erence Joint Appendix JA7.  
D. For alterations to existing residential buildings for which HERS field verification is not 
required, including but not limited to water heater and window replacements, and 
for additions to existing residential buildings that are less than 300 square feet for 
which HERS field verification is not required, the enforcement agencies may, at their 
discretion, not require any Certificate of Installation documentation,  or may develop 
simplified Certificate of Installation documentation for demonstrating compliance 
with the Standards.  
 Allowances by enforcement agencies to not require Exemptions from submitting 
compliance documentation shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work 
to be done in any manner in violation of this code or other provisions of law.  
E. Contingent upon approval of data registry(s) by the Commission, all nonresidential 
buildings, high -rise residential buildings, and hotels and motels, when designated to 
allow use of an occupancy group or type regulated by Part 6 the person(s) 
responsibl e for the Certificate(s) of Installation, except those documents exempted 
not required by the Energy Commission, shall submit the Certificate(s) and their 
associated Compliance Registration Packages for registration and retention to a data 
registry approve d by the Commission. The submittals to the approved data registry 
shall be made electronically in accordance with the specifications in Reference Joint 
Appendix JA7.  
Contingent upon availability and approval of an electronic document repository by 
the Executive Director, Certificate of Installation documents and their associated 
Compliance Registration Packages that are registered and retained by an approved 
data regis try shall also be automatically transmitted by the data registry to an 
electronic document repository for retention in accordance with the specifications in 
Reference Joint Appendix JA7.  
F. Availability.  For all buildings, a copy of the Certificate(s) of Installation shall be 
posted, or made available with the building permit(s) issued for the building, or 
made available for viewing on an approved data registry, and shall be made available 
to the enforcem ent agency for all applicable inspections. When document 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page  15 
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS TITLE 24, PART 1, CHAPTER 10, SECTION  103 – PERMIT, 
CERTIFICATE, INFORMATIONAL, AND ENFORCEMENT REQUIREMENTS FOR DESIGNERS, 
INSTALLERS, BUILDERS, MANUFACTURERS, AND SUPPLIERS  registration is required by Section 10 -103(a)3, registered copies of the Certificate(s) 
of Installation from a n HERS ECC-provider data registry or a data registry approved 
by the Commission shall be posted or made available with the building permit(s) 
issued for the building, and shall be made available to the enforcement agency for all 
applicable inspections. If constructio n on any portion of the building subject to Part 6 
will be impossible to inspect because of subsequent construction, the enforcement 
agency may require the Certificate(s) of Installation to be posted upon completion of 
that portion. A copy of the Certificate(s) of Installation  shall be included with the 
documentation the builder provides to the building owner at occupancy as specified 
in Section 10 -103(b).  
4. Certificate of Acceptance.  For all nonresidential buildings, high -rise residential buildings, 
and hotels and motels, when designated to allow use of an occupancy group or type 
regulated by Part 6 the person in charge of the acceptance testing, who is eligible under 
Division 3 of th e Business and Professions Code to accept responsibility for the 
applicable scope of system design, or construction, or installation of features, materials, 
components, or manufactured devices regulated by Part 6 or the Applian ce Efficiency 
Regulations ( responsible person ), shall sign and submit all applicable Certificate of 
Acceptance documentation in accordance with Section 10 -103(a)4 and Reference 
Nonresidential Appendix NA7 to certify conformance with Part 6. If more than one 
person has responsibility for the acceptanc e testing, each person shall sign and submit 
the Certificate of Acceptance documentation applicable to the portion of the 
construction or installation, for which they are responsible; alternatively, the person 
with chief responsibility for the system design, construction , or installation, shall sign 
and submit the Certificate of Acceptance documentation for the entire construction or 
installation scope of work for the project. Subject to the requirements of Section 10 -
103(a)4, persons who prepare Certificate of Acceptance documentation ( documentation 
authors ) shall sign a declaration statement on the documents they prepare to certify the 
information provided on the documentation is accurate and complete. Persons w ho 
perform acceptance test procedures in accordance with the specifications in Reference 
Nonresidential Appendix NA7, and report the results of the acceptance tests on the 
Certificate of Acceptance ( field technicians ) shall sign a declaration statement on the 
documents they submit to certify the information provided on the documentation is true 
and correct. In accordance with applicable requirements of Section 10 -103(a)4, the 
signatures provided by responsible persons , field technicians , and documentation 
authors  shall be original signatures on paper documents or electronic signatures on 
electronic documents conforming to the electronic signature specifications in Reference 
Joint Appendix JA7.  
A. All Certificate of Acceptance documentation shall conform to a format and 
informational order and content approved by the Energy Commission.  
 These documents shall:  Page 16 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS TITLE 24, PART 1, CHAPTER 10, SECTION  103 – PERMIT, 
CERTIFICATE, INFORMATIONAL, AND ENFORCEMENT REQUIREMENTS FOR DESIGNERS, 
INSTALLERS, BUILDERS, MANUFACTURERS, AND SUPPLIERS  i. Identify the features, materials, components, manufactured devices, and system 
performance diagnostic results required to demonstrate compliance with the 
acceptance requirements to which the applicant must conform as indicated in 
the plans and specificatio ns submitted under Section 10 -103(a)2, and as specified 
in Reference Nonresidential Appendix NA7.  
ii. State the number of the building permit under which the construction or 
installation was performed.  
iii. Display the unique registration number assigned by the data registry if Section 
10-103(a)4 requires the document to be registered.  
iv. Include a declaration statement indicating that the features, materials, 
components or manufactured devices identified on the Certificate of Acceptance 
conform to the applicable acceptance requirements as indicated in the plans and 
specifications submitted  under Section 10 -103(a), and with applicable acceptance 
requirements and procedures specified in the Reference Nonresidential Appendix 
NA7, and confirms that Certificate(s) of Installation described in Section 10 -
103(a)3 has been completed and is posted o r made available with the building 
permit(s) issued for the building, or made available for viewing on an approved 
data registry.  
v. Be signed by the documentation author  to certify the documentation is accurate 
and complete. When document registration is required by Section 10 -103(a)4, 
the signature shall be an electronic signature on an electronic document in 
accordance with the electronic signature specifications in Ref erence Joint 
Appendix JA7.  
vi. Be signed by the field technician  who performed the acceptance test procedures 
and reported the results on the Certificate of Acceptance. When document 
registration is required by Section 10 -103(a)4, the signature shall be an electronic 
signature on an electronic document in accordance wi th the electronic signature 
specifications in Reference Joint Appendix JA7.  
vii. Be signed by the responsible person  in charge of the acceptance testing who is 
eligible under Division 3 of the Business and Professions Code to accept 
responsibility for the system design, construction or installation in the applicable 
classification for the scope of work identified on the  Certificate of Acceptance, or 
shall be signed by their authorized representative. When document registration 
is required by Section 10 -103(a)4, the signature shall be an electronic signature 
on an electronic document in accordance with the electronic signature 
specifications in Reference Joint Appendix JA7.  
B.  Contingent upon approval of data registry(s) by the Commission, for all 
nonresidential buildings, high -rise residential buildings, and hotels and motels, when 
designated to allow use of an occupancy group or type regulated by Part 6 the 
person(s) respo nsible for the Certificate(s) of Acceptance shall submit the 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page  17 
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS TITLE 24, PART 1, CHAPTER 10, SECTION  103 – PERMIT, 
CERTIFICATE, INFORMATIONAL, AND ENFORCEMENT REQUIREMENTS FOR DESIGNERS, 
INSTALLERS, BUILDERS, MANUFACTURERS, AND SUPPLIERS  Certificate(s) and their associated Compliance Registration Packages for registration 
and retention to a data registry approved by the Commission, excluding all 
Certificates of Acceptance recorded by an acceptance test technician certification 
provider (10 -103.1 and 10 -103.2) . The submittals to the approved data registry shall 
be made electronically in accordance with the specifications in Reference Joint 
Appendix JA7.  
 Contingent upon availability and approval of an electronic document repository by 
the Executive Director, Certificate of Acceptance documents and their associated 
Compliance Registration Packages that are registered and retained by an approved 
data regist ry shall also be automatically transmitted by the data registry, to an 
electronic document repository for retention in accordance with the specifications in 
Reference Joint Appendix JA7.  
C.  A copy of the Certificate(s) of Acceptance shall be posted, or made available with the 
building permit(s) issued for the building, and shall be made available to the 
enforcement agency for all applicable inspections. If construction on any portion of 
the building subject to Part 6 will be impossible to inspect because of subsequent 
construction, the enforcement agency may require the Certificate(s) of Acceptance 
to be posted upon completion of that portion. A copy of the Certificate(s) of 
Acceptance sha ll be included with the documentation the builder provides to the 
building owner at occupancy as specified in Section 10 -103(b).  
5. Certificate of Field Verification and Diagnostic Testing (Certificate of Verification).  For 
all buildings for which compliance requires HERS field verification, a certified HERS ECC-
Rater shall conduct all required HERS field verification and diagnostic testing in 
accordance with applicable procedures specified in Reference Appendices RA2, RA3, 
NA1, and NA2. All applicable Certificate of Verification documentation shall be 
completed, signed, and submitted by the certified  HERS ECC-Rater who performed the  
field verification and diagnostic testing services ( responsible person ) in accordance with 
the requirements of Section 10 -103(a)5, and Reference Appendices RA2, and NA1, to 
certify conformance with Part 6. If more than one rater has responsibility for the HERS 
verification for the building, each rater shall sign and submit the Certificate of 
Verification documentation applicable to the portion of the building for which they are 
responsible. Subject to the requirements of Section 10 -103(a)5, persons who pre pare 
Certificate of Verification documentation ( documentation authors ) shall sign a 
declaration statement on the documents they prepare to certify the information 
provided on the documentation is accurate and complete. The signatures provided by 
responsible persons  and documentation authors  shall be electronic signatures on 
electronic documents.  
A. Format.  All Certificate of Verification documentation shall conform to a format and 
informational order and content approved by the Energy Commission.  
 These documents shall:  Page 18 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS TITLE 24, PART 1, CHAPTER 10, SECTION  103 – PERMIT, 
CERTIFICATE, INFORMATIONAL, AND ENFORCEMENT REQUIREMENTS FOR DESIGNERS, 
INSTALLERS, BUILDERS, MANUFACTURERS, AND SUPPLIERS  i. Identify the installed features, materials, components, manufactured devices, or 
system performance diagnostic results that require HERS verification for 
compliance with Part 6 as specified on the Certificate(s) of Compliance for the 
building.  
ii. State the number of the building permit under which the construction or 
installation was performed,  
iii. Display the unique registration number assigned by the HERS ECC-provider data 
registry, and provide any additional information required by Reference 
Appendices RA2, RA3, NA1, and NA2.  
iv. Include a declaration statement indicating that the installed features, materials, 
components or manufactured devices requiring HERS verification conform to the 
applicable requirements in Reference Appendices RA2, RA3, NA1, NA2, and the 
requirements specified on the Certificate(s) of Compliance approved by the local 
enforcement agency, and confirms the same features, materials, componen ts or 
manufactured devices are identified on the applicable Certificate(s) of Installation 
signed and submitted by the pers on(s) responsible for the construction or 
installation as described in Section 10 -103(a)3.  
v. Be signed by the documentation author  to certify the documentation is accurate 
and complete. The signatures shall be electronic signatures on electronic 
documents in accordance with the electronic signature specifications in 
Reference Joint Appendix JA7.  
vi. Be signed by the HERS ECC-Rater who performed the field verification and 
diagnostic testing services ( responsible person) . The signatures shall be electronic 
signatures on electronic documents in accordance with the electronic signature 
specifications in Reference Joint Appendix JA7.  
B. For all buildings for which compliance requires HERS field verification, the certified 
HERS ECC-Rater responsible for the Certificate(s) of Verification shall submit the 
Certificates and their associated Compliance Registration Packages for registration 
and retention to a HERS ECC-provider data registry in accordance with the applicable 
procedures in Reference Appendices RA2 and NA1, and in compliance with Title 20, 
Chapter 4, Article 8, Section 1670 et seq Section 10 -103.3 .  
The submittals to the HERS ECC-provider data registry shall be made electronically in 
accordance with the specifications in Reference Joint Appendix JA7.  
 Contingent upon availability and approval of an electronic document repository by 
the Executive Director, Certificate of Verification documents and their associated 
Compliance Registration Packages that are registered and retained by a n HERS ECC-
provider data registry in accordance with Title 20, Chapter 4, Article 8, Section 1670 
et. seq Section 10 -103.3  shall also be automatically transmitted by the data registry, 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page  19 
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS TITLE 24, PART 1, CHAPTER 10, SECTION  103 – PERMIT, 
CERTIFICATE, INFORMATIONAL, AND ENFORCEMENT REQUIREMENTS FOR DESIGNERS, 
INSTALLERS, BUILDERS, MANUFACTURERS, AND SUPPLIERS  to an electronic document repository for retention in accordance with the 
specifications in Reference Joint Appendix JA7.  
C. Availability.  For all buildings, a copy of the registered Certificate(s) of Verification 
shall be posted, or made available with the building permit(s) issued for the building, 
or made available for viewing on an approved data registry, and shall be made 
available to t he enforcement agency for all applicable inspections. If construction on 
any portion of the building subject to Part 6 will be impossible to inspect because of 
subsequent construction, the enforcement agency may require the Certificate(s) o f 
Verification to be posted upon completion of that portion. A copy of the registered 
Certificate(s) of Verification shall be included with the documentation the builder 
provides to the building owner at occupancy as specified in Section 10 -103(b).  
EXCEPTION to Section 10 -103(a) : Enforcing agencies may not require exempt nonresidential 
buildings that have no more than 1,000 square feet of conditioned floor area in the entire 
building and an occupant load of 49 persons or less from to comply with  the documentation 
requirements of Section 10 -103(a), provided a statement of compliance with Part 6 is 
submitted and signed by a licensed engineer or the licensed architect with chief 
responsibility for the design.  
(b) Compliance, Operating, Maintenance, and Ventilation Information to be provided by 
Builder.  
1. Compliance information.   
A. For low -rise residential buildings, at final inspection, the enforcement agency shall 
require the builder to leave in the building, copies of the completed, signed, and 
submitted compliance documents for the building owner at occupancy. For low -rise 
residential buildings, such information shall, at a minimum, include copies of all 
Certificate of Compliance, Certificate of Installation, and Certificate of Verification 
documentation submitted. These documents shall be in paper or electronic format 
and shal l conform to the applicable requirements of Section 10 -103(a).  
B. For nonresidential buildings, high -rise residential buildings and hotels and motels, at 
final inspection, the enforcement agency shall require the builder to leave in the 
building, copies of the completed, signed, and submitted compliance documents for 
the building owner at occupancy. For nonresidential buildings, high -rise residential 
buildings and hotels and motels, such information shall include copies of all 
Certificate of Compliance, Certificate of Installation, Certificate of Acceptance and 
Certifi cate of Verification documentation submitted. These documents shall be in 
paper or electronic format and shall conform to the applicable requirements of 
Section 10 -103(a).  
2. Operating information.  At final inspection, the enforcement agency shall require the 
builder to leave in the building, for the building owner at occupancy, operating 
information for all applicable features, materials, components, and mechanical devices 
installed in the building . Operating information shall include instructions on how to Page 20 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS TITLE 24, PART 1, CHAPTER 10, SECTION  103 – PERMIT, 
CERTIFICATE, INFORMATIONAL, AND ENFORCEMENT REQUIREMENTS FOR DESIGNERS, 
INSTALLERS, BUILDERS, MANUFACTURERS, AND SUPPLIERS  operate the features, materials, components, and mechanical devices correctly and 
efficiently. The instructions shall be consistent with specifications set forth by the 
Executive Director. For low -rise residential buildings, such information shall be conta ined 
in a folder or manual which provides all information specified in Section 10 -103(b). This 
operating information shall be in paper or electronic format.  
For dwelling units, buildings or tenant spaces that are not individually owned and 
operated, or are centrally operated, such information shall be provided to the person(s) 
responsible for operating the feature, material, component or mechanical device 
installed in the building. This operating information shall be in paper or electronic 
format.  
3. Maintenance information.  At final inspection, the enforcement agency shall require the 
builder to leave in the building, for the building owner at occupancy, maintenance 
information for all features, materials, components, and manufactured devices that 
require routine maintenance  for efficient operation. Required routine maintenance 
actions shall be clearly stated and incorporated on a readily accessible label. The label 
may be limited to identifying, by title and/or publication number, the operation and  
maintenance manual for that particular model and type of feature, material, component 
or manufactured device. For low -rise residential buildings, this information shall include 
a schedule of all interior luminaires and lamps installed to comply with Secti on 150.0(k).  
For dwelling units, buildings or tenant spaces that are not individually owned and 
operated, or are centrally operated, such information shall be provided to the person(s) 
responsible for maintaining the feature, material, component or mechanical device 
installed in the building. This information shall be in paper or electronic format.  
4. Ventilation information.  
A.  For low -rise and high -rise residential buildings, the enforcement agency shall require 
the builder to leave the following information in the building, for the building owner 
at occupancy:  
i.  A description of the quantities of outdoor air that the whole -dwelling unit 
ventilation system(s) are designed to provide to the building’s conditioned space, 
and instructions for proper operation and maintenance of the ventilation system.  
ii.  Instructions for proper operation and maintenance of local exhaust systems, 
including instructions for conditions for which any occupant -controlled systems 
such as kitchen range hoods and bathroom exhaust fans should be used.  
iii.  For systems in buildings or tenant spaces that are not individually owned and 
operated by the dwelling unit occupants, the building’s owner or their 
representative shall provide a copy of the ventilation system information to 
dwelling occupants at th e beginning of their occupancy. For systems in buildings 
or tenant spaces that are centrally operated, all applicable ventilation system 
information shall be provided to the person(s) responsible for operating and 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page  21 
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS TITLE 24, PART 1, CHAPTER 10, SECTION  103 – PERMIT, 
CERTIFICATE, INFORMATIONAL, AND ENFORCEMENT REQUIREMENTS FOR DESIGNERS, 
INSTALLERS, BUILDERS, MANUFACTURERS, AND SUPPLIERS  maintaining the feature, material, component , or mechanical ventilation device 
installed in the building. This information shall be in paper or electronic format.  
B. For nonresidential buildings, hotels , and motels, the enforcement agency shall 
require the builder to provide the building owner at occupancy a description of the 
quantities of outdoor and recirculated air that the ventilation systems are designed 
to provide to each area. For buildings or ten ant spaces that are not individually 
owned and operated, or are centrally operated, such information shall be provided 
to the person(s) responsible for operating and maintaining the feature, material, 
component or me chanical device installed in the building. This information shall be in 
paper or electronic format.  
(c) Equipment Information to be Provided by Manufacturer or Supplier.  The manufacturer or 
supplier of any manufactured device shall, upon request, provide to building designers and 
installers information about the device. The information shall include the efficiency (and 
other characteristics regulated by Part 6). This info rmation shall be in paper or electronic 
format.  
(d) Enforcement Agency Requirements.  
1. Permits.  An enforcement agency shall not issue a building permit for any construction 
unless the enforcement agency determines in writing that the construction is designed 
to comply with the requirements of Part 6 that are in effect on the date the building 
permit  was applied for. The enforcement agency determination shall confirm that the 
documentation requirements of Sections 10 -103(a)1 and 10 -103(a)2 have been met.  
If a building permit has been previously issued, there has been no construction under 
the permit, and the permit has expired, the enforcement agency shall not issue a new 
permit unless the enforcement agency determines in writing that the construction is 
designed to comply with the requirements of Part 6 in effect on the date the new permit 
is applied for. The enforcement agency determination shall confirm that the 
documentation requirements of Sections 10 -103(a)1 and 10 -103(a)2 have been met.  
“Determines in writing” includes, but is not limited to, approval of a building permit with 
a stamp normally used by the enforcement agency.  
2. Inspection.  The enforcement agency shall inspect newly constructed buildings and 
additions, and alterations to existing buildings  to determine whether the construction or 
installation is consistent with the agency's approved plans and specifications, and 
complies with Part 6. Final certificate of occupancy shall not be issued until such 
consistency and compliance is verified. For Occ upancy Group R -3, final inspection shall 
not be complete until such consistency and compliance is verified.  
Such verification shall include determination that:  
A. All installed features, materials, components , or manufactured devices, regulated by 
the Appliance Efficiency Regulations or Part 6 are indicated, when applicable, on the 
Certificate(s) of Installation, Certificate(s) of Acceptance and Certificate(s) of Page 22 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS TITLE 24, PART 1, CHAPTER 10, SECTION  103 – PERMIT, 
CERTIFICATE, INFORMATIONAL, AND ENFORCEMENT REQUIREMENTS FOR DESIGNERS, 
INSTALLERS, BUILDERS, MANUFACTURERS, AND SUPPLIERS  Verification, and are consistent with such features, materials, components , or 
manufactured devices given in the plans and specifications and the Certificate(s) of 
Compliance approved by the local enforcement agency.  
B. All required Certificates of Installation are posted, or made available with the 
building permit(s) issued for the building, or made available for viewing on an 
approved data registry, and are made available to the enforcement agency for all 
applicable inspections, and that all required Certificates of Installation conform to 
the specifications of Section 10 -103(a)3.  
C. All required Certificates of Acceptance are posted, or made available with the 
building permit(s) issued for the building, and are made available to the enforcement 
agency for all applicable inspections, and that all required Certificates of Acceptance 
conform to the specifications of Section 10 -103(a)4.  
D. All required Certificates of Verification are posted, or made available with the 
building permit(s) issued for the building, or made available for viewing on an 
approved data registry, and are made available to the enforcement agency for all 
applicable inspections, and that all required Certificates of Verification conform to 
the specifications of Section 10 -103(a)5.  
NOTE:  Authority: Section 25402, 25402.1, Public Resources Code. Reference: Section 25402, 
Public Resources Code.2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page  23 
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS TITLE 24, PART 1, CHAPTER 10, SECTION 103 .1 – 
NONRESIDENTIAL LIGHTING CONTROLS ACCEPTANCE TEST TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION  10-103.1 – NONRESIDENTIAL LIGHTING CONTROLS ACCEPTANCE TEST TRAINING 
AND CERTIFICATION  
(a) Scope.  The requirements of this section apply to Acceptance Test Technicians (ATTs), 
Acceptance Test Employers (ATEs), and Acceptance Test Technician Certification Providers 
(ATTCPs) that perform work relating to the acceptance testing of nonresidential lighting  
systems and controls.  
(b)  Industry Certification Threshold.  ATT and ATE certification requirements shall take effect 
when the Energy Commission finds that each of the following conditions are met. Until such 
time that Sections 10 -103.1(b)1 and 10 -103.1(b)2 are met, or if, subsequent to being met, 
they cease to be maintained, Field Technicians may complete acceptance testing as 
specified in Part 6, Section 130.4 and 160.5(e) without meeting the certification 
requirements specified in Part 1, Section 10 -103.1.  
1. Number of Certified ATTs.  There shall be no less than 300 ATTs certified to perform the 
lighting acceptance tests in Building Energy Efficiency Standards, Section 130.4 and 
160.5(e). The number of certified ATTs shall be submitted to the Energy Commission in 
the annual reports pre pared by ATTCPs, as specified in Section 10 -103.1(d)1.  
2. Industry Coverage by ATTCPs.  ATTCPs approved by the Energy Commission, in their 
entirety, shall provide reasonable access to certification to the following industry groups: 
electrical contractors, certified general electricians, licensed architects, professional 
engineers, controls i nstallation and startup contractors and certified commissioning 
professionals who have verifiable training, experience and expertise in lighting controls 
and electrical systems. The Energy Commission will determine whether re asonable 
access to certification is provided by considering factors such as certification costs 
commensurate with the complexity of the training being provided, certification 
marketing materials, prequalification criteria, class location and availability, and 
curriculum.  
(c) Qualifications and  Approval of ATTCPs.  ATTCPs shall submit a written application to the 
Energy Commission with a summary and the related background documents to explain how 
the following criteria and procedures have been met:  
1. Organizational Structure.  ATTCPs shall provide written explanations of the 
organization type, by -laws, and ownership structure. ATTCPs shall explain in writing 
how their certification program meets the qualification requirements of Title 24, Part 
1, Section 10 -103.1(c). ATTCPs sha ll explain in their application to the Energy 
Commission their organizational structure and their procedures for independent 
oversight, quality assurance, supervision and support of the acceptance test training 
and certification  processes.  
2. Certification of ATEs.  The ATTCPs shall provide written explanations of their 
certification and oversight of ATEs. This explanation shall document how the ATTCP Page 24 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS TITLE 24, PART 1, CHAPTER 10, SECTION  103.1 – 
NONRESIDENTIAL LIGHTING CONTROLS ACCEPTANCE TEST TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION  ensures that ATEs are providing quality control and appropriate supervision and 
support for their ATTs.  
A. Recertification.  The ATTCP shall recertify all ATEs prior to the implementation of 
each adopted update to the Building Energy Efficiency Standards as these 
updates affect the acceptance test requirements.  Recertification requirements 
and procedures shall only apply to those specific elements that are new or 
modified in future updates to Building Energy Efficiency Standards.  
3. Training and Certification Procedures. ATTCPs shall include with their application a 
complete copy of all training and testing procedures, manuals, handbooks , and 
materials. ATTCPs shall explain in writing how their training and certification 
procedures include, but are not limited to, the following:  
A. Training Scope. The scope of the training shall include both hands -on experience 
and theoretical training to certify competency in the technologies and skills 
necessary to perform the acceptance tests.  
B. ATT Training.  
i.  Curricula. ATTCP training curricula for ATTs shall include, but not be 
limited to, the analysis, theory, and practical application of the following:  
a. Lamp and ballast systems;  
b. Line voltage switching controls;  
c. Low voltage switching controls;  
d.  Dimming controls;  
e.  Occupancy sensors;  
f.  Photosensors;  
g. Demand responsive signal inputs to lighting control systems;  
h. Building Energy Efficiency Standards required lighting control systems;  
i. Building Energy Efficiency Standards required lighting control system -
specific analytical/problem solving skills;  
j. Integration of mechanical and electrical systems for Building Energy 
Efficiency Standards required lighting control installation and 
commissioning;  
k. Safety procedures for low -voltage retrofits (<50 volts) to control line 
voltage systems (120 to 480 volts);  
l. Accurate and effective tuning, calibration, and programming of 
Building Energy Efficiency Standards required lighting control systems;  2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page  25 
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS TITLE 24, PART 1, CHAPTER 10, SECTION 103 .1 – 
NONRESIDENTIAL LIGHTING CONTROLS ACCEPTANCE TEST TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION  m. Measurement of illuminance according to the Illuminating Engineering 
Society’s measurement procedures as provided in the IES Lighting 
Handbook, 10th Edition, 2011 Library ; 
n. Building Energy Efficiency Standards lighting controls acceptance 
testing procedures; and  
o. Building Energy Efficiency Standard s acceptance testing compliance 
documentation for lighting controls.  
ii.  Hands -on training. The ATTCP shall describe in its application the design 
and technical specifications of the laboratory boards, equipment and 
other elements that will be used to meet the hands -on requirements of 
the training and certification.  
iii.  Prequalification. Participation in the certification program shall be limited 
to persons who have at least three years of professional experience and 
expertise in lighting controls and electrical systems as determined by the 
Lighting Controls ATTCPs.  
 NOTE: ATTCPs may  specify additional qualifications for participation in 
their programs, such as limiting participation to persons that are not 
currently listed as “decertified” by another ATTCP.  
iv.  Instructor to Trainee Ratio. The ATTCP shall document in its application 
to the Energy Commission why its instructor to trainee ratio is sufficient 
to ensure the integrity and efficacy of the curriculum and program based 
on industry standards and other relevant information.  
v.  Tests. The ATTCP shall describe the written and practical tests used to 
demonstrate each certification applicant’s competence in all specified 
subjects. The ATTCPs shall retain all results of these tests for five years 
from the date of the test.  
vi. Recertification. The ATTCP shall recertify all ATTs prior to the 
implementation of each adopted update to the Building Energy Efficiency 
Standards when these updates affect the acceptance test requirements. 
Recertification requirements and procedures shall only apply to those 
specific elements that are new or modified in future updates to Building 
Energy Efficiency Standards.  The ATTCP shall develop recertification 
training curricula for ATTs consistent with training requirements in 
Sections 10 -103.1(c) 3A and 10 -103.1(c)3B, and shall submit the proposed 
recertification training curricula to the Energy Commission for review and 
approval in the update report required under Section 10 -103.1(d)2.  
C. ATE Training. Training for ATEs shall consist of a single class or webinar consisting 
of at least four hours of instruction that covers the scope and process of the 
acceptance tests in Building Energy Efficiency Standards, Section 130.4 and 
160.5(e).  Page 26 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS TITLE 24, PART 1, CHAPTER 10, SECTION  103.1 – 
NONRESIDENTIAL LIGHTING CONTROLS ACCEPTANCE TEST TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION  D. Complaint Procedures. The ATTCP shall describe in its applications to the Energy 
Commission procedures for accepting and addressing complaints regarding the 
performance of any ATT or ATE certified by the ATTCP, and explain how building 
departments and the public will be notifie d of these proceedings.  
E. Decertification Procedures. The ATTCP shall describe in its applications to the 
Energy Commission procedures for revoking their certification of ATTs and ATEs  
based upon poor quality or ineffective work, failure to perform acceptance tests, 
falsification of documents, failure to comply with the documentation 
requirements of these regulations or other specified actions that justify 
decertification. The ATTCP shal l also describe its general procedures for 
decertified ATTs or ATEs seeking to regain their ce rtification status, including 
eligibility requirements for recertification (if any).  
F. Quality Assurance and Accountability. The ATTCP shall describe in its application 
to the Energy Commission its procedures for conducting quality assurance and 
accountability activities, including but not limited to the following:  
i. The ATTCP shall include quality assurance and accountability measures, 
including but not limited to independent oversight of the certification 
materials, processes and procedures, visits to building sites where certified 
technicians are completing acceptan ce tests, certification process 
evaluations, building department surveys to determine acceptance testing 
effectiveness, and expert review of the training curricula developed for 
Building Energy Efficiency Standards, Section 130.4 and 160.5(e). 
Independe nt oversight may be demonstrated by accreditation under the 
ISO/IEC 17024 standard.  
ii. The ATTCP shall review a random sample of no less than 1 percent of each 
ATT’s completed compliance forms ., and  
iii. The ATTCP shall perform audits  by meeting either of the following:  
a) The ATTCP  shall perform randomly selected on -site audits of no less 
than 1 percent of each ATT’s completed acceptance tests. Independent 
oversight may be demonstrated by accreditation under  the ISO/IEC 
17024 standard.  
b) The ATTCP shall shadow audit each ATT at an ATTCP training facility at 
least once per code cycle where the ATTCP shall observe the 
performance of the ATT on at least five functional tests. The shadow 
audit must replicate field conditions for installed equipment and 
controls in a  building. The ATTCP training facility shall be setup to allow 
auditing of all functional tests. The shadow audits must be in addition to 
any testing used for ATT recertification.  
G. Certification Identification Number and Verification of ATT and ATE Certification 
Status. The ATTCP shall describe in its application to the Energy Commission its 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page  27 
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS TITLE 24, PART 1, CHAPTER 10, SECTION 103 .1 – 
NONRESIDENTIAL LIGHTING CONTROLS ACCEPTANCE TEST TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION  procedures for recording, tracking, and communicating certification status, 
including but not limited to the following:  
i. Upon certification of an ATT or ATE, the ATTCP shall issue a unique 
certification identification number to the ATT or ATE.  
ii. The ATTCP shall maintain an accurate public record of the certification status 
for all ATTs and ATEs that the ATTCP has certified, including any ATTs or ATEs 
who have been decertified as specified in Section 10 -103.1(c)3E.  
iii. The ATTCP shall provide verification of current ATT certification status upon 
request to authorized document Registration Provider personnel or 
enforcement agency personnel to determine the ATT's eligibility to sign 
Certificate of Acceptance documenta tion according to all applicable 
requirements in Sections 10 -103.1, 10 -102, 10 -103(a )4, and the Reference 
Joint Appendix JA7.  
H. Electronic Database System . The ATTCP shall maintain, or by suitable contractual 
requirements cause to be maintained, an electronic database system approved by 
the Energy Commission. The electronic database system shall be capable of all the 
following:  
i.  Support all activities for the ATTCP to comply with its quality assurance 
program as required by Section 10 -103.1(c)3F.  
ii.  For no less than five years, record and preserve all certificates of acceptance 
offered for certification by the ATTCP and as performed by its own certified 
ATTs.  
iii.  Allow the transmission of electronic copies of each completed certificate of 
acceptance to the ATT that performed the test, the ATE associated with that 
ATT, or both.  
a. Each page of each certificate of acceptance shall bear the logo of the 
ATTCP or other identifying insignia as approved by the Energy 
Commission.  
b. The electronic copy shall be capable of being printed.  
c. The ATTCP may apply to the Energy Commission for approval to use 
alternative compliance documents that differ from those approved for 
use by the Energy Commission but must demonstrate that these 
alternative compliance documents do not differ in format, informational 
order, or content from approved compliance documents.  
iv.  Provide a means of verifying any certificate of acceptance to the enforcement 
agency having jurisdiction as identified on the certificate of acceptance.  
v.  Provide the Energy Commission with any of the following project data or 
documents upon request: project address, permit numbers, acceptance test 
technician and acceptance test employee certification numbers, certificates Page 28 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS TITLE 24, PART 1, CHAPTER 10, SECTION  103.1 – 
NONRESIDENTIAL LIGHTING CONTROLS ACCEPTANCE TEST TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION  of acceptance, compliance forms, installation forms, and record of quality 
assurance review. The Energy Commission may adopt an Application 
Programming Interface (API) for providing data electronically. Within one 
year of development of an API, the ATTCP’s  electronic database system shall 
have the ability to transfer project data to the Energy Commission through 
the API upon completion of the project or at established intervals no longer 
than monthly.  
I.  Compliance Document Recording and Repository Reporting Requirement:  
i. The ATTCP shall record all certificates of compliance (Section 10 -103(a)1), 
certificates of installation (Section 10 -103(a)3), and certificates of acceptance 
(Section 10 -103(a)4) associated with any acceptance test specified in Part 6, 
Section 130.4 and  160.5(e).  
ii. Contingent upon Energy Commission approval of the threshold (Section 10 -
103.1(b)) and upon availability and approval of an electronic document 
repository by the Executive Director, the ATTCP shall submit monthly data 
transfer packets to the Energy Comm ission to an electronic document 
repository for retention consistent with Energy Commission instructions.  
(d) Requirements for ATTCPs to Provide Regular Reports. The ATTCP shall provide the 
following regular reports to the Energy Commission:  
1. Annual Report.  The ATTCP shall provide an annual report to the Energy Commission 
that includes the following:  
A. A summary of the certification services provided over the reporting period, 
including the total number of Acceptance Test Technicians and Employers 
certified by the ATTCP during the reporting period and to date.  
B. A summary of all actions taken against any ATT or ATE as a result of the 
complaint or quality assurance procedures described by the ATTCP as required 
under Section 10 -103.1(c)3D and 10 -103.1(c)3F.  
C. A summary of the quality assurance and accountability activities conducted over 
the reporting period, including the compliance forms reviewed and the on -site 
audits performed as required under Section 10 -103.1(c)3Fii during the reporting 
period and to date . 
D. A summary of the number and type of acceptance tests performed in each local 
jurisdiction over the reporting period and to date.  
E. A signed certification to the Energy Commission that the ATTCP continues to 
meet the requirements of Section 10 -103.1.  
2. Update Report . The ATTCP shall have no less than six months following the adoption 
of an update to the Building Energy Efficiency Standards to prepare an Update 
Report. The ATTCP shall submit an Update Report to the Energy Commission no less 
than six months prior to th e effective date of any newly adopted update to the 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page  29 
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS TITLE 24, PART 1, CHAPTER 10, SECTION 103 .1 – 
NONRESIDENTIAL LIGHTING CONTROLS ACCEPTANCE TEST TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION  Building Energy Efficiency Standards. The ATTCP shall report to the Energy 
Commission what application amendments are proposed, to address changes to the 
Building Energy Efficiency Standards or to ensure training is reflective of the variety 
of lighting co ntrols that are currently encountered in the field. All required update 
reports shall contain a signed certification that the ATTCP continues to meet the 
requirements of Section 10 -103.1. Update reports shall be approved through the 
Amendment Process provi ded under Section 10 -103.1(f).  
All required reports shall contain a signed certification that the ATTCP has met all 
requirements for this program.  
(e) Application Review and Determination.  The Energy Commission shall review ATTCP 
applications according to the criteria and procedures in Section 10 -103.1(c) to determine if 
such providers meet the specified requirements for providing acceptance testing 
certification services.  
1. Energy Commission staff will review and validate all information received on ATTCP 
applications, and determine whether the application is complete and contains 
sufficient information to be evaluated by staff. Complete applications shall be 
evaluated by staff based on their contents.  
2. The Executive Director may require that the applicant provide additional information 
as required by staff to fully evaluate the ATTCP application.  
3. The Executive Director shall provide a copy of the staff evaluation to interested 
persons and provide a reasonable opportunity for public comment.  
4. The Executive Director shall issue a written recommendation that the Energy 
Commission designate the applicant as an authorized ATTCP or deny the application.  
5. The Energy Commission shall make a final decision on the application at a publicly 
noticed hearing.  
(f) Amendment Process.  
The ATTCP may amend a submitted or approved application, as follows:  
1. Amendment Scope.  
A. Nonsubstantive Changes.  A nonsubstantive change is a change that does not 
substantively alter the requirements of the application materials for the ATTCP, 
ATT, or ATE. For amendments making only nonsubstantive changes, the ATTCP 
shall submit the following:  
i. A letter describing the change to the Energy Commission as an addendum to 
the application;  
ii. A replacement copy of the affected sections of the ATTCP application with 
the changes incorporated; and  
iii. A copy of the affected sections of the ATTCP application showing the changes 
in underline and strikeout format.  Page 30 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS TITLE 24, PART 1, CHAPTER 10, SECTION  103.1 – 
NONRESIDENTIAL LIGHTING CONTROLS ACCEPTANCE TEST TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION  B. Substantive Changes.  A substantive change is a change that substantively alters 
the requirements of the application materials for the ATTCP, ATT, or ATE. For 
amendments making any substantive changes, the ATTCP shall submit the 
following:  
i. A document describing the scope of the change to the application, the reason for 
the change and the potential impact to the ATTCP, ATT, and ATE as an addendum 
to the application;  
ii. A replacement copy of the affected sections of the ATTCP application with the 
changes incorporated; and  
iii.  A copy of the affected sections of the ATTCP application showing the changes in 
underline and strikeout format.  
2. Amendment Review.  Amendments submitted prior to approval of an ATTCP application 
shall be included in the application’s Application Review and Determination process 
specified in Section 10 -103.1(e).  
Amendments submitted after approval of an ATTCP’s application that contain only 
nonsubstantive changes shall be reviewed by the Executive Director for consistency with 
Section 10 -103.1. Amendments determined to be consistent with this Section shall be 
inco rporated into the approval as errata.  
Amendments submitted after approval of an ATTCP’s application that contain any 
substantive changes shall be subject to the Application Review and Determination 
process specified in Section 10 -103.1(e). If the Energy Commission finds that the 
amended applic ation does not meet the requirements of Section 10 -103.1, then the 
ATTCP shall either abide by the terms of their previously approved application or have 
their approval suspended.  
(g) Review by the Energy Commission.  
If the Energy Commission determines there is a violation of these regulations or that an 
ATTCP is no longer providing adequate certification services, the Energy Commission may 
revoke the authorization of the ATTCP pursuant to Section 1230 et seq. of Title  20 of the 
California Code of Regulations.  
NOTE:  Authority: Sections 25402, 25402.1, 25213, Public Resources Code. Reference: Sections 
25007, 25008, 25218.5, 25310, 25402, 25402.1, 25402.4, 25402.5, 25402.8 and 25943, Public 
Resources Code.  
 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page  31 
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS TITLE 24, PART 1, CHAPTER 10, SECTION 103.2 – 
NONRESIDENTIAL MECHANICAL ACCEPTANCE TEST TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION  10-103.2 – NONRESIDENTIAL MECHANICAL ACCEPTANCE TEST TRAINING AND 
CERTIFICATION   
(a) Scope.  The requirements of this section apply to Acceptance Test Technicians (ATTs), 
Acceptance Test Employers (ATEs), and Acceptance Test Technician Certification Providers 
(ATTCPs) that perform work relating to the acceptance testing of nonresidential mechanic al 
systems and controls.  
(b) Industry Certification Threshold.  ATT and ATE certification requirements shall take effect 
when the Energy Commission finds that each of the following conditions are met. Until such 
time that Sections 10 -103.2(b)1 and 10 -103.2(b)2 are met, or if, subsequent to being met, 
they cease to be maintained, Field Technicians may complete acceptance testing as 
specified in Section 120.5 and 160.3(d) without completing certification requirements 
specified in Part 1, Section 10 -103.2.  
1. Number of Certified ATTs.  
A. There shall be no less than 300 ATTs certified to perform the complete set of 
mechanical acceptance tests in Building Energy Efficiency Standards, Section 120.5 
and 160.3(d), except as provided in Subsection 10 -103.2(b)1B. The number of 
certified ATTs s hall be submitted to the Energy Commission in the annual reports 
prepared by ATTCPs, as specified in Section 10 -103.2(d)1.  
B. If there are less than 300 ATTs certified to perform all of the acceptance tests in 
Building Energy Efficiency Standards, Section 120.5 and 160.3(d), then there shall be 
at least 300 ATTs certified to complete the following tests:  
i. NA7.5.1 Outdoor Air Ventilation Systems  
ii. NA7.5.2 Constant Volume, Single Zone Unitary Air Conditioners and Heat Pumps  
iii. NA7.5.4 Air Economizer Controls  
iv. NA7.5.5 Demand Control Ventilation Systems  
v. NA 7.5.6 Supply Fan Variable Flow Controls  
vi. NA7.5.7, NA7.5.9 Hydronic System Variable Flow Controls  
vii. NA7.5.10 Automatic Demand Shed Controls  
2. Industry Coverage by ATTCPs.  ATTCPs approved by the Energy Commission, in their 
entirety, provide reasonable access to certification to the following industry groups: 
Professional engineers, licensed architects, HVAC installers, mechanical contractors, 
Testing and Balancing (TAB) cer tified technicians, controls installation and startup 
contractors and certified commissioning professionals who have verifiable training, 
experience and expertise in HVAC systems. The Energy Commission will determine 
reasonable access by considering factor s such as certification costs commensurate with 
the complexity of the training being provided, certification marketing materials, 
prequalification criteria, class availability and curriculum.  Page 32 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS TITLE 2 4, PA RT 1, CHAPTER 10, SECTION 103.2 – 
NONRESIDENTIAL MECHANICAL ACCEPTANCE TEST TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION  (c) Qualifications and  Approval of ATTCPs.  ATTCPs shall submit a written application to the 
Energy Commission with a summary and the necessary background documents to explain 
how the following criteria and procedures have been met:  
1. Organizational Structure.  ATTCPs shall provide written explanations of the organization 
type, by -laws, and ownership structure. ATTCPs shall explain in writing how their 
certification program meets the qualifications of Building Energy Efficiency Standards, 
Section 10 -103.2(c). AT TCPs shall explain in their application to the Energy Commission 
their organizational structure and their procedures for independent oversight, quality 
assurance, supervision and support of the acceptance test training and certi fication 
processes.  
2. Certification of ATEs.  The ATTCPs shall provide written explanations of their certification 
and oversight of ATEs. This explanation shall document how the ATTCP ensures that 
ATEs are providing quality control and appropriate supervision and support for their 
ATTs.  
A. Recertification.  The ATTCP shall recertify all ATEs prior to the implementation of 
each adopted update to the Building Energy Efficiency Standards as these updates 
affect the acceptance test requirements.  Recertification requirements and 
procedures shall only apply to those specific elements that are new or modified in 
future updates to Building Energy Efficiency Standards.  
3. Requirements for Applicant ATTCPs to Document Training and Certification 
Procedures. ATTCPs shall include with their application a complete copy of all 
training and testing procedures, manuals, handbooks , and materials. ATTCPs shall 
explain in writing how their training and certification procedures include, but are not 
limited to, the following:  
A. Training Scope. The scope of the training shall include both hands -on experience 
and theoretical training to certify competency in the technologies and skills 
necessary to perform the acceptance tests.  
B. ATT Training.  
i. Curricula . ATTCP training curricula for ATTs shall include, but not be limited 
to, the analysis, theory, and practical application of the following:  
a. Constant volume system controls;  
b. Variable volume system controls;  
c. Air-side economizers;  
d. Air distribution system leakage;  
e. Demand controlled ventilation with CO 2 sensors;  
f. Demand controlled ventilation with occupancy sensors;  
g. Automatic demand shed controls;  
h. Hydronic valve leakage;  2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page  33 
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS TITLE 24, PART 1, CHAPTER 10, SECTION 103.2 – 
NONRESIDENTIAL MECHANICAL ACCEPTANCE TEST TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION  i. Hydronic system variable flow controls;  
j. Supply air temperature reset controls;  
k. Condenser water temperature reset controls;  
l. Outdoor air ventilation systems;  
m. Supply fan variable flow controls;  
n. Boiler and chiller isolation controls;  
o. Fault detection and diagnostics for packaged direct -expansion units;  
p. Automatic fault detection and diagnostics for air handling units and zone 
terminal units;  
q. Distributed energy storage direct -expansion air conditioning systems;  
r. Thermal energy storage systems;  
s. Building Energy Efficiency Standards mechanical acceptance testing 
procedures; and  
t. Building Energy Efficiency Standards acceptance testing compliance 
documentation for mechanical systems.  
ii. Hands -on training. The ATTCP shall describe in its application the design and 
technical specifications of the laboratory boards, equipment and other 
elements that will be used to meet the hands -on requirements of the training 
and certification.  
iii. Prequalification.  Participation in the certification program shall be limited to 
persons who have at least three years of professional experience and 
expertise in mechanical controls and systems as determined by the 
Mechanical ATTCPs.  
 NOTE:  ATTCPs may specify additional qualifications for participation in their 
programs, such as limiting participation to persons that are not currently 
listed as “decertified” by another ATTCP.  
iv. Instructor to Trainee Ratio.  The ATTCP shall document in its application to 
the Energy Commission why its instructor to trainee ratio is sufficient to 
ensure the integrity and efficacy of the curriculum and program based on 
industry standards and other relevant information.  
v. Tests.  The ATTCP shall describe the written and practical tests used to 
demonstrate each certification applicant’s competence in all specified 
subjects. The ATTCPs shall retain all results of these tests for five years from 
the date of the test.  
vi. Recertification.  The ATTCP shall recertify all ATTs prior to the implementation 
of each adopted update to the Building Energy Efficiency Standards as these 
updates affect the acceptance test requirements.  Recertification Page 34 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS TITLE 2 4, PA RT 1, CHAPTER 10, SECTION 103.2 – 
NONRESIDENTIAL MECHANICAL ACCEPTANCE TEST TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION  requirements and procedures shall only apply to those specific elements that 
are new or modified in future updates to Building Energy Efficiency 
Standards.  
C. ATE Training.  Training for ATEs shall consist of a single class or webinar consisting 
of at least four hours of instruction that covers the scope and process of the 
acceptance tests in Building Energy Efficiency Standards, Section 120.5 and 
160.3(d).  
D. Complaint Procedures. Procedures described in writing for notifying building 
departments and the public that the ATTCP will accept complaints regarding the 
performance of any certified ATT or ATE, and procedures for how the ATTCP will 
address these complaints.  
E. Decertification Procedures.  The ATTCP shall describe in its application to the 
Energy Commission procedures for revoking their certification of ATTs and ATEs  
based upon poor quality or ineffective work, failure to perform acceptance tests, 
falsification of documents, failure to comply with the documentation 
requirements of these regulations or other specified actions that justify 
decertification. The ATTCP shal l also describe its general procedures for 
decertified ATTs or ATEs seeking to regain their cer tification status, including 
eligibility requirements for recertification (if any).  
F. Quality Assurance and Accountability.  The ATTCP shall  describe in its 
applications to the Energy Commission procedures for conducting quality 
assurance and accountability activities, including but not limited to the following:  
i. The ATTCPs shall  include quality assurance and accountability measures, 
including but not limited to independent  oversight of the certification 
materials, processes and procedures, visits to building sites where certified 
technicians are completing acceptance tests, certification process 
evaluations, building department surveys to determine acceptance testing 
effectiveness , and expert review of the training curricula developed for 
Building Energy Efficiency Standards, Section 120.5 and 160.3(d). 
Independent  oversight may be demonstrated by accreditation under  the 
ISO/IEC 17024 standard.  
ii. The ATTCP shall review a random sample of no less than 1 percent of each 
ATT’s completed compliance forms.  
iii. The ATTCP shall perform shadow audits by meeting either of the following:  
a. The ATTCP shall also randomly select and shadow audit no less than 1 
percent of each ATE’s overseen projects, following the assigned ATT 
and observing their performance on the job site. Independent 
oversight may be demonstrated by accreditation under  the ISO/IEC 
17024 standard.  2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page  35 
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS TITLE 24, PART 1, CHAPTER 10, SECTION 103.2 – 
NONRESIDENTIAL MECHANICAL ACCEPTANCE TEST TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION  b. The ATTCP shall shadow audit each ATT  at an ATTCP training facility at 
least once per code cycle where the ATT CP shall observe the 
perform ance of the ATT on  at least five functional tests.  The shadow 
audit must replicate field conditi ons for installed equipment and 
controls in a building.  The ATTCP training facility shall be setup to 
allow auditing  of all functional tests. The shadow audits must be in 
addition to any testing  used for ATT recertification . 
G. Certification Identification Number and Verification of ATT and ATE 
Certification Status.  The ATTCP shall  describe in its applications to the Energy 
Commission procedures for recording, tracking, and communicating certification 
status, including but not limited to the following:  
i. Upon certification of an ATT or ATE, the ATTCP shall issue a unique 
certification identification number to the ATT or ATE.  
ii. The ATTCP shall maintain an accurate public record of the certification status 
for all ATTs and ATEs that the ATTCP has certified, including any ATTs or ATEs 
who have been decertified as specified in 10 -103.2(c)3E.  
iii. The ATTCP shall provide verification of current ATT certification status upon 
request to authorized document Registration Provider personnel or 
enforcement agency personnel to determine the ATT's eligibility to sign 
Certificate of Acceptance documenta tion according to all applicable 
requirements in Sections 10 -103.2, 10 -102, 10 -103(a)4, and Reference Joint 
Appendix JA7.  
H. Electronic Database System . The ATTCP shall maintain, or by suitable contractual 
requirements cause to be maintained, an electronic database system approved by 
the Energy Commission. The electronic database system shall be capable of all the 
following:  
i. Support all activities for the ATTCP to comply with its quality assurance 
program as required by Section 10 -103.2(c)3F.  
ii. For no less than five years, record and preserve all certificates of acceptance 
offered for certification by the ATTCP and as performed by its own certified 
ATTs.  
iii. Allow the transmission of electronic copies of each completed certificate of 
acceptance to the ATT that performed the test, the ATE associated with that 
ATT, or both.  
a. Each page of each certificate of acceptance shall bear the logo of the 
ATTCP or other identifying insignia as approved by the Energy 
Commission.  
b. The electronic copy shall be capable of being printed.  Page 36 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS TITLE 2 4, PA RT 1, CHAPTER 10, SECTION 103.2 – 
NONRESIDENTIAL MECHANICAL ACCEPTANCE TEST TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION  c. The ATTCP may apply to the Energy Commission for approval to use 
alternative compliance documents that differ from those approved for 
use by the Energy Commission but must demonstrate that these 
alternative compliance documents do not differ in format, informational 
order, or content from approved compliance documents.  
iv.  Provide a means of verifying any certificate of acceptance to the enforcement 
agency having jurisdiction as identified on the certificate of acceptance.  
v.  Provide the Energy Commission with any of the following project data or 
documents upon request: project address, permit numbers, acceptance test 
technician and acceptance test employee certification numbers, certificates 
of acceptance, compliance forms , installation forms, and record of quality 
assurance review. The Energy Commission may adopt an Application 
Programming Interface (API) for providing data electronically. Within one 
year of development of an API, the ATTCP’s electronic database system sha ll 
have the ability to transfer project data to the Energy Commission through 
the API upon completion of the project or at established intervals no longer 
than monthly.  
I. Compliance Document Recording and Repository Reporting Requirement:  
i. The ATTCP shall record all certificates of compliance (Section 10 -103(a)1), 
certificates of installation (Section 10 -103(a)3), and certificates of acceptance 
(Section 10 -103(a)4) associated with any acceptance test specified in Part 6, 
Section 120.5 and  160.3(d).  
ii. Contingent upon Energy Commission approval of the threshold (Section 10 -
103.2(b)) and upon availability and approval of an electronic document 
repository by the Executive Director, the ATTCP shall submit monthly data 
transfer packets to the Energy Comm ission to an electronic document 
repository for retention consistent with Energy Commission instructions.  
(d) Requirements for ATTCPs to Provide Regular Reports. The ATTCP shall provide the 
following regular reports to the Energy Commission:  
1. Annual Report.  The ATTCP shall provide an annual report to the Energy Commission 
that includes the following:  
A. A summary of the certification services provided over the reporting period, 
including the total number of Acceptance Test Technicians and Employers 
certified by the agency during the reporting period and to date.  
B. A summary of all actions taken against any ATT or ATE as a result of the 
complaint or quality assurance procedures described by the ATTCP as required 
under Section 10 -103.2(c)3D and 10 -103.2(c)3F.  
C. A summary of the quality assurance and accountability activities conducted over 
the reporting period, including the compliance forms reviewed and the on -site 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page  37 
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS TITLE 24, PART 1, CHAPTER 10, SECTION 103.2 – 
NONRESIDENTIAL MECHANICAL ACCEPTANCE TEST TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION  audits performed as required under Section 10 -103.2(c)3Fii during the reporting 
period and to date.  
D. A summary of the number and type of acceptance tests performed in each local 
jurisdiction over the reporting period and to date.  
E. A signed certification to the Energy Commission that the ATTCP continues to 
meet the requirements of Section 10 -103.2.  
2. Update Report.  The ATTCP shall have no less than six months following the adoption 
of an update to the Building Energy Efficiency Standards to prepare an Update 
Report. The ATTCP shall submit an Update Report to the Energy Commission no less 
than six months prior to the  effective date of any newly adopted update to the 
Building Energy Efficiency Standards, The ATTCP shall report to the Energy 
Commission what application amendments are proposed to address changes to the 
Building Energy Efficiency Standard s or to ensure training is reflective of the variety 
of mechanical equipment and systems currently encountered in the field. All 
required update reports shall contain a signed certification that the ATTCP continues 
to meet all the requirements of Section 1 0-103.2(c). Update reports shall be 
approved through the Amendment Process provided under Section 10 -103.2(f).  
All required reports shall contain a signed certification that the ATTCP has met all 
requirements for this program.  
(e) Application Review and Determination.  The Energy Commission shall review ATTCP 
applications according to the criteria and procedures in Section 10 -103.2(c) to determine if 
such providers meet the specified requirements for providing acceptance testing 
certification services.  
1. Energy Commission staff will review and validate all information received on ATTCP 
applications, and determine whether the application is complete and contains sufficient 
information to be evaluated by staff. Complete applications shall be evaluated by staff 
based on their contents.  
2. The Executive Director may require that the applicant provide additional information as 
required by staff to fully evaluate the ATTCP application.  
3. The Executive Director shall provide a copy of the staff evaluation to interested persons 
and provide an opportunity for public comment.  
4. The Executive Director shall issue a written recommendation that the Energy 
Commission designate the applicant as an authorized ATTCP or deny the Provider 
application.  
5. The Energy Commission shall make a final decision on the application at a publicly 
noticed hearing.  
  Page 38 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS TITLE 2 4, PA RT 1, CHAPTER 10, SECTION 103.2 – 
NONRESIDENTIAL MECHANICAL ACCEPTANCE TEST TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION  (f) Amendment Process.  
The ATTCP may amend a submitted or approved application, as follows:  
1. Amendment Scope.  
A. Nonsubstantive Changes.  A nonsubstantive change is a change that does not 
substantively alter the requirements of the application materials for the ATTCP, ATT, 
or ATE. For amendments making only nonsubstantive changes, the ATTCP shall 
submit the following:  
i. a letter describing the change to the Energy Commission as an addendum to the 
application;  
ii. A replacement copy of the affected sections of the ATTCP application with the 
changes incorporated; and  
iii. A copy of the affected sections of the ATTCP application showing the changes in 
underline and strikeout format.  
B. Substantive Changes.  A substantive change is a change that substantively alters the 
requirements of the application materials for the ATTCP, ATT, or ATE. For 
amendments making any substantive changes, the ATTCP shall submit the following:  
i. A document describing the scope of the change to the application, the reason for 
the change and the potential impact to the ATTCP, ATT, and ATE as an addendum 
to the application;  
ii. A replacement copy of the affected sections of the ATTCP application with the 
changes incorporated; and  
iii.  A copy of the affected sections of the ATTCP application showing the changes in 
underline and strikeout format.  
2. Amendment Review.  Amendments submitted prior to approval of an ATTCP application 
shall be included in the application’s Application Review and Determination process 
specified in Section 10 -103.2(e).  
Amendments submitted after approval of an ATTCP’s application that contain only 
nonsubstantive changes shall be reviewed by the Executive Director for consistency with 
Section 10 -103.2. Amendments determined to be consistent with this Section shall be 
inco rporated into the approval as errata.  
Amendments submitted after approval of an ATTCP’s application that contain any 
substantive changes shall be subject to the Application Review and Determination 
process specified in Section 10 -103.2(e). If the Energy Commission finds that the 
amended applic ation does not meet the requirements of Section 10 -103.2, then the 
ATTCP shall either abide by the terms of their previously approved application or have 
their approval suspended.  
  2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page  39 
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS TITLE 24, PART 1, CHAPTER 10, SECTION 103.2 – 
NONRESIDENTIAL MECHANICAL ACCEPTANCE TEST TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION  (g) Review by the Energy Commission.  
If the Energy Commission determines there is a violation of these regulations or that an 
ATTCP is no longer providing adequate certification services, the Energy Commission may 
revoke the authorization of the ATTCP pursuant to Section 1230 et. seq. of Titl e 20 of the 
California Code of Regulations.  
NOTE:  Authority: Sections 25402, 25402.1, 25213, Public Resources Code. Reference: Sections 
25007, 25008, 25218.5, 25310, 25402, 25402.1, 25402.4, 25402.5, 25402.8 and 25943, 
Public Resources Code.  
  Page 40 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS TITLE 24, PART 1, CHAPTER 10, SECTION 103.3 – 
ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES FOR THE ENERGY CODE COMPLIANCE PROGRAM  10-103.3 Administrative Procedures for the Energy Code Compliance Program  
(a) Scope . The requirements in this section apply to ECC -Providers, ECC -Raters, and ECC -
Rater Companies performing work relating to field verification and diagnostic testing for 
the Energy Code Compliance (ECC) Program. The ECC Program is intended to verify that 
the newly constructed  buildings and additions and alterations to existing buildings 
comply with the requirements of the Building Energy Efficiency Standards in order to 
protect consumers from poor construction and installations.  
(b) General Provisions . 
1. Conflicts of Interest . 
A. Prohibition of Conflicts of Interest . 
i. ECC-Providers shall be independent from, and have no financial 
interest in, ECC -Rater Companies or ECC -Raters.  
ii. ECC-Providers, ECC -Raters, and ECC -Rater Companies shall operate  
independent ly and shall not have any financial interest in the 
builder, designer, or subcontractor serving  as the “Responsible 
Person ” signatory as specified in Section 10 -103(a)1 and Section 
10-103(a)3  on a project . However, an exception applies if  the ECC -
Rater Company submits a Declaration of ECC -Rater Company 
Separation of Services , as provided in Section 10 -103.3(f)2Diii . This 
applies specifically to projects  where the ECC -Rater is involved in, 
or is reasonably expected to provide,  field verification and 
diagnostic testing services.  
iii. For the purposes of this subdivision, a “financial interest” includes:  
a. a business entity in which the entity or individual has a 
direct or indirect investment worth $2,000 or more, or in 
which the entity or individual is a director, officer, partner, 
trustee, or employee. However, this prohibition on 
investments does not include ownership of less than five 
percent of a publicly traded company.  
b. an ownership interest, debt agreement, or 
employer/employee relationship.  
iv. ECC-Providers, ECC -Raters, and ECC -Rater Companies, or principals 
of an ECC -Provider or ECC -Rater Company shall not perform field 
verification or diagnostic tests services for builders, designers, or 
subcontractors owned or operated by close familial relat ives. For 
purposes of this subdivision, “close familial relative” means a 
spouse, domestic partner, or cohabitation partner or a parent, 
grandparent (including greats), sibling, child, grandchild (including 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page  41 
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS TITLE 24, PART 1, CHAPTER 10, SECTION 103.3 – 
ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES FOR THE ENERGY CODE COMPLIANCE PROGRAM  greats) of the individual or spouse, domestic partner, or 
cohabitation partner, and any person living in the same 
household.  
v. ECC-Raters and ECC -Rater Companies shall not perform any 
construction activity on a project site for which a construction 
permit is issued and for which they will or are reasonably expected 
to perform field verification or diagnostic testing services.  
vi. ECC-Raters or ECC -Rater Companies shall provide a report to the 
building or project owner for field verification or diagnostic testing 
services performed on the project site. The report may be 
provided through a contractor or other project representative t o 
the building or project owner but must be a conspicuous and 
separate document from other documents provided by the 
contractor or project representative. The report must include all of 
the following elements:  
a. The ECC -Rater’s or ECC -Rater Company’s name, logo (if 
any), contact information, and certification number.  
b. The ECC -Provider data registry link and registry numbers 
for all compliance documents registered by the ECC -Rater 
or ECC -Rater Company for the project.  
c. An itemization of each field verification or diagnostic test, 
as well as any other services performed for the project, the 
amount charged, and the results in terms of pass or fail.  
vii. Prior to starting any field verification or diagnostic testing at a 
project site, the The ECC-Rater or ECC -Rater Company must 
register a consent Consumer Information F orm with the ECC -
Provider , in which the owner includes educat ional materials 
regarding  the ECC Program , the roles and responsibilities  of ECC -
Raters, ECC -Providers and ECC -Rater Companies , and the means 
by which the owner may file a complaint . consents to the ECC -
Rater entering the relevant premises and performing the tests 
onsite. The consent Consumer Information F orm must also include 
the owner’s valid contact information, comprised of the owner's 
name, project address, phone number, and email. Failure to 
register a valid consent  Consumer Information F orm will make the 
ECC-Rater or ECC -Rater Company subject to discipline as described 
in Sections 10 -103.3(d)7 and 10 -103.3(d)8. For projects with no 
current owner in residence, the owner's contact information may 
be that of the landlord, developer, builder, or any other such 
person with a real property interest.  Page 42 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS TITLE 24, PART 1, CHAPTER 10, SECTION 103.3 – 
ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES FOR THE ENERGY CODE COMPLIANCE PROGRAM  viii. Once an ECC -Rater has registered a failed field verification or 
diagnostic test, that ECC -Rater or ECC -Rater Company (or 
Independent Rater) shall become the ECC -Rater of Record (ROR) 
for the specific field verification or diagnostic test at the project 
site. If the ROR is an ECC -Rater Company or Independent Rater, 
then the ROR may be replaced by any ECC -Rater that is a fulltime 
employee of the ECC -Rater Company or Independent Rater and in 
good standing with the ECC -Provider. Except as provided in 
subdivisio n (a) below, only the ROR may register a subsequent 
passing field verification or diagnostic test previously registered as 
a failure.  
a. Under any of the following circumstances, the ECC -
Provider may release a project from the ROR but must 
verify that the retest for the failed field verification or 
diagnostic test is legitimate either through a site visit, 
photographic evidence (or other re mote verification), or a 
desk audit (Section 10 -103.3(d)5Civ) on the project:  
(i) The ROR agrees to release the project.  
(ii) The ROR is physically unable to continue work on 
the project due to injury, misfortune, or availability.  
(iii) The ROR’s certification has been suspended 
(Section 10 -103.3(d)7C) or decertified (Section 10 -
103.3(d)7D).  
(iv) The ROR is unwilling to continue work on the 
project.  
b. The ECC -Provider shall lock the project compliance 
documentation within the data registry by address, permit 
number, or other reasonable means and shall not allow 
any further compliance documents to be registered for a 
failed test at the project site other  than from the ROR or 
allowable substitute under Section 10 -103.3(b)1Aviiia.  
c. An ECC -Provider shall not knowingly accept compliance 
documents for registration for a project that has an active 
failed field verification or diagnostic tests in any other ECC -
Provider data registry.  
(i) ECC-Providers shall submit a complaint to the 
Commission (Section 10 -103.3(d)6B) upon 
suspected violation of this requirement.  
(ii) Upon investigation, the Commission may take 
disciplinary action against an ECC -Provider (Section 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page  43 
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS TITLE 24, PART 1, CHAPTER 10, SECTION 103.3 – 
ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES FOR THE ENERGY CODE COMPLIANCE PROGRAM  10-103.3(d)15) if the CEC can demonstrate 
noncompliance or recommend disciplinary action 
against an ECC -Rater or ECC -Rater Company 
(Sections 10 -103.3(d)7 and 10 -103.3(d)8).  
ix. Use of Registered Certificates . The use of registered certificates, 
including Certificates of Compliance, Certificates of Installation, 
and Certificates of Verification, is limited to the demonstration 
and documentation of the project compliance with the Building 
Energy Efficiency Standards. Other uses of registered certificates, 
such as for federal tax credits, is only permitted for projects that 
have been completed and are closed within the data registry.  
B. Conflicted Data . The prohibitions on conflicts of interest specified in 
Section 10 -103.3(b)1A apply to any data collected by an ECC -Rater. Any 
data collected by an ECC -Rater when they have a conflict of interest, 
regardless of its accuracy, shall be considered conflicted  data. Any data 
collected through sampling procedures (Building Energy Efficiency 
Standards, Reference Appendix RA2.6) where the ECC -Provider is refused 
access to perform an onsite quality assurance audit (Section 10 -
103.3(d)5Ci) shall be co nsidered conflicted data.  
i. ECC-Providers shall not knowingly accept conflicted data on their 
systems. ECC -Providers may demonstrate that they have fulfilled 
this requirement by, for example:  
a. Requiring ECC -Raters to affirmatively indicate, upon 
submitting any data to the ECC -Provider, that the data is 
not conflicted data, or that the ECC -Rater had a conflict of 
interest at the time the data was collected, but had express 
written approval from t he Executive Director waiving the 
conflict  of the ECC -Rater . 
b. Any other process approved by the CEC.  
ii. ECC-Providers shall take all reasonable steps to detect, deter, 
isolate, and identify conflicted data in their systems, including in 
compliance documents and Compliance Registration Packages. 
ECC-Providers may demonstrate that they have taken all 
reasonabl e steps, for example:  
a. Requiring ECC -Raters to complete training, prior to 
certification, regarding the requirements of Section 10 -
103.3(b)1A, including that it applies to data, or by some 
other reasonable method to deter conflicted data.  
b. Instituting a desk audit program that assesses data 
submitted to the ECC -Provider pursuant to Section 10 -
103.3(d)5Civ to confirm whether the submitting ECC -Rater Page 44 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS TITLE 24, PART 1, CHAPTER 10, SECTION 103.3 – 
ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES FOR THE ENERGY CODE COMPLIANCE PROGRAM  had a disqualifying conflict of interest pursuant to Section 
10-103.3(b)1A at the time of the data’s submission, or by 
some other reasonable method to detect conflicted data.  
c. Investigating and, as necessary, quarantining or marking 
conflicted data, or otherwise identifying that data as 
conflicted, including pursuant to Section 10 -103.3(b)1Bvi.  
d. Any other process approved by the CEC.  
iii. ECC-Providers may not use, rely on, sell, or offer for sale, any 
conflicted data for any purpose other than to detect, deter, 
isolate, and identify conflicted data from their systems, or to 
otherwise prevent the generation or transmission of conflicted 
data. 
iv. ECC-Raters and ECC -Rater Companies may not submit any 
conflicted data without the express written approval of the 
Executive Director. ECC -Raters and ECC -Rater Companies may 
fulfill this requirement by for example,  
a. Affirmatively indicating, upon submitting any data to the 
ECC-Provider, that the data is not conflicted data, or that 
the ECC -Rater or ECC -Rater Company had a conflict of 
interest at the time the data was collected, but had express 
written approval from th e Executive Director excusing the 
conflict.  
b. Any other process approved by the CEC.  
v. Any ECC -Rater or ECC -Rater Company may apply to the Executive 
Director for express written approval excusing a conflict of interest 
under this section.  
a. Such an application must include the following 
information: an explanation of the conflict of interest, the 
beginning and ending date of the conflict of interest (if 
any), and written justification providing compelling and 
persuasive evidence that (1) the conflict  of interest will not 
result in inaccurate data, and (2) unnecessary hardship will 
result from the application of the prohibition on conflicted 
data in this instance.  
b. The Executive Director may grant such written approval 
only if the Executive Director finds there is compelling and 
persuasive evidence of the factors identified in Section 10 -
103.3(b)1Bva.  
c. Unsupported or general assertions of trustworthiness or 
accuracy are neither compelling nor persuasive evidence of 
the factors identified in Section 10 -103.3(b)1Bva.  2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page  45 
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS TITLE 24, PART 1, CHAPTER 10, SECTION 103.3 – 
ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES FOR THE ENERGY CODE COMPLIANCE PROGRAM  d. The Executive Director may, at their discretion, request 
additional information, provide express written approval, 
provide conditional express written approval, or reject the 
request. If an applicant does not receive a reply within 120 
calendar days, their  request is denied.  
vi. Upon identifying data that may be conflicted, the ECC -Provider 
shall perform a desk audit to assess whether the data is in fact 
conflicted data, such as by contacting the submitting ECC -Rater or 
ECC-Rater Company and asking them to confirm, in writing, 
whe ther the data was conflicted or not. Upon discovery of a 
violation of the conflict -of-interest restrictions in Section 10 -
103.3(b)1A, the ECC -Provider shall use this gathered information 
to initiate disciplinary action against either (or both) the ECC -Rate r 
(Section 10 -103.3(d)7) and ECC -Rater Company (Section 10 -
103.3(d)8) responsible for the registered data in question.  
vii. ECC-Providers shall flag or otherwise mark  verified conflicted data 
(Section 10 -103.3(b)1Bvi) in the data registry and inform all of the 
following of the identification of the data and what field 
verification and diagnostic tests reliant on the data are 
invalidated: the homeowner, ECC -Rater, ECC -Rater Company, 
authority having jurisdiction over the is sued construction permit, 
and the Commission.  
2. Prohibition on False, Inaccurate, or Incomplete Information  
A. ECC-Providers shall not knowingly accept, store, or disseminate untrue, 
inaccurate, or incomplete information or information received through 
actions not conducted in compliance with these regulations, including 
information related to field verification an d diagnostic testing 
information, field verification and diagnostic test results, or results on a 
certificate of compliance or certificate of installation documents.  
B. ECC-Providers shall not accept payment or other consideration in 
exchange for use of their data registry to report a field verification and 
diagnostic test result that was knowingly conducted and reported out 
compliance with these regulations.  
C. Only the ECC -Rater who performs a field verification and diagnostic test 
shall have signatory authority for all certificates of verification related to 
the field verification and diagnostic test.  
i. ECC-Raters shall not use technicians that are not certified ECC -
Raters to perform field verification and diagnostic testing unless 
said technicians are directly supervised by the ECC -Rater in person 
on the project site.  Page 46 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS TITLE 24, PART 1, CHAPTER 10, SECTION 103.3 – 
ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES FOR THE ENERGY CODE COMPLIANCE PROGRAM  ii. No other person shall sign the certificates of verification other 
than the ECC -Rater that preformed or directly supervised 
technicians that performed the field verification and diagnostic 
test.  
(c) ECC-Provider Approval  
1. Approval Process . Approval as an ECC -Provider is limited to a single Triennial 
Code Cycle. To become an ECC -Provider, an applicant shall submit a Full 
Application. To continue as an ECC -Provider for a subsequent Triennial Code 
Cycle, a current ECC -Provider shall submit a Triennial Reapproval Application. 
Applications will be considered pursuant to the procedures in Section 10 -110. A 
Full Application or a Triennial Reapproval Application may be updated as set 
forth in Section 10 -103.3(c)6. An approved ECC -Provider may make modifications 
to its application as set forth in Section 10 -103.3(c)7. All applications must 
include a statement of scope that indicates what  services  the applicant intends to  
provide to the market place . Upon a first -time approval of an ECC -Provider, the 
Energy Commission shall assign the ECC -Provider a three -digit identification 
number.  
2. Confidential Information.  An applicant may identify any information in its 
application the applicant considers confidential and request from the 
Commission a confidential designation as specified in Title 20, California Code of 
Regulations, Section 2505. If an applicant requests a  designation of confidential 
information, the applicant shall also submit a non -confidential summary of its 
application.  
3. Full Application.  The Commission may approve a full application to become an 
ECC-Provider if the application includes each of the following:  
A. Evidence of Ability to Satisfy ECC -Provider Requirements . Information 
sufficient to demonstrate, by a preponderance of the evidence, that the 
applicant can and will satisfy each regulatory requirement specified as the 
ECC-Provider Approval Process in Section 10 -103.3(c)1 for the duration of 
their tenure as an E CC-Provider.  
i. Methods of Producing Evidence . An applicant may evidence its 
ability to satisfy the ECC -Provider Requirements by providing a 
written strategy for how it intends to satisfy each requirement, 
citing examples of how it has been able to satisfy each regulatory 
requirement, or by any other means of introducing evidence i nto 
the record acceptable to the Executive Director or Commission.  
ii. Disputed Evidence.  Any interested party may introduce evidence 
demonstrating that an applicant either cannot satisfy, or in the 
past has failed to satisfy, one or more regulatory requirements 
specified in Section 10 -103.3(c)1.  2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page  47 
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS TITLE 24, PART 1, CHAPTER 10, SECTION 103.3 – 
ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES FOR THE ENERGY CODE COMPLIANCE PROGRAM  B. The full legal name of the applicant is registered with the California 
Secretary of State.  
C. The full legal name, date of birth, current residential address, and social 
security number of every individual with an ownership interest in and 
principal of the ECC -Provider applicant.  
D. A complete list of any entities that have business relationships with the 
applicant such as parent companies, subsidiaries, affiliates, and/or any 
past names under which the entity has conducted business as an ECC -
Provider, if applicable.  
E. The Triennial Code Cycle for which the applicant intends to operate as an 
ECC-Provider.  
F. The contact information for one or more Designated Contacts who the 
Commission can contact as needed.  
G. Any other information relating to the applicant’s ability to satisfy each 
regulatory requirement specified in Section 10 -103.3(c)1 or specifically 
requested by the Executive Director or Commission.  
4. Triennial Reapproval Application . The Commission may approve an existing ECC -
Provider’s application to continue as an ECC -Provider for a subsequent Triennial 
Code Cycle if the application includes each of the following:  
A. The original Full Application for the previous cycle, any Updated 
Applications, including Conditions of Approval, and any Post -Approval 
Amendments that were submitted and/or approved.  
B. All previously submitted and approved Triennial Reapproval, if any.  
C. Information demonstrating that the applicant can and will satisfy each 
regulatory requirement not otherwise addressed in any previously 
approved Application, subject to the same evidentiary constraints and 
requirements as a Full Application.  
D. Alternatively, an existing ECC -Provider may submit a full Application for 
the Triennial Code Cycle.  
5. Application for Remediation . 
A. An ECC -Provider that has been decertified may submit one Application for 
Remediation pursuant to Section 10 -110 during the Triennial Code Cycle 
in which it was decertified.  
B. An Application for Remediation shall include:  
i. The original Full Application, all previously submitted and 
approved Triennial Reapprovals, any Updated Applications, 
including Conditions of Certification, and any Post -Approval 
Amendments that were submitted and/or approved.  Page 48 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS TITLE 24, PART 1, CHAPTER 10, SECTION 103.3 – 
ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES FOR THE ENERGY CODE COMPLIANCE PROGRAM  ii. All correspondence concerning progressive discipline between the 
ECC-Provider and the Commission commencing with the notice of 
potential violation for each violation that led to rescinding 
approval.  
iii. A Remediation Report and Plan explaining why each violation 
leading to a rescinded approval occurred and the steps that the 
ECC-Provider has taken to remedy past violations and prevent 
future violations similar to those that led to its rescinded approval.  
iv. A draft Full Application that incorporates all necessary 
modifications to address the issues described in the Remediation 
Report and Plan.  
C. Basis for Approval . The Commission may approve an Application for 
Remediation if the Commission finds:  
i. The decertified ECC -Provider has demonstrated a good faith 
willingness to take feasible steps towards remediation.  
ii. The decertified ECC -Provider has presented a remediation plan 
that can remedy past violations and prevent future violations 
similar to those that led to its rescinded approval.  
iii. The decertified ECC -Provider has demonstrated the ability to 
adequately implement the remediation plan.  
D. Upon Approval.  If the decertified ECC -Provider’s Application for 
Remediation is approved by the Commission, the decertified ECC -Provider 
is eligible to submit a Full Application.  
E. Upon Rejection . If a decertified ECC -Provider’s Application for 
Remediation is rejected by the Commission, the ECC -Provider may re -
submit an Application for Remediation only with the written approval of 
the Executive Director or Commission.  
6. Updated Application . 
A. Update with Executive Director‘s Approval . With the written permission 
of the Executive Director, at any point during the Section 10 -110 process, 
an applicant may submit an updated application, which shall be identified 
as an Updated Application and made available to interested parties for 
review  and comment for at least 30 days prior to consideration by the 
Commission at a business meeting.  
B. Update at Commission Direction, Conditions of Approval.  The Executive 
Director or Commission may direct an applicant to update their 
application in order to address any issues or concerns raised by any 
interested party with respect to the applicant’s ability to completely fulfil 
the role of ECC -Provider, inclu ding by imposing Conditions of Approval.  2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page  49 
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS TITLE 24, PART 1, CHAPTER 10, SECTION 103.3 – 
ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES FOR THE ENERGY CODE COMPLIANCE PROGRAM  C. Applicant Withdrawal and Re -submission . Applicants who have 
submitted an application may withdraw their application at any time 
before approval, and may submit a new application pursuant to this 
section and Section 10 -110.  
7. Post -Approval Amendments . An approved ECC -Provider shall submit a Post -
Approval Amendment to the Executive Director when the ECC -Provider wishes to 
make a modification to their approved application or, as a result of any 
circumstances other than the transition to a new Triennial Code Cycle or 
progressive discipline pursuant to Section 10 -103.3(c)3, or the application no 
longer accurately reflects the ECC -Provider’s operations.  
A. Process . The ECC -Provider may submit a Post -Approval Amendment as 
either substantive or non -substantive. The Executive Director may 
determine whether a post -approval amendment is substantive or non -
substantive.  
B. Substantive . If the Executive Director determines that a post -approval 
amendment is substantive, the amendment shall follow the process 
specified by section 10 -110 and be approved by the Commission. 
Substantive changes include any changes to training, certification, or 
oversight (including quality assurance) that would result in any impact to 
consumers, FV&DT Raters, FV&DT Rater Companies, or the ability of the 
ECC-Provider to comply with any requirement of Section 10 -103.3(c)1.  
C. Nonsubstantive . If the Executive Director determines that a post -
approval amendment is nonsubstantive, they may approve the 
amendment by informing the ECC -Provider’s Designated Contact and 
posting the proposed post -approval amendment application. Non -
substantive updates  are any change that is not considered a substantive 
update, including correcting typographical errors, modifying contact 
information, renaming positions or programs, and making changes that 
do not impact consumers, ECC -Raters, ECC -Rater Comp anies, or alter the 
ability of the ECC -Provider to comply with any requirement of Section 10 -
103.3(c)1.  
8. Conditions of Approval . As a prerequisite of approval of any ECC -Provider 
application, the Commission may impose Conditions of Approval as the 
Commission deems necessary to ensure that the applicant can meet the 
requirements of Section 10 -103.3(c)1 if approved. If the Commissio n imposes 
Conditions of Approval, the Commission may require the applicant to 
demonstrate that the applicant will satisfy each Condition of Approval prior to 
approval. Violating a Condition of Approval imposed by the Commission shall 
constitute a violation of these regulations and may result in disciplinary action, 
up to and including rescinding of approval.  
9. Executive Director Rejection of Decertified ECC -Provider’s Application . Page 50 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS TITLE 24, PART 1, CHAPTER 10, SECTION 103.3 – 
ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES FOR THE ENERGY CODE COMPLIANCE PROGRAM  A. The Executive Director may reject any application if the Executive Director 
determines the applicant is an ECC -Provider that has previously been 
decertified, or is a successor, subsidiary, or otherwise affiliated or 
substantially similar organization to an  ECC-Provider that has previously 
been decertified, and that has not completed the Application for 
Remediation process pursuant to Section 10 -103.3(c)5.  
B. An applicant may appeal the Executive Director’s decision to reject its 
application to the full Commission pursuant to Section 10 -103.3(h). The 
applicant shall establish that it is not a decertified ECC -Provider, 
successor, subsidiary, or otherwise affilia ted or similar organization to a 
decertified ECC -Provider.  
C. Minimum Evidentiary Requirements . At a minimum, an appeal from 
rejection shall demonstrate that the applicant and decertified ECC -
Provider have dissimilar and unrelated owners, shareholders (if 
applicable), executive management, employees, physical assets, 
intangible assets, intellectual  property, business practices, registered 
organization names, branding, marketing materials, and trademarks.  
D. Final Agency Action . If the Commission determines that the applicant has 
failed to demonstrate it is not a decertified ECC -Provider, or any 
successor, subsidiary, or otherwise affiliated or substantially similar 
organization to a decertified ECC -Provider, the Commission may deem the 
applicant a decertified ECC -Provider ineligible to apply until the applicant 
has completed remediation or specify when the applicant may re -submit 
an application. The period of time before re -submittal may not exceed 
three years  from when the appeal was submitted.  
(d)  ECC-Provider Responsibilities  
1. ECC-Rater Training . For each Triennial Code Cycle, ECC -Providers shall provide 
training to existing ECC -Raters and new ECC -Rater applicants. The ECC -Provider 
may also provide this training for prior Triennial Code Cycles. To fulfill the training 
requirements (Section 10 -103.3(d)), an ECC -Provider shall confirm that an ECC -
Rater applicant has completed a training curriculum that covers all information 
necessary to perform all FV&DTs in accordance with the applicable Building 
Energy Efficiency Standards and p assed all associated tests. Alternatively, if 
offered by the ECC -Provider, an existing ECC -Rater may apply for approval 
without completing an ECC -Provider’s training curriculum by passing a challenge 
test, which is a comprehensive test of advanced FV&DT te chnical knowledge that 
verifies the ECC -Rater applicant has sufficient knowledge necessary to perform 
FV&DT in accordance with the applicable Building Energy Efficiency Standards. 
The Commission shall approve all training materials under the full training 
curriculum and challenge test as part of the ECC -Provider’s application (Section 
10-103.3(b)).  2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page  51 
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS TITLE 24, PART 1, CHAPTER 10, SECTION 103.3 – 
ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES FOR THE ENERGY CODE COMPLIANCE PROGRAM  A. Training and testing curriculum . An ECC -Provider’s training curriculum for 
ECC-Rater applicants must include the following:  
i. Building Energy Efficiency Standards mandatory subject areas . 
The training curriculum shall instruct ECC -Raters how to perform 
FV&DT as set forth in the following Building Energy Efficiency 
Standards, Reference Appendices:  
a. RA1: Alternative Residential Field Verification and 
Diagnostic Test Protocols  
b. RA2: Residential Verification, Testing, and Documentation 
Procedures  
c. RA3: Residential Field Verification and Diagnostic Test 
Protocols  
d. RA4: Eligibility Criteria for Energy Efficiency Measures  
e. NA1: Nonresidential Verification, Testing, and 
Documentation Procedures  
f. NA2: Nonresidential Field Verification and Diagnostic Test 
Procedures  
ii. Other mandatory subject areas . The training curriculum shall 
inform ECC -Rater applicants about:  
a. The roles and responsibilities of all entities regulated by 
Section 10 -103.3 and in the Building Energy Efficiency 
Standards, Reference Appendices RA1, RA2, RA3, RA4, 
NA1, NA2, and JA7.  
b. Energy Code nomenclature that designates building types, 
dwelling units, systems, and compliance methods.  
c. Basic building science concepts, including:  
(i) Principles of heat transfer.  
(ii) Energy conservation features.  
(iii) Framing, fenestration, insulation, and other built or 
installed features.  
(iv) Energy consuming appliances.  
(v) Types of space conditioning and ventilating 
systems.  
(vi) Types of water heating systems.  
(vii) Categories of lighting systems and lighting controls.  
(viii) Energy generating and storage systems.  
(ix) Energy efficiency effects of building characteristics.  Page 52 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS TITLE 24, PART 1, CHAPTER 10, SECTION 103.3 – 
ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES FOR THE ENERGY CODE COMPLIANCE PROGRAM  d. Worksite safety.  
(i) Personal protective equipment and appropriate 
dress.  
(ii) Communication with site management personnel.  
(iii) Awareness of site hazards (including asbestos, fall 
risks, lifted loads, confined spaces, vehicles, 
powered equipment and tools, pressurized vessels 
and pipes, electrical terminals and fixtures, etc.), 
occupants in the dwelling unit, and escape routes.  
(iv) Site security.  
(v) Other practices, not limited to those relevant to 
home energy testing and verification procedures 
and equipment.  
e. Instrumentation.  
(i) Diagnostic devices used in the measurement of, but 
not limited to duct leakage testing, dwelling unit 
leakage (blower doors), system air flow and 
pressure, and refrigerant pressure and 
temperature.  
(ii) Accuracy and tolerance.  
(iii) Calibration requirements.  
f. Equipment certification.  
(i) Overview of manufacturer -certified equipment 
ratings.  
(ii) When and why certification applies for verification.  
(iii) Where to find specified certifications and ratings.  
g. Compliance document  and registration.  
(i) Building Energy Efficiency Standards regulations, 
associated testing protocols, and the corresponding 
forms for data entry.  
(ii) Documentation workflow and data input.  
(iii) Form logic and validation.  
(iv) Group sampling.  
h. Professionalism and conduct when working with various 
trades, owners, and other site personnel.  
i. Resources available on the Commission website related to 
the Building Energy Efficiency Standards . 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page  53 
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS TITLE 24, PART 1, CHAPTER 10, SECTION 103.3 – 
ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES FOR THE ENERGY CODE COMPLIANCE PROGRAM  j. Progressive discipline of ECC -Raters (Section 10 -103.3(d)7) 
and the appeal process (Section 10 -103.3(h)).  
k. Quality assurance process (Section 10 -103.3(d)5).  
l. Conflict of interest requirements (Section 10 -103.3(b)1).  
m. Prohibition on False, Inaccurate, or Incomplete Information 
(Section 10 -103.3(b)2)  
iii. Classroom Training . Classroom training shall include an electronic 
or hardcopy manual for each student and comply with the 
following requirements:  
a. Classroom training may be provided online or in person 
and may be taught by an in -person instructor, an online 
instructor or online proctoring software as provided in 
Section 10 -103.3(d)1Aviii.  
b. When administered online, the modules must be naturally 
paced, recorded, and played back no faster than 100 
percent speed. Modules must require occasional student 
interaction not limited to brief quizzes to progress through 
topics and encourage engagement with the platform.  
c. Classroom training may include pre -recorded video 
instructions but must not solely rely on pre -recorded 
videos.  
d. Classroom training may use mock tests or exams, but mock 
tests or exams may not be used to comply with the Tests 
and Exams requirements in Section 10 -103.3(d)1Avi.  
iv. Instructional Materials.  
a. The materials shall address all topics listed in Section 10 -
103.3(d)1Ai and Section 10 -103.3(d)1Aii.  
b. Materials that are presented in a slideshow format must be 
accompanied by a script or detailed outline that explains 
the narrative and the purpose of each visual.  
c. Slide text and graphics must be legible.  
d. Governmental logos must not appear on class materials 
(including course descriptions, web pages, slides, videos, 
handouts, and manuals) unless the department, office, or 
agency has given permission to do so, and then only if 
usage adheres to respective gui delines. The logo may 
appear without express permission on official publications 
whether distributed in whole or in part.  Page 54 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS TITLE 24, PART 1, CHAPTER 10, SECTION 103.3 – 
ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES FOR THE ENERGY CODE COMPLIANCE PROGRAM  v. Laboratory Training . Laboratory training shall cover all FV&DT 
procedures listed in Building Energy Efficiency Standards 
Reference Appendices RA1, RA2, RA3, RA4, NA1, and NA2 and 
comply with the following requirements:  
a. All laboratory training facilities shall be designed to provide 
consistent and repeatable practical training exercises and 
be approved in advance by the Commission.  
b. Laboratory training shall be conducted in a controlled 
space with appropriate safety measures such as proper 
ventilation, safe egress, appropriate lighting, and fire 
response systems. Laboratory training must not be 
conducted in an occupied residence.  
c. All laboratory training shall be in person and be supervised 
by an instructor with no more than ten students to one 
instructor. Laboratory instruction shall include an 
electronic or hardcopy manual for each student.  
d. Any equipment necessary to complete the laboratory 
training shall be available to students at a ratio of no 
greater than one test equipment per five students. Each 
student shall perform the laboratory training 
independently with full access to the necessar y equipment.  
vi. Written test . An ECC -Rater applicant shall take a written test, 
offered by an ECC -Provider, to confirm the applicant’s 
understanding of all mandatory training information specified in 
Section 10 -103.3(d)1Ai and Section 10 -103.3(d)1Aii. Tests shall 
only be used to veri fy the knowledge of ECC -Rater applicants and 
may not be used for training purposes. ECC -Providers shall retain 
all results for five years from the date of the test. The written test 
shall comply with all of the following:  
a. Be online using proctoring software (Section 10 -
103.3(d)1Avii) or in person using a live proctor.  
b. Consist of between 10 and 100 questions per subject area 
specified in Sections 10 -103.3(d)1Ai and 10 -103.3(d)1Aii.  
c. Require a passing score of no less than 70 percent.  
d. Be approved by the Commission at the time of ECC -
Provider application (Section 10 -103.3(c)1).  
vii. Practical test . ECC -Rater applicants shall take a practical test 
offered by an ECC -Provider, to demonstrate competence in all 
subjects specified in Section 10 -103.3(d)1Ai and Section 10 -
103.3(d)1Aii as they apply to the performance of FV&DT 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page  55 
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS TITLE 24, PART 1, CHAPTER 10, SECTION 103.3 – 
ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES FOR THE ENERGY CODE COMPLIANCE PROGRAM  procedures. The ECC -Provider shall retain all results for five years 
from the date of the test. The practical test shall comply with the 
following:  
a. All practical tests shall be performed in any Commission 
approved facility as required by the Laboratory Training 
Requirements in Section 10 -103.3(d)1Aiv.  
b. All practical tests shall be in -person only using a live 
proctor with no more than five test takers to one proctor.  
c. Any equipment required to complete the practical test 
shall be made available to each test taker. Test takers shall 
not work in teams to complete any portion of the practical 
test.  
d. All practical tests shall be approved by the Commission by 
demonstration during the application process (Section 10 -
103.3(c)1).  
viii. Proctoring Software . Any proctoring software or learning 
management system that includes proctoring features, used for 
training and exams shall be approved in advance by the 
Commission and comply with the following:  
a. Proctoring software for training or exams must be time  
limited.  
b. Proctoring software shall monitor the computer desktop, 
webcam video, and audio of the individual completing the 
training or exam. The proctoring software, including any 
interactions with a proctoring service, shall take 
reasonable steps to detect the use of prohibited outside 
resources on the exam, and return a failing grade if the use 
of prohibited outside resources are in fact detected.  
B. Challenge Test . An ECC -Provider may also offer challenge testing that 
evaluates competence in all subjects specified in Section 10 -103.3(d)1Ai 
and Section 10 -103.3(d)1Aii. If a challenge test is used it must comply with 
the following requirements:  
i. Only a n ECC-Rater with a current and valid certification shall be  
eligible  to sit for a challenge test . ECC-Raters with a suspended 
certification are not eligible.  
ii. The challenge test shall include a written test to be taken in 
person using a live proctor.  
iii. The challenge test shall include no less than 100 and no more than 
1,000 questions prepared by the ECC -Provider.  Page 56 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS TITLE 24, PART 1, CHAPTER 10, SECTION 103.3 – 
ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES FOR THE ENERGY CODE COMPLIANCE PROGRAM  iv. The challenge test shall comply with all requirements in Section 
10-103.3(d)1Avi.  
C. Training and Testing for Subsequent Triennial Code Cycle Updates . An 
ECC-Provider shall provide training to previously certified ECC -Raters on 
changes made during any Triennial Code Cycle update that would affect 
the performance of field verification and diagnostic testing, including 
changes that would trigger testing or in testing procedures. The Triennial 
Code Cycle Update training and testing shall comply with all Section 10 -
103.3(d)1A requirements. ECC -Providers may offer a challenge test in 
compliance with Section 10 -103.3(d)1B. Laboratory training (Section 10 -
103.3(d)1Aiv) and practical testing (Section 10 -103.3(d)1Avii) shall only be 
required if changes made during any Triennial Code Cycle include 
modifications or new diagnostic test procedures or fie ld verifications.  
2. ECC-Rater Certification.  
A. Certification Requirements.  Certification as an ECC -Rater is limited to a 
single Triennial Code Cycle. The ECC -Provider shall record each Triennial 
Code Cycle for which an individual ECC -Rater has been certified to provide 
field verification and diagnostic test services. For each Tr iennial Code 
Cycle, an ECC -Provider shall certify an eligible ECC -Rater applicant who 
meets the minimum requirements for an ECC -Rater, as verified by the 
ECC-Provider, and completes and passes all training requirements. Prior 
to certification, an ECC -Provider shall advise the ECC -Rater applicant on 
the required conduct for ECC -Raters in Section 10 -103.3(e), the 
progressive discipline requirements Section 10 -103.3(d)7, and the appeal 
process in Section 10 -103.3(h).  
B. Certification Agreement . Prior to certification, the ECC -Provider shall 
ensure that the applicant signs the ECC -Rater Agreement with the ECC -
Provider, in which the ECC -Rater shall agree, at minimum, to comply with 
all applicable laws and regulations, including the requirements provided 
in Section 10 -103.3, and shall maintain a copy of the signed agreement.  
C. Eligibility.  An ECC -Rater is eligible if they have not been prohibited from 
practicing by the Executive Director or Commission pursuant to Section 
10-103.3(g)1.  
D. The ECC -Provider shall maintain a list of all certified ECC -Raters with the 
following information:  
i. First and last name  
ii. Business Contact information  
a. Phone  
b. Address  
c. Email  2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page  57 
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS TITLE 24, PART 1, CHAPTER 10, SECTION 103.3 – 
ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES FOR THE ENERGY CODE COMPLIANCE PROGRAM  iii. Certification status, limited to Certified -Active, Verified -Active, 
notice of violation, Probation, Suspended, Decertified, Inactive.  
3. ECC-Rater Company Training . For each Triennial Code Cycle, the ECC -Provider 
shall develop and maintain a course of training to summarize the responsibilities 
of the ECC -Rater Company in the performance of field verifications and 
diagnostic testing as prescribed in Section 10 -103.3( d)3. The ECC -Rater Company 
training may not exceed eight (8) hours in duration. All training materials shall be 
approved by the Commission as part of the ECC -Provider’s application (Section 
10-103.3(c)1). An ECC -Provider’s trainin g curriculum for ECC -Rater Company 
applicants must, at minimum, include all of the following:  
A. A summary of the Training curriculum for ECC -Rater applicants provided 
in Section 10 -103.3(d)1.  
B. Information regarding the following:  
i. The roles and responsibilities of all entities regulated by Section 
10-103.3 and in the Building Energy Efficiency Standards, 
Reference Appendices RA1, RA2, RA3, RA4, NA1, NA2, and JA7.  
ii. Discipline procedure for ECC -Raters (Section 10 -103.3(d)7) and 
ECC-Rater Companies (Section 10 -103.3(d)8), and the appeal 
process (Section 10 -103.3(h)).  
iii. Quality assurance process (Section 10 -103.3(d)5).  
iv. Conflict of interest requirements (Section 10 -103.3(b)1).  
v. Prohibition on False, Inaccurate, or Incomplete Information 
(Section 10 -103.3(b)2) . 
4. ECC-Rater Company Certification  
A. Certification Requirements . An ECC -Provider shall certify an eligible ECC -
Rater Company applicant that meets the minimum requirements for an 
ECC-Rater Company, as verified by the ECC -Provider, and completes and 
passes all training requirements. Prior to certification, an ECC -Provid er 
shall advise the ECC -Rater Company applicant on the required conduct for 
ECC-Rater companies in Section 10 -103.3(f)2, the discipline requirements 
Section 10 -103.3(d)8 and the appeal process in Section 10 -103.3(h).  
B. Certification Agreement.  The ECC -Rater Company applicant shall sign the 
ECC-Rater Company agreement with the ECC -Provider, in which the ECC -
Rater Company shall agree, at minimum, to comply with all applicable 
laws and regulations, including the requirements provided in this Secti on 
10-103.3.  
C. Public List . ECC -Providers shall maintain a publicly available list of 
certified ECC -Rater Companies.  Page 58 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS TITLE 24, PART 1, CHAPTER 10, SECTION 103.3 – 
ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES FOR THE ENERGY CODE COMPLIANCE PROGRAM  D. Eligibility . An ECC -Rater Company is eligible if it meets the minimum 
qualifications enumerated in Section 10 -103.3(f)1B and has not been 
prohibited from practicing by the Executive Director or Commission 
pursuant to Section 10-103.3(g)2.  
E. After its initial certification, an ECC -Rater Company does not need to 
complete the training curriculum again or be recertified for each Triennial 
Code Cycle, so long as it maintains its eligibility under Section 10 -
103.3(f)1B.  
F. The ECC -Provider shall maintain a list of all certified ECC -Raters 
Companies with the following information:  
i. First and last name of certified primary  
ii. ECC-Rater Company Name  
iii. Business Contact information  
a. Phone  
b. Address  
c. Email  
iv. Certification status, limited to Certified -Active, Verified -Active, 
notice of violation, Probation, Suspended, Decertified, Inactive.  
G. The ECC-Provider shall maintain any Declaration s of ECC -Rater Company 
Separation of Services (Section 10 -103.3 (f)2Diii ) in the ECC -Provider Data 
Registry such that it is accessible for verification by the Energy 
Commission and local enforcement agencies.  
5. Quality Assurance . An ECC -Provider shall maintain a quality assurance program 
to ensure appropriate oversight of the ECC -Raters it certifies. This program shall, 
at a minimum, include the following:  
A. Quality Assurance Staff.  ECC-Providers shall maintain the necessary 
qualified staff to ensure a functioning quality assurance program that 
includes, at a minimum, performing the types of quality assurance 
reviews listed in Section 10 -103.3(d)5 on ECC -Raters. Any form of audit is 
subject to the same standards of required conduct as any other field 
verifications and diagnostic tests and is also subject to Quality Assurance 
review. Quality Assurance staff may not include active ECC -Raters.  
B. Exemplary  ECC-Rater.  An ECC -Rater is designated as a “ Exemplary  ECC-
Rater” once the ECC -Rater has been (1) continuously certified as an ECC -
Rater for a minimum of five years and (2) confirmed for designation by 
the applicable ECC -Provider after passing all required quality assurance 
audits within a 12 -month period, in cluding at least one annual quality 
insulation installation (QII) shadow audit, one non -QII shadow audit, one 
in-lab audit, and one desk audit.  2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page  59 
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS TITLE 24, PART 1, CHAPTER 10, SECTION 103.3 – 
ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES FOR THE ENERGY CODE COMPLIANCE PROGRAM  i. The ECC -Provider shall immediately revoke this designation for 
any audit failure or the failure to be recertified as an ECC -Rater in 
any subsequent Triennial Code Cycle.  
ii. This designation, once obtained, may be included in marketing 
materials. If this designation is revoked, it shall be removed from 
marketing materials within 10 business days.  
C. Types of Quality Assurance Review . Quality Assurance Review shall take 
the form of onsite, shadow, and desk audits.  
i. Onsite Audits . The ECC -Provider performs an onsite audit 
following field verification and diagnostic testing by an ECC -Rater 
it certified. Onsite audits are performed at the invitation of the 
homeowner through the complaint process, at the request of the 
Commission, or  at the discretion of the ECC -Provider. Every year, 
at least one onsite audit shall be performed by the ECC -Provider 
for each ECC -Rater it has certified either at random or as directed 
above. For Exemplary  ECC-Raters the minimum onsite audit 
frequency shal l be reduced from once per year to once per 
Triennial Code Cycle. Additionally, onsite audits shall be 
performed for every seventh sample -group used in a single 
residential development. The audit results shall be included in the 
annual reporting to the Com mission (Section 10 -103.3(d)11E) or 
provided in response to a request by the Commission. Onsite 
audits shall comply with the following:  
a. Onsite audits must not be performed in the presence of 
the ECC -Rater and can be performed any time after the 
ECC-Rater has left the project site.  
b. ECC-Raters must not be informed that their field 
verification and diagnostic test is receiving an onsite audit 
until the onsite audit is complete and the results are 
documented.  
c. At a minimum, onsite audits shall include all of the 
following:  
(i) A verification of correctly completed certificates of 
installation (if the ECC -Rater is acting as the 
Authorized Representative under Section 10 -
103(a)3A) and verification (Section 10 -103(a)4)  for 
the project.  
(ii) Performance of the field verification and diagnostic 
test that was performed by the ECC -Rater.  
d. A Passing result shall include the following at a minimum:  Page 60 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS TITLE 24, PART 1, CHAPTER 10, SECTION 103.3 – 
ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES FOR THE ENERGY CODE COMPLIANCE PROGRAM  (i) Correct and completed certificates of installation (if 
the ECC -Rater is signature authorized  under Section 
10-103(a)3A ) and verification (Section 10 -103(a) 4) 
for the project free from false, inaccurate, or 
incomplete information.  
(ii) All field verifications and diagnostic tests audit 
results that include a field test or measurement 
must pass as required in the Building Energy 
Efficiency Standards, Reference Appendices RA1, 
RA2, RA3, RA4, NA1, and NA2.  
e. Onsite audits shall be performed when an ECC -Provider is 
investigating a complaint from a homeowner about a field 
verification and diagnostic test.  
f. Onsite audits shall be performed for every seventh sample -
group used in a single residential development.  
(i) The ECC -Provider shall perform the onsite audit at 
an untested home in the same sample -group being 
tested and a tested home.  
(ii) If the ECC -Provider is refused access to the 
development, all sample -groups for the 
development will be considered conflicted data 
(Section 10 -103.3(b)1B).  
g. If the ECC -Provider is refused access to the development, 
the ECC -Rater may be subject to investigation and 
disciplinary action. The ECC -Provider shall document onsite 
audit results, provided to the ECC -Rater and ECC -Rater 
Company, provided to the homeowne r, and recorded in 
the ECC -Provider’s quality assurance database (Section 10 -
103.3(d)9B).  
h. If the onsite audit reveals the ECC -Rater did not accurately 
perform the field verification and diagnostic test or 
accurately collect or report data, the ECC -Provider shall 
initiate disciplinary action (Section 10 -103.3(d)7).  
i. Onsite audits shall include the use of photographic 
evidence to be recorded in the ECC -Provider data registry 
as provided in Building Energy Efficiency Standards 
Reference Appendix JA7.5.6. 3. 
ii. Shadow Audits . A shadow audit requires the ECC -Provider to audit 
the ECC -Rater as they perform a Quality Insulation Installation 
field verification (Building Energy Efficiency Standards Reference 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page  61 
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS TITLE 24, PART 1, CHAPTER 10, SECTION 103.3 – 
ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES FOR THE ENERGY CODE COMPLIANCE PROGRAM  Appendix RA3.5). The ECC -Provider’s auditor shall  observe and 
may not aid the ECC -Rater during the shadow audit. All ECC -Raters 
shall receive a shadow audit for QII once per year. For Exemplary  
ECC-Raters the shadow audit frequency shall be reduced from 
once per year to once per Triennial Code Cycle. A shadow audit 
shall also be performed if requested by the Commission or at the 
discretion of the ECC -Provider. Shadow audits shall comply with 
the following:  
a. The ECC -Rater shall  be informed of the shadow audit on 
the day of the audit and the ECC -Provider’s auditor will 
explain their presence to the homeowner. The homeowner 
may grant entry to the auditor. If entry is refused, the ECC -
Provider shall reschedule the shadow audit.  
b. For newly constructed buildings, the developer or 
contractor shall not refuse a shadow auditor if sampling is 
being used on the development. If the auditor is refused 
entry, the data registry will not accept sample -based 
compliance documents from the devel oper, contractor, or 
ECC-Rater regarding the project.  
c. Shadow audits are limited to QII verifications where the 
ECC-Rater shall make the necessary observations and 
record results.  
d. Reserve d. 
e. The shadow audit results shall be documented by the ECC -
Provider, provided to the ECC -Rater and ECC -Rater 
Company, and recorded in the ECC -Provider’s quality 
assurance database (Section 10 -103.3(d)9B).  
f. If the shadow audit reveals the ECC -Rater did not 
accurately perform the QII test or accurately collect or 
report data, the ECC -Provider shall initiate disciplinary 
action (Section 10 -103.3(d)7).  
iii. Reserved  
iv. Desk Audits.  Desk audits consist of an ECC -Provider using 
registered compliance documents within an ECC -Provider data 
registry to evaluate an ECC -Rater’s Certificates of Compliance 
(Section 10 -103(a)), Certificates of Installation (Section 10 -103(b), 
and Certificates of Verification (Section 10 -103(d)) for consistency 
and accuracy. ECC -Providers shall  perform desk audits of all 
certified ECC -Raters at least once per year and as directed by the 
Commission or at the discretion of the ECC -Provider. For 
Exempla ry ECC-Raters the Desk audit frequency shall be reduced Page 62 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS TITLE 24, PART 1, CHAPTER 10, SECTION 103.3 – 
ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES FOR THE ENERGY CODE COMPLIANCE PROGRAM  from once per year to once per Triennial Code Cycle. Desk audits 
shall comply with the following:  
a. ECC-Providers shall develop and document a maximum 
variance for each data entry point for each field verification 
and diagnostic test.  
b. ECC-Providers shall identify a project to audit where the 
ECC-Rater provided field verification and diagnostic test 
services. The ECC -Provider shall  collect all compliance 
documents associated with the project as necessary to 
audit the field verifications and diagnostic tests performed 
by the ECC -Rater at the project site and may contact 
outside authorities, such as the local building authority 
with ju risdiction over the project.  
c. The ECC -Provider shall confirm the measurements, 
calculations, and other information obtained during field 
verifications and diagnostic tests at the project are within 
expected tolerances.  
d. The ECC -Provider shall compare the field verification and 
diagnostic test results from the project site to no less than 
twenty other field verification and diagnostic test results 
performed by the same ECC -Rater on other project sites 
prior to the audited project. If the comparison suggests the 
subject project results could have been copied from prior 
project sites, the ECC -Provider shall investigate further to 
determine if results were falsified or otherwise inaccurate.  
e. The desk audit results shall be documented by the ECC -
Provider, provided to the ECC -Rater and ECC -Rater 
Company, and recorded in the ECC -Provider’s quality 
assurance database (Section 10 -103.3(d)9B).  
f. If the desk audit shows that the ECC -Rater did not 
accurately perform the field verification and diagnostic test 
or accurately collect or report data, the ECC -Provider shall 
initiate disciplinary action (Section 10 -103.3(d)7).  
D. Remedy for Flawed Field Verification and Diagnostic Tests  
i. A flawed field verification and diagnostic test is any field 
verification and diagnostic test that is inconsistent with an audit, 
or that is otherwise determined by the Executive Director, the 
Commission, or the ECC -Provider, to be untrue or inaccurate.  2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page  63 
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS TITLE 24, PART 1, CHAPTER 10, SECTION 103.3 – 
ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES FOR THE ENERGY CODE COMPLIANCE PROGRAM  ii. The ECC -Rater or ECC -Rater Company  is responsible for remedying 
any flawed field verification and diagnostic tests identified by 
audit or by any other means.  
iii. A flawed field verification and diagnostic test is remedied by 
providing an additional field verification and diagnostic test to the 
hiring party that corrects the untrue or inaccurate reporting.  
E. Payment of Fees; Proportionality . As part of their contractual 
arrangements with ECC -Raters, ECC -Providers may charge a Quality 
Assurance fee. The entirety of any Quality Assurance fee may only be 
used by the ECC -Provider to fund Quality Assurance activities.  
6. Queries and  Complaints  
A. Public Queries and Complaints . ECC-Providers shall have a system for 
receiving queries and complaints from consumers, ECC -Raters, ECC -Rater 
Companies, authorities having jurisdiction, and the general public. The 
ECC-Provider shall respond to, investigate, and resolve queries and 
complai nts related to field verification and diagnostic testing in a timely 
manner. ECC -Providers shall ensure the ECC -Raters they certify inform 
recipients of field verifications and diagnostic testing services about the 
query and complaint system. ECC -Providers  shall retain all records of 
queries and complaints, the corresponding investigation, and the 
response for a minimum of five years from receipt of the query or 
complaint. ECC -Providers shall annually report to the Commission a 
summary of all queries,  complaints, and actions taken over the last 12 
months. The Queries and Complaints Annual Summary shall include all of 
the following for each query or complaint received:  
i. A tracking number identifying each query or complaint in the ECC -
Provider queries and complaints tracking system.  
ii. The name and contact phone or email of the person(s) submitting 
the query or complaint.  
iii. A summary of the query or complaint.  
iv. A summary of the results of the ECC -Provider investigation and 
related actions.  
v. A summary of the resolution of the query or complaint.  
B. Commission -Initiated Queries and Complaints.  The Commission may 
direct an ECC -Provider to investigate any queries related to the 
performance of the FV&DT program. An ECC -Provider shall respond 
within 30 days of receiving a Commission direction to investigate a query.  
C. ECC-Rater and ECC -Rater Company -Initiated Queries and Complaints . 
ECC-Providers shall have a system for ECC -Raters and ECC -Rater Page 64 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS TITLE 24, PART 1, CHAPTER 10, SECTION 103.3 – 
ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES FOR THE ENERGY CODE COMPLIANCE PROGRAM  Companies to report potential violations of these regulations by ECC -
Raters, ECC -Rater Companies, and ECC -Providers.  
7. ECC-Rater Discipline . If an ECC -Rater violates these regulations, including but not 
limited to the failure to perform accurate and complete field verification and 
diagnostic tests, the ECC -Provider shall take the following disciplinary steps to 
address and correct the noncomp liance. In the event of a severe violation, 
however, the ECC -Provider shall proceed immediately to the suspension step for 
the first severe violation and to the decertification step for a second severe 
violation. A severe violation of t hese regulations includes knowingly creating false 
field verification or diagnostic testing documents, any violation involving criminal 
activity, coordinating or participating in an organized scheme to violate these 
regulations, or a demonstrated pattern o f violating these regulations. The ECC -
Provider and ECC -Rater may extend, by written agreement, the time for 
response, reply, and final determination for each step below. At any time, the 
Executive Director may direct an ECC-Provider to investigate an ECC -Rater or  
discipline an ECC-Rater  pursuant to Section 10 -103.3(d)7A through Section 10 -
103.3(d)7 D. 
A. Step 1: Notice of Violation . Upon identification of one or more violations 
of these regulations by an ECC -Rater, the ECC -Provider shall issue a notice 
of violation to the ECC -Rater, and any ECC -Rater Companies for which the 
ECC-Rater performs FV&DT services. The ECC -Rater Company or  
Independent Rater shall notify the affected homeowner and show proof 
of such notice to the ECC -Provider. Within three (3) months of issuance of 
the Notice of Violation, the ECC -Provider will perform a Desk Audit 
(Section 10 -103. 3(d)5Civ) on the ECC -Rater.  
i. The ECC -Provider shall require the ECC -Rater  take additional 
training or other corrective action related to the violations within 
a specified timeframe.  
ii. The ECC -Provider shall inform  the ECC -Rater of their 
responsib ilities  for the following: the ECC-Rater shall be 
responsible for the costs of quality assurance testing and 
additional training for the violations , and the ECC -Rater  shall be 
responsible for the costs to the property owner for the original 
field verification and diagnostic test and any necessary retesting 
because of the violations. The E CC-Provider shall not be 
responsible for any costs related to flawed field verification and 
diagnostic test as  performed by the ECC -Rater.  
iii. The notice of violation shall be in writing and include a description 
of the regulatory requirements and violations, the date and 
approximate time of the violations, the parties affected by the 
violations, any corrective action the ECC -Rater shall take, an y costs 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page  65 
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS TITLE 24, PART 1, CHAPTER 10, SECTION 103.3 – 
ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES FOR THE ENERGY CODE COMPLIANCE PROGRAM  the ECC -Rater shall reimburse, the timeframe for complying with 
all requirements of the notice of violation.  
iv. The ECC -Rater will have 10 days of  receipt of the notice of 
violation to respond in writing. If the ECC -Provider receives a 
response, the ECC -Provider shall acknowledge the response, and, 
within 10 days, request additional information needed from the 
ECC-Rater. The ECC -Rater shall have 10 days to provide additional 
information to the ECC -Provider. Within 30 days of the date of the 
notice of violation or within 20 days of receiving a response or 
additional information from the ECC -Rater, whichever is later, the 
ECC-Provider shall provide a final determination of a violation to 
the ECC -Rater, any affected homeowners, and any ECC -Rater 
Company for which the ECC -Rater performs field verification and 
diagnostic testing services. The violation shall not be effecti ve until 
the ECC -Rater has exhausted the right to request reconsideration 
by the ECC -Provider or until the time to exercise that right has 
lapsed (Section 10 -103.3(d)7Aiv).  
B. Step 2: Probation . If an ECC -Rater fails to comply with a notice of 
violation within the specified timeframe or receives a second notice of 
violation within a three -month period, the ECC -Provider shall issue a 
notice to the ECC -Rater and any ECC -Rater Company for which the ECC -
Rater performs field verification and diagnostic testing services, placing 
the ECC -Rater on probation  for up to six months.  
i. While on probation, the ECC -Rater shall be required to retake the 
training for both written and laboratory (Section 10 -103.3(d)1Ai 
and Section 10 -103.3(d)1Aii) and pass the required testing (Section 
10-103.3(d)1Av and Section 10 -103.3(d)1Avi) related to th e 
violated regulations.  
ii. The notice shall be in writing and include a description of the 
regulatory requirements and violations, the date and approximate 
time of the violations, the parties affected by the violations, any 
corrective action the ECC -Rater must take, any costs the EC C-Rater 
must reimburse, and the timeframe for complying with all 
requirements of the notice of violation.  
iii. The ECC -Rater will have 10 days of receipt of the notice of 
probation to respond in writing. If the ECC -Provider receives a 
response, the ECC -Provider shall acknowledge the response and, 
within 10 days, request additional information needed from the 
ECC-Rater. The ECC -Rater shall have 10 days to provide additional 
information to the ECC -Provider. Within 30 days of the date of 
notice of probation or within 20 days of receiving a response or Page 66 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS TITLE 24, PART 1, CHAPTER 10, SECTION 103.3 – 
ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES FOR THE ENERGY CODE COMPLIANCE PROGRAM  additional information from the ECC -Rater, whichever is later, the 
ECC-Provider shall provide a final determination of probation to 
the ECC -Rater and any affected ECC -Rater Company. The terms of 
probation shall last no more than six months and shall not be  
effective until the ECC -Rater has exhausted the right to request for 
reconsideration by the ECC -Provider or until the time to exercise 
that right has lapsed (Section 10 -103.3(d)7Biii).  
C. Step 3: Suspension . If an ECC -Rater fails to fully comply with the terms of 
probation or receives a new notice of violation while on probation, the 
ECC-Provider shall issue a notice to the ECC -Rater, and any ECC -Rater 
Company for which the ECC -Rater performs  field verification and 
diagnostic testing services . 
i. The notice of suspension shall be in writing and include the basis 
for suspension, duration of suspension, all corrective action the 
ECC-Rater must complete during suspension.  
ii. The ECC -Rater shall have 10 days of receipt of the notice of 
suspension to respond in writing. If the ECC -Provider receives a 
response, the ECC -Provider shall acknowledge the response and, 
within 10 days, request additional information needed from the 
ECC-Rater. The ECC -Rater shall have 10 days to provide additional 
information to the ECC -Provider. Within 30 days of the date of the 
notice of suspension or within 20 days of receiving a response or 
additional information from the ECC -Rater, whichever is later , the 
ECC-Provider shall provide a final determination of suspension to 
the ECC -Rater and any ECC -Rater Company for which the ECC -
Rater performs field verification and diagnostic testing services. 
The suspension shall not be effective until the ECC -Rater h as 
exhausted their right to appeal pursuant to Section 10 -103.3(h) or 
until the time to exercise their right to appeal has lapsed.  
iii. Once the suspension becomes effective, the ECC -Provider shall 
prohibit the ECC -Rater from submitting any new compliance 
documents (Section 10 -103) or otherwise accessing the ECC -
Provider data registry until the suspension has ended.  
D. Step 4: Decertification . If an ECC -Rater fails to comply with the terms of 
suspension or receives a new notice of violation while suspended or while 
a notice of suspension is pending, the ECC -Provider shall issue a notice of 
decertification to the ECC -Rater and any ECC -Rater Com pany for which 
the ECC -Rater performs field verification and diagnostic testing services.  
i. The notice of decertification shall be in writing and include the 
basis for decertification.  2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page  67 
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS TITLE 24, PART 1, CHAPTER 10, SECTION 103.3 – 
ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES FOR THE ENERGY CODE COMPLIANCE PROGRAM  ii. The ECC -Rater will have 10 days of receipt of the notice of 
decertification to respond in writing. If the ECC -Provider receives a 
response, the ECC -Provider shall acknowledge the response, and, 
within 10 days, request additional information needed from the 
ECC-Rater. The ECC -Rater shall have 10 days to provide additional 
information to the ECC -Provider. Within 30 days of the date of the 
notice of decertification or within 20 days of receiving a response 
or additional information from the ECC -Rater, whicheve r is later, 
the ECC -Provider shall provide a final determination on proceeding 
with decertification to the ECC -Rater and any ECC -Rater Company 
for which the ECC -Rater performs field verification and diagnostic 
testing services. The decertification shall no t be effective until the 
ECC-Rater has exhausted their right to appeal pursuant to Section 
10-103.3(h) or until the time to exercise their right to appeal has 
lapsed.  
8. ECC-Rater Company Discipline . If an ECC -Rater Company violates these 
regulations, the ECC -Provider shall take the following disciplinary steps to 
address and correct the noncompliance. However, in the event of a severe 
violation, the ECC -Provider shall proceed immediately to the susp ension or 
decertification step. A severe violation of these regulations includes knowingly 
creating false field verification or diagnostic testing documents, any violation 
involving criminal activity, coordinating or participati ng in an organized scheme 
to violate these regulations, or a demonstrated pattern of violating these 
regulations. The ECC -Provider and ECC -Rater Company may extend, by written 
agreement, the time for response, reply, and final determination for each step 
below. At any time, the Executive Director may direct an ECC -Provider to 
investigate an ECC -Rater Company or  discipline an ECC-Rater Company  pursuant 
to Section 10 -103.3(d)8.  
A. Step 1: Notice of Violation . Upon  identification of one or more violations 
of these regulations by an ECC -Rater Company, the ECC -Provider shall 
issue a notice of violation to the ECC -Rater Company and any affected 
homeowners.  
i. The ECC -Provider may require the ECC -Rater Company to take 
additional training or other corrective action related to the 
violations within a specified timeframe.  
ii. The ECC -Provider shall inform  the ECC -Rater Company of their 
responsibilities for the following: the ECC -Rater Company shall be 
responsible for the costs of quality assurance testing and 
additional training for the violations, and ECC-Rater Company shall 
be responsible for the costs to the property owner for the original 
field verification and diagnostic test and any necessary retesting 
because of the violations. The ECC -Provider shall not be Page 68 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS TITLE 24, PART 1, CHAPTER 10, SECTION 103.3 – 
ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES FOR THE ENERGY CODE COMPLIANCE PROGRAM  responsible for any costs related to flawed field verification and 
diagnostic test as performed by the ECC -Rater  employed by the 
ECC-Rater Company . 
iii. The notice of violation shall be in writing and include a description 
of the regulatory requirements and violations, the date and 
approximate time of the violations, the parties affected by the 
violations, any corrective action the ECC -Rater Company must 
take, any costs the ECC -Rater Company must reimburse, and the 
timeframe for complying with all requirements of the notice of 
violation.  
iv. The ECC -Rater Company will have 10 days of receipt of the notice 
of violation to respond in writing. If the ECC -Provider receives a 
response, the ECC -Provider shall acknowledge the response and, 
within 10 days, request additional information needed from the 
ECC-Rater Company. The ECC -Rater Company shall have 10 days to 
provide additional information to the ECC -Provider. Within 30 
days of the date of the notice of violation or within 20 days of 
receiving a response or additional information from the ECC -Rate r 
Company, whichever is later, the ECC -Provider shall provide a final 
determination of a violation to the ECC -Rater Company within 30 
days. The violation shall not be effective until the ECC -Rater 
Company has exhausted its right to request reconsideration by the 
ECC-Provider or until the time to exercise that right has lapsed 
(Section 10 -103.3(d)8Aiv).  
B. Step 2: Probation . If an ECC -Rater Company fails to complete all 
corrective actions and reimburse all costs specified for a violation within 
the required timeframe or receives two violations within a three -month 
period, the ECC -Provider shall issue a notice of probation to  the ECC -Rater 
Company.  
i. The notice of probation shall be in writing and include the basis for 
probation, the duration of probation, and all corrective action the 
ECC-Rater Company must complete during probation.  
ii. The ECC -Rater Company will have 10 days of receipt of the notice 
of probation to respond in writing. If the ECC -Provider receives a 
response, the ECC -Provider shall acknowledge the response, and, 
within 10 days, request additional information needed from the 
ECC-Rater Company. The ECC -Rater Company shall have 10 days to 
provide additional information to the ECC -Provider. Within 30 
days of the date of notice of probation or within 20 days of 
receiving a response or additional information from the ECC -Rater, 
whichever is later, the ECC -Provider shall provide a final 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page  69 
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS TITLE 24, PART 1, CHAPTER 10, SECTION 103.3 – 
ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES FOR THE ENERGY CODE COMPLIANCE PROGRAM  determination of probation to the ECC -Rater Company. The terms 
of probation shall last no more than six months and shall not be 
effective until the ECC -Rater Company has exhausted its right to 
request reconsideration by the ECC -Provider or until the time t o 
exercise that right has lapsed (Section 10 -103.3(d)8Bii).  
C. Step 3: Suspension . If an ECC -Rater Company fails to fully comply with the 
terms of probation or receives a new notice of violation while on 
probation, the ECC -Provider shall issue a notice of suspension to the ECC -
Rater Company.  
i. The notice of suspension shall be in writing and include the basis 
for suspension, the duration of suspension, and all corrective 
action the ECC -Rater Company must complete during suspension.  
ii. During suspension, the ECC-Provider will disable access to its 
registry for all ECC-Raters of the ECC-Rater Company.  
iii. The ECC -Rater Company will have 10 days of receiving the notice 
of suspension to respond in writing. If the ECC -Provider receives a 
response, the ECC -Provider shall acknowledge the response and, 
within 10 days, request additional information needed from the 
ECC-Rater Company. The ECC -Rater Company shall have 10 days to 
provide additional information to the ECC -Provider. Within 30 
days of the date of the notice of suspension or 20 days of receiving 
a response or additional information from the ECC -Rater, 
whichever is later, the ECC -Provider shall provide a final 
determination of suspension. The suspension shall not be effective 
until the ECC -Rater Company has exhausted its right to appeal 
pursuant to Section 10 -103(h) or until the time to exercise its right 
to appeal has lapsed.  
D. Step 4: Decertification . If an ECC -Rater Company fails to comply with the 
terms of suspension or receives a new notice of violation while suspended 
or while a notice of suspension is pending, the ECC -Provider shall issue a 
notice of decertification to the ECC -Rater Company.  
i. The notice of decertification shall be in writing and include the 
basis for decertification.  
ii. The ECC -Rater Company will have 10 days of receipt of the notice 
of decertification to respond in writing. If the ECC -Provider 
receives a response, the ECC -Provider shall acknowledge the 
response and, within 10 days, request additional information 
needed from the ECC -Rater Company. The ECC -Rater Company 
shall have 10 days to provide additional information to the ECC -
Provider. No earlier than 30 days of the date of the notice of 
suspension or 20 days of receiving a response or additional Page 70 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS TITLE 24, PART 1, CHAPTER 10, SECTION 103.3 – 
ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES FOR THE ENERGY CODE COMPLIANCE PROGRAM  information from the ECC -Rater, whichever is later, the ECC -
Provider shall provide a final determination of decertification. The 
decertification shall not be effective until the ECC -Rater Company 
has exhausted its right to appeal pursuant to (Section 10 -103.3(h)) 
or until the time to exercise its right to appeal has lapsed.  
9. Data Recording  
A. Data Recording for Field Verification and Diagnostic Tests . Each ECC -
Provider shall record all data collected by an ECC -Rater for a field 
verification and diagnostic test, including the following data:  
i. The registered Certificate(s) of Compliance, Certificate(s) of 
Installation, Certificate(s) of Verification, and their associated 
Compliance Registration Packages.  
ii. The energy efficiency improvements verified or tested, if 
applicable.  
iii. Whether the builder chose to include the home in a sample for 
FV&DT as specified in the Residential Appendices.  
iv. Whether initial FV&DT as specified in the Residential Appendices 
was conducted on the home.  
v. Whether the home in a sample was selected and verified or tested 
as specified in the Residential Appendices.  
vi. Whether the home in a sample was selected for resampling and 
verified or tested after a sampling failure was found in the sample 
as specified in the Residential Appendices.  
vii. Whether the home in a sample was verified or tested and 
corrective action was taken after a resampling failure was found in 
the sample as specified in the Residential Appendices.  
viii. Whether the homeowner declined to have verification or testing, 
and corrective action taken after occupancy as specified in the 
Residential Appendices.  
B. Data Recording for Quality Assurance Actions . 
i. An ECC -Provider shall record all Quality Assurance and disciplinary 
actions taken against each ECC -Rater and ECC -Rater Company.  
ii. The ECC -Provider shall maintain a database tracking system 
indicating the certificate status of all certified ECC -Raters and ECC -
Rater Companies and all Quality Assurance or disciplinary actions 
taken against each ECC -Rater and ECC -Rater Company.  
iii. Quality Assurance Data regarding ECC -Raters and ECC -Rater 
Companies shall include all of the following:  2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page  71 
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS TITLE 24, PART 1, CHAPTER 10, SECTION 103.3 – 
ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES FOR THE ENERGY CODE COMPLIANCE PROGRAM  a. Name, business address, and contact information for each 
certified ECC -Rater, ECC -Rater Company, or applicant.  
b. Current status of certification, limited to one of the 
following: Application -in-Review, In -training, Certified, 
Under Notice of Violation, on Probation, on Suspension, 
Decertified, Certification Dormant (no data registration 
activity in one year).  
c. Quality Assurance Actions . List and indicate pass or fail 
with an explanation of all of the following audits for each 
certified ECC -Rater:  
(i) Onsite Audits (Section 10 -103.3(d)5Ci).  
(ii) Shadow Audits (Section 10 -103.3(d)5Cii).  
(iii) Desk -Audits (Section 10 -103.3(d)5Civ).  
d. Detailed Quality Assurance Action Records . The ECC -
Provider shall keep all field notes and associated records 
regarding passed, warnings issued, or failed quality 
assurance tests for each certified ECC -Rater for no less 
than five (5) years.  
10. Data Retention . 
A. An ECC -Provider shall maintain all information in the original format in 
which it collects, receives, or records the data for a minimum of ten years.  
B. ECC-Providers shall maintain a system that allows the Commission to 
readily query, search, index, process, or otherwise interact with that data 
stored on the ECC -Provider’s system in a way that is not substantially 
limited compared to the ability of the EC C-Provider to query, search, 
index, process, or otherwise interact with that data.  
C. ECC-Providers may not restrict or degrade the Commission’s ability to 
query, access, sort, or filter this information in any way.  
D. ECC-Providers shall maintain digital copies of all files that can be indexed 
and searched. It is the responsibility of ECC -Providers to maintain the 
necessary systems to support these functions, unless the Commission or 
Executive Director explicitly author izes the ECC -Provider, in writing, to 
operate without this functionality or process.  
E. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed as requiring an ECC -Provider 
to process, re -package, or otherwise modify any historical information 
collected prior to January 1, 2026.  
11. Data Reporting . ECC -Providers shall comply with the following reporting 
requirements:  Page 72 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS TITLE 24, PART 1, CHAPTER 10, SECTION 103.3 – 
ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES FOR THE ENERGY CODE COMPLIANCE PROGRAM  A. ECC-Providers shall maintain a database of the information specified in 
Section 10 -103.3(d)9A and in compliance with Building Energy Efficiency 
Standards, Reference Appendix JA7, for the greater of: 500 buildings field 
verified and diagnostically tested by ECC -Raters certified by the respective 
ECC-Provider each year , or a 10 percent random sample of buildings field 
verified and diagnostically tested by ECC -Raters certified by the respective 
ECC-Provider each year.  
B. Beginning January 1, 2027, ECC -Providers shall provide this information 
annually in electronic form to the Commission for evaluating the 
effectiveness of field verification and diagnostic testing.  
C. This information shall be organized according to climate zones as defined 
in the Building Energy Efficiency Standards, Section 100.1(b).  
D. FV&DT Data Reporting . Within ninety days of the Executive Director 
approving a CEC -maintained electronic document repository, an ECC -
Provider shall transmit to the Commission electronic document 
depository Certificate(s) of Certification, Certificate(s) of Installation, 
Certi ficate(s) of Verification documents (Section 10 -103) and their 
associated Compliance Registration Packages that are registered and 
retained by a data registry in accordance with Section 10 -103 and Building 
Energy Efficiency Standards, A ppendix JA7. The ECC -Provider shall submit 
this data no less than once per calendar quarter and in a manner as 
directed by the Commission. Once implemented, this requirement shall 
supersede the requirements of Sections 10 -103.3(d)11A, 10 -103.3(d)11B 
and 10 -103.3(d)11C.  
E. Quality Assurance Quarterly Report . The ECC -Provider shall send a report 
each quarter to the Commission that includes all failed quality assurance 
audits (Section 10 -103.3(d)5). The ECC -Provider shall comply with all of 
the following:  
i. Submit a Quality Assurance Quarterly Report for each project 
where an audit (Section 10 -103.3(d)5) was performed and failed 
within the calendar quarter. The Quality Assurance Quarterly 
Report shall be submitted no less than 60 days after the end of the 
calendar quarter. Each reported project shall list the contractor 
information, ECC -Rater information, project address, project 
permit code (if available), other project identification available to 
help identify the project, and code violations for each failed  audit 
(as prescribed in Section 10 -103.3(d)5).  
ii. The ECC -Provider shall submit all Quality Assurance Quarterly 
Reports to the Commission in a docket prepared by the 
Commission.  
F. Quality Assurance Annual Report . 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page  73 
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS TITLE 24, PART 1, CHAPTER 10, SECTION 103.3 – 
ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES FOR THE ENERGY CODE COMPLIANCE PROGRAM  i. An ECC -Provider shall submit a Quality Assurance Annual Report to 
the Commission for each calendar year no later than the end of 
February of the following year.  
ii. The Quality Assurance Annual Report shall include all specified 
records within the annual timeframe.  
iii. The Quality Assurance Annual Report shall summarize all quality 
assurance actions taken for each ECC -Rater certified by the ECC -
Provider during the preceding year.  
iv. Detailed Quality Assurance Action Records (Section 10 -
103.3(d)9Biiid) are not required to be submitted annually to the 
Commission but shall be subject to Commission requests for 
information made pursuant to Section 10 -103.3(d)12.  
G. Annual Reporting Requirements Regarding ECC -Rater Companies . 
i. Beginning in 2027, an ECC -Provider shall submit an ECC -Rater 
Company Annual Report to the Commission by June first of each 
year . 
ii. The data used as the basis for the ECC -Rater Company Annual 
Report shall include submitted reports from all ECC -Rater 
Companies (Section 10 -103.3(f)2H) and all ECC -Raters filing as an 
independent (Section 10 -103.3(e)2G).  
iii. The ECC -Provider shall ensure that the ECC -Rater Company Annual 
Report includes all of the following:  
a. The compliance status of the principal licensure 
requirements (Section 10 -103.3(f)1B) are met for each 
ECC-Rater Company and the certification status of ECC -
Rater filing as independent (Section 10 -103.3(e)1A).  
b. The number of all types of certificate status (Section 10 -
103.3(e)1A) for all ECC -Raters employed by each ECC -Rater 
Company.  
c. Whether the total number of field verifications and 
diagnostic tests registered by each ECC -Rater Company and 
ECC-Rater filing as an independent is accurate as compared 
to the ECC -Provider data registry.  
d. An aggregation of the total and average costs of services 
for each type of field verifications and diagnostic tests 
reported by all ECC -Rater Companies and ECC -Rater filing 
as an independent without any associated identification. 
The ECC -Provider shall sum marize the cost of services data 
by local jurisdiction and climate zone independently. All 
aggregations shall consist of at least three reports of either Page 74 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS TITLE 24, PART 1, CHAPTER 10, SECTION 103.3 – 
ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES FOR THE ENERGY CODE COMPLIANCE PROGRAM  ECC-Rater Company (Section 10 -103.3(f)2H) or ECC -Rater 
(Section 10 -103.3(e)2G) filing as independent. All 
unaggregated results shall be included in a “other” 
category if consisting of at least three ECC -Rater 
Companies or ECC -Rater filing as independent. T he ECC -
Provider shall include the total number of reports for ECC -
Rater Companies and ECC -Raters filing as an independent 
that were not possible to aggregate or are otherwise not 
included in the report.  
H. Immediate Reporting of Disciplinary Actions . The ECC -Provider shall 
provide written notification of any ECC -Rater or ECC -Rater Company 
decertification to the Commission within 24 hours of decertification. The 
Commission shall notify all ECC -Providers of the decertification and 
instruct all ECC -Prov iders to immediately suspend the ECC -Rater’s or ECC -
Rater Company’s access credentials to their respective data registries.  
12. Responses to Commission Requests for  Data.  
A. At any time, the Executive Director may request access to or a digital copy 
of one or more registered compliance documents, associated  with  
Compliance Registration Packages, and quality assurance records that an 
ECC-Provider is required to maintain pursuant to Section 10 -103.3(d)9 
and the Building Energy Efficiency Standards, Reference Joint Appendix 
JA7. 
B. The provider shall comply with the request  in the time  frame  specified by 
the Executive Director . 
C. ECC-Providers have the sole responsibility to ensure that their systems 
can comply with the data request provisions of this subsection, including 
providing the Commission with reasonable access to any and all 
compliance documents, including Compliance Regi stration Packages, 
submitted within the past 10 years.  
13. Data Registry Requirements . ECC -Providers must comply with all data registry 
requirements provided by the Building Energy Efficiency Standards, Reference 
Joint Appendix JA7 and Section 10 -109.  
14. No Approved  ECC-Provider s. If there are no certified ECC-Provider s, the CEC may 
perform the ECC-Provider  Responsibilities provided in Section 10 -103.3( d) or 
suspend all or a portion of the FV&DT program, including (but not limited to) 
relevant provisions of the Building Energy Efficiency Standards found in the 
Residential Appendices RA1, RA2, RA3 and RA4, Nonresidential Appendix NA1 
and NA2, Reference Jo int Appendix JA7 and Section 10 -109.  
15. ECC-Provider Discipline . If the Executive Director becomes aware of an ECC -
Provider’s violation of these regulations, including any Conditions of Approval, 
the Executive Director shall take the disciplinary steps necessary to address and 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page  75 
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS TITLE 24, PART 1, CHAPTER 10, SECTION 103.3 – 
ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES FOR THE ENERGY CODE COMPLIANCE PROGRAM  correct the violation. Violations that trigger the disciplinary process include 
failure to comply with quality assurance requirements (Section 10 -103.3(d)5), 
failure to investigate or discipline ECC -Raters and ECC -Rater Companies (Section 
10-103.3(d)7 and Section 10 -103.3(d)8), failure to allow the Commission full 
access to the ECC -Provider data registry (Section 10 -103.3(d)12), refusal to 
comply with Commission data requests (Section 10 -103.3(d)12), failure to 
cooperate in a Commission complaint investigat ion (Section 10 -103.3(d)12), and 
failure to otherwise comply with any applicable law or regulation. In the event of 
a severe violation, the Executive Director may proceed immediately to issue a 
notice of suspension for the first severe violation and to issue a notice of 
decertification for a second severe violation. A severe violation of these 
regulations includes knowingly creating false field verification or diagnostic 
testing documents, any violation involving criminal activity, coordinating or 
participa ting in an organized scheme to violate these regulations, or a 
demonstrated pattern of violating these regulations.  
A. Step 1: Notice of Violation  Upon identification of one or more violations 
of these regulations by an ECC -Provider, the Executive Director shall issue 
a notice of violation to the ECC -Provider’s designated contact and publicly 
post the notice. The Executive Director shall require the  ECC-Provider to 
take corrective action related to the violations within a specified 
timeframe. The notice of violation shall be in writing and include a 
description of the legal requirements and violations, any corrective action  
the ECC -Provider must take, and the timeframe for complying with all the 
notice of violation requirements. The ECC -Provider will have 10 days of 
receipt of the notice of violation to respond in writing. If the Executive 
Director receives a response, the E xecutive Director shall acknowledge 
the response and, within 5 days, request additional information needed 
from the ECC -Provider. The ECC -Provider will have 5 days to provide 
additional information to the Executive Director. Within 30 days of the 
date of t he notice of violation or within 20 days of receiving additional 
information from the ECC -Provider, whichever is later, the Executive 
Director shall provide a final determination of a violation to the ECC -
Provider.  
B. Step 2: Probation . If an ECC -Provider fails to complete all corrective 
action prescribed by the Executive Director within the specified 
timeframe or receives a second notice of violation within a three -month 
period, the Executive Director shall issue a notice of probation to the ECC -
Provider’s designated contact. The Executive Director shall also publicly 
post the notice of probation. The notice shall be in writing, include a 
description of the regulatory requirements and violations, and specify the 
probati on duration. The ECC -Provider will have 10 days of receipt of the 
notice of probation to respond in writing. If the Executive Director Page 76 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS TITLE 24, PART 1, CHAPTER 10, SECTION 103.3 – 
ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES FOR THE ENERGY CODE COMPLIANCE PROGRAM  receives a response, the Executive Director shall acknowledge the 
response and, within 5 days, request additional information needed from 
the ECC -Provider. The ECC -Provider will have 5 days to provide additional 
information to the Executive Director. Withi n 30 days of the date of the 
notice of probation or within 20 days of receiving additional information 
from the ECC -Provider, whichever is later, the Executive Director shall 
provide a final determination of probation to the ECC -Provider.  
C. Step 3: Suspension . If an ECC -Provider fails to complete all corrective 
action or receives a new notice of violation while on probation, the 
Executive Director shall issue a notice of suspension to the ECC -Provider’s 
designated contact. The Executive Director shall also publicly post the 
notice of suspension. The notice shall be in writing, include a descriptio n 
of the regulatory requirements, violations, and proposed terms of 
suspension. The terms of suspension shall not be effective until the ECC -
Provider has exhausted its right to appeal pursuant to Section 10 -103.3(h) 
or until the time to exercise its right to appeal has lapsed, at which time 
the terms of suspension shall be deemed to have been imposed by the 
Commission.  
i. The ECC -Provider shall have 10 days of receipt of the notice of 
suspension to respond in writing. If the Executive Director receives 
a response, the Executive Director shall acknowledge the response 
and, within 5 days, request additional information needed from 
the ECC -Provider. The ECC -Provider will have 5 days to provide 
additional information to the Executive Director. Within 30 days o f 
the date of the notice of suspension or within 20 days of receiving 
additional information from the ECC -Provider, whichever is later, 
the Executive Director shall provide a final determination of a 
suspension to the ECC -Provider.  
ii. Terms of Suspension . Suspension may include conditionally or 
unconditionally restricting access to the Report Generator by the 
ECC-Provider. The duration of suspension shall be included in the 
terms of suspension.  
iii. Amendment to Terms of Suspension . The Executive Director may 
amend any term of the suspension by issuing a notice of 
amendment to terms of suspension to the ECC -Provider’s 
Designated Contact that includes the new terms of suspension and 
proposed effective date. Within 30 days of the date  of the notice, 
the ECC -Provider may appeal the new terms pursuant to Section 
10-103.3(h) or accept the new terms. If the ECC -Provider does not 
respond to the notice, the new terms shall go into effect on the 
31st day after the date of the notice.  2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page  77 
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS TITLE 24, PART 1, CHAPTER 10, SECTION 103.3 – 
ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES FOR THE ENERGY CODE COMPLIANCE PROGRAM  iv. 180-day Report . After 180 days of suspension, the Executive 
Director has 30 days to send to the ECC -Provider’s Designated 
Contact and publicly post a 180 -day report that includes each 
outstanding violation, a timeline of when notices of potential 
violation and notices o f violation were given for each outstanding 
violation, the date the probation began, the date suspension 
began and all terms of suspension, any amendments during the 
suspension, all steps the Executive Director is aware that the ECC -
Provider has taken to remedy each violation, and any other 
information the Executive Director deems relevant, including the 
Executive Director’s intentions moving forward with respect to the 
ECC-Provider.  
D. Step 4: Rescinding Approval . If an ECC -Provider fails to comply with the 
terms of suspension or receives a new notice of violation while suspended 
or while a notice of suspension is pending, the Executive Director shall 
issue a notice of rescinding approval to the ECC -Provider’s des ignated 
contact. The rescinded approval shall not be effective until the ECC -
Provider has exhausted its right to appeal pursuant to Section 10 -103.3(h) 
or until the time to exercise its right to appeal has lapsed, at which time 
the rescinded approval shall be deemed to have been imposed by the 
Commission.  
i. The ECC -Provider shall have 10 days of receipt of the notice of 
rescinded approval to respond in writing. If the Executive Director 
receives a response, the Executive Director shall acknowledge the 
response and, within 5 days, request additional informatio n 
needed from the ECC -Provider. The ECC -Provider will have 5 days 
to provide additional information to the Executive Director. Within 
30 days of the date of the notice of rescinded approval or within 
20 days of receiving additional information from the ECC -Provider, 
whichever is later, the Executive Director shall provide a final 
determination of a rescinded approval to the ECC -Provider.  
E. Remediation  required to restore eligibility to apply to be an ECC -Provider. 
Once an ECC -Provider has been decertified, neither that entity nor any 
successor, subsidiary, or otherwise affiliated or substantially similar 
organization, is eligible to apply to operate as  or apply to become a 
certified ECC -Provider until it has completed the following Remediation 
process:  
i. A decertified ECC -Provider may regain their eligibility to apply to 
become an ECC -Provider by submitting an Application for 
Remediation pursuant to Section 10 -103.3(c)9 and receiving the 
Commission’s approval.  Page 78 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS TITLE 24, PART 1, CHAPTER 10, SECTION 103.3 – 
ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES FOR THE ENERGY CODE COMPLIANCE PROGRAM  ii. Once a decertified ECC -Provider has completed the Remediation 
process by receiving the Commission’s approval, the decertified 
ECC-Provider becomes a remediated ECC -Provider eligible to 
submit an ECC -Provider Application pursuant to Section 10 -
103.3(c)3 acc ording to the process set out in Section 10 -110. A 
remediated ECC -Provider is only eligible for a full application 
pursuant to Section 10 -103.3(c)3.  
(e) ECC-Rater Certification and Responsibilities  
1. Certification . 
A. Certification Process . ECC -Rater applicants shall apply to a Commission 
approved ECC -Provider for certification pursuant to the application 
process established by the ECC -Provider.  
B. Minimum Qualifications . ECC -Rater applicants shall have completed all 
training set forth in Section 10 -103.3(d)1.  
C. ECC-Rater Agreement . Prior to being certified, an ECC -Rater applicant 
shall sign the ECC -Rater agreement with the ECC -Provider, in which the 
ECC-Rater shall agree, at minimum, to comply with all applicable laws and 
regulations, including the requirements provided in this Sec tion 10 -103.3.  
D. Clean Certification Record . ECC -Providers shall not issue a new ECC -Rater 
certification to any ECC -Rater applicant if that applicant has an ongoing 
disciplinary proceeding requiring resolution by another ECC -Provider.  
i. At a minimum, the issuing ECC -Provider shall require an ECC -Rater 
applicant to attest that the ECC -Rater applicant is in good standing 
with all other ECC -Providers.  
ii. Any ECC -Provider may submit a complaint to the Commission if it 
suspects that an ECC -Rater with an outstanding disciplinary status 
requiring resolution has been issued a new ECC -Rater certification 
by another ECC -Provider.  
2. Required Conduct . 
A. ECC-Raters shall provide field verification services in compliance with 
these regulations, including any regulations contained in the California 
Building Energy Efficiency Standards and related Reference Appendices 
RA1, RA2, RA3, RA4, JA7, NA1, and NA2  
B. ECC-Raters shall not create, record, submit, or certify untrue, inaccurate, 
or incomplete field verification and diagnostic test information or report 
field verification and diagnostic test results that did not comply with these 
regulations.  2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page  79 
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS TITLE 24, PART 1, CHAPTER 10, SECTION 103.3 – 
ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES FOR THE ENERGY CODE COMPLIANCE PROGRAM  C. ECC-Raters shall not accept payment or other consideration in exchange 
for reporting a field verification and diagnostic test result not conducted 
and reported in compliance with these regulations.  
D. ECC-Raters shall comply with the conflict -of-interest prohibitions set forth 
in Section 10 -103.3(b)1.  
E. ECC-Raters shall be present and personally participate in any field 
verification and diagnostic test or field verification activity. If an ECC -Rater 
relies on employees, designees, trainees, or any other individual to assist 
them in performing field verifi cation and diagnostic test activity, the ECC -
Rater shall be able to directly monitor and verify that any tests or 
measurements were performed properly in accordance with regulations.  
F. ECC-Raters shall not provide information based on assumptions, averages, 
or otherwise generated in any way other than by field verification and 
diagnostic testing performed in accordance with these regulations. Any 
such information is presumed to be untrue , inaccurate, and/or 
incomplete unless the ECC -Rater has the written permission of the 
Executive Director that explains how that information is collected and 
why such data is not untrue, inaccurate, and/or incomplete.  
G. ECC-Raters not employed by an ECC -Rater Company are considered 
independent. Independent ECC -Raters shall submit annual reports no 
later than the end of March of each year starting in 2027 to the ECC -
Provider that includes the information listed in Section 10-103.3(f)2Hiii 
and Section 10 -103.3(f)2Hiv.  
3. Failure to Adhere to Required Conduct.  ECC-Raters are subject to the disciplinary 
action set forth in Section 10 -103.3(d)7 for the failure to adhere to the required 
conduct and these regulations.  
4. Appeal and Reconsideration of Discipline . 
A. ECC-Raters may seek reconsideration and review of a disciplinary action 
as set forth in Section 10 -103.3(d)7.  
B. ECC-Raters may appeal a disciplinary action imposed on them as set forth 
in Section 10 -103(h).  
(f) ECC-Rater Company Certification and Responsibilities  
1. Certification . 
A. Certification Process.  ECC-Rater Company applicants shall apply to a 
Commission approved ECC -Provider pursuant to the application process 
established by the ECC -Provider.  
B. Minimum Qualifications . At least one principal of the ECC -Rater Company 
applicant shall hold an active ECC -Rater certification issued by a Page 80 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS TITLE 24, PART 1, CHAPTER 10, SECTION 103.3 – 
ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES FOR THE ENERGY CODE COMPLIANCE PROGRAM  Commission approved ECC -Provider or be actively pursuing certification 
as evidenced by enrollment in training courses.  
C. Training . Prior to being certified, the ECC -Rater Company applicant shall 
complete all required training provided by the ECC -Provider.  
D. ECC-Rater Company Agreement . Prior to being certified, the ECC -Rater 
Company applicant shall sign an agreement with the ECC -Provider, in 
which the ECC -Rater Company shall agree, at minimum, to comply with all 
applicable laws and regulations, including but not limited to the 
requirem ents provided in Section 10 -103.3.  
2. Required Conduct . 
A. ECC-Rater Companies shall maintain a publicly available list of all of its 
ECC-Raters.  
B. ECC-Rater Companies shall have view -only access to the compliance 
documents registered by its ECC -Rater.  
C. ECC-Rater Companies shall not change data entered into the ECC -Provider 
data registry for any Certificates of Verification.  
D. ECC-Rater Companies may be the “ Document Author” for Certificates of 
Compliance and Certificates of Installation registered in the ECC -Provider 
data registry but may not sign as the “Responsible Person” or “Installing 
Technician”  (Section 10 -103(a)1 and Section 10 -103(a)3),  
i. An ECC -Rater or ECC -Rater Company may sign the Certificate of 
Installation as the “ Authorized Representative ” if they have a 
Delegation of Signature Authority (Section 10 -103(a)3A) 
agreement with the Responsible Person and in place with ECC -
Provider.  
ii. The ECC-Rater Company may not provide additional project 
services beyond field verification and diagnostic testing  or as 
provided in Section 10 -103.3(f) 2D and Section 10 -103.3(f)2Di  
including design , construction management,  permitting, or 
“Responsible Person ” signatories (Section 10 -103(a)1 and Section 
10-103(a)3) unless the ECC-Rater Company submits a Declaration 
of ECC -Rater Company Separation of Services as provided in 
Section 10 -103.3(f)2Diii . 
iii. Declaration of ECC -Rater Company Separation of Services . The 
Declaration of ECC-Rater Company Separation of S ervices  provide s 
proof to the ECC -Provider showing that the ECC -Rater(s) employed 
or contracted by the ECC -Rater Company to provide field 
verification and diagnostic services is in compliance with the 
requirements in Section 10 -103.3(b)1 and is independent and 
acting as a  third party  as defined by Section 10 -103(a)5 from the 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page  81 
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS TITLE 24, PART 1, CHAPTER 10, SECTION 103.3 – 
ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES FOR THE ENERGY CODE COMPLIANCE PROGRAM  person(s) employed or contracted by the ECC -Rater Company to 
provide services beyond the field verifications and diagnostic 
testing services including design, construction management, 
permitting, or “Responsible Person” signatories (Section 10 -
103(a)1 and Section 10 -103(a)3) on the same project.  
a. The ECC -Rater Company must show proof that the 
person(s) providing these additional services do not have 
management, hiring or firing, payment or any other 
authority over the ECC -Rater or direct the ECC -Rater 
activities in any regard on the same project(s).  
b. The ECC -Rater Company must show proof that the 
person(s) providing these additional services is qualified to 
do so under Division 3 of the Business and Professions 
Code.  
c. The ECC -Rater Company must show proof that the 
person(s) providing signatory services under Section 10 -
103(a)1 and Section 10 -103(a)3 will be legally responsible 
for design, construction, or installation in the applicable 
classification for the scope of wo rk and will sign as the 
Responsible Person.  
d. The Declaration of ECC -Rater Company Separation of 
Services must be retained by the ECC -Provider to which all 
project compliance documentation are submitted.  
E. ECC-Rater Companies shall use the approved data registry user interface 
of a data registry or an approved external digital data service for data 
input into the ECC -Provider data registry.  
F. No later than March 31 of each year, each ECC -Rater Company shall 
submit to the ECC -Provider an annual report that includes:  
i. ECC-Rater Company Contact details, principals, and required 
certificates.  
ii. A list of all ECC -Raters working for the ECC -Rater Company.  
iii. The total number of field verifications and diagnostic tests 
performed by ECC -Raters working for the ECC -Rater Company 
during the prior calendar year, organized by building code 
jurisdiction.  
iv. The total and average cost of services charged for each type of 
field verification and diagnostic test performed by ECC -Raters 
working for the ECC -Rater Company during the prior calendar 
year.  Page 82 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS TITLE 24, PART 1, CHAPTER 10, SECTION 103.3 – 
ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES FOR THE ENERGY CODE COMPLIANCE PROGRAM  G. The ECC -Rater Company is responsible for assuring all of its ECC -Raters 
comply with these regulations and all other applicable laws and 
regulations when providing field verification and diagnostic services.  
H. The ECC -Rater Company shall support the ECC -Rater progressive discipline 
requirements (Section 10 -103.3(d)7) as follows:  
i. Notice of Violation . The ECC -Rater Company shall ensure the ECC -
Rater complies with any corrective action and reimbursement of 
costs prescribed in the notice of violation within the timeframe 
provided in the notice of violation. The ECC -Rater Company shall 
facilitate any ref und to a homeowner.  
ii. Probation . The ECC -Rater Company shall ensure the ECC -Rater 
complies with any training and tests and reimbursement of costs 
prescribed in the notice of probation within the time provided in 
the notice of probation. The ECC -Rater Company shall not assign 
any new wor k to the ECC -Rater until probation is lifted.  
iii. Suspension.  The ECC -Rater Company shall ensure the ECC -Rater 
complies with the terms of suspension prescribed in the notice of 
suspension.  
iv. Decertification . The ECC -Rater Company shall ensure the 
decertified ECC -Rater does not perform any FV&DT services.  
I. ECC-Rater Companies shall not provide untrue, inaccurate, or incomplete 
field verification and diagnostic test information or report field 
verification and diagnostic test results that did not comply with these 
regulations.  
J. ECC-Rater Companies shall not accept payment or other consideration in 
exchange for reporting a field verification and diagnostic test result not 
conducted and reported in compliance with these regulations.  
K. Prohibition of Conflicts of Interest . ECC -Rater Companies shall comply 
with the conflict -of-interest prohibitions set forth in Section 10 -103.3(b)1.  
3. Failure to Adhere to Required Conduct . ECC -Rater Companies are subject to the 
disciplinary action set forth in Section 10 -103.3(d)8 for the failure to adhere to 
the required conduct and these regulations.  
4. Reconsideration of Discipline . ECC -Rater Companies may request 
reconsideration and review of a disciplinary action as set forth in Section 10 -
103.3(d)8.  
(g) Prohibition from Practice and Re -Entry . Any ECC -Rater, ECC -Rater Company, or ECC -
Provider that is currently suspended, or that has been decertified by the Executive 
Director or Commission pursuant to these regulations, is prohibited from operating 
pursuant to its certification under these regul ations.  2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page  83 
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS TITLE 24, PART 1, CHAPTER 10, SECTION 103.3 – 
ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES FOR THE ENERGY CODE COMPLIANCE PROGRAM  1. ECC-Raters . 
A. While prohibited from practice, an ECC -Rater shall not submit field 
verification and diagnostic test information, including any compliance 
documents or Compliance Registration Packages, to an ECC -Provider, 
Data Registry, or the Commission.  
B. Any such information submitted by an ECC -Rater who is prohibited from 
practicing is invalid and may not be relied on for purposes of permit 
compliance under the Energy Code.  
2. ECC-Rater Companies . ECC -Rater Companies shall not act in any manner that 
leads to, encourages, or aids a violation of the prohibition to practice.  
3. ECC-Providers . 
A. No ECC -Provider shall accept or maintain field verification and diagnostic 
test information, including any compliance documents or Compliance 
Registration Packages, from an entity that is prohibited from practice at 
the time that information was either gat hered or submitted.  
B. Nothing in this subsection shall be interpreted as prohibiting a n ECC-
Provider from storing or relying on information submitted by a ECC -Rater 
while they were in good standing.  
4. Re-Entry . The Executive Director or Commission may, for good cause, reinstate 
an entity’s ability to practice pursuant to Section 10 -103.3(c).  
(h) Appeal to Commission . Within 30 days of any decision or determination made by the 
Executive Director (Section 10 -103.3(d)15) or an ECC -Provider (Section 10 -103.3(d)7 and 
Section 10 -103.3(d)8), an ECC -Provider, ECC -Rater, or ECC -Rater Company subject to the 
decision or determin ation (“appellant”) may appeal the decision or determination to the 
Commission. The following procedures apply to the appeal:  
1. The appeal shall be in writing and signed by the appellant and served on the 
party whose decision is the subject of appeal (“respondent”) and the 
Commission. The appeal shall consist of a written argument, stating the grounds 
for modifying or reversing the  decision, identifying the statutes and regulations 
relevant to the appeal, and stating whether an oral hearing is requested, and a 
copy of all relevant notices, responses, correspondence, documents, and 
decisions.  
2. Within 30 days after the date the appeal was filed, the respondent shall serve on 
the appellant and the Commission a written argument, stating the grounds for 
affirming, modifying, or reversing the decision, identifying the statutes and 
regulations relevan t to the appeal, and stating whether an oral hearing is 
requested. The respondent’s written argument shall also be accompanied by any 
relevant notices, responses, correspondences, documents, and decisions not 
previously provided by the appellant.  
3. Commission Consideration of  Appeal  Page 84 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS TITLE 24, PART 1, CHAPTER 10, SECTION 103.3 – 
ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES FOR THE ENERGY CODE COMPLIANCE PROGRAM  A. The proceedings on appeal shall be conducted in a manner consistent 
with Chapter 4.5 of the Government Code (Section 11400 et seq.) and 
Title 20 CCR sections 1200 -1216.  
B. The Commission shall review the decision or determination made 
pursuant to this section for substantial evidence.  
 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page  85 
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS TITLE 24, PART 1, CHAPTER 10, SECTION 103.3 – 
ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES FOR THE ENERGY CODE COMPLIANCE PROGRAM  10-104 – EXCEPTIONAL DESIGNS  
NOTE:  See Section 10 -109 for approval of calculation methods and Alternative Component 
Packages.  
(a) Requirements.  If a building permit applicant proposes to use a performance compliance 
approach, and the building designs cannot be adequately modeled by an approved 
calculation method, an applicant shall be granted a building permit if the Commission finds:  
1. That the design cannot be adequately modeled with an approved calculation method;  
2. Using an alternative evaluation technique, that the design complies with Part 6; and  
3. That the enforcement agency has determined that the design complies with all other 
legal requirements.  
(b) Applications.  The applicant shall submit four copies of a signed application with the 
following materials to the Executive Director:  
1. A copy of the plans and documentation required by Section 10 -103(a)2;  and 
2. A statement explaining why meeting the energy budget cannot be demonstrated using 
an approved calculation method;  and 
3. Documentation from the enforcement agency stating that:  
A. Meeting the energy budget requirements cannot be demonstrated using an 
approved calculation method; and  
B. The design complies with all other legal requirements; and  
4. A detailed evaluation of the energy consumption of the proposed building and the 
building's materials, components, and manufactured devices proposed to be installed to 
meet the requirements of Part 6 using an alternative evaluation technique. The 
evalua tion shall include a copy of the technique, instructions for its use, a list of all input 
data, and all other information required to replicate the results.  
NOTE:  Authority: Sections 25402 and 25402.1, Public Resources Code. Reference: Sections 
25007, 25008, 25218.5, 25310, 25402, 25402.1, 25402.4, 25402.5, 25402.8 and 25943, Public 
Resources Code. Page 86 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS TITLE 24, PART 1, CHAPTER 10, SECTION 10 4 – 
EXCEPTIONAL DESIGNS  10-105 – ENFORCEMENT BY THE COMMISSION  
(a) Where there is No Local Enforcement Agency.  Before new construction may begin in an 
area where there is no local enforcement agency, the Executive Director shall determine in 
writing that the building design conforms to the requirements of Part 6. The person 
proposing to construct the building shal l submit the information described in Sections 10 -
103(a)1 and 10 -103(a)2 to the Executive Director when such a determination is sought.  
(b) Where building construction is under the jurisdiction of a State agency.  Pursuant to Public 
Resources Code Section 25402.1(g)(5), no construction of any State building shall commence 
until the Department of General Services or the State agency that otherwise has jurisdiction 
over the property determines that the construction i s designed to comply with the 
requirements of Part 6, and confirms that the documentation requirements of Sections 10 -
103(a)1 and 10 -103(a)2 have been met and that the plans indica te the features and 
performance specifications needed to comply with Part 6. The responsible state agency shall 
notify the Commission’s Executive Director of its determination.  
(c) Where the Enforcement Agency Fails to Enforce.  If an enforcement agency fails to enforce 
the requirements of this article or of Part 6 the Commission, after furnishing 10 days written 
notice, may condition building permit issuance on submission of the information described 
in Sections 10 -103(a)1 and 1 0-103(a)2 to the Executive Director and on his or her written 
determination that proposed construction conforms to the requirements of Part 6.  
NOTE:  Authority: Code Section 25402.1, Public Resources Code. Reference: Section 25402.1, 
Public Resources Code. 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page  87 
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS TITLE 24, PART 1, CHAPTER 10, SECTION 10 5 – 
ENFORCEMENT BY THE COMMISSION  10-106 – LOCALLY ADOPTED ENERGY STANDARDS  
(a) Requirements.  Local governmental agencies may adopt and enforce energy standards for 
newly constructed buildings, additions, alterations, and repairs to existing buildings 
provided the following two requirements are met prior to any enforcement of the 
standards:  
1. A determination that the standards are cost effective is adopted by the local agency at a 
public meeting and subsequently filed with the Energy Commission; and  
2. The Energy Commission finds that the standards will require buildings to be designed to 
consume less energy than permitted by Title 24, Part 6.  
(b) Documentation Application.  Local governmental agencies wishing to enforce energy 
standards subject to Section10 -106(a) shall submit an application with the following 
materials to the Executive Director:  
1. The proposed energy standards;  
2. The local governmental agency's findings and supporting analyses on the energy savings 
and cost effectiveness of the proposed energy standards;  
3. A statement or finding by the local governmental agency that the proposed energy 
standards will require buildings to be designed to consume less energy than permitted 
by Part 6; and  
4. Any findings, determinations, declarations or reports, including any negative declaration 
or environmental impact report, required pursuant to the California Environmental 
Quality Act, Pub. Resources Code Section 21000 et seq.  
NOTE:  Authority: Section 25402.1, Public Resources Code. Reference: Sections 25402.1, 
21080.4, 21153, Public Resources Code. Page 88 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS TITLE 24, PART 1, CHAPTER 10, SECTION 10 6 – LOCALLY 
ADOPTED ENERGY STANDARDS  10-107 – INTERPRETATIONS  
(a) The Commission may make a written determination as to the applicability or interpretation 
of any provision of this article or of Part 6 upon written application, if a dispute concerning a 
provision arises between an applicant for a building permit and the enforcement agency, 
and the dispute has been heard by the local board of permit appeals or other highest local 
review body. Notice of any such appeal, including a summary of the dispute and the section 
of the regulations involved, shall if possible be sent to the Commission by the enforcing 
agency 15 days before the appeal is heard, and the result of the appeal shall be sent to the 
Commission within 15 days after the decision is made. Either party to the dispute may apply 
for a determination but shall c oncurrently deliver a copy of the application to the other 
party. The determinations are binding on the parties.  
(b) The Executive Director may, upon request, give written advice concerning the meaning of 
any provision of this article or of Part 6. Such advice is not binding on any person.  
NOTE:  Authority: Section 25402.1, Public Resources Code. Reference: Section 25218.5 and 
25402.1, Public Resources Code. 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page  89 
10-108 – EXEMPTION  10-108 – EXEMPTION  
(a) Requirements.  The Commission may exempt any building from any provision of Part 6 if it 
finds that:  
1. Substantial funds had been expended in good faith on planning, designing, architecture, 
or engineering of the building before the adoption date of the provision; and  
2. Compliance with the requirements of the provision would be impossible without both 
substantial delays and substantial increases in costs of construction above the 
reasonable costs of the measures required to comply with the provision.  
(b) Application.  The applicant shall submit four copies of a signed application with the following 
materials to the Executive Director:  
1. A summary of the claimant's contracts for the project;  
2. A summary of internal financial reports on the project;  
3. Dated schedules of design activities; and  
4. A progress report on project completion.  
NOTE:  Authority: Section 25402.1, Public Resources Code. Reference: Section 25402.1, Public 
Resources Code.  
 Page 90 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS TITLE 24, PART 1, CHAPTER 10, SECTION 10 9 – 
COMPLIANCE SOFTWARE, ALTERNATIVE COMPONENT PACKAGES, EXCEPTIONAL METHODS, 
DATA REGISTRIES AND RELATED EXTERNAL DIGITAL DATA SOURCES , ALTERNATIVE RESIDENTIAL 
FIELD VERIFICATION PROTOCOLS,  ELECTRONIC DOCUMENT REPOSITORIES , PHOTOVOLTAIC, AND 
BATTERY  ENERGY  STORAGE SYSTEM REQUIREMENT DETERMINATIONS  10-109 – COMPLIANCE SOFTWARE, ALTERNATIVE COMPONENT PACKAGES, 
EXCEPTIONAL METHODS, DATA REGISTRIES AND RELATED EXTERNAL DIGITAL 
DATA SOURCES , ALTERNATIVE RESIDENTIAL FIELD VERIFICATION PROTOCOLS,  
ELECTRONIC DOCUMENT REPOSITORIES , PHOTOVOLTAIC, AND BATTERY  ENERGY 
STORAGE SYSTEM REQUIREMENT DETERMINATIONS  
(a) Compliance software, alternative component packages, exceptional methods, data 
registries and related data input software, alternative residential field verification 
protocols or electronic document repositories  must be approved by the Commission in 
order to be used to demonstrate compliance with Part 6.  
(b) Application.  Applications for approval of compliance software, alternative component 
packages, exceptional methods, data registries and related data input software, and 
alternative field verification protocols must be made as follows:  
1. An applicant shall submit four copies of a signed application form specified by the 
Executive Director.  
2. The application shall include the following materials:  
A. A description of the functional or analytical capabilities of the compliance software, 
alternative component package, calculation method, exceptional method, data 
registry or related data input software, and alternative field verification protocol; 
and 
B. A demonstration that the criteria in Section 10 -109 are met; and  
C. An initial fee of one thousand dollars ($1,000). The total fee shall cover the 
Commission's cost of reviewing and analyzing the application. Within 75 days of 
receipt of an application, the Commission will provide an estimate of the total 
maximum cost t o review and analyze the application and make a determination as to 
the completeness of the application. Consideration of the application will be delayed 
until the applicant submits requested additional information. After the Commission 
determines the tota l cost, if the cost exceeds the initial fee, the Commission shall 
assess an additional fee to cover the total cost. If the actual cost is less than the 
initial, or any estimated maximum, fee the Commission shall refund the difference to 
the applicant.  
(c)  Compliance Software.  
1. Compliance Manager.  The compliance man ager is the public domain computer program, 
including simulation and compliance rule implementatio n software , developed by the 
Energy Commission  pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 25402.1 . The compliance 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page  91 
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS TITLE 24, PART 1, CHAPTER 10, SECTION 10 9 – 
COMPLIANCE SOFTWARE, ALTERNATIVE COMPONENT PACKAGES, EXCEPTIONAL METHODS, 
DATA REGISTRIES AND RELATED EXTERNAL DIGITAL DATA SOURCES , ALTERNATIVE RESIDENTIAL 
FIELD VERIFICATION PROTOCOLS,  ELECTRONIC DOCUMENT REPOSITORIES , PHOTOVOLTAIC, AND 
BATTERY  ENERGY  STORAGE SYSTEM REQUIREMENT DETERMINATIONS  manager software simulates the energy use of a proposed residential or nonresidential 
building and compares it to a standard design energy budget to determine if the building 
complies with the Building Energy Efficiency Standards. The compliance manager shall be 
able to do the following:  
A. Standard design – The standard design building is a building simulated to establish 
the baseline energy budget for space heating, space cooling, indoor air quality 
ventilation, and water heating for a proposed building.  
 For newly constructed buildings, the standard design building shall be mode led as in 
the same location and having the same characteristics, including but not limited to 
floor area, volume, and configuration, as the proposed building, except that wall and 
fenestration areas shall be distributed equally between the four main compass 
points. For additions and alterations, th e standard design shall be modeled as in the 
same location and having the same characteristics and shall have the same wall and 
fenestrat ion areas and orientations as existing building.  
 Where the Energy Commission specifies that the standard design building includes a 
covered product subject to 42 USC 6295, or an appliance regulated by the Appliance 
Efficiency Regulations, the standard design building shall be modeled to meet but 
not exceed the efficiency level required by 42 USC 6295 for that covered product or 
applicable standards required by the Appliance Efficiency Regulations for that 
regulated a ppliance, respectively.  
 The standard design building shall be modeled to include the mandatory 
requirements of the Building Energy Efficiency Standards, and to meet but not 
exceed the prescriptive requirements that would apply to the proposed building.  
 The process of generating the standard design shall be performed automatically. This 
modeling  shall be  based on the inputs that describe the proposed building, 
substituting the assumptions for wall and fenestration area distribution, required 
efficiency for the covered product subject to 42 USC 6295 that the Energy 
Commission specifies in the standard desi gn, and the applicable standards for the 
appliance regulated by the Appliance Efficiency Regulation that the Energy 
Commission specifies in the standard design , and mandatory and prescriptive 
options applicable to the proposed building, thereby creating a standard design 
building against which the energy use of the proposed building can be evaluated.  
B. The modeled energy budgets of the standard design building and the energy 
consumption of the proposed building are described below.  These requirements 
ensur e that all modeled building features are specified on a one -for-one equivalent 
energy use or equivalent  energy cost basis. Compliance credit for covered products 
subject to 42 USC 6295 having efficiencies exceeding the efficiency levels required by 
42 USC 6295 shall be calculated in terms of long -term system cost, and source Page 92 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS TITLE 24, PART 1, CHAPTER 10, SECTION 10 9 – 
COMPLIANCE SOFTWARE, ALTERNATIVE COMPONENT PACKAGES, EXCEPTIONAL METHODS, 
DATA REGISTRIES AND RELATED EXTERNAL DIGITAL DATA SOURCES , ALTERNATIVE RESIDENTIAL 
FIELD VERIFICATION PROTOCOLS,  ELECTRONIC DOCUMENT REPOSITORIES , PHOTOVOLTAIC, AND 
BATTERY  ENERGY  STORAGE SYSTEM REQUIREMENT DETERMINATIONS  energy thereby ensuring that the compliance credit is on a one -for-one equivalent 
energy or equivalent cost basis.   
Long -term system cost (LSC) -– All electricity, gas or propane used within the 
modeled buildings shall be converted to LSC. LSC includes the efficiency LSC, which is 
the sum of LSC energy for space -conditioning, water heating, and mechanical 
ventilation, and total LSC, which includes efficiency LSC and LSC energy from 
photovoltaic, ener gy storage  systems, lighting, demand flexibility, and other plug 
loads.  
Source energy – The energy used within the modeled buildings shall be represented 
as long -run marginal, hourly source energy.  
C. Climate zone – The Energy Commission has established typical weather data, 
prescriptive packages , and energy budgets for 16 geographic areas of California, 
called climate zones, as specified in the Energy Efficiency Standards and Joint 
Appendix 2.  
Climate zone dependent information based on the climate zone or zip code specified 
for the proposed building shall be used . 
Where climate elements are incorporated into modeling calculations for the 
standard and proposed buildings, the effects of weather, temperature, and other 
climate elements  shall be calculated  based on the climate zone specified for the 
proposed building s. The same adjustment shall be applied to both buildings.  
The standard design shall be modeled as incorporating prescriptive options 
appropriate to climate zone specified for the proposed building.  
For covered products subject to 42 USC 6295, and for appliances regulated by the 
Appliance Efficiency Regulations, the estimated energy use of those covered 
products or appliances used to calculate the total energy use of the standard design 
and proposed buildings shall be determined using the test procedures  prescribed by 
42 USC 6293, or the Appliance Efficiency Regulations, respectively. This estimated 
energy use shall be adjusted to reflect the conditions where Part 6 is being applied, 
as a part of calcu lating the total long -term system cost , and source energy  of each 
building consistent with this section and document in  the A lternative Calculation 
Method  Reference Manual . 
D. Alternative Calculation Method Reference Manual – The Energy Commission shall 
publish a reference manual , Alternative Calculation Method Reference Manual,  that 
specifies the standard design and d etermines modeled building compliance with the 
Building  Energy Efficiency Standards.  
E. Compliance Documentation – If required, the necessary files needed to register the 
compliance documentation with a HERS provider shall be generated.  2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page  93 
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS TITLE 24, PART 1, CHAPTER 10, SECTION 10 9 – 
COMPLIANCE SOFTWARE, ALTERNATIVE COMPONENT PACKAGES, EXCEPTIONAL METHODS, 
DATA REGISTRIES AND RELATED EXTERNAL DIGITAL DATA SOURCES , ALTERNATIVE RESIDENTIAL 
FIELD VERIFICATION PROTOCOLS,  ELECTRONIC DOCUMENT REPOSITORIES , PHOTOVOLTAIC, AND 
BATTERY  ENERGY  STORAGE SYSTEM REQUIREMENT DETERMINATIONS  2.  Public Domain Computer Programs.  In addition to the compliance manager,  public 
domain computer programs that are approved pursuant to Public Resources Code 
Section 25402.1, the Commission may, upon written application or its own motion, 
approve additional public domain computer programs that may be used to demonstrate 
that proposed building designs meet energy budgets.  
A. The Commission shall ensure that users' manuals or guides for each approved 
program are available.  
B. The Commission shall approve a program only if it predicts energy consumption 
substantially equivalent to that predicted by the above -referenced public domain 
computer program, when it models building designs or features.  
32. Alternative Calculation Methods (All Occupancies) . The Commission may approve non -
public domain computer programs as an alternative calculation method that building 
permit applicants may then use to demonstrate compliance with the performance 
standards (energy budgets) in Part 6. In addition to the appli cation requirements of 
subdivision (b) above Section 10 -116, an application for approval of compliance software 
must include documentation demonstrating that the compliance software meets the 
requirements , specifications, and criteria set forth specified  in this section 10-109(c)1A, 
10-109(c)1B, 10-109(c)1C, 10-109(c)1D and 10 -109(c)1 E. the Residential or 
Nonresidential ACM Approval Reference Manual , as appropriate.  
NOTE:  Copies of the ACM Approval Manuals may be obtained from the Commission's 
website at: www.energy.ca.gov/title24.  
(d) Alternative Component Packages.  In addition to the application requirements of subdivision 
(b) above, an application for approval of an alternative component package must include 
documentation that demonstrates that the package:  
1. Will meet the applicable energy budgets; and  
2. Is likely to apply to a significant percentage of newly constructed buildings or to a 
significant segment of the building construction and design community.  
(e) Exceptional Methods.  The Commission may approve an exceptional method that analyzes a 
design, material, or device that cannot be adequately modeled using the public domain 
computer programs. Applications for approval of exceptional methods shall include all 
information needed  to verify the method's accuracy.  
(f) Commission Action.  The Commission may take the following actions on an application 
submitted pursuant to this section:  
1. Approve the application unconditionally;  
2. Restrict approval to specified occupancies, designs, materials, or devices; or  
3. Reject the application.  Page 94 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS TITLE 24, PART 1, CHAPTER 10, SECTION 10 9 – 
COMPLIANCE SOFTWARE, ALTERNATIVE COMPONENT PACKAGES, EXCEPTIONAL METHODS, 
DATA REGISTRIES AND RELATED EXTERNAL DIGITAL DATA SOURCES , ALTERNATIVE RESIDENTIAL 
FIELD VERIFICATION PROTOCOLS,  ELECTRONIC DOCUMENT REPOSITORIES , PHOTOVOLTAIC, AND 
BATTERY  ENERGY  STORAGE SYSTEM REQUIREMENT DETERMINATIONS  (g) Resubmittal.  An applicant may resubmit a rejected application or may request modification 
of a restricted approval. Such application shall include the information required pursuant to 
this section, and, if applicable, shall indicate how the proposed compliance softwar e, 
alternative component package, exceptional method, data registry or related data input 
software has been changed to enhance its accuracy or capabilities.  
1. Modification. Whenever an approved compliance software, alternative component 
package, exceptional method, data registry or related data input software is changed in 
any way, it must be resubmitted under this section for approval.  
2. The Commission may modify or withdraw approval of compliance software, an 
alternative component package, an exceptional method, or a data registry or related 
data input software based on its approval of other programs, methods, registries or data 
input software that are more suitable.  
(h) In addition to  the procedures and protocols identified in the Alternative Calculation Method 
Approval Manuals and the Reference Appendices, the Commission may authorize 
alternative procedures or protocols that demonstrate compliance with Part 6.  
(i) Data Registries And Related External Digital Data Sources, And Electronic Document 
Repositories.  
1. Data Registries and Related External Digital Data Sources.  
Data registries and related external digital data sources shall conform to the 
requirements specified in Reference Joint Appendix JA7.  
A. The Commission may approve residential data registries that provide for compliance 
document and their associated Compliance Registration Packages registration and 
retention, when required by Part 6 of all residential compliance documentation and 
the non residential Certificates of Verification.  
B. Nonresidential Data Registry Approval Thresholds.  
i. The Commission may approve nonresidential data registries that provide for 
compliance document and their associated Compliance Registration Packages 
registration, when required by Part 6 of all nonresidential compliance 
documentation,  excluding all Certificates of Acceptance recorded by an 
acceptance test technician certification provider (10 -103.1 and 10 -103.2) . 
However, nonresidential data registries may not provide for registration of 
nonresidential Certificates of Verification.  
ii. As a prerequisite to reviewing and/or approving nonresidential data registries for 
use, on or after January 1, 2023, the Commission shall first make all of the 
following findings:  
a. The Commission has approved data schema capable of utilization in the 
development of any nonresidential data registry.  2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page  95 
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS TITLE 24, PART 1, CHAPTER 10, SECTION 10 9 – 
COMPLIANCE SOFTWARE, ALTERNATIVE COMPONENT PACKAGES, EXCEPTIONAL METHODS, 
DATA REGISTRIES AND RELATED EXTERNAL DIGITAL DATA SOURCES , ALTERNATIVE RESIDENTIAL 
FIELD VERIFICATION PROTOCOLS,  ELECTRONIC DOCUMENT REPOSITORIES , PHOTOVOLTAIC, AND 
BATTERY  ENERGY  STORAGE SYSTEM REQUIREMENT DETERMINATIONS  b. The Commission will not lose access to information necessary to support 
the enforcement and development of current and future building code cycles.  
iii. The procedures for consideration and approval of applications enumerated in 10 -
110 shall not apply to applications for nonresidential data registries until the 
Commission makes the findings specified in 10 -109(i)1Bii.  
iv. Nothing in this or any other section, including 10 -110, shall be construed as 
requiring the Commission to make the findings specified in 10 -109(i)1Biia by any 
set date, regardless of pending applications.  
v. The Registration Provider shall only use data schema approved by the Commission 
in a nonresidential data registry.  
C. The Commission may approve external digital data sources used for data input to 
various data registries for registering, when required by Part 6 residential or 
nonresidential compliance documentation.  
2. Electronic Document Repositories.  
A. The Commission may approve electronic document repositories that retain for the 
Commission electronic compliance documentation and their associated Compliance 
Registration Packages generated by residential and nonresidential data registries 
when registr ation is required by Part 6.  
(j) Alternative Residential Field Verification Protocols.  
 Alternative residential field verification protocols shall comply with the application 
requirements of Section 10 -109(b) and any applicable requirements of Reference 
Residential Appendices RA1.  
(k) Photovoltaic System and Battery  Energy Storage System  (BESS)  Requirement 
Determinations.  
The Commission may, upon written application or its own motion, determine that the 
photovoltaic or battery energy  storage BESS  requirements in Section 150.1(a)3, Section 
140.0(c), Section 170.0(a)3 shall not apply, if the Commission finds that the implementation 
of public agency rules regarding utility system costs and revenue requirements, 
compensation for customer -owned generation, interconnection fees, or other factors, 
causes the Commission’s cost effectiveness conclusions, made pursuant to Public Resources 
Code 25402(b)(3), to not hold for particular buildings.  
Applications shall include full information regarding the differences between public agency 
rules and Energy Commission cost effectiveness determinations, including all information 
requested by the Commission to enable full review of the application. Appli cations shall also 
include specific recommended limitations to the scope of the determination that is 
requested, and specific eligibility criteria to determine what buildings would qualify for the 
determination. Applications from public agencies shall be s ubmitted to the Energy Page 96 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS TITLE 24, PART 1, CHAPTER 10, SECTION 10 9 – 
COMPLIANCE SOFTWARE, ALTERNATIVE COMPONENT PACKAGES, EXCEPTIONAL METHODS, 
DATA REGISTRIES AND RELATED EXTERNAL DIGITAL DATA SOURCES , ALTERNATIVE RESIDENTIAL 
FIELD VERIFICATION PROTOCOLS,  ELECTRONIC DOCUMENT REPOSITORIES , PHOTOVOLTAIC, AND 
BATTERY  ENERGY  STORAGE SYSTEM REQUIREMENT DETERMINATIONS  Commission only after public review within the jurisdiction of the public entity or service 
area of the utility. In cases where conditions have changed that potentially would alter 
Energy Commission determinations that previously have been made, the Energy 
Commission may reconsider those determinations on its own motion . Prior applicants shall 
assist the Energy Commission in obtaining information regarding current public agency rules 
upon request.  
NOTE:  Authority: Sections 25402 and 25402.1, Public Resources Code. Reference: Sections 
25007, 25008, 25218.5, 25310, 25402, 25402.1, 25402.4, 25402.5, 25402.8,25605,  25910, and 
25943, Public Resources Code.2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page  97 
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS TITLE 24, PART 1, CHAPTER 10, SECTION  110 – 
PROCEDURES FOR CONSIDERATION OF APPLICATIONS UNDER SECTIONS 10 -104, 10 -106, 10 -108, 
AND 10 -109 10-110 – PROCEDURES FOR CONSIDERATION OF APPLICATIONS UNDER 
SECTIONS 10-103.3, 10-104, 10 -106, 10 -108, AND 10 -109 
(a) Within 75 days of receipt of an application, the Executive Director shall determine if the 
application is complete with all the supporting information required pursuant to Sections 
10-103.3,  10-104, 10 -106, 10 -108, or 10 -109 (the complete application package).  
(b) Once the application is determined to be complete, the Executive Director shall make the 
complete application package available to interested parties for review and comment. 
Comments from interested parties must be submitted within a time period set by  the 
Executive Director, which shall be no less than 15 and no greater than 60 days after the 
complete application package is made available.  
(c) Within 75 days of the date the application is determined to be complete, the Executive 
Director may request any additional information needed to evaluate the application. 
Consideration of the application will be delayed until the applicant submits the requested 
additional information.  
(d) Within 75 days of the date the application is determined to be complete, the Executive 
Director may convene a workshop to gather additional information from the applicant and 
other interested parties. Interested parties will have 15 days after the work shop to submit 
additional comments or information regarding the application.  
(e) Within 90 days of the date the application is determined to be complete, or within 30 days 
after receipt of complete additional information requested under Section 10 -110(c), or 
within 60 days after the receipt of additional information submitted by in terested parties 
under Section 10 -110(d), whichever is later, the Executive Director shall submit to the 
Commission a written recommendation on the application.  
(f) The complete application package, any additional information considered by the Executive 
Director, and the Executive Director's recommendation shall be placed on the consent 
calendar and considered at the next business meeting after submission of the 
recom mendation The matter may be removed from the consent calendar at the request of 
any person.  
(g) The Executive Director may charge a fee to recover the costs of processing and reviewing 
applications, with the exception of Section 10 -106 applications.  
(h) All applicants have the burden of proof to establish that their applications should be 
granted.  
NOTE:  Authority: Section 25402.1, Public Resources Code. Reference: Section 25402.1, Public 
Resources Code.  
 Page 98 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS TITLE 24, PART 1, CHAPTER 10, SECTION  111 – 
CERTIFICATION AND LABELING OF FENESTRATION PRODUCT  AND EXTERIOR DOOR U-FACTORS, 
SOLAR HEAT GAIN COEFFICIENTS , VISIBLE TRANSMITTANCE  AND AIR LEAKAGE  10-111 – CERTIFICATION AND LABELING OF FENESTRATION PRODUCT  AND 
EXTERIOR DOOR U-FACTORS, SOLAR HEAT GAIN COEFFICIENTS , VISIBLE 
TRANSMITTANCE  AND AIR LEAKAGE  
This section establishes rules for implementing labeling and certification requirements relating 
to U -factors, solar heat gain coefficients (SHGCs), visible transmittance (VT) and air leakage for 
fenestration products and exterior doors under Section 110.6 (a) of Part 6. This section also 
provides for designation of the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) as the supervisory 
entity responsible for administering the state's certification program for fenestration products 
and exterior doors, provided NF RC meets specified criteria.  
(a) Labeling Requirements.  
1. Temporary labels.  
A. Every manufactured fenestration product and exterior door shall have attached to it 
a clearly visible temporary label that lists the U -factor, the solar heat gain coefficient 
(SHGC) and Visible Transmittance (VT) and that certifies compliance with the a ir 
leakage requirements of Section 110.6(a)1. Temporary labels for manufactured 
fenestration products and exterior doors are to incorporate the values determined by 
Section 10 -111(a)1B and shall comply with the labeling requirements of NFRC 700. No 
other v alues for U -factor, SHGC, VT and Air Leakage are allowed on the temporary label 
attached to the manufactured fenestration product or exterior door. Component 
Modeling Approach (CMA) and site -built fenestration products shall have an NFRC 
label certificate that lists the U -factor, the Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC), and 
the Visible Transmittance (VT) and shall comply with the labeling requirements of 
NFRC 705 for the Computer Modeling Approach or NFRC 700 for site -built 
fenestration products.  
B. U-factor, SHGC, VT and Air Leakage shall be determined by either:  
i. Fenestration products and exterior doors rated and certified using NFRC 100, 
NFRC 200, NFRC 202 NFRC 203 or NFRC 400 Rating Procedures. The 
manufacturer shall stipulate that the ratings were determined in accordance with 
applicable NFRC procedures. For manufactured fenestration products and 
exterior doors, a temporary label certificate approved by the supervisory entity 
(NFRC) meets the requirements of this section. For component modeling and 
site-built fenestration products, a label certificate approved  by the supervisory 
entity (NFRC) meets the requirements of this section.  
ii. For manufactured or site -built fenestration products and exterior doors not rated 
by NFRC, a temporary label with the words “CEC Default U -factor,” followed by 
the appropriate default U -factor specified in Section 110.6(a)2 and with the 
words “CEC Defa ult SHGC,” followed by the appropriate default SHGC specified in 
Section 110.6(a)3 and with the words "CEC Default VT," followed by the 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page  99 
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS TITLE 24, PART 1, CHAPTER 10, SECTION  111 – 
CERTIFICATION AND LABELING OF FENESTRATION PRODUCT  AND EXTERIOR DOOR U-FACTORS, 
SOLAR HEAT GAIN COEFFICIENTS , VISIBLE TRANSMITTANCE  AND AIR LEAKAGE  appropriate VT as specified in Section 110.6(a)4, meets the requirements of this 
Subsection B.  
C. Temporary labels shall also certify that the manufactured fenestration product or 
exterior door complies with the air leakage requirements of Section 110.6(a)1 of the 
Standards.  
2. Permanent labels.  Rated products shall have a permanent label consistent with their 
rating and certification that is either a stand -alone label, an extension or tab of an 
existing permanent certification label being used by the manufacturer/responsible party, 
or a series o f marks or etchings on the product. The permanent label coupled with 
observable product characteristics, shall be usable to trace the product to certification 
information on file with the supervisory entity or to a directory of certifie d products, 
published by the supervisory entity. For CMA and site -built fenestration products, a label 
certificate approved by the supervisory entity meets the requirements of this section.  
EXCEPTION to Section 10 -111(a) : Field -fabricated fenestration products.  
(b) Certification Requirements.  
1. Certification to default ratings. The manufacturer shall certify on the Default Label that 
the product's U -factor, SHGC and VT meets the default criteria in Sections 110.6(a)2, 
110.6(a)3 and 110.6(a)4; and  
A. A temporary label, affixed to the product, that meets the requirements of Section 
10-111(a)1B meets this requirement.  
B. If the product claims the default U -factor for a thermal break product, the 
manufacturer shall also certify on the label that the product meets the thermal break 
product criteria, specified on the default table, on which the default value is based. 
Placing the terms “Meets Thermal Break Default Criteria” on the default temporary 
label or default label certificate meets this requirement.  
2. Certification to NFRC rating procedure.  If a product's U -factor, SHGC or VT is based on 
the NFRC Rating Procedure, the U -factor, SHGC or VT shall be certified by the 
manufacturer according to the procedures of an independent certifying organization 
approved by the Commission.  
A. A temporary label, affixed to the product or label certificate for CMA and site -built 
fenestration, meeting the requirements of Section 10 -111(a) certified by the 
independent certifying organization complies with this requirement.  
B. An “independent certifying organization approved by the Commission” means any 
organization authorized by the supervisory entity to certify U -factor ratings, Solar 
Heat Gain Coefficient and Visible Transmittance ratings in accordance with the NFRC 
Rating  Procedure. If the Commission designates the NFRC as the supervisory entity, 
any independent certification and inspection agency (IA) licensed by NFRC shall be 
deemed to be an “independent certifying organization approved by the 
Commission.”  Page 100 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS TITLE 24, PART 1, CHAPTER 10, SECTION  111 – 
CERTIFICATION AND LABELING OF FENESTRATION PRODUCT  AND EXTERIOR DOOR U-FACTORS, 
SOLAR HEAT GAIN COEFFICIENTS , VISIBLE TRANSMITTANCE  AND AIR LEAKAGE  C. The “supervisory entity” means the NFRC, except as provided in Section 10 -111(c)1.  
EXCEPTION to Section 10 -111(b) : Field -fabricated fenestration products.  
(c) Designation of Supervisory Entity.  The NFRC shall be the supervisory entity to administer 
the certification program relating to U -factors, SHGC, and VT ratings for fenestration 
products and exterior doors, provided the Commission determines that the NFRC meets the 
criteria in Section 10 -111(d).  
1. The Commission may consider designating a supervisory entity other than NFRC only if 
the Commission determines that the NFRC cannot meet the criteria in Section 10 -111(d). 
Such other supervisory entity shall meet the criteria in Section 10 -111(d) prior to being 
designated.  
2. The Commission shall periodically review, at least annually, the structure and operations 
of the supervisory entity to ensure continuing compliance with the criteria in Section 10 -
111(d).  
(d) Criteria for Supervisory Entity.  
1. Membership in the entity shall be open on a nondiscriminatory basis to any person or 
organization that has an interest in uniform thermal performance ratings for 
fenestration products and exterior doors, including, but not limited to, members of the 
fenestration industry, glazing infill industry, building industry, design professionals, 
specifiers, utilities, government agencies, and public interest organizations. The 
membership shall be composed of a broad cross section of those interested in uniform 
thermal performance ratings for fenestration products.  
2. The governing body of the entity shall reflect a reasonable cross section of the interests 
represented by the membership.  
3. The entity shall maintain a program of oversight of product manufacturers, laboratories, 
and independent certifying organizations that ensures uniform application of the NFRC 
Rating Procedures, labeling and certification, and such other rating procedure s for other 
factors affecting energy performance as the NFRC and the Commission may adopt.  
4. The entity shall require manufacturers and independent certifying organizations within 
its program to use laboratories accredited by the supervisory entity to perform 
simulations and tests under the NFRC Rating Procedure or by an NFRC Approved 
Calculati on Entity (ACE) under the Component Modeling Approach (CMA) Product 
Certification Program (PCP).  
5. The entity shall maintain appropriate guidelines for testing and simulation laboratories, 
manufacturers, and certifying agencies, including requirements for adequate:  
A. Possession and calibration of equipment;  
B. Education, competence, and training of personnel;  
C. Quality control;  2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page  101 
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS TITLE 24, PART 1, CHAPTER 10, SECTION  111 – 
CERTIFICATION AND LABELING OF FENESTRATION PRODUCT  AND EXTERIOR DOOR U-FACTORS, 
SOLAR HEAT GAIN COEFFICIENTS , VISIBLE TRANSMITTANCE  AND AIR LEAKAGE  D. Record keeping and reporting;  
E. Periodic review (including, but not limited to, blind testing by laboratories; 
inspections of products; and inspections of laboratories, manufacturing facilities, and 
certifying agencies);  
F. Challenges to certified ratings; and  
G. Guidelines to maintain the integrity of the program, including, but not limited to, 
provisions to avoid conflicts of interest within the rating and certification process.  
6. The entity shall be a nonprofit organization and shall maintain reasonable, 
nondiscriminatory fee schedules for the services it provides and shall make its fee 
schedules, the financial information on which fees are based, and financial statements 
availa ble to its members for inspection.  
7. The entity shall provide hearing processes that give laboratories, manufacturers, and 
certifying agencies a fair review of decisions that adversely affect them.  
8. The entity shall maintain a certification policy committee whose procedures are 
designed to avoid conflicts of interest in deciding appeals, resolving disputes, and setting 
policy for the certifying organizations within its program.  
9. The entity shall publish at least annually a directory of products certified and decertified 
within its program.  
10. The entity itself shall be free from conflict -of-interest ties or to undue influence from any 
particular manufacturing interest(s), testing or simulation lab(s), or independent 
certifying organization(s).  
11. The entity shall provide or authorize the use of labels and label certificates for 
Component Modeling Approach and site -built fenestration products that can be used to 
meet the requirements of Sections 110.6(a)2, 110.6(a)3 and 110.6(a)4, and this secti on. 
12. The entity's certification program shall allow for multiple participants in each aspect of 
the program to provide for competition between manufacturers, testing labs, simulation 
labs, and independent certifying organizations.  
(e) Certification for Other Factors.  Nothing in this section shall preclude any entity, whether 
associated with a U -factor, SHGC or VT certification program or not, from providing 
certification services relating to factors other than U -factors, SHGCs and VTs for fenestration 
products and ext erior doors.  
NOTE:  Authority: Section 25402 and 25402.1, Public Resources Code. Reference: Sections 
25007, 25008, 25218.5, 25310, 25402, 25402.1, 25402.4, 25402.8, and 25943, Public Resources 
Code.  
 Page 102 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS TITLE 24, PART 1, CHAPTER 10, SECTION  111 – 
CERTIFICATION AND LABELING OF FENESTRATION PRODUCT  AND EXTERIOR DOOR U-FACTORS, 
SOLAR HEAT GAIN COEFFICIENTS , VISIBLE TRANSMITTANCE  AND AIR LEAKAGE  10-112 – CRITERIA FOR DEFAULT TABLES  
(a) The Commission shall maintain tables of default U -factors and SHGCs for use as an 
alternative to U -factors and SHGCs derived based on the NFRC Rating Procedure. The default 
values shall meet the following criteria:  
1. The values shall be derived from simulations of products using the same computer 
simulation program(s) used in the NFRC Rating Procedure.  
2. The default values shall be set so that they do not provide to any significant number of 
products a lower U -factor or SHGC than those products would obtain if they were rated 
using the full NFRC Rating Procedure.  
(b) The Commission shall periodically review and revise the default tables as necessary to 
ensure that the criteria are met.  
NOTE:  Authority: Sections 25402 and 25402.1, Public Resources Code. Reference: Sections 
25007, 25008, 25218.5, 25310, 25402, 25402.1, 25402.4, 25402.8, 25910 and 25943, Public 
Resources Code.  2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page  103 
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS TITLE 24, PART 1, CHAPTER 10, SECTION  113 – RATING  AND 
LABELING OF ROOFING PRODUCT REFLECTANCE AND EMITTANCE  10-113 – RATING  AND LABELING OF ROOFING PRODUCT REFLECTANCE AND 
EMITTANCE  
This section establishes rules for implementing labeling and rating requirements relating to 
reflectance and emittance for roofing products for showing compliance with Sections 140.1, 
140.2, 140.3(a)1, 141.0(b)2B, 150.1(c)11, 150.2(b)1H, and 150.2(b)2 of T itle 24, California Code 
of Regulations, Part 6. This section also provides for designation of the Cool Roof Rating Council 
(CRRC) as the supervisory entity responsible for administering the state's rating program for 
roofing products, provided CRRC meets specified criteria.  
(a) Labeling Requirements.  
Every roofing product installed in construction to take compliance credit or meet the 
prescriptive requirements for reflectance and emittance under Sections 140.1, 140.2, 
140.3(a)1, 141.0(b)2B, 150.1(c)11, 150.2(b)1I or 150.2(b)2 shall have a clearly visib le 
packaging label that lists the emittance and the initial and aged solar reflectance, or a CRRC 
Rapid Rating for solar reflectance, tested in accordance with CRRC -1. 
Packaging for liquid -applied roof coatings shall state the product meets the requirements 
specified in Section 110.8(i)4.  
(b) Certification Requirements.  
Every roofing product installed in construction to take compliance credit or meet the 
prescriptive requirements for reflectance and emittance under Sections 140.1, 140.2, 
140.3(a)1, 141.0(b)2B, 150.1(c)11, 150.2(b)1I or 150.2(b)2 shall be rated by CRRC or another 
supervisory entity approved by the Commission pursuant to Section 10 -113(c).  
(c) Designation of Supervisory Entity.  The CRRC shall be the supervisory entity to administer 
the rating program relating to reflectance and emittance ratings for roofing products, 
provided the Commission determines that the CRRC meets the criteria in Section 10 -113(d).  
1. The Commission may consider designating a supervisory entity other than CRRC if the 
Commission determines that the CRRC is not meeting the criteria in Section 10 -113(d). 
Such other supervisory entity shall meet the criteria in Section 10 -113(d) prior to  being 
designated.  
2. The Commission shall periodically review, at least annually, the structure and operations 
of the supervisory entity to ensure continuing compliance with the criteria in Section 10 -
113(d). The supervisory entity shall provide an annual report to the Comm ission 
explaining all of the measures it has taken to comply with the criteria in Section 10 -
113(d).  
(d) Criteria for Supervisory Entity.  
1. Membership in the entity shall be open on a nondiscriminatory basis to any person or 
organization that has an interest in uniform performance ratings for roofing products, 
including, but not limited to, members of the roofing industry, building industry , design Page 104 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS TITLE 24, PART 1, CHAPTER 10, SECTION  113 – RATING  AND 
LABELING OF ROOFING PRODUCT REFLECTANCE AND EMITTANCE  professionals, specifiers, utilities, government agencies, and public interest 
organizations. The membership shall be composed of a broad cross section of those 
interested in uniform thermal performance ratings for roofing products.  
2. The governing body of the entity shall reflect a reasonable cross -section of the interests 
represented by the membership.  
3. The entity shall maintain a program of oversight of product manufacturers, laboratories, 
and independent certifying organizations that ensures uniform application of the CRRC 
testing and rating procedures, labeling and rating, and such other rating proc edures for 
other factors that improves the accuracy of properties of roofing products affecting 
energy performance as the CRRC and the Commission may adopt.  
4. The entity shall require manufacturers and independent certifying organizations within 
its program to use only laboratories accredited by the supervisory entity to perform tests 
in accordance with CRRC -1. 
5. The entity shall maintain appropriate guidelines for testing laboratories and 
manufacturers, including requirements for adequate:  
A. Possession and calibration of equipment;  
B. Education, competence, and training of personnel;  
C. Quality control;  
D. Record keeping and reporting;  
E. Periodic review including but not limited to, blind testing by laboratories; inspections 
of products; and inspections of laboratories and manufacturing facilities;  
F. Challenges to ratings; and  
G. Guidelines to maintain the integrity of the program, including, but not limited to, 
provisions to avoid conflicts of interest within the rating process.  
6. The entity shall be a nonprofit organization and shall maintain reasonable, 
nondiscriminatory fee schedules for the services it provides, and shall make its fee 
schedules, the financial information on which fees are based, and financial statements 
avail able to its members for inspection.  
7. The entity shall provide hearing processes that give laboratories, manufacturers and 
certifying agencies a fair review of decisions that adversely affect them.  
8. The entity shall maintain a policy committee or similar body whose procedures are 
designed to avoid conflicts of interest in deciding appeals, resolving disputes , and setting 
policy for the certifying organizations in its program.  
9. The entity shall publish at least annually a directory of rated products and products that 
are no longer rated by the CRRC.  2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page  105 
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS TITLE 24, PART 1, CHAPTER 10, SECTION  113 – RATING  AND 
LABELING OF ROOFING PRODUCT REFLECTANCE AND EMITTANCE  10. The entity itself shall be free from conflict -of-interest ties or to undue influence from any 
particular roofing product manufacturing interest(s), testing or independent certifying 
organization(s).  
11. The entity shall provide or authorize the use of labels that can be used to meet the 
requirements for showing compliance with the requirements of Sections 140.1, 140.2, 
140.3(a)1, 141.0(b)2B, 150.1(c)11, 150.2(b)1I and 150.2(b)2, and this section.  
12. The entity's rating program shall allow for multiple participants in each aspect of the 
program to provide for competition between manufacturers and between testing labs.  
NOTE:  Authority: Sections 25402 and 25402.1, Public Resources Code. Reference: Sections 
25007, 25008, 25218.5, 25310, 25402, 25402.1, 25402.4, 25402.8, 25910 and 25943, Public 
Resources Code.Page 106 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS TITLE 24, PART 1, CHAPTER 10, SECTION  114 – 
DETERMINATION OF OUTDOOR LIGHTING ZONES AND ADMINISTRATIVE RULES FOR U SE 10-114 – DETERMINATION OF OUTDOOR LIGHTING ZONES AND 
ADMINISTRATIVE RULES FOR USE  
This section establishes rules for implementing outdoor lighting zones to show compliance with 
Section 140.7 of Title 24, California Code of Regulations, Part 6.  
(a) Lighting Zones.  Exterior lighting allowances in California vary by Lighting Zones (LZ).  
(b) Lighting Zone Characteristics.  TABLE 10 -114-A specifies the relative ambient illumination 
level and the statewide default location for each lighting zone.  
(c) Amending the Lighting Zone Designation.  A local jurisdiction may officially adopt changes to 
the lighting zone designation of an area by following a public process that allows for formal 
public notification, review, and comment about the proposed change. The local jurisdiction 
may determine are as where Lighting Zone 4 is applicable and may increase or decrease the 
lighting zones for areas that are in State Default Lighting Zones 1, 2 and 3, as specified in 
TABLE 10 -114-A. 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page  107 
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS TITLE 24, PART 1, CHAPTER 10, SECTION  114 – 
DETERMINATION OF OUTDOOR LIGHTING ZONES AND ADMINISTRATIVE RULES FOR U SE TABLE 10 -114-A LIGHTING ZONE CHARACTERISTICS AND RULES FOR AMENDMENTS BY LOCAL 
JURISDICTIONS  
Zone  Ambient  
Illumination  State  wide Default Location  Moving Up to Higher Zones  Moving Down to Lower 
Zones  
LZ0 Very Low  Undeveloped areas of 
government designated parks, 
recreation areas, and wildlife 
preserves.  Undeveloped areas of 
government designated parks, 
recreation areas, and wildlife 
preserves can be designated as 
LZ1 or LZ2 if they are contained 
within such a zone.  Not applicable  
LZ1 Low Rural areas, as defined by the 
2010 2020 U.S. Census. These 
areas include: single or dual 
family residential areas, parks, 
and agricultural zone districts,  
developed portion of 
government designated parks, 
recreation areas, and wildlife 
preserves. Those that are 
wholly contained within a 
higher lighting zone may be 
considered by the local 
government as part of that 
lighting zone.  Developed portion of a 
government designated park, 
recreation area, or wildlife 
preserve, can be designated as 
LZ2 or LZ3 if they are contained 
within such a zone.   
Retail stores, located in a 
residential neighborhood, and 
rural town centers , as defined by 
the 2010 U.S. Census, can be 
designated as LZ2 if the business 
operates during hours of 
darkness.  Not applicable.  
LZ2 Moderate  Urban clusters areas , as defined 
by the 2010 2020 U.S. Census.   
The following building types 
may occur here: multifamily 
housing, mixed use residential 
neighborhoods, religious 
facilities, schools, and light 
commercial business districts or 
industrial zoning districts.  Special districts within a default 
LZ2 zone may be designated as 
LZ3 or LZ4 by a local jurisdiction. 
Examples include special 
commercial districts or areas with 
special security considerations 
located within a mixed -use 
residential area or city center.  Special districts may  be 
designated as LZ1 by 
the local jurisdiction, 
without any size limits.  
LZ3 Moderately High  Urban areas, as defined by the 
2010 2020 U.S. Census.  
The following building types 
may occur here: high intensity 
commercial corridors, 
entertainment centers, and 
heavy industrial or 
manufacturing zone districts.  Special districts within a default 
LZ3 may be designated as a LZ4 by 
local jurisdiction for high intensity 
nighttime use, such as 
entertainment or commercial 
districts or areas with special 
security considerations requiring 
very high light levels.  Special districts may be 
designated as LZ1 or 
LZ2 by the local 
jurisdiction, without any 
size limits.  
LZ4 High  None.  Not applicable.  Not applicable.  
NOTE:  Authority: Sections 25402 and 25402.1, Public Resources Code. Reference: Sections 
25007, 25008, 25218.5, 25310, 25402, 25402.1, 25402.4, 25402.5, 25402.8, and 25943, Public 
Resources Code. Page 108 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS TITLE 24, PART 1, CHAPTER 10, SECTION  115 – 
COMMUNITY SHARED SOLAR ELECTRIC GENERATION SYSTEM OR COMMUNITY SHARED 
BATTERY ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM COMPLIANCE OPTION FOR ON -SITE SOLAR ELECTRIC 
GENERATION OR BATTERY ENERGY STORAGE REQUIREMENTS  10-115 – COMMUNITY SHARED SOLAR ELECTRIC GENERATION SYSTEM OR 
COMMUNITY SHARED BATTERY  ENERGY  STORAGE SYSTEM COMPLIANCE 
OPTION FOR ON -SITE SOLAR ELECTRIC GENERATION OR BATTERY ENERGY 
STORAGE REQUIREMENTS  
(a) Community Shared Solar Electric Generation System or Battery Energy Storage System  
(BESS)  Offset . If approved by the commission, a community shared solar system, other 
community shared renewable system, community shared battery storage system BESS, or 
combination of the aforementioned systems (hereinafter referred to as a community shared 
solar or battery storage system BESS) may be used as a compliance option to partially or 
totally meet the on -site solar electric generation system and/or BESSbattery storage system  
that is otherwise required by Section 140.0(c), 150.1(a)3, or 170.0(a)3 of Title 24, Cal ifornia 
Code of Regulations, Part 6. To be approved, the community shared solar electric generation 
or community shared BESSbattery storage system  must demonstrate, to the Commission’s 
satisfaction, that all the following requirements will be met:  
1. Enforcement Agency. The community shared solar electric generation system and/or 
community shared BESSbattery storage system  shall be installed and available for 
enforcement agency site inspection , no later than the point in time the enforcement 
agency must physically verify compliance of the building , which would otherwise be 
required to have an on -site solar electric generation and/or BESSbattery storage system , 
and shall not cause delay in the process of enforcement agency review and approval of 
that building. The enforcement agency shall have jurisdiction and facilitated access to 
make site inspections. All documentation for  the community solar electric generation 
system and/or community solar  BESS battery storage system  that is required to 
demonstrate compliance for the building shall be completed prior to building permit 
application.  
2. Energy Performance. The community shared solar electric generation system and/or 
community shared battery storage system BESS shall be demonstrated to provide the 
same or better energy performance equal to the partial or total compliance with the 
energy performance of the on -site solar electric generation and/or battery storage 
system BESS that would otherwise have been required for the building, computed by 
compliance software certified for use by the Commission.  
3. Participating Building Energy Savings Benefits. The community shared solar electric 
generation system and/or community shared battery storage system BESS shall provide 
energy saving benefits directly to the building. The energy savings benefits allocated to 
the building shall be in the form of:  
A. actual reductions in the energy consumption of the participating building;  
B. energy reduction credits that will result in virtual reductions in the building’s energy 
consumption that is subject to energy bill payments; or  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 109 
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS TITLE 24, PART 1, CHAPTER 10, SECTION  115 – 
COMMUNITY SHARED SOLAR ELECTRIC GENERATION SYSTEM OR COMMUNITY SHARED 
BATTERY ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM COMPLIANCE OPTION FOR ON -SITE SOLAR ELECTRIC 
GENERATION OR BATTERY ENERGY STORAGE REQUIREMENTS  C. payments to the building that will have an equivalent effect as energy bill reductions.  
The reduction in the building’s energy bill resulting from A, B, or C above shall be greater 
than the added cost to the building resulting from the building’s share in the community 
shared solar and/or battery storage system BESS. 
4. Durability,  Participation, and Building Opt -out. 
A. Durability . The community shared solar electric generation system and/or 
community shared battery storage system BESS shall be designed and installed to 
provide the energy savings benefits to the participating building(s) specified in 
Section 10 -115(a)3 for a period of no less than 20 years.  
B. Participation.  The Administrator(s) approved by the Energy Commission pursuant to 
Section 10 -115(b)1 shall ensure that all participating buildings, which use the 
community shared solar and/or community shared battery storage system BESS to 
comply with Section 140.0(c), 150.1(a)3, or 170.0(a)3, remain participating buildings 
for no less than a 20 -year period (“Participation Period”), regardless of who owns or 
occupies the participating building, unless the building owner discontinues 
participation after causing the on -site solar electric generation system to be installed 
and interconnected pursuant to the  Opt-Out Requirements. For purposes of this 
Section, "Opt -Out Requirements" shall mean installation and interconnection of an 
on-site solar electric generation system that meets or exceeds . the requirements of 
Section 140.0(c), 150.1(a)3, or 170.0(a)3 in effect at the time the builder applied for 
the original bu ilding permit for the participating building. To demonstrate 
compliance, the Administrator shall require either:  
i. Equitable Servitude.  As a condition for a building to participate, participating 
builders shall impose an equitable servitude through a properly recorded declaration 
of covenants, conditions and restrictions (“CC&Rs”) or other properly recorded 
covenant, deed restriction or o ther legally binding method referenced in each deed 
transferring title for each participating building. This equitable servitude shall run 
with the land and obligate the original owner(s)/tenant(s) and all subsequent 
owner(s)/tenant(s) of the participating building to maintain the building’s 
participation in the community shared solar and/or community shared battery 
storage system BESS for the Participation Period, or ensure installation and 
interconnection of an on -site solar electric generation system that satisfies the Opt -
Out Requirements. The equitable servitude shall specify that in order to discontinue 
participation in the commun ity shared solar and/or battery system BESS , the building 
owner must satisfy the Opt -Out Requirements. The  builder shall ensure that the 
equitable servitude provides the Administrator approved by the Commission the 
right to enforce the above provisions. The equitable servitude shall remain in force 
for a period of 20 years from the date of first participation of the building in the 
community shared solar and/or battery system BESS . The equitable servitude shall Page 110 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS TITLE 24, PART 1, CHAPTER 10, SECTION  115 – 
COMMUNITY SHARED SOLAR ELECTRIC GENERATION SYSTEM OR COMMUNITY SHARED 
BATTERY ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM COMPLIANCE OPTION FOR ON -SITE SOLAR ELECTRIC 
GENERATION OR BATTERY ENERGY STORAGE REQUIREMENTS  not be revocable. The equitable servitude shall be delivered to all responsible parties 
through transfer disclosure statements.  
ii. Other system . The Commission may approve another program, structure, or system 
by which an Administrator (or other entity approved by the Commission) ensures the 
requirements of this Section 10 -115(a)4B will be satisfied for a Participation Period of 
no less than 20 years.  
C. Compliance Documentation. The Administrator shall maintain record(s) of the 
compliance documentation that determined the requirements for the on -site solar 
electric generation system and/or battery storage system BESS to comply with the 
standards in effect at the time the builder applied for the original building permit, and 
which establishes participants’ obligations to meet the Opt -Out Requirements. The 
Administrator shall provide a copy of this compliance documentat ion upon a 
participating building own er’s request, to every new owner of a participating building 
when the Administrator is notified that title has transferred, and to any participating 
building owner who requests to Opt -Out.  
D. Building Opt-Out.  At any time during the Participation Period, a participating building 
owner shall have the option to discontinue the participation of the building in the 
community shared solar and/or battery storage system BESS (“Opt -Out”) if the building 
satisfies the Opt -Out Requirement.  
i. Prior to Opt -Out, the building owner shall demonstrate that they have installed such 
an on -site solar electric generation system and met the Opt -Out Requirements by 
providing documentation from the installer of the on -site solar system or an 
attestation of  the building owner with supporting documentation. The building owner 
shall be responsible for all costs associated with documenting that the on -site solar 
generation system satisfies the Opt -Out Requirements.  
ii. Upon receiving documentation regarding Opt -Out from a building owner, the 
Administrator shall compare the documentation to the compliance documentation 
specified in Section 10 -115(a)4C and confirm whether, based on the documentation, 
the installed solar system meets or exceeds the Opt -Out Requirements. Within 30 
days of a building owner providing documentation , the Administrator shall provide 
written confirmation to the building owner whether, based on the Administrator’s 
review of that documentation, t he on -site solar generation system satisfies the Opt -
Out Requirements. The Administrator may, at its discretion, verify the documentation 
through a physical inspection. The Administrator shall maintain record of the 
documentation that demonstrates  and confirms the on -site solar generation system 
met the Opt -Out requirements for the remainder of the Participation Period.  
iii. Upon a building owner’s exercise of the Opt -Out, all costs and benefits associated 
with participation in the community shared solar and/or battery storage system BESS 
shall cease. If any balance of costs or benefits is owed to either party at the time of 
Opt-Out, such balance shall be paid to that party.  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 111 
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS TITLE 24, PART 1, CHAPTER 10, SECTION  115 – 
COMMUNITY SHARED SOLAR ELECTRIC GENERATION SYSTEM OR COMMUNITY SHARED 
BATTERY ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM COMPLIANCE OPTION FOR ON -SITE SOLAR ELECTRIC 
GENERATION OR BATTERY ENERGY STORAGE REQUIREMENTS  iv. The Administrator (or other entity approved by the Commission pursuant to Section 
10-115(a)4Bii) shall not impose any penalty related to a participating building’s Opt -
Out, or charge participants for recuperation of unrealized revenue that would have 
been expected to accrue beyond the end of participation. If the Administrator (or 
other entity approved by the Commission) plans to charge any other fees at the time 
of building Opt -Out, the Application for Commission Approval shall explain the 
purpose of t hose fees . 
5.  Additionality.  The community shared solar electric generation system and/or 
community shared battery storage system BESS shall provide the energy savings benefits 
specified in Section 10 -115(a)3 exclusively to the participating building(s). Those energy 
savings benefits shall in no way be attributed to other purposes or transferred to other 
buildings or property.  
A. The participating building(s) shall be served primarily by renewable resources 
developed specifically for the community solar electric generation system.  
B. Other renewable resources may be used when participating buildings are permitted 
before the renewable resources developed for the program start operating or after 
they cease operating. During these times, other renewable resources may be used to 
meet the r equirements of Section 10 -115(a)4 for each participating building.  
C. The renewable resources, including those developed primarily to serve participating 
buildings and those utilized to serve participating buildings during the time periods 
described in Section 10 -115(a)5B for the purpose of meeting the requirements of 
Sectio n 10 -115(a)4, shall meet the following requirement:  
i. For each renewable resource used to serve participating buildings, bundled 
Renewable Energy Credits (RECs), which satisfy the criteria of Portfolio Content 
Category 1, shall be retired and tracked in the Western Renewable Energy 
Generation Information Syst em (WREGIS) on the behalf of program participants, 
to ensure that they will not be allocated to or used for any other purpose, 
including Renewable Performance Standard (RPS) compliance, resale of RECs or 
renewable generation to any other person or entity, or any other mandatory or 
voluntary renewable electricity program requirement or claim.  
D. Renewable resources developed to serve participating buildings may also be used to 
serve other loads when there is excess generation beyond what is needed to serve 
participating buildings. Any excess generation used for such other loads shall be 
isolated f rom the generation serving participating buildings and shall not result in 
violation of Section 10 -115(a)5C.  
6. Location. The community shared solar electric generation system and/or community 
shared battery storage system BESS shall be located on a distribution system of the load 
serving entity providing service to the participating buildings. The distribution system 
shall have an electrical voltage less than 100kV.  Page 112 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS TITLE 24, PART 1, CHAPTER 10, SECTION  115 – 
COMMUNITY SHARED SOLAR ELECTRIC GENERATION SYSTEM OR COMMUNITY SHARED 
BATTERY ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM COMPLIANCE OPTION FOR ON -SITE SOLAR ELECTRIC 
GENERATION OR BATTERY ENERGY STORAGE REQUIREMENTS  7. Size. The community shared solar electric generation system and/or community shared 
battery storage system BESS shall not be served by any individual source larger than 20 
MW.  
8. Accountability and Recordkeeping. Applicants for Commission approval of community 
shared solar electric generation systems and/or community shared battery storage 
system BESSs shall be accountable to all parties who relied on these systems for partial or 
total compliance with the on -site solar electric generation and/or battery storage 
system BESS that would otherwise be required, including but not limited to builders of 
the buildings, owners of the buildings, enforcement agencies, and the Commission.  
A.  Each year beginning twelve months after initial approval, the Administrator shall 
provide to the Commission a report demonstrating the previous year’s compliance 
with each requirement of Section 10 -115.  
B. Recordkeeping regarding compliance with the requirements in Sections 10 -115(a) 
shall be maintained over the period of time specified in Section 10 -115(a)4 for each 
building for which the community shared solar electric generation or battery 
storage system BESS is used to demonstrate partial or total compliance. Access to 
these records shall be provided to any entity approved by the Commission for 
auditing compliance with these requirements . 
(b) Application for Commission Approval. Any entity may apply to the Commission for approval 
to administer a community shared solar electric generation or community shared battery 
storage system BESS to provide partial or total compliance with the on -site solar electric 
generation system and/or battery storage system BESS required by Section 150.1 of Title 24, 
California Code of Regulations, Part 6. Once approved, the entity shall be the Administrator 
of the community shared solar electric generation or community shared battery storage 
system BESS. 
1. The application shall demonstrate to the Commission’s satisfaction that each of the 
requirements specified in Section 10 -115(a) will be met and shall include detailed 
explanation of the actions that will be taken by the applicant to ensure that each 
requirement is met over the period of time specified in Section 10 -115(a)4 for each 
building for which a partial or total offset is used to demonstrate compliance.  
2. All applicants have the burden of proof to establish that their application should be 
granted.  
3. Applications from public agencies shall be submitted to the Energy Commission only 
after public review through at least one public meeting within the jurisdiction of the 
public entity or service area of the load -serving entity and adoption by the public  agency.  
The Commission shall have the authority to not approve any application that the 
Commission determines to be inconsistent with the requirements of  
Section 10 -115.  
(c) Executive Director Approval of Revised Applications.  The Administrator of an approved 
community shared solar electric generation system and/or community shared battery 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 113 
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS TITLE 24, PART 1, CHAPTER 10, SECTION  115 – 
COMMUNITY SHARED SOLAR ELECTRIC GENERATION SYSTEM OR COMMUNITY SHARED 
BATTERY ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM COMPLIANCE OPTION FOR ON -SITE SOLAR ELECTRIC 
GENERATION OR BATTERY ENERGY STORAGE REQUIREMENTS  storage system BESS shall submit a revised application demonstrating compliance with the 
Section 10 -115 requirements to the Executive Director for approval, when:  
1. A new renewable resource is proposed to be added to a community shared solar electric 
generation system and/or community shared battery storage system BESS, and/or  
2. The Commission modifies the requirements of Section 10 -115 in a building standards 
rulemaking.  Such modified requirements would not apply retroactively to the buildings 
for which building permit applications are submitted prior to the effective date of the 
modified standards or to the continued use of previously approved renewable resources 
develop ed to serve a community shared solar electric generation system and/or 
community shared battery storage system BESS. 
Within 60 days of receiving a revised application, the Executive Director may either: approve 
the revised application by letter if the Executive Director concludes that the requirements of 
Section 10 -115 will be met, request the Administrator to resubmit their revised application  
with  changes,  or disapprove the application. If the Executive Director disapproves the 
application, the applicant may request that the Commission review the Executive Director’s 
determination. The petition must be filed in writing in accordance with Title 20, California 
Code of Regulations, Section 1208 within 15 days of the date of the filing of the Executive 
Director's determination and must state the basis for requesting review of the Executive 
Director's determination. Within 45  days of receiving a request for review, the Commission 
shall issue a written decision affirming or modifying the Executive Director's determination. 
If the Commission does not issue a written decision within 45 days, the request for review 
shall be deemed  denied. The Administrator shall have the burden of proof to establish that 
its revised application should be approved . 
NOTE:  Authority: Sections 25213, 25218, 25218.5, 25402, 25402.1, and 25605, Public Resources 
Code. Reference: Sections 25007, 25008, 25218.5, 25310, 25402, 25402.1, 25402.4, 25402.8, 
25605, and 25943, Public Resources Code.  Page 114 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS TITLE 24, PART 1, CHAPTER 10, SECTION 11 6 – THIRD 
PARTY ALTERNATIVE CALCULATION METHOD COMPLIANCE SOFTWARE  10-116 – THIRD PARTY ALTERNATIVE CALCULATION METHOD COMPL IANCE 
SOFTWARE  
(a) Scope.  The requirements of this section apply to Alternative Calculation Method (ACM) 
compliance software used to demonstrate compliance with Part 6  that are developed by 
third party software developers as specified by Section 10 -109(c)3 . 
(b) Application.  Applications for approval of ACM candidate compliance software must include 
the following materials:  
1. Compliance software vendor certification statement that ACM candidate compliance 
software meets requirements and successfully pass tests specified in the Alternative 
Calculation Method Reference  Manual.  
2. Computer runs and summary sheets including, but not limited to, input and output files, 
files necessary for transferring information to an ECC -provider (if required), and a 
summary of the compliance results from required computer runs.  
 Candidate c ompliance software runs shall be modeled as specified in the Alternative 
Calculation Method Reference Manual.  Vendor  of the ACM compliance software  may 
propose alternat e tests from those specified in the Alternative Calculation Method 
Reference Manual when the vendor of the ACM compliance software believes that one 
or more of the standard tests are not appropriate for the  ACM candidate compliance 
software . Alternative tests will be evaluated by the Energy Commission on a case -by-
case basis  and will be applied if the proposed tests compare features of the ACM 
candidate compliance software to the Energy Commission public domain computer 
program . 
3. User manual and changelog describing the functional and analytical capabilities of the 
ACM candidate compliance software or a complete list of changes to the ACM 
compliance software.  Vendor of the ACM Compliance software  shall  make a copy of 
their user manual available to all building departments in California.  
 The user manual shall  provide thorough explanation of  the following :  
A. Software capabilities – A section that discusses the program capabilities. Reference 
may be made to other sections of the user manual for more complete descriptions if 
appropriate.  
B. Preparing basic input – Description of the basic use of the compliance software for 
compliance. This section shall include a complete summary of all inputs and 
commands necessary for compliance.  
C. Checklist for compliance submittal – A checklist of all items that must be included in 
a compliance submittal to the enforcement agency using the compliance software.  
D. Sample compliance documentation – Complete set of compliance documentation for 
a sample building. The example shall include all documentation and standard reports 
that would normally be submitted to a n enforcement agency . This example shall be 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 115 
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS TITLE 24, PART 1, CHAPTER 10, SECTION 11 6 – THIRD 
PARTY ALTERNATIVE CALCULATION METHOD COMPLIANCE SOFTWARE  usable as a model for compliance software users and enforcement agencies to 
demonstrate  a proper compliance submittal.  
E. Compliance statement – The following statement shall appear within the first three 
pages of the user manual, “[Compliance software name] may be used to show 
compliance with California 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards.”  
F. Related publications – Reference s to the Building Energy Efficiency Standards, 
Residential Compliance Manual, and Nonresidential Compliance Manual  and where 
to find these publications . 
4.  Executable ACM candidate compliance software.  
5. Alternative nonresidential energy simulation engine which meets all of the requirements 
of ASHRAE 140 ( 2023 ) including annex A3  and produces results that are accurate to the 
simulation results of the Energy Commission public domain computer program.  
6.  Application fee deposit of $1,000 for ACM candidate compliance software that has not 
been previously approved by the Energy Commission, or for the first approval following 
an update to the Title 24, Part 6 Building Energy Efficiency Standards.  
(c)  Approval Process.  For approval of an application, the following procedures apply:  
1. Submit application . Four copies of an application must be submitted to the Energy 
Commission.  
2. Correspondence with the Energy Commission. Provide additional information or address 
specific change requests made by the Energy Commission.  
  The Commission may take the following actions on an application submitted pursuant to 
this section:  
A. Approve the application unconditionally;  
B. Restrict approval to specified occupancies, designs, materials, or devices; or  
C. Reject the application.  
3. Application fee deposit review. Address additional review costs including additional fees 
to cover the total costs if greater than the application fee deposit, or refund if the cost of 
reviewing the application is less than the application fee deposit.  
4. Business meeting approval or approval by the Executive Director.  
Once approved, the ACM compliance software may be used by users and building officials to 
demonstrate compliance.  
(d) ACM Compliance Software Updates.  When revisions are made to ACM compliance software 
the following procedures apply:  
1. Revisions that result in major changes to ACM compliance software, changes that would 
affect compliance values, or to match rules established for modeling compliance 
software documented in the Energy Conservation Manual Alternative Calculation 
Method (ACM) Reference Manual . Page 116 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS TITLE 24, PART 1, CHAPTER 10, SECTION 11 6 – THIRD 
PARTY ALTERNATIVE CALCULATION METHOD COMPLIANCE SOFTWARE  A. Updated ACM compliance software shall comply with the approval process in 10 -
116(c) and 10 -110. The Energy Commission schedule will be based on extent of 
change to the Energy Commission public domain software and is no shorter than 
90 days.  
B. Incorporate changes from the Energy Commission public domain program by 
directly incorporating the new version of the Energy Commission public domain 
program or updating alternative nonresidential energy simulation engines to 
produce results that are ac curate to the new version of the Energy Commission 
public domain program.  
C. Upon approval of updated ACM compliance software, previous versions of the 
ACM compliance software will expire 90 days after approval of the new version.  
2. Revisions that result in minor changes to the ACM compliance software, changes that 
change user interface or software updates that do not change compliance values . 
A. If the Energy Commission determines that the minor change must be 
incorporated on a specific schedule, updated ACM compliance software must go 
through the approval process based on the Energy Commission schedule. The 
Energy Commission schedule will be b ased on extent of change to the Energy 
Commission public domain software and is no shorter than 45 days.  
B. Incorporate changes from the Energy Commission public domain program by 
directly incorporating the new version of the Energy Commission public domain 
program or updating alternative nonresidential energy simulation engines to 
produce results that are ac curate to the new version of the Energy Commission 
public domain program.  
C. Upon approval of updated ACM compliance software, previous versions of the 
ACM compliance software will expire 60 days after approval of the new version.  
 Rules established in the Alternative Calculation Method Reference Manual will be updated 
no more than tw ice ann ually in January and July. If ACM compliance software relies on rules 
that are updated in the Alternative Calculation Method Reference Manual, th en the ACM 
compliance software must be updated . ACM compliance software that is not updated will 
be decertified.  
(e) Expiration.  Approval of an ACM compliance software expires and is replaced by approval of 
a newer version as part of the typical cycle of updating ACM compliance software to account 
for bug fixes and changes to the Energy Commission public domain program.  
(f) Decertification.  Decertification is the formal process of withdrawing approval of ACM 
compliance software as a result of the following:  
1. Building Energy Efficiency Standards undergo substantial changes such that the software 
would fail to confirm compliance with the Building Energy Efficiency Standards.  
2. A letter from the vendor of the ACM compliance software requesting that a particular 
version(s) of ACM compliance software be decertified and describing the reasons why 
decertification is appropriate.  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 117 
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS TITLE 24, PART 1, CHAPTER 10, SECTION 11 6 – THIRD 
PARTY ALTERNATIVE CALCULATION METHOD COMPLIANCE SOFTWARE  3. An “initiating party” commences a procedure to decertify an ACM compliance software 
version(s) according to the following process:  
A. Submit review request. Written communication to the Energy Commission’s 
Executive director with copies to the Building Standards Office including name of 
the ACM compliance software and version, nature of error, explanation for why 
error requires decert ification and appropriate data or other information relevant 
to evaluate error.  
B. Correspondence with interested parties. The Executive Director shall notify and 
make a copy of the initial written communication available to the vendor of the 
ACM compliance software and any known interested parties within 30 days of 
receipt. Intereste d parties shall have 45 days from the date of the notification 
provided by the Executive Director to submit comments to the Energy 
Commission relating to the request.  
C. Correspondence with initiating parties. The Executive Director may request 
additional information needed to evaluate the identified error within 75 days of 
receipt of the written communication. The initiating party must respond withing 
30 days of the re quest for additional information.  
D. Workshop. The Executive Director may convene a workshop within 75 days of 
receipt of the written communication to gather additional information from the 
initiating party, the vendor of the ACM compliance software, and interested 
parties. All parties sha ll have 15 days after a workshop to submit additional 
information regarding the error.  
E. Determination. Within 90 days of receipt of the written communication, or within 
30 days of receipt of complete additional information requested of the initiating 
party, whichever is later, the Executive Director shall either determine that the 
ACM comp liance need not be decertified or submit to the Commission a written 
recommendation that the ACM compliance software be decertified.  
F. Decertification. If it is determined that the ACM compliance software be 
decertified, it shall take effect 60 days later. Within the first 30 days of the 60 day 
period, the Executive Director shall send out a notice to building officials and 
interested parties announcing the decertification.  
All initiating parties have the burden of proof to establish that the review of ACM compliance 
software errors should be performed. The decertification process may be terminated at any 
time by mutual consent of the initiating party and the Executive Director.  
The vendor of the ACM compliance software may use the period outline here to update the 
compliance software, obtain approval by the Energy Commission, and release a revised version 
that corrects the error initially brough to the attention of the Commission . Page 118 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION  100.0 - SCOPE  BUILDING ENERGY EFFICIENCY STANDARDS  
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS  
TITLE 24, PART 6  
 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards   Page 119 
SECTION  100.0 - SCOPE  SUBCHAPTER 1  
ALL OCCUPANCIES —GENERAL PROVISIONS  
SECTION 100.0 – SCOPE  
(a) Buildings Covered.  The provisions of Part 6 apply to all buildings:  
1. That are of Occupancy Group A, B, E, F, H, I, L, M, R, S, or U; and  
2. For which an application for a building permit or renewal of an existing permit is filed (or 
is required by law to be filed) on or after the effective date of the provisions, or which 
are constructed by a governmental agency; and  
3. That are:  
A. Unconditioned; or  
B. Indirectly or directly conditioned, or process spaces.  
Exception  1 to Section 100.0(a) : Qualified historic buildings, as regulated by the California 
Historic Building Code (Title 24, Part 8). Lighting in qualified historic buildings shall comply 
with the applicable requirements in Section 140.6(a)3Q.  
Exception  2 to Section 100.0(a) : Building departments, at their discretion, may not require 
compliance for exempt  temporary buildings, temporary outdoor lighting or temporary 
lighting in an unconditioned building, or structures erected in response to a natural disaster. 
Temporary buildings or structures shall be completely removed upon the expiration of the 
time limi t stated in the permit.  
Exception  3 to Section 100.0(a) : Buildings in Occupancy Group I -3 and I -4. 
(b) Parts of Buildings Regulated.  The provisions of Part 6 apply to the building envelope, space -
conditioning systems, water -heating systems, pool and spas, solar ready buildings, indoor 
lighting systems of buildings, outdoor lighting systems, electrical power distribution systems, 
and si gns located either indoors or outdoors, in buildings that are:  
1. Covered by Section 100.0(a); and  
2. Set forth in  TABLE 100.0 -A. 
(c) Habitable stories.  
1.  All conditioned space in a story shall comply with Part 6 whether or not the story is a 
habitable space.  
2. All unconditioned space in a story shall comply with the lighting requirements of Part 6 
whether or not the story is a habitable space.  
(d) Outdoor lighting and indoor and outdoor signs.  The provisions of Part 6 apply to outdoor 
lighting systems and to signs located either indoors or outdoors as set forth in  TABLE 100.0 -
A. Page 120 2022 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION  100.0 - SCOPE  (e) Sections applicable to particular buildings.  TABLE 100.0 -A and this subsection list the 
provisions of Part 6 that are applicable to different types of buildings covered by Section 
100.0(a).  
1. All buildings.  Sections 100.0 through 110.12  apply to all buildings.  
Exception  to Section 100.0(e)1 : Spaces or requirements not listed in  TABLE 100.0 -A. 
2. Newly constructed buildings.  
A. All newly constructed buildings.  Sections 110.0 through 110.12  apply to all newly 
constructed buildings within the scope of Section 100.0(a). In addition, newly 
constructed buildings shall meet the requirements of Subsections B, C, D or E, as 
applicable.  
B. Nonresidential  and hotel/motel buildings that are mechanically heated or 
mechanically cooled.  
i. Sections applicable. Sections 120.0 through 140.8 apply to newly constructed 
nonresidential buildings and hotels/motels that are mechanically heated or 
mechanically cooled.  
ii. Compliance approaches. In order to comply with Part 6 , newly constructed 
nonresidential buildings and hotels/motels that are mechanically heated or 
mechanically cooled must meet the requirements of:  
a. Mandatory measures: The applicable provisions of Sections 120.0 through 
130.5; and  
b. Either:  
(i)  Performance approach: Section 140.1; or  
(ii)  Prescriptive approach: Sections 140.2 through 140. 10. 
C. Unconditioned nonresidential buildings and process space.  Sections 110.9, 110.10, 
120.6, 130.0 through 130.5, 140.3(c), 140.6, 140.7, and 140.8 apply to all newly 
constructed unconditioned buildings and 140.1, and 140.3(c), for process spaces 
within the scope of Section 100.0(a).  
D. Single -family  buildings.  
i. Sections applicable. Sections 150.0 through 150.1 apply to newly constructed 
single -family  buildings.  
ii. Compliance approaches. In order to comply with Part 6 newly constructed single -
family  buildings must meet the requirements of:  
a. Mandatory measures: The applicable provisions of Sections 110.0 through 
110.10, and 150.0; and  
b. Either:  
(i)  Performance approach: Section s 150.1(a) and (b); or  
(ii)  Prescriptive approach: Section s 150.1(a) and (c).  2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards   Page 121 
SECTION  100.0 - SCOPE  Exception  to Section 100.0(e)2Diib : Seasonally occupied agricultural housing 
limited by state or federal agency contract to occupancy not more than 180 
days in any calendar year.  
E. Multifamily  Buildings . 
i. Sections applicable. Sections 160.0 through 170.2 apply to newly constructed 
multifamily buildings.  
ii. Compliance approaches. In order to  comply with Part 6 newly constructed 
multifamily buildings must meet the requirements of:  
a. Mandatory measures: The applicable provisions of Sections 110.0 through 
110.10, and 160.0; and  
b. Either:  
(i)  Performance approach: Section 170.1; or  
(ii)  Prescriptive approach: Section 170.2(a) through (f).  
F. Covered processes.  
i. Sections applicable. Sections 110.2, 120.3, 120.6 , and 140.9 , and 141.1  apply to 
covered processes.  
ii. Compliance approaches. In order to comply with Part 6 , covered processes must 
meet the requirements of:  
a. The applicable mandatory measures in Section s 110.2 , 120.3  and 120.6; and  
b. Either:  
(i) The performance approach requirements of Section 140.1; or  
(ii)  The prescriptive approach requirements of Section 140.9.  
Note:  If covered processes do not have prescriptive requirements, then only the 
applicable mandatory measures in Section 120.6 must be met.  
3. New construction in existing buildings (additions, alterations and repairs).   
A. Nonresidential  and hotel/motel buildings.  Section 141.0 applies to new 
construction in existing nonresidential, high -rise residential, and hotel/motel 
buildings. New construction in existing buildings includes additions, alterations and 
repairs. Section 141.0 specifies requirements that uniquely apply to additions, 
alterations or repairs to existing buildings, and specify which requirements in other 
sections also apply. For alterations that change the occupancy classification of the 
building, the requirements specified in Section 141.0 apply to th e occupancy after 
the alterations.  
B. Single -family  buildings.  Section 150.2 applies to new construction in existing single -
family  buildings. New construction in existing buildings includes additions, alterations 
and repairs. Section 150.2 specifies requirements that uniquely apply to additions, 
alterations or repairs to existing buildings, and specif ies which requirements in other 
sections also apply. For alterations that change the occupancy classification of the Page 122 2022 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION  100.0 - SCOPE  building, the requirements specified in Section 150.2 apply to the occupancy after 
the alterations.  
C. Multifamily buildings.  Section 180.0 applies to new construction in existing 
multifamily buildings. New construction in existing buildings includes additions, 
alterations and repairs. Section 180.0 specifies requirements that uniquely apply to 
additions, alterations or repairs to existing buildings, and specif ies which 
requirements in other sections also apply. For alterations that change the occupancy 
classification of the building, the requirements specified in Section 180.0 apply to the 
occupancy afte r the alterations.  
4. Installation of insulation in existing buildings.  Section 110.8(d) applies to buildings in 
which insulation is  being installed in existing attics, or on existing water heaters, or 
existing space conditioning ducts.  
5. Outdoor lighting.  Sections 110.9, 130.0, 130.2, 130.4, 140.7, and 150.0 apply to newly 
constructed outdoor lighting systems, and Section 141.0 applies to outdoor lighting that 
is either added or altered.  
6. Signs.  Sections 130.0, 130.3 and 140.8 apply to newly constructed signs located either 
indoors or outdoors and Section 141.0 applies to sign alterations located either indoors 
or outdoors.  
(f) Mixed occupancy.  When a building is designed and constructed for more than one type of 
occupancy (residential and nonresidential), the space for each occupancy shall meet the 
provisions of Part 6 applicable to that occupancy.  
Exception  1 to Section 100.0(f) : If one occupancy constitutes at least 80 percent of the 
conditioned floor area of the building, the entire building envelope, HVAC, and water 
heating may be designed to comply with the provisions of Part 6 applicable to that 
occupancy, provided that the applicable lighting requirements in Sections 140.6 through 
140.8 , 150.0(k) , or 160.5 and 170.2(e)  are met for each occupancy and space , and 
mandatory measures in Sections 110.0 through 130.5, 150.0 , and 160.0 through 160.9  are 
met for each occupancy and space.  
Exception  2 to Section 100.0(f) : If one occupancy constitutes at least 90 percent of the 
combined conditioned plus unconditioned floor area of the building, the entire building 
indoor lighting may be designed to comply with only the lighting provisions of Part 6 
applicable to that occup ancy.  
(g) Administrative requirements.  Administrative requirements relating to permit requirements, 
enforcement by the Commission, locally adopted energy standards, interpretations, claims 
of exemption, approved calculation methods, rights of appeal, and certification and labeling 
requirements  of fenestration products and roofing products are specified in California Code 
of Regulations, Title 24, Part 1, Sections 10 -101 to 10 -114.  
(h) Certification Requirements for Manufactured Equipment, Products, and Devices.  Part 6 
limits the installation of manufactured equipment, products, and devices to those that have 
been certified as specified by sections 110.0 and 110.1. Requirements for manufactured 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards   Page 123 
SECTION  100.0 - SCOPE  equipment, products, and devices, when not specified in Title 24 Part 6, are specified in 
California Code of Regulations, Title 20, Sections 1601 -1609.  
  Page 124 2022 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION  100.0 - SCOPE  TABLE 100.0 -A APPLICATION OF STANDARDS  
Occupancies  Application  Mandatory  Prescriptive  Performance  Additions  
Alterations  
All Buildings  General  100.0, 100.1, 100.2, 
110.0  100.0, 100.1, 100.2, 
110.0  100.0, 100.1, 
100.2, 110.0  100.0, 100.1, 
100.2, 110.0  
Nonresidential, 
And 
Hotels/Motels  General  120.0  140.0, 140.2  140.0, 140.1  141.0  
Nonresidential, 
And 
Hotels/Motels  Envelope 
(conditioned)  110.6, 110.7, 
110.8,120.7  140.3  140.0, 140.1  141.0  
Nonresidential, 
And 
Hotels/Motels  Envelope 
(unconditioned 
process spaces)  N.A.  140.3(c)  140.0, 140.1  141.0  
Nonresidential, 
And 
Hotels/Motels  HVAC 
(conditioned)  110.2, 110.5, 120.1, 
120.2, 120.3, 120.4, 
120.5, 120.8 , 120.10  140.4  140.0, 140.1  141.0  
Nonresidential, 
And 
Hotels/Motels  Water Heating  110.3, 120.3, 120.8, 
120.9  140.5  140.0, 140.1  141.0  
Nonresidential, 
And 
Hotels/Motels  Indoor Lighting 
(conditioned, 
process spaces)  110.9, 120.8, 130.0, 
130.1, 130.4  140.3(c), 140.6  140.0, 140.1  141.0  
Nonresidential, 
And 
Hotels/Motels  Indoor Lighting 
(unconditioned 
and parking 
garages)  110.9, 120.8, 130.0, 
130.1, 130.4  140.3(c), 140.6  N.A.  141.0  
Nonresidential, 
And 
Hotels/Motels  Outdoor Lighting  110.9, 130.0, 130.2, 
130.4  140.7  N.A.  141.0  
Nonresidential, 
And 
Hotels/Motels  Electrical Power 
Distribution  110.11, 130.5  N.A.  N.A.  141.0  
Nonresidential, 
And 
Hotels/Motels  Pool and Spa 
Systems  110.4, 110.5, 
150.0(p)  N. A.  N.A.  141.0  
Nonresidential, 
And 
Hotels/Motels  Solar Ready 
Buildings  110.10  N.A.  N.A.  141.0(a)  
Nonresidential, 
And 
Hotels/Motels  Solar PV and 
Battery Energy 
Storage Systems  N.A.  140.10 140.0, 140.1  N.A.  
Covered 
Processes1 Envelope, 
Ventilation, 
Process Loads  110.2,  120.3,  120.6  140.9  140.1  110.2, 120.3, 
120.6, 140.9, 
141.1  
Signs  Indoor and 
Outdoor  110.9, 130.0, 130.3  140.8  N.A.  141.0, 
141.0(b)2H  
 
  2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards   Page 125 
SECTION  100.0 - SCOPE  TABLE 100.0 -A APPLICATION OF STANDARDS  (continued)  
Occupancies  Application  Mandatory  Prescriptive  Performance  Additions 
Alterations  
Single -Family  General  150.0  150.1(a, c)  150.1(a), 
150.1(b)  150.2(a), 150.2(b)  
Single -Family  Envelope 
(conditioned)  110.6, 110.7, 110.8, 
150(a), 150.0(b), 
150.0(c), 150.0(d), 
150.0(e), 150.0(g), 
150.0(q)  150.1(a, c)  150.1(a), 
150.1(b)  150.2(a), 150.2(b)  
Single -Family  HVAC 
(conditioned)  110.2, 110.5, 150.0(h), 
150.0(i), 150.0(j), 
150.0(m), 150.0(o)  150.1(a, c)  150.1(a), 
150.1(b)  150.2(a), 
150.2(b)  
Single -Family  Water Heating  110.3, 150.0(j, n)  150.1(a, c)  150.1(a), 
150.1(b)  150.2(a), 
150.2(b)  
Single -Family  Indoor Lighting 
(conditioned, 
unconditioned 
and parking 
garages)  110.9, 130.0, 150.0(k)  150.1(a, c)  150.1(a), 
150.1(b)  150.2(a), 
150.2(b)  
Single -Family  Outdoor Lighting  110.9, 130.0,150.0(k)  150.1(a, c)  150.1(a), 
150.1(b)  150.2(a), 
150.2(b)  
Single -Family  Pool and Spa 
Systems  110.4, 150.0(p)  N. A.  N.A.  150.2(a), 
150.2(b)  
Single -Family  Solar Ready 
Buildings  110.10  N. A.  N.A.  N.A.  
Single -Family  Electric Ready  150.0(s), 150.0(t), 
150.0(u), 150.0(v)  N.A.  N.A.  N.A.  
Single -Family  Solar PV Systems  N.A.  150.1(c)14  150.1(a), 
150.1(b)  N.A.  
Multifamily  General  160.0  170.2  170.1  180.0  
Multifamily  Envelope 
(conditioned)  110.6, 110.7, 110.8, 
160.1  170.1(a)  170.1  180.0  
Multifamily  Ventilation and 
Indoor Air Quality  160.2  N.A.  170.1  180.0  
Multifamily  HVAC 
(conditioned)  110.2, 110.5, 160.3  170.2(c)  170.1  180.0  
Multifamily  Water Heating  110.3, 160.4  170.2(d)  170.1  180.0  
Multifamily  Indoor Lighting  110.9, 160.5  170.2(e)  170.1  180.0  
Multifamily  Outdoor Lighting  110.9, 160.5  170.2(e)  170.1  180.0  
Multifamily  Electrical Power 
Distribution  110.11, 160.6  N.A.  N.A.  180.0  
Multifamily  Pool and Spa 
Systems  110.4, 110.5, 160.7  N.A.  N.A.  180.0  
Multifamily  Solar Ready 
Buildings  110.10, 160.8  N.A.  N.A.  180.0  
Multifamily  Electric Ready  160.9  N.A.  N.A.  N.A.  
Multifamily  Solar PV and 
Battery  Energy  
Storage  Systems  N.A.  170.2(f), (g), 
(h) 170.1  N.A.  
1 Nonresidential and hotel/motel buildings that contain covered processes may conform to the applicable 
requirements of both occupancy types listed in this table . Page 126 2022 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION  100.0 - SCOPE  NOTE:  Authority: Sections 25213, 25218, 25218.5, 25402 and 25402.1, Public Resources Code . 
Reference: Sections 25007, 25008, 25218.5, 25310, 25402, 25402.1, 25402.4, 25402.5, 25402.8, 
and 25943, Public Resources Code .2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards   Page 127 
SECTION  100. 1 – DEFINITIONS AND RULES OF CONSTRUCTION  SECTION 100.1 – DEFINITIONS AND RULES OF CONSTRUCTION  
(a) Rules of Construction.  
1. Where the context requires, the singular includes the plural and the plural includes the 
singular.  
2. The use of "and" in a conjunctive provision means that all elements in the provision must be 
complied with, or must exist to make the provision applicable. Where compliance with one or 
more elements suffices, or where existence of one or more elements m akes the provision 
applicable, "or" (rather than "and/or") is used.  
3. "Shall" is mandatory and "may" is permissive.  
(b) Definitions.  Terms, phrases, words and their derivatives in Part 6 shall be defined as specified in 
Section 100.1. Terms, phrases, words and their derivatives not found in Section 100.1 shall be 
defined as specified in the “Definitions” chapters of Title 24, Parts 1 t hrough 5 of the California 
Code of Regulations. Where terms, phrases, words and their derivatives are not defined in any of 
the references above, they shall be defined as specified in Webster's Third New International 
Dictionary of the Engl ish Language, Unabridged  (1961 edition, through the 2002 addenda), 
unless the context requires otherwise.  
AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/ I.S.2/A440 -17 are the American Architectural Manufacturers Association/ 
Window and Door Manufacturers Association/ Canadian Standards Association document titled 
“North American Fenestration Standard/Specification for windows, doors, and skylights” ( 2017 ). 
ACCA  is the Air Conditioning Contractors of America.  
ACCA MANUAL J  is the Air Conditioning Contractors of America document titled “Manual J - 
Residential Load Calculation” ( ANSI/ACCA 2 Manual J – 2016 ). 
ACCEPTANCE REQUIREMENTS FOR CODE COMPLIANCE  is a description of test procedures in the 
Reference Nonresidential Appendices that includes equipment and systems to be tested, functions 
to be tested, conditions under which the test shall be performed, the scope of the tests, results to be 
obtained, an d measurable criteria for acceptable performance.  
ACCESSIBLE  is having access thereto, but which first may require removal or opening of access 
panels, doors, or similar obstructions.  
ADDITION  is any change to a building that increases conditioned floor area and conditioned volume. 
See also “newly conditioned space.” Addition is also any change that increases the floor area and 
volume of an unconditioned building of an occupancy group or type r egulated by Part 6. Addition is 
also any change that increases the illuminated area of an outdoor lighting application regulated by 
Part 6.  
ADIABATIC PAD  is a material located before the heat transfer surface of an adiabatic condenser, 
which precools the ambient air by becoming fully wetted during precool mode operation.  
AGRICULTURAL BUILDING  is a structure designed and constructed to house farm implements, hay, 
grain, poultry, livestock or other horticultural products. It is not a structure that is a place of human Page 128 2022 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION  100. 1 – DEFINITIONS AND RULES OF CONSTRUCTION  habitation, a place of employment where agricultural products are processed, treated or packaged, 
or a place used by the public.  
AHAM  is the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers.  
AHAM HRH -2 is the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers document titled "Residential 
Kitchen Range Hood Performance Test Procedures," 2020 (AHAM HRH -2). 
AHAM  RKRH -CPPG  is the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers document titled 
"Residential Kitchen Range Hood Certification Program Procedural Guide" 2020 (version 3).  
AHRI  is the Air -Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute.  
AHRI 2 10/240  is the Air -Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute document titled 
“Performance Rating of Unitary Air -Conditioning and Air -Source Heat Pump Equipment,” 2017 (AHRI 
Standard 210/240 -2017 with Addenda 1).  
AHRI  310/380  is the Air -Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute document titled 
“Packaged Terminal Air -Conditioners and Heat Pumps (CSA -C744 -17),” 2004 (AHRI 310/380 -2017).  
AHRI 340/360  is the Air -Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute document titled 
“Performance Rating of Commercial and Industrial Unitary Air -Conditioning and Heat Pump 
Equipment,”  2019 (AHRI Standard 340/360 -(I-P)-2019).  
AHRI 365 is the Air -Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute document titled "  Performance 
Rating of  Commercial and Industrial Unitary Air -Conditioning Condensing Units," 2009 (ANSI/AHRI 
Standard 365 (I -P)-2009).  
ANSI/AHRI  390 is the Air -Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute document titled 
"Performance Rating of Single Package Vertical Air -Conditioners and Heat Pumps," 2003 (ANSI/AHRI 
Standard 390 (I -P)-2003).  
AHRI 400  is the Air -Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute document titled "  Performance 
Rating of  Liquid to Liquid Heat Exchangers," 2015 (ANSI/AHRI Standard 400 (I -P)-2015).  
AHRI 420  is the Air-Conditioning, Heating, And Refrigeration Institute document titled “ 2023 
Standard for Performance Rating of Forced -Circulation Free -Delivery Unit Coolers ,” 2023 (AHRI 
Standard 420-2023  (I-P)). 
AHRI 430  is the Air -Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute document titled “Performance 
Rating of Central Station Air -handling Unit Supply Fans”. 2020 (AHRI Standard 430 (I -P)-2020)  
AHRI 440  is the Air -Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute document titled “Performance 
Rating of Fan -coil Units”. 2019 (AHRI Standard 440 (I -P)-2019)  
AHRI  460 is the Air -Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute document titled “Performance 
Rating of Remote Mechanical -Draft Air -Cooled Refrigerant Condensers,” 2005 (ANSI/AHRI Standard 
460-2005).  
AHRI 540 is the Air -Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute document titled “Performance 
Rating of Positive Displacement Refrigerant Compressors and Compressor Units,” 2020 (AHRI 
Standard 540 -2020) . 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards   Page 129 
SECTION  100. 1 – DEFINITIONS AND RULES OF CONSTRUCTION  AHRI 550/590  is the Air -Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute document titled 
“Performance Rating of Water Chilling and Heat Pump Water -heating  Packages Using the Vapor 
Compression Cycle,” 2020 (AHRI Standard 550/590 (I -P)-2020).  
AHRI  560 is the Air -Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute document titled “Absorption 
Water Chilling and Water Heating Packages,” 2000 (AHRI Standard 560 -2000).  
AHRI  680 is the Air -Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute document titled “Performance 
Rating of Residential Air Filter Equipment,” 2017 (AHRI Standard 680 2017).  
AHRI 920  is the Air -Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute document titled “Performance 
Rating of Direct Expansion -Dedicated Outdoor Air System Units” 2020 (AHRI Standard 920 (I -P)-
2020).  
AHRI 1060  is the Air -Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute document titled 
“Performance Rating of Air -to-Air Exchangers for Energy Recovery Ventilation Equipment,” 2018 
(AHRI Standard 1060 (I -P)-2018).  
AHRI  1230  is the Air -Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute document titled 
“Performance Rating of Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) Multi -Split Air -Conditioning and Heat Pump 
Equipment,” 2014 (AHRI Standard 1230 -2014) with Addendum 1.  
AHRI 1240  is the Air -Conditioning, heating, and Refrigeration Institu te document titled “2017 
(R2023) Standard for Performance Rating of Active Chilled Beams,” 20 23 (AHRI Standard 1240 -2017 
(R2023)  (I-P)). 
AHRI 1360  is the Air -Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute document titled 
“Performance Rating of Computer and Data Processing Room Air Conditioners ,” 2017 (AHRI Standard 
1360 (I -P)-2017).  
AIR, AVAILABLE TRANSFER is that portion of total outdoor ventilation air that is not required to 
satisfy other exhaust needs or to maintain pressurization of other spaces and that is transferable 
according to Section 120.1(g).  
AIR, INFILTRATION is outdoor air that enters a building or space through openings in the building or 
space envelope due to negative pressure in the space or building relative to the exterior of the 
building envelope.  
AIR, MAKEUP, or COMPENSATING OUTDOOR AIR  is outdoor air that is intentionally conveyed by 
openings or ducts into the building from the outside; is supplied to the vicinity of an exhaust hood; 
and replaces air, vapor and contaminants being exhausted by the exhaust hood. Makeup air is 
generally fi ltered and fan -forced, and it may be heated or cooled. Makeup air may be delivered 
through openings or ducts integral to the exhaust hood.  
AIR,  REPLACEMENT  is air that is used to replace air removed from a building through an exhaust 
system. Replacement air may be derived from one or more of the following: makeup air, portions of 
supply air, transfer air, or infiltration air.  
AIR, SUPPLY  is air entering a space from an air -conditioning, heating, or ventilating system for the 
purpose of comfort conditioning. Supply air is generally filtered, fan -forced, and heated, cooled, 
humidified or dehumidified as necessary to maintain specified tempe rature and humidity conditions.  Page 130 2022 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION  100. 1 – DEFINITIONS AND RULES OF CONSTRUCTION  AIR, TRANSFER is air transferred, whether actively by fans or passively by pressure differentials, from 
one room to another within a building through openings in the room envelope.  
AIR BARRIER  is a combination of interconnected materials and assemblies joined and sealed 
together to provide a continuous barrier to air leakage through the building envelope that separates 
conditioned from unconditioned space, or that separates adjoining conditione d spaces of different 
occupancies or uses.  
AIR CONDITIONER  is an appliance that supplies cooled and dehumidified air to a space for the 
purpose of cooling objects within the space.  
AIR-COOLED AIR CONDITIONER  is an air conditioner using an air -cooled condenser.  
AIR CURTAIN UNIT  means equipment providing a directionally -controlled stream of air moving 
across the entire height and width of an opening that reduces the infiltration or transfer of air from 
one side of the opening.  
AIR FILTER, AIR FILTER EQUIPMENT, or AIR FILTER DEVICE  is air -cleaning equipment used for 
removing particulate matter from the air.  
AIR FILTER MEDIA  is the part of the air filter equipment which is the actual particulate removing 
agent.  
AIR-HANDLING UNIT or AIR HANDLER  is a blower or fan that distributes supply air to a room, space, 
or area.  
AIR-SOURCE HEAT PUMP  is an appliance that consists of one or more factory -made assemblies, that 
includes an indoor conditioning coil, a compressor, and a refrigerant -to-air heat exchanger, and that 
provides heating and cooling functions.  
AIR-TO-AIR HEAT EXCHANGER  is a device which will reduce the heat losses or gains that occur when 
a building is mechanically ventilated, by transferring heat between the conditioned air being 
exhausted and outside air being supplied.  
AIR-TO-WATER HEAT PUMP (AWHP)  is a factory -made packaged heat pump system containing one 
or more compressors, and heat exchangers for transferring heat between refrigerant and air, as well 
as between refrigerant and water, and various other components. Its primary purpose is to generate 
heated or cooled water to meet  space conditioning and domestic hot water load.  
ALTERATION  is any change to a building's water -heating system, space -conditioning system, lighting 
system, electrical power distribution system, or envelope that is not an addition. Alteration is also 
any change that is regulated by Part 6 to an outdoor lighting sys tem that is not an addition. 
Alteration is also any change that is regulated by Part 6 to signs located either indoors or outdoors. 
Alteration is also any change that is regulated by Part 6 to a covered process that is not an addition. 
(See also “fenestrat ion alteration”.)  
ALTERED COMPONENT  is a component that has undergone an alteration.  
ALTERNATING CURRENT -OUTPUT UNINTERRUPTIBLE POWER SUPPLY (AC -OUTPUT UPS)  is a 
combination of convertors , switches, and energy storage devices, such as batteries, constituting a 
power system for maintaining continuity of load power in case of input power failure. Input power 
failure occurs when voltage and frequency are outside rated steady -state and transient tolerance 
bands or when distortion or interruptions are outside the limits specified for the  uninterruptible 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards   Page 131 
SECTION  100. 1 – DEFINITIONS AND RULES OF CONSTRUCTION  power supply . An AC -output UPS is a n uninterruptible power supply that supplies power with a 
continuous flow of electric charge that periodically reverses direction.  
ALTERNATIVE CALCULATION METHODS (ACM)  are compliance software, or alternative component 
packages, or exceptional methods approved by the Commission under Section 10 -109. ACMs are also 
referred to as Compliance Software.  
ALTERNATIVE CALCULATION METHODS  (ACM)  APPROVAL MANUAL  are the documents establishing 
the requirements for Energy Commission approval of Compliance Software used to demonstrate 
compliance with the Building Energy Efficiency Standards for Residential and Nonresidential 
Buildings currently adopted by the Energy  Commission.  
AMCA  is the Air Movement and Control Association . 
ANNUAL FUEL UTILIZATION EFFICIENCY (AFUE)  is a measure of the percentage of heat from the 
combustion of gas or oil which is transferred to the space being heated during a year, as determined 
using the applicable test method in the Appliance Efficiency Regulations or Section 110.2.  
ANNUNCIATED  is a type of visual signaling device that indicates the on, off, or other status of a load .  
ANSI  is the American National Standards Institute.  
ANSI/AMCA 220 is the Air Movement and Control Association document titled “ Laboratory Methods 
for Testing Air Curtain Units for Aerodynamic Performance Rating ”. 2021 (ANSI/AMCA 220 -21) 
ANSI/AMCA 208  is the Air Movement and Control Association document titled “Calculation of the 
Fan Energy Index”. 2018 (ANSI/AMCA 208 -18) 
ANSI/AMCA 210  is the Air Movement and Control Association document titled “Laboratory Methods 
of Testing Fans for Certified Aerodynamic Performance Rating”. 2016 (ANSI/AMCA 210 -16) 
ANSI/AMCA STANDARD 500-D is the  American National Standards Institute / Air Movement and 
Control Association document titled “Laboratory Methods of Testing Dampers for Rating .” 2018  
(ANSI/AMCA 500 -D-2018). 
ANSI/ASABE S640  is the American National Standards Institute/American Society of Agricultural and 
Biological Engineers document titled “Quantities and Units of Electromagnetic Radiation for Plants 
(Photosynthetic Organisms) ,” 2017 (ANSI/ASABE S640 JUL2017).  
ANSI /ASSPE Z9.5 is the American National Standards Institute document titled “Laboratory 
Ventilation,” 2012 (ANSI/ AIHA/ ASSPE Z9.5 -2012).  
ANSI C82.6 is the American National Standards Institute document titled “AMERICAN NATIONAL 
STANDARD FOR LAMP BALLASTS – Ballasts  For High -Intensity Discharge Lamps – Methods of 
Measurement ,” 2020  (ANSI C82.6 -2015  (R2020 )). 
ANSI/CTA -2045 -B is the American National Standards Institute document titled  "Modular 
Communications Interface for Energy Management ," 2021 (ANSI/CTA -2045 -B-2021 ). 
ANSI/NEMA WD 6 is the National Electrical Manufacturers Association Document titled, “ American 
National Standard for Wiring Devices – Dimensional Specification,” 2016 (ANSI/NEMA WD 6 -2016).  Page 132 2022 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION  100. 1 – DEFINITIONS AND RULES OF CONSTRUCTION  ANSI Z21.40.4 a is the American National Standards Institute document titled “Performance Testing 
and Rating of Gas -Fired, Air Conditioning and Heat Pump Appliances,” 2017  (ANSI Z21.40.4 a-1996 
(R2017)/CGA 2.94 a-M96(R2017)).  
ANSI Z21.47  is the American National Standards Institute document titled “Gas -Fired Central 
Furnaces,” 2021 (ANSI Z21.47 -2021 /CSA 2.3 -2021). 
ANSI Z83.8  is the American National Standards Institute document titled “Gas Unit Heaters, Gas 
Packaged Heaters, Gas Utility Heaters and Gas -Fired Duct Furnaces,” 2016 (ANSI Z83.8 -2016/CSA 
2.6-2016  (R2021) ). 
APPLIANCE EFFICIENCY REGULATIONS  are the regulations in Title 20, Sections 1601 et seq. of the 
California Code of Regulations.  
APPROVED CALCULATION METHOD  (See “alternative calculation methods .”) 
ASCE 7 -16 is the American Society of Civil Engineers Standard 7 -16. 
ASHRAE  is the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air -Conditioning Engineers.  
ASHRAE CLIMATIC DATA FOR REGION  X is the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air -
Conditioning Engineers document titled "ASHRAE Climatic Data for Region X, Arizona, California, 
Hawaii and Nevada,” Publication SPCDX, 1982 and “Supplement,” 1994.  
ASHRAE HANDBOOK, APPLICATIONS VOLUME  is the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and 
Air-Conditioning Engineers document titled "ASHRAE Handbook: Heating, Ventilating, and Air -
Conditioning Applications" ( I-P) (2019 ). 
ASHRAE HANDBOOK, FUNDAMENTALS VOLUME  is the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating 
and Air -Conditioning Engineers document titled "ASHRAE Handbook: Fundamentals" (I -P) (2017).  
ASHRAE HANDBOOK, SYSTEMS AND  EQUIPMENT VOLUME  is the American Society of Heating, 
Refrigerating and Air -Conditioning Engineers document titled "ASHRAE Handbook: Heating, 
Ventilating, and Air -Conditioning Systems and Equipment"  (I-P) (2020 ). 
ASHRAE GUIDELINE  36 is the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air -Conditioning 
Engineer s document titled  “High -Performance  Sequences  of Operation  for HVAC Systems”. 2021 
(ASHRAE Guideline 36 -2021).  
ASHRAE STANDARD 52.2  is the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air -Conditioning 
Engineers document titled "Method of Testing General Ventilation Air -Cleaning Devices for Removal 
Efficiency by Particle Size,” 2017 (ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 52.2 -2017).  
ASHRAE STANDARD 55  is the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air -Conditioning 
Engineers document titled " Thermal Environmental Conditions for Human Occupancy,” 2020  
(ANSI/ ASHRAE Standard 55 -2020 ). 
ASHRAE STANDARD 62.1 is the  American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air -Conditioning 
Engineers document titled  “Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality ,” 2019  (ANSI/ASHRAE 
Standard 62.1 -2019 2022 , including Addenda y, ao, P, B ). 
ASHRAE STANDARD 62.2  is the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air -Conditioning 
Engineers document titled "Ventilation and Acceptable Indoor Air Quality in Residential Buildings,” 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards   Page 133 
SECTION  100. 1 – DEFINITIONS AND RULES OF CONSTRUCTION  2019 2022 (ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 62.2 -202219 including ANSI/ASHRAE Addend a v and d - 
published in  the 2020). 
ASHRAE  STANDARD  84 is the American National Standards Institute/American Society of Heating, 
Refrigerati ng and Air -Conditioning Engineers document titled “Method of Testing Air -to-Air 
Heat/Energy Exchanger s”. 2020 (ANSI/ASHRAE 84 -2020) . 
ASHRAE STANDARD 90.1  is the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air -Conditioning 
Engineers document titled  “Energy Standards for Buildings Except Low -Rise Residential Buildings ,” 
2019 (ANSI/ASHRAE /IES Standards 90.1 -2019). 
ASHRAE S TANDARD  154 is the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air -Conditioning 
Engineers document titled  “Ventilation for Commercial Cooking Operations,” 2016 (ANSI/ASHRAE 
Standard 154 -2016) . 
ASHRAE STANDARD 193  is the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air -Conditioning 
Engineers document titled "Method of Test for Determining the Airtightness of HVAC Equipment," 
RA2014 (ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 193 -RA2014).  
ASME  is the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.  
ASME A17.1/CSA B44 is the American Society of Mechanical Engineers document titled “  Safety 
Code for Elevators and Escalators” 2019  (ASME A17.1 -2019 /CSAB44 -19). 
ASME A112.18.1/CSA B125.1 is the American Society of Mechanical Engineers document titled 
“Plumbing Supply Fittings ,” 2018  (ASME A112.18.1 -2018 /CSA B125.1 -18). 
ASTM  is the American Society for Testing and Materials International.  
ASTM C55  is the American Society for Testing and Materials document titled “Standard 
Specification s for Concrete Building Brick,” 2017 (ASTM C55 -17). 
ASTM C177  is the American Society for Testing and Materials document titled “Standard Test 
Method for Steady -State Heat Flux Measurements and Thermal Transmission Properties by Means of 
the Guarded -Hot-Plate Apparatus,” 2019  (ASTM C177 -19). 
ASTM C272  is the American Society for Testing and Materials document titled “Standard Test 
Method for Water Absorption of Core Materials for Sandwich Constructions,” 2018  (ASTM 
C272 /C272M -18). 
ASTM C335/C335M  is the American Society for Testing and Materials document titled “Standard 
Test Method for Steady -State Heat Transfer Properties of Pipe Insulation,” 2017 (ASTM 
C335/C335M -17). 
ASTM C518  is the American Society for Testing and Materials document titled “Standard Test 
Method for Steady -State Thermal Transmission Properties by Means of the Heat Flow Meter 
Apparatus,” 2017 (ASTM C518 -17). 
ASTM C731  is the American Society for Testing and Materials document titled “Standard Test 
Method for Extrudability, After Package Aging of Latex Sealants,” 2015 (ASTM C731 -15). 
ASTM C732  is the American Society for Testing and Materials document titled “Standard Test 
Method for Aging Effects of Artificial Weathering on Latex Sealants,” 2017 (ASTM C732 -17). Page 134 2022 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION  100. 1 – DEFINITIONS AND RULES OF CONSTRUCTION  ASTM C836  is the American Society for Testing and Materials document titled “Standard 
Specification for High Solids Content, Cold Liquid -Applied Elastomeric Waterproofing Membrane for 
Use with Separate Wearing Course,” 2018  (ASTM C836/C836M -18). 
ASTM C1167  is the American Society for Testing and Materials document titled “Standard 
Specification for Clay Roof Tiles,” 2017  (ASTM C1167 -11(2017) ). 
ASTM C1371  is the American Society for Testing and Materials document titled “Standard Test 
Method for Determination of Emittance of Materials Near Room Temperature Using Portable 
Emissometers,” 2015 (ASTM C1371 -15. 
ASTM C1492 is the American Society for Testing and Materials document entitled “Standard 
Specification for Concrete Roof Tile,” 2016 (ASTM C1492 -03(2016)).  
ASTM C1549  is the American Society for Testing and Materials document entitled "Standard Test 
Method for Determination of Solar Reflectance Near Ambient Temperature Using a Portable Solar 
Reflectometer,"2016 (ASTM C1549 -16). 
ASTM C1583  is the American Society for Testing and Materials document titled “Standard Test 
Method for Tensile Strength of Concrete Surfaces and the Bond Strength or Tensile Strength of 
Concrete Repair and Overlay Materials by Direct Tension (Pull -off Method),” 2020  (ASTM 
C1583/ C1583M -20). 
ASTM D448  is the American Society for Testing and Materials document titled "Standard 
Classification for Sizes of Aggregate for Road and Bridge Construction,"2017 (ASTM D448 -12(2017)).  
ASTM  D522  is the American Society for Testing and Materials document titled “Standard Test 
Methods for Mandrel Bend Test of Attached Organic Coatings,” 2017 (ASTM D522/D522M -17). 
ASTM  D822  is the American Society for Testing and Materials document titled “Standard Practice for 
Filtered Open -Flame Carbon -Arc Exposures of Paint and Related Coatings,” 2018  (ASTM 
D822/D822M -13(2018)). 
ASTM  D1003  is the American Society for Testing and Materials document titled “Standard Test 
Method for Haze and Luminous Transmittance of Transparent Plastics,” 2021 (ANSI/ASTM D1003 -
21). 
ASTM  D1653  is the American Society for Testing and Materials document titled “Standard Test 
Methods for Water Vapor Transmission of Organic Coating Films,” 2021 (ASTM D1653 -21). 
ASTM D1863  is the American Society for Testing and Materials document titled "Standard 
Specification for Mineral Aggregate Used on Built -Up Roofs," 2018  (ASTM D1863/D1863M -05 (2018 )). 
ASTM D2202 is the American Society for Testing and Materials document titled “Standard Test 
Method for Slump of Sealants,” 2019 ( ASTM D2202 -00(2019))  
ASTM  D2370  is the American Society for Testing and Materials document titled “Standard Test 
Method for Tensile Properties of Organic Coatings,” 2016 (ASTM D2370 -98-16). 
ASTM  D2824  is the American Society for Testing and Materials document titled “Standard 
Specification for Aluminum -Pigmented Asphalt Roof Coatings, Nonfibered, and Fibered without 
Asbestos,” 2018  (ASTM D2824/D2824M -18). 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards   Page 135 
SECTION  100. 1 – DEFINITIONS AND RULES OF CONSTRUCTION  ASTM  D3468  is the American Society for Testing and Materials document titled “Standard 
Specification for Liquid -Applied Neoprene and Chlorosulfonated Polyethylene Used in Roofing and 
Waterproofing,” 2020  (ASTM D3468/D3468M -99 (2020 )). 
ASTM  D3805  is the American Society for Testing and Materials document titled “Standard Guide for 
Application of Aluminum -Pigmented Asphalt Roof Coatings,” 2016 (ASTM D3805/D3805M -16). 
ASTM  D4798  is the American Society for Testing and Materials document titled “Standard Practice  
for Accelerated Weathering Test Conditions and Procedures for Bituminous Materials (Xenon -Arc 
Method),” 2021  (ASTM D4798/D4798M -11(2021) ). 
ASTM D5870  is the American Society for Testing and Materials document titled “Standard Practice 
for Calculating Property Retention Index of Plastics,” 2016 (ASTM D5870 -16). 
ASTM D6083  is the American Society for Testing and Materials document title d “Standard 
Specification for Liquid Applied Acrylic Coatings Used in Roofing,” 2021 (ASTM D6083/D6083M -21). 
ASTM  D6694  is the American Society for Testing and Materials document titled “Standard 
Specification for Liquid -Applied Silicone Coating Used in Spray Polyurethane Foam Roofing  Systems ,” 
2015 (ASTM D6694/D6694M -15). 
ASTM  E96 is the American Society for Testing and Materials document titled “Standard Test 
Methods for Water Vapor Transmission of Materials,” 2016 (ASTM E96/E96M -16). 
ASTM  E283  is the American Society for Testing and Materials document titled “Standard Test 
Method for Determining Rate of Air Leakage Through Exterior Windows, Skylight , Curtain Walls, and 
Doors Under Specified Pressure Differences Across the Specimen,” 2019  (ASTM E283 /E238 -19). 
ASTM  E408  is the American Society for Testing and Materials document titled “Standard Test 
Methods for Total Normal Emittance of Surfaces Using Inspection -Meter Techniques,” 2019  (ASTM 
E408 -13(2019)). 
ASTM E779  is the American Society for Testing and Materials document titled “Standard Test 
Method for Determining Air Leakage Rate by Fan Pressurization,” 2019  (ASTM E779 -19). 
ASTM E903  is the American Society for Testing and Materials document titled "Standard Test Method 
for Solar Absorptance, Reflectance, and Transmittance of Materials Using Integrating Spheres," 2020  
(ASTM E903 -20). 
ASTM E972  is the American Society for Testing and Materials document titled "Standard Test Method 
for Solar Photometric Transmittance of Sheet Materials Using Sunlight," 2021  (ASTM E972 -96(2021 )). 
ASTM E1175  is the American Society for Testing and Materials document titled "Standard Test Method 
for Determining Solar or Photopic Reflectance, Transmittance, and Absorptance of Materials Using a 
Large Diameter Integrating Sphere," 2015 (ASTM E1175 -87(2015)).  
ASTM E1677 is the American Society for Testing and Materials document titled “Standard 
Specification for Air Barrier (AB)  Material or Assemblies  for Low -Rise Framed Building Walls,” 2019  (ASTM 
E1677 -19). 
ASTM E1680  is the American Society for Testing and Materials document titled “Standard Test 
Method for Rate of Air Leakage through Exterior Metal Roof Panel Systems,” 2016 (ASTM E1680 -16). Page 136 2022 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION  100. 1 – DEFINITIONS AND RULES OF CONSTRUCTION  ASTM E1918  is the American Society for Testing and Materials document titled "Standard Test 
Method for Measuring Solar Reflectance of Horizontal and Low -Sloped Surfaces in the Field,"2016 
(ASTM E1918 -16).  
ASTM E1980  is the American Society for Testing and Materials document titled “Standard Practice 
for Calculating Solar Reflectance Index of Horizontal and Low -Sloped Opaque Surface,” 2019  (ASTM 
E1980 -11(2019)). 
ASTM E2178  is the American Society for Testing and Materials document titled "Standard Test 
Method for Determining Air Leakage Rate and Calculation of  Air Permeance of Building Materials," 2021  (ASTM 
E217 78-21). 
ASTM E2357  is the American Society for Testing and Materials document titled "Standard Test 
Method for Determining Air Leakage Rate of Air Barrier Assemblies ,” 2018  (ASTM E2357 -18). 
ASTM E3087  is the American Society for Testing and Materials document titled “Standard Test 
Method for Measuring Capture Efficiency of Domestic Range Hoods ,” 2018 (ASTM E3087 -18). 
ATTIC  is an enclosed space directly below the roof deck and above the ceiling beams.  
AUTOMATED TELLER MACHINE (ATM)  is any electronic information processing device which accepts 
or dispenses currency in connection with a credit, deposit, or convenience account without 
involvement by a clerk.  
AUTOMATIC  is capable of operating without human intervention.  
AZIMUTH is the degrees of clockwise rotation from true  north . 
BACK -UP COMPRESSORS  are those compressors not used to meet peak compressed air loads. Back -
up compressors are physically connected to the compressed air piping system and can be 
automatically controlled to turn on if one of the online compressors fails. Back -up compressors d o 
not normally operate.  
BATTERY  ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM  (BESS) SYSTEM, STATIONARY STORAGE.  is aA stationary 
equipment that rec eives  electrical energy and then utilize s batteri es to store that energy  for later use 
to supply electrical energy when needed . The BESS consists of one or more modules, a power 
conditioning system , and balance of plant components.  rechargeable energy storage system 
consisting of electrochemical storage batteries, battery chargers, controls, and associated electrical 
equipment designed to provide electrical power to a building. The system is typically used to provide 
standby or emer gency power, and uninterruptable power supply, load shedding, load sharing or 
similar capabilities . 
BELOW -GRADE WALL  is the portion of a wall, enclosing conditioned space that is below the grade 
line.  
BESS READY INTERCONNECTION EQUIPMENT is equipment, including but not limited to a Battery 
Energy Storage System (BESS) ready panelboard, that can accommodate the connection of a 
distributed energy resource or a BESS capable of either automatic or manual isolation from the utility 
power source.  
BESS READY PANELBOARD  is a panelboard that can accommodate either automatic or manual 
switching between a utility power source to a distributed energy resource or a  BESS , such as a split 
bus panelboard.  2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards   Page 137 
SECTION  100. 1 – DEFINITIONS AND RULES OF CONSTRUCTION  BOILER SYSTEM is one or more boilers and their piping and controls that work together to supply 
steam or hot water to heat output devices remote from the boiler.  
BUBBLE POINT  is the liquid saturation temperature of a refrigerant at a specified pressure.  
BUILDING  is any structure or space covered by Section 100.0 of the Building Energy Efficiency 
Standards.  
BUILDING COMMISSIONING is a systematic quality assurance process that spans the entire design 
and construction process, including verifying and documenting that building systems and 
components are planned, designed, installed, tested, operated , and maintained to meet the owner’s 
project requirements.  
BUILDING ENVELOPE  is the ensemble of exterior and demising partitions of a building that enclose 
conditioned space.  
CALL CENTER  is a phone center that handles large number of phone calls including but not limited to 
help desk, customer and sales support, technical support, emergency response, telephone answering 
service, and inbound and outbound telemarketing.  
CARBON DIOXIDE ENRICHMENT  is injection of additional carbon dioxide into controlled 
environment horticulture spaces for the purpose of stimulating plant growth.  
CASCADE REFRIGERATION SYSTEM  is a type of refrigeration system that uses a low -stage 
refrigeration system where the heat rejected from condensing the low -stage refrigerant is absorbed 
using a heat -exchanger by a separate high -stage refrigeration system, and the ultimate heat 
rejection  to ambient air is accomplished by the high -stage refrigeration system.  
CATHEDRAL CEILING is an exterior partition with a slope less than 60 degrees from horizontal that is 
created by applying the ceiling directly to the underside of the roof framing members and applying 
structural roof sheathing directly to the top of the roof framing members/rafters. It may be flat or 
sloped and vented or unvented.  
CEILING FAN  means a nonportable device that is suspended from a ceiling or overhead structure for 
circulating air via the rotation of fan blades as defined in 10 CFR 430.2.  
CENTRAL FAN VENTILATION COOLING SYSTEM (CFVCS)  is a ducting arrangement including outside 
air ducts, motorized dampers , and an automatic control system that allows a residential space 
conditioning system central  fan and duct s to distribute outside air throughout a residential dwelling 
unit, intending to reduce or eliminate the need for mechanical cooling.  
CERTIFIED  TO THE ENERGY COMMISSION  means, when used in association with appliances, certified 
under Section 1606 of Title 20 of the California Code of Regulations; and otherwise means certified 
by the manufacturer in a declaration, executed under penalty of perjury under the laws of the St ate 
of California, that all the information provided pursuant to the certification is true, complete, 
accurate and in compliance with all applicable provisions of Part 6; and if applicable that the 
equipment, product, or device was  tested under the applicable test method specified in Part 6.  
CERTIFYING ORGANIZATION  is an independent organization recognized by the Commission to certify 
manufactured devices for performance values in accordance with procedures adopted by the 
Commission.  Page 138 2022 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION  100. 1 – DEFINITIONS AND RULES OF CONSTRUCTION  CIE 13.3 is the International Commission on Illumination (Commission Internationale de l’Eclairage) 
document titled “Method of Measuring and Specifying Colour Rendering Properties of Light 
Sources,” 1995 (CIE 13.3 -1995).  
CIE 15  is the International Commission on Illumination (Commission Internationale de l’Eclairage) 
document titled “Technical Report: Colorimetry,” 2018  (CIE 15:  2018 ). 
CIRCULATING FAN  means a fan that is not a ceiling fan, but that is used to move air within a space 
that has no provision for connection to ducting or separation of the fan inlet from its outlet, and 
designed to be used for the general circulation of air.  
CLIMATE ZONES  are the 16 geographic areas of California for which the Commission has established 
typical weather data, prescriptive packages , and energy budgets. Climate zones are defined by ZIP 
code and listed in Reference Joint Appendix JA2 . FIGURE 100.1 -A is an approximate map of the 16 
Climate Zones.  
CLOSED -CIRCUIT COOLING TOWER  is a cooling tower that utilizes indirect contact between a heated 
fluid, typically water or glycol, and the cooling atmosphere to transfer the source heat load through 
sensible heat, latent heat, and mass transfer indirectly to the air, essentially combi ning a heat 
exchanger and cooling tower into an integrated and relatively compact device.  
CODES, CALIFORNIA HISTORICAL BUILDING CODE  is the California Historical Building Code, California 
Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 8 , and Part 2 (Chapter 34).  
CODES, CBC  is the 2025  California Building Code . 
CODES, CEC  is the 2025  California Electric al Code . 
CODES, CFC  is the 2025  Califor nia Fire Code . 
CODES, CMC  is the 2025  California Mechanical Code . 
CODES, CPC  is the 2025  California Plumbing Code . 
COEFFICIENT OF PERFORMANCE (COP), COOLING  is the ratio of the rate of net heat removal to the 
rate of total energy input, calculated under designated operating conditions and expressed in 
consistent units, as determined using the applicable test method in the Appliance Efficiency 
Regulations or S ection 110.2.  
COEFFICIENT OF PERFORMANCE (COP), HEATING  is the ratio of the rate of net heat output to the 
rate of total energy input, calculated under designated operating conditions and expressed in 
consistent units, as determined using the applicable test method in the Appliance Efficiency 
Regulations or Se ction 110.2.  
COEFFICIENT OF PERFORMANCE (COP), HEAT PUMP  is the ratio of the rate of useful heat output 
delivered by the complete heat pump unit (exclusive of supplementary heating) to the corresponding 
rate of energy input, in consistent units and as determined using the applicable test method in 
Appliance Eff iciency Regulations or Section 110.2.  
COMBINED ENERGY EFFICIENCY RATIO  (CEER)  is the ratio of net cooling capacity (in Btu/hr) to total 
rate of electrical energy input (in watts) of a cooling system under designated operating conditions , 
including standby mode , as determined using the applicable test method in the Appliance Efficiency 
Regulations.  2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards   Page 139 
SECTION  100. 1 – DEFINITIONS AND RULES OF CONSTRUCTION  COMBUSTION AIR POSITIVE SHUT -OFF  is a means of restricting airflow  through a boiler combustion 
chamber during standby periods, used to reduce standby heat loss. A flue damper and a vent 
damper are two examples of combustion air positive shut -off devices.  
COMBUSTION EFFICIENCY  is a measure of the percentage of heat from the combustion of gas or oil 
that is transferred to the medium being heated or lost as jacket loss.  
COMMERCIAL  BOILER  is a type of boiler with a capacity (rated maximum input) of 300,000 Btus per 
hour (Btu/h) or more and serving a space heating or water heating load in a commercial building.  
COMMISSION  is the California State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission, 
which is also referred to as the California Energy Commission.  
COMPLEX MECHANICAL SYSTEMS  are systems that include 1) fan systems each serving multiple 
thermostatically controlled zones; or 2) bu ilt-up air handler systems (nonunitary or non packaged 
HVAC equipment); or 3) hydronic or steam heating systems; or 4) hydronic cooling systems. Complex 
mechanical systems are NOT the following: 1) unitary or packaged equipment listed in Table 110.2 -A, 
110.2 -B, 110.2 -C, or 110.2 -E that each serves one  zone, or 2) two -pipe, heating only systems serving 
one or more zones.  
COMPLIANCE SOFTWARE  is software that has been approved pursuant to Section 10 -109 of Part 1 of 
Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations, to demonstrate compliance with the performance 
approach of Part 6.  
COMPRESSED AIR SYSTEM  is a system of at least one compressor providing compressed air at 40 
psig or higher.  
COMPUTER ROOM  is a room within a building whose primary function is to house electronic 
equipment and that has a design  information tech nology equipment (ITE)  equipment power density 
exceeding 20 watts/ft2 (215 watts/m2) of conditioned floor area.  
CONDENSER  is a refrigeration component that condenses refrigerant vapor by rejecting heat to air 
mechanically circulated over its heat transfer surface.  
CONDENSER, ADIABATIC  is a condenser that has the ability to use two heat transfer processes in 
series as accomplished by a single factory -made unit. The first heat transfer process is the precooling 
of the entering air by lowering the entering air drybulb temperature. The sec ond heat transfer 
process is forced -air circulation cooling over the heat transfer surface of the condenser.  
 DRY MODE  is an operating condition of an adiabatic condenser wherein the only means of heat 
transfer is accomplished through forced -air circulation over the heat transfer surface of the 
condenser without any precooling of the entering air.  
 PRECOOL  MODE  is an operating condition of an adiabatic condenser wherein the entering air is 
precool ed. 
CONDENSER SPECIFIC EFFICIENCY  is the full load condenser Total Heat of Rejection (THR) capacity at 
standardized conditions divided by the fan input electric power (including but not limited to spray 
pump electric input power for evaporative condensers) at 100 percent rated fan speed.  
CONDITIONED FLOOR AREA (CFA)  is the floor area (in square feet) of enclosed conditioned space on 
all floors of a building, as measured at the floor level of the exterior surfaces of exterior walls 
enclosing the conditioned space.  Page 140 2022 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION  100. 1 – DEFINITIONS AND RULES OF CONSTRUCTION  CONDITIONED GREENHOUSE  is a greenhouse that is provided with wood heating, mechanical 
heating that has a capacity exceeding 10 Btu/hr -ft², or mechanical cooling that has a capacity 
exceeding 5 Btu/hr -ft². 
CONDITIONED SPACE  is an enclosed space within a building that is directly conditioned or indirectly 
conditioned.  
CONDITIONED SPACE, DIRECTLY  is an enclosed space that is provided with wood heating, 
mechanical heating that has a capacity exceeding 10 Btu/hr -ft², or mechanical cooling that has a 
capacity exceeding 5 Btu/hr -ft². Directly conditioned space does not include process space. (See 
“pro cess space.”)  
CONDITIONED SPACE, INDIRECTLY  is enclosed space that (1) is not directly conditioned space; and 
(2) either (a) has a thermal transmittance area product (UA) to directly conditioned space exceeding 
that to the outdoors or to unconditioned space and does not have fixed vents or openings  to the 
outdoors or to unconditioned space, or (b) is a space through which air from directly conditioned 
spaces is transferred at a rate exceeding three air changes per hour.  
CONDITIONED VOLUME  is the total volume (in cubic feet) of the conditioned space within a building.  
CONTINUOUS INSULATION (c.i.) is insulation that is continuous across all assemblies that separate 
conditioned from unconditioned space. It is installed on the exterior or interior or is integral to any 
opaque surface of the building envelope and has no thermal bridges other than faste ners and 
necessary service openings.  
CONTROLLED ATMOSPHERE is an airtight space maintained at reduced oxygen levels for the purpose 
of reducing respiration of perishable product in long term storage.  
CONTROLLED ENVIRONMENT HORTICULTURE  (CEH)  SPACE  is a building space dedicated to 
plant  production by manipulating indoor environmental conditions, such as through electric lighting, 
irrigation,  mechanical heating,  mechanical  cooling,  or dehumidification. CEH space does not include 
building space where plants are grown solely to decorate that same space.  
COOLER  is a space to be capable of operation at a temperature greater than or equal to 28°F but less 
than 55°F.  
COOL ROOF  is a roofing material with high thermal emittance and high solar reflectance, or low 
thermal emittance and exceptionally high solar reflectance as specified in Part 6 that reduces heat 
gain through the roof.  
COOLING EQUIPMENT  is equipment used to provide mechanical cooling for a room or rooms in a 
building.  
CRAWL SPACE  is a space immediately under the first floor of a building adjacent to grade.  
CRRC -1 is the Cool Roof Rating Council document titled “Product Rating Program Manual.”  (2021)  
CTI is the Cooling Technology Institute.  
CTI ATC -105 is the Cooling Technology Institute document titled “Acceptance Test Code for Cooling 
Towers,” 2019  (CTI ATC -105-19). 
CTI ATC -105DS  is the Cooling Technology Institute document titled “Acceptance Test Code for Dry 
Fluid Coolers, 2018 (CTI ATC -105DS ( 18)).  2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards   Page 141 
SECTION  100. 1 – DEFINITIONS AND RULES OF CONSTRUCTION  CTI ATC -105S(11)  is the Cooling Technology Institute document titled “Acceptance Test Code for 
Closed -Circuit Cooling Towers,” 2011 (CTI ATC -105 11). 
CTI ATC -106 is the Cooling Technology Institute document titled “Acceptance Test Code for 
Mechanical Draft Evaporative Vapor Condensers”, 2011 (CTI ATC -106 11).  
CTI STD -201 is the Cooling Technology Institute document titled “Standard for the Certification of 
Water Cooling Thermal Performance ,”2017  (CTI STD -201-RS(17)). 
CURRENT AIR DEMAND  is the actual cubic feet per minute (acfm) of total airflow  necessary for end 
uses in a compressed air system.  
C-VALUE  (also known as C -factor) is the time rate of heat flow through unit area of a body induced 
by a unit temperature difference between the body surfaces, in Btu (hr  × ft² × °F). It is not the same 
as K-value or K -factor.  
CYCLES OF CONCENTRATION  is the number of times the concentration of total dissolved solids (TDS) 
in cooling tower water is multiplied relative to the TDS in the makeup water. Because evaporation of 
pure water leaves dissolved solids behind in the system water, TDS increases over  time as the tower 
operates. The number of times the dissolved minerals are concentrated is relative to the TDS in the 
makeup water. For example, five cycles of concentration represents five times the concentration of 
solids in the c ooling tower system water relative to the TDS in the makeup water entering the tower.  
DATA CENTER  is a building whose primary function is to house computer room(s).  
DAYLIT ZONE  is the floor area under skylights or next to windows. Types of daylit zones include 
primary sidelit daylit zone, secondary sidelit daylit zone, and skylit daylit zone.  
DEADBAND  is the temperature range within which the HVAC system is neither calling for heating or 
cooling.  
DECORATIVE GAS APPLIANCE  is a gas appliance that is designed or installed for visual effect only, 
cannot burn solid wood, and simulates a fire in a fireplace.  
DEDICATED OUTDOOR AIR SYSTEM (DOAS)  is ventilation system that delivers 100 percent outdoor 
air and delivers ventilation supply air to each space, either directly or in conjunction with local or 
central space -conditioning systems serving those same spaces such as a DX -DOAS, HRV, ERV, or 
custom ventilation only unit.  
DEGREE DAY, HEATING,  is a unit, based upon temperature difference and time, used in estimating 
fuel consumption and specifying nominal annual heating load of a building. For any one day, when 
the mean temperature is less than 65°F, there exist as many degree days as there are  Fahrenheit 
degrees difference in temperature between the mean temperature for the day and 65°F. The 
number of degree days for specific geographical locations are those listed in the Reference Joint 
Appendix JA2. For those localities not listed in the Refe rence Joint Appendix JA2, the number of 
degree days is as determined by the applicable enforcing agency.  
DEHUMIDIFIER  is a product other than a portable air conditioner, room air conditioner, or packaged terminal 
air conditioner that is a self -contained, electrically operated, and mechanically encased assembly consisting of 
1) a refrigerated surface (evaporator) that con denses moisture from the atmosphere, 2)  a refrigerating 
system, including an electric motor, 3)  an air -circulating fan,  and 4)  a means for collecting or disposing of the 
condensate.  Page 142 2022 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION  100. 1 – DEFINITIONS AND RULES OF CONSTRUCTION  DEMAND FLEXIBILITY MEASURE  is a measure that reduces TDV LSC and/or source energy 
consumption using communication and control technology to shift electricity use across hours of the 
day to decrease energy use on -peak or increase energy use off -peak, including but not limited to 
battery energy storage, or HVAC or water heating load shifting.  
DEMAND RESPONSE  is short -term changes in electricity usage by end -use customers from their 
normal consumption patterns. Demand response may be in response to:  
a. changes in the price of electricity; or  
b. participation in programs or services designed to modify electricity use : 
i. in resp onse to wholesale market prices;  or 
ii. when system reliability is jeopardized.  
DEMAND RESPONSE PERIOD  is a period of time during which electricity loads are modified in 
response to a demand response signal.  
DEMAND RESPONSE SIGNAL  is a signal that indicates a price or a request to modify electricity 
consumption for a limited time period.  
DEMAND RESPONSIVE CONTROL is an automatic control that is capable of receiving and 
automatically responding to a demand response signal.  
DEMISING PARTITION  is a wall, fenestration, floor, or ceiling that separates conditioned space from 
enclosed unconditioned space  or a controlled environment horticulture space . 
DESICCANT DEHUMIDIFICATION SYSTEM  is a mechanical dehumidification  technology  that use s a solid or 
liquid desiccant to remove moisture from the air.  
DESIGN CONDITIONS  are the parameters and conditions used to determine the performance 
requirements of space -conditioning systems. Design conditions for determining design heating and 
cooling loads are specified in Section 140.4(b) for nonresidential  and hotel/motel buildings  in Section 
150.0(h) for single -family residential buildings , and in Sections 160.3(b)  and 170.2(c) for multifamily 
buildings . 
DESIGN HEAT GAIN RATE  is the total calculated heat gain through the building envelope under 
design conditions.  
DESIGN HEAT LOSS RATE  is the total calculated heat loss through the building envelope under design 
conditions.  
DESIGN REVIEW is an additional review of the construction documents (drawings and specifications) 
that seeks to improve compliance with existing Title 24 regulations, to encourage adoption of best 
practices in design, and to encourage designs that are construct ible and maintainable. It is an 
opportunity for an experienced design engineer or architect to look at a project with a fresh 
perspective in an effort to catch missing or unclear design information and to suggest design 
enhancements.  
DEW POINT  TEMPERATURE  is the vapor saturation temperature at a specified pressure for a 
substance undergoing phase change from vapor to liquid.  
DIRECT DIGITAL CONTROL (DDC)  is a type of control where controlled and monitored analog or 
binary data, such as temperature and  contact closures, are converted to digital format for 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards   Page 143 
SECTION  100. 1 – DEFINITIONS AND RULES OF CONSTRUCTION  manipulation and calculations by a digital computer or microprocessor, then converted back to 
analog or binary form to control  mechanical devices.  
DIRECT -VENT APPLIANCE or “sealed combustion” appliance is an appliance that is constructed and 
installed so that air from combustion is derived directly from the outdoors and flue gases are 
discharged to the outdoors.  
DISPLAY PERIMETER  is the length of an exterior wall in a Group B; Group F, Division 1; or Group M, 
Occupancy that immediately abuts a public sidewalk, measured at the sidewalk level for each story 
that abuts a public sidewalk.  
DOMESTIC WATER HEATING SYSTEMS  (see “service water heating”) . 
DOMESTIC HOT WATER SYSTEM APPURTENANCE  are all elements that are in series in a domestic 
hot water distribution system, including fittings (elbows, tees, flanges, etc.), pumps, valves (isolation, 
mixing, balancing, check, etc.), pipe supports and hangers, strainers, hose bibs, coil u -bends, me ters, 
sensors, heat exchangers and air separators.  
DOOR  is an operable opening in the building envelope, including swinging and roll -up doors, fire 
doors, pet doors and access hatches with less than 25 percent glazed area. When that operable 
opening has 25 percent or more glazed area it is a glazed door. See F enestration: Glazed Door.  
DOOR AREA  is the total rough opening area which includes the door, and when present, the 
fenestration, and the fenestration frame components in the door frame assembly.  
DRAIN WATER HEAT RECOVERY  (DWHR)  is a system that recovers hea t from effluent in waste piping 
and uses it to preheat water in a domestic or service water heating system in order to reduce water 
heating energy usage.  
DRY COOLER  is a fan -powered heat rejection device that includes  a water or glycol circuit connected 
by a closed circulation loop refrigerant  condenser and is air -cooled.  
DUAL -FUEL HEAT PUMP  is an electric heat pump with gas furnace  supplemental heat  that alternates 
between the two fuel sources.  
DUCT SEALING  is a pr ocedure for installing a space -conditioning distribution system that minimizes 
leakage of air from or to the distribution system. Minimum specifications for installation procedures, 
materials, diagnostic testing and field verification are contained in the Reference Residential 
Appendix RA3 and Reference Nonresidential Appendix NA1.  
DUCT SYSTEM  is all the ducts, duct fittings, plenums and fans when assembled to form a continuous 
passageway for the distribution of air.  
DUCT WALL PENETRATIONS  are openings to the duct wall made by pipes, holes, conduit, tie rods, or 
wires.  
DUCTED SYSTEM  is an air conditioner or heat pump, either a split system or single -packaged unit, 
that is designed to be permanently installed equipment and delivers conditioned air to an indoor 
space through a duct.  
DWELLING  is a building that contains one or two dwelling units used, intended or designed to be 
used, rented, leased, let or hired out to be occupied for living purposes.  Page 144 2022 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION  100. 1 – DEFINITIONS AND RULES OF CONSTRUCTION  DWELLING UNIT  is a single unit providing complete, independent living facilities for one or more 
persons including access , permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking and sanitation.  
DWELLING UNIT, ATTACHED is a dwelling unit that shares a common wall or common floor/ceiling 
with another dwelling unit.  
DWELLING UNIT, JUNIOR ACCESSORY, or JADU  is a dwelling unit that is no more than 500 square 
feet in size and contained entirely within a n newly constructed  or existing single  family building . A 
JADU includes a kitchen, a separate entrance from the main entrance to the building, and an interior 
entry to the main living ar ea. A JADU  may include separate sanitation facilities or may share 
sanitation facilities with in the newly constructed or  existing single family building . 
DX-DEDICATED OUTDOOR AIR SYSTEM UNIT (DX -DOAS)  is a type of air -cooled, water -cooled, or 
water -source DOAS unit  that dehumidifies 100 percent outdoor air and includes reheat that is 
capable of controlling the supply dry -bulb temperature of the dehumidified air to the designed 
supply air temperature. This conditioned outdoor air is then delivered directly or indirectly to the 
conditioned spaces. It may precondition outdoor air by containing an enthalpy wheel, sensible 
wheel, desiccant wheel, plat e heat exchanger, heat pipes, or other heat or mass transfer apparatus.  
EAST -FACING  (See “orientation.”)  
ECONOMIZER, AIR,  is a ducting arrangement, including dampers, linkages, and an automatic control 
system that allows a cooling supply fan system to supply outside air to reduce or eliminate the need 
for mechanical cooling.  
ECONOMIZER, PUMPED REFRIGERANT,  is a system by which the supply air of a cooling system is 
cooled directly by refrigerant pumped between indoor and outdoor units during cooler ambient 
temperatures in order to reduce or eliminate the need for mechanical cooling.  
ECONOMIZER, WATER,  is a system by which the supply air of a cooling system is cooled directly or 
indirectly by evaporation of water in order to reduce or eliminate the need for mechanical cooling.  
ELECTRICAL POWER DISTRIBUTION  SYSTEMS.  The following definitions are intended to apply to 
Section 130.5 only:  
ELECTRICAL METERING is a device or system for measuring the electrical power and energy 
supplied to a customer or premise(s).  
EQUIPMENT . A general term, including devices, luminaires, apparatus, machinery, and the like 
used as a part of, or in connection with, an electrical installation.  
LOW VOLTAGE DRY -TYPE DISTRIBUTION TRANSFORMER  is a distribution transformer that has 
an input voltage of 600 volts or less, that is air -cooled, and that does not use oil as a coolant.  
PLUG LOAD  is the energy consumed by any appliances or electronic device that is plugged into a 
receptacle or receptacle outlet. Plug loads are not related to general lighting, heating, 
ventilation, cooling, and water heating, domestic and service water system, renew able power, 
information technology equipment, computer room electronic equipment, and electric vehicle 
charging.  
SERVICE is the conductors and equipment for delivering electric energy from the serving utility to 
the wiring system of the premise served.  2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards   Page 145 
SECTION  100. 1 – DEFINITIONS AND RULES OF CONSTRUCTION  SERVICE EQUIPMENT  is the necessary equipment, usually consisting of a circuit breaker(s) or 
switch(es) and fuse(s) and their accessories, connected to the load end of service conductors to a 
building or other structure, or an otherwise designated area, and intended to cons titute the main 
control and cutoff of the supply.  
ELECTRONICALLY -COMMUTATED MOTOR  is a brushless DC motor with a permanent magnet rotor 
that is surrounded by stationary motor windings, and an electronic controller that varies rotor speed 
and direction by sequentially supplying DC current to the windings.  
EMITTANCE, THERMAL  is the ratio of the radiant heat flux emitted by a sample to that emitted by a 
blackbody radiator at the same temperature.  
ENCLOSED SPACE  is space that is substantially surrounded by solid surfaces, including walls, ceilings 
or roofs, doors, fenestration areas, and floors or ground.  
ENERGY BUDGET  is the maximum energy consumption ,  based on Time Dependent Valuation (TDV) 
energy, Long -term System Cost (LSC), that a proposed building, or portion of a building, can be 
designed to consume, calculated using Commission -approved compliance software as specified by 
the Alternative Calculation Method Approval Manual Section 10 -109 of the Energy Code and the 
Alternative Calculation Method Reference Manual . The Energy Budget for newly constructed , low -
rise residential buildings isare expressed in terms of the Energy Design Rating. Long -Term System 
Cost (LSC)  and Source Energy . The energy budget for additions and alteration s is expressed in terms 
of LSC.  
ENERGY COMMISSION (CEC) is the California State Energy Resources Conservation and Development 
Commission.  
ENERGY DESIGN RATING (EDR) is a way to express the energy consumption of a building as a rating 
score index where a score of 100 represents the energy consumption of the building built to the 
specifications of the Residential Energy Services (RESNET) reference home characterization of the 
2006 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) with Title 24, Part 6 modeling assumptions, and 
a score of 0 (zero) represents a building that has zero net energy consumption. The EDR is calculated 
using Commission -approved compliance software as  specified by the Alternative Calculation Method 
Approval Manual.  
ENERGY DESIGN RATING, ENERGY EFFICIENCY is an Energy Design Rating based on the TDV energy 
consumption of a building that results from the building’s energy efficiency characteristics, 
calculated using Commission -approved compliance software as specified by the Alternative 
Calculation Methods Ap proval Manual.  
ENERGY DESIGN RATING, SOLAR ELECTRIC GENERATION AND DEMAND FLEXIBILITY  is the reduction 
in TDV energy consumption of a building expressed in terms of an Energy Design Rating reduction 
that results from the combination of the building’s solar electric generation system and demand 
flexibility measures.  
ENERGY DESIGN RATING, TOTAL  is the total Energy Design Rating for the building that is determined 
by subtracting the Solar Electric Generation System and Demand Flexibility Energy Design Rating 
from the Energy Efficiency Energy Design Rating.  
ENERGY EFFICIENCY RATIO (EER)  is the ratio of net cooling capacity (in Btu/hr) to total rate of 
electrical energy input (in watts), of a cooling system under designated operating conditions, as Page 146 2022 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION  100. 1 – DEFINITIONS AND RULES OF CONSTRUCTION  determined using the applicable test method in the Appliance Efficiency Regulations or Section 
110.2.  
ENERGY EFFICIENCY RATIO 2 (EER2) is the energy efficiency EER metric for residential central air 
conditioners  effective January 1, 2023, as created by the U.S. Department of Energy “ISSUANCE 
2016 -11-30 Energy Conservation Program: Test Procedures for Central Air Conditioners and Heat 
Pumps, Final Rule”.  
ENERGY MANAGEMENT CONTROL SYSTEM (EMCS)  is an automated control system that regulates 
the energy consumption of a building by controlling the operation of energy consuming systems, and 
is capable of monitoring loads and adjusting operations in order to optimize energy usage and 
respond to deman d response signals.  
ENERGY OBTAINED FROM DEPLETABLE SOURCES  is electricity purchased from a public utility, or any 
energy obtained from coal, oil, natural gas, or liquefied petroleum gases.  
ENERGY OBTAINED FROM NONDEPLETABLE SOURCES  is energy that is not energy obtained from 
depletable sources.  
ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM (ESS)  is one or more devices, assembled together, that are capable of 
storing energy used for safely  supplying electrical energy to selected loads  at a future time.  
ENFORCEMENT AGENCY  is the city, county, or state agency responsible for issuing a building permit.  
ENTHALPY RECOVERY RATIO (ERR) is a ratio of the change in enthalpy of the outdoor air supply to 
the difference in enthalpy between the entering supply airflow and the entering exhaust airflow, 
with no adjustment to account for that portion of the psychometric change in the leaving supp ly 
airflow that is the result of leakage of entering exhaust airflow rather than exchange of heat or 
moisture between the airstreams.  
ENTIRE BUILDING  is the ensemble of all enclosed space in a building, including the space for which a 
permit is sought, plus all existing conditioned and unconditioned space within the structure.  
ENVELOPE  (See “building envelope” .) 
ESS READY INTERCONNECTION EQUIPMENT is equipment, including but not limited to an ESS ready 
panelboard, that can accommodate the connection of a distributed energy resource or an ESS 
capable of either automatic or manual isolation from the utility power source.  
ESS READY PANELBOARD  is a panelboard that can accommodate either automatic or manual 
switching between a utility power source to a distributed energy resource or an energy storage 
system, such as a split bus panelboard . 
EXFILTRATION  is uncontrolled outward air leakage from inside a building, including leakage through 
cracks and  interstices, around windows and doors, and through any other exterior partition or duct 
penetration.  
EXTERIOR FLOOR/SOFFIT  is a horizontal exterior partition, or a horizontal demising partition, under 
conditioned space. For low -rise residential occupancies, exterior floors also include those on grade.  
EXTERIOR PARTITION  is an opaque, translucent, or transparent solid barrier that separates 
conditioned space from ambient air or space. For low -rise residential occupancies, exterior partitions 
also include barriers that separate conditioned space from unconditioned space, o r the ground.  2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards   Page 147 
SECTION  100. 1 – DEFINITIONS AND RULES OF CONSTRUCTION  EXTERIOR ROOF/CEILING  is an exterior partition, or a demising partition, that has a slope less than 
60 degrees  from horizontal, that has conditioned space below, and that is not an exterior door or 
skylight.  
EXTERIOR ROOF/CEILING AREA  is the area of the exterior surface of exterior roof/ceilings.  
EXTERIOR WALL  is any wall or element of a wall, or any member or group of members, which defines 
the exterior boundaries or courts of a building , and which has a slope of 60  degrees  or greater with 
the horizontal plane. An exterior wall or partition is not an exterior floor/soffit, exterior door, 
exterior roof/ceiling, window, skylight, or demising wall.  
EXTERIOR WALL AREA  is the area of the opaque exterior surface of exterior walls.  
FAÇADE  is the contiguous exterior of a building surface, but not limited to fenestration products.  
FACTORY  is a build ing, structure , or space designated as Factory Group F that is used for assembling, 
disassembling, fabricating, finishing, manufacturing, packaging, repair , or processing operations.  
FACTORY ASSEMBLED COOLING TOWERS  are cooling towers constructed from factory -assembled 
modules either shipped to the site in one piece or put together in the field.  
FAN, EMBEDDED  is a fan that is part of a manufactured assembly where the assembly includes 
functions other than air movement.  
FAN ARRAYS  are multiple fans in parallel and in a single enclosure between two plenum sections in 
an air distribution system, where plenum means a compartment or chamber that forms a part of the 
air distribution system, and that is not used for occupancy or storage.   
FAN ELECTRICAL INPUT POWER (FAN kWdesign)  is the electrical input power in kilowatts required to 
operate an individual fan or fan array at design conditions. It includes the power consumption of 
motor controllers, if present . 
FAN ENERGY INDEX (FEI)  is the ratio of the electric input power of a reference fan to the electric 
input power of the actual fan as calculated per ANSI/AMCA 208 -18 at fan system design conditions.  
FAN NAMEPLATE ELECTRICAL INPUT POWER (kW)  is the nominal electrical input power rating 
stamped on a fan assembly nameplate.  
FAN SYSTEM  includes all the fans that contribute to the m ovement of air through a point of a 
common duct, plenum, or cabinet.  
FAN SYSTEM, COMPLEX  means a fan system that combines a single -cabinet fan system with other 
supply fans, exhaust fans, or both.  
FAN SYSTEM, EXHAUST /RELIEF  is a fan system dedicated to the removal of air from interior spaces 
to the outdoors . 
FAN SYSTEM, MULTI -ZONE VARIABLE AIR VOLUME (VAV) is a fan system that serves three or more 
space -conditioning zones where airflow to each zone is individually controlled based on heating, 
cooling and/or ventilation requirements, indoor  fan airflow  varies  as a function  of load,  and the sum 
of the minimum zone airflows is 40% or less of the fan system design conditions.  
FAN SYSTEM, RETURN  is a fan system dedicated to removing air from interior spaces where some or 
all of the air is to be recirculated except during economizer operation.  Page 148 2022 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION  100. 1 – DEFINITIONS AND RULES OF CONSTRUCTION  FAN SYSTEM, SINGLE -CABINET  is a fan system where a single fan, single fan array, a single set of fans 
operating in parallel, or fans or fan arrays in series and embedded in the same cabinet, that both 
supplies air to a space and recirculates the air.  
FAN SYSTEM, SUPPLY -ONLY  is a fan system that provides supply air to interior spaces and does not 
recirculate the air.  
FAN SYSTEM, TRANSFER  is a fan system that exclusively moves air from one occupied space to 
another.  
FAN SYSTEM AIRFLOW (cfm)  is the sum of the airflow of all fans with fan electrical input power 
greater than 1 kW at fan system design conditions, excluding the airflow that passes through 
downstream fans with fan input power less than 1 kW.  
FAN SYSTEM DESIGN CONDITIONS  are operating conditions that can be expected to occur during 
normal system operation that result in the highest supply airflow rate to or from the conditioned 
spaces served by the fan system.  
FAN SYSTEM ELECTRICAL INPUT POWER (Fan kWdesign,system)  is the sum of the fan electrical 
input power (Fan kWdesign ) in kilowatts of all fans that are required to operate at fan system design 
conditions to supply air from the heating or cooling source to the conditioned spaces, return it to the 
source, exhaust it to the outdoors, or transfer it to another space.  
FENESTRATION: Includes the following:  
 ACE is an NFRC -Approved Calculation Entity that conducts calculations of fenestration product 
ratings for certification authorization using the NFRC Component Modeling approach and issues 
label certificates to Specifying Authorities for product certification authorization in accordance with 
NFRC requirements.  
ALTERED COMPONENT  is a new fenestration component that has undergone an alteration other 
than a repair and is subject to all applicable standards requirements.  
BAY WINDOW  is a combination assembly which is composed of three or more individual 
windows either joined side by side or installed within opaque assemblies and which projects 
away from the wall on which it is installed. Center windows, if used are parallel to the wa ll on 
which the bay is installed, the end panels or two side windows are angled with respect to the 
center window. Common angles are 30° and 45°, although other angles may be employed.  
CHROMOGENIC GLAZING  is a class of switchable glazing that includes active materials (e.g. , 
electrochromic) and passive materials (e.g. , photochromic and thermochromic) permanently 
integrated into the glazing assembly. Their primary function is to switch reversibly from a high 
transmission state to a low transmission state with associated changes in VT and SHGC.  
CLERESTORY  FENESTRATION  is fenestration installed above a roofline greater than or equal to 
60° from the horizontal, or any portion of exterior vertical glazing greater than eight feet per 
floor above the finished floor of a space.  
CMA  (component modeling approach) is a fenestration product certification program from the 
National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) that enables energy -related performance ratings for 
nonresidential fenestration products, including the thermal performance U-factor, Solar Heat 
Gain Coefficient, and Visible Transmittance.  2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards   Page 149 
SECTION  100. 1 – DEFINITIONS AND RULES OF CONSTRUCTION  CMAST  (Component Modeling Approach Software Tool) is an NFRC approved software that 
allows a user to create a fenestration product “virtually,” and generate its energy -related 
performance ratings, including the thermal performance U -factor, Solar Heat Gain Coefficient, 
and Visible Transmittance.  
CURTAIN WALL/STOREFRONT  is an external non -bearing wall intended to separate the exterior 
nonconditioned and interior conditioned spaces. It also consists of any combination of framing 
materials, fixed glazing, opaque glazing, operable windows, or other in -fill materials . Note:  
Window wall is also included as part of the curtain  wall/storefront fenestration category.  
DUAL-GLAZED GREENHOUSE WINDOWS  is a double glass pane separated by an air or other gas 
space that adds conditioned volume but not conditioned floor area to a building.  
DYNAMIC GLAZING SYSTEMS are glazing systems that have the ability to reversibly change their 
performance properties, including U -factor, Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC), and/or Visible 
Transmittance (VT) between well -defined end points. These may include , but are not limited to 
chromogenic glazing systems and integrated shading systems (defined below). Dynamic Glazing 
systems do not include  internally mounted or externally mounted shading devices that attach to 
the window framing/glazing that may or may  not be removable.  
FENESTRATION ALTERATION  is any c hange to an existing building's exterior fenestration product 
that is not  a repair (see “fenestration repair ”) that:  
i. Replaces existing fenestration  in an existing wall or roof with no net area added; or  
ii. Replaces existing fenestration and adds new net area in the existing wall or roof; or  
iii. Adds a new window that increases the net fenestration area to an existing wall or roof.  
FENESTRATION  AREA is the rough opening area of any fenestration product.  
FENESTRATION PRODUCT  is any transparent or translucent material plus any sash, frame, 
mullions and dividers, in the facade of a building, including, but not limited to, windows,  glazed 
doors, skylights, curtain walls, dynamic glazing, garden windows  and, glass block , and glazing 
used in greenhouses . 
FENESTRATION REPAIR is the reconstruction or renewal for the purpose of maintenance of any 
fenestration product, component or system and shall not increase the preexisting energy 
consumption of the repaired fenestration product, component, system, or equipment. 
Replacement of any component, system, or equipment for which there are requirements in the 
Standards are considered an alteration (see “f enestration ”, “a lteration ”) and not a repair and is 
subject to the requirements of Part 6 of the Standards.  
FIELD -FABRICATED is a fenestration product whose frame is made at the construction site of 
standard dimensional lumber or other materials that were not previously cut, or otherwise 
formed with the specific intention of being used to fabricate a fenestration product. Field 
fabricated does not include site -built fenestration.  
FIN  is an opaque surface, oriented vertically and projecting outward horizontally from an exterior 
vertical surface.  
FIN OFFSET  is the horizontal distance from the edge of exposed exterior glazing at the jamb of a 
window to the fin.  Page 150 2022 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION  100. 1 – DEFINITIONS AND RULES OF CONSTRUCTION  FIN PROJECTION  is the horizontal distance, measured outward horizontally, from the surface of 
exposed exterior glazing at the jamb of a window to the outward edge of a fin.  
FIXED  is fenestration that is not designed to be opened or closed.  
GLAZED DOOR is an exterior door having a glazed area of 25 percent or greater of the area of the 
door. Glazed doors shall meet fenestration product requirements. See “door .” 
GREENHOUSE or GARDEN  WINDOW  is a window unit that consists of a three -dimensional, five -
sided structure generally protruding from the wall in which it is installed. Operating sash may or 
may not be included.  
HORIZONTAL SLATS , when referring to a daylighting device, is a set of adjacent surfaces located 
directly adjacent to vertical fenestration, oriented horizontally and projecting horizontally from 
its interior or exterior vertical surface.  
INTEGRATED SHADING SYSTEM is a class of fenestration products including an active layer: e.g. , 
shades, louvers, blinds or other materials permanently integrated between two or more glazing 
layers. The U -factor and/or SHGC and VT of the insulating glass assembly can be altered by 
reversibly changing the enclosed active layer.  
LIGHT SHELF is an adjacent, opaque surfaced daylighting device located at the sill of clerestory 
glazing, oriented horizontally and projecting horizontally from an interior or exterior vertical 
surface.  
MANUFACTURED  or KNOCKED DOWN PRODUCT  is a fenestration product constructed of 
materials which are factory cut or otherwise factory formed with the specific intention of being 
used to fabricate a fenestration product. Knocked down or partially assembled products may be 
sold as a fenestration product when provided with temporary and permanent labels as described 
in Section 10 -111; or as a site -built fenestration product when not provided with temporary and 
permanent labels as described in Section 10 -111.  
NFRC 100  is the National Fenestration Rating Council document titled “Procedure for 
Determining Fenestration Product U -factors.” (2020 ) (ANSI/ NFRC 100 -2020) . 
NFRC 200  is the National Fenestration Rating Council document titled “Procedure for 
Determining Fenestration Product Solar Heat Gain Coefficients and Visible Transmittance at 
Normal Incidence.” (2020 ) (ANSI/ NFRC 200 -2020).  
NFRC 202  is the National Fenestration Rating Council document titled “Procedures for 
Determining Translucent Fenestration Product Visible Transmittance at Normal Incidence.” 
(2020 ) (ANSI/ NFRC 202 -2020 ). 
NFRC 203  is the National Fenestration Rating Council document titled “Procedure for 
Determining Visible Transmittance of Tubular Daylighting Devices.” (2020 ) (ANSI/ NFRC 203 -
2020 ). 
NFRC 400  is the National Fenestration Rating Council document titled “Procedure for 
Determining Fenestration Product Air Leakage.” (2020 ) (ANSI/ NFRC 400 -2020 ). 
OPERABLE SHADING DEVICE  is a device at the interior or exterior of a building or integral with a 
fenestration product, which is capable of being operated, either manually or automatically, to 
adjust the amount of solar radiation admitted to the interior of the building.  2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards   Page 151 
SECTION  100. 1 – DEFINITIONS AND RULES OF CONSTRUCTION  RELATIVE SOLAR HEAT GAIN COEFFICIENT (RSHGC)  is the ratio of solar heat gain through a 
fenestration product (corrected for external shading) to the incident solar radiation. Solar heat 
gain includes directly transmitted solar heat and absorbed solar radiation, which is then 
reradiated, conducted, or  convected into the space.  
SITE -BUILT  is fenestration designed to be field -glazed or field assembled units using specific 
factory cut or otherwise factory formed framing and glazing units, that are manufactured with 
the intention of being assembled at the construction site. These include stor efront systems, 
curtain walls, and atrium roof systems.  
SKYLIGHT ROOF RATIO (SRR)  is the ratio of the skylight area to the gross exterior roof area.  
SOLAR HEAT GAIN COEFFICIENT (SHGC)  is the ratio of the solar heat gain entering the space 
through the fenestration area to the incident solar radiation. Solar heat gain includes directly 
transmitted solar heat and absorbed solar radiation, which is then reradiated, conducted, or 
convected into the space.  
SPANDR AL is opaque glazing material most often used to conceal building elements between 
floors of a building so they cannot be seen from the exterior, also known as “opaque in -fill 
systems”.  
TINTED GLASS is colored glass by incorporation of a mineral admixture resulting in a degree of 
tinting. Any tinting reduces both visible and radiant transmittance.  
VERTICAL FENESTRATION is all fenestration other than skylights and doors.  
VISIBLE REFLECTANCE is the reflectance of light at wavelengths from 410 to 722 nanometers . 
VISIBLE TRANSMITTANCE (VT)  is the ratio (expressed as a decimal) of visible light that is 
transmitted through a glazing fenestration. The higher the VT rating, the more light is allowed 
through a window.  
WINDOW  is fenestration that is not a skylight and that is an assembled unit consisting of a frame 
and sash component holding one or more pieces of glazing.  
WINDOW AREA  is the area of the surface of a window, plus the area of the frame, sash, and 
mullions.  
WINDOW HEAD HEIGHT  is the height from the floor to the top of the vertical fenestration.  
WINDOW WALL RATIO (WWR)  is the ratio of the window area to the gross exterior wall area.  
FIELD ERECTED COOLING TOWERS  are cooling towers which are custom designed for a specific 
application , and which cannot be delivered to a project site in the form of factory assembled 
modules due to their size, configuration, or materials of construction.  
FIREPLACE  is a hearth and fire chamber, or similar prepared place, in which a fire may be made , and 
which is built in conjunction with a flue or chimney, including but not limited to factory -built 
fireplaces, masonry fireplaces, and masonry heaters as further clarified in the CBC.  
FLOOR/SOFFIT TYPE  is a type of floor/soffit assembly having a specific heat capacity, framing type, 
and U -factor.  Page 152 2022 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION  100. 1 – DEFINITIONS AND RULES OF CONSTRUCTION  FLUID COOLER  is a fan -powered heat rejection device that includes a water or glycol circuit 
connected by a closed circulation loop to a liquid -cooled refrigerant condenser, and may be either 
evaporative -cooled, air -cooled, or a combination of the two.  
FLUX  is the rate of energy flow per unit area.  
FOOD PREPARATION EQUIPMENT  is cooking equipment intended for commercial use, including 
coffee machines, espresso coffee makers, conductive cookers, food warmers including heated food 
servers, fryers, griddles, nut warmers, ovens, popcorn makers, steam kettles, ranges, and cooking 
appliances for use in commercial kitchens, restaurants, or other business establishments where food 
is dispensed.  
FREEZER  is a space designed to be capable of operation at less than 28°F.  
GAS COOLER  is a refrigeration component that reduces the temperature of a refrigerant vapor by 
rejecting heat to air mechanically circulated over its heat transfer surface. Used by a CO2 
refrigeration system in transc ritical mode, and normally also capable of operating in subcritical 
mode.  
GAS COOLING EQUIPMENT  is cooling equipment that produces chilled water or cold air using natural 
gas or liquefied petroleum gas as the primary energy source.  
GAS HEATING SYSTEM  is a system that uses natural gas or liquefied petroleum gas as a fuel to heat a 
conditioned space.  
GAS LOG  is a self -contained, free -standing, open -flame, gas -burning appliance consisting of a metal 
frame or base supporting simulated logs and designed for installation only in a vented fireplace.  
GLAZING  (See “fenestration product .”) 
GLOBAL WARMING POTENTIAL  (GWP)  is the radiative forcing impact of one mass -based unit of a 
given greenhouse gas relative to an equivalent unit of carbon dioxide over a given period of time.  
GLOBAL WARMING POTENTIAL VALUE  (GWP Value)  is the 100 -year GWP value published by the 
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in either its Second Assessment Report (SAR) 
(IPCC, 1995), or its Fourth Assessment A -3 Report (AR4) (IPCC, 2007). Both the 1995 IPCC SAR values 
and the 2007 IPCC AR4 values are published in Table 2.14 of the 2007 IPCC AR4. The SAR GWP values 
are found in column “SAR (100 -yr)” of Table 2.14.; the AR4 GWP values are found in column “100 yr” 
of Table 2.14.”  
GOVERNMENTAL AGENCY  is any public agency or subdivision thereof, including, but not limited to, 
any agency of the state, a county, a city, a district, an association of governments, or a joint power 
agency.  
GROSS EXTERIOR ROOF AREA  is the sum of the skylight area and the exterior roof/ceiling area.  
GROSS EXTERIOR WALL AREA  is the sum of the window area, door area, and exterior wall area.  
HABITABLE SPACE  is space in a building for living, sleeping, eating , or cooking, excluding bathrooms, 
toilets, hallways, storage areas, closets, utility rooms and similar areas. (See also “occupiable space”.)  
HABITABLE STORY  is a story that contains habitable space and that has at least 50 percent of its 
volume above grade.  2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards   Page 153 
SECTION  100. 1 – DEFINITIONS AND RULES OF CONSTRUCTION  HEALTHCARE FACILITY  is any building or portion thereof licensed pursuant to  health facility as 
defined in the  California Health and Safety Code Division 2, Chapter 1, §1204 or Chapter 2, §1250  or 
clinic as defined in the California Health and Safety Code Division 2, Chapter 1 Section 1204 that is 
located within a health facility . 
HEAT CAPACITY (HC)  is the measurable physical quantity that characterizes the amount of heat 
required to change a substance's temperature by a given amount.  
HEAT PUMP  is an appliance, that consists of one or more assemblies; that uses an indoor 
conditioning coil, a compressor, and a refrigerant -to-outdoor air heat exchanger to provide air 
heating; and that may also provide air cooling, dehumidifying, humidifying, circu lating, or air 
cleaning.  
HEAT PUMP WATER HEATER  (HPWH)  (See “Water Heater .”) is a water heater that  transfer s thermal 
energy from one temperature level to a higher temperature level for the purpose of heating water, 
including all ancillary equipment such as fans, storage tanks, pumps, or controls necessary for the 
device to perform its function.  
MULTI -PASS HEAT PUMP WATER HEATER  is a HPWH  in which the cold water passes through 
the heat pump(s) multiple times, each time gaining a temperature increase, until the tank 
reaches the intended storage temperature . 
SINGLE -PASS HEAT PUMP WATER HEATER  is a HPWH in which the cold water passes through 
the heat pump(s) once and is heated to the intended storage temperature.  
HEATED SLAB FLOOR  is a concrete floor either, on -grade, raised, or a lightweight concrete slab 
topping. Heating is provided by a system placed within or under the slab and is sometimes referred 
to as a radiant slab floor.  
HEATING EQUIPMENT  is equipment used to provide mechanical heating for a room or rooms in a 
building.  
HEATING SEASONAL PERFORMANCE FACTOR (HSPF)  is the total heating output of a central air -
conditioning heat pump (in Btu) during its normal use period for heating divided by the total 
electrical energy input (in watt -hours) during the same period, as determined using the applicable 
test method in th e Appliance Efficiency Regulations.  
HEATING SEASONAL PERFORMANCE FACTOR 2 (HSPF2) i s the HSPF metric for residential central 
heat pumps effective January 1, 2023, as created by the U.S. Department of Energy “ISSUANCE 2016 -
11-30 Energy Conservation Program: Test Procedures for Central Air Conditioners and Heat Pumps, 
Final Rule .” 
HIGH -RISE RESIDENTIAL BUILDING  is a building, other than a hotel/motel, of Occupancy Group R -2 
or R-4 with four or more habitable stories.  
HORTICULTURAL LIGHTING  consists of  luminaires  used for plant growth and maintenance. 
Horticultural luminaires may have either plug -in or hard -wired connections for electric power.  
HOTEL/MOTEL  is a building or buildings that has six or more guest rooms or a lobby serving six or 
more guest rooms, where the guest rooms are intended or designed to be used, or which are used, 
rented, or hired out to be occupied, or which are occupied for sleeping p urposes by guests, and all 
conditioned spaces within the same building envelope. Hotel/motel includes all conditioned spaces Page 154 2022 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION  100. 1 – DEFINITIONS AND RULES OF CONSTRUCTION  which are (1) on the same property as the hotel/motel, (2) served by the same central heating, 
ventilation, and air -conditioning system as the hotel/motel, and (3) integrally related to the 
functioning of the hotel/motel as such, including, but not limited  to, exhibition facilities, meeting and 
conference facilities, food service facilities, lobbies, and laundries.  Hotel/motel also includes the 
following:  
A building of Occupancy Group R -1, 
Vacation timeshare properties and hotel or motel buildings of Occupancy Group R -2, and  
The following types of Occupancy Group R -3: 
Congregate residences for transient use,  
Boarding houses of more than 6 guests, and  
Alcohol or drug abuse recovery homes of more than 6 guests.  
HVAC SYSTEM  is a space -conditioning system or a ventilation system.  
HVI 915  is the Home Ventilating Institute document titled “ HVI Loudness Testing and Rating 
Procedure,” 2020  (HVI Publication 915 -2020 ). 
HVI 916  is the Home Ventilating Institute document titled “ VI Airflow Test Procedure,” 2020  (HVI 
Publication 916 -2020 ). 
HVI 920  is the Home Ventilating Institute document titled “ HVI Product Performance Certification 
Procedure Including Verification and Challenge,” 2020  (HVI Publication 920 -2020 ). 
IES HB  (See “IES Lighting Library .”) 
IES LIGHTING  LIBRARY , formerly called the  “IES Lighting Handbook  (IES HB) ,” is the Illuminating 
Engineering Society document titled “The IES Lighting LibraryTM.” 
INTEGRATED SEASONAL COEFFICIENT OF PERFORMANCE  (ISCOP ) is a seasonal efficiency number 
that is a combined value based on the formula listed in AHRI Standard 920 of the two COP values for 
the heating season of a DX -DOAS unit water or air source heat pump, expressed in W/W.  
INTEGRATED SEASONAL MOISTURE REMOVAL EFFICIENCY  (ISMRE ) is a seasonal efficiency number 
that is a combined value based on the formula listed in AHRI Standard 920 of the four 
dehumidification moisture removal efficiency (MRE) ratings required for DX -DOAS units, expressed in 
lb. of moisture/kWh.  
IES LM -79-19 is an American National Standard authored by the  Illuminating Engineering Society and 
titled, “ Approved Method:  Optical and Electrical  Measurements of Solid  State Lighting Products ” 
(2019) (ANSI /IES LM -79-19). 
IES LS-1-20 is the American National Standard authored by the Illuminating Engineering Society and 
titled "Lighting Science: Nomenclature and Definitions for Illuminating Engineering " 2020  (ANSI/IES 
LS-1-20) 
IES TM -15-20 is an American National Standard authored by the Illuminating Engineering Society and 
titled “ Technical Memorandum : Luminaire Classification System s for Outdoor Luminaires” ( 2020 ) 
(ANSI/IES TM -15-20). 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards   Page 155 
SECTION  100. 1 – DEFINITIONS AND RULES OF CONSTRUCTION  INDOOR GROWING  is a type of CEH  space  in a building with a Skylight Roof Ratio  less than 50  
percent. Growing  plants in a warehouse with or without skylights is an example of indoor growing.  
INFILTRATION  is uncontrolled inward air leakage from outside a building or unconditioned space, 
including leakage through cracks and interstices, around windows and doors, and through any other 
exterior or demising partition or pipe or duct penetration. See AIR BARRIE R. 
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY EQUIPMENT (ITE)  includes computers, data storage, servers, and 
network/communication equipment located in a computer room.  
INTEGRATED ENERGY EFFICIENCY RATIO (IEER)  is a single -number cooling part load efficiency figure 
of merit calculated as specified by the method described in ANSI/AHRI Standard 340/360/1230. This 
metric replaces the IPLV for ducted and non -ducted units.  
INTEGRATED HVAC SYSTEM  is an HVAC system designed to handle both sensible and latent heat 
removal.  Integrated HVAC systems may  include but  are not limited to:  HVAC systems with a sensible 
heat ratio of 0.65 or less and the capability of providing cooling, dedicated outdoor air systems, 
single package air conditioners with at least one refrigerant circuit providing hot gas reheat, and 
dehumidifiers modified to allow external heat rejection.  
INTEGRATED PART LOAD VALUE (IPLV)  is a single -number cooling part -load efficiency figure of merit 
calculated as specified by the method described in ANSI/AHRI Standard 550/590 for use with chillers.  
ISO 5801  is the International Organization for Standardization document titled “Fans  – Performance 
testing using standardized airways”. 2017 (ISO 5801 :2017)  
ISO 13256 -1 is the International Organization for Standardization document titled "Water -source 
heat pumps -- Testing and rating for performance - Part 1: Water -to-air and brine -to-air heat 
pumps," 2012  (ANSI/AHRI/ ASHRAE ISO 13256 -1:1998  (RA 2012 ). 
ISO 13256 -2 is the International Organization for Standardization document titled "Water -source 
heat pumps - Testing and rating for performance - Part 1: Water -to-water and brine -to-water heat 
pumps," 2012 (ANSI/AHRI/ASHRAE ISO 13256 -2 (R2012 )). 
ISO 17025  is the International Organization for Standardization document titled "General Criteria for 
the Competence of Testing and Calibration Laboratories", 2017 (ISO/IEC 17025:2017).  
ITE DESIGN LOAD  is the combined power of all the ITE loads for which the ITE cooling system is 
designed.  
KITCHEN, FULL -SERVICE COMMERCIAL is a kitchen dedicated to an establishment that offers table 
service by waitstaff.  
KITCHEN, INSTITUTIONAL COMMERCIAL is a kitchen dedicated to a  foodservice establishment that 
provides meals at institutions including schools, colleges and universities, hospitals, correctional 
facilities, private cafeterias, nursing homes, and other buildings or structures in which care or 
supervision is provided t o occupants.  
KITCHEN, QUICK -SERVICE COMMERCIAL is a kitchen dedicated to an establishment primarily 
engaged in providing fast food , fast casual, or limited  services. Food and drink may be consumed on 
premises, taken out, or delivered to the customer’s location.  Page 156 2022 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION  100. 1 – DEFINITIONS AND RULES OF CONSTRUCTION  LANGELIER SATURATION INDEX  (LSI) is expressed as the difference between the actual system pH 
and the saturation pH. LSI indicates whether water will precipitate, dissolve, or be in equilibrium with 
calcium carbonate, and is a function of hardness, alkalinity, conductivity, pH and t emperature.  
LARGEST NET CAPACITY INCREMENT  is the largest increase in capacity when switching between 
combinations of base compressors that is expected to occur under the compressed air system 
control scheme.  
LIGHTING definitions:  
Accent Lighting  is directional lighting to emphasize a particular object or surface feature, or to draw 
attention to a part of the field of view . It can be recessed, surface mounted, or mounted to a 
pendant, stem, or track , and can be display lighting. It shall not provide general lighting . 
Astronomical Time -Switch Control  is a lighting control  that controls lighting based on the time of day 
and astronomical events such as sunset and sunrise, accounting for geographic location and calendar 
date.  
Automatic Daylight Control  adjusts the luminous flux of the electric lighting system in either a series of 
steps or by continuous dimming in response to available daylight. This kind of control uses one or more 
photosensors to detect changes in daylight illumination and then automa tically adjusts the electric 
lighting levels in response.  
Automatic Scheduling  Control  is a time -based lighting control that is capable of being programmed to 
reduce or turn off lighting power for a portion of the night and to turn off lighting power for the day . 
Automatic Time Switch Control  controls lighting based on the time of day.  
Captive -Key Override  is a type of lighting control in which the key that activates the override cannot be 
released when the lights are in the on position.  
Chandelier  is a ceiling -mounted, close -to-ceiling, or suspended decorative luminaire that uses glass, 
crystal, ornamental metals, or other decorative material.  
Color Rendering Index (CRI)  is a measure of the degree  of color shift that objects undergo when 
illuminated by the lighting source as compared with the color of the same objects when illuminated 
by a reference source of comparable color temperature.  CRI is calculated according to CIE 13.3.  
Colored light source  is a light source designed and marketed as a colored light source and not 
designed or marketed for general lighting applications with either of the following characteristics 
maintained throughout all modes of operation including color changing operation:  
(1) A Color Rendering Index (CRI) less than 40, as determined according to the method set forth in 
CIE Publication 13.3; or  
(2) A Correlated Color Temperature as measured with  ANSI /IES LM -66-20 or ANSI/ IES LM -79-19 (as 
appropriate ) and calculated with CIE 15, which does not have a corresponding nominal CCT 
designation in ANSI C78.377 -2017 . 
Compact Fluorescent Lamp  is a fluorescent lamp with a small diameter glass tube (T5 or smaller) 
that is  folded, bent, or bridged  to create a long discharge path in a small volume . The lamp designs 
generally include an amalgam and a cold chamber, or a cold spot, to control the mercury vapor 
pressure and light output.  2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards   Page 157 
SECTION  100. 1 – DEFINITIONS AND RULES OF CONSTRUCTION  Correlated Color Temperature (CCT) is the absolute temperature of a blackbody whose chromaticity 
most nearly resembles that of the light source.  
Countdown Timer Switch turns lighting or other loads ON when activated using one or more selectable 
countdown time periods and then automatically turns lighting or other loads OFF when the selected 
time period has elapsed.  
Daylight Continuous Dimming Controls are a continuous dimming controls that var y the luminous 
flux in response to available daylight.  
Decorative (Lighting/Luminaire s) is lighting or luminaires installed only for aesthetic purposes and 
that does not serve as display lighting or general lighting.  Decorative luminaires are chandeliers, 
scon ces, lanterns, neon or cold cathode, light emitting diodes, theatrical projectors, moving lights, 
and light color panels, not providing general lighting or task lighting.  
Dimmer  is a device used to control the intensity of light emitted by a luminaire  by controlling the 
voltage or current available to it . 
Dimmer, Continuous  means a dimmer that  varies the luminous flux of the electric lighting system over a 
continuous range from the device's maximum light output to the device's minimum light output without 
visually apparent abrupt changes in light level between the various steps.  
Dimmer, Forward Phase Cut,  varies the luminous flux of the electric lighting system in which a portion 
of the alternating current voltage waveform supplying to the light source is removed . 
Dimmer, Stepped  varies the luminous flux of the electric lighting system in one or more predetermined 
discrete steps between maximum light output and OFF with changes in light level between adjacent 
steps being visually apparent.  
Display Lighting, Case  is lighting  that provides a higher level of illuminance to a specific area than the 
level of surrounding ambient illuminance  of small art objects, artifacts, or valuable collections which 
involves customer inspection of very fine detail from outside of a glass enclosed display case.  
Display Lighting, Floor  is supplementary lighting that provides a higher level of illuminance to a specific 
area than  the level of surrounding ambient illuminance  required to highlight features, such as 
merchandise on a clothing rack  or sculpture or free standing of artwork , which is not displayed against a 
wall.  
Display Lighting, Wall  is supplementary lighting that provides a higher level of illuminance to a specific 
area than the level of surrounding ambient illuminance  required to highlight features, such as 
merchandise on a shelf  or wall -mounted artwork , which is displayed on perimeter walls.  
Display Lighting, Window is lighting that provides a higher level of illuminance to a specific area than 
the level of surrounding ambient illuminance  of objects such as merchandise, goods, and artifacts, in a 
show window, to be viewed from the outside of a space through a window.  
Driver, when used in relation to solid state lighting,  is a device that uses semiconductors to control 
and supply DC power  for LED starting and operation.  
Enclosed Luminaires are luminaires which contain enclosed lamp compartments where ventilation 
openings are less than 3 square inches per lamp in the lamp compartment as defined by UL 1598.  Page 158 2022 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION  100. 1 – DEFINITIONS AND RULES OF CONSTRUCTION  General Lighting  is installed electric lighting that provides a uniform level of illumination throughout 
an area, exclusive of any provision for special visual tasks or decorative effect, exclusive of 
daylighting, and also known as ambient lighting.  
GU-24 is the designation of a lamp holder and socket configuration, based on a coding system by the 
International Energy Consortium, where “G” indicates the broad type of two or more projecting 
contacts, such as pins or posts, “U” distinguishes between lamp and holder designs of similar type 
but that are not interchangeable due to electrical or mechanical requirements, and “24” indicates 24 
millimeters center to center spacing of the electrical contact posts.  
Illuminance  is the area density of the luminous flux incident at a point on a surface.  
Illumination  is commonly used in a qual itative sense to designate the act of illuminating or the state 
of being illum inated.  
Inseparable Solid State Lighting (SSL) Luminaire  is a luminaire featuring solid state lighting 
components such as LEDs , light engines,  and/or driver components which cannot be easily removed 
or replaced by the end user, thus requiring replacement of the entire luminaire. Removal of solid 
state lighting components may require the cutting of wires, use of a soldering iron, or damage to or 
destruc tion of the luminaire. If solid state lighting components are not removable without 
destruction to the luminaire, t he luminaire is deemed insep arable.  
Institutional Tuning  is the process of adjusting the maximum light output of lighting systems to 
support visual needs or save energy. Institutional tuning differs from personal tuning in that the 
control strategy is implemented at the institutional rather than the individual user level, and 
maximum light level adjustments are available only to authorized personnel.  
Integrated LED lamp is an integrated assembly composed of light emitting diode (LED) packages 
(components) or LED arrays (modules), as well as an LED driver, an ANSI standard base, and other 
optical, thermal, mechanical , and electrical components. The device is intended to connect directly 
to the branch circuit through a corresponding ANSI standard lamp -holder (socket).  (ANSI/IES LS -1-
20). 
Lamp  is an electrical appliance that produces optical radiation for the purpose of visual illumination, 
designed with a base to provide an electrical connection between the lamp and a luminaire, and 
designed to be installed into a luminaire. A lamp is not a lu minaire and is not a n LED retrofit kit.  
Landscape Lighting  is a type of outdoor lighting that is recessed into or mounted on the ground, 
paving, or raised deck, which is mounted less than 42 inches above grade or mounted onto trees or 
trellises, and that is intended to be aimed only at landscape features.  
Lantern  is an outdoor luminaire that uses an electric lamp to replicate the appearance of a pre -
electric lantern, which used a flame to generate light.  
LED Driver  is a device composed of a power source and light emitting diode (LED) control circuitry 
designed to operate an LED package (component), an LED array (module), or an LED lamp.  LED Driver 
is a power source that adjusts the voltage or current to LEDs, ranging in complexity from a resistor to 
a constant voltage or constant current power supply. LED Driver is also known and referred to as 
Lamp Control Gear.  2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards   Page 159 
SECTION  100. 1 – DEFINITIONS AND RULES OF CONSTRUCTION  LED Light Engine is an integrated assembly composed of light emitting diode (LED) packages 
(components) or LED arrays  (modules), as well as an LED driver , and other optical, thermal, 
mechanical , and electrical components. The device is intended to connect directly to the branch 
circuit through a custom connector compatible with the LED luminaire for which it was designed. It 
does not use an ANSI standard base.  
LED Retrofit Kit is a solid state  lighting product intended to replace existing light sources and 
systems, including incandescent and fluorescent light sources, in previously installed luminaires that 
already comply with safety standards. These kits replace the existing light source and r elated 
electrical components and are classified or certified to UL 1598C. They may employ an ANSI standard 
lamp base, either integral or connected to the retrofit by wire leads. LED retrofit kit does not include 
self-ballasted lamps.  
Light  is a form of radiant energy that is capable of exciting the retina and producing a visual 
sensation. The visible portion of the electromagnetic spectrum extends from about 380 to about 770 
nanometers.  
Lighting , or illumination, is commonly used in a qualitative or general sense to designate the act of 
illuminating or the state of being illuminated . 
Lighting Control, Self -Contained  is a unitary lighting control module that requires no additional 
components to be a fully functional lighting control.  
Lighting Control System requires two or more components to be installed in the building to provide all 
of the functionality required to make up a fully functional and compliant lighting control.  
Light Emitting Diode (LED) is a p -n junction semiconducto r device that emits  incoherent optical 
radiation when forward -biased. The optical emission may be in the ultraviolet, visible, or infrared 
wavelength regions.  
Line -Voltage Track Lighting  is equipped with luminaires that , use line -voltage lamps or that are 
equipped with integral transformers at each luminaire.  
Low Voltage  is less than 90 volts.  
Low -Voltage Track Lighting  is equipped with remote transformers for use with low -voltage 
equipment along the entire length of track.  
Luminaire  is a complete lighting unit consisting of a light source such as a lamp or lamps, together 
with the parts that distribute the light, to position and protect the light source , and to connect the 
light source  to the power supply.  
Luminaire Alteration  is adding luminaires, removing and reinstalling luminaires, or combined 
replacement of lamps and ballasts or drivers. Luminaire alterations do not include repairs, such as 
replacing lamps only, ballasts or drivers only, diffusers, shades, or luminaire covers.  
Luminance  is the luminous intensity of the source or surface divided by the area of the source or 
surface seen by the observer.  
Luminous Efficacy  is a measure of the luminous efficiency of a light source. It is the quotient of the 
total luminous flux emitted by the total light source power input, expressed in lm/W.  Page 160 2022 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION  100. 1 – DEFINITIONS AND RULES OF CONSTRUCTION  Luminous Flux  is the time rate of flow of radiant energy, evaluated in terms of a standardized visual 
response.  
Luminous Maintenance  (often referred to as “lumen flux maintenance” or “lumen maintenance”) is 
the remaining luminous flux output, typically expressed as a percentage of initial luminous flux 
output, at any selected elapsed operating time. Luminous maintenance is the converse  of luminous 
flux depreciation (or “lumen depreciation”).  
Marquee Lighting  is a permanent lighting system consisting of one or more rows of many small 
lamps, including light emitting diodes (LEDs) lamps, tungsten lamps, low pressure discharge lamps or 
fiber optic lighting, attached to a canopy.  
Multilevel Astronomical Time Switch  is an Astronomical Time Switch Control that reduces lighting 
power in multiple steps.  
Multilevel  Lighting Control  reduces power going to a lighting system in multiple steps . enables  the level 
of lighting to be adjusted upward  and down ward  across multiple levels . 
Multi -scene Programmable Control  allows for two or more predefined lighting settings, in addition to 
all-OFF, for two or more groups of luminaires to suit multiple activities in the space.  
Narrow Band Spectrum  is a limited range of wavelengths (nm) concentric to a dominant peak 
wavelength in the visible spectrum. The limited range of wavelength shall be within 20 nm on either 
side of the peak wavelength at 50 percent of the peak wavelength’s relative spectral p ower, and 
within 75 nm on either side of the peak wavelength at 10 percent of the peak wavelength’s relative 
spectral power.  
NEMA LSD 57  is the National Electrical Manufacturers Association document title d “Polyurethane Foam 
Application: Lighting Equipment,” 2018 (NEMA LSD 57 -2018 ). 
NEMA SSL 7A is the National Electrical Manufacturers Association document titled “Phase Cut Dimming 
for Solid State Lighting: Basic Compatibility,” 2015 (NEMA SSL 7A -2015) . 
Non -integrated LED lamp is an assembly composed of a light emitting diode (LED) array (module) or 
LED packages (components), and an ANSI standard base. The device is intended to connect to the 
LED driver of an LED luminaire through an ANSI standard lamp -holder (socket). The devic e cannot be 
connected directly to the branch circuit.  (ANSI/IES LS -1-20). 
Occupant Sensing Controls automatically control levels of illumination, allow for manual operation, and 
consist of the following types:  
Motion Sensing Control  is used outdoors, automatically reduces lighting power , or turns lights 
OFF after an area is vacated of occupants, and automatically turns the lights ON when the area is 
occupied.  
Occupant Sensing Control  is used indoors, automatically reduces lighting power , or turns lights 
OFF after an area is vacated of occupants and is capable of automatically turning the lighting 
load ON when an area is occupied.  
Partial -ON Occupant or Motion Sensing Control  automatically turns lights OFF after an area is 
vacated of occupants and is capable of automatically or manually turning ON part of the lighting 
load when an area is occupied.  2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards   Page 161 
SECTION  100. 1 – DEFINITIONS AND RULES OF CONSTRUCTION  Partial -OFF Occupant or Motion Sensing Control  automatically dims the lighting or turns OFF 
part of the lighting load after an area is vacated of occupants, and is capable of automatically 
turning ON the lighting load or restoring it to full when an area is occupied.  
Vacancy Sensing Control  automatically turns lights OFF after an area is vacated of occupants but 
requires lights to be turned ON manually.  
One -to-One Alteration  is either replacement of whole luminaires one for one, in which the only 
electrical modification involves disconnecting the existing luminaire and reconnecting the 
replacement luminaire, or when components of a luminaire are modified without replacing the  
entire luminaire.  
Ornamental (Ligh ting/Luminaires ) is lighting or luminaire s installed outdoor which are rated for 50 
watts or less that are post -top luminaires, lanterns, pendant luminaires, chandeliers, and marquee 
lighting, not providing general lighting or task lighting.  
Pendant Luminaire (Suspended  Luminaire ) is a luminaire that is hung from a ceiling by supports.  
Permanently Installed lighting  consists of luminaires that are affixed to land, within the meaning of 
Civil Code Section s 658 and 660, except as provided below. Permanently installed luminaires may be 
mounted inside or outside of a building or site. Permanently installed luminaires may have either 
plug -in or hardwired connections for electric power. Examples include track an d flexible lighting 
systems; lighting attached to walls, ceilings, columns, inside or outside of permanently installed 
cabinets, intern ally illuminated cabinets, mounted on poles, in trees, or in the ground; attached to 
ceiling fans and integral to exhaust fans. Permanently installed lighting does not include portable 
lighting or lighting that is installed by the manufacturer in exhaust h oods for cooking equipment, 
refrigerated cases, food preparation equipment, and scientific and industrial equipment.  
Photo Control  automatically turns lights ON and OFF, or automatically adjusts lighting levels, in 
response to the amount of daylight that is available. A Photo Control may also be one component of a 
field assembled lighting system, the component having the capability t o provide a signal proportional to 
the amount of daylight to a Lighting Control System to dim or brighten the electric lights in response.  
Portable Lighting  is lighting  equipment designed for manual portability , with plug -in connections for 
electric power, that is: table and freestanding floor lamps; attached to modular furniture; 
workstation task luminaires; luminaires attached to workstation panels; attached to movable 
displays; or attached to other personal property.  
Post Top Luminaire  is an outdoor luminaire that is mounted directly on top of a lamppost.  
Precision Lighting is task lighting for commercial or industrial work that illuminates low contrast, 
finely detailed, or fast moving objects.  
Programming  Library is a collection  of programming  logic  used  for controlling  HVAC  equipment  with 
direct digital control systems.  
Radiant Energy  is energy travelling in the form of electromagnetic waves. It is measured in units of 
energy such as joules or kilowatt hours.  
Radiant Power  is the time rate of flow of radiant energy. It is expressed preferably in watts.  
Recessed Luminaire is a luminaire that is mounted in the ceiling or behind a wall or other surface 
with the opening of the luminaire flush with the surface.  Page 162 2022 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION  100. 1 – DEFINITIONS AND RULES OF CONSTRUCTION  Sconce  is a wall mounted decorative accent luminaire.  
Security Cameras are any operational camera used to enhance the safety and security within a 
general hardscape area.  
Shut -off Controls  is any lighting control capable of automatically shutting OFF the lighting in a space 
when the space is typically unoccupied.  
Solid State Lighting (SSL)  is a family of light sources that includes semiconductor light emitting 
diodes (LEDs); and organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs).  
Source (light)  is the general term used to reference a source of light. It can refer variously to an 
electric lamp, a light emitting diode (LED), an entire luminaire with lamp and optical control, or 
fenestration for daylighting.  
Special Effects Lighting is lighting installed to give off luminance instead of providing illuminance, 
which does not serve as general, task, or display lighting.  
Task Lighting  is lighting directed to a specific surface or area, providing illumination for visual tasks. 
Task lighting is not general lighting.  
Temporary Lighting  is a lighting installation, with plug -in connections, that does not persist beyond 
60 consecutive days or more than 120 days per year the time constraint s specified in California 
Electrical Code Article 590. 
Track Lighting  is a lighting equipment system consisting of an electrified power channel (track) and 
removable luminaires (lamp holders; track heads) that can be mechanically attached anywhere along 
the power channel. The luminaires can be repositioned and re -aimed as desired.  Track lighting 
includes the following types:  
Track Lighting Integral Current Limiter  consists of a current limiter integral to the end -feed housing of a 
manufactured line -voltage track lighting system.  
Track Lighting Supplementary Overcurrent Protection Panel  is a panelboard containing Supplementary 
Overcurrent Protection Devices as defined in Article 100 of the California Electric al Code, and used only 
with line voltage track lighting . 
Track Mounted Luminaires  are luminaires designed to be attached at any point along a track lighting 
system. Track mounted luminaires may be line -voltage or low -voltage.  
Tunable Lighting  are light sources with  the ability to alter their  luminous flux and/or spectral power 
distribution. Tunable lighting includes the following types:  
Color tunable  light source is  capable of emitting  highly saturated light of varying hues, as well 
as white light, for example by varying the relative intensity of individual emitters within the 
light source . 
Dim-to-warm  (also known as warm dim) light source is capable of simultaneously decreasing 
its correlated color temperature as its light output decreases, typically resembling the change 
in color temperature of an incandescent lamp as it dims.  
Tunable white  light source is capable of adjusting its correlated color temperature while 
maintaining its relative light output and capable of adjusting its light output while maintaining 
its correlated color temperature.  2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards   Page 163 
SECTION  100. 1 – DEFINITIONS AND RULES OF CONSTRUCTION  LISTED  is in accordance with Article 100 of the California Electrical Code.  
LONG -TERM  SYSTEM  COST (LSC)  is the CEC projected present value of costs over a 30 -year period for California's energy 
system. LSC does not represent a prediction of individual utility bill s. 
LOW -GWP REFRIGERANT  is a compound used as a heat transfer fluid or gas that is: (A) any 
compound or blend of compounds, with a GWP Value less than 150; and (B) U.S. EPA Significant New 
Alternatives Policy (SNAP) -approved; and (C) not an ozone depleting substance as defined i n Title 40 
of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 82, §82.3 (as amended March 10, 2017).  
LOW -RISE RESIDENTIAL BUILDING  is a building, other than a hotel/motel, that is Occupancy Group:  
R-2, multifamily, with three habitable stories or less; or  
R-3, single -family; or  
U-building, located on a residential site.  
LPG is liquefied petroleum gas.  
MANUAL  is capable of being operated by personal intervention.  
MANUFACTURED DEVICE  is any heating, cooling, ventilation, lighting, water heating, refrigeration, 
cooking, plumbing fitting, insulation, door, fenestration product, or any other appliance, device, 
equipment, or system subject to Sections 110.0 through 110.9 of Part 6.  
MECHANICAL COOLING  is lowering the temperature within a space using refrigerant compressors or 
absorbers, desiccant dehumidifiers, or other systems that require energy to directly condition the 
space. Systems that are solely energy recovery ventilation (ERV) or heat recovery ventilation (HRV) 
are not considered mechanical cooling. In nonresidential, multifamily buildings , and hotel/motel 
buildings, cooling of a space by direct or indirect evaporation of water alone is not considered 
mechanical cooling.  
MECHANICAL HEATING  is raising the temperature within a space using electric resistance heaters, 
fossil fuel burners, heat pumps, or other systems that require energy to directly condition the space.  
Systems that only use solar energy or heat recovery as the heat source are not mechanical heating 
systems.  
MERV  is the minimum efficiency reporting value as determined by ASHRAE Standard 52.2 Method of 
Testing General Ventilation Air -Cleaning Devices for Removal Efficiency by Particle Size.  
METAL BUILDING  is a complete integrated set of mutually dependent components and assemblies 
that form a building, which consists of a steel -framed superstructure and metal skin. This does not 
include structural glass or metal panels such as in a curtainwall system.  
MICROCHANNEL CONDENSER  is an air -cooled condenser for refrigeration systems which utilizes 
multiple small parallel gas flow passages in a flat configuration with fin surfaces bonded between the 
parallel gas passages.  
MINISPLIT AIR CONDITIONERS AND HEAT PUMPS  are air conditioner or heat pump systems that 
have a single outdoor section and one or more indoor sections. The indoor sections cycle on and off 
in unison in response to a single indoor thermostat.  Page 164 2022 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION  100. 1 – DEFINITIONS AND RULES OF CONSTRUCTION  MODELING ASSUMPTIONS  are the conditions (such as weather conditions, thermostat settings and 
schedules, internal gain schedules, etc.) that are used for calculating a building's annual energy 
consumption as specified in the Alternative Calculation Methods (ACM) Approval Manua ls. 
MULTIFAMILY BUILDING is any of the following : 
A building of Occupancy Group R -2, other than a hotel/motel building or timeshare propert y, 
A building of Occupancy Group  R-3 that is a nontransient congregate residence , other than  
boarding houses  of more than 6 guests and alcohol or drug abuse recovery homes of more than 6 
guests , or 
A building of Occup ancy Group R -4. 
MULTIPLE -SPLIT AIR CONDITIONERS AND HEAT PUMPS  are air conditioner or heat pump systems 
that have two or more indoor sections. The indoor sections operate independently and can be used 
to condition multiple zones in response to multiple indoor thermostats.  
MULTIPLE ZONE SYSTEM  is an air distribution system that supplies air to more than one space 
conditioning zone, each of which has one or more devices (such as dampers, cooling coils, and 
heating coils) that regulate airflow, cooling, or heating capacity to the zone.  
NATURAL GAS AVAILABILITY.  For newly constructed buildings, natural gas is available if a gas service 
line can be connected to the site without a gas main extension. For addition and alteration, natural 
gas is available if a gas service line is connected to the existing building.  
NEEA  is the Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance.  
NEEA ADVANCED WATER HEATER SPECIFICATION  is the Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (NEEA) 
specification version 87.0, effective date March 1, 2022  for heat pump water heaters.  
NET EXHAUST FLOW RATE  is the exhaust flow rate for a hood, minus any internal discharge makeup 
airflow  rate.  
NET FREE AREA (NFA) is the total unobstructed area within  the air gaps between louver and grille 
slats in a vent , allowing the passage of air. The narrowest distance between two slats, perpendicular 
to the surface of both slats is the air gap height. The narrowest width of the gap is the air gap width. 
The NFA is the air gap height multiplied by the air gap width multiplied by the total number o f air 
gaps between slats in the vent.  
NET SENSIBLE COEFFICIENT OF PERFORMANCE  (COP) is defined by AHRI 1360 and includes all indoor 
unit power and air -cooled condenser/condensing unit power for air -cooled units and includes all 
indoor unit power and the power allowance for pump and heat rejection as described in the Heat 
Rejection/Cooling Fluid Standard Rating Conditions table of AHRI 1360 for water, glycol, and chilled 
water units.  
NEWLY CONDITIONED SPACE  is any space being converted from unconditioned to directly 
conditioned or indirectly conditioned space. Newly conditioned space must comply with the 
requirements for an addition. See Section 141.0 for nonresidential occupancies and Section 150.2 for 
residential occupancies.  
NEWLY CONSTRUCTED BUILDING  is a building that has never been used or occupied for any 
purpose.  2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards   Page 165 
SECTION  100. 1 – DEFINITIONS AND RULES OF CONSTRUCTION  NONDUCTED SYSTEM  is an air conditioner or heat pump that is permanently installed; directly heats 
or cools air within the conditioned space; and uses one or more indoor coils that are mounted on 
walls or ceilings within the conditioned space. The system may be of a modula r design that allows for 
combining multiple outdoor coils and compressors to create one unified system.  
NONRESIDENTIAL BUILDING  is any building which is identified in the California Building Code Table; 
Description of Occupancy as Group A, B, E, F, H, I, L, M, or S , and is a U; as defined by Part 2 of Title 
24 of the California Code or Regulation.  
NOTE:  Requirements for high -rise residential buildings and hotels/motels are included in the 
nonresidential sections of Part 6.  
NONRESIDENTIAL BUILDING OCCUPANCY TYPES are building types in which a minimum of 90 
percent of the building floor area functions as one of the following, which do not qualify as any other 
Building Occupancy Types more specifically defined in Section 100.1, and which do not have a 
combined total of more than 10 percent of the area functioning of any Nonresidential Function Areas 
specifically defined in Section 100.1:  
Assembly Building  is a building with meeting halls in which people gather for civic, social, or 
recreational activities. These include civic centers, convention centers and auditoriums.  
Commercial and Industrial Storage Building  is a building with building floor areas used for 
storing items.  
Events & Exhibits Building  is a Museum Building, Motion Picture or Performance Arts Theater 
Building, or other building in which 80% of the building floor area is comprised of Auditorium 
Area, Convention, Conference, Multipurpose and Meeting Area, or Civic Meeting Place Area.  
Financial Institution Building is a building with floor areas used by an institution which collects 
funds from the public and places them in financial assets, such as deposits, loans, and bonds.  
Grocery Store Building is a building with building floor areas used for the display and sale of 
food.  
Gymnasium Building  is a building with building floor areas used for physical exercises and 
recreational sport events and activities.  
Industrial/Manufacturing Facility Building  is a building with building floor areas used for 
performing a craft, assembly or manufacturing operation.  
Library Building is a building with building floor area used for repository of literary materials, and 
for reading reference such as books, periodicals, newspapers, pamphlets and prints.  
Motion Picture Theater Building is a building with building floor areas used for showing motion 
pictures to audiences.   
Museum Building is a building with building floor areas in which objects of historical , scientific, 
artistic or cultural interests are curated, treated, preserved, exhibited and stored.  
Office Building is a building of CBC Group B Occupancy with building floor areas in which 
business, clerical or professional activities are conducted.  
Parking Garage Building  is a building with building floor areas used for parking vehicles, and 
consists of at least a roof over the parking area enclosed with walls on all sides. The building Page 166 2022 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION  100. 1 – DEFINITIONS AND RULES OF CONSTRUCTION  includes areas for vehicle maneuvering to reach designated parking spaces. If the roof of a 
parking structure is also used for parking, the section without an overhead roof is considered an 
outdoor parking lot instead of a parking garage.  
Performance Arts Theater Building is a building with building floor areas used for showing 
performing arts that include plays, music, or dance to audiences.  
Religious Worship Building  is a building in which 80% of the building floor area is comprised of 
Religious Worship Area.  
Religious Facility Building is a building with building floor areas used for assembly of people to 
worship.  
Restaurant Building  is a building with building floor areas in which food and drink are prepared 
and served to customers in return for money.  
Retail Store Building is a building with building floor areas used for the display and sale of 
merchandise except food.  
School Building is a building used by an educational institution. The building floor area can 
include classrooms or educational laboratories, and may include an auditorium, gymnasium, 
kitchen, library, multipurpose room, cafeteria, student union, or workroom. A maintenanc e or 
storage building is not a school building.  
Sports Arena Building is a building with building floor areas used for public viewing of sporting 
events and activities. Sports arenas are classified according to the number of spectators they are 
able to accommodate, as follows:  
Class I Facility is used for competition play for 5 ,000 or more spectators.  
Class II Facility is used for competition play for up to 5 ,000 spectators.  
Class III Facility is used for competition play for up to 2 ,000 spectators.  
Class IV Facility is normally used for recreational play and there is limited or no provision for 
spectators.  
Sports & Recreation Building  is a building in which 80% of the building floor area is comprised of 
Exercise/Fitness Center and Gymnasium Area, or other area where recreational sports are 
practiced.  
NONRESIDENTIAL COMPLIANCE MANUAL  is the manual developed by the Commission, under 
Section 25402.1(e) of the Public Resources Code, to aid designers, builders, and contractors in 
meeting the energy efficiency requirements for nonresidential, high -rise residential, and hotel/motel 
building s. 
NONRESIDENTIAL FUNCTION AREA S are those areas, rooms, and spaces within Nonresidential Buildings 
that fall within the following particular definitions, and are defined according to the most specific 
definition:  
Aisle Way  is the passage or walkway between storage racks permanently anchored to the floor in 
a Commercial or Industrial Storage Building, where the racks are used to store materials such as 
goods and merchandise.  2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards   Page 167 
SECTION  100. 1 – DEFINITIONS AND RULES OF CONSTRUCTION  Atrium  is a large -volume indoor space created by openings between two or more stories but is 
not used for an enclosed stairway, elevator hoistway, escalator opening, or utility shaft for 
plumbing, electrical, air -conditioning or other equipment.  
Audience Seating Area is a room or area with fixed seats for public meetings or gatherings.  
Auditorium Area  is a room or area with a stage and fixed seats used for public meetings or 
gatherings.  
Auto Repair  / Maintenance Area  is an area used to repair or maintain automotive equipment 
and/or vehicles.  
Barber, Beauty Salon , Spa  Area  is a room or area in which the primary activity is manicures, 
pedicures, facials, or the cutting or styling of hair.  
Civic Meeting Place Area  is a space in a government building designed or used for public debate, 
discussion, or public meetings of governmental bodies.  
Classroom, Lecture, Training, Vocational Area  is a room or area where an audience or class 
receives instruction.  
Commercial and Industrial Storage Area (refrigerated)  is a room or area used for storing items 
where mechanical refrigeration is used to maintain the space temperature at 55° F or less.  
Convention, Conference, Multipurpose and Meeting Area  are rooms or areas that are designed 
or used for meetings, conventions , or events, and that have neither fixed seating nor fixed 
staging.  
Copy Room is a room  or area used for copying, scanning, or binding documents.  
Corridor Area is a passageway or route into which compartments or rooms open.  
Dining  Areas include the following:  
Bar/Lounge  is a room or area where  wait staff serve patrons with liquor, cocktails, wine  and 
beer in a relaxed atmosphere, usually with tables and chairs.  
Cafeteria/Fast Food  is a room or area where customers pick up their food at a counter and 
there is little or no wait staff or table service.  
Family Dining  is a room or area where  wait staff serve patrons with meals in a causal 
atmosphere.  
Fine Dining  is a room or area where wait staff serve patrons with meals in an elegant and 
formal atmosphere.  
Electrical/Mechanical/Telephone Room  is a room in which the building's electrical switchbox or 
control panels, telephone switchbox, and/or HVAC controls or equipment is located.  
Exercise/Fitness Center and Gymnasium Area  is a room or area equipped for gymnastics, 
exercise equipment, or indoor athletic activities.  
Financial Transaction Area  is a room or area used by an institution that collects funds from the 
public and places them in financial assets such as deposits, loans , and bonds, and includes tellers, 
workstations, and customers' waiting areas; to complete financial transactions. Financial 
transaction areas do not include private offices, hallways, restrooms, or other support areas.  Page 168 2022 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION  100. 1 – DEFINITIONS AND RULES OF CONSTRUCTION  Healthcare Facilities  may have a room or area as follows:  
Exam/Treatment  Room  is a room or area that does not provide overnight patient care and 
that is used to provide physical and mental care through medical, dental, or psychological 
examination and treatment, including laboratories and treatment spaces.  
Imaging Room  is a diagnostic room and area for application and review of results from 
imaging technologies including x -ray, ultrasound, computerized tomography (CT), and 
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).  
Medical Supply  Room  is a room or area used for storing medical supplies.  
Nursery is a room or area for providing medical care for newly born infants.  
Nurse’s Station is a room or area where health care staff work when not directly interacting 
with patients.  
Operating Room is a room or area where surgical operations are carried out in a sterile 
environment. This category also applies to veterinary operating rooms.  
Patient Room is a room or area that is occupied by one or more patients during a stay in a 
healthcare facility or hospital.  
Physical Therapy Room is a room or area for providing physical therapy treatment.  
Recovery Room is a room or area that is equipped with apparatus for meeting postoperative 
emergencies and in which surgical patients are kept during the immediate postoperative 
period for care and recovery from anesthesia.  
Hotel Function Area  is a hotel room or area such as a hotel ballroom, meeting room, exhibit hall 
or conference room, together with prefunction areas and other spaces ancillary to its function.  
Kitchen/Food Preparation Area  is a room or area with cooking facilities or where food is 
prepared.  See Kitchen  definitions for various kitchen types . 
Laboratory  is a space or  room where hazardous materials are used for activities such as  testing, 
analysis, instruction, research , or developmental  activities . 
Laboratory Suite  is a Group L occupancy space within a building or structure, which may include 
multiple laboratories, offices, storage, equipment rooms or similar support functions . 
Laboratory, Scientific Area  is a room or area where research, experiments, and measurement in 
medical and physical sciences are performed requiring examination of fine details. The area may 
include workbenches, countertops, scientific instruments, and associated floor spaces. Scient ific 
laboratory does not refer to film, computer, and other laboratories where scientific experiments 
are not performed.  
Laundry Area  is a room or area primarily designed or used for laundering activities.  
Library Area  is a room or area primarily designed or used as a repository for literary materials, 
such as books, periodicals, newspapers, pamphlets , and prints, kept for reading or reference.  
Reading Area i s a room or area in a library containing tables, chairs, or desks for patrons to 
use for the purpose of reading books and other reference documents. Library reading areas 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards   Page 169 
SECTION  100. 1 – DEFINITIONS AND RULES OF CONSTRUCTION  include reading, circulation, and checkout areas. Reading areas do not include private offices, 
meeting, photocopy, or other rooms not used specifically for reading by library patrons.  
Stack Area i s a room or area in a library with grouping of shelving sections. Stack aisles 
include pedestrian paths located in stack areas.  
Lobby , Main Entry  is the contiguous area in buildings including hotel/motel that is directly 
located by the main entrance of the building through which persons must pass, including any 
ancillary reception, waiting and seating areas.  
Locker Room  is a room or area for changing clothing, sometimes equipped with lockers.  
Lounge/Breakroom or Waiting Area is a room or area in which people sit, wait and relax.  
Mall  is a roofed or covered common pedestrian area within a mall building that serves as access 
for two or more tenants.  
Manufacturing, Commercial and Industrial Work Area  is a room or area in which an art, craft, 
assembly , or manufacturing operation is performed. Lighting installed in these areas is classified 
as follows:  
High bay : Where the luminaires are 25 feet or more above the floor.  
Low bay : Where the luminaires are less than 25 feet above the floor.  
Precision : Where visual tasks of small size or fine detail such as electronics assembly, fine 
woodworking, metal lathe operation, fine hand painting and finishing, egg processing 
operations, or tasks of similar visual difficulty are performed.  
Multipurpose Room  is a room that can be used for multipurpose activities such as meetings, 
instructional activities and social gatherings. Multipurpose rooms are typically found in offices, 
schools, convention centers, and assisted living facilities.  
Museum  Areas include the following:  
Exhibit/Display is a room or area in a museum that has for its primary purpose exhibitions, 
having neither fixed seating nor fixed staging. An exhibit does not include a gallery or other 
place where art is for sale. An exhibit does not include a lobby, conference room, or  other 
occupancies where the primary function is not exhibitions.  
Restoration Room is a room or area in which the primary function is the care of works of 
artistic, historical, or scientific value. A restoration does not include a gallery or other place 
where art is for sale. A restoration does not include a lobby, conference room, or ot her 
occupancies where the primary function is not the care or exhibit of works of artistic, 
historical, or scientific value.  
Office Area  is a room  or area in a building of CBC Group B Occupancy in which business, clerical 
or professional activities are conducted.  
Parking Garage Areas  include the following:  
Daylight Adaptation Zone  in a Parking Garage is the interior path of travel for vehicles 
adjacent to the entrance or exit of  a parking garage as needed for visual adaptation to Page 170 2022 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION  100. 1 – DEFINITIONS AND RULES OF CONSTRUCTION  transition from exterior daylight levels to interior light levels. Daylight Adaptation Zones only 
include the path of vehicular travel and do not include adjacent Parking Areas.  
Parking Zone and Ramps  in a Parking Garage is used for the purpose of parking and 
maneuvering of vehicles. Parking areas include sloping floors of a parking garage. Ramps and 
driveways specifically for the purpose of moving vehicles between floors of a parking garage. 
Parking a reas and ramps do not include Daylight Adaptation Zones or the roof of a Parking 
Garage, which may be present in a Parking Garage.  
Pharmacy Area is a room or area where medicinal drugs are dispensed and sold, usually in a 
retail store.  
Playing Area for Sports Arena is an area where sports are played in front an audience.  
Religious Worship Area  is a room or area in which the primary function is for an assembly of 
people to worship. Religious worship does not include classrooms, offices, or other areas in 
which the primary function is not for an assembly of people to worship.  
Restroom  is a room providing personal facilities such as toilets and washbasins.  
Retail Sales Areas include the following:  
Fitting Room is a room or area where the retail customers try out clothing before purchasing.  
Grocery Sales is a room or area that has as its primary purpose the sale of foodstuffs 
requiring additional preparation prior to consumption.  
Retail Merchandise Sales is a room or area in which the primary activity is the sale of 
merchandise.  
Server Room  is a room smaller than 500 square feet, within a larger building, in which 
networking equipment and Information Technology (IT) server equipment is housed, and a 
minimum of five IT se rvers are installed in frame racks.  
Server Aisle  is an aisle of racks of Information Technology (IT) server equipment in a Server 
Room. While networking equipment may also be housed on these racks, it is largely a room to 
manage server equipment.  
Stairs  is a series of steps providing passage for persons from one level of a building to another, 
including escalators.  
Stairwell is a vertical shaft in which stairs are located.  
Storage, Commercial and Industrial Area  includes the following:  
Warehouse  is a room or area s used for storing of items such as goods, merchandise , and 
materials.  
Shipping & Handling  is a room or area s used for packing, wrapping, labeling , and shipping out 
goods, merchandise , and materials.  
Support Area  is a room or area used as a passageway, utility room, storage space, or other type 
of space associated with or secondary to the function of an occupancy that is listed in these 
regulations.  2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards   Page 171 
SECTION  100. 1 – DEFINITIONS AND RULES OF CONSTRUCTION  Tenant Lease Area  is a room or area in a building intended for lease for which a specific tenant is 
not identified at the time of building permit application.  
Theater Areas include the following:  
Motion Picture  Theater  is an assembly room or area with rows of seats for the showing of 
motion pictures.  
Performance  Theater  is an assembly room or area with rows of seats for the viewing of 
dramatic performances, lectures, musical events , and similar live performances.  
Transportation Function Areas  include the following:  
Baggage Area is a room or area in a transportation facility such as an airport where  the 
travelers  reclaim their baggage.  
Ticketing Area is a room or area in a transportation facility such as an airport or a train station 
where travelers purchase tickets, check in baggage, or inquire about travel information.  
Videoconferencing Studio  is a room or area with permanently installed videoconferencing 
cameras, audio equipment, and playback equipment for both audio -based and video -based two -
way communication between local and remote sites.  
NONSTANDARD PART LOAD VALUE (NPLV) is a single - number part -load efficiency figure of merit for 
chillers referenced to conditions other than IPLV conditions. (See "integrated part load value.")  
NORTH -FACING ( See "orientation.")  
OCCUPANCY  is the purpose for which a building or part thereof is used or intended to be used.  
OCCUPANCY, HUMAN  is any occupancy that is intended primarily for human activities.  
OCCUPANCY GROUP  is a classification of occupancy defined in Chapter 3 of the CBC (Title 24, Part 2).  
OCCUPANCY TYPE  is a description of occupancy tha t is more specific than occupancy group and that 
relates to determining the amount of lighting, ventilation, or other services needed for that portion 
of the building.  
OCCUPIABLE SPACE  is any enclosed space that is intended for human occupancy, including all 
habitable spaces as well as bathrooms, toilets, closets, halls, storage and utility areas, laundry areas, 
and similar areas. (See also “habitable space”.)  
OCCUPIED STANDBY MODE  is when a zone is scheduled to be occupied and an occupant sensor 
indicates zero population within the zone.  
ONLINE CAPACITY  is the total combined capacity in actual cubic feet per minute of compressed air at 
a given pressure from all online compressors.  
ONLINE COMPRESSORS  are all the compressors that are physically connected to compressed air 
piping and are available to serve peak load. Online compressors do not include back up compressors 
whose only purpose is to be available when an online compressor fails.  
OPEN COOLING TOWER , or OPEN -CIRCUIT COOLING TOWER  is an open, or direct contact, cooling 
tower which exposes water directly to the cooling atmosphere, thereby transferring the source heat 
load from the water directly to the air by a combination of heat and mass transfer.  Page 172 2022 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION  100. 1 – DEFINITIONS AND RULES OF CONSTRUCTION  OPENADR 2.0a is the OpenADR Alliance document titled, “OpenADR 2.0 Profile Specification A 
Profile,” 2011.  
OPENADR 2.0b is the OpenADR Alliance document titled, “OpenADR 2.0 Profile Specification B 
Profile,” 2015.  
OPERABLE  FENESTRATION  is designed to be opened or closed.  
OPTIMUM START CONTROLS are controls that are designed to automatically adjust the start time of 
a space conditioning system each day with the intent of bringing the space to desired occupied 
temperature levels at the beginning of scheduled occupancy.  
OPTIMUM STOP CON TROLS  are controls that are designed to setup or setback thermostat setpoints 
before scheduled unoccupied periods based upon the thermal lag and acceptable drift in space 
temperature that is within comfort limits.  
OSHPD is the California Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development  
ORIENTATION, CARDINAL  is one of the four principal directional indicators, north, east, south, and 
west, which are marked on a compass, also called cardinal directions.  
ORIENTATION, EAST -FACING  is oriented to within 45 ° of true east, including 45°00'00" south of east 
(SE), but excluding 45°00'00" north of east (NE).  
ORIENTATION, NORTH -FACING  is oriented to within 45 ° of true north, including 45°00'00" east of 
north (NE), but excluding 45°00'00 " west of north (NW).  
ORIENTATION, SOUTH -FACING  is oriented to within 45 ° of true south including 45°00'00" west of 
south (SW), but excluding 45°00'00" east of south (SE).  
ORIENTATION, WEST -FACING  is oriented to within 45 ° of true west, including 45°00'00" north of due 
west (NW), but excluding 45°00'00" south of west (SW).  
OUTDOOR AIR  (Outside air)  is air taken from outdoors and not previously circulated in the building.  
OUTDOOR AREAS  are areas external to a building. These include but are not limited to the following 
areas:  
Building entrance way  is the external area of any operable doorway in or out of a building, 
including overhead doors. These areas serve any doorway, set of doors (including elevator doors 
such as in parking garages), turnstile, vestibule, or other form of portal that is ordina rily used to 
gain access to the building by its users and occupants. Where buildings have separate one -way 
doors to enter and to leave, this also includes any area serving any doors ordinarily used to leave 
the building.  
Building façade  is the exterior surfaces of a building, not including horizontal roofing, signs, and 
surfaces not visible from any public accessible viewing location.  
Canopy  is a permanent structure, other than a parking garage area, consisting of a roof and 
supporting building elements, with the area beneath at least partially open to the elements. A 
canopy may be freestanding or attached to surrounding structures. A canopy roof may serve as 
the floor of a structure above.  2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards   Page 173 
SECTION  100. 1 – DEFINITIONS AND RULES OF CONSTRUCTION  Carport  is a covered, open -sided structure designed or used primarily for the purpose of parking 
vehicles, having a roof over the parking area. Typically, carports are free -standing or projected 
from the side of the building and are only two or fewer car lengths deep. A Carport is not a 
Garage.  
Hardscape  is the area of an improvement to a site that is paved or has other structural features 
such as curbs, plazas, entries, parking lots, site roadways, driveways, walkways, sidewalks, 
bikeways, water features and pools, storage or service yards, loading docks , amphitheaters, 
outdoor sales lots, and private monuments and statuary.  
Outdoor Sales canopy  is a canopy specifically to cover and protect an outdoor sales area.  
Outdoor sales frontage  is the portion of the perimeter of an outdoor sales area immediately 
adjacent to a public street, road, or sidewalk.  
Outdoor sales lot  is an uncovered paved area used exclusively for the display of vehicles, 
equipment , or other merchandise for sale. All internal and adjacent access drives, walkway areas, 
employee and customer parking areas, vehicle service or storage areas are not outdoor sales lot 
areas, but are considered hardscape.  
Parking lot  is an uncovered area for the purpose of parking vehicles. Parking lot is a type of 
hardscape.  
Paved area  is an area that is paved with concrete, asphalt, stone, brick, gravel, or other improved 
wearing surface, including the curb.  
Principal viewing location  is anywhere along the adjacent highway, street, road , or sidewalk 
running parallel to an outdoor sales frontage.  
Public monuments  are statuary, buildings, structures, and/or hardscape on public land.  
Stairways and Ramps.  Stairways are one or more flights of stairs with the necessary landings and 
platforms connecting them to form a continuous and uninterrupted passage from one level to 
another. An exterior stairway is open on at least one side, except for required structur al columns, 
beams, handrails , and guards. The adjoining open areas shall be either yards, courts , or public 
ways. The other sides of the exterior stairway need not be open. Ramps are walking surfaces with 
a slope steeper than 5 percent.  
Vehicle service station  is a gasoline, natural gas, diesel, or other fuel dispensing station.  
OUTDOOR LIGHTING  is electrical lighting used to illuminate outdoor areas.  
OUTDOOR LIGHTING ZONE  is a geographic area designated by the California Energy Commission in 
accordance with Part 1, Section 10 -114, that determines requirements for outdoor lighting, including 
lighting power densities and specific control, equipment , or performance requirements. Lighting 
zones are numbered LZ0, LZ1, LZ2, LZ3 and LZ4.  
OVERHANG  is a contiguous opaque surface, oriented horizontally and projecting outward 
horizontally from an exterior vertical surface.  
PART 1 means Part 1 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations.  
PART 6 means Part 6 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations.  Page 174 2022 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION  100. 1 – DEFINITIONS AND RULES OF CONSTRUCTION  PART -LOAD OPERATION  occurs when a system or device is operating below its maximum rated 
capacity.  
PARTICLE SIZE EFFICIENCY  is the fraction (percentage) of particles that are captured on air filter 
equipment as determined during rating tests conducted in accordance with ASHRAE Standard 52.2 or 
AHRI Standard 680. Particle Size Efficiency is measured in three particle size range s: 0.3 -1.0, 1.0 -3.0, 
3.0-10 microns.  
PHOTOSYNTHETIC PHOTON EFFICACY (PPE)  is photosynthetic  photon flux divided by input electric 
power in units of micromoles per second per watt, or micromoles per joule as defined by 
ANSI/ASABE S640.  
PHOTOSYNTHETIC PHOTON FLUX (PPF)  is the rate of flow of photons between 400 to 700 
nanometers in wavelength from a radiation source as defined by ANSI/ASABE S640.  
POOLS , is any structure or product intended for swimming, bathing or wading; designed and 
manufactured to be connected to a circulation system; and not intended to be drained and filled 
with each use. This includes, but is not limited to, inground, aboveground an d on  ground pools; and 
wading  pools. ANSI/ APSP/ICC -5 is the American National Standards Institute and National Spa and 
Pool Institute document titled “American National Standard for Residential Inground Swimming 
Pools” 2011 (ANSI/  APSP/ICC 5 2011) with Addenda A . 
POOLS, AUXILIARY POOL LOADS  are features or devices that circulate pool water in addition to that 
required for pool filtration, including, but not limited to, solar pool heating systems, filter 
backwashing, pool cleaners, waterfalls, fountains, and spas.  
POOLS, BACKWASH VALVE  is a diverter valve designed to backwash filters located between the 
circulation pump and the filter, including, but not limi ted to, slide, push -pull, multi port, and full -flow 
valves.  
POOLS, MULTISPEED PUMP  is a pump capable of operating at two or more speeds and includes two -
speed and variable -speed pumps.  
POOLS, NSF/ANSI /CAN  50 is the NSF International (formerly National Sanitation Foundation) 
Standard and American National Standards Institute document titled “ Equipment and Chemicals for 
Swimming Pools, Spas, Hot Tubs, and Other Recreational Water Facilities ” 2020  (NSF/ANSI /CAN  50 – 
2020 ). 
POOL PUMP, DEDICATED -PURPOSE refers to a category of pumps designed specifically for various 
pool related functions. This includes self -priming pool filter pumps, non-self-priming pool filter 
pumps, waterfall pumps, pressure cleaner booster pumps, integral sand -filter pool pumps, integral -
cartridge filter pool pumps, storable electric spa pumps, and rigid electric spa pumps , as defined by 
20 CCR § 160 2(g)(4) . 
POOL, PUBLIC is a pool other than a residential pool, that is intended to be used for swimming or 
bathing and is operated by an owner, lessee, operator, licensee, or concessionaire, regardless of 
whether a fee is charged for use. Public pools include pools installed in  private settings such as 
multifamily residential buildings or hotels that are available exclusively for use by tenants or guests.  2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards   Page 175 
SECTION  100. 1 – DEFINITIONS AND RULES OF CONSTRUCTION  PORTABLE ELECTRIC SPA is a factory -built electric spa or hot tub, supplied with equipment for 
heating and circulating water at the time of sale or sold separately for subsequent attachment , as 
defined by  20 CCR § 1602(g)(2) . 
POOLS, RESIDENTIAL  is a pool intended for use that is accessory to a residential setting and available 
only to the household and its guests, and with specifications as defined within the scope of either 
ANSI/APSP/ICC -4, 2012 (R2022) or ANSI/APSP/ICC -5, 2011 (R2022). are permanently installed 
residential in -ground swimming pools intended for use by a single -family home for noncommercial 
purposes and with dimensions as defined in ANSI/NSPI -5. 
POWER CONDITION ING SYSTE M (PCS)  is a d evice, which may be either integrated into a  Battery 
Energy Storage System  (BESS)  or standalone, that allows for the BESS to interact with other electrical 
infrastructure, such as the electrical network. The PCS may include an inverter like that used for a 
photovoltaic (PV) system . 
PRESSURE BOUNDARY  is the primary air enclosure boundary separating indoor and outdoor air. For 
example, a volume that has more leakage to the outside than to the conditioned space would be 
considered outside the pressure boundary. Exposed earth in a crawlspace or basement shall not be 
considered part of the pressure boundary.  
PRIMARY AIRFLOW  is the airflow ( cfm or L/s) supplied to the zone from the air -handling unit at 
which the outdoor air intake is located. It includes outdoor intake air and recirculated air from that 
air-handling unit but does not include air transferred or air recirculated to the zone by othe r means.  
PRIMARY STORAGE  is compressed air storage located upstream of the distribution system and any 
pressure flow regulators.  
PROCESS  is an activity or treatment that is not related to the space conditioning, lighting, service 
water heating, or ventilating of a building as it relates to human occupancy.  
PROCESS  BOILER  is a type of boiler with a capacity (rated maximum input) of 300,000 Btus per hour 
(Btu/h) or more that serves a process.  
PROCESS, COVERED  is a process that is regulated under Part 6, Section s 110.2, 120.6 , 140.1, and 
140.9  and 141.1 , which  includes computer rooms, data centers, elevators, escalators and moving 
walkways, laboratories, enclosed parking garages, commercial kitchens, refrigerated warehouses, 
commercial refrigeration, compressed air systems, process boilers , process heating and cooling 
piping, and controlled envi ronment horticultural spaces . 
PROCESS,  EXEMPT NON -COVERED  is a process that is not a covered process regulated under Part 6.  
PROCESS LOAD  is an energy load resulting from a process.  
PROCESS SPACE is a nonresidential space that is designed to be thermostatically controlled to 
maintain a process environment temperature less than 55 ° F or to maintain a process environment 
temperature greater than 90 ° F for the whole space that the system serves, or that is a space with a 
space -conditioning system designed and controlled to be incapable of operating at temperatures 
above 55 ° F or incapable of operating at temperatures below 90 ° F at design conditions.  
PROPOSED DESIGN BUILDING  is a building that is simulated by Commission -approved compliance 
software to determine the energy consumption resulting from all of the characteristics and energy Page 176 2022 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION  100. 1 – DEFINITIONS AND RULES OF CONSTRUCTION  consuming features that are actually proposed for a building, as specified by the Alternative 
Calculation Method (ACM) Approval Manual.  
PUBLIC AREAS  are spaces generally open to the public at large, customers or congregation members, 
or similar spaces where occupants need to be prevented from controlling lights for safety, security, 
or business reasons.  
R-VALUE  is the measure of the thermal resistance of insulation or any material or building 
component expressed in ft2-hr-°F/Btu.  
RADIANT BARRIER  is a highly reflective, low emitting material installed at the underside surface of 
the roof deck and the inside surface of gable ends or other exterior vertical surfaces in attics to 
reduce solar heat gain.  
RAISED FLOOR  is a floor (partition) over a crawl space, or an unconditioned space, or ambient air.  
READILY ACCESSIBLE  is capable of being reached quickly for operation, repair , or inspection, without 
requiring climbing or removing obstacles, or resorting to access equipment.  
RECOOL  is the cooling of air that has been previously heated by space -conditioning equipment or 
systems serving the same building.  
RECOVERED ENERGY  is energy used in a building that (1) is recovered from space conditioning, 
service water heating, lighting, or process equipment after the energy has performed its original 
function; (2) provides space conditioning, service water heating, or lighting; an d (3) would otherwise 
be wasted.  
RECOVERED ENERGY , ON -SITE  is recovered energy that is captured at the building site.  
REFERENCE APPENDICES  is the support document for the Building Energy Efficiency Standards and 
the ACM Approval Manuals. The document consists of three sections: the Reference Joint 
Appendices (JA), the Reference Residential Appendices (RA), and the Reference Nonresidential 
Appendices (NA).  
REFLECTANCE, SOLAR  is the ratio of the reflected solar flux to the incident solar flux.  
REFRIGERATED CASE  is a manufactured commercial refrigerator or freezer, including but not limited 
to display cases, reach -in cabinets, meat cases, and frozen food and soda fountain units.  
REFRIGERATED SPACE  is a space constructed for storage or handling of products, where mechanical 
refrigeration is used to maintain the space temperature at 55° F or less.  
REFRIGERATED WAREHOUSE  is a building or a space greater than or equal to 3,000 square feet 
constructed for storage or handling of products, where mechanical refrigeration is used to maintain 
the space temperature at 55° F or less.  
REHEAT  is the heating of air that has been previously cooled by cooling equipment or supplied by an 
economizer.  
RELOCATABLE PUBLIC SCHOOL BUILDING  is a relocatable building as defined by Title 24, Part 1, 
Section 4 -314, which is subject to Title 24, Part 1, Chapter 4, Group 1.  
REPAIR  is the reconstruction or renewal for the purpose of maintenance of any component, system, 
or equipment of an existing building. Repairs shall not increase the preexisting energy consumption 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards   Page 177 
SECTION  100. 1 – DEFINITIONS AND RULES OF CONSTRUCTION  of the repaired component, system, or equipment. Replacement of any component, system, or 
equipment for which there are requirements in the Standards is considered an alteration and not a 
repair.  
RESIDENTIAL BUILDING  (See “high -rise residential building” and “low -rise residential building.”)  
RESIDENTIAL COMPLIANCE MANUAL  is the manual developed by the Commission, under Section 
25402.1 of the Public Resources Code, to aid designers, builders, and contractors in meeting Energy 
Efficiency Standards for low -rise residential buildings.  
RESIDENTIAL SPACE TYPE  is one of the following:  
Bathroom  is a room or area containing a sink used for personal hygiene, toilet, shower, or a tub.  
Closet  is a nonhabitable room used for the storage of linens, ho usehold supplies, clothing, 
nonperishable food, or similar uses, and which is not a hallway or passageway.  
Garage is a nonhabitable building or portion of building, attached to or detached from a 
residential dwelling unit, in which motor vehicles are parked.  
Kitchen  is a room or area used for cooking, food storage and preparation and washing dishes, 
including associated counter tops and cabinets, refrigerator, stove, ovens, and floor area.  
Laundry  is a nonhabitable room or space which contains plumbing and electrical connections for 
a washing machine or clothes dryer.  
Storage building  is a nonhabitable detached building used for the storage of tools, garden 
equipment, or miscellaneous items.  
Utility room  is a nonhabitable room or building which contains only HVAC, plumbing, or electrical 
controls or equipment; and which is not a bathroom, closet, garage, or laundry room.  
RESNET 380 is the Residential Energy Services Network document titled “Standard for Testing 
Airtightness of Building Enclosures, Dwelling Unit, and Sleeping Unit Enclosures,  Airtightness of 
Heating and Cooling Air Distribution Systems ; and Airflow of Mechanical Ventilation Systems” 2019  
(ANSI/RESNET/ICC 380 -2019 ). 
ROOF  is the outside cover of a building or structure including the structural supports, decking, and 
top layer that is exposed to the outside with a slope less than 60 ° from the horizontal.  
ROOF, LOW -SLOPED  is a roof that has a ratio of rise to run of less than 2:12 (9.5 ° from the 
horizontal).  
ROOF, STEEP -SLOPED  is a roof that has a ratio of rise to run of greater than or equal to 2:12 (9.5 ° 
from the horizontal).  
ROOF RECOVER  is the process of installing an additional roof covering over a prepared existing roof 
covering without removing the existing roof covering.  
ROOF RECOVER BOARD  is a rigid type board, installed directly below a low -sloped roof membrane, 
with or without above deck thermal insulation, to: (a) improve a roof system's compressive strength, 
(b) physically separate the roof membrane from the thermal insulation, or (c) physically separate a 
new roof covering from an underlying roof membrane as part of a roof overlay project.  Page 178 2022 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION  100. 1 – DEFINITIONS AND RULES OF CONSTRUCTION  ROOF REPLACEMENT  is the process of removing the existing roof covering, repairing any damaged 
substrate , and installing a new roof covering.  
ROOFING PRODUCT  is the top layer of the roof that is exposed to the outside, which has properties 
including but not limited to solar reflectance, thermal emittance, and mass.  
RUNOUT  is piping that is no more than 12 feet long and that connects to a fixture or an individual 
terminal unit.  
SAE J1772  is the SAE International document titled “SAE Electric Vehicle and Plug in Hybrid Electric 
Vehicle Conductive Charge Coupler” (SAE J1772_201710).  
SATURATED CONDENSING TEMPERATURE (also known as CONDENSING TEMPERATURE)  is: (a) for 
single component and azeotropic refrigerants, the saturation temperature corresponding to the 
refrigerant pressure at the condenser entrance, or (b) for zeotropic refrigerants, the arithmetic 
average of the Dew Point and Bubble Point temperatu res corresponding to the refrigerant pressure 
at the condenser entrance.  
SCIENTIFIC EQUIPMENT  is measurement, testing or metering equipment used for scientific research 
or investigation, including but not limited to manufactured cabinets, carts , and racks.  
SEAL CLASS A  is a ductwork sealing category that requires sealing all transverse joints, longitudinal 
seams, and duct wall penetrations. Duct wall penetrations are openings made by pipes, conduit, tie 
rods, or wires. Longitudinal seams are joints oriented in the direc tion of airflow. Transverse joints are 
connections of two duct sections oriented perpendicular to airflow. Openings for rotating shafts shall 
be sealed with bushings or other devices that seal off air leakage. All connections shall be sealed, 
including but not limited to spin -ins, taps, other branch connections, access doors, access panels, and 
duct connections to equipment. Sealing that would void product listings is not required. All duct 
pressure class ratings shall be designated in the desig n documents.  
SEASONAL ENERGY EFFICIENCY RATIO (SEER)  is the total cooling output of an air conditioner in Btu 
during its normal usage period for cooling divided by the total electrical energy input in watt -hours 
during the same period, as determined using the applicable test method in the Appliance Efficien cy 
Regulations.  
SEASONAL ENERGY EFFICIENCY RATIO 2 (SEER2) is the SEER metric  for residential central air 
conditioners and heat pumps  effective  January 1, 2023 , as created by t he U.S. Department of Energy 
“ISSU ANCE 2016 -11-30 Energy Conservation Program: Test Procedures for  Central Air Conditioners 
and Heat Pumps, Final Rule”.  
SENSIBLE ENERGY RECOVERY RATIO is a  ratio of the change in the dry -bulb temperature of the 
outdoor air supply to the difference in dry -bulb temperature between the outdoor air and entering 
exhaust airflow, with no adjustment to account for that portion of the dry -bulb temperature change 
in the leaving supply airflow that is the result of leakage of entering exhaust airflow rather than heat 
exchange between the airstreams.  
SERVICE WATER HEATING  is heating of water for sanitary purposes for human occupancy, other than 
for comfort heating.  2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards   Page 179 
SECTION  100. 1 – DEFINITIONS AND RULES OF CONSTRUCTION  SHADING  is the protection from heat gains because of direct solar radiation by permanently 
attached exterior devices or building elements, interior shading devices, glazing material, or 
adherent materials.  
SHADING COEFFICIENT (SC)  is the ratio of the solar heat gain through a fenestration product to the 
solar heat gain through an unshaded 1/8 -inch -thick clear double strength glass under the same set of 
conditions. For nonresidential, high -rise residential, and hotel/motel buildings , this shall exclude the 
effects of mullions, frames, sashes, and interior and exterior shading devices.  
SIDELIT DAYLIT ZONE, PRIMARY  is the area in plan view directly adjacent to each vertical glazing, 
one window head height deep into the area, and window width plus 0.5 times window head height 
wide on each side of the rough opening of the window, minus any area on a plan beyond a 
perm anent obstruction that is 6 feet or taller as measured from the floor.  
SIDELIT DAYLIT ZONE, SECONDARY  is the area in plan view directly adjacent to each vertical glazing, 
two window head heights deep into the area, and window width plus 0.5 times window head height 
wide on each side of the rough opening of the window, minus any area on a plan beyond a 
permanent obstruction that is 6 feet or taller as measured from the floor.  
SIGN  definitions include the following:  
Electronic Message Center (EMC)  is a pixelated image producing electronically controlled sign 
formed by any light source. Bare lamps used to create linear lighting animation sequences 
through the use of chaser circuits, also known as “chaser lights” are not considered an EMC.  
Illuminated face  is a side of a sign that has the message on it. For an exit sign it is the side that 
has the word “EXIT” on it.  
Sign, cabinet  is an internally illuminated sign consisting of frame and face, with a continuous 
translucent message panel, also referred to as a panel sign.  
Sign, channel letter  is an internally illuminated sign with multiple components, each built in the 
shape of an individual three dimensional letter or symbol that are each independently 
illuminated, with a separate translucent panel over the light source for each element.  
Sign, double -faced  is a sign with two parallel opposing faces.  
Sign, externally illuminated  is any sign or a billboard that is lit by a light source that is external to 
the sign directed towards and shining on the face of the sign.  
Sign, internally illuminated  is a sign that is illuminated by a light source that is contained inside 
the sign where the message area is luminous, including cabinet signs and channel letter signs.  
Sign, traffic  is a sign for traffic direction, warning, and roadway identification.  
Sign, unfiltered  is a sign where the viewer perceives the light source directly as the message, 
without any colored filter between the viewer and the light source, including neon, cold cathode, 
and LED signs.  
SINGLE -FAMILY BUILDING  is any of the following : 
A residential building of Occupancy Group R -3 with two or less dwelling units , 
A building of Occupancy Group R -3, other than a multifamily building  or hotel/motel  building , Page 180 2022 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION  100. 1 – DEFINITIONS AND RULES OF CONSTRUCTION  A townhouse,  
A building of  Occupancy Group R -3.1, or 
A building of Occupancy Group U when located on a residential site . 
SINGLE PACKAGE VERTICAL AIR CONDITIONER (SPVAC)  is a type of air-cooled small or large 
commercial package air -conditioning and heating equipment; factory assembled as a single package 
having its major components arranged vertically, which is an encased combination of cooling and 
optional heating components; is inten ded for exterior mounting on, adjacent interior to, or through 
an outside wall; and is powered by single or three -phase current. It may contain separate indoor 
grille, outdoor louvers, various ventilation options, indoor free air discharge, ductwork, wall plenum, 
or sleeve. Heating components may include electrical resistance, steam, hot water, gas, or no heat 
but may not include reverse cycle refrigeration as a heating means.  
SINGLE PACKAGE VERTICAL HEAT PUMP (SPVHP)  is an SPVAC that utilizes reverse cycle refrigeration 
as its primary heat source, with secondary supplemental heating by means of electrical resistance, 
steam, hot water, or gas.  
SINGLE ZONE CON STANT VOLUME HEAT PUMP (SZHP):  Is an Air -source Heat Pump which uses a 
supply fan whose speed does not vary.  
SINGLE ZONE SYSTEM  is an air distribution system that supplies air to one thermal zone  controlled 
by a single thermostat . 
SITE SOLAR ENERGY  is thermal, chemical, or electrical energy derived from direct conversion of 
incident solar radiation at the building site.  
SKYLIGHT  is fenestration installed on a roof less than 60 ° from the horizontal.  
SKYLIGHT AREA  is the area of the rough opening for the skylight.  
SKYLIGHT TYPE  is one of the following three types of skylights: glass mounted on a curb, glass not 
mounted on a curb or plastic (assumed to be mounted on a curb).  
SKYLIT DAYLIT ZONE  is the rough area in plan view under each skylight, plus 0.7 times the average 
ceiling height in each direction from the edge of the rough opening of the skylight, minus any area on 
a plan beyond a permanent obstruction that is taller than one -half of the distance from the floor to 
the bottom of the skylight. The bottom of the skylight is measured from the bottom of the skylight 
well for skylights having wells, or the bottom of the skylight if no skylight well exists. For the purpose 
of determining the skylit daylit zone, the geometric shape of the skylit daylit zone shall be identical 
to the plan view geometric shape of the rough opening of the skylight; for example, for a rectangular 
skylight the skylit daylit zone plan area shall be rec tangular, and for a circular skylight the skylit daylit 
zone plan area shall be circular. For skylight located in an atrium, the skylit daylit zone shall include 
the floor area directly under the atrium, and the area of the top floor that is directly under  the 
skylight, plus 0.7 times the average ceiling height of the top floor, in each direction from the edge of 
the rough opening of the skylight, minus any area on a plan beyond a permanent obstruction that is 
taller than one -half of the distance from the top floor to the bottom of the skylight.  
SMACNA  is the Sheet Metal and Air -Conditioning Contractors National Association.  2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards   Page 181 
SECTION  100. 1 – DEFINITIONS AND RULES OF CONSTRUCTION  SMACNA HVAC DUCT CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS  is the Sheet Metal Contractors’ National 
Association document "HVAC Duct Construction Standards Metal and Flexible - 3rd Edition," 2006 
(2006  ANSI/SMACNA -006-2006 HVAC Duct Construction Standards Metal and Flexible 3rd Edition).  
SMACNA RESIDENTIAL COMFORT SYSTEM INSTALLATION STANDARDS is the Sheet Metal 
Contractors’ National Association document titled “Residential Comfort System Installation 
Standards, Eighth Edition.” (2016).  
SOCIAL SERVICES BUILDING  is a space where public assistance and social services are provided to 
individuals or families.  
SOLAR ELECTRIC GENERATION SYSTEM  or PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEM  is the complete set of all 
components for converting sunlight into electricity through the photovoltaic  process, including the 
array of panels, inverter(s) and the balance of system components required to enable the system to 
effectively deliver power to reduce a building’s consumption of electricity from the utility grid.  
SOLAR POOL HEATING SYSTEM  is an assembly of components designed to heat water for swimming 
pools , spas or swimming pool and spa combinations  by solar thermal means, excluding pool 
recirculation components.  
SOLAR REFLECTANCE INDEX (SRI)  is a measure of the roof's ability to reject solar heat which includes 
both reflectance and emittance.  
SOLAR SAVINGS FRACTION (SSF)  is the fraction of domestic hot water demand provided by a solar 
water -heating system.  
SOLAR ZONE  is a section of the roof designated and reserved for the future installation of a solar 
electric or solar thermal system.  
SOURCE ENERGY  is defined as the long run  hourly  marginal source energy of fossil fuels that are 
combusted as a result of building energy consumption either directly at the building site or caused to 
be consumed to meet the electrical demand of the building considering  following the long -term 
effects of  any associated changes in  Commission -projected energy  resource procurement , focusing 
on the amount of fossil fuels that are combusted in association with demand -side energy 
consumption . For a given hour, the value in that hour for each forecasted year is averaged to 
getestablish  a lifetime average source energy.  
SOUTH -FACING  (See “orientation.”)  
SPA is a vessel that contains heated water in which humans can immerse themselves, is not a pool, 
and is not a bathtub.  
SPACE -CONDITIONING SYSTEM  is a system that provides mechanical heating, or mechanical cooling 
within or associated with conditioned spaces in a building and may incorporate use of components 
such as chillers/compressors, fluid distribution systems (e.g., air ducts, water piping, refrigerant 
piping), pumps, air handlers, cooling and heating coils, air or water cooled condensers, economizers, 
terminal units, and associated controls.  
STANDARD DESIGN BUILDING is a building that is automatically simulated by Commission -approved 
compliance software to establish the Energy Budget that is the maximum energy consumption 
allowed by a Proposed Design  Building to comply  with the Title 24 Building Energy Efficiency 
Standards.  The Standard Design building is simulated using the same location and having the same Page 182 2022 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION  100. 1 – DEFINITIONS AND RULES OF CONSTRUCTION  characteristics of the Proposed Design building, but assuming minimal compliance with the 
mandatory and prescriptive requirements that are applicable to the proposed building, as specified 
by the Alternative Calculation Methods Approval Manual.  
STORAGE, COLD,  is a storage area within a refrigerated warehouse where space temperatures are 
maintained at or above 32° F.  
STORAGE, FROZEN  is a storage area within a refrigerated warehouse where the space temperatures 
are maintained below 32° F.  
TENANT SPACE  is a portion of a building occupied by a tenant.  
THERMAL MASS  is solid or liquid material with a high overall heat capacity to store energy for 
heating or cooling requirements.  
THERMAL RESISTANCE (R)  is a measurement of the resistance over time of a material or building 
component to the passage of heat  in (hr × ft² × °F)/Btu.  
THERMOSTAT is an automatic control device or system used to maintain temperature at a fixed or 
adjustable setpoint.  
THERMOSTATIC EXPANSION VALVE (TXV)  is a refrigerant metering valve, installed in an air 
conditioner or heat pump, which controls the flow of liquid refrigerant entering the evaporator in 
response to the superheat of the gas leaving it.  
TIME DEPENDENT VALUATION (TDV) ENERGY  is the time varying energy caused to be used by the 
building to provide space conditioning and water heating and for specified buildings lighting. TDV 
energy accounts for the energy used at the building site and consumed in producing and in delivering 
energy to a site, including, but not limited to, power generation, transmission and distribution losses.  
TOTAL HEAT OF REJECTION  (THR) is the heat rejected by refrigeration system compressors at design 
conditions, consisting of the design cooling capacity plus the heat of compression added by the 
compressors.  
TOWNHOUSE  is a single -family dwelling unit constructed in a group of three or more attached units 
in which each unit extends from the foundation to roof and with open space on at least two sides.  
TRANSCRITICAL CO 2 REFRIGERATION SYSTEM  is a type of refrigeration system that uses CO 2 as the 
refrigerant where the ultimate heat rejection to ambient air can take place above the critical point.  
SUBCRITICAL MODE  is a system operating condition for a refrigeration system wherein the 
refrigerant pressure and temperature leaving the compressor is such that the refrigerant is 
below the critical point. Typically used in reference to CO 2 refrigeration systems.  
TRANSCRITICAL MODE  is a system operating condition for a refrigeration system wherein the 
refrigerant pressure and temperature leaving the compressor is such that the refrigerant is at 
or above the critical point. Typically used in reference to CO 2 refrigeration systems.  
TRANSIENT  is the occupancy for not more than 30 days of a dwelling unit or sleeping unit.  
TRIM COMPRESSOR  is a compressor that is designated for part -load operation, handling the short 
term variable trim load of end uses, in addition to the fully loaded base compressors.  2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards   Page 183 
SECTION  100. 1 – DEFINITIONS AND RULES OF CONSTRUCTION  U-FACTOR  is the overall coefficient of thermal transmittance of a fenestration, wall, floor, or 
roof/ceiling component, in Btu/(hr × ft² × ºF), including air film resistance at both surfaces.  
UL is the Underwriters Laboratories.  
UL 181  is the Underwriters Laboratories document titled “Standard for Safety for Factory -Made Air 
Ducts and Air Connectors,” 2017  (UL 181) . 
UL 181A  is the Underwriters Laboratories document titled “Standard for Safety  for Closure Systems 
for Use With Rigid Air Ducts,” 2017  (UL 181 A). 
UL 181B  is the Underwriters Laboratories document titled “Standard for Safety  for Closure Systems 
for Use With Flexible Air Ducts and Air Connectors,” 2017  (UL 181B) . 
UL 723  is the Underwriters Laboratories document titled “Standard for Safety for Test for Surface 
Burning Characteristics,” 2018  (UL 723) . 
UL 727  is the Underwriters Laboratories document titled “Standard for Safety for Oil-Fired Central 
Furnaces,” 2018  (UL727) . 
UL 731  is the Underwriters Laboratories document titled “Standard for Safety for Oil-Fired Unit 
Heaters,” 2018  (UL 731) . 
UL 1077  is the Underwriters Laboratories document titled “Standard for Safety for Supplementary 
Protectors for Use in Electrical Equipment”, 2016 (UL 1077) . 
UL 1574  is the Underwriters Laboratories document titled "  Standard for Safety for Track Lighting 
Systems," 2020 (UL 1574) . 
UL 1598  is the Underwriters Laboratories document titled “ Standard for Safety  for Luminaires,” 2021 
( UL 1598) . 
UL 1741  is the Underwriter Laboratories document titled “Standard for Safety for Inverters, 
Converters, Controllers and Interconnection System Equipment for Use With Distributed Energy 
Resources,” 2021 (UL 1741 ). 
UL 1973  is the Underwriter Laboratories document titled “Standard for Safety for Batteries for Use in 
Stationary, Vehicle Auxiliary Power and Light Electric Rail (LER) Applications),” 2018 (ANSI/CAN/UL  
1973: 2018). 
UL 2108  is the Underwriters Laboratories document titled “Standard for Safety  for Low Voltage 
Lighting Systems,” 2019  (UL 2108) . 
UL 8750  is the Underwriters Laboratories document titled “Standards for Safety  for Light Emitting 
Diode (LED) Equipment for Use in Lighting Products,” 2021  (UL 8750 ). 
UL 9540 is the Underwriter Laboratories document titled “ Standard for Safety for  Energy Storage 
Systems and Equipment” 202 03 (ANSI/CAN/UL 9540: 2021 2023 ) 
UNCONDITIONED SPACE  is enclosed space within a building that is not directly conditioned, or 
indirectly conditioned.  
UNIFORM ENERGY FACTOR (UEF) of a water heater is a measure of overall water heater efficiency, 
as determined using the applicable test method in the Appliance Efficiency Regulations.  Page 184 2022 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION  100. 1 – DEFINITIONS AND RULES OF CONSTRUCTION  USDOE 10 CFR 430  is the regulation issued by Department of Energy and available in the Code of 
Federal Regulat ion - Title 10, Chapter II, Sub chapter D, Part 430 – Energy Conservation Program for 
Consumer Products. Relevant testing methodologies are specified in applicable appendices.  
USDOE 10 CFR 431  is the regulation issued by Department of Energy and available in the Code of 
Federal Regulat ion - Title 10, Chapter II, Sub chapter D, Part 431 - Energy Conservation Program for 
Certain Commercial and Industrial equipment. Relevant testing methodologies are specified in 
“Subpart E to Part 431 – Uniform test method for the measurement of energy efficiency of 
commercial packaged boilers.”  
VAPOR RETARDER CLASS  is a measure of the ability of a material or assembly to limit the amount of 
moisture that passes through the material or assembly meeting Section 202 of the California Building 
Code.  
VARIABLE AIR VOLUME (VAV) SYSTEM  is a space -conditioning system that maintains comfort levels 
by varying the volume of supply air to the zones served.  
VENDING MACHINE  is a machine for vending and dispensing refrigerated or nonrefrigerated food 
and beverages or general merchandise.  
VENTILATION SYSTEM, BALANCED  is aat least one  mechanical device intended to remove air from 
buildings, and simultaneously replace it with outdoor air.  
VENTILATION SYSTEM, CENTRAL FAN INTEGRATED, or CFI  is a ventilation system configuration in 
which the ventilation ductwork is connected to the duct system of a dwelling unit space conditioning 
system to enable distribution of ventilation air to the dwelling unit while the space conditioning 
system air handling unit is operating.   
VENTILATION SYSTEM, ENERGY RECOVERY, or ERV  is a mechanical device intended to remove air 
from buildings, simultaneously replace it with outdoor air, and in the process transfer heat from the 
warmer to the colder of the simultaneous airflows and transfer moisture from the most humid to 
least humid of the simultaneous airflows.  
VENTILATION SYSTEM, EXHAUST  is aat least one  mechanical device intended to remove air from 
buildings, causing outdoor air to enter by ventilation inlets or normal leakage paths through the 
building envelope.  
VENTILATION SYSTEM, HEAT RECOVERY, or HRV  is a mechanical device intended to remove air from 
buildings, simultaneously replace it with outdoor air, and in the process transfer heat from the 
warmer to the colder of the simultaneous airflows.  
VENTILATION SYSTEM, SUPPLY  is aat least one  mechanical device intended to bring outdoor air into 
buildings, causing indoor air to flow out of the building through ventilation relief outlets or normal 
leakage paths through the building envelope.  
VERY VALUABLE MERCHANDISE  is rare or precious objects, including, but not limited to, jewelry, 
coins, small art objects, crystal, ceramics, or silver, the selling of which involves customer inspection 
of very fine detail from outside of a locked case.  
VIRTUAL END NODE (VEN) is an interface with a demand responsive control system that accepts 
signals transmitted through OpenADR, consistent with the specifications in OpenADR 2.0a or 2.0b.  
WALL TYPE  is a type of wall assembly having a specific heat capacity, framing type, and U -factor.  2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards   Page 185 
SECTION  100. 1 – DEFINITIONS AND RULES OF CONSTRUCTION  WATER BALANCE IN EVAPORATIVE COOLING TOWERS  The water balance of a cooling tower is:  
M = E + B, where:  
M = makeup water (from the mains water supply)  
E = losses due to evaporation  
B = losses due to blowdown  
WATER HEATER definitions include the following:  
CONSUMER WATER HEATER is a water heater that meets the definition of a consumer 
product under USDOE  10 CFR 430.  
HEAT PUMP WATER HEATER (HPWH) is a water heater that transfers thermal energy from 
one temperature level to another temperature level for the purpose of heating water, 
including all ancillary equipment such as fans, storage tanks, pumps, or controls necessary for 
the device to perform its function.  
INTEGRATED HEAT PUMP WATER HEATER  is a HPWH which has all components, 
including fans, storage tanks, pumps, or controls necessary for the device to perform 
its function contained in a single factory -made assembly.  
SPLIT -REFRIGERANT HEAT PUMP WATER HEATER  is a HPWH which has a single 
outdoor section and one or more indoor sections connected to the outdoor section 
via a refrigerant circuit.  
SPLIT -HYDRONIC HEAT PUMP WATER HEATER is a HPWH  that consists of  multiple 
separate  sections. One section houses  all the refrigerant components, while  one or 
more additional sections are designated for water storage . These  sections are 
interconnected through  a hydronic circuit.  
MULTI -PASS WATER HEATER is a water heater which the cold water passes through multiple 
times . The  water  temperature  increases with each pass , until the storage tank reaches the 
intended storage temperature.  
SINGLE -PASS WATER HEATER  is a water heater which the cold water passes through once 
and is heated to the intended use temperature.  
WEST -FACING  (See “orientation”)  
WINDOW FILM is a fenestration attachment product that consist s of a flexible adhesive -backed 
polymer film which may be applied to the interior or exterior surface of an existing glazing system.  
WOOD HEATER  is an enclosed wood -burning appliance used for space heating and/or domestic 
water heating.  
WOOD STOVE  (See “wood heater.”)  
ZONAL  describes characterized by or relating to a zone or zones.  
ZONE, CRITICAL  is a zone serving a process where reset of the zone temperature setpoint during a 
demand shed event might disrupt the process, including but not limited to computer rooms, data 
centers, telecom and private branch exchange (PBX) rooms, and laboratories.  Page 186 2022 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION  100. 1 – DEFINITIONS AND RULES OF CONSTRUCTION  ZONE, NON CRITICAL  is a zone that is not a critical zone.  
ZONE, SPACE -CONDITIONING,  is a space or group of spaces within a building with sufficiently similar 
comfort conditioning requirements so that comfort conditions, as specified in Section 140.4(b)3 or 
150.0(h), as applicable, can be maintained throughout the zone by a single control ling device.  
NOTE:  Authority: Sections 25213, 25218, 25218.5, 25402 and 25402.1, Public Resources Code . 
Reference: Sections 25007, 25008, 25218.5, 25310, 25402, 25402.1, 25402.4, 25402.5, 25402.8, and 
25943, Public Resources Code .  2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards   Page 187 
SECTION  100. 1 – DEFINITIONS AND RULES OF CONSTRUCTION   
FIGURE 100.1 -A—CALIFORNIA CLIMATE ZONES  
Climate Zones for Residential and Nonresidential Occupancies  
#S#S
#S
#S
#S
#S
#S
#S
#S
#S16
1514131211
109
8
76543SONOMAEureka
FresnoAlturas
Barstow
San DiegoSacramento
BakersfieldSan FranciscoSouth Lake 
Tahoe1
2
1416
16
50 0 50 100Miles
CALIFORNIA ENERGY COMMISSION
SYSTEMS ASSESMENT & FACILITIES SITING DIVISION
CARTOGRAPHY UNIT
MARCH 2005
T:\Projects\CEC\Mexico\MX Border.apr VIEW: CZ Building B&W 8.5X11 LAYOUT:CZ Building B&W 8.5X11SN
E WCALIFORNIA BUILDING
 CLIMATE ZONES Page 150 2022 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 100.2 – CALCULATION OF ENERGY BUDGETS TIME DEPENDENT VALUATION (TDV) 
ENERGY  SECTION 100.2 – CALCULATION OF ENERGY BUDGETS  TIME DEPENDENT 
VALUATION (TDV) ENERGY  
Energy budgets are adopted by the Commission to establish the maximum energy consumption 
that a proposed building, or portion of a building, can be designed to consume. A building 
complies with the performance standards  compliance approach if the energy consumption 
calculated for the proposed design building is no greater than the energy budget calculated for 
the standard design building using Commission -certified compliance software as specified by 
the Alternative Calculation Methods  Reference Manual . The energy  budget for newly 
constructed single -family, multifamily , and nonresidential buildings are expressed in terms of 
Long -Term System Cost (LSC) and Source Energy.  The Energy Budget for additions and 
alterations for all building types are expressed in terms of LSC.  
Long -term System Cost (LSC) Time Dependent Valuation (TDV) energy shall be used to compare 
proposed designs to their  energy budget when using the performance compliance approach.  
TDV energy is calculated by multiplying for each hour of the year the site energy use (electricity 
kWh, natural gas therms, or fuel oil or LPG gallons) for each energy type bytimes  the applicable  
CEC-published LSC hourly factors TDV multiplier . LSC hourly factors TDV multipliers vary for each 
hour of the year and by energy type (electricity, natural gas , or propane), by Climate Zone and 
by building type ( residential, nonresidential low-rise residential or nonresidential, high -rise 
residential or hotel/motel ). LSC hourly factors TDV multipliers are summarized in Reference 
Joint Appendix JA3. LSC hourly factors TDV multipliers for propane shall be are used for all 
energy obtained from depletable sources other than electricity and natural gas.  
Source Energy is calculated by multiplying for each hour of the year the site energy use 
(electricity kWh, natural gas therms, or fuel oil or LPG gallons ) by Btu factors for fossil fuel 
consumed either directly at the building site or caused to be consumed to meet the electrical 
demand of the building considering  the long -term marginal hourly resources of Commission -
projected electric system resource procurement.  
NOTE:  Authority: Sections 25213, 25218, 25218.5, 25402 and 25402.1, Public Resources Code . 
Reference: Sections 25007, 25008, 25218.5, 25310, 25402, 25402.1, 25402.4, 25402.5, 25402.8, 
and 25943, Public Resources Code . 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 151 
SECTION 110.0 – SYSTEMS AND EQUIPMENT —GENERAL  SUBCHAPTER 2  
ALL OCCUPANCIES —MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR THE 
MANUFACTURE, CONSTRUCTION AND INSTALLATION OF 
SYSTEMS, EQUIPMENT AND BUILDING COMPONENTS  
SECTION 110.0 – SYSTEMS AND EQUIPMENT —GENERAL  
Sections 110.1 through 110.12 specify requirements for manufacturing, construction and 
installation of certain systems, equipment, appliances and building components that are 
installed in buildings within the scope of Section 100.0(a).  
NOTE:  The requirements of Sections 110.0 through 110.12 apply to newly constructed buildings. 
Sections 141.0 and 150.2 specify which requirements of Sections 110.1 through 110.12 also 
apply to additions and alterations to existing buildings.  
(a)  General Requirements. Systems, equipment, appliances and building components shall 
only be installed in a building within the scope of Section 100.0(a) regulated by Part 6 only if:  
1. The manufacturer has certified that the system, equipment, appliances or building 
component complies with the applicable manufacturing provisions of Sections 110.1 
through 110.12; and  
2. The system, equipment, appliance or building component complies with all applicable 
installation provisions of Sections 110.1 through 110.12.  
(b) Certification Requirements for Manufactured Systems, Equipment, Appliances and 
Building Components . 
1. Appliances that are within the scope of Section 1601 of the Appliance Efficiency Regulations 
shall only be installed if they have been certified to the Energy Commission by the 
manufacturer, pursuant to the provisions of Title 20 California Code of Regu lations, Section 
1606; or  
2. Systems, equipment, appliances and building components that are required by Part 6 or the 
Reference Appendices to be certified to the Energy Commission, which are not appliances 
that are within the scope of Section 1601 of the Appliance Efficiency Regul ations, shall only 
be installed if they are certified by the manufacturer in a declaration, executed under 
penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California, that:  
A. all the information provided pursuant to the certification is true, complete, accurate 
and in compliance with all applicable requirements of Part 6; and  
B. the equipment, product, or device was tested using the test procedure specified in Part 
6 if applicable  
3. The certification status of any system, equipment, appliance or building component shall be 
confirmed only by reference to:  Page 152 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 110.0 – SYSTEMS AND EQUIPMENT —GENERAL  A. A directory published or approved by the Commission; or  
B. A copy of the application for certification from the manufacturer and the letter of 
acceptance from the Commission staff; or  
C. Written confirmation from the publisher of a Commission -approved directory that a 
device has been certified; or  
D. A Commission -approved label on the device.  
Note: Part 6 does not require a builder, designer, owner, operator, or enforcing agency to test any 
certified device to determine its compliance with minimum specifications or efficiencies adopted 
by the Commission.  
Note : Authority: Sections 25213, 25218, 25218.5, 25402 and 25402.1, Public Resources Code. 
Reference: Sections 25007, 25008, 25218.5, 25310, 25402, 25402.1, 25402.4, 25402.5, 25402.8, 
and 25943, Public Resources Code . 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 153 
SECTION 110.1 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR APPLIANCES  SECTION 110.1 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR APPLIANCES  
(a) Any appliance regulated by the Appliance Efficiency Regulations, Title 20 California Code of 
Regulations, Section 1601 et seq., may be installed only if the appliance fully complies with 
Section 1608(a) of those regulations.  
(b) Except for those circumstances described in Section 110.1(c), conformance with efficiency 
levels required to comply with Part 6 mandatory, prescriptive and performance standards 
shall be verified utilizing data from either:  
1. The Energy Commission’s database of certified appliances maintained pursuant to Title 
20 California Code of Regulations Section 1606, and which is available at: 
www.energy.ca.gov/appliances/database/; or  
2. An equivalent directory published by a federal agency; or  
3. An approved trade association directory as defined in Title 20 California Code of 
Regulations Section 1606(h).  
(c) Conformance with efficiency levels required to comply with Part 6 mandatory, prescriptive 
and performance standards shall be demonstrated either by default to the mandatory 
efficiency levels specified in Part 6 or by following procedures approved by th e Commission 
pursuant to Section 10 -109 of Title 24, Part 1, when:  
1. Data to verify conformance with efficiency levels required to comply with Part 6 
mandatory, prescriptive and performance standards is not available pursuant to 
subdivision (b); or  
2. Field verification and diagnostic testing is required for compliance with Part 6 and the 
Energy Commission has not approved a field verification and diagnostic test protocol 
that is applicable to the appliance; or  
3. The appliance meets the requirements of Section 110.1(a) but has been site -modified in 
a way that affects its performance; or  
4. The U.S. Department of Energy has approved a waiver from federal test procedures, 
pursuant to 10 CFR Section 430.27 or Section 431.401 and that waiver fails to specify 
how the efficiency of the system shall be determined.  
Note : Authority: Sections 25213, 25218, 25218.5, 25402 and 25402.1, Public Resources Code. 
Reference: Sections 25007, 25008, 25218.5, 25310, 25402, 25402.1, 25402.4, 25402.5, 25402.8, 
and 25943, Public Resources Code . Page 154 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 110.2 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR SPACE -CONDITIONING EQUIPMENT  SECTION 110.2 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR SPACE -CONDITIONING 
EQUIPMENT  
Certification by manufacturers . Any space -conditioning equipment listed in this section may be 
installed only if the manufacturer has certified to the Commission that the equipment complies with 
all the applicable requirements of this section.  
(a) Efficiency.  Equipment shall meet the applicable efficiency requirements in Tables 110.2 -A through 
110.2 -LN, subject to the following:  
1. If more than one efficiency standard is listed for any equipment in Tables 110.2 -A through 
110.2 -LN, the equipment shall meet all the applicable standards that are listed; and  
2. If more than one test method is listed in Tables 110.2 -A through 110.2 -LN, the equipment 
shall comply with the applicable efficiency standard when tested with each listed test 
method; and  
3. Where equipment serves more than one function, it shall comply with the efficiency 
standards applicable to each function; and  
4. Where a requirement is for equipment rated at its “maximum rated capacity” or “minimum 
rated capacity,” the capacity shall be as provided for and allowed by the controls, during 
steady -state operation.  
Exception  1 to Section 110.2(a):  Water -cooled centrifugal water -chilling packages that are not 
designed for operation at ANSI/AHRI Standard 550/590 test conditions of 44°F leaving chilled 
water temperature and 85°F entering condenser water temperature with 3 gallons per minute 
per ton co ndenser water flow shall have a maximum full load kW/ton and NPLV ratings adjusted 
using the following equation:  
Adjusted maximum full -load kW/ton rating = (full - load kW/ton from Table 110.2 -D)/Kadj  
Adjusted maximum NPLV rating = (IPLV from Table 110.2 -D)/Kadj  
Where:  
Kadj = (A) × (B)  
A = 0.00000014592 × (LIFT)4 – 0.0000346496 × (LIFT)3 + 0.00314196 × (LIFT)2 – 0.147199 × 
(LIFT) + 3.9302  
LIFT = LvgCond – LvgEvap (°F)  
LvgCond = Full -load leaving condenser fluid temperature (°F)  
LvgEvap = Full -load leaving evaporator fluid temperature (°F)  
B = (0.0015 × LvgEvap) + 0.934  
The adjusted full -load and NPLV values are only applicable for centrifugal chillers meeting all of 
the following full -load design ranges:  
• Minimum Leaving Evaporator Fluid Temperature: 36°F  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 155 
SECTION 110.2 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR SPACE -CONDITIONING EQUIPMENT  • Maximum Leaving Condenser Fluid Temperature: 115°F  
• LIFT ³ 20°F and £ 80°F  
Centrifugal chillers designed to operate outside of these ranges are not covered by this exception.  
Exception  2 to Section 110.2(a):  Positive displacement (air -cooled and water -cooled) chillers with 
a leaving evaporator fluid temperature higher than 32°F shall show compliance with Table 110.2 -
D when tested or certified with water at standard rating conditions, per the referenced test 
procedure.  
Exception  3 to Section 110.2(a):  Equipment primarily serving refrigerated warehouses or 
commercial refrigeration.  
(b) Controls for heat pumps  with supplementary electric resistance heaters , for non -residential and 
multifamily  buildings. .  
Controls for heat pumps with supplementary heaters for single family residential buildings are 
provided in Section 150.0(h) 7. For non -residential and multi -family buildings Hheat pumps with 
supplementary electric resistance heaters shall have controls:  
1. That prevent supplementary heater operation when the heating load can be met by the heat 
pump alone; and  
2. In which the cut -on temperature for compression heating is higher than the cut -on 
temperature for supplementary heating, and the cut -off temperature for compression 
heating is higher than the cut -off temperature for supplementary heating.  
Exception  1 to Section 110.2(b):  The controls may allow supplementary heater operation during:  
A. Defrost; and  
B. Transient periods such as start -ups and following room thermostat setpoint advance, if 
the controls provide preferential rate control, intelligent recovery, staging, ramping or 
another control mechanism designed to preclude the unnecessary operation of 
supplementary heating.  
Exception  2 to Section 110.2(b):  Room air -conditioner heat pumps.  
Exception  3 to Section 110.2(b):  Heat pump controls in single family residential buildings 
compliant with Section 150.0(h)7 without the use of exceptions or compliant with Section 
150.0(i)2 without the use of exceptions.  
(c) Thermostats.  All heating or cooling systems not controlled by a central energy management 
control system (EMCS) shall have a setback thermostat.  
1. Setback capabilities . All thermostats shall have a clock mechanism that allows the building 
occupant to program the temperature setpoints for at least four periods within 24 hours. 
Thermostats for heat pumps shall meet the requirements of Section 110.2(b).  
Exception  to Section 110.2(c):  Gravity gas wall heaters, gravity floor heaters, gravity room 
heaters, noncentral  electric heaters, fireplaces or decorative gas appliances, wood stoves, room 
air conditioners and room air -conditioner heat pumps.  Page 156 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 110.2 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR SPACE -CONDITIONING EQUIPMENT  (d) Gas-fired  and oil-fired furnace standby loss controls.  Gas-fired and oil -fired forced -air furnaces 
with input ratings ³ 225,000 Btu/hr shall also have an intermittent ignition or interrupted device 
(IID), and have either power venting or a flue damper. A vent damper is an acceptable alternative 
to a flue damper for furnaces where combustion air is drawn from the conditioned  space. All 
furnaces with input ratings ³ 225,000 Btu/ hr, including electric furnaces, that are not located 
within the conditioned s pace shall have jacket losses not exceeding 0.75 percent of the input 
rating.  
(e) Open and closed -circuit cooling towers.  All open and closed cooling tower installations shall 
comply with the following:  
1. Be equipped with conductivity  or flow -based  controls that maximize cycles of concentration 
based on local water quality conditions. Controls shall automate system bleed and chemical 
feed based on conductivity , or in proportion to metered makeup volume, metered bleed 
volume, recirculating pump run time, or bleed time . Conductivity controllers shall be installed 
in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications in order to maximize accuracy.  
2. Documentation of maximum achievable cycles of concentration. Building owners shall 
document the maximum  cycles of concentration  needed  based on local water supply as 
reported annually by the local water supplier, and using the calculat ionsor approved by the 
Energy Commission  below.  The calculat ionsor areis intended to determine maximum cycles 
based on a Langelier Saturation Index (LSI) of 2.5 or less the parameters identified in Table 
110.2 -A-1. Building owner shall document maximum cycles of concentratio n on the 
mechanical compliance form which shall be reviewed and signed by the Professional Engineer 
(P.E.) of Record.  
The maximum cycles of concentrations are based on the local water supply quality as 
reported by the local water supplier, and shall be the minimum of:  
A. 2970 divide d by the conductivity  of the entering make -up water  
B. 1845 divided by  the total dissolved solids  of the entering make -up water  
C. 540 divided by  the M-alkalinity  excluding galvanized steel  of the entering make -up water  
D. 450 divided by  the M-alkalinity  including galvanized steel  of the entering make -up water  
E. 540 divided by  the calcium hardness  of the entering make -up water  
F. 270 divided by  the chlorides  of the entering make -up water  
G. 225 divided by  the sulfates  of the entering make -up water  
H. 135 divided by  the silica  of the entering make -up water  
I. 10^((-1/2.0388 95)*(Log( M-alkalinity excluding galvanized steel  of the entering make -up 
water  *0.9*1.219) -0.061105* Log( calcium hardness  of the entering make -up water  *M-
alkal inity excluding galvanized steel  of the entering make -up water )+0.00503 25*max skin 
temp -5.95)   
3. Cooling towers shall not allow blowdown until one or more of the parameters in Table  110.2 -
A-1 reaches the maximum value specified:  
  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 157 
SECTION 110.2 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR SPACE -CONDITIONING EQUIPMENT  Table  110.2 -A-1 RECIRCULATING WATER PROPERTIES  
Recirculating Water Parameters  Maximum Values  
Conductivity (micro -siemens/cm ) 2970  micro -siemens/cm  
Total dissolved solids (ppm)  1845  ppm  
Total alkalinity as CaCO23 (ppm) excluding galvanized steel  540 ppm  
Total alkalinity as CaCO3 (ppm) galvanized steel (passivated)  450 ppm  
Calcium hardness as CACO3 (ppm)  540 ppm  
Chlorides as Cl (ppm)  270 ppm  
Sulfates (ppm)  225 ppm  
Silica (ppm)  135 ppm  
Langelier saturation index ( LSI) 2.5 (LSI)  
34. Be equipped with a flow meter with an analog output for flow either hardwired or available 
through a gateway on the makeup water line.  
45. Be equipped with an overflow alarm to prevent overflow of the sump in case of makeup 
water valve failure. Overflow alarm shall send an audible signal or provide an alert via the 
energy management control system to the tower operator in case of sump overflow.  
56. Be equipped with efficient drift eliminators  that achieve drift reduction to 0.002 percent of 
the circulated water volume for counter -flow towers and 0.005 percent for cross -flow towers.  
7. Conductivity controls  and overflow alarm  shall be verified according to NA 7.5.18.  
 
Exception  to Section 110.2(e):  Open and closed -circuit cooling towers with rated capacity < 150 tons.  
(f) Low leakage air -handling units . To qualify as a low leakage air -handling unit for use for meeting 
the requirements for applicable low leakage air -handling unit compliance credit(s) available in the 
performance standards set forth in Sections 150.1(b) and 140.1, the manufacturer shall certify to 
the Energy Commission that the air -handling unit m eets the specifications in Reference Joint 
Appendix JA9.  Page 158 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 110.2 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR SPACE -CONDITIONING EQUIPMENT  TABLE 110.2 -A AIR CONDITIONERS AND CONDENSING UNITS – MINIMUM EFFICIENCY 
REQUIREMENTS  
Equipment Type  Size Category  Efficiency  Test Procedureb 
Air conditioners,  
air cooled  
both split system  
and single package  ≥ 65,000 Btu/h and  
< 135,000 Btu/h  11.2 EERa 
Federal 
Minimum 14.8  IEERa AHRI 340/360  
Air conditioners,  
air cooled  
both split system  
and single package  ≥ 135,000 Btu/h 
and 
< 240,000 Btu/h  11.0 EERa 
Federal 
Minimum 14.2  IEERa AHRI 340/360  
Air conditioners, air cooled  
both split system  
and single package  ≥ 240,000 Btu/h 
and 
< 760,000 Btu/h  10.0 EERa 
Federal 
Minimum 13.2  IEERa AHRI 340/360  
Air conditioners, air cooled  
both split system  
and single package  ≥ 760,000 Btu/h  9.7 EERa 
12.5 IEERa AHRI 340/360  
Air conditioners,  
water cooled  ≥ 65,000 Btu/h and  
< 135,000 Btu/h  Federal 
Minimum 12.1  EERa 
13.9 IEERa AHRI 340/360  
Air conditioners,  
water cooled  ≥135,000 Btu/h 
and 
< 240,000 Btu/h  Federal 
Minimum 12.5  EERa 
13.9 IEERa AHRI 340/360  
Air conditioners,  
water cooled  ≥240,000 Btu/h 
and 
< 760,000 Btu/h  Federal 
Minimum 12.4  EERa 
13.6 IEERa AHRI 340/360  
 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 159 
SECTION 110.2 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR SPACE -CONDITIONING EQUIPMENT  CONTINUED: TABLE 110.2 -A AIR CONDITIONERS AND CONDENSING UNITS – MINIMUM EFFICIENCY 
REQUIREMENTS  (continued)  
Equipment Type  Size Category  Efficiency  Test Procedureb 
Air conditioners,  
water cooled  ≥ 760,000 Btu/h  12.2EERa 
13.5 IEERa AHRI 340/360  
Air conditioners, evaporatively 
cooled  ≥65,000 Btu/h and  
< 135,000 Btu/h  Federal 
Minimum 12.1  EERa 
12.3 IEERa AHRI 340/360  
Air conditioners, evaporatively 
cooled  ≥ 135,000 Btu/h 
and 
< 240,000 Btu/h  Federal 
Minimum 12.0  EERa 
12.2 IEERa AHRI 340/360  
Air conditioners, evaporatively 
cooled  ≥240,000 Btu/h 
and 
< 760,000 Btu/h  Federal 
Minimum 11.9  EERa 
12.1 IEERa AHRI 340/360  
Air conditioners, evaporatively 
cooled  ≥ 760,000 Btu/h  11.7 EERa 
11.9 IEERa AHRI 340/360  
Condensing units,  
air cooled  ≥ 135,000 Btu/h  10.5 EER  
Federal 
Minimum 11.8  IEER  AHRI 365  
Condensing units,  
water cooled  ≥ 135,000 Btu/h  13.5 EER  
Federal 
Minimum 14.0  IEER  AHRI 365  
Condensing units, evaporatively 
cooled  ≥ 135,000 Btu/h  13.5 EER  
Federal 
Minimum 14.0  IEER  AHRI 365  
a  Deduct 0.2 from the required EERs and IEERs for units with a heating section other than electric resistance heat.  
b  Applicable test procedure and reference year are provided under the definitions.  Page 160 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 110.2 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR SPACE -CONDITIONING EQUIPMENT  TABLE 110.2 -B HEAT PUMPS, MINIMUM EFFICIENCY REQUIREMENTS  
Equipment Type  Size Category  Rating Condition  Efficiency a  Test Procedureb 
Air Cooled  
(Cooling Mode), 
both split 
system and 
single package  ≥ 65,000 Btu/h and  
< 135,000 Btu/h   11.0 EER  
Federal 
Minimum 14.1  
IEER  AHRI 340/360  
Air Cooled  
(Cooling Mode), 
both split 
system and 
single package  ≥ 135,000 Btu/h and  
< 240,000 Btu/h   10.6 EER  
Federal 
Minimum 13.5  
IEER  AHRI 340/360  
Air Cooled  
(Cooling Mode), 
both split 
system and 
single package  ≥ 240,000 Btu/h   9.5 EER  
Federal 
Minimum 12.5  
IEER  AHRI 340/360  
Water source 
(cooling mode)  ≥ 65,000 Btu/h and  
< 135,000 Btu/h  
 86ºF entering 
water  
 Federal 
Minimum 13.0  
EER 
 ISO-13256 -1 
Groundwater 
source (cooling 
mode)   
< 135,000 Btu/h  59ºF entering 
water  18.0 EER  ISO-13256 -1 
Ground source 
(cooling mode)   
< 135,000 Btu/h  77ºF entering 
water  14.1 EER  ISO-13256 -1 
Water source 
water -to-water 
(cooling mode)   
< 135,000 Btu/h  86ºF entering 
water  10.6 EER  ISO-13256 -2 
Groundwater 
source water -to-
water (cooling 
mode)   
< 135,000 Btu/h  59ºF entering 
water  16.3 EER  ISO-13256 -2 
Ground source 
brine -to-water 
(cooling mode)   
< 135,000 Btu/h  77ºF entering 
water  12.1 EER  ISO-13256 -2 
Air Cooled  
(Heating Mode)  
Split system and  
single package   
 
≥ 65,000 Btu/h and  
< 135,000 Btu/h  
(cooling capacity)  47° F db/43° F wb  
outdoor air  Federal 
Minimum 3.4 COP  AHRI 340/360  
Air Cooled  
(Heating Mode)  
Split system and  
single package   
≥ 65,000 Btu/h and  
< 135,000 Btu/h  
(cooling capacity)  17° F db/15° F wb  
outdoor air  2.25 COP  AHRI 340/360  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 161 
SECTION 110.2 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR SPACE -CONDITIONING EQUIPMENT  CONTINUED:  TABLE 110.2 -B HEAT PUMPS, MINIMUM EFFICIENCY REQUIREMENTS  (continued)  
Equipment Type  Size Category  Rating Condition  Efficiency a  Test Procedureb 
Air Cooled  
(Heating Mode)  
Split system and  
single package  ≥ 135,000 Btu/h  and < 
240,000 Btu/h  
(cooling capacity)  47° F db/43° F wb  
outdoor air  Federal 
Minimum 3.3 COP  AHRI 340/360  
Air Cooled  
(Heating Mode)  
Split system and 
single packag e ≥ 240,000 Btu/h and  
< 760,000 Btu/h  47° F db/43° F wb  
outdoor air  3.2 COP  AHRI 340/360  
Air Cooled  
(Heating Mode)  
Split system and  
single package  ≥ 135,000 Btu/h  
(cooling capacity)  17° F db/15° F wb  
outdoor air  2.05 COP  AHRI 340/360  
Water source  
(heating mode)  < 135,000 Btu/h  
(cooling capacity)  68ºF entering 
water  Federal 
Minimum 4.3 COP  ISO-13256 -1 
Water source  
(heating mode)  ≥ 135,000 Btu/h and  
< 240,000 Btu/h  68ºF entering 
water  Federal 
Minimum 2.90  
COP  ISO-13256 -1 
Groundwater 
source (heating 
mode)  < 135,000 Btu/h  
(cooling capacity)  50ºF entering 
water  3.7 COP  ISO-13256 -1 
Ground source  
(heating mode)  < 135,000 Btu/h  
(cooling capacity)  32ºF entering 
water  3.2 COP  ISO-13256 -1 
Water source 
water -to-water  
(heating mode)  < 135,000 Btu/h  
(cooling capacity)  68ºF entering 
water  3.7 COP  ISO-13256 -2 
Groundwater 
source water -to-
water  
(heating mode)  < 135,000 Btu/h  
(cooling capacity)  50ºF entering 
water  3.1 COP  ISO-13256 -2 
Ground source 
brine -to-water  
(heating mode)  < 135,000 Btu/h  
(cooling capacity)  32ºF entering 
water  2.5 COP  ISO-13256 -2 
a Deduct 0.2 from the required EERs and IEERs for units with a heating section other than electric resistance heat.  
b Applicable test procedure and reference year are provided under the definitions.  Page 162 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 110.2 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR SPACE -CONDITIONING EQUIPMENT  TABLE 110.2 -C AIR -COOLED GAS -ENGINE HEAT PUMPS  
Equipment Type  Size Category  Subcategory or 
Rating Condition  Efficiency  Test Procedurea 
Air-Cooled Gas -
Engine Heat Pump  
(Cooling Mode)  All Capacities  95° F db  
Outdoor Air  0.60 COP  ANSI Z21.40.4A  
Air-Cooled Gas -
Engine Heat Pump  
(Heating Mode)  All Capacities  47° F db/43° F wb  
Outdoor Air  0.72 COP  ANSI Z21.40.4A  
a Applicable test procedure and reference year are provided under the definitions.  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 163 
SECTION 110.2 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR SPACE -CONDITIONING EQUIPMENT  TABLE 110.2 -D WATER CHILLING PACKAGES – MINIMUM EFFICIENCY REQUIREMENTS a,b 
Equipment Type  Size Category  Path A Efficiency a,b Path B Efficiency a,b Test Procedure c 
Air Cooled, With 
Condenser  
Electrically Operated  < 150 Tons  ≥ 10.100 EER  
≥ 13.700 IPLV  ≥ 9.700 EER  
≥15.800 IPLV  AHRI 550/590  
Air Cooled, With 
Condenser 
Electrically Operated  ≥ 150 Tons  ≥ 10.100 EER  
≥ 14.000 IPLV  ≥ 9.700 EER  
≥16.100 IPLV  AHRI 550/590  
Air Cooled,  
Without Condenser 
Electrically Operated  All Capacities  Air-cooled chillers without 
condensers must be rated 
with matching condensers 
and comply with the air -
cooled chiller efficiency 
requirements.  Air-cooled chillers 
without condensers 
must be rated with 
matching condensers 
and comply with the 
air-cooled chiller 
efficiency 
requirements.  AHRI 550/590  
Water Cooled, 
Electrically Operated, 
Reciprocating  All Capacities  Reciprocating units must 
comply with the water -
cooled positive 
displacement efficiency 
requirements.  Reciprocating units 
must comply with 
the water -cooled 
positive 
displacement 
efficiency 
requirements.  AHRI 550/590  
Water Cooled, 
Electrically Operated 
Positive 
Displacement  < 75 Tons  ≤0.750kW/ton  
≤ 0.600 IPLV  ≤ 0.780 kW/ton  
≤ 0.500 IPLV  AHRI 550/590  
Water Cooled,  
Electrically Operated 
Positive 
Displacement  ≥ 75 tons and 
< 150 tons  ≤ 0.720 kW/ton  
≤ 0.560 IPLV  ≤ 0.750 kW/ton  
≤ 0.490 IPLV  AHRI 550/590  
Water Cooled,  
Electrically Operated 
Positive 
Displacement  ≥ 150 tons and 
< 300 tons  ≤ 0.660 kW/ton  
≤ 0.540 IPLV  ≤ 0.680 kW/ton  
≤ 0.440 IPLV  AHRI 550/590  
Water Cooled, 
Electrically Operated 
Positive 
Displacement,  ≥ 300 Tons 
and < 600 tons  ≤ 0.610kW/ton  
≤ 0.520 IPLV  ≤ 0.625 kW/ton  
≤ 0.410 IPLV  AHRI 550/590  
Water Cooled, 
Electrically Operated 
Positive 
Displacement  ≥ 600 tons  ≤ 0.560 kW/ton  
≤ 0.500 IPLV  ≤ 0.585 kW/ton  
≤ 0.380 IPLV  AHRI 550/590  
 
  Page 164 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 110.2 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR SPACE -CONDITIONING EQUIPMENT  CONTINUED:  TABLE 110.2 -D WATER CHILLING PACKAGES – MINIMUM EFFICIENCY REQUIREMENTS a,b 
Equipment Type  Size Category  Path A Efficiency a,b Path B Efficiency a,b Test Procedure c 
Water Cooled, 
Electrically Operated, 
Centrifugal  < 150 Tons  ≤ 0.610 kW/ton  
≤ 0.550IPLV  ≤ 0.695 kW/ton  
≤ 0.440 IPLV  AHRI 550/590  
Water Cooled, 
Electrically Operated, 
Centrifugal  ≥ 150 tons and 
< 300 tons  ≤ 0.610 kW/ton  
≤ 0.550 IPLV  ≤ 0.635 kW/ton  
≤ 0.400 IPLV  AHRI 550/590  
Water Cooled, 
Electrically Operated, 
Centrifugal  ≥ 300 tons and 
< 400 tons  ≤ 0.560 kW/ton  
≤ 0.520 IPLV  ≤ 0.595 kW/ton  
≤ 0.390 IPLV  AHRI 550/590  
Water Cooled, 
Electrically Operated, 
Centrifugal  ≥ 400 tons and 
< 600 tons  ≤ 0.560 kW/ton  
≤ 0.500 IPLV  ≤ 0.585 kW/ton  
≤ 0.380 IPLV  AHRI 550/590  
Water Cooled, 
Electrically Operated, 
Centrifugal  ≥ 600 tons  ≤ 0.560 kW/ton  
≤ 0.500 IPLV  ≤ 0.585 kW/ton  
≤ 0.380 IPLV  AHRI 550/590  
Air Cooled 
Absorption,  
Single Effect  All Capacities  ≥0.600 COP  N.A. d AHRI 560  
Water Cooled 
Absorption, Single 
Effect  All Capacities  ≥ 0.700 COP  N.A. d AHRI 560  
Absorption Double 
Effect, Indirect -Fired  All Capacities  ≥ 1.000 COP  
≥ 1.050 IPLV  N.A. d AHRI 560  
Absorption Double 
Effect, Direct -Fired  All Capacities  ≥ 1.000 COP  
≥1.000 IPLV  N.A. d AHRI 560  
Water Cooled Gas 
Engine Driven Chiller  All Capacities  ≥ 1.2 COP  
≥ 2.0 IPLV  N.A. d ANSI Z21.40.4A  
a. No requirements for:  
1. Centrifugal chillers with design leaving evaporator temperature < 36°F; or  
2. Positive displacement chillers with design leaving fluid temperature ≤ 32°F; or  
3. Absorption chillers with design leaving fluid temperature < 40°F.  
b. Must meet the minimum requirements of Path A or Path B. However, both the full load (COP) and IPLV must be 
met to fulfill the requirements of the applicable Path.  
c. See Section 100.1 for definitions.  
d. N.A. means not applicable.  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 165 
SECTION 110.2 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR SPACE -CONDITIONING EQUIPMENT  TABLE 110.2 -E PACKAGED TERMINAL AIR CONDITIONERS AND PACKAGED TERMINAL HEAT PUMPS – 
MINIMUM EFFICIENCY REQUIREMENTS  
Equipment Type  Size Category (Input)  Subcategory or Rating 
Condition  Efficiency  Test Procedure c 
PTAC (Cooling mode)  
Newly constructed or 
newly conditioned 
buildings or additions  All Capacities  95°F db Outdoor Air  14.0 - (0.300 × 
Cap/1000) a EER AHRI 310/380  
PTAC (Cooling mode) 
Replacements b All Capacities  95°F db Outdoor Air  10.9 - (0.213 × 
Cap/1000) a EER AHRI 310/380  
PTHP (Cooling mode)  
Newly constructed or 
newly conditioned 
buildings or additions  All Capacities  95°F db Outdoor Air  14.0 - (0.300 × 
Cap/1000) a EER AHRI 310/380  
PTHP (Cooling mode)  
Replacements b All Capacities  95°F db Outdoor Air  10.8 - (0.213 × 
Cap/1000) a EER AHRI 310/380  
PTHP (Heating Mode)  
Newly constructed or 
newly conditioned 
buildings or additions  All Capacities  - 3.7 - (0.052 × Cap/1000) a 
COP  AHRI 310/380  
PTHP (Heating mode)  
Replacements b All Capacities  - 2.9 - (0.026 × Cap/1000) a 
COP  AHRI 310/380  
SPVAC (Cooling 
Mode)  <65,000 Btu/h  95°F db / 75°F wb  
Outdoor Air   
11.0 EER  AHRI 390  
SPVAC (Cooling 
Mode)  ≥65,000 Btu/h and  
<135,000 Btu/h  95°F db / 75°F wb  
Outdoor Air  10.0 EER  AHRI 390  
SPVAC (Cooling 
Mode)  ≥135,000 Btu/h and  
<240,000 Btu/h  95°F db / 75°F wb  
Outdoor Air  10.0 EER  AHRI 390  
SPVHP (Cooling 
Mode)  <65,000 Btu/h  95°F db / 75°F wb  
Outdoor Air   
11.0 EER  AHRI 390  
SPVHP (Cooling 
Mode)  ≥65,000 Btu/h and  
<135,000 Btu/h  95°F db / 75°F wb  
Outdoor Air  10.0 EER  AHRI 390  
SPVHP (Cooling 
Mode)  ≥135,000 Btu/h and  
<240,000 Btu/h  95°F db / 75°F wb  
Outdoor Air  10.0 EER  AHRI 390  
SPVHP (Heating 
Mode)  <65,000 Btu/h  47°F db / 43°F wb  
Outdoor Air  3.3 COP  AHRI 390  
SPVHP (Heating 
Mode)  ≥65,000 Btu/h and  
<135,000 Btu/h  47°F db / 43°F wb  
Outdoor Air  3.0 COP  AHRI 390  
SPVHP (Heating 
Mode)  ≥135,000 Btu/h and  
<240,000 Btu/h  47°F db / 43°F wb  
Outdoor Air  3.0 COP  AHRI 390  
a Cap means the rated cooling capacity of the product in Btu/h. If the unit’s capacity is less than 7000 Btu/h, use 7000 Btu/ h in the 
calculation. If the unit’s capacity is greater than 15,000 Btu/h, use 15,000 Btu/h in the calculation.  
b Replacement units must be factory labeled as follows: "MANUFACTURED FOR REPLACEMENT APPLICATIONS ONLY; NOT TO BE 
INSTALLED IN NEWLY CONSTRUCTED BUILDINGS." Replacement efficiencies apply only to units with existing sleeves less than 16 in ches 
high or les s than 42 inch wide and having a cross -sectional area less than 670 square inches.  
c Applicable test procedure and reference year are provided under the definitions.  
  Page 166 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 110.2 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR SPACE -CONDITIONING EQUIPMENT  TABLE 110.2 -EF PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS FOR HEAT REJECTION EQUIPMENT  
Equipment Type  Total System Heat 
Rejection Capacity at 
Rated Conditions  Subcategory or 
Rating Condition  Performance  
Required ,a ,b, c, d Test Procedure e 
Propeller or axial fan  
Open -circuit cooling 
towers  All 95°F entering water  
85°F leaving water  
75°F entering air wb   ≥ 42.1 gpm/hp  CTI ATC -105 
and 
CTI STD -201 
RS 
Centrifugal fan  
Open -circuit cooling 
towers  All 95°F entering water  
85°F leaving water  
75°F entering air wb  ≥ 20.0 gpm/hp  CTI ATC -105 
and 
CTI STD -201 
RS 
Propeller or axial fan  
closed -circuit cooling 
towers  All 102°F entering water  
90°F leaving water  
75°F entering air wb   
≥ 16.1 gpm/hp  CTI ATC -105S  
and 
CTI STD -201 
RS 
Centrifugal fan  
closed -circuit cooling 
towers  All 102°F entering water  
90°F leaving water  
75°F entering air wb  ≥ 7.0 gpm/hp  CTI ATC -105S  
and 
CTI STD -201 
RS 
Propeller or axial fan  
evaporative 
condensers  All R-448A test fluid  
165⁰F entering gas 
temp  
105⁰F condensing 
temp  
75⁰F entering air wb  ≥ 157,000  
Btu/h • hp  CTI ATC -106 
Propeller or axial fan 
evaporative 
condensers  All Ammonia test fluid  
140⁰F entering gas 
temp  
96.3⁰F condensing 
temp  
75⁰F entering air wb  ≥ 134,000  
Btu/h • hp  CTI ATC -106 
Centrifugal fan  
evaporative 
condensers  All R-448A test fluid  
165⁰F entering gas 
temp  
105⁰F condensing 
temp  
75⁰F entering air wb  ≥ 135,000  
Btu/h • hp  CTI ATC -106 
 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 167 
SECTION 110.2 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR SPACE -CONDITIONING EQUIPMENT  CONTINUED: TABLE 110 .2-EF PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS FOR HEAT REJECTION EQUIPMENT 
a  For purposes of this table, open -circuit cooling tower performance is defined as the water flow rating of the tower at 
the given rated conditions divided by the fan motor nameplate power.  
b  For purposes of this table, closed -circuit cooling tower performance is defined as the process water flow rating of the 
tower at the given rated conditions divided by the sum of the fan motor nameplate rated power and the integral spray 
pump motor namep late power.  
c  For purposes of this table dry cooler performance is defined as the process water flow rating of the unit at the given 
thermal rating condition divided by the total fan motor nameplate power of the unit and air -cooled condenser 
performance is defined as  the heat rejected from the refrigerant divided by the fan motor nameplate power of the 
unit.  
d  Open cooling towers shall be tested using the test procedures in CTI ATC -105. Performance of factory assembled open 
cooling towers shall be either certified as base models as specified in CTI STD -201 or verified by testing in the field by a 
CTI approved  testing agency. Open factory assembled cooling towers with custom options added to a CTI certified base 
model for the purpose of safe maintenance or to reduce environmental or noise impact shall be rated at 90 percent of 
the CTI certified performance of t he associated base model or at the manufacturer’s stated performance, whichever is 
less. Base models of open factory assembled cooling towers are open cooling towers configured in exact accordance 
with the Data of Record submitted to CTI as specified by CT I STD -201. There are no certification requirements for field 
erected cooling towers.  
e  Applicable test procedure and reference year are provided under the definitions. For refrigerated warehouses or 
commercial refrigeration applications, condensers shall comply with requirements specified by Section 120.6(a) or 
Section 120.6(b).  
  Equipment Type  Total System Heat 
Rejection Capacity 
at Rated Conditions  Subcategory or Rating 
Condition  Performance  
Required ,a ,b, c, d Test Procedure e 
Centrifugal fan  
evaporative 
condensers  All Ammonia test fluid  
140⁰F entering gas temp  
96.3⁰F condensing temp  
75⁰F entering air wb  ≥ 110,000  
Btu/h • hp  CTI ATC -106 
Air cooled 
condensers  All 125°F condensing 
temperature  
190°F entering gas 
temperature  
15°F subcooling  
95°F entering drybulb  ≥ 176,000 Btu/h · hp AHRI 460  
Propeller or axial 
fan dry coolers (air -
cooled fluid coolers)  All 115°F entering water  
105°F leaving water  
95°F entering air db  > 4.5 gpm/hp  CTI ATC -105DS  Page 168 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 110.2 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR SPACE -CONDITIONING EQUIPMENT  TABLE 110.2 -FG Electrically Operated Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) Air Conditioners  
Minimum Efficiency Requirements  
Equipment Type  Size Category  Heating 
Section Type  Sub-Category or 
Rating Condition  Minimum 
Efficiency  Test Procedurea 
VRF Air 
Conditioners,  
Air Cooled  <65,000 Btu/h  All VRF Multi -split 
System  13.0 SEER  Before 
1/1/2023  
13.4 SEER 2 On or 
After 1/1/2023  AHRI 1230  
VRF Air 
Conditioners,  
Air Cooled  ≥65,000 Btu/h 
and <135,000 
Btu/h  Electric 
Resistance 
(or none)  VRF Multi -split 
System  10.5 11.2  EER 
 
Federal 
Minimum 15.5  IEER 
b AHRI 1230  
VRF Air 
Conditioners,  
Air Cooled  ≥135,000 Btu/h 
and <240,000 
Btu/h  Electric 
Resistance 
(or none)  VRF Multi -split 
System  10.3 11.0  EER 
 
Federal 
Minimum 14.9  IEER 
b AHRI 1230  
VRF Air 
Conditioners,  
Air Cooled  ≥240,000 Btu/h  Electric 
Resistance 
(or none)  VRF Multi -split 
System  9.510.0  EER 
 
Federal 
Minimum 13.9  IEER 
b AHRI 1230  
a  Applicable test procedure and reference year are provided under the definitions.  
b IEERs are only applicable to equipment with capacity control as specified by AHRI 1230 test procedures.  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 169 
SECTION 110.2 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR SPACE -CONDITIONING EQUIPMENT  TABLE 110.2 -GH Electrically Operated Variable Refrigerant Flow Air -to-Air and Applied Heat Pumps - 
Minimum Efficiency Requirements  
Equipment Type  Size Category  Heating Section 
Type  Sub-Category or 
Rating 
Condition  Minimum 
Efficiency  Test 
Procedure b 
VRF Air Cooled, 
(cooling mode)  <65,000 Btu/h  All VRF Multi -split 
System  13.0 SEER  Before 
1/1/2023  
13.4 SEER 2 On or 
after 1/1/2023  AHRI 1230  
VRF Air Cooled, 
(cooling mode)  ≥65,000 Btu/h 
and <135,000 
Btu/h  Electric 
Resistance (or 
none)  VRF Multi -split 
System  a 10.3 11.0  EER 
Federal 
Minimum 14.6  IEER 
c AHRI 1230  
VRF Air Cooled, 
(cooling mode)  ≥135,000 Btu/h 
and <240,000 
Btu/h  Electric 
Resistance (or 
none)  VRF Multi -split 
System  a 9.910.6  EER 
Federal 
Minimum 13.9  IEER 
c AHRI 1230  
VRF Air Cooled, 
(cooling mode)  ≥240,000 Btu/h  Electric 
Resistance (or 
none)  VRF Multi -split 
System  a 9.19.5 EER 
Federal 
Minimum 12.7  IEER 
c AHRI 1230  
VRF Water source 
(cooling mode)  <65,000 Btu/h  All VRF Multi -split 
systems a 
86ºF entering 
water  Federal 
Minimum 12.0  EER2 
16.0 IEER c AHRI 1230  
VRF Water source 
(cooling mode)  ≥65,000 Btu/h 
and 
<135,000 Btu/h  All VRF Multi -split 
System  a 
86ºF entering 
water  Federal 
Minimum 12.0  EER 
16.0 IEER c AHRI 1230  
VRF Water source 
(cooling mode)  ≥135,000 Btu/h 
and < 240,000  All VRF Multi -split 
System a 
86ºF entering 
water  Federal 
Minimum 10.0  EER 
14.0 IEER c AHRI 1230  
VRF Water source 
(cooling mode)  ≥ 240,000 
Btu/h  All VRF Multi -split 
Systema 86oF 
entering water  Federal 
Minimum 10.0  EER 
12.0 IEER  AHRI 1230  
 
  Page 170 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 110.2 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR SPACE -CONDITIONING EQUIPMENT  CONTINUED: TABLE 110.2 -GH Electrically Operated Variable Refrigerant Flow Air -to-Air and Applied 
Heat Pumps - Minimum Efficiency Requirements  
Equipment Type  Size Category  Heating Section 
Type  Sub-Category or 
Rating Condition  Minimum 
Efficiency  Test Procedure 
b 
VRF Groundwater 
source (cooling 
mode)  <135,000 Btu/h  All VRF Multi -split 
System a 
59ºF entering 
water  16.2 EER  AHRI 1230  
VRF Groundwater 
source (cooling 
mode)  ≥135,000 Btu/h  All VRF Multi -split 
System a 
59ºF entering 
water  13.8 EER  AHRI 1230  
VRF Ground 
source (cooling 
mode)  <135,000 Btu/h  All VRF Multi -split 
System  a 
77ºF entering 
water  13.4 EER  AHRI 1230  
 
VRF Ground 
source (cooling 
mode)  ≥135,000 Btu/h  All VRF Multi -split 
System  a 
77ºF entering 
water  11.0 EER  AHRI 1230  
 
VRF Air Cooled 
(heating mode)  <65,000 Btu/h  
(cooling capacity)  --- VRF Multi -split 
System  7.7 HSPF  Before 
1/1/2023  
7.5 HSPF2 On 
or after 
1/1/2023  AHRI 1230  
VRF Air Cooled 
(heating mode)  ≥65,000 Btu/h 
and 
<135,000 Btu/h  
(cooling capacity)  --- VRF Multi -split 
system  
47ºF db/ 43ºF 
wb outdoor air  Federal 
Minimum 3.3 
COP  AHRI 1230  
VRF Air Cooled 
(heating mode)  ≥65,000 Btu/h 
and 
<135,000 Btu/h  
(cooling capacity)  --- VRF Multi -split 
system  
17ºF db/15ºF wb 
outdoor air  2.25 COP  AHRI 1230  
VRF Air Cooled 
(heating mode)  ≥135,000 Btu/h  
(cooling capacity)  --- VRF Multi -split 
system  
47ºF db/ 43ºF 
wb outdoor air  Federal 
Minimum 3.2 
COP  AHRI 1230  
 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 171 
SECTION 110.2 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR SPACE -CONDITIONING EQUIPMENT  CONTINUED: TABLE 110.2 -GH Electrically Operated Variable Refrigerant Flow Air -to-Air and Applied 
Heat Pumps - Minimum Efficiency Requirements  
Equipment Type  Size Category  Heating 
Section 
Type  Sub-Category or 
Rating Condition  Minimum 
Efficiency  Test Procedure 
b 
VRF Air Cooled 
(heating mode)  ≥135,000 Btu/h 
(cooling 
capacity)  --- VRF Multi -split system  
17ºF db/15ºF wb 
outdoor air  Federal 
Minimum 2.05  
COP  AHRI 1230  
VRF Water source 
(heating mode)  < 65,000 Btu/h 
(cooling 
capacity)  --- VRF Multi -split 
System 68oF entering 
water  Federal 
Minimum 4.3 COP  AHRI 1230  
VRF Water source 
(heating mode)  ≥65,000 Btu/h 
and <135,000 
Btu/h  (cooling 
capacity)  --- VRF Multi -split 
System  
68ºF entering water   
Federal 
Minimum 4.3 COP  AHRI 1230  
VRF Water source 
(heating mode)  ≥135,000 Btu/h 
and < 240,000 
Btu/h  (cooling 
capacity)  --- VRF Multi -split 
System  
68ºF entering water   
Federal 
Minimum 4.0 COP  AHRI 1230  
VRF Water source 
(heating mode)  ≥ 240,000 Btu/h  
(cooling 
capacity)  --- VRF Multi -split 
System  
68oF entering water  Federal 
Minimum 3.9 COP  AHRI 1230  
VRF Groundwater 
source (heating 
mode)  <135,000 Btu/h  
(cooling 
capacity)  --- VRF Multi -split 
System  
50ºF entering water  3.6 COP  AHRI 1230  
VRF Groundwater 
source (heating 
mode)  ≥135,000 Btu/h  
(cooling 
capacity)  --- VRF Multi -split 
System  
50ºF entering water  3.3 COP  AHRI 1230  
VRF Ground 
source (heating 
mode)  <135,000 Btu/h  
(cooling 
capacity)  --- VRF Multi -split 
System  
32ºF entering water  3.1 COP  AHRI 1230  
VRF Ground 
source (heating 
mode)  ≥135,000 Btu/h  
(cooling 
capacity)  --- VRF Multi -split 
System  
32ºF entering water  2.8 COP  AHRI 1230  
Footnote for Table 110.2H : 
a. Deduct 0.2 from the required EERs and IEERs for Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) Multi -split system units with a 
heating recovery section.  
b. Applicable test procedure and reference year are provided under the definitions.  
c. IEERs are only applicable to equipment with capacity control as specified by AHRI 1230 test procedures.  Page 172 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 110.2 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR SPACE -CONDITIONING EQUIPMENT  TABLE 110.2 -I Warm -Air Furnaces and Combination Warm -Air Furnaces/Air -Conditioning Units, 
Warm -Air Duct Furnaces, and Unit Heaters  
Equipment Type  Size Category 
(Input)  Subcategory or 
Rating Conditionb Minimum 
Efficiencyd,e Test Procedurea 
Warm -Air Furnace, 
Gas-Fired  ≥ 225,000 Btu/h  Maximum 
Capacityb 81% E t Section 2.39, Thermal Efficiency, ANSI 
Z21.47  
Warm -Air Furnace, 
oil-Fired  ≥ 225,000 Btu/h  Maximum 
Capacityb 82% E t Section 42, Combustion, UL 727  
Warm -Air Duct 
Furnaces, Gas -Fired  All Capacities  Maximum 
Capacityb 80% E c Section 2.10, Efficiency, ANSI Z83.8  
Warm -Air Unit 
Heaters, Gas -Fired  All Capacities  Maximum 
Capacityb 80% E c Section 2.10, Efficiency, ANSI Z83.8  
Warm -Air Unit 
Heaters, Oil -Fired  All Capacities  Maximum 
Capacityb 81% E c Section 40, Combustion, UL 731  
a Applicable test procedure and reference year are provided under the definitions.  
b Compliance of multiple firing rate units shall be at maximum firing rate.  
c Combustion units not covered by the U.S. Department of Energy Code of Federal Regulations 10 CFR 430 (3 -phase power or cooling 
capacity greater than or equal to 19 kW) may comply with either rating.  
d Et= thermal efficiency. Units must also include an interrupted or intermittent ignition device (IID), have jacket losses not ex ceeding 
0.75% of the input rating, and have either power venting or a flue damper. A vent damper is an acceptable alternative to a flue damper 
for those furnaces where combustion air is drawn from the conditioned space.  
e Ec= combustion efficiency (100% less flue losses). See test procedure for detailed discussion.  
f As of August 8, 2008, according to the Energy Policy Act of 2005, units must also include interrupted or intermittent ignitio n device 
(IID) and have either power venting or an automatic flue damper.  
  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 173 
SECTION 110.2 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR SPACE -CONDITIONING EQUIPMENT  TABLE 110.2 -J Gas - and Oil -Fired Boilers, Minimum Efficiency Requirements  
Equipment Type  Sub Category  Size Category (Input)  Minimum  
Efficiency b,c 
Before 
1/10/2023  Minimum  
Efficiency b,c 
On or After 
1/10/2023  Test Procedure a 
Boiler, hot water  Gas-Fired  < 300,000 Btu/h  82% AFUE  82% AFUE  DOE 10 CFR Part 430  
Boiler, hot water  Gas-Fired  ≥ 300,000 Btu/h and  
≤ 2,500,000 Btu/h d 80% E t  84% E t  DOE 10 CFR Part 431  
Boiler, hot water  Gas-Fired  > 2,500,000 Btu/h  and 
≤10,000,000 Btu/h  82% E c 85% E c DOE 10 CFR Part 431  
Boiler, hot water  Gas-Fired  >10,000,000 Btu/h  82% E c 82% E c DOE 10 CFR Part 431  
Boiler, hot water  Oil-Fired e < 300,000 Btu/h  84% AFUE  84% AFUE  DOE 10 CFR Part 430  
Boiler, hot water  Oil-Fired e ≥ 300,000 Btu/h and  
≤ 2,500,000 Btu/h d 82% E t 87% E t DOE 10 CFR Part 431  
Boiler, hot water  Oil-Fired e > 2,500,000 Btu/h  and 
≤10,000,000 Btu/h  84% E c  88% E c  DOE 10 CFR Part 431  
Boiler, hot water  Oil-Fired e >10,000,000 Btu/h  84% E c 84% E c DOE 10 CFR Part 431  
Boiler, steam  Gas-Fired  < 300,000 Btu/h  80% AFUE  80% AFUE  DOE 10 CFR Part 430  
Boiler, steam  Gas-Fired  ≥ 300,000 Btu/h and 
≤2,500,000 Btu/h   81% E t DOE 10 CFR Part 431  
Boiler, steam  Gas-Fired  >2,500,000 Btu/h and 
≤10,000,000 Btu/h   82% E t DOE 10 CFR Part 431  
Boiler, steam  Gas-Fired  >10,000,000 Btu/h   79% E t DOE 10 CFR Part 431  
Boiler, steam  Gas-Fired all, 
except 
natural draft f ≥ 300,000 Btu/h and  
≤ 2,500,000 Btu/h d 79% E t 81% E t DOE 10 CFR Part 431  
Boiler, steam  Gas-Fired all, 
except 
natural draft f > 2,500,000 Btu/h  and 
≤10,000,000 Btu/h  79% E t 82% E t DOE 10 CFR Part 431  
Boiler, steam  Gas-Fired all, 
except 
natural draft f >10,000,000 Btu/h  79% E t 79% E t DOE 10 CFR Part 431  
Boiler, steam  Gas-Fired, 
natural draft f ≥ 300,000 Btu/h and  
≤ 2,500,000 Btu/h d 77% E t 81% E t DOE 10 CFR Part 431  
Boiler, steam  Gas-Fired, 
natural draft f > 2,500,000 Btu/h and 
≤10,000,000 Btu/h  77% E t 82% E t DOE 10 CFR Part 431  
Boiler, steam  Gas-Fired, 
natural draft f >10,000,000 Btu/h  77% E t 79% E t DOE 10 CFR Part 431  
Boiler, steam  Oil-Fired e < 300,000 Btu/h  82% AFUE  82% AFUE  DOE 10 CFR Part 430  
Boiler, steam  Oil-Fired e ≥ 300,000 Btu/h and  
≤ 2,500,000 Btu/h d 81% E t 84% E t DOE 10 CFR Part 431  
Boiler, steam  Oil-Fired e > 2,500,000 Btu/h  and 
≤10,000,000 Btu/h  81% E t 85% E t DOE 10 CFR Part 431  
Boiler, steam  Oil-Fired e ≥ 10,000,000 Btu/h  81% E t 81% E t DOE 10 CFR Part 431  
Footnote for Table -110-2J: 
a Applicable test procedure and reference year are provided under the definitions.  
b Ec = combustion efficiency (100% less flue losses).See test procedure for detailed information.  
c Et= thermal efficiency. See test procedure for detailed information.  
d Maximum capacity - maximum rating per the certified unit capacity.  
e Included oil -fired (residual).  
f Federal efficiency standards do not distinguish between natural draft gas -fired steam boilers and other gas -fired steam boilers on or 
after January 10, 2023.   Page 174 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 110.2 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR SPACE -CONDITIONING EQUIPMENT  TABLE 110.2 -HK DX-DOAS Units, Single -Package and Remote Condenser – Minimum Efficiency 
Requirements  
  Equipment Type  Energy Recovery  Subcategory or 
Rating Condition  Minimum Efficiency  Test Procedurea 
Air cooled  
(dehumidification mode)  Without energy 
recovery  NA 3.8 4.0 ISMRE 2 AHRI 920  
Air source heat pumps  
(dehumidification mode)  Without energy 
recovery  NA 3.8 4.0 ISMRE 2 AHRI 920  
Water cooled  
(dehumidification mode)  Without energy 
recovery  Cooling Tower 
Condenser Water  4.7 4.9 ISMRE 2 AHRI 920 
Water cooled  
(dehumidification mode)  Without energy 
recovery  Chilled Water  6.0 ISMRE  AHRI 920  
Water source heat 
pump  
(dehumidification mode)  Without energy 
recovery  Ground source, 
closed  and open  loop  4.68 ISMRE 2 AHRI 920  
Water source heat 
pump  
(dehumidification mode)  Without energy 
recovery  Ground -water source  5.0 ISMRE  AHRI 920  
Water source heat 
pump  
(dehumidification mode)  Without energy 
recovery  Water source  3.8 4.0 ISMRE 2 AHRI 920  
Air source heat pumps  
(heating mode)  Without energy 
recovery  NA 2.05  2.7 ISCOP 2 AHRI 920  
Water source heat 
pump  
(heating mode)  Without energy 
recovery  Ground source, 
closed and open loop  2.130 ISCOP 2 AHRI 920  
Water source heat 
pump  
(heating mode)  Without energy 
recovery  Ground -water source  3.2 ISCOP  AHRI 920  
Water source heat 
pump  
(heating mode)  Without energy 
recovery  Water source  2.13  3.5 ISCOP 2 AHRI 920  
Air cooled  
(dehumidification mode)  With energy 
recovery  NA 5.0 5.2 ISMRE 2 AHRI 920  
Air source heat pumps  
(dehumidification mode)  With energy 
recovery  NA 5.0 5.2 ISMRE 2 AHRI 920  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 175 
SECTION 110.2 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR SPACE -CONDITIONING EQUIPMENT  CONTINUED: TABLE 110.2 -HK DX-DOAS Units, Single -Package and Remote Condenser – Minimum 
Efficiency Requirements  
Footnote to TABLE 110.2 -HK: 
a Applicable test procedure and reference year are provided under the definitions.  
  Equipment Type  Energy Recovery  Subcategory or 
Rating Condition  Minimum Efficiency  Test Procedurea 
Water cooled  
(dehumidification 
mode)  With energy recovery  Cooling tower 
condenser water  5.1 5.3 ISMRE 2 AHRI 920  
Water cooled  
(dehumidification 
mode)  With energy recovery  Chilled water  6.6 ISMRE  AHRI 920  
Water source heat 
pump  
(dehumidification 
mode)  With energy recovery  Ground source, 
closed  and open  loop  5.02 ISMRE 2 AHRI 920  
Water source heat 
pump  
(dehumidification 
mode)  With energy recovery  Ground -water source  5.8 ISMRE  AHRI 920  
Water source heat 
pump  
(dehumidification 
mode)  With energy recovery  Water source  4.6 4.8 ISMRE 2 AHRI 920  
Air source heat 
pumps  
(heating mode)  With energy recovery   3.2 3.3 ISCOP 2 AHRI 920  
Water source heat 
pump  
(heating mode)  With energy recovery  Ground source, 
closed  and open  loop  3.58 ISCOP 2 AHRI 920  
Water source heat 
pump  
(heating mode)  With energy recovery  Ground -water source  4.0 ISCOP  AHRI 920  
Water source heat 
pump  
(heating mode)  With energy recovery  Water source  4.04  4.8 ISCOP 2 AHRI 920  Page 176 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 110.2 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR SPACE -CONDITIONING EQUIPMENT  TABLE 110.2 -L Floor -Mounted Air Conditioners and Condensing Units Serving Computer Rooms – 
Minimum Efficiency Requirements  
Equipment Type  Standard Model  Net Sensible 
Cooling Capacity  Minimum Net 
Sensible COP  Rating Conditions 
Return air (dry 
bulb/dew point)  Test 
Procedurea 
Air Cooled  Downflow  < 80,000 Btu/h  2.70  85°F / 52°F (Class 2)  AHRI 1360  
Air Cooled  Downflow  ≥ 80,000 Btu/h and  
< 295,000 Btu/h  2.58  85°F / 52°F (Class 2)  AHRI 1360  
Air Cooled  Downflow  ≥ 295,000 Btu/h  2.36  85°F / 52°F (Class 2)  AHRI 1360  
Air Cooled  Upflow - ducted  < 80,000 Btu/h  2.67  85°F / 52°F (Class 2)  AHRI 1360  
Air Cooled  Upflow - ducted  ≥ 80,000 Btu/h and  
< 295,000 Btu/h  2.55  85°F / 52°F (Class 2)  AHRI 1360  
Air Cooled  Upflow - ducted  ≥ 295,000 Btu/h  2.33  85°F / 52°F (Class 2)  AHRI 1360  
Air Cooled  Upflow - nonducted  < 65,000 Btu/h  2.16  75°F / 52°F (Class 1)  AHRI 1360  
Air Cooled  Upflow - nonducted  ≥ 65,000 Btu/h and  
< 240,000 Btu/h  2.04  75°F / 52°F (Class 1)  AHRI 1360  
Air Cooled  Upflow - nonducted  ≥ 240,000 Btu/h  1.89  75°F / 52°F (Class 1)  AHRI 1360  
Air Cooled  Horizontal  < 65,000 Btu/h  2.65  95°F / 52°F (Class 3)  AHRI 1360  
Air Cooled  Horizontal  ≥ 65,000 Btu/h and  
< 240,000 Btu/h  2.55  95°F / 52°F (Class 3)  AHRI 1360  
Air Cooled  Horizontal  ≥ 240,000 Btu/h  2.47  95°F / 52°F (Class 3)  AHRI 1360  
Air cooled with 
fluid economizer  Downflow  < 80,000 Btu/h  2.70  85°F / 52°F (Class 2)  AHRI 1360  
Air cooled with 
fluid economizer  Downflow  ≥ 80,000 Btu/h and  
< 295,000 Btu/h  2.58  85°F / 52°F (Class 2)  AHRI 1360  
Air cooled with 
fluid economizer  Downflow  ≥ 295,000 Btu/h  2.36  85°F / 52°F (Class 2)  AHRI 1360  
Air cooled with 
fluid economizer  Upflow - ducted  < 80,000 Btu/h  2.67  85°F / 52°F (Class 2)  AHRI 1360  
Air cooled with 
fluid economizer  Upflow - ducted  ≥ 80,000 Btu/h and  
< 295,000 Btu/h  2.55  85°F / 52°F (Class 2)  AHRI 1360  
Air cooled with 
fluid economizer  Upflow - ducted  ≥ 295,000 Btu/h  2.33  85°F / 52°F (Class 2)  AHRI 1360  
Air cooled with 
fluid economizer  Upflow - nonducted  < 65,000 Btu/h  2.09  75°F / 52°F (Class 1)  AHRI 1360  
Air cooled with 
fluid economizer  Upflow - nonducted  ≥ 65,000 Btu/h and  
< 240,000 Btu/h  1.99  75°F / 52°F (Class 1)  AHRI 1360  
Air cooled with 
fluid economizer  Upflow - nonducted  ≥ 240,000 Btu/h  1.81  75°F / 52°F (Class 1)  AHRI 1360  
Air cooled with 
fluid economizer  Horizontal  < 65,000 Btu/h  2.65  95°F / 52°F (Class 3)  AHRI 1360  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 177 
SECTION 110.2 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR SPACE -CONDITIONING EQUIPMENT  Air cooled with 
fluid economizer  Horizontal  ≥ 65,000 Btu/h and  
< 240,000 Btu/h  2.55  95°F / 52°F (Class 3)  AHRI 1360  
Air cooled with 
fluid economizer  Horizontal  ≥ 240,000 Btu/h  2.47  95°F / 52°F (Class 3)  AHRI 1360  
Water cooled  Downflow  < 80,000 Btu/h  2.82  85°F / 52°F (Class 2)  AHRI 1360  
Water cooled  Downflow  ≥ 80,000 Btu/h and  
< 295,000 Btu/h  2.73  85°F / 52°F (Class 2)  AHRI 1360  
Water cooled  Downflow  ≥ 295,000 Btu/h  2.67  85°F / 52°F (Class 2)  AHRI 1360  
Water cooled  Upflow - ducted  < 80,000 Btu/h  2.79  85°F / 52°F (Class 2)  AHRI 1360  
Water cooled  Upflow - ducted  ≥ 80,000 Btu/h and  
< 295,000 Btu/h  2.70  85°F / 52°F (Class 2)  AHRI 1360  
Water cooled  Upflow - ducted  ≥ 295,000 Btu/h  2.64  85°F / 52°F (Class 2)  AHRI 1360  
Water cooled  Upflow - nonducted  < 65,000 Btu/h  2.43  75°F / 52°F (Class 1)  AHRI 1360  
Water cooled  Upflow - nonducted  ≥ 65,000 Btu/h and  
< 240,000 Btu/h  2.32  75°F / 52°F (Class 1)  AHRI 1360  
Water cooled  Upflow - nonducted  ≥ 240,000 Btu/h  2.20  75°F / 52°F (Class 1)  AHRI 1360  
Water cooled  Horizontal  < 65,000 Btu/h  2.79  95°F / 52°F (Class 3)  AHRI 1360  
Water cooled  Horizontal  ≥ 65,000 Btu/h and  
< 240,000 Btu/h  2.68  95°F / 52°F (Class 3)  AHRI 1360  
Water cooled  Horizontal  ≥ 240,000 Btu/h  2.60  95°F / 52°F (Class 3)  AHRI 1360  Page 178 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 110.2 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR SPACE -CONDITIONING EQUIPMENT  Water cooled with 
fluid economizer  Downflow  < 80,000 Btu/h  2.77  85°F / 52°F (Class 2)  AHRI 1360  
Water cooled with 
fluid economizer  Downflow  ≥ 80,000 Btu/h and  
< 295,000 Btu/h  2.68  85°F / 52°F (Class 2)  AHRI 1360  
Water cooled with 
fluid economizer  Downflow  ≥ 295,000 Btu/h  2.61  85°F / 52°F (Class 2)  AHRI 1360  
Water cooled with 
fluid economizer  Upflow - ducted  < 80,000 Btu/h  2.74  85°F / 52°F (Class 2)  AHRI 1360  
Water cooled with 
fluid economizer  Upflow - ducted  ≥ 80,000 Btu/h and  
< 295,000 Btu/h  2.65  85°F / 52°F (Class 2)  AHRI 1360  
Water cooled with 
fluid economizer  Upflow - ducted  ≥ 295,000 Btu/h  2.58  85°F / 52°F (Class 2)  AHRI 1360  
Water cooled with 
fluid economizer  Upflow - nonducted  < 65,000 Btu/h  2.35  75°F / 52°F (Class 1)  AHRI 1360  
Water cooled with 
fluid economizer  Upflow - nonducted  ≥ 65,000 Btu/h and  
< 240,000 Btu/h  2.24  75°F / 52°F (Class 1)  AHRI 1360  
Water cooled with 
fluid economizer  Upflow - nonducted  ≥ 240,000 Btu/h  2.12  75°F / 52°F (Class 1)  AHRI 1360  
Water cooled with 
fluid economizer  Horizontal  < 65,000 Btu/h  2.71  95°F / 52°F (Class 3)  AHRI 1360  
Water cooled with 
fluid economizer  Horizontal  ≥ 65,000 Btu/h and  
< 240,000 Btu/h  2.60  95°F / 52°F (Class 3)  AHRI 1360  
Water cooled with 
fluid economizer  Horizontal  ≥ 240,000 Btu/h  2.54  95°F / 52°F (Class 3)  AHRI 1360  
Glycol cooled  Downflow  < 80,000 Btu/h  2.56  85°F / 52°F (Class 2)  AHRI 1360  
Glycol cooled  Downflow  ≥ 80,000 Btu/h and  
< 295,000 Btu/h  2.24  85°F / 52°F (Class 2)  AHRI 1360  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 179 
SECTION 110.2 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR SPACE -CONDITIONING EQUIPMENT  Glycol cooled  Downflow  ≥ 295,000 Btu/h  2.21  85°F / 52°F (Class 2)  AHRI 1360  
Glycol cooled  Upflow - ducted  < 80,000 Btu/h  2.53  85°F / 52°F (Class 2)  AHRI 1360  
Glycol cooled  Upflow - ducted  ≥ 80,000 Btu/h and  
< 295,000 Btu/h  2.21  85°F / 52°F (Class 2)  AHRI 1360  
Glycol cooled  Upflow - ducted  ≥ 295,000 Btu/h  2.18  85°F / 52°F (Class 2)  AHRI 1360  
Glycol cooled  Upflow - nonducted  < 65,000 Btu/h  2.08  75°F / 52°F (Class 1)  AHRI 1360  
Glycol cooled  Upflow - nonducted  ≥ 65,000 Btu/h and  
< 240,000 Btu/h  1.90  75°F / 52°F (Class 1)  AHRI 1360  
Glycol cooled  Upflow - nonducted  ≥ 240,000 Btu/h  1.81  75°F / 52°F (Class 1)  AHRI 1360  
Glycol cooled with 
fluid economizer  Horizontal  < 65,000 Btu/h  2.48  95°F / 52°F (Class 3)  AHRI 1360  
Glycol cooled with 
fluid economizer  Horizontal  ≥ 65,000 Btu/h and  
< 240,000 Btu/h  2.18  95°F / 52°F (Class 3)  AHRI 1360  
Glycol cooled with 
fluid economizer  Horizontal  ≥ 240,000 Btu/h  2.18  95°F / 52°F (Class 3)  AHRI 1360  
Glycol cooled with 
fluid economizer  Downflow  < 80,000 Btu/h  2.51  85°F / 52°F (Class 2)  AHRI 1360  
Glycol cooled with 
fluid economizer  Downflow  ≥ 80,000 Btu/h and  
< 295,000 Btu/h  2.19  85°F / 52°F (Class 2)  AHRI 1360  
Glycol cooled with 
fluid economizer  Downflow  ≥ 295,000 Btu/h  2.15  85°F / 52°F (Class 2)  AHRI 1360  
Glycol cooled with 
fluid economizer  Upflow - ducted  < 80,000 Btu/h  2.48  85°F / 52°F (Class 2)  AHRI 1360  Page 180 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 110.2 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR SPACE -CONDITIONING EQUIPMENT  a Applicable test procedure and reference year are provided under the definitions.  
  Glycol cooled with 
fluid economizer  Upflow - ducted  ≥ 80,000 Btu/h and  
< 295,000 Btu/h  2.16  85°F / 52°F (Class 2)  AHRI 1360  
Glycol cooled with 
fluid economizer  Upflow - ducted  ≥ 295,000 Btu/h  2.12  85°F / 52°F (Class 2)  AHRI 1360  
Glycol cooled with 
fluid economizer  Upflow - nonducted  < 65,000 Btu/h  2.00  75°F / 52°F (Class 1)  AHRI 1360  
Glycol cooled with 
fluid economizer  Upflow - nonducted  ≥ 65,000 Btu/h and  
< 240,000 Btu/h  1.82  75°F / 52°F (Class 1)  AHRI 1360  
Glycol cooled with 
fluid economizer  Upflow - nonducted  ≥ 240,000 Btu/h  1.73  75°F / 52°F (Class 1)  AHRI 1360  
Glycol cooled with 
fluid economizer  Horizontal  < 65,000 Btu/h  2.44  95°F / 52°F (Class 3)  AHRI 1360  
Glycol cooled with 
fluid economizer  Horizontal  ≥ 65,000 Btu/h and  
< 240,000 Btu/h  2.10  95°F / 52°F (Class 3)  AHRI 1360  
Glycol cooled with 
fluid economizer  Horizontal  ≥ 240,000 Btu/h  2.10  95°F / 52°F (Class 3)  AHRI 1360  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 181 
SECTION 110.2 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR SPACE -CONDITIONING EQUIPMENT  TABLE 110.2 -M Ceiling -Mounted Air Conditioners and Condensing Units Serving Computer Rooms – 
Minimum Efficiency Requirements  
Equipment Type  Standard Model  Net Sensible 
Cooling Capacity  Minimum Net 
Sensible COP  Rating Conditions 
Return air  
 (dry bulb/dew point)  Test 
Procedurea 
Air Cooled with 
free air discharge 
condenser  Ducted  < 29,000 Btu/h  2.05  75°F / 52°F (Class 1)  AHRI 1360  
Air Cooled with 
free air discharge 
condenser  Ducted  ≥ 29,000 Btu/h and  
< 65,000 Btu/h  2.02  75°F / 52°F (Class 1)  AHRI 1360  
Air Cooled with 
free air discharge 
condenser  Ducted  ≥ 65,000 Btu/h  1.92  75°F / 52°F (Class 1)  AHRI 1360  
Air Cooled with 
free air discharge 
condenser  Nonducted  < 29,000 Btu/h  2.08  75°F / 52°F (Class 1)  AHRI 1360  
Air Cooled with 
free air discharge 
condenser  Nonducted  ≥ 29,000 Btu/h and  
< 65,000 Btu/h  2.05  75°F / 52°F (Class 1)  AHRI 1360  
Air Cooled with 
free air discharge 
condenser  Nonducted  ≥ 65,000 Btu/h  1.94  75°F / 52°F (Class 1)  AHRI 1360  
Air Cooled with 
free air discharge 
condenser with 
fluid economizer  Ducted  < 29,000 Btu/h  2.01  75°F / 52°F (Class 1)  AHRI 1360  
Air Cooled with 
free air discharge 
condenser with 
fluid economizer  Ducted  ≥ 29,000 Btu/h and  
< 65,000 Btu/h  1.97  75°F / 52°F (Class 1)  AHRI 1360  
Air Cooled with 
free air discharge 
condenser with 
fluid economizer  Ducted  ≥ 65,000 Btu/h  1.87  75°F / 52°F (Class 1)  AHRI 1360  
Air Cooled with 
free air discharge 
condenser with 
fluid economizer  Nonducted  < 29,000 Btu/h  2.04  75°F / 52°F (Class 1)  AHRI 1360  
Air Cooled with 
free air discharge 
condenser with 
fluid economizer  Nonducted  ≥ 29,000 Btu/h and  
< 65,000 Btu/h  2.00  75°F / 52°F (Class 1)  AHRI 1360  
Air Cooled with 
free air discharge 
condenser with 
fluid economizer  Nonducted  ≥ 65,000 Btu/h  1.89  75°F / 52°F (Class 1)  AHRI 1360  
Air cooled with 
ducted condenser  Ducted  < 29,000 Btu/h  1.86  75°F / 52°F (Class 1)  AHRI 1360  Page 182 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 110.2 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR SPACE -CONDITIONING EQUIPMENT  Air cooled with 
ducted condenser  Ducted  ≥ 29,000 Btu/h and  
< 65,000 Btu/h  1.83  75°F / 52°F (Class 1)  AHRI 1360  
Air cooled with 
ducted condenser  Ducted  ≥ 65,000 Btu/h  1.73  75°F / 52°F (Class 1)  AHRI 1360  
Air cooled with 
ducted condenser  Nonducted  < 29,000 Btu/h  1.89  75°F / 52°F (Class 1)  AHRI 1360  
Air cooled with 
ducted condenser  Nonducted  ≥ 29,000 Btu/h and  
< 65,000 Btu/h  1.86  75°F / 52°F (Class 1)  AHRI 1360  
Air cooled with 
ducted condenser  Nonducted  ≥ 65,000 Btu/h  1.75  75°F / 52°F (Class 1)  AHRI 1360  
Air cooled with 
fluid economizer 
and ducted 
condenser  Ducted  < 29,000 Btu/h  1.82  75°F / 52°F (Class 1)  AHRI 1360  
Air cooled with 
fluid economizer 
and ducted 
condenser  Ducted  ≥ 29,000 Btu/h and  
< 65,000 Btu/h  1.78  75°F / 52°F (Class 1)  AHRI 1360  
Air cooled with 
fluid economizer 
and ducted 
condenser  Ducted  ≥ 65,000 Btu/h  1.68  75°F / 52°F (Class 1)  AHRI 1360  
Air cooled with 
fluid economizer 
and ducted 
condenser  Nonducted  < 29,000 Btu/h  1.85  75°F / 52°F (Class 1)  AHRI 1360  
Air cooled with 
fluid economizer 
and ducted 
condenser  Nonducted  ≥ 29,000 Btu/h and  
< 65,000 Btu/h  1.81  75°F / 52°F (Class 1)  AHRI 1360  
Air cooled with 
fluid economizer 
and ducted 
condenser  Nonducted  ≥ 65,000 Btu/h  1.70  75°F / 52°F (Class 1)  AHRI 1360  
Water cooled  Ducted  < 29,000 Btu/h  2.38  75°F / 52°F (Class 1)  AHRI 1360  
Water cooled  Ducted  ≥ 29,000 Btu/h and  
< 65,000 Btu/h  2.38  75°F / 52°F (Class 1)  AHRI 1360  
Water cooled  Ducted  ≥ 65,000 Btu/h  2.18  75°F / 52°F (Class 1)  AHRI 1360  
Water cooled  Nonducted  < 29,000 Btu/h  2.41  75°F / 52°F (Class 1)  AHRI 1360  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 183 
SECTION 110.2 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR SPACE -CONDITIONING EQUIPMENT  Water cooled  Nonducted  ≥ 29,000 Btu/h and  
< 65,000 Btu/h  2.31  75°F / 52°F (Class 1)  AHRI 1360  
Water cooled  Nonducted  ≥ 65,000 Btu/h  2.20  75°F / 52°F (Class 1)  AHRI 1360  
Water cooled with 
fluid economizer  Ducted  < 29,000 Btu/h  2.33  75°F / 52°F (Class 1)  AHRI 1360  
Water cooled with 
fluid economizer  Ducted  ≥ 29,000 Btu/h and  
< 65,000 Btu/h  2.23  75°F / 52°F (Class 1)  AHRI 1360  
Water cooled with 
fluid economizer  Ducted  ≥ 65,000 Btu/h  2.13  75°F / 52°F (Class 1)  AHRI 1360  
Water cooled with 
fluid economizer  Nonducted  < 29,000 Btu/h  2.36  75°F / 52°F (Class 1)  AHRI 1360  
Water cooled with 
fluid economizer  Nonducted  ≥ 29,000 Btu/h and  
< 65,000 Btu/h  2.26  75°F / 52°F (Class 1)  AHRI 1360  
Water cooled with 
fluid economizer  Nonducted  ≥ 65,000 Btu/h  2.16  75°F / 52°F (Class 1)  AHRI 1360  
Glycol cooled  Ducted  < 29,000 Btu/h  1.97  75°F / 52°F (Class 1)  AHRI 1360  
Glycol cooled  Ducted  ≥ 29,000 Btu/h and  
< 65,000 Btu/h  1.93  75°F / 52°F (Class 1)  AHRI 1360  
Glycol cooled  Ducted  ≥ 65,000 Btu/h  1.78  75°F / 52°F (Class 1)  AHRI 1360  
Glycol cooled  Nonducted  < 29,000 Btu/h  2.00  75°F / 52°F (Class 1)  AHRI 1360  
Glycol cooled  Nonducted  ≥ 29,000 Btu/h and  
< 65,000 Btu/h  1.98  75°F / 52°F (Class 1)  AHRI 1360  
Glycol cooled  Nonducted  ≥ 65,000 Btu/h  1.81  75°F / 52°F (Class 1)  AHRI 1360  Page 184 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 110.2 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR SPACE -CONDITIONING EQUIPMENT  a Applicable test procedure and reference year are provided under the definitions.  
  Glycol cooled with 
fluid economizer  Ducted  < 29,000 Btu/h  1.92  75°F / 52°F (Class 1)  AHRI 1360  
Glycol cooled with 
fluid economizer  Ducted  ≥ 29,000 Btu/h and  
< 65,000 Btu/h  1.88  75°F / 52°F (Class 1)  AHRI 1360  
Glycol cooled with 
fluid economizer  Ducted  ≥ 65,000 Btu/h  1.73  75°F / 52°F (Class 1)  AHRI 1360  
Glycol cooled with 
fluid economizer  Nonducted  < 29,000 Btu/h  1.95  75°F / 52°F (Class 1)  AHRI 1360  
Glycol cooled with 
fluid economizer  Nonducted  ≥ 29,000 Btu/h and  
< 65,000 Btu/h  1.93  75°F / 52°F (Class 1)  AHRI 1360  
Glycol cooled with 
fluid economizer  Nonducted  ≥ 65,000 Btu/h  1.76  75°F / 52°F (Class 1)  AHRI 1360  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 185 
SECTION 110.2 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR SPACE -CONDITIONING EQUIPMENT  TABLE 110.2 -IN Heat Pump and Heat Recovery Chiller Packages , Cooling Operation – Minimum Efficiency Requirements  
Equipment Type  Size Category Refrigerating 
Capacitya, ton R Cooling Operation  
Efficiencyb,c,d,e , Air Source EER 
(FL/IPLV), Btu/W h, Liquid 
Source Power Input per 
Capacity (FL/IPLV), kW/ton R 
Path A  Cooling Operation 
Efficiencyb,c,d,e, Air Source EER 
(FL/IPLV), Btu/W h, Liquid 
Source Power Input per 
Capacity (FL/IPLV), kW/ton R 
Path B  Test Procedure  
Air Source  < 150  > 5.595 FL  
> 13.02 IPLV.IP  > 9.215 FL  
> 15.01 IPLV.IP  AHRI/550/590  
Air Source  > 150  > 5.595 FL  
> 13.30 IPLV.IP  > 9.215 FL  
> 15. 30 IPLV.IP  AHRI/550/590  
Liquid source electrically 
operated positive displacement  > 11.25f and < 150  < 0.7895  FL 
< 0.6316  IPLV.IP  < 0.8211  FL 
< 0.5263  IPLV.IP  AHRI/550/590  
Liquid source electrically 
operated positive displacement  > 150 and < 300  < 0.7579  FL 
< 0.5895  IPLV.IP  < 0.7895  FL 
< 0.51 58 IPLV.IP  AHRI/550/590  
Liquid source electrically 
operated positive displacement  > 300 and < 400 < 0.6947  FL 
< 0.5 684 IPLV.IP  < 0.7 158 FL 
< 0.4632  IPLV.IP  AHRI/550/590  
Liquid source electrically 
operated positive displacement  > 400 and < 600 < 0.6 421 FL 
< 0.5 474 IPLV.IP  < 0.6579  FL 
< 0.4 316 IPLV.IP  AHRI/550/590  
Liquid source electrically 
operated positive displacement  > 600  < 0.5895  FL 
< 0.5 263 IPLV.IP  < 0.6 158 FL 
< 0.4 000 IPLV.IP  AHRI/550/590  
Liquid source electrically 
operated centrifugal  > 11.25f and < 150  < 0.6421  FL 
< 0.5789  IPLV.IP  < 0.7316  FL 
< 0.4632  IPLV.IP  AHRI/550/590  
Liquid source electrically 
operated centrifugal  > 150 and < 300  < 0.6190  FL 
< 0.5 748 IPLV.IP  < 0.6684  FL 
< 0.4211  IPLV.IP  AHRI/550/590  
Liquid source electrically 
operated centrifugal  > 300 and < 400  < 0.5895  FL 
< 0.5526  IPLV.IP  < 0.6263  FL 
< 0.4105  IPLV.IP  AHRI/550/590  
Liquid source electrically 
operated centrifugal  > 400 and < 600  < 0.5895  FL 
< 0.5263  IPLV.IP  < 0.6158  FL 
< 0.4000  IPLV.IP  AHRI/550/590  
Liquid source electrically 
operated centrifugal  > 600  < 0.5895 FL  
< 0.5263 IPLV.IP  < 0.6158 FL  
< 0.4000 IPLV.IP  AHRI/550/590  
a. The size category is the full -load net refrigeration cooling mode capacity, which is the capacity of the evapor ator available for cooling of the thermal load 
external to the chilling package.  
b. Cooling rating conditions are standard rating conditions defin ed in AHRI 550/590 (I -P), Table 4, except for liquid cooled centrifugal chilling packages which 
can adjust cooling efficiency for nonstandard rating conditions using K adj procedure in accordance with Section 110.2(a) . 
c. For cooling operation, compliance with both the FL and IPLV is required, but only compliance with Path A or Path B cooling effici ency is required.  Page 186 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 110.2 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR SPACE -CONDITIONING EQUIPMENT  d. For units that operate in both cooling and heating, compliance with both the cooling and heating efficiency is required.  
e. For heat recovery heating chilling package applications where there is simultaneous cooling and heating, compliance with the heating performance heat 
recover COP HR is only required at one of the four heating AHRI 550/590 (I -P) standard ratings conditions of Low , Medium, Hot -Water 1 or Hot -Water 2. 
Compliance with the cooling only performance is required as defined in foo tnotes b and c. 
f. Water to water heat pumps with capacity less than 135,000 Btu/h are included in Table 110.2 -B Heat Pumps, Minimum Efficiency Requirements.  
TABLE 110.2 -J Heat Pump and Heat Recovery Chiller Packages , Heat Pump , Heating Operation – Minimum Efficiency Requirements  
Equipment Type: Air Source  
Size Category 
Refrigera ting 
Capacitya, Ton R Heating Source 
Conditions (leaving 
liquid) or OAT 
(db/wb)b, F Heat Pump  Heating Full 
Load Heating Efficiency 
(COP H) c,d,e,f,g, W/W , 
Entering/Leaving Heating 
Liquid Temperature , Low, 
95 F/105  F Heat Pump Heating Full 
Load Heating Efficiency 
(COP H) c,d,e,f,g, W/W, 
Entering/Leaving Heating 
Liquid Temperature, 
Medium, 105 F/120 F  Heat Pump Heating Full 
Load Heating Efficiency 
(COP H) c,d,e,f,g, W/W, 
Entering/Leaving Heating 
Liquid Temperature, 
High, 120 F/1 40 F Heat Pump Heating Full 
Load Heating Efficiency 
(COP H) c,d,e,f,g, W/W, 
Entering/Leaving Heating 
Liquid Temperature, 
Boost , 120 F/140 F Test Procedure  
< 150  47 db  
43 wb  > 3.29  > 2.77  > 2.31  NAj AHRI 550/590  
< 150  17 db  
15 wb  > 2.029  > 1.775  > 1.483  NAj AHRI 550/590  
> 150  47 db  
43 wb  > 3.29  > 2.77  > 2.31  NAj AHRI 550/590  
> 150  17 db  
15 wb  > 2.029  > 1.775  > 1.483  NAj AHRI 550/590  
 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 187 
SECTION 110.2 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR SPACE -CONDITIONING EQUIPMENT  (CONTINUED) TABLE 110.2 -J Heat Pump and Heat Recovery Chiller Packages, Heat Pump, Heating Operation – Minimum Efficiency 
Requirements  
Equipment Type: Liquid source electrically operated positive displacement  
Size Category 
Refrigerating 
Capacitya, Ton R Heating Source 
Conditions (leaving 
liquid) or OAT 
(db/wb)b, F Heat Pump Heating Full 
Load Heating Efficiency 
(COP H) c,d,e,f,g, W/W, 
Entering/Leaving Heating 
Liquid Temperature, Low, 
95 F/105 F  Heat Pump Heating Full 
Load Heating Efficiency 
(COP H) c,d,e,f,g, W/W, 
Entering/Leaving Heating 
Liquid Temperature, 
Medium, 105 F/120 F  Heat Pump Heating Full 
Load Heating Efficiency 
(COP H) c,d,e,f,g, W/W, 
Entering/Leaving Heating 
Liquid Temperature, 
High, 120 F/140 F  Heat Pump Heating Full 
Load Heating Efficiency 
(COP H) c,d,e,f,g, W/W, 
Entering/Leaving Heating 
Liquid Temperature, 
Boost, 120 F/140 F  Test Procedure  
> 11.25h and < 150  44i > 4.64  > 3.68  > 2.68  NAj AHRI 550/590  
> 11.25 h and < 150  65 i NAj NAj NAj > 3.55  AHRI 550/590  
> 150 and < 300  44i > 4.64  > 3.68  > 2.68  NAj AHRI 550/590  
> 150 and < 300  65 i NAj NAj NAj > 3.55  AHRI 550/590  
> 300 and < 400  44i > 4.64  > 3.68  > 2.68  NAj AHRI 550/590  
> 300 and < 400  65 i NAj NAj NAj > 3.55  AHRI 550/590  
> 400 and < 600  44i > 4.93  > 3.96  > 2.97  NAj AHRI 550/590  
> 400 and < 600  65 i NAj NAj NAj > 3.9  AHRI 550/590  
> 600  44i > 4.93  > 3.96  > 2.97  NAg AHRI 550/590  
> 600  65 i NAj NAj NAj > 3.9  AHRI 550/590  
 Page 188 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 110.2 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR SPACE -CONDITIONING EQUIPMENT  (CONTINUED) TABLE 110.2 -J Heat Pump and Heat Recovery Chiller Packages, Heat Pump, Heating Operation – Minimum Efficiency 
Requirements  
Equipment Type: Liquid source electrically operated centrifugal  
Size Category 
Refrigerating 
Capacitya, Ton R Heating Source 
Conditions (leaving 
liquid) or OAT 
(db/wb)b, F Heat Pump Heating Full 
Load Heating Efficiency 
(COP H) c,d,e,f,g, W/W, 
Entering/Leaving Heating 
Liquid Temperature, Low, 
95 F/105 F  Heat Pump Heating Full 
Load Heating Efficiency 
(COP H) c,d,e,f,g, W/W, 
Entering/Leaving Heating 
Liquid Temperature, 
Medium, 105 F/120 F  Heat Pump Heating Full 
Load Heating Efficiency 
(COP H) c,d,e,f,g, W/W, 
Entering/Leaving Heating 
Liquid Temperature, 
High, 120 F/140 F  Heat Pump Heating Full 
Load Heating Efficiency 
(COP H) c,d,e,f,g, W/W, 
Entering/Leaving Heating 
Liquid Temperature, 
Boost, 120 F/140 F  Test Procedure  
> 11.25 h and < 150  44i > 4.64  > 3.68  > 2.68  NAj AHRI 550/590  
> 11.25 h and < 150  65 i NAj NAj NAj > 3.55  AHRI 550/590  
> 150 and < 300  44i > 4.64  > 3.68  > 2.68  NAj AHRI 550/590  
> 150 and < 300  65 i NAj NAj NAj > 3.55  AHRI 550/590  
> 300 and < 400  44i > 4.64  > 3.68  > 2.68  NAj AHRI 550/590  
> 300 and < 400  65 i NAg NAg NAg > 3.55  AHRI 550/590  
> 400 and < 600  44i > 4.93  > 3.96  > 2.97  NAj AHRI 550/590  
> 400 and < 600  65 i NAj NAj NAj > 3.9  AHRI 550/590  
> 600  44i > 4.93  > 3.96  > 2.97  NAj AHRI 550/590  
> 600  65 i NAj NAj NAj > 3.9  AHRI 550/590  
a. The size category is the full -load net refrigeration cooling mode capacity, which is the capacity of the evaporator available for cooling of the thermal load 
external to the chilling package.  
b. For air source heat pumps, compliance with both the 47 F and 1 7 F heating source outdoor air temperature (OAT) rating efficiency is required for heating.  
c. Heating full load rating con ditions are at standard rating conditions defined in AHRI 550/590 (I -P), Table 4, includes the impact of defrost for air source 
heating ratings.  
d. For units that operate in both cooling and heating, compliance with both the cooling and heating efficiency is required.  
e. For heat recovery heating chilling package applications where there is simultaneous cooling and heating, compliance with the heating performance heat 
recover COP HR is only required at one of the four heating AHRI 550/590 (I -P) standard ratings conditions of Low, Medium, Hot -Water 1 or Hot -Water 2. 
Compliance with the cooling only performance is required as defined in footnotes b and c  of Table 110.2 -I. 
f. For applications where the  chilling package is installed to operate only in heating, compliance only with the heating performance CO PH is required at only 
one of the heating AHRI 550/590 (I -P) standard rating conditions of Low, Medium, High, or Boost. Compliance with cooling performance is not required.  
g. For heat pump chilling package applications where the cooling capacity is not being used for conditioning, compliance with th e heating performance COP H is 
only required at one of the  heating AHRI 550/590 ( I-P) standard rating conditions of Low, Medium, High, or Boost . Compliance with the cooling 
performance is required as defined in footnotes b and c of Table 110.2 -I, except as noted in footnote f. 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 189 
SECTION 110.2 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR SPACE -CONDITIONING EQUIPMENT  h. Water to water heat pumps with capacity less than 135,000 Btu/h are included in Table 110.2 -B Heat Pumps, Minimum Efficiency Requirements.  
i. Source leaving liquid temperature.  
1. The cooling evaporator liquid flow rate used for the heating rating for a reverse cycle air to water heat pump shall be the flow rate determined 
during the full load cooling rating.  
2. The cooling evaporator liquid flow rate for the simultaneous cooling and heating and heat recovery liquid cooled chilling packages rating shall be 
the liquid flow rates from the cooling operation full load rating.  
3. For heating only fluid to fluid chiller packages, the evaporator flow rate obtained with an entering liquid temperature of 54  F and a leaving liquid 
temperature of 44 F shall be used.  
j. NA means the requirements are not applicable.  
TABLE 110.2 -K Heat Pump and Heat Recovery Chiller Packages, Simultaneous Cooling and Heating,  Heating Operation – Minimum 
Efficiency Requirements  
Equipment Type: Air Source  
Size Category 
Refrigerating 
Capacitya, Ton R Heating Source 
Conditions (leaving 
liquid) or OAT 
(db/wb)b, F Simultaneous Cooling 
and Heating Full Load  
Efficiency (COP SHC) c,d,e,f,g, 
W/W, Entering/Leaving 
Heating Liquid 
Temperature, Low, 95 
F/105 F  Simultaneous Cooling 
and Heating Full Load 
Efficiency (COP SHC) c,d,e,f,g, 
W/W, Entering/Leaving 
Heating Liquid 
Temperature, Medium, 
105 F/120 F  Simultaneous Cooling 
and Heating Full Load 
Efficiency (COP SHC) c,d,e,f,g, 
W/W, Entering/Leaving 
Heating Liquid 
Temperature, High, 120 
F/140 F  Simultaneous Cooling 
and Heating Full Load 
Efficiency (COP SHC) c,d,e,f,g, 
W/W, Entering/Leaving 
Heating Liquid 
Temperature, Boost, 120 
F/140 F  Test Procedure  
< 150  47 db  
43 wb  NAj NAj NAj NAj AHRI 550/590  
< 150  17 db  
15 wb  NAj NAj NAj NAj AHRI 550/590  
> 150  47 db  
43 wb  NAj NAj NAj NAj AHRI 550/590  
> 150  17 db  
15 wb  NAj NAj NAj NAj AHRI 550/590  
 Page 190 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 110.2 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR SPACE -CONDITIONING EQUIPMENT  (CONTINUED) TABLE 110.2 -K Heat Pump and Heat Recovery Chiller Packages, Simultaneous Cooling and Heating, Heating Operation – 
Minimum Efficiency Requirements  
Equipment Type: Liquid source electrically operated positive displacement  
Size Category 
Refrigerating 
Capacitya, Ton R Heating Source 
Conditions (leaving 
liquid) or OAT 
(db/wb)b, F Simultaneous Cooling 
and Heating Full Load 
Efficiency (COP SHC) c,d,e,f,g, 
W/W, Entering/Leaving 
Heating Liquid 
Temperature, Low, 95 
F/105 F  Simultaneous Cooling 
and Heating Full Load 
Efficiency (COP SHC) c,d,e,f,g, 
W/W, Entering/Leaving 
Heating Liquid 
Temperature, Medium, 
105 F/120 F  Simultaneous Cooling 
and Heating Full Load 
Efficiency (COP SHC) c,d,e,f,g, 
W/W, Entering/Leaving 
Heating Liquid 
Temperature, High, 120 
F/140 F  Simultaneous Cooling 
and Heating Full Load 
Efficiency (COP SHC) c,d,e,f,g, 
W/W, Entering/Leaving 
Heating Liquid 
Temperature, Boost, 120 
F/140 F  Test Procedure  
> 11.25h and < 150  44i > 8.33  > 6.41  > 4.42  NAj AHRI 550/590  
> 11.25 h and < 150  65 i NAj NAj NAj > 6.150  AHRI 550/590  
> 150 and < 300  44i > 8.33  > 6.41  > 4.42  NAj AHRI 550/590  
> 150 and < 300  65 i NAj NAj NAj > 6.150  AHRI 550/590  
> 300 and < 400  44i > 8.33  > 6.41  > 4.42  NAj AHRI 550/590  
> 300 and < 400  65 i NAj NAj NAj > 6.150  AHRI 550/590  
> 400 and < 600  44i > 8.9 > 6.98  > 5 NAj AHRI 550/590  
> 400 and < 600  65 i NAj NAj NAj > 6.85  AHRI 550/590  
> 600  44i > 8.9  > 6.98  > 5 NAj AHRI 550/590  
> 600  65 i NAj NAj NAj > 6.85  AHRI 550/590  
 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 191 
SECTION 110.2 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR SPACE -CONDITIONING EQUIPMENT  (CONTINUED) TABLE 110.2 -K Heat Pump and Heat Recovery Chiller Packages, Simultaneous Cooling and Heating, Heating Operation – 
Minimum Efficiency Requirements  
Equipment Type: Liquid source electrically operated centrifugal  
Size Category 
Refrigerating 
Capacitya, Ton R Heating Source 
Conditions (leaving 
liquid) or OAT 
(db/wb)b, F Simultaneous Cooling 
and Heating Full Load 
Efficiency (COP SHC) c,d,e,f,g, 
W/W, Entering/Leaving 
Heating Liquid 
Temperature, Low, 95 
F/105 F  Simultaneous Cooling 
and Heating Full Load 
Efficiency (COP SHC) c,d,e,f,g, 
W/W, Entering/Leaving 
Heating Liquid 
Temperature, Medium, 
105 F/120 F  Simultaneous Cooling 
and Heating Full Load 
Efficiency (COP SHC) c,d,e,f,g, 
W/W, Entering/Leaving 
Heating Liquid 
Temperature, High, 120 
F/140 F  Simultaneous Cooling 
and Heating Full Load 
Efficiency (COP SHC) c,d,e,f,g, 
W/W, Entering/Leaving 
Heating Liquid 
Temperature, Boost, 120 
F/140 F  Test Procedure  
> 11.25 h and < 150  44i > 8.33  > 6.41 > 4.42  NAj AHRI 550/590  
> 11.25 h and < 150  65 i NAj NAj NAj > 6.150  AHRI 550/590  
> 150 and < 300  44i > 8.33  > 6.41  > 4.42  NAj AHRI 550/590  
> 150 and < 300  65 i NAj NAj NAj > 6.150  AHRI 550/590  
> 300 and < 400  44i > 8.33  > 6.41  > 4.42  NAj AHRI 550/590  
> 300 and < 400 65 i NAj NAj NAj > 6.150  AHRI 550/590  
> 400 and < 600  44i > 8.9 > 6.98  > 5 NAj AHRI 550/590  
> 400 and < 600  65 i NAj NAj NAj > 6.85  AHRI 550/590  
> 600  44i > 8.9  > 6.98  > 5 NAj AHRI 550/590  
> 600  65 i NAj NAj NAj > 6.85  AHRI 550/590  
a. The size category is the full -load net refrigeration cooling mode capacity, which is the capacity of the evaporator available for cooling of the thermal 
load external to the chilling package.  
b. For air source heat pumps, compliance with both the 47 F and 1 7 F heating source outdoor air temperature (OAT) rating efficiency is required for 
heating.  
c. Heating full load rating conditions are at standard rating conditions defined in AHRI 550/590 (I -P), Table 4, includes the impact of defrost for air source 
heating ratings.  
d. For units that operate in both cooling and heating, compliance with both the cooling and heating efficiency is required.  
e. For heat recovery heating chilling package applications where there is simultaneous cooling and heating, compliance with the heating performance 
heat recover COP HR is only required at one of the four heating AHRI 550/590 (I -P) standard ratings conditions of Low, Medium, Hot -Water 1 or Hot -
Water 2. Compliance with the cooling only performance is required as defined in footnotes b and c of Table 110.2 -I. 
f. Heating full load rating conditions are at standard rating conditions defined in AHRI 550/590 (I -P), Table 4, includes the impact of defrost for air source 
heating ratings.  
g. For simultaneous cooling and heating chillers applications where there is simultaneous cooling and heating, compliance with the simultaneous c ooling 
performance heat recovery COP SHC is only required at one of the heating AHRI 550/590 (I -P) standard ratings conditions of Lo w, Medium, High, or 
Boost. Compliance with cooling performance is required as defined in footnotes b and c of Table 110.2 -I.  
h. Water to water heat pumps with capacity less than 135,000 Btu/h are included in Table 110.2 -B Heat Pumps, Minimum Efficiency Requirements.  Page 192 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 110.2 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR SPACE -CONDITIONING EQUIPMENT  i. Source leaving liquid temperature.  
1. The cooling evaporator liquid flow rate used for the heating rating for a reverse cycle air to water heat pump shall be the f low rate determined 
during the full load cooling rating.  
2. The cooling evaporator liquid flow rate for the simultaneous cooling and heating and heat recovery liquid cooled chilling pac kages rating shall be 
the liquid flow rates from the cooling operation full load rating.  
3. For heating only fluid to fluid chiller packages, the evaporator flow rate obtained with an entering liquid temperature of 54  F and a leaving liquid 
temperature of 44 F shall be used.  
j. NA means the requirements are not applicable.  
TABLE 110.2 -L Heat Pump and Heat Recovery Chiller Packages, Heat Recovery , Heating Operation – Minimum Efficiency Requirements  
Equipment Type: Air Source  
Size Category 
Refrigerating 
Capacitya, Ton R Heating Source 
Conditions (leaving 
liquid) or OAT 
(db/wb)b, F Heat Recovery  Heating 
Full Load Efficiency 
(COP SHC) c,d,e,f,g, W/W, 
Entering/Leaving Heating 
Liquid Temperature, Low, 
95 F/105 F  Heat Recovery  Heating 
Full Load Efficiency 
(COP SHC) c,d,e,f,g, W/W, 
Entering/Leaving Heating 
Liquid Temperature, 
Medium, 105 F/120 F  Heat Recovery  Heating 
Full Load Efficiency 
(COP SHC) c,d,e,f,g, W/W, 
Entering/Leaving Heating 
Liquid Temperature, 
High, 120 F/140 F  Heat Recovery Heating 
Full Load Efficiency 
(COP SHC) c,d,e,f,g, W/W, 
Entering/Leaving Heating 
Liquid Temperature, 
Boost, 120 F/140 F  Test Procedure  
< 150  47 db  
43 wb  NAj NAj NAj NAj AHRI 550/590  
< 150  17 db  
15 wb  NAj NAj NAj NAj AHRI 550/590  
> 150  47 db  
43 wb  NAj NAj NAj NAj AHRI 550/590  
> 150  17 db  
15 wb  NAj NAj NAj NAj AHRI 550/590  
 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 193 
SECTION 110.2 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR SPACE -CONDITIONING EQUIPMENT  (CONTINUED) TABLE 110.2 -L Heat Pump and Heat Recovery Chiller Packages, Heat Recovery, Heating Operation – Minimum Efficiency 
Requirements  
Equipment Type: Liquid source electrically operated positive displacement  
Size Category 
Refrigerating 
Capacitya, Ton R Heating Source 
Conditions (leaving 
liquid) or OAT 
(db/wb)b, F Heat Recovery Heating 
Full Load Efficiency 
(COP SHC) c,d,e,f,g, W/W, 
Entering/Leaving Heating 
Liquid Temperature, Low, 
95 F/105 F  Heat Recovery Heating 
Full Load Efficiency 
(COP SHC) c,d,e,f,g, W/W, 
Entering/Leaving Heating 
Liquid Temperature, 
Medium, 105 F/120 F  Heat Recovery Heating 
Full Load Efficiency 
(COP SHC) c,d,e,f,g, W/W, 
Entering/Leaving Heating 
Liquid Temperature, 
High, 120 F/140 F  Heat Recovery Heating 
Full Load Efficiency 
(COP SHC) c,d,e,f,g, W/W, 
Entering/Leaving Heating 
Liquid Temperature, 
Boost, 120 F/140 F  Test Procedure  
> 11.25h and < 150  44i > 8.33  > 6.41  > 4.862 > 4.42  AHRI 550/590  
> 11.25 h and < 150  65 i NAj NAj NAj NAj AHRI 550/590  
> 150 and < 300  44i > 8.33  > 6.41  > 4.862  > 4.42  AHRI 550/590  
> 150 and < 300  65 i NAj NAj NAj NAj AHRI 550/590  
> 300 and < 400  44i > 8.33  > 6.41  > 4.862  > 4.42  AHRI 550/590  
> 300 and < 400  65 i NAj NAj NAj NAj AHRI 550/590  
> 400 and < 600  44i > 8.9  > 6.98  > 5.5 > 5 AHRI 550/590  
> 400 and < 600  65 i NAj NAj NAj NAj AHRI 550/590  
> 600  44i > 8.9  > 6.98  > 5.5  > 5 AHRI 550/590  
> 600  65 i NAj NAj NAj NAj AHRI 550/590  
 Page 194 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 110.2 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR SPACE -CONDITIONING EQUIPMENT  (CONTINUED) TABLE 110.2 -L Heat Pump and Heat Recovery Chiller Packages, Heat Recovery, Heating Operation – Minimum Efficiency 
Requirements  
Equipment Type: Liquid source electrically operated centrifugal  
Size Category 
Refrigerating 
Capacitya, Ton R Heating Source 
Conditions (leaving 
liquid) or OAT 
(db/wb)b, F Heat Recovery Heating 
Full Load Efficiency 
(COP SHC) c,d,e,f,g, W/W, 
Entering/Leaving Heating 
Liquid Temperature, Low, 
95 F/105 F  Heat Recovery Heating 
Full Load Efficiency 
(COP SHC) c,d,e,f,g, W/W, 
Entering/Leaving Heating 
Liquid Temperature, 
Medium, 105 F/120 F  Heat Recovery Heating 
Full Load Efficiency 
(COP SHC) c,d,e,f,g, W/W, 
Entering/Leaving Heating 
Liquid Temperature, 
High, 120 F/140 F  Heat Recovery Heating 
Full Load Efficiency 
(COP SHC) c,d,e,f,g, W/W, 
Entering/Leaving Heating 
Liquid Temperature, 
Boost, 120 F/140 F  Test Procedure  
> 11.25 h and < 150  44i > 8.33  > 6.41  > 4.862 > 4.42  AHRI 550/590  
> 11.25 h and < 150  65 i NAj NAj NAj NAj AHRI 550/590  
> 150 and < 300  44i > 8.33  > 6.41  > 4.862  > 4.42  AHRI 550/590  
> 150 and < 300  65 i NAj NAj NAj NAj AHRI 550/590  
> 300 and < 400  44i > 8.33  > 6.41  > 4.862  > 4.42  AHRI 550/590  
> 300 and < 400  65 i NAj NAj NAj NAj AHRI 550/590  
> 400 and < 600  44i > 8.9  > 6.98  > 5.5 > 5 AHRI 550/590  
> 400 and < 600  65 i NAj NAj NAj NAj AHRI 550/590  
> 600  44i > 8.9  > 6.98  > 5.5  > 5 AHRI 550/590  
> 600  65 i NAj NAj NAj NAj AHRI 550/590  
a. The size category is the full -load net refrigeration cooling mode capacity, which is the capacity of the evaporator available for cooling of the thermal lo ad 
external to the chilling package.  
b. For air source heat pumps, compliance with both the 47 F and 17 F heating source outdoor air temperature (OAT) rating efficiency is required for heating.  
c. Heating full load rating conditions are at standard rating conditions defined in AHRI 550/590 (I -P), Table 4, includes the impact of defrost for air source 
heating ratings.  
d. For units that operate in both cooling and heating, compliance with both the cooling and heating efficiency is required.  
e. For heat recovery heating chilling package applications where there is simultaneous cooling and heating, compliance with the heating performance heat 
recover COP HR is only required at one of the four heating AHRI 550/590 (I -P) standard ratings conditions of Low, Medium, Hot -Water 1 or Hot -Water 2. 
Compliance with the cooling only performance is required as defined in footnotes b and c of Table 110.2 -I. 
f. For liquid source heat recovery chilling packages that have capabilities for heat rejection to a heat recovery condenser and a tower con denser the COP HR 
applies to operation at full load with 100 percent heat recovery (no tower rejection). Units that only have capabilities for partial heat recovery shall meet 
the requirements of Table 110.2 -D Water Chilling Packages Minimum Efficiency.  
g. For heat recovery heating chilling package applications where there is simultaneous cooling and heating, compliance with the heating performance heat 
recover COP HR is only required at one of the four heating AHRI 550/590 (I -P) standard ratings conditions of Low, Medium, Hot -Water 1 or Hot -Water 2. 
Compliance with the cooling only performance is required as defined in footnotes b and c of Table 110.2 -I. 
h. Water to water heat pumps with capacity less than 135,000 Btu/h are included in Table 110.2 -B Heat Pumps, Minimum Efficiency Requirements.  
i. Source leaving liquid temperature.  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 195 
SECTION 110.2 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR SPACE -CONDITIONING EQUIPMENT  1. The cooling evaporator liquid flow rate used for the heating rating for a reverse cycle air to water heat pump shall be the f low rate determined 
during the full load cooling rating.  
2. The cooling evaporator liquid flow rate for the simultaneous cooling and heating and heat recovery liquid cooled chilling pac kages rating shall be 
the liquid flow rates from the cooling operation full load rating.  
3. For heating only fluid to fluid chiller packages, the evaporator flow rate obtained with an entering liquid temperature of 54  F and a leaving liquid temperature of 44 
F shall be used.  
j. NA means the requirements are not applicable.  
 
Equipme
nt Type  Size 
Categ
ory, 
(tons)  Cooling -
Only 
Operatio
n 
Cooling 
Efficienc
y a 
Full Load 
Efficienc
y (EER 
orkW/to
n) IPLV 
(EER or 
kW/ton)  Heatin
g 
Operat
ion         Test 
Procedure  
   
 Heatin
g 
Source 
Condit
ions d,e Heat -
Pump 
Heating 
Full-Load 
Efficienc
y 
(COP H)b    Heat 
Recove
ry 
Chiller 
Full-
Load 
Efficien
cy 
(COP HR)
b, c 
Simulta
neous     Page 196 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 110.2 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR SPACE -CONDITIONING EQUIPMENT  Cooling 
and 
Heatin
g Full -
Load 
Efficien
cy 
(COP SHC
)b    
  
Leaving 
Heating 
Water 
Tempera
ture     Leaving 
Heatin
g 
Water 
Temper
ature      
   
  
Low  Mediu
m High  Boost  Low  Mediu
m High  Boost   
  
Path A  Path B   
105°F  120°F  140°F  140°F  105°F  120°F  140°F  140°F   
Air 
source  All 
sizes  ≥9.595 
EER 
≥13.02 
IPLV  ≥9.215 
EER 
≥15.01 
IPLV  47°F d 
/ 43°F 
d ≥ 3.290  ≥2.770  ≥2.310  NA NA NA NA NA AHRI 
550/590    
≥9.595 
EER 
≥13.30 
IPLV  ≥9.215 
EER 
≥15.30 
IPLV  17°F d 
/ 15°F 
d ≥2.230  ≥1.950  ≥1.630  NA NA NA NA NA  
Water 
source 
electrical
ly 
operated 
positive 
displace
ment  <75 ≤0.7885 
kW/ton  
≤0.6316 
IPLV  ≤0.7875 
kW/ton  
≤0.5145 
IPLV  54°F e 
/ 44°F 
e ≥4.640  ≥3.680  ≥2.680  NA ≥8.330  ≥6.410  ≥4.420  NA AHRI 
550/590      
75°F e 
/ 65°F 
e NA NA NA ≥3.550  NA NA NA ≥6.150   
 
≥75 
and 
<150  ≤0.7579 
kW/ton  
≤0.5895 
IPLV  ≤0.7140 
kW/ton  
≤0.4620 
IPLV  54°F e 
/ 44°F 
e ≥4.640  ≥3.680  ≥2.680  NA ≥8.330  ≥6.410  ≥4.420  NA  
    
75°F e 
/ 65°F 
e NA NA NA ≥3.550  NA NA NA ≥6.150   
 
≥150 
and 
<300  ≤0.6947 
kW/ton  
≤0.5684 
IPLV  ≤0.7140 
kW/ton  
≤0.4620 
IPLV  54°F e 
/ 44°F 
e ≥4.640  ≥3.680  ≥2.680  NA ≥8.330  ≥6.410  ≥4.420  NA  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 197 
SECTION 110.2 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR SPACE -CONDITIONING EQUIPMENT      
75°F e 
/ 65°F 
e NA NA NA ≥3.550  NA NA NA ≥6.150    
≥300 
and 
<600  ≤0.6421 
kW/ton  
≤0.5474 
IPLV  ≤0.6563 
kW/ton  
≤0.4305 
IPLV  54°F e 
/ 44°F 
e ≥4.930  ≥3.960  ≥2.970  NA ≥8.900  ≥6.980  ≥5.000  NA  
    
75°F e 
/ 65°F 
e NA NA NA ≥3.900  NA NA NA ≥6.850   
 
≥600 ≤0.5895 
kW/ton  
≤0.5263 
IPLV  ≤0.6143 
kW/ton  
≤0.3990 
IPLV  54°F e 
/ 44°F 
e ≥4.930  ≥3.960  ≥2.970  NA ≥8.900  ≥6.980  ≥5.000  NA  
    
75°F e 
/ 65°F 
e NA NA NA ≥3.900  NA NA NA ≥6.850   
Water 
source 
electrical
ly 
operated 
centrifug
al <75 ≤0.6421 
kW/ton  
≤0.5789 
IPLV  ≤0.7316 
kW/ton  
≤0.4632 
IPLV  54°F e 
/ 44°F 
e ≥4.640  
 ≥3.680  ≥2.680  NA ≥8.330  ≥6.410  ≥4.420  NA AHRI 
550/590  
  
  75°F e 
/ 65°F 
e NA 
 NA NA ≥3.550  NA NA NA ≥6.150   
 
≥75 
and 
<150  ≤0.5895 
kW/ton  
≤0.5474 
IPLV  ≤0.6684 
kW/ton  
≤0.4211 
IPLV  54°F e 
/ 44°F 
e ≥4.640  
 ≥3.680  ≥2.680  NA ≥8.330  ≥6.410  ≥4.420  NA  
  
  75°F e 
/ 65°F 
e NA 
 NA NA ≥3.550  NA NA NA ≥6.150   
 
≥150 
and 
<300  ≤0.5895 
kW/ton  
≤0.5263 
IPLV  ≤0.6263 
kW/ton  
≤0.4105 
IPLV  54°F e 
/ 44°F 
e ≥4.640  
 ≥3.680  ≥2.680  NA ≥8.330  ≥6.410  ≥4.420  NA  Page 198 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 110.2 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR SPACE -CONDITIONING EQUIPMENT  e. Source -water entering and leaving water temperature.  
NOTE:  Authority: Sections 25213, 25218, 25218.5, 25402 and 25402.1, Public Resources Code. Reference: Sections 25007, 25008, 
25218.5, 25310, 25402, 25402.1, 25402.4, 25402.8, and 25943, Public Resources Cod e  
  75°F e 
/ 65°F 
e NA 
 NA NA ≥3.550  NA NA NA ≥6.150   
 
≥300 
and 
<600  ≤0.5895 
kW/ton  
≤0.5263 
IPLV  ≤0.6158 
kW/ton  
≤0.4000 
IPLV  54°F e 
/ 44°F 
e ≥4.930  
 ≥3.960  ≥2.970  NA ≥8.900  ≥6.980  ≥5.000  NA  
  
  75°F e 
/ 65°F 
e NA 
 NA NA ≥3.900  NA NA NA ≥6.850   
 
≥600 ≤0.5895 
kW/ton  
≤0.5263 
IPLV  ≤0.6158 
kW/ton  
≤0.4000 
IPLV  54°F e 
/ 44°F 
e ≥4.930  
 ≥3.960  ≥2.970  NA ≥8.900  ≥6.980  ≥5.000  NA  
  
  75°F e 
/ 65°F 
e NA 
 NA NA ≥3.900  NA NA NA ≥6.850   
a. Cooling -only rating conditions are standard rating conditions defined in AHRI550/590, Table 1.  
b. Heating full -load rating conditions are at rating conditions defined in AHRI550/590, Table1.  
c. For water -cooled heat recovery chillers that have capabilities for heat rejection to a heat recovery condenser and a tower condenser, 
the COP applies to operation at full load with 100% heat recovery (no tower rejection). Units that only have capabiliti es for partial heat 
recovery shall meet the requirements of Table 110.2 -D 
d. Outdoor air entering dry -bulb (db) temperature and wet -bulb (wb) temperature.  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 199 
SECTION 110.3 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR SERVICE WATER -HEATING SYSTEMS AND 
EQUIPMENT  SECTION 110.3 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR SERVICE WATER -HEATING 
SYSTEMS AND EQUIPMENT  
(a) Certification by manufacturers.  Any service water - heating system or equipment may be 
installed only if the manufacturer has certified that the system or equipment complies with 
all of the requirements of this subsection for that system or equipment.  
1. Temperature controls for service water -heating systems. Service water -heating systems 
shall be equipped with automatic temperature controls capable of adjustment from the 
lowest to the highest acceptable temperature settings for the intended use as listed in 
Table 3, Chapter 50 of the ASHRAE Ha ndbook, HVAC Applications Volume or Table 613.1 
of the California Plumbing Code for healthcare facilities.  
Exception  to Section 110.3(a)1:  Residential occupancies.  
(b) Efficiency.  Equipment shall meet the applicable requirements of the Appliance Efficiency 
Regulations as required by Section 110.1, subject to the following:  
1. If more than one standard is listed in the Appliance Efficiency Regulations, the 
equipment shall meet all the standards listed; and  
2. If more than one test method is listed in the Appliance Efficiency Regulations, the 
equipment shall comply with the applicable standard when tested with each test 
method; and  
3. Where equipment can serve more than one function, such as both heating and cooling, 
or both space heating and water heating, it shall comply with all the requirements 
applicable to each function; and  
4. Where a requirement is for equipment rated at its “maximum rated capacity” or 
“minimum rated capacity,” the capacity shall be as provided for and allowed by the 
controls, during steady -state operation.  
(c) Installation.  Any service water -heating system or equipment may be installed only if the 
system or equipment complies with all of the applicable requirements of this subsection for 
the system or equipment.  
1. Outlet temperature controls.  On systems that have a total capacity greater than 
167,000 Btu/hr, outlets that require higher than service water temperatures as listed in 
the ASHRAE Handbook, Applications Volume, shall have separate remote heaters, heat 
exchangers or boosters to supply  the outlet with the higher temperature.  
Exception  to Section  110.3(c)1:  Systems covered by California Plumbing Code Section 
613.0 shall instead follow the requirements of that section.  
2. Controls for hot water distribution systems.  Service hot water systems with circulating 
pumps or with electrical heat trace systems shall be capable of automatically turning off 
the system.  
Exception  to Section 110.3(c)2: Systems serving healthcare facilities.  Page 200 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 110.3 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR SERVICE WATER -HEATING SYSTEMS AND 
EQUIPMENT  3. Insulation.  Unfired service water heater storage tanks and backup tanks for solar water -
heating systems shall have:  
A. External insulation with an installed R -value of at least R -3.5; or  
B. Internal and external insulation with a combined R -value of at least R -16; or  
C. The heat loss of the tank surface based on an 80°F water -air temperature difference 
shall be less than 6.5 Btu per hour per square foot.  
4. Water heating recirculation loops serving multiple dwelling units, high -rise residential, 
hotel/motel, and nonresidential occupancies.  A water heating recirculation loop is a 
type of hot water distribution system that reduces the time needed to deliver hot water 
to fixtures that are distant from the water heater, boiler or other water heating 
equipment. The recirculation loop is comprise d of a supply portion, connected to 
branches that serve multiple dwelling units, guest rooms, or fixtures and a return por tion 
that completes the loop back to the water heating equipment. A water heating 
recirculation loop shall meet the following requirements:  
A. Air release valve or vertical pump installation.  An automatic air release valve shall 
be installed on the recirculation loop piping on the inlet side of the recirculation 
pump and no more than 4 feet from the pump. This valve shall be mounted on top of 
a vertical riser at least 12 inches in length and s hall be accessible for replacement 
and repair. Alternatively, the pump shall be installed on a vertical section of the 
return line.  
B. Recirculation loop backflow prevention.  A check valve or similar device shall be 
located between the recirculation pump and the water heating equipment to 
prevent water from flowing backwards though the recirculation loop.  
C. Equipment for pump priming.  A hose bibb shall be installed between the pump and 
the water heating equipment. An isolation valve shall be installed between the hose 
bibb and the water heating equipment. This hose bibb is used for bleeding air out of 
the pump after pump replacement.  
D. Pump isolation valves.  Isolation valves shall be installed on both sides of the pump. 
These valves may be part of the flange that attaches the pump to the pipe. One of 
the isolation valves may be the same isolation valve as in Item C.  
E. Cold water supply and recirculation loop connection to hot water storage tank.  
Storage water heaters and boilers shall be plumbed in accordance with the 
manufacturer’s specifications The cold water piping and the recirculation loop piping 
shall not be connected to the hot water storage tank drain port.  
F. Cold water supply backflow prevention.  A check valve shall be installed on the cold 
water supply line between the hot water system and the next closest tee on the cold 
water supply line. The system shall comply with the expansion tank requirements as 
described in the California Plumbing Code S ection 608.3.  
5. Service water heaters in state buildings.  Any newly constructed building constructed by 
the State shall derive its service water heating from a system that provides at least 60 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 201 
SECTION 110.3 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR SERVICE WATER -HEATING SYSTEMS AND 
EQUIPMENT  percent of the energy needed for service water heating from site solar energy or 
recovered energy, per the statutory requirement of California Public Resources Code 
Section 25498.  
Exception  to Section 110.3(c)5:  Buildings for which the state architect determines that 
service water heating from site solar energy or recovered energy is economically or 
physically infeasible.  
6. Isolation valves.  Instantaneous water heaters with an input rating greater than 6.8 
kBTU/hr (2 kW) shall have isolation valves on both the cold water supply and the hot 
water pipe leaving the water heater, and hose bibbs or other fittings on each valve for 
flushing the wat er heater when the valves are closed.  
7. Heat Pump Water Heaters (HPWHs) . HPWH shall meet the following requirements:  
A. Backup Heat.  Backup heat is required for air -source systems when inlet air is 
unconditioned, unless the compressor cutout temperature is below the Winter 
Median of Extremes for the closest location listed in Table 2 -3 from Reference Joint 
Appendix JA2.  
B. Ventilation  Consumer  integrated HPWHs shall meet one of the ventilation 
requirements  below. Minimum volume and opening size requirements shall be the 
sum of all HPWHs installe d within  the same space. Compressor capacity shall be 
determined using AHRI 540 Table 4 reference conditions for refrigeration with the 
“High” rating test point : 
1. For HPWH installation without ducts , the installation space shall have  a volume 
equal to the greater  of 100 cubic feet per kBtu per hour of compressor capacity , 
or the minimum volume provided by the manufacturer for this method ; or 
2. For HPWH installation witho ut ducts , installation space shall be  vented to a 
communicating space via permanent openings, according to the following 
requirements:  
i. Communicating space shall meet the minimum volume of section 110.3(c)7B1 
above, minus the volume of the HPWH installation space; and  
ii. Permanent openings shall consist of a single layer of fixed flat slat louvers or 
grilles, with a total minimum NFA the larger of 125 sq uare inches  plus 25  
square inches  per kBtu  per hour  of compressor capacity , or the minimum 
provided by the manufacturer for this method . The permanent openings  shall 
be fully louvered doors or two openi ngs, one located  within 12 inches from 
the enclosure top and one located within 12 inches from the enclosu re 
bottom ; or  
3. For HPWH installation s with ducts , the following  requirements  shall be met : 
i. The space joined to the installation space via ducts shall meet the minimum 
volume of section 110.3(c)7B1 above, minus the volume of the HPWH 
installation space; and  
ii. All duct connections and building penetrations shall be sealed; and  Page 202 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 110.3 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR SERVICE WATER -HEATING SYSTEMS AND 
EQUIPMENT  iii. Exhaust air ducts and all ducts which cross pressure boundaries shall be 
insulated to minimum of R -6; and  
iv. If only the HPWH inlet or outlet is ducted, installation space shall include 
permanent openings  consist of a single layer of fixed flat slat louvers or grilles  
in the bottom half of the room, and/or a door undercut . With a ducted inlet, 
the minimum NFA shall be equal to the cross -sectional area of the duct. With a 
ducted exhaust, the minimum NFA shall be the larger of 20 square inches or the 
minimum NFA provided by the manufacturer for this method ; and  
v. If the inlet and outlet ducts both terminate within the same pressure boundary, 
airflow from the termination points shall be diverted away from each other ; or 
4. Installed using a method certified by the manufacturer  to meet the ventilation 
requirements of 110. 3(c)7B.  
Note : Authority: Sections 25213, 25218, 25218.5, 25402 and 25402.1, Public Resources Code. 
Reference: Sections 25007, 25008, 25218.5, 25310, 25402, 25402.1, 25402.4, 25402.8, and 
25943, Public Resources Code  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 203 
SECTION 110.4 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR POOL AND SPA SYSTEMS AND EQUIPMENT  SECTION 110.4 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR POOL AND SPA SYSTEMS 
AND EQUIPMENT  
(a) Certification by manufacturers . Any pool or spa heating system or equipment heater for a 
pool, spa, or a pool and spa combination shall  may  be installed only if the manufacturer has 
certified that the system or equipment has all of the following:  
1. Efficiency.  For e Equipment subject to State or federal appliance efficiency standards , 
listings in the Commission’s directory of certified equipment showing compliance with 
applicable standards  shall comply with the applicable provisions of Section 110.1 ; and  
2. On-off switch.  A readily accessible on -off switch, mounted on the outside of the heater 
that allows shutting off the heater without adjusting the thermostat setting; and  
3. Instructions.  A permanent, easily readable and weatherproof plate or card that provides 
the energy efficiency rating and gives  instruction for the energy efficient operation of 
the pool and/ or spa heater , and for the proper care of pool or spa water when a cover is 
used ; and  
4. Electric resistance heating.  No electric resistance heating.  
Exception  1 to Section 110.4(a)4:  Listed package units with fully insulated enclosures, and 
with tight -fitting covers that are insulated to at least R -6. 
Exception  2 to Section 110.4(a)4:  Pools or spas deriving at least 60 percent of the annual 
heating energy from site solar energy or recovered energy.  
(b) Installation. Any pool and/ or spa system or equipment shall be installed with all of the meet 
the following  requirements : 
1. Heating Equipment.  Equipment installed to heat water for pools and/or spas shall be 
selected from equipment meeting the standards shown in Table 110.4 -A. 
Table 110.4 -A HEATING EQUIPMENT STANDARDS  
Heating Energy Source  Standard  
Electric Resistance   UL 1261  
Gas-fired  ANSI Z21.56/CSA 4.7a  
Heat Pump  AHRI 1160 and one of the 
following: CSA C22.2 No. 236, UL 
1995, or UL/CSA 60335 -2-40 
Solar  ICC/APSP 902/SRCC 400 for solar 
pool heaters, ICC 901/SRCC 100 
for solar collectors  
21. Piping.  At least 36 18 inches of horizontal or vertical pipe shall be installed between the 
filter and the heater or dedicated suction and return lines, or built -in or built -up 
connections shall be installed to allow for the future addition of solar heating 
equipment;  Page 204 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 110.4 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR POOL AND SPA SYSTEMS AND EQUIPMENT  32. Covers.  Outdoor pools and/or spa with heating equipment shall be installed with a pool  
cover  A cover for outdoor pools and/ or outdoor spas that have a heat pump or gas 
heater .; and  
43. Directional inlets and time switches for pools.  If the system or equipment is for a pool:  
i. The pool shall have directional inlets that adequately mix the pool water; and  
ii. A time switch or similar control mechanism shall be permanently installed as part of a pool water 
circulation control system that will allow all pumps to be set or programmed to run only during off -peak 
electric demand period , and for the minimum time necessary to maintain the water in the condition 
required by applicable public health standards.  
 (c)  Heating Source Sizing.  Heating systems or equipment for pool and/or spa shall meet the 
sizing requirements of 1, 2, or 3 below:  
1. A solar pool heating system with a solar collector surface area that is equivalent to the 
following:  
A. For nonresidential and multifamily buildings , 65 percent  or greater  of the pool and/or 
spa surface area . 
B. For single family buildings , 60 percent or greater of the pool and/or spa surface area ; 
or 
2. A heat pump pool heater as the primary heating system that meet s the sizing 
requirements of Reference Joint Appendix JA16 .3. The control for the heat pump pool 
heater  shall meet the requirements specified in  section 110.2(b).  The backup heater can 
be of any energy  source ; or 
3. A heating system that derives at least 60 percent of the annual heatin g energy from on -
site renewable energy or on -site recovered energy.  
Exception 1 to Section 110.4(c):  Portable electric spas compliant with the Appliance 
Efficiency Regulations.  
Exception 2 to Section 110.4(c):  Alterations to existing  pool s and/or spa s with existing 
heating systems or equipment.  
Exception 3 to Section 110.4(c):  A pool  and/or spa that is heated solely by a solar spool 
heating system  without any backup heater . 
Exception 4 to Section 110.4(c):  Heating systems which are used exclusively for permanent 
spa applications  in existing building s with gas availability.  
Exception 5 to Section 110.4(c):  Heating systems which are used exclusively for permanent 
spa applications w here there is  inadequate solar access for a solar pool heating system to be 
installed.Page 202 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 110.5 – NATURAL GAS CENTRAL FURNACES, COOKING EQUIPMENT, POOL AND SPA 
HEATERS, AND FIREPLACES: PILOT LIGHTS PROHIBITED  SECTION 110.5 – NATURAL GAS CENTRAL FURNACES, COOKING EQUIPMENT, 
POOL AND SPA HEATERS , AND FIREPLACES : PILOT LIGHTS PROHIBITED  
Any natural gas system or equipment listed below may be installed only if it does not have a 
continuously burning pilot light:  
(a) Fan -type central furnaces.  
(b) Household cooking appliances.  
Exception  to Section 110.5(b):  Household cooking appliances without an electrical supply 
voltage connection and in which each pilot consumes less than 150 Btu/hr.  
(c) Pool heaters.  
(d) Spa heaters.  
(e) Indoor and outdoor fireplaces.  
Note : Authority: Sections 25213, 25218, 25218.5, 25402 and 25402.1, Public Resources Code. 
Reference: Sections 25007, 25008, 25218.5, 25310, 25402, 25402.1, 25402.4, 25402.8, and 
25943, Public Resources Code .   2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 203 
SECTION 110.6 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR FENESTRATION PRODUCTS AND EXTERIOR 
DOORS  SECTION 110.6 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR FENESTRATION PRODUCTS 
AND EXTERIOR DOORS  
(a) Certification of fenestration products  and exterior doors  other than field -fabricated.  Any 
fenestration product and exterior door, other than field -fabricated fenestration products 
and field -fabricated exterior doors, may be installed only if the manufacturer has certified to 
the Commission, or if an independent certifying organization appr oved by the Commission 
has certified, that the product complies with all of the applicable requirements of this 
subsection.  
1. Air leakage.  Manufactured fenestration products and exterior doors shall have air 
infiltration rates not exceeding 0.3 cfm/ft2 of window area, 0.3 cfm/ft2 of door area for 
residential doors, 0.3 cfm/ft2 of door area for nonresidential single doors (swinging and 
sliding), and 1.0 cfm/ft2 for nonresidential double doors (swinging), when tested 
according to NFRC -400 or ASTM E283 at a pressure differential of 75 pascals (or 1.57 
pounds/ft2), incorporated herein by reference.  
NOTES TO SECTION 110.6(a)1 : Pet doors must meet 0.3 cfm/ ft2 when tested according to ASTM E283 at 75 
pascals (or 1.57 pounds  per square foot). AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.2/A440 -2011 specification is 
equivalent to ASTM E283 at a pressure differential of 75 pascals (or 1.57 pounds  per square foot)  and 
satisfies the air leakage certification requirements of this section.  
Exception  to Section 110.6(a)1:  Field -fabricated fenestration and field -fabricated 
exterior doors.  
2. U-factor.  The fenestration product and exterior door’s U -factor shall be rated in 
accordance with NFRC 100, or use the applicable default U -factor set forth in Table 
110.6 -A. 
Exception  1 to Section 110.6(a)2:  If the fenestration product is a skylight  in a building 
covered by the nonresidential standards with less than 200 square feet of skylight area, 
the default U -factor may be calculated as set forth in Reference Nonresidential Appendix 
NA6.  
Exception  2 to Section 110.6(a)2:  If the fenestration product is an alteration consisting 
of any area replacement of glass in a skylight product in a building covered by the 
nonresidential standards, the default U -factor may be calculated as set forth in 
Reference Nonresidential Appendix NA6.  
3. Solar heat gain coefficient SHGC . The fenestration product’s SHGC shall be rated in 
accordance with NFRC 200, or use the applicable default SHGC set forth in TABLE 110.6 -
B. 
EXCEPTION 1 to Section 110.6(a)3:  If the fenestration product is a skylight in a building 
covered by the nonresidential standards with less than 200 square feet of skylight area, 
the default SHGC may be calculated as set forth in Reference Nonresidential Appendix 
NA6.  
EXCEPTION 2 to Section 110.6(a)3:  If the fenestration product is an alteration consisting 
of any area replacement of glass in a skylight product in a building covered by the Page 204 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 110.6 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR FENESTRATION PRODUCTS AND EXTERIOR 
DOORS  nonresidential standards, the default SHGC may be calculated as set forth in Reference 
Nonresidential Appendix NA6.  
4. Visible transmittance (VT).  The fenestration product’s VT shall be rated in accordance 
with NFRC 200 or ASTM E972, for tubular daylighting devices VT shall be rated using 
NFRC 203 . 
Exception  1 to Section 110.6(a)4:  If the fenestration product is a skylight in a building 
covered by the nonresidential standards with less than 200 square feet of skylight area, 
the default VT may be calculated as set forth in Reference Nonresidential Appendix NA6.  
Exception  2 to Section 110.6(a)4:  If the fenestration product is an alteration consisting 
of any area; replacement of glass in a skylight product in a building covered by the 
nonresidential standards, the default VT may be calculated as set forth in Reference 
Nonresidential Appendix NA6.  
5. Labeling.  Fenestration products and exterior doors shall:  
A. Have a temporary label for manufactured fenestration products and exterior doors 
or a label certificate when the Component Modeling Approach (CMA) is used and for 
site-built fenestration meeting the requirements of Section 10 -111(a)1. The 
temporary label shall not be removed before inspection by the enforcement agency; 
and 
B. Have a permanent label or label certificate when the Component Modeling Approach 
(CMA) is used and for site -built fenestration meeting the requirements of Section 10 -
111(a)2 if the product is rated using NFRC procedures.  
6. Fenestration acceptance requirements.  Before an occupancy permit is granted site -built 
fenestration products in other than single -family buildings shall be certified as meeting 
the Acceptance Requirements for Code Compliance, as specified in the Reference 
Nonresidential Appendix NA7 to ensure  that site -built fenestration meets Standards 
requirements, including a matching label certificate for product(s) installed and be 
readily accessible at the project location. A certificate of acceptance certifying th at the 
fenestration product meets the acceptance requirements shall be completed, signed and 
submitted to the enforcement agency.  
Exception  to Section 110.6(a):  Fenestration products removed and reinstalled as part of 
a building alteration or addition.  
(b) Installation of field -fabricated fenestration  and exterior doors . Field -fabricated fenestration 
and field -fabricated exterior doors may be installed only if the compliance documentation 
has demonstrated compliance for the installation using U -factors from Table 110.6 -A and 
SHGC values from Table 110.6 -B. Field -fabricate d fenestration and field -fabricated exterior 
doors shall be caulked between the fenestration products or exterior door and the building, 
and shall be weatherstripped.  
Exception  to Section 110.6(b):  Unframed glass doors and fire doors need not be 
weatherstripped or caulked.  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 205 
SECTION 110.6 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR FENESTRATION PRODUCTS AND EXTERIOR 
DOORS  TABLE 110.6 -A DEFAULT FENESTRATION PRODUCT U -FACTORS  
Frame  Product Type  Single Pane 3, 4  
U-Factor  Double Pane 1, 3, 4  
U-Factor  Glass Block 2,3  
U-Factor  
Metal  Operable  1.28  0.79  0.87  
Metal  Fixed  1.19  0.71  0.72  
Metal  Greenhouse/Garden 
Window  2.26  1.40  N.A.  
Metal  Glazed Doors  1.25  0.77  N.A.  
Metal  Skylight  1.98  1.30  N.A.  
Metal, Thermal 
Break  Operable  N.A.  0.66  N.A.  
Metal, Thermal 
Break  Fixed  N.A.  0.55  N.A.  
Metal, Thermal 
Break  Greenhouse/Garden 
Window  N.A.  1.12  N.A.  
Metal, Thermal 
Break  Glazed Doors  N.A.  0.59  N.A.  
Metal, Thermal 
Break  Skylight  N.A.  1.11  N.A.  
Nonmetal  Operable  0.99  0.58  0.60  
Nonmetal  Fixed  1.04  0.55  0.57  
Nonmetal  Glazed Doors  0.99  0.53  N.A.  
Nonmetal  Greenhouse/Garden 
Windows  1.94  1.06  N.A.  
Nonmetal  Skylight  1.47  0.84  N.A.  
1. For all dual -glazed fenestration products, adjust the listed U -factors as follows:  
 a. Add 0.05 for products with dividers between panes if spacer is less than 7/16 inch 
wide.  
 b. Add 0.05 to any product with true divided lite (dividers through the panes).  
2. Translucent or transparent panels shall use glass block values when not rated by NFRC 100.  
3. Visible Transmittance (VT) shall be calculated by using Reference Nonresidential Appendix 
NA6.  
4. Windows with window film applied that is not rated by NFRC 100 shall use the default values 
from this table.  Page 206 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 110.6 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR FENESTRATION PRODUCTS AND EXTERIOR 
DOORS  TABLE 110.6 -B DEFAULT SOLAR HEAT GAIN COEFFICIENT (SHGC)  
FRAME TYPE  PRODUCT  GLAZING  FENESTRATION 
PRODUCT 
SHGC  
Single Pane2,3 
SHGC  FENESTRATION 
PRODUCT 
SHGC  
Double Pane2,3 
SHGC  FENESTRATION 
PRODUCT 
SHGC  
Glass Block1,2 
SHGC  
Metal  Operable  Clear  0.80  0.70  0.70  
Metal  Fixed  Clear  0.83  0.73  0.73  
Metal  Operable  Tinted  0.67  0.59  N.A.  
Metal  Fixed  Tinted  0.68  0.60  N.A.  
Metal, Thermal 
Break  Operable  Clear  N.A.  0.63  N.A.  
Metal, Thermal 
Break  Fixed  Clear  N.A.  0.69  N.A.  
Metal, Thermal 
Break  Operable  Tinted  N.A.  0.53  N.A.  
Metal, Thermal 
Break  Fixed  Tinted  N.A.  0.57  N.A.  
Nonmetal  Operable  Clear  0.74  0.65  0.70  
Nonmetal  Fixed  Clear  0.76  0.67  0.67  
Nonmetal  Operable  Tinted  0.60  0.53  N.A.  
Nonmetal  Fixed  Tinted  0.63  0.55  N.A.  
1. Translucent or transparent panels shall use glass block values when not rated by NFRC 200.  
2. Visible Transmittance (VT) shall be calculated by using Reference Nonresidential Appendix 
NA6.  
3. Windows with window film applied that is not rated by NFRC 200 shall use the default values 
from this table.  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 207 
SECTION 110.7 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS TO LIMIT AIR LEAKAGE  SECTION 110.7 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS TO LIMIT AIR LEAKAGE  
All joints, penetrations and other openings in the building envelope that are potential sources of 
air leakage shall be caulked, gasketed, weather -stripped or otherwise sealed to limit infiltration 
and exfiltration.  
Note : Authority: Sections 25213, 25218, 25218.5, 25402 and 25402.1, Public Resources Code. 
Reference: Sections 25007, 25008, 25218.5, 25310, 25402, 25402.1, 25402.4, 25402.8, and 
25943, Public Resources Code .   Page 208 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 110.8 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR INSULATION, ROOFING PRODUCTS AND 
RADIANT BARRIERS  SECTION 110.8 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR INSULATION, ROOFING 
PRODUCTS AND RADIANT BARRIERS  
(a) Insulation  certification  by manufacturers . All insulation shall be certified by Department of 
Consumer Affairs, Bureau of Household Goods and Services that the insulation conductive 
thermal performance is approved pursuant to the California Code of Regulations, Title 24, 
Part 12, Chapters 12 -13, A rticle 3, “Standards for Insulating Material.”  
(b) Installation of urea formaldehyde foam insulation.  Urea formaldehyde foam insulation may 
be applied or installed only if:  
1. It is installed in exterior side walls; and  
2. A 4-mil-thick plastic polyethylene vapor retarder or equivalent plastic sheathing vapor 
retarder is installed between the urea formaldehyde foam insulation and the interior 
space in all applications.  
(c) Flame spread rating  of insulation . All insulating material shall be installed in compliance with 
the flame spread rating and smoke density requirements of the CBC.  
(d) Installation of insulation  in existing buildings . Insulation installed in an existing attic, or on 
an existing duct or water heater, shall comply with the applicable requirements of 
Subsections 1, 2 and 3 below. If a contractor installs the insulation, the contractor shall 
certify to the customer, in wri ting, that the insulation meets the applicable requirements of 
Subsections 1, 2 and 3 below.  
1. Attics.  If insulation is installed in the existing attic of a low -rise residential building, the 
R-value of the total amount of insulation (after addition of insulation to the amount, if 
any, already in the attic) shall meet the requirements of Section 150.0(a) f or single -
family buildings and Section 180.2(a)1 for multifamily buildings three habitable stories or 
less.  
Exception  to Section 110.8(d)1:  Where the accessible space in the attic is not large 
enough to accommodate the required R -value, the entire accessible space shall be filled 
with insulation, provided such installation does not violate Section 1202.2 of Title 24, 
Part 2 or Section 806 of Title 24, Part 2.5.  
2. Water heaters.  If external insulation is installed on an existing unfired water storage 
tank or on an existing back -up tank for a solar water -heating system, it shall have an R -
value of at least R -3.5, or the heat loss of the tank surface based on an 80°F water -air 
temp erature difference shall be less than 6.5 Btu per hour per square foot.  
3. Ducts.  If insulation is installed on an existing space -conditioning duct, it shall comply 
with Section 605.0 of the CMC.  
(e) Reserved.  
(f) Reserved . 
(g) Insulation requirements  for heated slab floors.  Heated slab floors shall be insulated 
according to the requirements in Table 110.8 -A. 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 209 
SECTION 110.8 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR INSULATION, ROOFING PRODUCTS AND 
RADIANT BARRIERS  1. Insulation materials in ground contact must:  
A. Comply with the certification requirements of Section 110.8(a); and  
B. Have a water absorption rate for the insulation material alone without facings that is 
no greater than 0.3 percent when tested in accordance with Test Method A – 24 
Hour -Immersion of ASTM C272.  
C. Water vapor permeance no greater than 2.0 perm/ inch when tested in accordance 
with ASTM E96.  
2. Insulation installation must:  
A. Be covered with a solid guard that protects against damage from ultraviolet 
radiation, moisture, landscaping operation, equipment maintenance and wind; and  
B. Include a rigid plate, which penetrates the slab and blocks the insulation from acting 
as a conduit for insects from the ground to the structure above the foundation.  
TABLE 110.8 -A SLAB INSULATION REQUIREMENTS FOR HEATED SLAB FLOOR  
Insulation  
Location  Insulation  
Orientation  Installation Requirements  Climate  
Zone  Insulation   
R-Value  
Outside edge of 
heated slab, 
either inside or 
outside the 
foundation wall  Vertical  From the level of the top of the slab, down 16 
inches or to the frost line, whichever is greater. 
Insulation may stop at the top of the footing where 
this is less than the required depth. For below 
grade slabs, vertical insulation shall be extended 
from th e top of the foundation wall to the bottom 
of the foundation (or the top of the footing) or to 
the frost line, whichever is greater.  1 – 15 
 
16 5 
 
10 
Between heated 
slab and outside 
foundation wall  Vertical and 
Horizontal  Vertical insulation from top of slab at inside edge 
of outside wall down to the top of the horizontal 
insulation. Horizontal insulation from the outside 
edge of the vertical insulation extending 4 feet 
toward the center of the slab in a direction normal 
to the outside of the building in plan view.  1 – 15 
 
16 5 
 
10 vertical 
and 7 
horizontal  
(h) Wet insulation systems . When insulation is installed on roofs above the roofing membrane 
or layer used to seal the roof from water penetration, the effective R -value of the insulation 
shall be as specified in Reference Joint Appendix JA4.  
(i) Roofing products solar reflectance  and thermal emittance.  
1. In order to meet the requirements of Sections 140.1, 140.2, 140.3(a)1, 141.0(b)2B, 
150.1(c)11, 150.2(b)1I or 150.2(b)2, a roofing product’s thermal emittance and an aged 
solar reflectance shall be certified and labeled according to the requirements of S ection 
10-113.  
Exception  1 to Section 110.8(i)1:  Roofing products that are not certified according to 
Section 10 -113 shall assume the following default aged solar reflectance/thermal 
emittance values:  Page 210 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 110.8 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR INSULATION, ROOFING PRODUCTS AND 
RADIANT BARRIERS  A. For asphalt shingles: 0.08/0.75  
B. For all other roofing products: 0.10/0.75  
2. If CRRC testing for an aged solar -reflectance is not available for a ny roofing product s, the 
aged value s shall be derived from the CRRC initial value s using the equation 
ρaged=[0.2+β[ρ initial-0.2], where ρ initial = the initial solar reflectance and soiling resistance β 
is listed by product type in Table 110.8 -B. 
TABLE 110.8 -B VALUES OF SOILING RESISTANCE β BY PRODUCT TYPE  
Product Type  CRRC Product Category  β 
Field -Applied Coating  Field -Applied Coating  0.65  
Other  Not A Field -Applied Coating  0.70  
3. Solar Reflectance Index (SRI), calculated as specified by ASTM E1980 -101 (2019) , may be 
used as an alternative to thermal emittance and an aged solar reflectance when 
complying with the requirements of Sections 140.2, 140.3(a)1, 141.0(b)2B, 150.1(c)11, 
150.2(b)1I or 150.2(b)2. SRI calculations shall be based on  approach  I from Section 6.1.1 
of ASTM E1980 -11 (2019) using only equation 1 and 3 and a  moderate wind velocity of 
2–6 meters per second. The SRI shall be calculated based on the aged solar reflect ance 
value of the roofing products.  
4. Liquid applied roof coatings applied to low -sloped roofs in the field as the top surface of 
a roof covering shall:  
A. Be applied across the entire roof surface to meet the dry mil thickness or coverage 
recommended by the coating manufacturer, taking into consideration the substrate 
on which the coating is applied; and  
B. Meet the minimum performance requirements listed in Table 110.8 -C or the 
minimum performance requirements of ASTM C836, D3468, D6083 or D6694, 
whichever are appropriate to the coating material.  
Exception  1 to Section 110.8(i)4B:  Aluminum - pigmented asphalt roof coatings shall 
meet the requirements of ASTM D2824 and be installed as specified by ASTM D3805.  
Exception  2 to Section 110.8(i)4B:  Cement - based roof coatings shall contain a 
minimum of 20 percent cement and shall meet the requirements of ASTM C1583, 
ASTM D822 and ASTM D5870.  
(j) Radiant barrier . A radiant barrier shall have an emittance of 0.05 or less, tested in 
accordance with ASTM C1371 or ASTM E408, and shall be certified to the Department of 
Consumer Affairs as required by Title 24, Part 12 , Chapter 12 -13, Standards for Insulating 
Material.  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 211 
SECTION 110.8 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR INSULATION, ROOFING PRODUCTS AND 
RADIANT BARRIERS  TABLE 110.8 -C MINIMUM PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS FOR LIQUID APPLIED ROOF 
COATINGS  
Physical Property  ASTM Test 
Procedure  Requirement  
Initial percent elongation (break)  D2370  Minimum 200% @ 73° F (23° C)  
Initial percent elongation (break)  
OR 
Initial Flexibility  D2370  
 
D522, Test B  Minimum 60% @ 0° F ( -18° C)  
 
Minimum pass 1” mandrel @ 0° F ( -18° C)  
Initial tensile strength (maximum stress)  D2370  Minimum 100 psi (1.38 Mpa) @ 73° F (23° C)  
Initial tensile strength (maximum stress)  
OR 
Initial Flexibility  D2370  
 
D522, Test B  Minimum 200 psi (2.76 Mpa) @ 0° F (-18° C)  
 
Minimum pass 1” mandrel @ 0 ° F (-18° C) 
Final percent elongation (break) after 
accelerated weathering 1000 h  D2370  Minimum 100% @ 73 ° F (23 ° C) 
Final percent elongation (break) after 
accelerated weathering 1000 h  
OR  
Flexibility after accelerated weathering 
1000 h  D2370  
 
D522, Test B  Minimum 40% @ 0 ° F (-18° C) 
 
Minimum pass 1” mandrel @ 0 ° F (-18° C) 
Permeance  D1653  Maximum 50 perms  
Accelerated weathering 1000 h  D4798  No cracking or checking1 
1. Any cracking or checking visible to the eye fails the test procedure.  
(j) Radiant barrier . A radiant barrier shall have an emittance of 0.05 or less, tested in 
accordance with ASTM C1371 or ASTM E408, and shall be certified to the Department of 
Consumer Affairs as required by Title 24, Part 12 , Chapter 12 -13, Standards for Insulating 
Material.  
Note : Authority: Sections 25213, 25218, 25218.5, 25402 and 25402.1, Public Resources Code. 
Reference: Sections 25007, 25008, 25218.5, 25310, 25402, 25402.1, 25402.4, 25402.8, and 
25943, Public Resources Code  Page 212 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 110.9 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR LIGHTING CONTROLS  SECTION 110.9 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR LIGHTING CONTROL S 
(a) All lighting control devices and systems and all light sources subject to the requirements of 
Section 110.9 shall meet the following requirements:  
1. Shall be installed only if the lighting control or light source complies with all of the 
applicable requirements of Section 110.9.  
2. Lighting controls may be individual devices or systems consisting of two or more 
components.  
(b) All lighting controls . Lighting controls listed in Section 110.9(b) shall comply with the 
requirements listed below; and all components of the system considered together as 
installed shall meet all applicable requirements for the application for which they are 
installed as required in Sections 13 0.0 through 130.5, Sections 140.6 through 140.8, Section 
141.0, and Section 150.0(k).  
1. Time -switch lighting controls.  All controls that provide time -switch functionality, 
including all automatic and astronomical time -switch controls, shall have program 
backup capabilities that prevent the loss of the device’s schedule for at least 7 days, and 
the device’s date and time for at least 72 hours if power is interrupted. In addition:  
A. Time -switch controls installed in nonresidential buildings shall:  
 i. For each connected load, be capable of providing manual override to each 
connected load and of resuming normally scheduled operation after a manual 
override is initiated within 2 hours; and  
 ii. Provide an automatic holiday shutoff feature that turns off all connected loads 
for at least 24 hours and then resumes normally scheduled operation.  
B. Astronomical time -switch controls  shall:  
i. Have sunrise and sunset prediction accuracy within plus -or-minus 15 minutes and 
timekeeping accuracy within 5 minutes per year;  
ii. Be capable of displaying date, current time, sunrise time, sunset time, and 
switching times for each step during programming;  
iii. Be capable of automatically adjusting for daylight savings time; and  
iv. Have the ability to independently offset the on and off for each channel by at 
least 90 minutes before and after sunrise or sunset.  
C. Multilevel time -switch controls  shall include at least two separately programmable 
steps per zone.  
D. Time -switch controls  installed outdoors  shall have setback functions that allow the 
lighting on each controlled channel to be switched or dimmed to lower levels. The 
setback functions shall be capable of being programmed by the user for at least one 
specific time of day.  
2. Daylighting controls . Controls that provide automatic daylighting functionality  shall:  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 213 
SECTION 110.9 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR LIGHTING CONTROLS  A. Automatically return to its most recent time delay settings within 60 minutes of the 
last received input when left in calibration mode;  
B. Have a set point control that easily distinguishes settings to within 10 percent of full -
scale adjustment;  
C. Provide a linear response within 5 percent accuracy over the range of illuminance 
measured by the light sensor; and  
D. Be capable of being calibrated in a manner that the person initiating the calibration is 
remote from the sensor during calibration to avoid influencing calibration accuracy, 
for example by having a light sensor that is physically separated from where th e 
calibration adjustments are made.   
3. Dimmers.  Controls that provide dimming functionality shall:  
A. Be capable of reducing lighting power consumption by a minimum of 65 percent 
when at its lowest setting;  
B. Provide reduced flicker operation, meaning that directly controlled light sources shall 
be provided electrical power such that the light output has an amplitude modulation 
of less than 30 percent for frequencies less than 200 Hz without causing prematur e 
lamp failure;  
C. Provide an offsetting that produces a zero lumen output; and  
D. For wall box dimmers and associated switches designed for use in three way circuits, 
be capable of turning lights off, and on to the level set by the dimmer if the lights are 
off. 
4. Occupant sensing controls.  Occupant sensing controls include occupant sensors, motion 
sensors, and vacancy sensors, including those with a partial -ON or partial -OFF function. 
Occupant sensing controls shall:  
A. Be capable of automatically turning the controlled lights in the area either off or 
down no more than 20 minutes after the area has been vacated;   
B. For manual -on controls, have a grace period of no less than 15 seconds and no more 
than 30 seconds to turn on lighting automatically after the sensor has timed out; and   
C. Provide a visible status signal that indicates that the device is operating properly, or 
that it has failed or malfunctioned. The visible status signal may have an override 
that turns off the signal . 
Exception  to Section 110.9(b)4: Occupant sensing control systems may consist of a 
combination of single or multilevel occupant, motion or vacancy sensor controls, 
provided that components installed to comply with manual -on requirements shall not be 
capable of conversion by occupants from manual -on to automatic -on functionality.  
5. Reserved . 
6. Sensors used to detect occupants. Sensors that are used by occupant sensing controls to 
detect occupants shall meet all of the following requirements:  Page 214 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 110.9 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR LIGHTING CONTROLS  A. Sensors shall not incorporate switches or mechanical devices that allow the sensor to 
be disabled without changing the settings of the control.  
B. Sensors that utilize ultrasonic radiation for detection of occupants shall:  
i. comply with 21 C.F.R. part 1002.12;  
ii. not emit audible sound; and  
iii. not emit ultrasound in excess of the decibel levels shown in Table 110.9 -A 
measured no more than 5 feet from the source, on axis.  
C. Sensors that utilize microwave radiation for detection of occupants shall:  
i. comply with 47 C.F.R. parts 2 and 15; and  
ii. not emit radiation in excess of 1 milliwatt per square centimeter measured at no 
more than 5 centimeters from the emission surface of the device.  
7. Indicator lights . Indicator lights integral to lighting controls shall consume no more than 
1 watt of power per indicator light.  
(c) Track lighting integral current limiter . An integral current limiter for line -voltage track 
lighting shall be recognized for compliance with Part 6 only if it meets all of the following 
requirements:  
1. Shall have the identical volt -ampere (VA) rating of the current limiter as installed and 
rated for compliance with Part 6 clearly marked as follows:  
A. So that it is visible for the enforcement agency’s field inspection without opening 
coverplates, fixtures or panels; and  
B. Permanently marked on the circuit breaker; and  
C. On a factory -printed label that is permanently affixed to a nonremovable base -plate 
inside the wiring compartment.  
2. Shall have a conspicuous factory installed label permanently affixed to the inside of the 
wiring compartment warning against removing, tampering with, rewiring or bypassing 
the device; and  
3. Each electrical panel from which track lighting integral current limiters are energized 
shall have a factory printed label permanently affixed and prominently located, stating 
the following: “NOTICE: Current limiting devices installed in track lighting integral current 
limiters connected to this panel shall only be replaced with the same or lower amperage. 
Adding track or replacement of existing current limiters with higher continuous ampere 
rating will void the track lighting integral current limiter ce rtification, and will require 
resubmittal of compliance documentation to the enforcement agency responsible for 
compliance with the California Title 24, Part 6 Building Energy Efficiency Standards.”  
(d) Track lighting supplementary overcurrent protection panel . A Track Lighting Supplementary 
Overcurrent Protection Panel shall be used only for line -voltage track lighting and shall be 
recognized for compliance with Part 6 only if it meets all of the following requirements:  
1. Shall be listed as defined in Section 100.1; and  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 215 
SECTION 110.9 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR LIGHTING CONTROLS  2. Shall have a permanently installed label that is prominently located stating the following: 
“NOTICE: This Panel for Track Lighting Energy Code Compliance Only.” The overcurrent 
protection devices in this panel shall only be replaced with the same or low er amperage. 
No other overcurrent protective device shall be added to this panel. Adding to, or 
replacement of, existing overcurrent protective device(s) with higher continuous ampere 
rating will void the panel listing and require resubmittal of compliance  documentation to 
the enforcement agency responsible for compliance with the California Title 24, Part 6 
Building Energy Efficiency Standards.  
TABLE 110.9 -A - ULTRASOUND MAXIMUM DECIBEL VALUES  
MID -FREQUENCY OF SOUND PRESSURE THIRD -
OCTAVE BAND (IN kHz)  MAXIMUM DB LEVEL WITHIN THIRD -OCTAVE 
BAND (IN dB REFERENCE 20 MICROPASCALS)  
Less than 20  80 
20 or more to less than 25  105 
25 or more to less than 31.5  110 
31.5 or more  115 
 
Note : Authority: Sections 25213, 25218, 25218.5, 25402 and 25402.1, Public Resources Code. 
Reference: Sections 25007, 25008, 25218.5, 25310, 25402, 25402.1, 25402.4, 25402.5, 25402.8, 
and 52943, Public Resources Code.  Page 216 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 110.10 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR SOLAR READINESS  SECTION 110.10 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR SOLAR READINESS  
(a) Covered occupancies . 
1. Single -family residences . Single -family residences located in subdivisions with ten or 
more single -family residences and where the application for a tentative subdivision map 
for the residences has been deemed complete or approved by the enforcement agency, 
which do not have a pho tovoltaic system installed, shall comply with the requirements 
of Sections 110.10(b) through 110.10(e)  
2. Low -rise multifamily buildings.  Low-rise multifamily buildings that do not have a 
photovoltaic system installed shall comply with the requirements of Sections 110.10(b) 
through 110.10(d).  
3. Hotel/ motel occupancies  and high -rise multifamily buildings . Hotel/motel occupancies 
and high -rise multifamily buildings with ten habitable stories or fewer, that do not have 
a photovoltaic system installed, shall comply with the requirements of Sections 
110.10(b) through 110.10(d).  
4. Nonresidential buildings . Nonresidential buildings with three habitable stories or fewer, 
other than I -2 and I -2.1 buildings, that do not have a photovoltaic system installed, shall 
comply with the requirements of Sections 110.10(b) through 110.10(d).  
(b) Solar zone . 
1. Minimum solar zone area . The solar zone shall have a minimum total area as described 
below. The solar zone shall comply with access, pathway, smoke ventilation, and spacing 
requirements as specified in Title 24, Part 9 or other Parts of Title 24 or in any 
requirements adopted by a local jurisdiction. The solar zone total area shall be 
comprised of areas that have no dimension less than five feet and are no less than 80 
square feet each for buildings with roof areas less than or equal to 10,000 square feet o r 
no less than 160 square feet each for buildings with roof areas greater than 10,000 
square feet.  
A. Single -family residences . The solar zone shall be located on the roof or overhang of 
the building and have a total area no less than 250 square feet.  
Exception 1 to Section 110.10(b)1A:  Single -family residences with a permanently 
installed domestic solar water -heating system meeting the installation criteria 
specified in the Reference Residential Appendix RA4 and with a minimum solar 
savings fraction of 0.50.  
Exception  2 to Section 110.10(b)1A:  Single -family residences with three habitable 
stories or more and with a total floor area less than or equal to 2000 square feet and 
having a solar zone total area no less than 150 square feet.  
Exception 3 to Section 110.10(b)1A:  Single -family residences located in the 
Wildland -Urban Interface Fire Area as defined in Title 24, Part 2 and having a whole 
house fan and having a solar zone total area no less than 150 square feet.  
Exception 4 to Section 110.10(b)1A:  Buildings with a designated solar zone area that 
is no less than 50 percent of the potential solar zone area. The potential solar zone 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 217 
SECTION 110.10 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR SOLAR READINESS  area is the total area of any low -sloped roofs where the annual solar access is 70 
percent or greater and any steep -sloped roofs oriented between 90  degrees and 300 
degrees of true north  where the annual solar access is 70 percent or greater. Solar 
access is the ratio of solar insolation including shade to the solar insolation without 
shade. Shading from obstructions located on the roof or any other part of the 
building shall not be included in the determination of annual solar access . 
Exception  5 to Section 110.10(b)1A:  Single -family residences having a solar zone 
total area no less than 150 square feet and where all thermostats are demand 
responsive controls and comply with Section 110.12(a), and are capable of receiving 
and responding to Demand Response Signals prior t o granting of an occupancy 
permit by the enforcing agency.  
Exception 6 to Section 110.10(b)1A:  Single -family residences meeting the following 
conditions:  
A. All thermostats are demand responsive controls that comply with Section 
110.12(a), and are capable of receiving and responding to Demand Response 
Signals prior to granting of an occupancy permit by the enforcing agency.  
B. Comply with one of the following measures:  
i. Install a dishwasher that meets or exceeds the ENERGY STAR® Program 
requirements with a refrigerator that meets or exceeds the ENERGY STAR 
Program requirements, a whole house fan driven by an electronically 
commutated motor, or an SAE J1772 Level 2 Electric Vehicle Supply 
Equipment (EVSE or EV charger) with a mini mum of 40 amperes; or  
ii. Install a home automation system capable of, at a minimum, controlling the 
appliances and lighting of the dwelling and responding to demand response 
signals; or  
iii. Install alternative plumbing piping to permit the discharge from the clothes 
washer and all showers and bathtubs to be used for an irrigation system in 
compliance with the California Plumbing Code and any applicable local 
ordinances; or  
iv. Install a rainwater catchment system designed to comply with the California 
Plumbing Code  and any applicable local ordinances, and that uses rainwater 
flowing from at least 65 percent of the available roof area.  
B. Multifamily buildings, hotel/motel occupancies  and nonresidential buildings . The 
solar zone shall be located on the roof or overhang of the building or on the roof or 
overhang of another structure located within 250 feet of the building or on covered 
parking installed with the building project, and shall have a total area no less than 15 
percent of the total roof area of the building excluding any skylight area. The solar 
zone requirement is applicable to the entire building, including mixed occupancy.  
Exception  1 to Section 110.10(b)1B:  High -rise multifamily buildings, hotel/motel 
occupancies , and nonresidential buildings  with a permanently installed solar electric Page 218 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 110.10 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR SOLAR READINESS  system having a nameplate DC power rating, measured under Standard Test 
Conditions, of no less than one watt per square foot of roof area.  
Exception  2 to Section 110.10(b)1B:  High -rise multifamily buildings, hotel/motel 
occupancies with a permanently installed domestic solar water -heating system 
complying with Section 150.1(c)8Biii.  
Exception  3 to Section 110.10(b)1B:  Buildings with a designated solar zone area that 
is no less than 50 percent of the potential solar zone area. The potential solar zone 
area is the total area of any low -sloped roofs where the annual solar access is 70 
percent or greater and any steep -sloped roofs oriented between 90  degrees and 300 
degrees of true north  where the annual solar access is 70 percent or greater. Solar 
access is the ratio of solar insolation including shade to the solar insolation without 
shad e. Shading from obstructions located on the roof or any other part of the 
building shall not be included in the determination of annual solar access . 
Exception  4 to Section 110.10(b)1B:  Low-rise and high -rise multifamily buildings with 
all thermostats in each dwelling unit are demand response controls that comply with 
Section 110.12(a), and are capable of receiving and responding to Demand Response 
Signals prior to granting of an occupancy permit by the enforcing agency. In addition, 
either A or B below:  
A. In each dwelling unit, comply with one of the following measures:  
i. Install a dishwasher that meets or exceeds the ENERGY STAR Program 
requirements with either a refrigerator that meets or exceeds the ENERGY 
STAR Program requirements or a whole house fan driven by an electronically 
commutated motor; or  
ii. Install a home automation system that complies with Section 110.12(a) and is 
capable of, at a minimum, controlling the appliances and lighting of the 
dwelling and responding to demand response signals; or  
iii. Install alternative plumbing piping to permit the discharge from the clothes 
washer and all showers and bathtubs to be used for an irrigation system in 
compliance with the California Plumbing Code  and any applicable local 
ordinances; or  
iv. Install a rainwater catchment system designed to comply with the California 
Plumbing Code  and any applicable local ordinances,  and that uses rainwater 
flowing from at least 65 percent of the available roof area.  
B. Meet the Title 24, Part 11, Section A4.106.8.2 requirements for electric vehicle 
charging spaces.  
Exception 5 to Section 110.10(b)1B: Buildings where the roof is designed and approved 
to be used for vehicular traffic or parking or for a heliport.  
2. Azimuth range . All sections of the solar zone located on steep -sloped roofs shall have an 
azimuth range between 90 degrees and 300 degrees of true north.  
3. Shading.  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 219 
SECTION 110.10 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR SOLAR READINESS  A. No obstructions, including but not limited to, vents, chimneys, architectural features 
and roof mounted equipment, shall be located in the solar zone.  
B. Any obstruction, located on the roof or any other part of the building that projects 
above a solar zone shall be located at least twice the distance, measured in the 
horizontal plane, of the height difference between the highest point of the 
obstruction and the horizontal projection of the nearest point o f the solar zone, 
measured in the vertical plane.  
Exception  to Section 110.10(b)3:  Any roof obstruction, located on the roof or any other 
part of the building, that is oriented north of all points on the solar zone.  
4. Structural design loads  on construction documents . For areas of the roof designated as 
solar zone, the structural design loads for roof dead load and roof live load shall be 
clearly indicated on the construction documents.  
Note:  Section 110.10(b)4 does not require the inclusion of any collateral loads for future 
solar energy systems.  
(c) Interconnection pathways . 
1. The construction documents shall indicate a location reserved for inverters and metering 
equipment and a pathway reserved for routing of conduit from the solar zone to the 
point of interconnection with the electrical service.  
2. For single -family residences and central water -heating systems, the construction 
documents shall indicate a pathway for routing of plumbing from the solar zone to the 
water -heating system.  
(d) Documentation.  A copy of the construction documents or a comparable document 
indicating the information from Sections 110.10(b) through 110.10(c) shall be provided to 
the occupant.  
(e) Main electrical service panel . 
1. The main electrical service panel shall have a minimum busbar rating of 200 amps.  
2. The main electrical service panel shall have a reserved space to allow for the installation 
of a double pole circuit breaker for a future solar electric installation. The reserved space 
shall be permanently marked as “For Future Solar Electric”.  
Note : Authority: Sections 25213, 25218, 25218.5, 25402, 25402.1, and 25605, Public Resources 
Code. Reference: Sections 25007, 25008, 25218.5, 25310, 25402, 25402.1, 25402.4, 25402.8, 
25605, and 25943, Public Resources Code . Page 220 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 110.11 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR ELECTRICAL POWER DISTRIBUTION 
SYSTEM  SECTION 110.1 1 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR ELECTRICAL POWER 
DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM  
Certification by Manufacturers . Any electrical power distribution system equipment listed in 
this section may be installed only if the manufacture has certified to the Commission that the 
equipment complies with all the applicable requirements of this section.  
(a) Low -voltage dry -type distribution transformer  shall be certified by the Manufacturer as 
required by the Title 20 Appliance Efficiency Regulations.  
EXCEPTION to Section 110.11(a):  
1. autotransformer;  
2. drive (isolation) transformer;  
3. grounding transformer;  
4. machine -tool (control) transformer;  
5. nonventilated transformer;  
6. rectifier transformer;  
7. regulating transformer;  
8. sealed transformer;  
9. special -impedance transformer;  
10. testing transformer;  
11. transformer with tap range of 20 percent or more;  
12. uninterruptible power supply transformer; or  
13. welding transformer.  
Note : Authority: Sections 25213, 25218, 25218.5, 25402 and 25402.1, Public Resources Code. 
Reference: Sections 25007, 25008, 25218.5, 25310, 25402, 25402.1, 25402.4, 25402.8, and 
25943, Public Resources Code . 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 221 
SECTION 110.12 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR DEMAND MANAGEMENT  SECTION 1 10.12 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR DEMAND MANAGEMENT  
Buildings, other than healthcare facilities, that install or are required to install demand 
responsive controls shall comply with the applicable demand responsive control 
requirements of Sections 110.12(a) through 110.12(e).  
(a) Demand responsive controls.   
1. All demand responsive controls shall be either:  
A. A certified OpenADR 2.0a or OpenADR 2.0b Virtual End Node (VEN), as specified 
under Clause 11, Conformance, in the applicable OpenADR 2.0 Specification; or  
B. Certified by the manufacturer as being capable of responding to a demand 
response signal from a certified OpenADR 2.0b Virtual End Node by automatically 
implementing the control functions requested by the Virtual End Node for the 
equipment it controls.  
2. All demand responsive controls shall be capable of communicating with the VEN 
using a wired or wireless bidirectional  communication pathway protocol .  
3. RESERVED  
4. When communications are the demand response signal is  disabled or unavailable, all 
demand responsive controls shall continue to perform all other control functions 
provided by the control.  
5. Demand responsive control thermostats shall comply with Reference Joint Appendix 
5 (JA5), Technical Specifications for Occupant Controlled Smart Thermostats.  
(b) Demand Responsive Zonal HVAC Controls.  Nonresidential HVAC systems with DDC to 
the Zone level shall be programmed to allow centralized demand shed for noncritical 
zones as follows:  
1. The controls shall have a capability to remotely increase the operating cooling 
temperature set points by 4  degrees  or more in all noncritical zones on signal from a 
centralized contact or software point within an Energy Management Control System 
(EMCS).  
2. The controls shall have a capability to remotely decrease the operating heating 
temperature set points by 4  degrees or more in all noncritical zones on signal from a 
centralized contact or software point within an EMCS.  
3. The controls shall have capabilities to remotely reset the temperatures in all 
noncritical zones to original operating levels on signal from a centralized contact or 
software point within an EMCS.  
4. The controls shall be programmed to provide an adjustable rate of change for the 
temperature increase, decrease, and reset.  
5. The controls shall have the following features:  
A. Disabled. Disabled by authorized facility operators; and  Page 222 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 110.12 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR DEMAND MANAGEMENT  B. Manual control. Manual control by authorized facility operators to allow 
adjustment of heating and cooling set points globally from a single point in the 
EMCS; and  
C. Automatic Demand Shed Control. Upon receipt of a demand response signal, the 
space -conditioning systems shall conduct a centralized demand shed, as specified 
in Sections 110.12(b)1 and 110.12(b)2, for noncritical zones during the demand 
response period.  
(c) Demand Responsive Lighting Controls.  Buildings with nonresidential lighting systems 
having a total installed lighting power of 4,000 watts or greater that are subject to the 
requirements of Section 130.1(b) or 160.5(b) 4B shall  install controls that are capable of 
automatically reducing lighting power in response to a Ddemand Rresponse Ssignal.  
1. For compliance testing, the lighting controls shall demonstrate a 15 -percent or 
greater reduction in lighting power as described in NA7.6.3. The controls may 
provide additional demand responsive functions or abilities.  
2. For buildings where demand response controls are required, demand responsive 
controls shall control the general lighting in the spaces required to meet  that is 
subject to the requirements of Section 130.1(b)  or 160.5(b)4B  and may control 
additional lighting .  
3. General lighting shall be reduced in a manner consistent with the uniform level of 
illumination requirements in Table  130.1 -A requirements of Section 130.1(b)  or 
160.5(b)4B .  
Exception to Section 110.12(c):  Spaces where a health or life safety statute, ordinance, 
or regulation does not permit the general lighting to be reduced are not required to 
install demand responsive controls and do not count toward the 4,000 -watt threshold.  
(d) Demand Responsive Electronic Message Center Control.  Controls for electronic 
message centers greater than 15 kW shall be capable of reducing the lighting power by a 
minimum of 30 percent when receiving a demand response signal.  
Exception to Section 110.12(d):  Electronic message centers that are not permitted by a 
health or life safety statute, ordinance, or regulation to be reduced.  
(e)  Demand Responsive Controlled Receptacles.  In spaces required to have controlled 
receptacles per Section 130.5(d) or 160.6(d) and where  demand  responsive lighting 
controls  are installed,  the controlled receptacles in buildings shall be capable of 
automatically turning off all  connected  loads connected to the receptacle in response to 
a demand response signal.    
Exception 1 to Section 110.12(e):  Buildings not required to have demand responsive 
lighting controls.  
Exception 2 to Section 110.12(e):  Spaces where a health or life safety statute, ordinance or 
regulation does not permit the receptacles to be automatically controlled.  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 223 
SECTION 110.12 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR DEMAND MANAGEMENT  NOTE:  Authority: Sections 25213, 25218, 25218.5, 25402 and 25402.1, Public Resources Code. 
Reference: Sections 25007, 25008, 25218.5, 25310, 25402, 25402.1, 25402.4, 25402.5, 25402.8, 
and 25943, Public Resources Code.
 Page 224 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 120.0 — GENERAL  SUBCHAPTER 3  
NONRESIDENTIAL, HOTEL/MOTEL OCCUPANCIES, AND 
COVERED PROCESSES —MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS  
SECTION 120.0 — GENERAL  
Sections 120.1 through 120. 10 establish requirements for the design and installation of building 
envelopes, ventilation, space -conditioning and service water -heating systems and equipment in 
nonresidential and hotel/motel buildings as well as covered processes that are within the scop e 
of Section 100.0(a).  
NOTE:  The requirements of Sections 120.1 through 120. 10 apply to newly constructed buildings. 
Section 141.0 specifies which requirements of Sections 120.1 through 120. 10 also apply to 
additions or alterations to existing buildings.  
Note : Authority: Sections 25213, 25218, 25218.5, 25402 and 25402.1, Public Resources Code. 
Reference: Sections 25007, 25008, 25218.5, 25310, 25402, 25402.1, 25402.4, 25402.5, 25402.8, 
and 25943, Public Resources Code.  
 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 225 
SECTION 120.1 – REQUIREMENTS FOR VENTILATION AND INDOOR AIR QUALITY  SECTION 120.1 – REQUIREMENTS FOR VENTILATION  AND INDOOR AIR QUALITY  
(a) General requirements . 
1. All occupiable spaces in hotel/motel buildings, and nonresidential buildings other than 
healthcare facilities shall comply with the applicable requirements of Section 120.1(a) 
through 120.1(g). Healthcare facilities shall be ventilated in accordance wit h Chapter 4 of 
the California Mechanical Code.  
2. The required outdoor air -ventilation rate and the air -distribution system design shall be 
clearly identified on the plans in accordance with Section 10 -103 of Title 24, Part 1.  
(b) Reserved . 
(c) Nonresidential and hotel/motel buildings . All occupiable spaces shall meet the 
requirements of Section 120.1(c)1, and shall also comply with either Section 120.1(c)2 or 
Section 120.1(c)3.  
1. Air filtration .  
A. Mechanical system types specified in Subsections i, ii and iii below shall be  designed 
to ensure that all recirculated air and all outdoor air supplied to the occupiable space 
is filtered   before passing through any system thermal conditioning components. Air 
filters shall conform to the requirements of Sections 120.1(c)1B, 120.1(c)1C and 
120.1(c)1D.  
i. Mechanical space -conditioning systems that supply air to an occupiable space 
through ductwork exceeding 10 ft (3 m) in length.   
ii. Mechanical supply -only ventilation systems and makeup air systems that provide 
outside air to an occupiable space.  
iii. The supply side of mechanical balanced ventilation systems, including heat 
recovery ventilation systems and energy recovery ventilation systems that 
provide outside air to an occupiable space.  
Exception to Section 120.1(c)1A:  For heat recovery ventilators and energy recovery 
ventilators, the location of the filters required by Section 120.1(c)1A may be 
downstream of a system thermal conditioning component, provided the system is 
equipped with ancillary filtration upstream of t he system’s thermal conditioning 
component.  
B. Air filter efficiency. The filters shall have a designated efficiency equal to or greater 
than MERV 13 when tested in accordance with ASHRAE Standard 52.2, or a particle 
size efficiency rating equal to or greater than 50 percent in the 0.30 –1.0 µm range , 
and equal to or greater than 85 percent in the 1.0 –3.0 µm range when tested in 
accordance with AHRI Standard 680; and  
C. Systems shall be equipped with air filters that meet either Subsection i or ii below.  
 i. Nominal 2 -inch minimum depth filter(s); or  Page 226 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 120.1 – REQUIREMENTS FOR VENTILATION AND INDOOR AIR QUALITY  ii. Nominal one inch minimum depth filter(s) shall be allowed if the filter(s) are sized 
according to Equation 120.1 -A, based on a maximum face velocity of 150 feet per 
minute.  
 
Aface = Q filter /Vface   (Equation 120.1 -A) 
Where:  
Aface = air filter face area, the product of air filter nominal length × 
nominal width, ft2  
Qfilter = design airflow rate for the air filter, ft3/min  
Vface  = air filter face velocity £ 150, ft/min  
D. Filter racks or grilles shall use gaskets, sealing or other means to close gaps around 
inserted filters and prevent air from bypassing the filter.  
2. Natural ventilation . Naturally ventilated spaces shall be designed in accordance with 
120.1(c)2A through 120.1(c)2 CD. and include a mechanical ventilation system designed 
in accordance with 120.1(c)3:  
A. Floor area to be ventilated. Spaces or portions of spaces to be naturally ventilated 
shall be located within a distance based on the ceiling height, as specified in i, ii and 
iii. The ceiling height (H) to be used in i, ii or iii shall be the minimum ce iling height in 
the space, or for ceilings that are increasing in height as distance from the operable 
openings is increased, the ceiling height shall be determined as the average height of 
the ceiling within 20 feet from the operable opening. [ASHRAE 62.1 :6.4.1 .1] 
 i. Single side opening. For spaces with operable opening on one side of the 
space zone , the maximum distance from the operable opening shall be not more 
than 2H. naturally ventilated area shall extend to a distance not greater than two 
times the height (H) of the ceiling from the openings.  [ASHRAE 62.1:6.4.1. 31] 
ii. Double side opening. For spaces zones with operable openings on two opposite 
sides of the space zone , the  naturally ventilated area shall extend  between the 
openings separated by a distance not greater than five times the height of the 
ceiling.  maximum distance from the operable opening shall be not more than 
5H. [ASHRAE 62.1:6.4.1. 42] 
iii. Corner opening. For spaces zones with operable openings on two adjacent sides 
of a space zone , the naturally ventilated area shall extend to a maximum  distance 
not greater than five times the height of the ceiling from the operable openings 
shall be not more than 5H  along a line drawn between the outside edges of the 
two openings that are the farthest apart. The remaining area of the zone that is 
not bounded by the walls that have the openings and the line drawn between the 
openings Floor area outside that line  shall comply with i as having openings on 
only one side of the zone. or ii. [ASHRAE 62.1:6.4.1. 53] 
iv. Ceiling height. The ceiling height (H) to be used in Section 120.1(c)2Ai through 
120.1(c )2Aiii shall be the minimum ceiling height in the space.  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 227 
SECTION 120.1 – REQUIREMENTS FOR VENTILATION AND INDOOR AIR QUALITY  Exception to Section 120.1(c)2Aiv : For ceilings that are increasing in height as 
distance from the opening is increased, the ceiling height shall be determined as 
the average height of the ceiling within 20 feet from the operable openings. 
[ASHRAE 62.1:6.4.1. 14] 
B.  Location and size of openings. Spaces Zones or portions of spaces zones to be 
naturally ventilated shall be have a permanently open airflow path to operable wall 
openings directly  connected  to the outdoors. The openable area shall be not less 
than 4 percent of the net occupiable floor area. Where openings are covered with 
louvers or otherwise obstructed, the openable area shall be based on the net free 
unobstructed area through the opening. Where interior rooms, or portions of rooms, 
without direct openings to the outdoors are ventilated through adjoining rooms, the 
opening bet ween rooms shall be permanently unobstructed and have a free area of 
not less than 8 percent of the area of the interior room or less than 25 square feet. 
[ASHRAE 62.1:6.4. 1.62] 
C. Control and accessibility. The means to open the required operable opening shall be 
readily accessible to building occupants whenever the space is occupied. Controls 
shall be designed to coordinate operation of the natural and mechanical ventilation 
systems. [ASHRAE 62.1:6.4.3]  
D. Naturally ventilated spaces shall also include a mechanical ventilation system 
designed in accordance with 120.1(c)3.  
Exception 1 to Section 120.1(c) 2D: Spaces not served by a space -conditioning 
system.  
Exception  21 to Section 120.1(c)2 D: The Spaces mechanical  ventilation system shall 
not be required  where natural ventilation openings complying with 120.1(c)2 are 
either permanently open or have controls that prevent the openings from being 
closed during periods of expected occupancy.  
Exception  2 to Section 120.1(c)2 : The mechanical ventilation system shall not be 
required where the zone is not served by a space -conditioning system.  
3. Mechanical ventilation . Occupiable spaces shall be ventilated with a mechanical 
ventilation system capable of providing an outdoor airflow rate to the zone (V z) no less 
than Equation 120.1 -F as described below:  
Vz = R t × A z (Equation 120.1 -F) 
Where:  
Rt = Total outdoor airflow rate required per unit area as determined 
from Table 120.1 -A. 
Az = Zone floor area, meaning the net occupiable floor area of the 
ventilation zone in square feet.  
Exception 1 to Section 120.1(c)3: Designed occupancy.  For spaces designed for an 
expected number of occupants per the Exception to Section 1004.5 of the CBC, or spaces Page 228 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 120.1 – REQUIREMENTS FOR VENTILATION AND INDOOR AIR QUALITY  with fixed seating per Section 1004.6 of the CBC, the outdoor airflow rate to the zone 
(Vz) shall be determined in accordance with Equation 120.1 -G; 
Vz = The larger of R p × P z or R a × A z (Equation 120.1 -GF) 
Where:  
Rp =   15 cubic feet per minute of outdoor airflow per person  
Pz =  The expected number of occupants. For spaces without fixed 
seating , Thethe expected number of occupants shall be the expected 
number specified by the building designer  or the default occupancy 
density in Table 120.1 -A times the occupiable floor area of the zone, 
whichever is greater . For spaces with fixed seating, the expected number 
of occupants shall be determined in accordance with the California 
Building Code  Section 1004.6 . 
Ra = The area -based minimum ventilation airflow rate allowed for DCV 
in Table 120.1 -A. If R a is not defined for an occupancy category, R a = 0.  
Az = Zone floor area, meaning t The net occupiable floor area of the 
ventilation zone in square feet.   
Exception  2 to Section 120.1(c)3:  Transfer air.  The rate of outdoor air required by 
Section 120.1(c)3 may be provided with air transferred from other ventilated space if:  
A. Use of transfer air is in accordance with Section 120.1(g); and  
B. The outdoor air that is supplied to all spaces combined, is sufficient to meet the 
requirements of Section 120.1(c)3 for each space individually.  
4. Exhaust ventilation . The design exhaust airflow shall be determined in accordance with 
the requirements in Table 120.1 -B. Exhaust makeup air shall be permitted to be any 
combination of outdoor air, recirculated air, or transfer air. [ASHRAE 62.1:6.5.1]  
(d) Operation and control requirements  for minimum quantities  of outdoor air . 
1. Times of occupancy.  The minimum rate of outdoor air required by Section 120.1(c) shall 
be supplied to each space at all times when the space is usually occupied.  
Exception  1 to Section 120.1(d)1:  Demand control ventilation.  In intermittently 
occupied spaces that do not have processes or operations that generate dusts, fumes, 
mists, vapors or gasses and are not provided with local exhaust ventilation (such as 
indoor operation of internal combustion engines or areas designated  for unvented food 
service preparation), the rate of outdoor air may be reduced if the ventilation system 
serving the space is controlled by a demand control ventilation device complying with 
Section 120.1(d)4 or by an occupant sensor ventilation control device complying with 
Section 120.1(d)5.  
Exception  2 to Section 120.1(d)1:  Temporary reduction.  The rate of outdoor air 
provided to a space may be reduced below the level required by Section 120.1(c) for up 
to 30 minutes at a time if the average rate for each hour is equal to or greater than the 
required ventilation rate.  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 229 
SECTION 120.1 – REQUIREMENTS FOR VENTILATION AND INDOOR AIR QUALITY  2. Pre-occupancy.  The lesser of the minimum rate of outdoor air required by Section 
120.1(c) or three complete air changes shall be supplied to the entire building during the 
one-hour period immediately before the building is normally occupied.  
3. Required demand control ventilation.  Demand ventilation controls complying with 
Section 120.1(d)4 are required for a spac e with a design occupant density, or a 
maximum occupant load factor for egress purposes in the CBC, greater than or equal to 
25 people per 1,000  square feet (40 square feet or less per person) if the ventilation 
system serving the space has one or more of the following:  
A. an air economizer; or  
B. modulating outside air control; or  
C. design outdoor airflow rate > 3,000 cfm  
Exception  1 to Section 120.1(d)3:  Where space exhaust is greater than the design 
ventilation rate specified in Section 120.1(c)3 minus 0.2 cfm per square foot  of 
conditioned area.  
Exception  2 to Section 120.1(d)3:  Spaces that have processes or operations that 
generate dusts, fumes, mists, vapors or gases and are not provided with local exhaust 
ventilation, such as indoor operation of internal combustion engines or areas designated 
for unvented food service preparat ion, daycare sickrooms, science labs, barber shops or 
beauty and nail salons shall not install demand control ventilation.  
Exception  3 to Section 120.1(d)3:  Spaces with an area of less than 150 square feet, or a 
design occupancy of less than 10 people as  specified by Section 120.1(c)3.  
4. Dem and control ventilation devices . 
A. For each system with demand control ventilation (DCV), CO 2 sensors shall be 
installed in each room that meets the criteria of Section 120.1(d)3 with no less than 
one sensor per 10,000 square feet  of floor space. When a zone or a space is served 
by more than one sensor, a signal from any sensor indicating that CO 2 is near or at 
the setpoint within the zone or space , shall trigger an increase in ventilation.  
B. CO 2 sensors shall be located in the room between 3 feet and 6 feet above the floor or 
at the anticipated height of the occupants’ heads.  
C. Demand ventilation controls shall maintain CO 2 concentrations less than or equal to 
600 ppm plus the outdoor air CO 2 concentration in all rooms with CO 2 sensors.  
Exception  to Section 120.1(d)4C:  The outdoor air ventilation rate is not required to 
be larger than the design outdoor air ventilation rate required by Section 120.1(c)3 
regardless of CO 2 concentration.  
D. Outdoor air CO 2 concentration shall be determined by one of the following:  
 i. CO 2 concentration shall be assumed to be 400 ppm without any direct 
measurement; or  
ii. CO 2 concentration shall be dynamically measured using a CO 2 sensor located 
within 4 feet of the outdoor air intake.  Page 230 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 120.1 – REQUIREMENTS FOR VENTILATION AND INDOOR AIR QUALITY  E. When the system is operating during hours of expected occupancy, the controls shall 
maintain system outdoor air ventilation rates no less than  Ra × Az per Equation 
120.1 -F the rate listed in Table 120.1 -A for DCV, times the conditioned floor area  for 
each  space s with  a CO 2 sensor (s), plus the  greater of either the exhaust air  rate or 
the rate  required by Section 120.1(c)3 for other spaces served by the system . , or the 
exhaust air rate , whichever is greater.  
F. CO 2 sensors shall be certified by the manufacturer to be accurate within plus or 
minus 75 ppm at a 600 and 1000 ppm concentration when measured at sea level and 
25°C, factory calibrated and certified by the manufacturer to require calibration no 
more frequent ly than once every 5 years. Upon detection of sensor failure, the 
system shall provide a signal which resets to supply the minimum quantity of outside 
air to levels required by Section 120.1(c)3 to the zone serviced by the sensor at all 
times that th e zone is occupied.  
G. The CO 2 sensor(s) reading for each zone shall be displayed continuously, and shall be 
recorded on systems with DDC to the zone level.  
5. Occupant sensor ventilation control devices. Occupied -Standby Zone Controls . 
Occupant sensing or ventilation controls are required for space -conditioning zones that 
are both permitted to have their ventilation air reduced to zero while in occupied -
standby mode per Table 120.1 -A and required to install occupant sensors to comply with 
Section 130.1(c)5, 6 and 7. Occupant sensor ventilation control devices used to reduce 
the rate of outdoor air flow  when occupants are not present shall comply with the 
following:   
A. Space conditioning zones shall include occupied standby controls complying with 
Section 120.1(d)5B when all of the following are true:  
i. All rooms served by the zone are permitted to have their ventilation air reduced to 
zero while in  occupied -standby mode per Table 120.1 -A; and  
 ii. Occupant sensors are required by Section 130.1 (c)5 and 6; and 
 iii. The zone and ventilation system is not served  by pneumatic controls . 
 Spaces meeting these criteria include , but not limited to : 
Post -secondary classrooms and lecture halls  
Conference, meeting, and training rooms  
Multipurpose rooms < 1,000 ft2  
Breakrooms  
Enclosed offices and open plan office areas  
Corridors and stairwells  
B. Occupied -standby zone controls shall comply with the following:  
iA. Occupant sensors shall have suitable coverage and placement to detect 
occupants in the entire space  ventilated . In 20 minutes or less after no occupancy 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 231 
SECTION 120.1 – REQUIREMENTS FOR VENTILATION AND INDOOR AIR QUALITY  is detected by any sensors covering the room, occupant sensing controls shall 
indicate a room is vacant.   
iiB. When occupant sensors controlling lighting are also used for ventilation, the 
ventilation signal shall be independent of daylighting, manual lighting overrides 
or manual control of lighting.  
iiiC. When a single zone damper or a single zone system serves multiple rooms spaces , 
there shall be an occupant sensor in each room space and the zone shall not be 
considered vacant until all rooms spaces in the zone are vacant.  
ivD. One hour prior to normal scheduled occupancy, the occupant sensor 
ventilation control shall allow pre -occupancy purge as described in Section 
120.1(d)2.  
vE. When the zone is scheduled to be occupied and occupant sensing controls in all 
rooms spaces and areas served by the zone indicate the spaces are unoccupied, 
the zone shall be placed in occupied -standby mode.   
viF. In 5 minutes or less after entering occupied -standby mode, mechanical 
ventilation to the zone shall be shut off until the space becomes occupied or until 
ventilation is needed to provide space heating or conditioning. When mechanical 
ventilation is shut off to the zone, the ventilation system serving the zone shall 
reduce the system outside air rate by the amount of outside air required for the 
zone.  
viiG. Where the system providing space conditioning also provides ventilation 
to the zone, in 5 minutes or less after entering occupied -standby mode, space -
conditioning zone setpoints shall be reset in accordance with Section 120.2(e)3.  
 
(e) Ducting for zonal heating  and cooling units.  Where a return plenum is used to distribute 
outdoor air to a zonal heating or cooling unit , which then supplies the air to a space in order 
to meet the requirements of Section 120.1(c)3, the outdoor air shall be ducted to discharge 
either:  
1. Within 5 feet of the unit; or  
2. Within 15 feet of the unit, substantially toward the unit, and at a velocity not less than 
500 feet per minute.  
(f) Design and control requirements  for quantities  of outdoor air .  
1. All mechanical ventilation and space -conditioning systems shall be designed with and 
have installed ductwork, dampers and controls that allow design minimum outside air 
rates to be operated at no less than the larger of (1) the minimum levels specified in 
Section 120.1(c)3 ; or (2) the rate required for make -up of exhaust systems that are 
required for an exempt or a covered or non -covered process, for control of odors, or for 
the removal of contaminants within the space.  
2. All variable air volume mechanical ventilation and space -conditioning systems shall 
include dynamic controls that are capable of maintaining measured outside air Page 232 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 120.1 – REQUIREMENTS FOR VENTILATION AND INDOOR AIR QUALITY  ventilation rates within 10 percent of the design minimum outside air ventilation rate at 
both full and reduced supply airflow conditions. Fixed minimum damper position is not 
considered to be dynamic and is not an allowed control strategy.  
3. All mechanical ventilation and space -conditioning systems shall be tested to confirm 
their ability to operate within 10 percent of the design minimum outside air rate.  
(g) Air classification  and recirculation limitations . Air classification and recirculation limitations 
of air shall be based on the air classification as listed in Table 120.1 -A or Table 120.1 -C, and 
in accordance with the requirements of Sections 120.1(g)1 through 4.  
Note:  Air class definitions are taken directly from ASHRAE 62.1 and are duplicated here for 
convenience.  
1. Class 1 Air  is air with low contaminant concentration, low sensory -irritation intensity or 
inoffensive odor. Recirculation or transfer of Class 1 air to any space shall be permitted; 
[ASHRAE 62.1:5.1 36.3.1]  
2. Class 2 Air  is air with moderate contaminant concentration, mild sensory -irritation 
intensity or mildly offensive odors (Class 2 air also includes air that is not necessarily 
harmful or objectionable but that is inappropriate for transfer or recirculation to spaces 
used for different purposes ). Recirculation or transfer of Class 2 air shall be permitted in 
accordance with Sections 120.1(g)2A through 120.1(g)2E:  
A. Recirculation of Class 2 air within the space of origin shall be permitted [ASHRAE 
62.1:5.1 36.3.2.1 ]; 
B. Recirculation or transfer of Class 2 to other Class 2 or Class 3 spaces shall be 
permitted, provided that the other spaces are used for the same or similar purpose 
or task and involve the same or similar pollutant sources as the Class 2 space 
[ASHRAE 62 .1:5.1 36.3.2.2]; or  
C. Transfer of Class 2 air to toilet rooms [ASHRAE 62.1:5.1 36.3.2.3]; or  
D. Recirculation or transfer of Class 2 air to Class 4 spaces [ASHRAE 62.1:5.1 36.3.2.4]; or  
E. Class 2 air shall not be recirculated or transferred to Class 1 spaces. [ASHRAE 
62.1:5.1 63.3.2.5]  
Exception  to Section 120.1(g)2E: When using any energy recovery device, recirculation 
from leakage, carryover, or transfer from the exhaust side of the energy recovery device 
is permitted. Recirculated Class 2 air shall not exceed 10  percent  of the outdoor air 
intake flow.  
3. Class 3 Air  is air with significant contaminant concentration, significant sensory -irritation 
intensity or offensive odor . Recirculation or transfer of Class 3 air shall be permitted in 
accordance with 120.1(g)3A and B:  
A. Recirculation of Class 3 air within the space of origin shall be permitted. [ASHRAE 
62.1:5.1 36.3.3.1]  
B. Class 3 air shall not be recirculated or transferred to any other space. [ASHRAE 
62.1:5.1 36.3.3.2].  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 233 
SECTION 120.1 – REQUIREMENTS FOR VENTILATION AND INDOOR AIR QUALITY  Exception  to Section 120.1(g)3B:  When using any energy recovery device, recirculation 
from leakage, carryover, or transfer from the exhaust side of the energy recovery device 
is permitted. Recirculated Class 3 air shall not exceed 5  percent  of the outdoor air intake 
flow.  
4. Class 4 Air  is air with highly objectionable fumes or gases or with potentially dangerous 
particles, bioaerosols, or gases at concentrations high enough to be considered as 
harmful. Class 4 air shall not be recirculated or transferred to any space or recirculated 
within the space of origin. [ASHRAE 62.1:5.1 63.3.4]  
5. Ancillary spaces.  Redesignation of Class 1 air to Class 2 air shall be permitted for Class 1 
spaces that are ancillary to Class 2 spaces. [ASHRAE 62.1:5.1 63.2.3]  
6. Transfer.  A mixture of air that has been transferred through or returned from spaces or 
locations with different air classes shall be redesignated with the highest classification 
among the air classes mixed. [ASHRAE 62.1:5.1 63.2.2]  
7. Classification.  Air leaving each space or location shall be designated at an expected air -
quality classification not less than that shown in Tables 120.1 -A, 120.1 -B or 120.1 -C. Air 
leaving spaces or locations that are not listed in Tables 120.1 -A, 120.1 -B or 120.1 -C shal l 
be designated with the same classification as air from the most similar space or location 
listed in terms of occupant activities and building construction.  
 (h) Ventilation only mechanical systems.  HVAC systems without mechanical cooling or 
mechanical heating shall meet the requirements of Section 120.2(f).  
  Page 234 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 120.1 – REQUIREMENTS FOR VENTILATION AND INDOOR AIR QUALITY  TABLE 120.1 -A– Minimum Ventilation Rates  
Occupancy Category  –  
Educational Facilities  Total Outdoor Air 
Rate1 Rt 
(cfm/ft2)Minimum 
Occupant Load 
Density (persons / 
1000 ft2) Min Ventilation Air 
Rate for DCV  Area -
based Minimum 
Ventilation  
Ra (cfm/ft2) Air Class  Notes  
Daycare (through age 4)  0.21 14 0.15  2 -- 
Daycare sickroom  0.15 5 0.15  3 -- 
Classrooms (ages 5 -8) 0.38 25 0.15  1 -- 
Classrooms (age 9 -18) 0.38 25 0.15  1 -- 
Lecture/postsecondary classroom  0.38 25 0.15  1 F 
Lecture hall (fixed seats)  -71 0.15  1 F 
Art classroom  0.15 25 0.15  2 -- 
Science laboratories  0.15 25 0.15  2 -- 
University/college laboratories  0.15 25 0.15  2 -- 
Wood/metal shop  0.15 10 0.15  2 -- 
Computer lab  0.15 25 0.15  1 -- 
Media center  0.15 25 0.15  1 A 
Music/theater/dance  1.07 33 0.15  1 F 
Multiuse assembly  0.533 0.15 1 F 
 
TABLE 120.1 -A– Continued Minimum Ventilation Rates  
Occupancy Category  - 
Food and Beverage Service  Minimum Occupant 
Load Density (persons 
/ 1000 ft2)Total 
Outdoor Airflow 
Rate1 Rt 
cfm/ft2 Area -based 
Minimum 
Ventilation Min 
Ventilation Air Rate 
for DCV  
Ra (cfm/ft2) Air Class  Notes  
Restaurant dining rooms  0.533 0.15  2 -- 
Cafeteria/fast -food dining  0.533 0.15  2 -- 
Bars, cocktail lounges  0.533 0.2 2 -- 
Kitchen (cooking)  0.15 3 0.15  2 -- 
 
  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 235 
SECTION 120.1 – REQUIREMENTS FOR VENTILATION AND INDOOR AIR QUALITY  TABLE 120.1 -A– Continued Minimum Ventilation Rates  
Occupancy Category - 
General  Minimum Occupant 
Load Density (persons 
/ 1000 ft2)Total 
Outdoor Airflow 
Rate1 Rt 
cfm/ft2 Area -based 
Minimum 
Ventilation Min 
Ventilation Air Rate 
for DCV  
Ra (cfm/ft2) Air Class  Notes  
Break rooms  0.533 0.15  1 F 
Coffee Stations  0.533 0.15  1 F 
Conference/meeting  0.533 0.15  1 F 
Corridors  0.15 5 0.15  1 F 
Occupiable storage rooms for 
liquids or gels  0.15 2 0.15  2 B 
 
TABLE 120.1 -A– Continued Minimum Ventilation Rates  
Occupancy Category - 
Hotels, Motels, Resorts, 
Dormitories  Minimum Occupant 
Load Density (persons 
/ 1000 ft2)Total 
Outdoor Airflow 
Rate1 Rt 
cfm/ft2 Area -based 
Minimum 
Ventilation Min 
Ventilation Air Rate 
for DCV  
Ra (cfm/ft2) Air Class  Notes  
Bedroom/living room  0.15 3 0.15  1 F 
Barracks sleeping areas  0.15 5 0.15  1 F 
Laundry rooms, central  0.15 5 0.15  2 -- 
Laundry rooms within dwelling 
units  0.15 5 0.15  1 -- 
Lobbies/pre -function  0.533 0.15  1 F 
Multipurpose assembly  0.533 0.15  1 F 
 
  Page 236 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 120.1 – REQUIREMENTS FOR VENTILATION AND INDOOR AIR QUALITY  TABLE 120.1 -A– Continued Minimum Ventilation Rates  
Occupancy Category - 
Office Buildings  Minimum Occupant 
Load Density (persons 
/ 1000 ft2)Total 
Outdoor Airflow 
Rate1 Rt 
cfm/ft2 Area -based 
Minimum 
Ventilation Min 
Ventilation Air Rate 
for DCV  
Ra (cfm/ft2) Air Class  Notes  
Breakrooms  0.533 0.15  1 -- 
Main entry lobbies  0.533 0.15  1 F 
Occupiable storage rooms for dry 
materials  0.15 2 0.15  1 -- 
Office space  0.15 5 0.15  1 F 
Reception areas  0.15 5 0.15  1 F 
Telephone/data entry  0.15 33 0.15  1 F 
 
TABLE 120.1 -A– Continued Minimum Ventilation Rates  
Occupancy Category - 
Miscellaneous Spaces  Minimum Occupant 
Load Density (persons 
/ 1000 ft2)Total 
Outdoor Airflow 
Rate1 Rt 
cfm/ft2 Area -based 
Minimum 
Ventilation Min 
Ventilation Air Rate 
for DCV  
Ra (cfm/ft2) Air Class  Notes  
Bank vaults/safe deposit  0.15 5 0.15  2 F 
Banks or bank lobbies  0.15 5 0.15  1 F 
Computer (not printing)  0.15 5 0.15  1 F 
Freezer and refrigerated spaces 
(<50oF)  -0 0 2 E 
 
  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 237 
SECTION 120.1 – REQUIREMENTS FOR VENTILATION AND INDOOR AIR QUALITY  TABLE 120.1 -A– Continued Minimum Ventilation Rates  
Occupancy Category - 
General manufacturing (excludes 
heavy industrial and process 
using chemicals  Minimum Occupant 
Load Density (persons 
/ 1000 ft2)Total 
Outdoor Airflow 
Rate1 Rt 
cfm/ft2 Area -based 
Minimum 
Ventilation Min 
Ventilation Air Rate 
for DCV  
Ra (cfm/ft2) Air Class  Notes  
Pharmacy (prep. Area)  0.15 5 0.15  2 -- 
Photo studios  0.15 5 0.15  1 -- 
Shipping/receiving  0.15 5 0.15  2 B 
Sorting, packing, light assembly  0.15 5 0.15  2 -- 
Telephone closets  0.15 5 0.15  1 -- 
Transportation waiting  0.533 0.15  1 F 
Warehouses  0.15 1 0.15  2 B 
All others  0.15 5 0.15  2 -- 
 
TABLE 120.1 -A– Continued Minimum Ventilation Rates  
Occupancy Category - 
Public Assembly Spaces  Minimum Occupant 
Load Density (persons 
/ 1000 ft2)Total 
Outdoor Airflow 
Rate1 Rt 
cfm/ft2 Area -based 
Minimum 
Ventilation Min 
Ventilation Air Rate 
for DCV  
Ra (cfm/ft2) Air Class  Notes  
Auditorium seating area  1.07 7 0.15  1 F 
Places of religious worship  1.07 7 0.15  1 F 
Courtrooms  0.19 13 0.15  1 F 
Legislative chambers  0.19 13 0.15  1 F 
Libraries (reading rooms and stack 
areas)  0.15 10 0.15  1 -- 
Lobbies  0.533 0.15  1 F 
Museums (children’s)  0.25 17 0.15  1 -- 
Museums/galleries  0.25 17 0.15  1 F 
 
  Page 238 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 120.1 – REQUIREMENTS FOR VENTILATION AND INDOOR AIR QUALITY  TABLE 120.1 -A– Continued Minimum Ventilation Rates  
Occupancy Category - 
Residential  Minimum Occupant 
Load Density (persons 
/ 1000 ft2)Total 
Outdoor Airflow 
Rate1 Rt 
cfm/ft2 Area -based 
Minimum 
Ventilation Min 
Ventilation Air Rate 
for DCV  
Ra (cfm/ft2) Air Class  Notes  
Common corridors  0.15 5 0.15  1 F 
 
TABLE 120.1 -A– Continued Minimum Ventilation Rates  
Occupancy Category - 
Retail  Minimum Occupant 
Load Density (persons 
/ 1000 ft2)Total 
Outdoor Airflow 
Rate1 Rt 
cfm/ft2 Area -based 
Minimum 
Ventilation Min 
Ventilation Air Rate 
for DCV  
Ra (cfm/ft2) Air Class  Notes  
Sales (except as below)  0.25 17 0.2 2 -- 
Mall common areas  0.25 17 0.15  1 F 
Barbershop  0.417 0.4 2 -- 
Beauty and nail salons  0.417 0.4 2 -- 
Pet shops (animal areas)  0.25 17 0.20.15  2 -- 
Supermarket  0.25 17 0.2 1 F 
Coin -operated laundries  0.317 0.3 2 -- 
 
  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 239 
SECTION 120.1 – REQUIREMENTS FOR VENTILATION AND INDOOR AIR QUALITY  TABLE 120.1 -A– Continued Minimum Ventilation Rates  
Occupancy Category - 
Sports and Entertainment  Minimum Occupant 
Load Density (persons 
/ 1000 ft2)Total 
Outdoor Airflow 
Rate1 Rt 
cfm/ft2 Area -based 
Minimum 
Ventilation Min 
Ventilation Air Rate 
for DCV  
Ra (cfm/ft2) Air Class  Notes  
Gym, sports arena (play area)  0.510 0.15  2 E 
Spectator areas  0.533 0.15  1 F 
Swimming (pool)  0.15 10 0.15  2 C 
Swimming (deck)  0.533 0.15  2 C 
Disco/dance floors  1.5100 0.15  2 F 
Health club/aerobics room  0.15 10 0.15  2  
Health club/weight rooms  0.15 10 0.15  2  
Bowling alley (seating)  1.07 7 0.15  1  
Gambling casinos  0.68 45 0.15  1  
Game arcades  0.68 45 0.15  1  
Stages, studios  0.533 0.15  1 D, F 
General footnotes for Table 120.1 -A: 
1 Rt is determined as being the larger of the area method and the default per person 
method. The minimum occupant density used in the default per person method is one 
half of the maximum occupant load assumed for egress purposes in the CBC.  
Specific Notes:  
A – For high -school and college libraries, the values shown for “Public Assembly Spaces 
– Libraries” shall be used.  
B – Rate may not be sufficient where stored materials include those having potentially 
harmful emissions.  
C – Rate does not allow for humidity control. “Deck area” refers to the area 
surrounding the pool that is capable of being wetted during pool use or when the pool 
is occupied. Deck area that is not expected to be wetted shall be designated as an 
occupancy category.  
D – Rate does not include special exhaust for stage effects such as dry ice vapors and 
smoke.  
E – Where combustion equipment is intended to be used on the playing surface or in 
the space, additional dilution ventilation, source control, or both shall be provided.  
F – Ventilation air for this occupancy category shall be permitted to be reduced to zero 
when the space is in occupied -standby mode . 
 Page 240 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 120.1 – REQUIREMENTS FOR VENTILATION AND INDOOR AIR QUALITY  Table 120.1 -B – Minimum Exhaust Rates  [ASHRAE 62.1: Table 6. -25] 
Occupancy Category  Exhaust Rate,  
cfm/unit  Exhaust Rate,  
cfm/ft2 Air Class  Notes  
Animal imaging(MRI/CT/PET)  - 0.9 3 - 
Animal operating rooms  - 3.00  3 - 
Animal postoperative recovery room  - 1.5 3 - 
Animal preparation rooms  - 1.5 3 - 
Animal procedure room  - 2.25  3 - 
Animal surgery scrub  - 1.50  3 - 
Large -animal holding room  - 2.25  3 - 
Animal Necropsy  - 2.25  3 - 
Small -animal -cage room (static cages)  - 2.25  3 - 
Small -animal -cage room (ventilated cages)  - 1.50  3 - 
Arenas  - 0.50  1 B 
Art classrooms  - 0.70  2 - 
Auto repair rooms  - 1.5 2 A 
Barber shops  - 0.50  2 - 
Beauty and nail salons  - 0.60  2 - 
Cells with toilet  - 1.00  2 - 
Copy, printing rooms  - 0.50  2 - 
Darkrooms  - 1.00  2 - 
Educational science laboratories  - 1.00  2 - 
Janitor closets, trash rooms, recycling  - 1.00  3 - 
Kitchenettes  - 0.30  2 - 
Kitchens – commercial  - 0.70  2 - 
Locker rooms for athletic or industrial facilities  - 0.50  2 - 
All other locker rooms  - 0.25  2 - 
Shower rooms  20/50  - 2 G,H 
Paint spray booths  - - 4 F 
Parking garages  - 0.75  2 C 
Pet shops (animal areas)  - 0.90  2 - 
Refrigerating machinery rooms  - - 3 F 
Soiled laundry storage rooms  - 1.00  3 F 
Storage rooms, chemical  - 1.50  4 F 
Toilets – private  25/50  - 2 E 
Toilets – public  50/70  - 2 D 
Woodwork shop/classrooms  - 0.50  2 - 
Notes:  
A – Stands where engines are run shall have exhaust systems that directly connect to the 
engine exhaust and prevent escape of fumes.  
B – Where combustion equipment is intended to be used on the playing surface, additional 
dilution ventilation, source control, or both shall be provided.  
C – Exhaust shall not be required where two or more sides comprise walls that are at least 
50% open to the outside.  
D – Rate is per water closet, urinal, or both. Provide the higher rate where periods of heavy 
use are expected to occur. The lower rate shall be permitted to be used otherwise.  
E – Rate is for a toilet room intended to be occupied by one person at a time. For continuous 
systems operation during hours of use, the lower rate shall be permitted to be used. 
Otherwise the higher rate shall be used.  
F – See other applicable standards for exhaust rate.  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 241 
SECTION 120.1 – REQUIREMENTS FOR VENTILATION AND INDOOR AIR QUALITY  G – For continuous system operation, the lower rate shall be permitted to be used. 
Otherwise the higher rate shall be used.  
H – Rate is per showerhead  
 
Table 120.1 -C – Airstreams or Sources  [ASHRAE 62.1:Table 5.16.1 6-3] 
Description  Air Class  
Commercial kitchen grease hoods  4 
Commercial kitchen hoods other than grease  Diazo printing equipment discharge  34 
Commercial kitchen grease hoods  Diazo printing equipment discharge  4 
Commercial kitchen hoods other than grease  Hydraulic elevator machine room  32 
Laboratory hoods  4a 
Hydraulic elevator machine room  Paint spray booths  24 
Refrigerating machinery rooms  3 
a. Air Class 4 unless determined otherwise by the Environmental Health and Safety 
professional responsible to the owner or to the owner’s designee.  
Note : Authority: Sections 25213, 25218, 25218.5, 25402 and 25402.1, Public Resources Code. 
Reference: Sections 25007, 25008, 25218.5, 25310, 25402, 25402.1, 25402.4, 25402.8, and 
25943, Public Resources Code.  
  Page 242 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 120.2 – REQUIRED CONTROLS FOR SPACE -CONDITIONING SYSTEMS  SECTION 120.2 – REQUIRED CONTROLS FOR SPACE -CONDITIONING SYSTEMS  
Nonresidential and hotel/motel buildings shall comply with the applicable requirements of 
Sections 120.2(a) through 120.2(k).  
(a) Thermostatic controls  for each zone . The supply of heating and cooling energy to each 
space -conditioning zone or dwelling unit shall be controlled by an individual thermostatic 
control that responds to temperature within the zone and that meets the applicable 
requirements of Section 120.2(b) . An Energy Management Control System  (EMCS) may be 
installed to comply with the requirements of one or more thermostatic controls if it 
complies with all applicable requirements for each thermostatic control.  
Exception  to Section 120.2(a):  An independent perimeter heating or cooling system may 
serve more than one zone without individual thermostatic controls if:  
1. All zones are also served by an interior cooling system; and  
2. The perimeter system is designed solely to offset envelope heat losses or gains; and  
3. The perimeter system has at least one thermostatic control for each building orientation 
of 50 feet or more; and  
4. The perimeter system is controlled by at least one thermostat located in one of the 
zones served by the system.  
(b) Criteria for zonal thermostatic controls . The individual thermostatic controls required by 
Section 120.2(a) shall meet the following requirements as applicable:  
1. Where used to control comfort heating, the thermostatic controls shall be capable of 
being set, locally or remotely, down to 55°F or lower.  
2. Where used to control comfort cooling, the thermostatic controls shall be capable of 
being set, locally or remotely, up to 85°F or higher.  
3. Where used to control both comfort heating and comfort cooling, the thermostatic 
controls shall meet Items 1 and 2 and shall be capable of providing a temperature range 
or dead band  of at least 5°F within which the supply of heating and cooling energy to the 
zone is shut off or reduced to a minimum.  
Exception  1 to Section 120.2(b)3:  Systems with thermostats that require manual 
changeover between heating and cooling modes.  
Exception 2  to Section 120.2(b)3:  Systems serving healthcare facilities.  
4. Thermostatic controls for all single zone , air conditioners and heat pumps shall comply 
with the requirements of Sections 110.2(c) and 110.12(a) and, if equipped with DDC to 
the Zone level, with the Automatic Demand Shed Controls of Section 110.12(b).  
Exception  1 to Section 120.2(b)4:  Systems serving exempt non-covered process loads 
that must have constant temperatures to prevent degradation of materials, a process, 
plants or animals.  
Exception  2 to Section 120.2(b)4:  Package terminal air conditioners, package terminal 
heat pumps, room air conditioners and room air  conditioner heat pumps.  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 243 
SECTION 120.2 – REQUIRED CONTROLS FOR SPACE -CONDITIONING SYSTEMS  Exception  3 to Section 120.2(b)4:  Systems serving healthcare facilities.  
(c) Hotel/ motel guest room thermostats.  
1. Hotel/motel guest room thermostats shall:  
A. Have numeric temperature setpoints in °F and °C; and  
B. Have setpoint stops, which are accessible only to authorized personnel, such that 
guest room occupants cannot adjust the setpoint more than ±5°F (±3°C); and  
C. Meet the requirements of Section 110.2(c).  
Exception  to Section 120.2(c)1 : Thermostats that are integrated into the room heating 
and cooling equipment.  
(d) Heat pump controls . All heat pumps with supplementary electric resistance heaters shall be 
installed with controls that comply with Section 110.2(b).  
(e) Shut -off and reset controls  for space -conditioning systems . Each space -conditioning system 
shall be installed with controls that comply with the following:  
1. The control shall be capable of automatically shutting off the system during periods of 
nonuse and shall have:  
A. An automatic time switch control device complying with Section 110.9 with an 
accessible manual override that allows operation of the system for up to 4 hours; or  
B. An occupancy sensor; or  
C. A 4-hour timer that can be manually operated.  
Exception  to Section 120.2(e)1:  Mechanical systems serving retail stores and associated 
malls, restaurants, grocery stores, churches and theaters equipped with 7 -day 
programmable timers.  
2. The control shall automatically restart and temporarily operate the system as required 
to maintain:  
A. A setback heating thermostat setpoint if the system provides mechanical heating; 
and 
Exception  to Section 120.2(e)2A:  Thermostat setback controls are not required in 
nonresidential buildings in areas where the Winter Median of Extremes outdoor air 
temperature determined in accordance with Section 140.4(b)3 is greater than 32°F.  
B. A setup cooling thermostat setpoint if the system provides mechanical cooling.  
Exception  to Section 120.2(e)2B:  Thermostat setup controls are not required in 
nonresidential buildings in areas where the Summer Design Dry Bulb 0.5 percent 
temperature determined in accordance with Section 140.4(b)3 is less than 100°F.  
3. Occupant sensing zone controls.  Where the system providing space conditioning also 
provides the ventilation required by Section 120.1 and includes occupant sensor 
ventilation control as specified in Section 120.1(d)5, the occupant sensing zone controls 
shall additionally comply with the  following:  Page 244 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 120.2 – REQUIRED CONTROLS FOR SPACE -CONDITIONING SYSTEMS  A. In 5 minutes or less after entering occupied -standby mode as described in Section 
120.1(d).  
i. Automatically set up the operating cooling temperature set point by 2°F or more 
and set back the operating heating temperature set point by 2°F or more; or  
ii. For multiple zone systems with Direct Digital Controls (DDC) to the zone level, 
setup the operating cooling temperature setpoint by 0.5°F or more and setback 
the operating heating temperature setpoint by 0.5°F or more.  
B. In 5 minutes or less after entering occupied -standby mode, mechanical ventilation to 
the zone shall  remain off whenever the space temperature is between the active 
heating and cooling setpoints.  
Exception  1 to Sections 120.2(e)1, 2, 3:  Where it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction 
of the enforcing agency that the system serves an area that must operate continuously.  
Exception  2 to Sections 120.2(e)1, 2, 3:  Systems with full load demands of 2 kW or less, 
if they have a readily accessible manual shut -off switch.  
Exception  3 to Sections 120.2(e)  1 and 2:  Systems serving hotel/motel guest rooms, if 
they have a readily accessible manual shut -off switch.  
4. Hotel and motel guest rooms shall have captive card key controls, occupancy sensing 
controls or automatic controls such that, no longer than 30 minutes after the guest room 
has been vacated, setpoints are set up at least +5°F (+3°C) in cooling mode and set down 
at least -5°F ( -3°C) in heating mode.  
Exception  to Section 120.2(e):  Systems serving healthcare facilities.  
(f) Dampers for air supply  and exhaust equipment . Outdoor air supply and exhaust equipment 
shall be installed with dampers that automatically close upon fan shutdown.  
Exception  1 to Section 120.2(f):  Equipment that serves an area that must operate 
continuously.  
Exception  2 to Section 120.2(f):  Gravity and other nonelectrical equipment that has readily 
accessible manual damper controls.  
Exception  3 to Section 120.2(f):  At combustion air intakes and shaft vents.  
Exception  4 to Section 120.2(f):  Where prohibited by other provisions of law.  
(g) Isolation area devices . Each space -conditioning system serving multiple zones with a 
combined conditioned floor area of more than 25,000 square feet shall be designed, 
installed, and controlled to serve isolation areas.  
1. Each zone, or any combination of zones not exceeding 25,000 square feet, shall be a 
separate isolation area.  
2. Each isolation area shall be provided with isolation devices, such as valves or dampers , 
that allow the supply of heating or cooling to be reduced or shut  off independently of 
other isolation areas.  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 245 
SECTION 120.2 – REQUIRED CONTROLS FOR SPACE -CONDITIONING SYSTEMS  3. Each isolation area shall be controlled by a device meeting the requirements of Section 
120.2(e)1.  
Exception  to Section 120.2(g):  Zones designed to be conditioned continuously.  
(h) Automatic demand shed controls.  See Section 110.12 for requirements for automatic 
demand shed controls.  
(i) Economizer fault detection  and diagnostics  (FDD).  All newly installed air handlers with a 
mechanical cooling capacity over 33,000 Btu/hr and an installed air economizer shall include 
a stand -alone or integrated Fault Detection and Diagnostics (FDD) system in accordance with 
Subsections 120.2(i)1 through 120.2(i)8.  
1. The following temperature sensors shall be permanently installed to monitor system 
operation: outside air, supply air, and when required for differential economizer 
operation a return air sensor , and 
2. Temperature sensors shall have an accuracy of ±2°F over the range of 40°F to 80°F; and  
3. The controller shall have the capability of displaying the value of each sensor; and  
4. The controller shall provide system status by indicating the following conditions:  
A. Free cooling available;  
B. Economizer enabled;  
C. Compressor enabled;  
D. Heating enabled, if the system is capable of heating; and  
E. Mixed -air low limit cycle active.  
5. The unit controller shall allow manual initiation of each operating mode so that the 
operation of cooling systems, economizers, fans and heating system  can be 
independently tested and verified; and  
6. Faults shall be reported in one of the following ways:  
A. Reported to an Energy Management Control System regularly monitored by facility 
personnel.  
B. Annunciated locally on one or more zone thermostats, or a device within five (5) feet 
of zone thermostat(s), clearly visible, at eye level, and meeting the following 
requirements:  
i. On the thermostat, device, or an adjacent written sign, display instructions to 
contact appropriate building personnel or an HVAC technician; and  
ii. In buildings with multiple tenants, the annunciation shall either be within 
property management offices or in a common space accessible by the 
property or building manager.  
C. Reported to a fault management application which automatically provides 
notification of the fault to a remote HVAC service provider.  
7. The FDD system shall detect the following faults:  Page 246 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 120.2 – REQUIRED CONTROLS FOR SPACE -CONDITIONING SYSTEMS  A. Air temperature sensor failure/fault;  
B. Not economizing when it should;  
C. Economizing when it should not;  
D. Damper not modulating; and  
E. Excess outdoor air.  
8. The FDD System shall be certified by to the Energy Commission as meeting requirements 
of Subsections  120.2(i)1 through 120.2(i)7 in accordance with Section 110.0 and JA6.3.  
Exception  to Section 120.2(i)8:  FDD algorithms based in direct digital control systems 
are not required to be certified to the Energy Commission.  
(j) Direct Digital Controls (DDC) . Direct Digital Controls to the zone shall be provided as 
specified by Table 120.2 -A. The provided DDC system shall meet the control logic 
requirements of Sections 120.1(d), 110.12(a) and 110.12(b), and be capable of the following:  
1. Monitoring zone and system demand for fan pressure, pump pressure, heating and 
cooling;  
2. Transferring zone and system demand information from zones to air distribution system 
controllers and from air distribution systems to heating and cooling plant controllers;  
3. Automatically detecting the zones and systems that may be excessively driving the reset 
logic and generate an alarm or other indication to the system operator;  
4. Readily allow operator removal of zone (s) from the reset algorithm;  
5. For new buildings, trending and graphically displaying input and output points; and  
6. Resetting heating and cooling setpoints in all noncritical zones upon receipt of a signal 
from a centralized contact or software point as described in Section 110.12(b).  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 247 
SECTION 120.2 – REQUIRED CONTROLS FOR SPACE -CONDITIONING SYSTEMS  Table 120.2 -A DDC Applications and Qualifications  
Building Status  Applications  Qualifications  
Newly Constructed 
Buildings  Air-handling system and all 
zones served by the system  Individual systems supplying 
more than three zones and 
with design heating or cooling 
capacity of 300 kBtu/h and 
larger  
Newly Constructed 
Buildings  Chilled water plant and all 
coils and terminal units 
served by the system  Individual plants supplying 
more than three zones and 
with design cooling capacity 
of 300 kBtu/h (87.9 kW) and 
larger  
Newly Constructed 
Buildings  Hot water plant and all coils 
and terminal units served by 
the system  Individual plants supplying 
more than three zones and 
with design heating capacity 
of 300 kBtu/h (87.9 kW) and 
larger  
Additions or Alterations  Zone terminal unit such as 
VAV box  Where existing zones served 
by the same air -handling, 
chilled water, or hot water 
systems that have DDC  
Additions or Alterations  Air-handling system or fan 
coil Where existing air -handling 
system(s) and fan coil(s) 
served by the same chilled or 
hot water plant have DDC  
Additions or Alterations  New air -handling system and 
all new zones served by the 
system  Individual systems with 
design heating or cooling 
capacity of 300 kBtu/h and 
larger and supplying more 
than three zones and more 
than 75 percent of zones are 
new  
Additions or Alterations  New or upgraded chilled 
water plant  Where all chillers are new and 
plant design cooling capacity 
is 300 kBtu/h (87.9 kW) and 
larger  
Additions or Alterations  New or upgraded hot water 
plant  Where all boilers are new and 
plant design heating capacity 
is 300 kBtu/h (87.9 kW) and 
larger  
(k) Optimum start/stop controls.  Space conditioning systems with DDC to the zone level shall 
have optimum start/stop controls. The control algorithm shall, as a minimum, be a function 
of the difference between space temperature and occupied setpoint, the outdoor air 
temperature, and the amount of time prior to scheduled occupancy. Mass radiant floor slab 
systems shall incorporate floor temperature onto the optimum start algorithm.   
Exception to Section 120.2(k):  Systems that must operate continuously.  
 Page 248 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 120.2 – REQUIRED CONTROLS FOR SPACE -CONDITIONING SYSTEMS  (l) HVAC Hot Water Temperature.  Zones that use hot water for space heating shall be designed 
for a hot water supply temperature of no greater than 130 °F.  
 
Note : Authority: Sections 25213, 25218, 25218.5, 25402 and 25402.1, Public Resources Code. 
Reference: Sections 25007, 25008, 25218.5, 25310, 25402, 25402.1, 25402.4, 25402.8, and 
25943, Public Resources Code . 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 249 
SECTION 120.3 – REQUIREMENTS FOR PIPE INSULATION  SECTION 120.3 – REQUIREMENTS FOR PIPE INSULATION  
Nonresidential and hotel/motel buildings shall comply with the applicable requirements of 
Sections 120.3(a) through 120.3(c).  
(a) General requirements . The piping conditions listed below for space -conditioning , and service 
water -heating , and process heating and process cooling  systems piping with fluid normal 
operating temperatures listed in Table 120.3 -A1 or Table 120.3 -A2, the fluid distribution 
system  shall have at least the amount of insulation specified in Subsection (c):  
1. Space cooling systems.  All refrigerant suction, chilled water, and brine fluid distribution 
systems.  
2. Space heating systems . All refrigerant  suction , steam, steam condensate and hot water 
fluid distribution systems.  
3. Service water -heating systems.  
A. Recirculating system piping, including the supply and return piping to the water 
heater.  
B. The first 8 feet of hot and cold outlet piping, including piping between a storage tank 
and a heat trap, for a nonrecirculating storage system.  
C. Pipes that are externally heated.   
4. Process heating system piping.  All refrigerant, steam, steam condensate and hot water 
fluid distribution systems for heating a process unrelated to space conditioning or 
service water -heating.  
5. Process cooling system piping.  All refrigerant suction, chilled water, and brine fluid 
distribution systems for cooling a proves unrelated to space con ditioning.  
Insulation conductivity shall be determined in accordance with ASTM C335 at the mean 
temperature listed in Table 120.3 -A1 or Table 120.3 -A2, and shall be rounded to the nearest 
1/100 Btu -inch per hour per square foot per °F. Fluid distribution systems include all 
elements that are in series with the fluid flow, such as pipes, fittings, pumps, valves, 
strainers, coil u -bends, and air separators, but not including elements that are not in series 
with the fluid flow, such as expansion tanks, fill lines, chemic al feeders, and drains.  
Exception to Section 120.3(a)2:  Heat pump refrigerant vapor line shall be installed wit h a 
minimum of 0.5 inch thick or R -3.0 insulation  for nonresidential buildings and 0.75 inch thick 
or R-6.0 insulation for residential buildings.  No insulation is required on the refrigerant liquid 
line.  
(b) Insulation protection . Pipe insulation  shall be protected from damage due to sunlight, 
moisture, equipment maintenance and wind. Protection shall, at minimum, include the 
following:  
1. Pipe insulation exposed to weather shall be protected by a cover suitable for outdoor 
service. The cover shall be water retardant and provides  shielding from solar radiation 
that can cause degradation of the material. Adhesive tape shall not be used to provide 
this protection.  Page 250 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 120.3 – REQUIREMENTS FOR PIPE INSULATION  2. Pipe insulation covering chilled water piping and refrigerant suction piping located 
outside the conditioned space shall include, or be protected by, a Class I or Class II vapor 
retarder. All penetrations and joints shall be sealed.  
3. Pipe insulation buried below grade must be installed in a water proof and non -crushable 
casing or sleeve.  
(c) Insulation thickness  
1. For insulation with a conductivity in the range shown in Table  120.3 -A1 or Table 120.3 -A2 
for the applicable fluid temperature range, the insulation shall have the applicable 
minimum thickness or R -value shown in Table 120.3 -A1 or Table 120.3 -A2. 
2. For insulation with a conductivity outside the range shown in Table 120.3 -A1 or Table 
120.3 -A2 for the applicable fluid temperature range, the insulation shall have a minimum 
R-value shown in Table 120.3 -A1 or Table 120.3 -A2 or thickness as calculated:  
 MINIMUM INSULATION THICKNESS EQUATION  
 
WHERE:  
T =  insulation thickness for material with conductivity K, inches.  
PR =  actual outside radius, inches.  
t = Insulation thickness from Table 120.3 -A-1 OR TABLE 120.3 -A-2, inches.  
K = Conductivity of alternate material at the mean rating temperature indicated in 
Table 120.3 -A for the applicable fluid temperature range, in Btu -inch per hour per 
square foot per °F.  
k = The lower value of the conductivity range listed in Table 120.3 -A for the applicable 
fluid temperature range, Btu -inch per hour per square foot per °F.  
  
T PR 1t
PR-------+K
k----
1– =2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 251 
SECTION 120.3 – REQUIREMENTS FOR PIPE INSULATION  Table 120.3 -A-1 SPACE HEATING AND SERVICE WATER HEATING SYSTEMS (STEAM, STEAM 
CONDENSATE, REFRIGERANT , SPACE HEATING, SERVICE HOT WATER) AND PROCESS HEATING 
SYSTEM  PIPE INSULATION THICKNESS  
Fluid 
Operating 
Temperature 
Range (°F) Insulation 
Conductivity  
(in 
Btu·in/h·ft2· 
°F) Insulation 
Mean Rating 
Temperature 
(°F) Nominal Pipe 
Diameter < 1 
inch  Nominal Pipe 
Diameter 1 to 
< 1.5 inches  Nominal Pipe 
Diameter 1.5 
to < 4 inches  Nominal Pipe 
Diameter 4 to 
< 8 inches  Nominal Pipe 
Diameter 8  
inches  and 
larger  
Above 350  0.32 -0.34  250 4.5 inches  5.0 inches  5.0 inches  5.0 inches  5.0 inches  
Above 350  0.32 -0.34  250 R 37  R 41  R 37  R 27  R 23  
251-350 0.29 -0.32  200 3.0 inches  4.0 inches  4.5 inches  4.5 inches  4.5 inches  
251-350 0.29 -0.32  200 R 24  R 34  R 35  R 26  R 22  
201-250 0.27 -0.30  150 2.5 inches  2.5 inches  2.5 inches  3.0 inches  3.0 inches  
201-250 0.27 -0.30  150 R 21  R 20  R 17.5  R 17  R 14.5  
141-200 0.25 -0.29  125 1.5 inches  1.5 inches  2.0 inches  2.0 inches  2.0 inches  
141-200 0.25 -0.29  125 R 11.5  R 11  R 14  R 11  R 10  
105-140 0.22 -0.28  100 1.0 inch  1.5 inches  1.5 inches  1.5 inches  1.5 inches  
105-140 0.22 -0.28  100 R 7.7  R 12.5  R 11  R 9 R 8 
 
Table 120.3 -A2 SPACE COOLING SYSTEMS ( CHILLED WATER, REFRIGERANT AND BRINE ) AND 
PROCESS COOLING  SYSTEM PIPE INSULATION THICKNESS  
Fluid 
Operating 
Temperature 
Range (°F) Insulation 
Conductivity  
(in 
Btu·in/h·ft2· 
°F) Insulation 
Mean Rating 
Temperature 
(°F) Nominal Pipe 
Diameter < 1 
inch  Nominal Pipe 
Diameter 1 to 
< 1.5 inches  Nominal Pipe 
Diameter 1.5 
to < 4 inches  Nominal Pipe 
Diameter 4 to 
< 8 inches  Nominal Pipe 
Diameter 8 
inches and 
larger  
Residential 
40-60 0.21 -0.27  75 0.75 inch  0.75 inch  1.0 inch  1.0 inch  1.0 inch  
Residential 
40-60 0.21 -0.27  75 R 6 R 5 R 7 R 6 R 5 
Nonresidential 
40-60 0.21 -0.27  75 0.5 inch 0.5 inc h 1.0 inch  1.0 inch  1.0 inch  
Nonresidential 
40-60 0.21 -0.27  75 R 3 R 3 R 7 R 6 R 5 
Below 40  0.20 -0.26  50 1.0 inch 1.5 inches  1.5 inches  1.5 inches  1.5 inches  
Below 40  0.20 -0.26  50 R 8.5  R 14  R 12  R 10  R 9 
 
  Page 252 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 120.3 – REQUIREMENTS FOR PIPE INSULATION  Table 120.3 -A PIPE INSULATION THICKNESS  
Fluid Operating 
Temperature 
Range  
(°F) Insulation Conductivity   Nominal Pipe Diameter (in inches)  
Conductivity  
(in Btu·in/h·ft2· 
°F) Mean Rating 
Temperature 
(°F) < 1  1 to <1.5  1.5 to < 4  4 to < 8  8 and 
larger  
Space h Heating  and Service Water 
Heating Systems (Steam, Steam 
Condensate, Refrigerant, Space Heating, 
Service Hot Water)  Minimum Pipe Insulation Required (Thickness in inches or R -value)  
Above 350  0.32 -0.34  250 Inches  4.5 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 
R-value  R 37  R 41  R 37  R 27 R 23  
251-350 0.29 -0.32  200 Inches  3.0 4.0 4.5 4.5 4.5 
R-value  R 24  R 34  R 35  R 26  R 22  
201-250 0.27 -0.30  150 Inches  2.5 2.5 2.5 3.0 3.0 
R-value  R 21  R 20  R 17.5  R 17  R 14.5  
141-200 0.25 -0.29  125 Inches  1.5 1.5 2.0 2.0 2.0 
R-value  R 11.5  R 11  R 14  R 11  R 10  
105-140 0.22 -0.28  100 Inches  1.0 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 
R-value  R 7.7  R 12.5  R 11  R 9 R 8 
Fluid Operating 
Temperature 
Range  
(°F) Insulation Conductivity   Nominal Pipe Diameter (in inches)  
Conductivity  
(in Btu·in/h·ft2· 
°F) Mean Rating 
Temperature 
(°F) < 1  1 to <1.5  1.5 to < 4  4 to < 8  8 and 
larger  
Space cooling systems (c Chilled water, 
refrigerant and brine) ,  Minimum Pipe Insulation Required (Thickness in inches or R -value)1 
40-60 0.21 -0.27  75 Inches  Nonres 
0.5 Res 
0.75  Nonres 
0.5 Res 
0.75  1.0 1.0 1.0 
R-value  Nonres  
R 3 Res 
R 6 Nonres  
R 3 Res 
R 5 R 7 R 6 R 5 
Below 40  0.20 -0.26  50 Inches  1.0 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 
R-value  R 8.5  R 14  R 12  R 10  R 9 
Footnote to Table 120.3 -A-1 and Table 120.3 -A-2: 
1. These thickness es are based on energy efficiency considerations only. Issues such as water vapor permeability 
or surface condensation sometimes require vapor retarders or additional insulation.  
 
Exception 1 to Section 120.3:  Factory -installed piping within space -conditioning equipment 
certified under Section 110.1 or 110.2.  
Exception  2 to Section 120.3:  Piping that conveys fluids with a design operating temperature 
range between 60°F and 105°F.  
Exception  3 to Section 120.3:  Where the heat gain or heat loss to or from piping without 
insulation will not increase building source energy use.  
Exception  4 to Section 120.3:  Piping that penetrates framing members shall not be required to 
have pipe insulation for the distance of the framing penetration. Metal piping that penetrates 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 253 
SECTION 120.3 – REQUIREMENTS FOR PIPE INSULATION  metal framing shall use grommets, plugs, wrapping or other insulating material to assure that 
no contact is made with the metal framing.  
Exception 5 to Section 120.3:  Fluid pumps, steam traps, bl ow-off valves, and piping within 
process equipment.  
Exception 6 to Section 120.3:  Valves, strainers, coil u -bends, air separators with at least 0.5 
inches of ins ulation , and piping within process equipment . 
Note : Authority: Sections 25213, 25218, 25218.5, 25402 and 25402.1, Public Resources Code. 
Reference: Sections 25007, 25008, 25218.5, 25310, 25402, 25402.1, 25402.4, 25402.5, 25402.8, 
and 25943, Public Resources Code.  Page 254 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 120.4 – REQUIREMENTS FOR AIR DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM DUCTS AND PLENUMS  SECTION 120.4 – REQUIREMENTS FOR AIR DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM DUCTS AND 
PLENUMS  
Nonresidential  and hotel/motel buildings shall comply with the applicable requirements of 
Sections 120.4(a) through 120.4(g).  
Exception  to Section 120.4:  Systems serving healthcare facilities shall comply with the 
applicable requirements of the California Mechanical Code.  
(a) CMC compliance . All air distribution system ducts and plenums, including but not limited to 
building cavities, mechanical closets, air -handler boxes and support platforms used as ducts 
or plenums, shall meet the requirements of the CMC Sections 601.0, 602.0, 603.0, 604.0 , 
and 605.0, and ANSI/SMACNA -006-2006 HVAC Duct Construction Standards Metal and 
Flexible , 3rd Edition incorporated herein by reference. Connections of metal ducts and the 
inner core of flexible ducts shall be mechanically fastened. Openings shall be seale d with 
mastic, tape, aerosol sealant or other duct -closure system that meets the applicable 
requirements of UL 181, UL 181A, or UL 181B. If mastic or tape is used to seal openings 
greater than 1/4 inch, the combination of mastic and either mesh or tape sha ll be used.  
Portions of supply -air and return -air ducts conveying heated or cooled air located in one or 
more of the following spaces shall be insulated to a minimum installed level of R -8:  
1. Outdoors; or  
2. In a space between the roof and an insulated ceiling; or  
3. In a space directly under a roof with fixed vents or openings to the outside or 
unconditioned spaces; or  
4. In an unconditioned crawlspace ; or 
5. In other unconditioned spaces.  
Portions of supply -air ducts that are not in one of these spaces, including ducts buried in 
concrete slab, shall be insulated to a minimum installed level of R -4.2 or be enclosed in 
directly conditioned space.  
(b) Duct and plenum materials . 
1. Factory -fabricated duct systems.  
A. All factory -fabricated duct systems shall comply with UL 181 for ducts and closure 
systems, including collars, connections and splices, and be labeled as complying with 
UL 181. UL 181 testing may be performed by UL laboratories or a laboratory 
approved by the Executive Director.  
B. All pressure -sensitive tapes, heat -activated tapes, and mastics used in the 
manufacture of rigid fiberglass ducts shall comply with UL 181 and UL 181A.  
C. All pressure -sensitive tapes and mastics used with flexible ducts shall comply with UL 
181 and UL 181B.  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 255 
SECTION 120.4 – REQUIREMENTS FOR AIR DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM DUCTS AND PLENUMS  D. All ductwork and plenums with pressure class ratings shall be constructed to Seal 
Class A. Joints and seams of duct systems and their components shall not be sealed 
with cloth -back rubber adhesive duct tapes unless such tape is used in combination 
with mastic and drawbands.  
Exception to Section 120.4(b)1D:  Ductwork located in occupied space and exposed 
to view is not required to meet Seal Class A.  
2. Field -fabricated duct systems.  
A. Factory -made rigid fiberglass and flexible ducts for field -fabricated duct systems shall 
comply with UL 181. All pressure -sensitive tapes, mastics, aerosol sealants or other 
closure systems used for installing field -fabricated duct systems shall meet th e 
applicable requirements of UL 181, UL 181A and UL 181B.  
B. Mastic sealants and mesh.  
i. Sealants shall comply with the applicable requirements of UL 181, UL 181A and 
UL 181B, and be nontoxic and water resistant.  
ii. Sealants for interior applications shall pass ASTM C731 (extrudability after aging) 
and D2202 (slump test on vertical surfaces), incorporated herein by reference.  
iii. Sealants for exterior applications shall pass ASTM tests C731, C732 (artificial 
weathering test), and D2202, incorporated herein by reference.  
iv. Sealants and meshes shall be rated for exterior use.  
C. Pressure -sensitive tape.  Pressure -sensitive tapes shall comply with the applicable 
requirements of UL 181, UL 181A and UL 181B.  
D. All ductwork and plenums with pressure class ratings shall be constructed to Seal 
Class A. Joints and seams of duct systems and their components shall not be sealed 
with cloth -back rubber adhesive duct tapes unless such tape is used in combination 
with mastic and drawbands.  
Exception to Section 120.4(b)2D:  Ductwork located in occupied space and exposed 
to view is not required to meet Seal Class A.  
 
E. Drawbands used with flexible duct.  
i. Drawbands shall be either stainless -steel worm -drive hose clamps or UV -resistant 
nylon duct ties.  
ii. Drawbands shall have a minimum tensile strength rating of 150 pounds.  
iii. Drawbands shall be tightened as recommended by the manufacturer with an 
adjustable tensioning tool.  
F. Aerosol -sealant closures.  
i. Aerosol sealants shall meet the requirements of UL 723 and be applied according 
to manufacturer specifications.  Page 256 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 120.4 – REQUIREMENTS FOR AIR DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM DUCTS AND PLENUMS  ii. Tapes or mastics used in combination with aerosol sealing shall meet the 
requirements of this section.  
(c) All duct insulation product R -values shall be based on insulation only (excluding air films, 
vapor retarders or other duct components) and tested C -values at 75°F mean temperature 
at the installed thickness, in accordance with ASTM C518 or ASTM C177, incor porated 
herein by reference, and certified pursuant to Section 110.8.  
(d) The installed thickness of duct insulation used to determine its R -value shall be determined 
as follows:  
1. For duct board, duct liner and factory -made rigid ducts not normally subjected to 
compression, the nominal insulation thickness shall be used.  
2. For duct wrap, installed thickness shall be assumed to be 75 percent (25 percent 
compression) of nominal thickness.  
3. For factory -made flexible air ducts, the installed thickness shall be determined by 
dividing the difference between the actual outside diameter and nominal inside 
diameter by two.  
(e) Insulated flexible duct products installed to meet this requirement must include labels, in 
maximum intervals of 3 feet, showing the thermal performance R -value for the duct 
insulation itself (excluding air films, vapor retarder or other duct components), based on the 
tests in Section 120.4(c) and the installed thickness determined by Section 120.4(d)3.  
(f) Protection of insulation . Insulation shall be protected from damage, including that due to 
sunlight, moisture, equipment maintenance and wind , but not limited to the following:  
Insulation exposed to weather shall be suitable for outdoor service, e.g., protected by 
aluminum, sheet metal, painted canvas or plastic cover. Cellular foam insulation shall be 
protected as above or painted with a coating that is water retardant and provides shieldi ng 
from solar radiation that can cause degradation of the material.  
(g) Duct sealing . Duct systems shall comply with Subsection 1 or 2 below:  
1. New duct systems that meet the criteria in Subsections A, B, C and D below shall be 
sealed to a leakage rate not to exceed 6 percent of the nominal air handler airflow rate 
as confirmed through HERS field verification and diagnostic  acceptance testing, in 
accordance with Reference Nonresidential Appendix NA7.5.3;  
A. The duct system does not serve a healthcare facility; and  
B. The duct system provides conditioned air to an occupiable space for a constant 
volume, single zone, space -conditioning system; and  
C. The space -conditioning system serves less than 5,000 square feet of conditioned 
floor area; and  
D. The combined surface area of the ducts located outdoors or in unconditioned space 
is more than 25 percent of the total surface area of the entire duct system.  
2. New duct systems that are not subject to testing under Section 120.4(g)1 shall instead 
meet the duct leakage testing requirements of CMC Section 603.10.1.  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 257 
SECTION 120.4 – REQUIREMENTS FOR AIR DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM DUCTS AND PLENUMS  Note : Authority: Sections 25213, 25218, 25218.5, 25402 and 25402.1, Public Resources Code. 
Reference: Sections 25007, 25008, 25218.5, 25310, 25402, 25402.1, 25402.4, 25402.8, and 
25943, Public Resources Code.  
 Page 258 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 120.5 – REQUIRED NONRESIDENTIAL MECHANICAL SYSTEM ACCEPTANCE  SECTION 120.5 – REQUIRED NONRESIDENTIAL MECHANICAL SYSTEM 
ACCEPTANCE  
Nonresidential and hotel/motel buildings shall comply with the applicable requirements of 
Sections 120.5(a) through 120.5(b).  
Exception  to Section 120.5:  Systems serving healthcare facilities.  
(a) Before an occupancy permit is granted , the following equipment and systems shall be 
certified as meeting the Acceptance Requirements for Code Compliance, as specified by the 
Reference Nonresidential Appendix NA7. A Certificate of Acceptance shall be submitted to 
the enforcement agency that cer tifies that the equipment and systems meet the acceptance 
requirements:  
1. Outdoor air ventilation systems shall be tested in accordance with NA7.5.1 . 
2. Constant volume, single zone air conditioning and heat pump unit controls shall be 
tested in accordance with NA7.5.2.  
3. Duct systems that are subject to testing under Section 120.4(g)1, Section 141.0(b)2Di or 
Section 141.0(b)2Dii shall be tested in accordance with NA7.5.3.   
4. Air economizers , DOAS, HRV or ERV systems  shall be tested in accordance with NA7.5.4.  
Exception  1 to Section 120.5(a)4:  Air economizers installed by the HVAC system 
manufacturer and certified to the Commission as being factory calibrated and tested are 
not required to comply with exempt  from the Functional Testing section of the air 
economizer controls  acceptance test as described in NA7.5.4.2.  
Exception 2 to Section 120.5(a)4:  The DOAS , HRV, or ERV  unit that does not  meet the 
exhaust air heat recovery ratio as specified in Section 140.4(q)1 or does not include bypass 
or control to disable energy recovery as specified in Section 140.4(q)2.  
5. Demand control ventilation systems required by Section 120.1(c)3 shall be tested in 
accordance with NA7.5.5 . 
6. Supply fan variable flow controls shall be tested in accordance with NA7.5.6 . 
7. Hydronic system variable flow controls shall be tested in accordance with NA7.5.7 and 
NA7.5.9 . 
8. Boiler or chillers that require isolation controls as specified by Section 140.4(k)2 or 
140.4(k)3 shall be tested in accordance with NA7.5.7 . 
9. Hydronic systems with supply water temperature reset controls shall be tested in 
accordance with NA7.5.8 . 
10. Automatic demand shed controls shall be tested in accordance with NA7.5.10.  
11. Fault Detection and Diagnostics (FDD) for Packaged Direct -Expansion Units shall be 
tested in accordance with NA7.5.11.  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 259 
SECTION 120.5 – REQUIRED NONRESIDENTIAL MECHANICAL SYSTEM ACCEPTANCE  12. Automatic fault detection  and diagnostics  (FDD) for air  handling units and zone terminal 
units shall be tested in accordance with NA7.5.12.  
13. Distributed Energy Storage DX AC Systems shall be tested in accordance with NA7.5.13.  
14. Thermal Energy Storage (TES) Systems shall be tested in accordance with NA7.5.14.  
15. Supply air temperature reset controls shall be tested in accordance with NA7.5.15.  
16. Water -cooled chillers served by cooling towers with condenser water reset controls shall 
be tested in accordance with NA7.5.16.  
17. When an energy management control system  is installed, it shall functionally meet all of 
the applicable requirements of Part 6.  
18. Occupant sensing zone controls shall be tested in accordance with NA7.5.17.  
(b) When certification is required by Title 24, Part 1, Section 10 -103.2, the acceptance testing 
specified by Section 120.5(a) shall be performed by a certified mechanical acceptance test 
technician  (CMATT). If the CMATT is operating as an employee, the CMATT shall be employed 
by a certified mechanical acceptance test employer.  The CMATT shall disclose on the 
certificate  of acceptance  a valid CMATT certification identification number issued by an 
approved acceptance test technician certification provider.  The CMATT shall complete all 
certificate  of acceptance  documentation in accordance with the applicable requirements in 
Section 10 -103(a)4.  
Note : Authority  cited : Sections 25213, 25218, 25218.5, 25402 and 25402.1, Public Resources 
Code. Reference: Sections 25007, 25008, 25218.5, 25310, 25402, 25402.1, 25402.4, 25402.8, 
25943, Public Resources Code.  Page 260 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 120.6 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR COVERED PROCESSES  SECTION 120.6 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR COVERED PROCESSES  
Nonresidential and hotel/motel buildings shall comply with the applicable requirements of 
Sections 120.6(a) through 120.6(g).  
(a) Mandatory requirements  for refrigerated warehouses.  
Refrigerated warehouses that are greater than or equal to 3,000 square feet and 
refrigerated spaces with a sum total of 3,000 square feet or more that are served by the 
same refrigeration system shall meet the requirements of Section 120.6(a).  
Refrigerated spaces that are less than 3,000 square feet shall meet the requirements of the 
Appliance Efficiency Regulations for walk -in coolers or freezers contained in the Appliance 
Efficiency Regulations (California Code of Regulations, Title 20, Sections 1601 through 1608).  
1. Insulation requirements . Exterior surfaces of refrigerated warehouses shall be insulated 
at least to the R -values in Table 120.6 -A-1. 
TABLE  120.6 -A-1 REFRIGERATED WAREHOUSE INSULATION  
SPACE  SURFACE  MINIMUM R -VALUE 
(ºF·hr·sf/Btu)  
Freezers  Roof/Ceiling  R-40 
Freezers  Wall  R-36 
Freezers  Floor  R-35 
Freezers  Floor with all heating from 
productive refrigeration capacity1 R-20 
Coolers  Roof/Ceiling  R-28 
Coolers  Wall  R-28 
Footnote to TABLE 120.6 -A-1: 
1. All underslab  heating is provided by a heat exchanger that provides refrigerant 
subcooling or other means that result in productive refrigeration capacity on the 
associated refrigerated system.  
2. Underslab heating.  Electric resistance heat shall not be used for the purposes of 
underslab heating.  
Exception  to Section 120.6(a)2:  Underslab heating systems controlled such that the 
electric resistance heat is thermostatically controlled and disabled during the summer 
on-peak period defined by the local electric utility.  
3. Evaporators.  New fan -powered evaporators used in coolers and freezers shall conform 
to the following:  
A. Single phase fan motors less than 1 hp and less than 460 Volts in newly installed 
evaporators shall be electronically -commutated motors or shall have a minimum 
motor efficiency of 70 percent when rated in accordance with NEMA Standard MG 1 -
2006 at full load rating conditions.  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 261 
SECTION 120.6 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR COVERED PROCESSES  B. Evaporator fans served either by a suction group with multiple compressors or by a 
single compressor with variable capacity capability shall be variable speed and the 
speed shall be controlled in response to space temperature or humidity.  
Exception  1 to Section 120.6(a)3B : Addition, alteration or replacement of less than 
all of the evaporators in an existing refrigerated space that does not have speed -
controlled evaporators.  
Exception  2 to Section 120.6(a)3B:  Coolers within refrigerated warehouses that 
maintain a controlled atmosphere  for which a licensed engineer has certified that the 
types of products stored will require constant operation at 100 percent of the design 
airflow.  
Exception  3 to Section 120.6(a)3B:  Areas within refrigerated warehouses that are 
designed solely for the purpose of quick chilling/freezing of products, including but 
not limited to spaces with design cooling capacities of greater than 240 Btu/hr -ft2 (2 
tons per 100 square feet).  
C. Evaporator fans served by a single compressor that does not have variable capacity 
shall utilize controls to reduce airflow by at least 40 percent for at least 75 percent of 
the time when the compressor is not running.  
Exception  to Section 120.6(a)3C:  Areas within refrigerated warehouses that are 
designed solely for the purpo se of quick chilling/freezing of products (space with 
design cooling capacities of greater than 240 Btu/hr -ft2 (2 tons per 100 ft²)).  
D.  Fan-powered evaporators utilizing volatile refrigerants shall meet the applicable 
efficiency requirements listed in Tab le 120.6 -A-2. 
Evaporator specific efficiency is defined as the gross total refrigeration capacity 
(Btu/h) divided by the electrical input power at 100 percent fan speed at rating 
conditions listed in Table 120.6 -A-2 following the test procedure listed in Table 
120.6 -A-2. 
EXCEPTION to Section 120.6(a)3D:  Evaporators designed solely for the purpose of 
quick chilling/freezing of products, including but not limited to spaces with design 
cooling capacities of greater than 240 Btu/hr -ft2 (2 tons per 100ft2).  
E.  The applied static pressure drop for evaporators shall not exceed 0.5 in. water.  
Exception to Section 120.6(a)3E:  Evaporators designed solely for the purpose of 
quick chilling/freezing of products, including but not limited to spaces with design 
cooling capacities of greater that 240 Btu/hr -ft2 (2 tons per 100ft2). 
 
  Page 262 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 120.6 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR COVERED PROCESSES  Table 120.6 -A-2 FAN-POWERED EVAPORATORS – MINIMUM SPECIFIC EFFICIENCY 
REQUIREMENTS  
1, Evaporator Type2 Rating Condition  Efficiency 
(Btuh/Watt)  Test 
Procedure3 
Direct Expansion, Ammonia 
Refrigerant, Cooler/Dock  Dry Coil  
+25°F saturated evaporating temperature  
+35°F entering drybulb temperature  
0 in. water state pressure  35 AHRI 420  
Direct Expansion, Ammonia 
Refrigerant,  Freezer  Dry Coil  
-20°F saturated evaporating temperature  
-10°F entering drybulb  temperature  
0 in. water state pressure  25 AHRI 420  
Liquid Overfeed, Ammonia 
Refrigerant, Cooler/Dock  Dry Coil  
+25°F saturated evaporating temperature  
+35°F entering drybulb temperature  
0 in. water state pressure  50 AHRI 420  
Liquid Overfeed, Ammonia 
Refrigerant, Freezer  Dry Coil  
-20°F saturated evaporating temperature  
-10°F entering drybulb temperature  
0 in. water state pressure  45 AHRI 420  
Direct Expansion, CO2 
Refrigerant, Cooler/Dock  Dry Coil  
+25°F saturated evaporating temperature  
+35°F entering drybulb temperature  
0 in. water state pressure  35 AHRI 420  
Direct Expan sion, CO2 
Refrigerant, Freezer  Dry Coil  
-20°F saturated evaporating temperature  
-10°F entering drybulb temperature  
0 in. water state pressure  25 AHRI 420  
Liqu id Overfeed, CO2 
Refrigerant, Cooler/Dock  Dry Coil  
+25°F saturated evaporating temperature  
+35°F entering drybulb temperature  
0 in. water state pressure  50 AHRI 420  
Liquid Overfeed, CO2 
Refrigerant, Freezer  Dry Coil  
-20°F saturated evaporating temperature  
-10°F entering drybulb temperature  
0 in. water state pressure  45 AHRI 420  
Direct Expansion, 
Halocarbon Refrigerant, 
Cooler/Dock  Dry Coil  
+25°F saturated evaporating dew point 
temperature  
+35°F entering drybulb temperature  
0 in. water state pressure  45 AHRI 1250  
Direct Expansion, 
Halocarbon Refrigerant, 
Freezer  Dry Coil  
-20°F saturated evaporating dew point 
temperature  
-10°F entering drybulb temperature  
0 in. water state pressure  40 AHRI 1250  
Notes:  
1 Direct expansion: Evaporator in which leaving refrigerant vapor is superheated.  
2 Liquid overfeed: Evaporator in which refrigerant liquid is supplied at a recirculation rate 
greater than 1.  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 263 
SECTION 120.6 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR COVERED PROCESSES  3 Applicable test procedure and reference year  are provided under the definitions.  
 
4. Condensers.  New fan -powered condensers on new refrigeration systems shall conform 
to the following:  
A. Design saturated condensing temperatures for evaporative -cooled condensers and 
water -cooled condensers served by fluid coolers or cooling towers shall be less than 
or equal to:  
i. The design wetbulb temperature plus 20°F in locations where the design wetbulb 
temperature is less than or equal to 76°F;  or 
ii. The design wetbulb temperature plus 19°F in locations where the design wetbulb 
temperature is between 76°F and 78°F; or  
iii. The design wetbulb temperature plus 18°F in locations were the design wetbulb 
temperature is greater than or equal to 78°F.  
Exception  1 to Section 120.6(a)4A:  Compressors and condensers on a refrigeration 
system for which more than 20 percent of the total design refrigeration cooling load 
is for quick chilling/freezing of products (space with design cooling capacities of 
greater than 240 Btu/hr -ft2), or process refrigeration cooling for other than a 
refrigerated space.  
Exception 2 to Section 120. (a)4A: Condensing units covered by California Code of 
Regulations, Title 20, Section 1605.1 and 1605.2.  
B. Design saturated condensing temperatures for air -cooled condensers shall be less 
than or equal to:  
 i. The design drybulb temperature plus 10°F for systems serving freezers;  
ii. The design drybulb temperature plus 15°F for systems serving coolers.  
Exception  1 to Section 120.6(a)4B:  Condensing units covered by California Code of 
Regulations, Title 20, Section 1605.1 and 1605.2. Condensing units with a total 
compressor horsepower less than 100 HP.  
Exception  2 to Section 120.6(a)4B:  Compressors and condensers on a refrigeration 
system for which more than 20 percent of the total design refrigeration cooling load 
is for quick chilling/freezing of products (space with design cooling capacities of 
greater than 240 Btu/hr -ft2), or process refrigeration cooling for other than a 
refrigerated space.  
C. The saturated condensing temperature necessary for adiabatic condensers to reject 
the design total heat of rejection of a refrigeration system assuming dry mode 
performance shall be less than or equal to:  
i. The design drybulb temperature plus 20°F for systems serving freezers;  
ii. The design drybulb temperature plus 30°F for systems serving coolers.  Page 264 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 120.6 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR COVERED PROCESSES  Exception 1 to Section 120.6(a)4C:  Compressors and condensers on a refrigeration 
system for which more than 20 percent of the total design refrigeration cooling load 
is for quick chilling/freezing of products (space with design cooling capacities of 
greater than 240 Btu/hr -ft2 (2 tons per 100 ft2)), or process refrigeration cooling for 
other than a refrigerated space.  
Exception 2 to Section 120. (a)4C:  Condensing units covered by California Code of 
Regulations, Title 20, Section 1605.1 and 1605.2.  
D. All condenser fans for air -cooled condensers, evaporative -cooled condensers, 
adiabatic condensers, gas coolers, air or water fluid coolers or cooling towers shall be 
continuously variable speed, with the speed of all fans serving a common condenser 
high si de controlled in unison.  
E. The minimum condensing temperature setpoint shall be less than or equal to 70°F 
for systems utilizing air -cooled condensers, evaporative -cooled condensers, adiabatic 
condensers, gas coolers, air or water -cooled fluid coolers or cooling towers for heat 
rejection.  
F. Condensing temperature reset. The condensing temperature set point of systems 
served by air -cooled condensers shall be reset in response to ambient drybulb 
temperature. The condensing temperature set point of systems served by 
evaporative -cooled condens ers or water -cooled condensers (via cooling towers or 
fluid coolers) shall be reset in response to ambient wetbulb temperatures. The 
condensing temperature set point for systems served by adiabatic condensers shall 
be reset in response to ambient drybulb t emperature while operating in dry mode.  
Exception  1 to Section 120.6(a)4F:  Condensing temperature control strategies 
approved by the Executive Director that have been demonstrated to provide at least 
equal energy savings.  
Exception 2 to Section 120. 6(a)4F:  Systems served by adiabatic condensers in 
Climate Zones 1, 3, 5, 12, 14 and 16.  
G. Fan-powered condensers shall meet the condenser efficiency requirements listed in 
Table 120.6 -B. Condenser efficiency is defined as the total heat  of rejection  (THR) 
capacity divided by all electrical input power including fan power at 100 percent fan 
speed, and power of spray pumps for evaporative condensers.  
Exception 1 to Section 120.6(a)4G:  Adiabatic condensers with ammonia as 
refrigerant.  
Exception 2 to Section 120. (a)4G:  Condensing units covered by California Code of 
Regulations, Title 20, Section 1605.1 and 1605.2.  
H. Air-cooled condensers shall have a fin density no greater than 10 fins per inch.  
Exception  1 to Section 120.6(a)4H:  Micro -channel condensers.  
Exception 2 to Section 120. (a)4H:  Condensing units covered by California Code of 
Regulations, Title 20, Section 1605.1 and 1605.2.  
Exception  to Section 120.6(a )4: Transcritical CO 2 refrigeration systems.  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 265 
SECTION 120.6 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR COVERED PROCESSES  Table  120.6 -B FAN -POWERED CONDENSERS – MINIMUM EFFICIENCY REQUIREMENTS  
CONDENSER TYPE  REFRIGERANT TYPE  MINIMUM EFFICIENCY  RATING CONDITION  
Outdoor Evaporative -
Cooled with THR Capacity > 
8,000 MBH  All 350 Btuh/watt  100°F Saturated 
Condensing Temperature 
(SCT), 70°F Outdoor 
Wetbulb Temperature  
Outdoor Evaporative -
Cooled with THR Capacity < 
8,000 MBH and Indoor 
Evaporative -Cooled  All 160 Btuh/watt  100°F Saturated 
Condensing Temperature 
(SCT), 70°F Outdoor 
Wetbulb Temperature  
Outdoor Air -Cooled  Ammonia  75 Btuh/watt  105°F Saturated 
Condensing Temperature 
(SCT), 95°F Outdoor 
Drybulb Temperature  
Outdoor Air -Cooled  Halocarbon  65 Btuh/watt  105°F Saturated 
Condensing Temperature 
(SCT), 95°F Outdoor 
Drybulb Temperature  
Adiabatic Dry Mode  Halocarbon  45 Btuh/watt  105°F Saturated 
Condensing Temperature 
(SCT), 95°F Outdoor 
Drybulb Temperature  
Indoor Air -Cooled  All No requirement Exempt  No requirement Exempt  
5. Compressors.  Compressor systems utilized in refrigerated warehouses shall conform to 
the following:  
A. Compressors serving refrigeration systems that are not transcritical CO 2 shall be 
designed to operate at a minimum condensing temperature of 70°F or less.  
B. Compressors for transcritical CO 2 refrigeration systems shall be designed to operate 
at a minimum condensing temperature of 60°F or less.  
Exception  to Section 120.6(a) 5B: Compressors with a design saturated suction 
temperature greater than or equal to 30°F shall be designed to operate at a 
minimum condensing temperature of 70°F or less.  
C. New open -drive screw compressors in new refrigeration systems with a design 
saturated suction temperature (SST) of 28°F or lower that discharges to the system 
condenser pressure shall control compressor speed in response to the refrigeration 
load.  
Exception  1 to Section 120.6(a)5C:  Refrigeration plants with more than one 
dedicated compressor per suction group.  
Exception  2 to Section 120.6(a)5C:  Compressors and condensers on a refrigeration 
system for which more than 20 percent of the total design refrigeration cooling load 
is for quick chilling/ freezing of products (space with design cooling capacities of 
greater than 240 Btu/hr -ft2 (2 tons per 100 ft2)) or process refrigeration cooling for 
other than a refrigerated space.  Page 266 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 120.6 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR COVERED PROCESSES  D. New screw compressors with nominal electric motor power greater than 150 HP 
shall include the ability to automatically vary the compressor volume ratio (Vi) in 
response to operating pressures.  
6. Infiltration barriers . Passageways between freezers and higher -temperature spaces, and 
passageways between coolers and nonrefrigerated spaces, shall have an infiltration 
barrier consisting of strip curtains, an automatically -closing door or an air curtain 
designed by the manufa cturer for use in the passageway and temperature for which it is 
applied.  
Exception  1 to Section 120.6(a)6:  Openings with less than 16 square feet of opening 
area.  
Exception  2 to Section 120.6(a)6:  Dock doorways for trailers.  
7. Refrigerated warehouse acceptance . Before an occupancy permit is granted for a new 
refrigerated warehouse, or before a new refrigeration system serving a refrigerated 
warehouse is operated for normal use, the following equipment and systems shall be 
certified as meeting the acceptance requirements  for code compliance , as specified by 
the Reference Nonresidential Appendix NA7. A certificate  of acceptance  shall be 
submitted to the enforcement agency that certifies that the equipment and systems 
meet the ac ceptance requirements:  
A. Electric resistance underslab heating systems shall be tested in accordance with 
NA7.10.1.  
B. Evaporators fan motor controls shall be tested in accordance with NA7.10.2.  
C. Evaporative condensers shall be tested in accordance with NA7.10.3.1.  
D. Air-Cooled  condensers shall be tested in accordance with NA7.10.3.2.  
E. Adiabatic condensers shall be tested in accordance with NA7.10.3.3.  
F. Variable speed compressors shall be tested in accordance with NA7.10.4.  
G. Transcritical CO 2 refrigeration systems shall be tested in accordance with NA7.20.1.  
8. Transcritical CO 2 gas coolers.  New fan -powered  gas coolers  on all new  transcritical CO 2 
refrigeration systems shall conform to the following:   
A. Air-cooled gas coolers are prohibited in Climate Zones 9 through 15.  
B. Design leaving gas temperature for air -cooled gas coolers shall be less than or equal 
to the design dry -bulb temperature plus 6°F.   
Exception  to Section 120.6(a) 8B: Design leaving gas temperature for air -cooled gas 
coolers in Climate Zones  2, 4 and 8 shall be less than or equal to the design dry -bulb 
temperature plus 8°F.   
C. Design leaving gas temperature for adiabatic gas coolers necessary to reject the 
design total heat of rejection of a refrigeration system assuming dry mode 
performance shall be less than or equal to the design dry -bulb temperature plus 
15°F.   2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 267 
SECTION 120.6 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR COVERED PROCESSES  D. All gas cooler fans shall be continuously variable speed, with the speed of all fans 
serving a common condenser high side controlled in unison.   
E. While operating below the critical point, the gas cooler pressure shall be controlled 
in accordance with Section  120.6(a)4F.   
F. While operating  above the critical point, the gas cooler pressure setpoint shall be 
reset based on ambient conditions such that the system efficiency is maximized.   
G. The minimum condensing temperature setpoint shall be less than  or equal to 60°F 
for systems utilizing air -cooled  gas coolers, evaporative -cooled  gas coolers, adiabatic  
gas coolers, air or water -cooled fluid coolers or cooling towers for heat rejection.   
Exception to Section 120.6(a)8G: Transcritical CO 2 refrigeration systems with a 
design intermediate saturated suction temperature greater than or equal to 30°F 
shall have a minimum condensing temperature setpoint of 70°F or less.  
H. Fan-powered  gas coolers  shall meet the  gas cooler  efficiency requirements listed in 
Table 120.6 -C. Gas cooler  efficiency is defined as the Total Heat of Rejection (THR) 
capacity divided by all electrical input power  (fan power at 100 percent fan speed).  
 
Table 120.6 -C TRANSCRITICAL  CO 2 FAN-POWERED  GAS COOLERS  – MINIMUM EFFICIENCY 
REQUIREMENTS   
CONDENSER TYPE   REFRIGERANT TYPE   MINIMUM EFFICIENCY   RATING CONDITION   
Outdoor Air -Cooled   Transcritical CO 2  160 Btuh/watt   1400 psig, 100°F Outlet 
Gas Temperature, 90°F 
Outdoor Dry bulb 
Temperature   
Adiabatic Dry Mode   Transcritical CO 2  90 Btuh/watt  1100 psig, 100°F Outlet 
Gas Temperature,  90°F 
Outdoor Dry bulb 
Temperature   
9. Automatic door closers . Doors designed for the passage of people that are between 
freezers and higher -temperature spaces, or between coolers and nonrefrigerated 
spaces, shall have automatic door closers.   
(b) Mandatory requirements  for commercial refrigeration . 
Retail food or beverage stores with 8,000 square feet or more of conditioned floor area, and 
that utilize either refrigerated display cases, or walk -in coolers or freezers shall meet all 
applicable state and federal appliance and equipment standards consis tent with Section 
110.0 and 110.1 or, for equipment not subject to such standards, the requirements of 
Subsections 1 through 4.  
1. Condensers serving refrigeration systems.  Fan-powered condensers shall conform to 
the following requirements:  
A. All condenser fans for air -cooled condensers, evaporative -cooled condensers, 
adiabatic condensers, gas coolers, air - or water -cooled fluid coolers or cooling towers Page 268 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 120.6 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR COVERED PROCESSES  shall be continuously variable speed, with the speed of all fans serving a common 
condenser high side controlled in unison.  
B. The refrigeration system condenser controls for systems with air -cooled condensers 
shall use variable - setpoint control logic to reset the condensing temperature 
setpoint in response to ambient drybulb temperature.  
C. The refrigeration system condenser controls for systems with evaporative -cooled 
condensers shall use variable -setpoint control logic to reset the condensing 
temperature setpoint in response to ambient wetbulb temperature.  
D. The refrigeration system condenser controls for systems with adiabatic condensers 
shall use variable setpoint control logic to reset the condensing temperature setpoint 
in response to ambient drybulb temperature while operating in dry mode.  
Exception 1 to Section 120.6(b)1B, C and D:  Condensing temperature control 
strategies approved by the executive director that have been demonstrated to 
provide equal energy savings.  
Exception 2 to Section 120.6(b)1D: Systems served by adiabatic condensers in 
Climate Zone 16.  
E. The saturated condensing temperature necessary for adiabatic condensers to reject 
the design total heat of rejection of a refrigeration system assuming dry mode 
performance shall be less than or equal to:  
i. The design drybulb temperature plus 20°F for systems serving freezers;  
ii. The design drybulb temperature plus 30°F for systems serving coolers.  
F. The minimum condensing temperature setpoint shall be less than or equal to 70°F.  
G. Fan-powered condensers shall meet the specific efficiency requirements listed in 
Table 120.6 -D. 
 
Table 120.6 -D FAN -POWERED CONDENSERS –SPECIFIC EFFICIENCY REQUIREMENTS  
CONDENSER TYPE  MINIMUM SPECIFIC EFFICIENCYa RATING CONDITION  
Evaporative -Cooled  160 Btuh/watt  100°F Saturated Condensing Temperature 
(SCT), 70°F Entering Wetbulb Temperature  
Air-Cooled  65 Btuh/watt  105°F Saturated Condensing Temperature 
(SCT), 95°F Entering Drybulb Temperature  
Adiabatic Dry Mode  45 Btu/watt (halocarbon)  105°F Saturated Condensing Temperature 
(SCT), 95°F Entering Drybulb Temperature  
Notes:  
a See Section 100.1 for definition of condenser specific efficiency.  
Exception  1 to Section 120.6(b)1G:  Condensers with a total heat rejection  capacity of 
less than 150,000 Btuh at the specific efficiency rating condition.  
Exception  2 to Section 120.6(b)1G:  Stores located in Climate Zone 1.  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 269 
SECTION 120.6 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR COVERED PROCESSES  Exception  3 to Section 120.6(b)1G:  Existing condensers that are reused for an 
addition or alteration.  
H. Air-cooled condensers shall have a fin density no greater than 10 fins per inch.  
Exception  1 to Section 120.6(b)1H:  Microchannel condensers.  
Exception  2 to Section 120.6(b)1H:  Existing condensers that are reused for an 
addition or alteration.  
Exception to Section 120.6(b)1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F, 1G:  Transcritical CO 2 refrigeration 
systems.  
Exception  to Section 120.6(b)1: New condensers replacing existing condensers when the 
attached compressor system total heat  of rejection  does not increase and less than 25 
percent of both the attached compressors and the attached display cases are new.  
2. Compressor systems . Refrigeration compressor systems and condensing units shall 
conform to the following requirements:  
A. Compressors and multiple -compressor suction groups shall include control systems 
that use floating suction pressure logic to reset the target saturated suction 
temperature based on the temperature requirements of the attached refrigeration 
display cases  or walk -ins. 
Exception  1 to Section 120.6(b)2A:  Single compressor systems that do not have 
continuously variable capacity capability.  
Exception  2 to Section 120.6(b)2A:  Suction groups that have a design saturated 
suction temperature of 30°F or higher, or suction groups that comprise the high 
stage of a two -stage or cascade system or that primarily serve chillers for secondary 
cooling fluids.  
B. Liquid subcooling shall be provided for all low temperature compressor systems with 
a design cooling capacity equal or greater than 100,000 Btu/hr with a design 
saturated suction temperature of -10°F or lower, with the subcooled liquid 
temperature maint ained continuously at 50°F or less at the exit of the subcooler, 
using compressor economizer port(s) or a separate medium or high temperature 
suction group operating at a saturated suction temperature of 18°F or higher.  
Exception  1 to Section 120.6(b)2B:  Low temperature cascade systems that condense 
into another refrigeration system rather than condensing to ambient temperature.  
Exception  2 to Section 120 .6(b)2B: Transcritical CO 2 refrigeration systems.  
C. Compressors for transcritical CO 2 refrigeration systems shall be designed to operate 
at a minimum condensing temperature of 60°F or less.  
Exception  to Section 120.6(b)2C: Compressors with a design saturated suction 
temperature greater than or equal to 30°F shall be designed to operate at a 
minimum condensing temperature of 70°F or less.   
Exception  to Section 120.6(b)2:  Existing compressor systems that are reused for an 
addition or alteration.  Page 270 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 120.6 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR COVERED PROCESSES  3. Refrigerated  display cases . Lighting in refrigerated display cases, and lights on glass 
doors installed on walk -in coolers and freezers shall be controlled by one of the 
following:  
A. Automatic time switch controls to turn off lights during nonbusiness hours. Timed 
overrides for any line -up or walk -in case may only be used to turn the lights on for up 
to one hour. Manual overrides shall time -out automatically to turn the lights off a fter 
one hour.  
B. Motion sensor controls on each case that reduce display case lighting power by at 
least 50 percent within 30 minutes after the area near the case is vacated.  
4. Refrigeration heat recovery . 
A. HVAC systems shall utilize heat recovery from refrigeration system(s) for space 
heating, using no less than 25 percent of the sum of the design total heat  of rejection  
of all refrigeration systems that have individual total heat  of rejection  values of 
150,000 Btu/h or greater at design conditions.  
Exception  1 to Section 120.6(b)4A:  Stores located in Climate Zone 15.  
Exception  2 to Section 120.6(b)4A:  HVAC systems or refrigeration systems that are 
reused for an addition or alteration.  
Exception  3 to Section 120. 6(b)4A:  Stores where the design total heat of rejection of 
all refrigeration systems is less than or equal to 500,000 Btu/h.  
B. The increase in hydrofluorocarbon refrigerant charge associated with refrigeration 
heat recovery equipment and piping shall be no greater than 0.35 lbs per 1,000 
Btu/h of heat recovery heating capacity.  
5. Transcritical CO 2 Gas Coolers . New fan -powered  gas coolers  on all new  transcritical 
CO 2 refrigeration systems shall conform to the following:  
A. Air-cooled gas coolers are prohibited in Climate Zones 10 through 15.  
B. Design leaving gas temperature for air -cooled gas coolers shall be less than or equal 
to the design dry -bulb temperature plus 6°F.  
C. Design leaving gas temperature for adiabatic gas coolers necessary to reject the 
design total heat of rejection of a refrigeration system assuming dry mode 
performance shall be less than or equal to the design dry -bulb temperature plus 
15°F.   
D. All gas cooler fans shall be continuously variable speed, with the speed of all fans 
serving a common condenser high side controlled in unison.   
E. While operating below the critical point, the gas cooler pressure shall be controlled 
in accordance with Section  120.6(b)1 B, 120.6(b)1C, or 120.6(b)1D A.  
F. While operating  above the critical point, the gas cooler pressure setpoint shall be 
reset based on ambient conditions such that the system efficiency is maximized.   2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 271 
SECTION 120.6 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR COVERED PROCESSES  G. The minimum condensing temperature setpoint shall be less than or  equal to 60°F 
for air-cooled  gas coolers, evaporative -cooled  gas coolers, adiabatic  gas coolers, air 
or water -cooled fluid coolers or cooling towers.   
Exception to Section 120.6(b)5G: Transcritical CO 2 refrigeration systems with a 
design intermediate saturated suction temperature greater than or equal to 30°F 
shall have a minimum condensing temperature setpoint of 70°F or less.  
H. Fan-powered  gas coolers  shall meet the condenser efficiency requirements listed in 
Table 120.6 -E. Gas cooler  efficiency is defined as the total heat  of rejection  (THR) 
capacity divided by all electrical input power  (fan power at 100 -percent fan speed).   
Table 120.6 -E TRANSCRITICAL  CO 2 FAN-POWERED  GAS COOLERS  – MINIMUM EFFICIENCY 
REQUIREMENTS   
CONDENSER TYPE   REFRIGERANT TYPE   MINIMUM EFFICIENCY   RATING CONDITION   
Outdoor Air -Cooled   Transcritical CO 2  160 Btuh/watt   1400 psig, 100°F Outlet 
Gas Temperature,  90°F 
Outdoor Dry bulb 
Temperature   
Adiabatic Dry Mode   Transcritical CO 2  90 Btuh/watt   1100 psig, 100°F Outlet 
Gas Temperature,  90°F 
Outdoor Dry bulb 
Temperature   
6. Commercial refrigeration acceptance . Before an occupancy permit is granted for a new 
retail food or beverage store, or before a new refrigeration system serving a retail food 
or beverage store is operated for normal use, the following equipment and systems shall 
be certified as meeting the Ac ceptance Requirements for Code Compliance, as specified 
by the Reference Nonresidential Appendix NA7. A Certificate of Acceptance shall be 
submitted to the enforcement agency that certifies that the equipment and systems 
meet the acceptance requirements. T ranscritical CO 2 refrigeration systems shall be 
tested in accordance with NA7.20.1.  
(c) Mandatory requirements  for enclosed parking garages. Enclosed Parking Garages.  
Mechanical ventilation systems for enclosed parking garages where the total design exhaust 
rate for the garage is greater than or equal to 10,000 cfm shall conform to all of the following:  
1. Automatically detect contaminant levels and stage fans or modulate fan airflow rates to 
50 percent or less of design capacity , provided acceptable contaminant levels are 
maintained.  
2. Have controls and/or devices that will result in fan motor demand of no more than 30 
percent of design wattage at 50 percent of design airflow.  
3. CO shall be monitored with at least one sensor per 5,000 square feet, with the sensor 
located in the highest expected concentration locations, with at least two sensors per 
proximity zone. A proximity zone is defined as an area that is isolated from oth er areas 
either by floor or other impenetrable obstruction.  
4. CO concentration at all sensors is maintained at £ 25 ppm or less at all times.  Page 272 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 120.6 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR COVERED PROCESSES  5. The ventilation rate shall be at least 0.15 cfm/ft2 when the garage is scheduled to be 
occupied.  
6. The system shall maintain the garage at negative or neutral pressure relative to other 
occupiable spaces when the garage is scheduled to be occupied.  
7. CO sensors shall be:  
A. Certified by the manufacturer to be accurate within plus or minus 5 percent of 
measurement.  
B. Factory calibrated.  
C. Certified by the manufacturer to drift no more than 5 percent per year.  
D. Certified by the manufacturer to require calibration no more frequently than once a 
year.  
E. Monitored by a control system. The system shall have logic that automatically checks 
for sensor failure by the following means. Upon detection of a failure, the system 
shall reset to design ventilation rates and transmit an alarm to the facility operato rs. 
i. If any sensor has not been calibrated according to the manufacturer’s 
recommendations within the specified calibration period, the sensor has failed.  
ii. During unoccupied periods the system compares the readings of all sensors, e.g., 
if any sensor is more than 15 ppm above or below the average of all sensors for 
longer than four hours, the sensor has failed.  
iii. During occupied periods the system compares the readings of sensors in the 
same proximity zone, e.g., if the 30 minute rolling average for any sensor in a 
proximity zone is more than 15 ppm above or below the 30 minute rolling 
average for other sensor(s) in that proximity zone, the sensor has failed.  
8. Parking garage ventilation system acceptance . Before an occupancy permit is granted 
for a parking garage system subject to Section 120.6(c), the following equipment and 
systems shall be certified as meeting the acceptance requirements  for code compliance , 
as specified by the Reference Nonresidential Appendix NA7. A certificate  of acceptance  
shall be submitted to the enforcement agency that certifies that the equipment and 
systems meet the acceptance requirements specified in NA7.12.  
Exception  1 to Section 120.6(c):  Any garage, or portion of a garage, where more than 20 
percent of the vehicles expected to be stored have non-gasoline  combustion engines.  
Exception  2 to Section 120.6(c):  Additions and alterations to existing garages where less 
than 10,000 cfm of new exhaust capacity is being added.  
(d) Mandatory requirements  for process boilers.  
1. Combustion air positive shut -off shall be provided on all newly installed process boilers 
as follows:  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 273 
SECTION 120.6 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR COVERED PROCESSES  A. All process boilers with an input capacity of 2.5 MMBtu/h (2,500,000 Btu/h) and 
above, in which the boiler is designed to operate with a nonpositive  vent static 
pressure.  
B. All process boilers where one stack serves two or more boilers with a total combined 
input capacity per stack of 2.5 MMBtu/h (2,500,000 Btu/h).  
2. Process boiler combustion air fans with motors 10 horsepower or larger shall meet one 
of the following for newly installed boilers:  
A. The fan motor shall be driven by a variable speed drive; or . 
B. The fan motor shall include controls that limit the fan motor demand to no more 
than 30 percent of the total design wattage at 50 percent of design air volume.  
3. Newly installed process boilers with an input capacity greater than 5 MMBtu/h 
(5,000,000 Btu/h) shall maintain stack -gas oxygen concentrations at less than or equal to 
3.0 percent by volume on a dry basis over firing rates of 20 to 100 percent. Combustio n 
air volume shall be controlled with respect to measured flue gas oxygen concentration. 
Use of a common gas and combustion air control linkage or jack shaft is prohibited.  
Exception to Section 120.6(d)3:  Boilers with steady state full -load combustion efficiency 
90 percent or higher.  
(e) Mandatory requirements  for compressed air systems.  
All new compressed air systems, and all additions or alterations of compressed air systems 
where the total combined horsepower (hp) of the compressor(s) is 25 hp or more shall meet 
the requirements of Subsections 1 through 5. These requirements apply to the compre ssors, 
related piping systems and related controls that provide compressed air and do not apply to 
any equipment or controls that use or process the compressed air.  
Exception 1 to Section 120.6(e):  Medical gas compressed air systems serving healthcare 
facilities.  
1. Trim compressor  and storage . The compressed air system shall be equipped with an 
appropriately sized trim compressor and primary storage to provide acceptable 
performance across the range of the system and to avoid control gaps. The compressed 
air system shall comply with Subsection A or B below . 
A. The compressed air system shall include one or more variable speed drive (VSD) 
compressors. For systems with more than one compressor, the total combined 
capacity of the VSD compressor(s) acting as trim compressors must be at least 1.25 
times the larges t net capacity increment between combinations of compressors. The 
compressed air system shall include primary storage of at least one gallon per actual 
cubic feet per minute (acfm) of the largest trim compressor; or  
B. The compressed air system shall include a compressor or set of compressors with 
total effective trim capacity at least the size of the largest net capacity increment 
between combinations of compressors, or the size of the smallest compressor, 
whichever is larger. The total effective trim capacity of single compressor systems 
shall cover at least the range from 70 to 100 percent of rated capacity. The effective Page 274 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 120.6 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR COVERED PROCESSES  trim capacity of a compressor is the size of the continuous operational range where 
the specific power of the compressor (kW/100 acfm) is within 15 percent of the 
specific power at its most efficient operating point. The total effective trim capacity 
of th e system is the sum of the effective trim capacity of the trim compressors. The 
system shall include primary storage of at least 2 gallons per acfm of the largest trim 
compressor.  
Exception  1 to Section 120.6(e)1:  Alterations where the total combined added or 
replaced compressor horsepower is less than the average per -compressor horsepower 
of all compressors in the system.   
Exception  2 to Section 120.6(e)1:  Alterations where all added or replaced compressors 
are variable speed drive (VSD) compressors and compressed air system includes primary 
storage of at least one gallon per actual cubic foot per minute (acfm) of the largest trim 
compressor.  
Exception 3  to Section 120.6(e)1:  Compressed air systems that have been approved by 
the Energy Commission Executive Director as having demonstrated that the system 
serves loads for which typical air demand fluctuates less than 10 percent.  
Exception  4 to Section 120.6(e)1:  Alterations of existing compressed air systems that 
include one or more centrifugal compressors.   
2. Controls.  Compressed air systems with three or more compressors and a combined 
horsepower rating of more than 100 hp shall operate with controls that are able to 
choose the most energy efficient combination and loading of compressors within the 
system based on the current compressed air demand.  
3. Monitoring.  Compressed air systems having a combined horsepower rating equal to or 
greater than 100 hp shall have an energy and air demand monitoring system with the 
following minimum requirements:  
A. Measurement of system pressure.  
B. Measurement of amps or power of each compressor.  
C. Measurement or determination of total airflow from compressors in cfm.  
D. Data logging of pressure, power in kW, airflow in cfm and compressed air system 
specific efficiency in kW/100 cfm at intervals of 5 minutes or less.  
E. Maintained data storage of at least the most recent 24 months.  
F. Visual trending display of each recorded point, load and specific energy.  
4. Leak testing of compressed air piping.  Compressed air system piping greater than 50 
adjoining feet in length shall be pressure tested after being isolated from the 
compressed air supply and end uses. The piping shall be pressurized to the design 
pressure and test pressures shall be held for a length of time at the discretion of the 
authority having jurisdiction, but in no case for less than 30 minutes, with no perceptible 
drop in pressure.  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 275 
SECTION 120.6 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR COVERED PROCESSES  If dial gauges are used for conducting this test, these gauges must conform with 
California Plumbing Code Sections 318.3, 318.4 and 318.5.  
Piping less than or equal to 50 adjoining feet in length shall be pressurized and 
inspected. Connections shall be tested with a noncorrosive leak -detecting fluid or other 
leak-detecting methods at the discretion of the authority having jurisdiction.  
5. Pipe sizing.  Compressed air piping greater than 50 adjoining feet in length shall be 
designed and installed to minimize frictional losses in the distribution network. These 
piping installations shall meet the requirements of Section 120.6(e)5A and either Section 
120.6 (e)5B or 120.6(e)5C:  
A. Service line piping shall have inner diameters greater than or equal to ¾ inch. Service 
line piping are pipes that deliver compressed air from distribution piping to end uses.  
B. Piping section average velocity. Compressor room interconnection and main header 
piping shall be sized so that at coincident peak flow conditions, the average velocity 
in the segment of pipe is no greater than 20 ft/sec. Compressor room 
interconnection and main header piping are the pipes that deliver compressed air 
from the compressor outlets to the inlet to the distribution piping. Each segment of 
distribution and service piping shall be sized so that at coincident peak flow 
conditions, the average vel ocity in the segment of pipe is no greater than 30 ft/sec. 
Distribution piping are pipes that deliver compressed air from the compressor room 
interconnection piping or main header piping to the service line piping.  
C. Piping total pressure drop. Piping shall be designed such that piping frictional 
pressure loss at coincident peak loads is less than 5 percent of operating pressure 
between the compressor and end use or end use regulator.  
6. Compressed air system acceptance . Before an occupancy permit is granted for a 
compressed air system subject to Section 120.6(e), the equipment and systems shall be 
certified as meeting the acceptance requirements  for code compliance , as specified by 
the Reference Nonresidential Appendix NA7. A certificate  of acceptance  shall be 
submitted to the enforcement agency that certifies that the equipment and systems 
meet the acceptance requirements specified in NA 7.13.  
(f) Mandatory requirements  for elevators . Elevators shall meet the following requirements:  
1. The light power density for the luminaires inside the elevator cab shall be no greater 
than 0.6 watts per square foot.  
Exception  to Section 120.6(f)1: Interior signal lighting and interior display lighting are 
not included in the calculation of lighting power density.  
2. Elevator cab ventilation fans for cabs without space conditioning shall not exceed 0.33 
watts per cfm as measured at maximum speed.  
3. When the elevator cab is stopped and unoccupied with doors closed for over 15 
minutes, the cab interior lighting and ventilation fans shall be switched off until elevator 
cab operation resumes.  Page 276 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 120.6 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR COVERED PROCESSES  4. Lighting and ventilation shall remain operational in the event that the elevator cabin gets 
stuck when passengers are in the cabin.  
5. Elevator Lighting and Ventilation Control Acceptance. Before an occupancy permit is 
granted for elevators subject to 120.6(f), the following equipment and systems shall be 
certified as meeting the Acceptance Requirement for Code Compliance, as specified  by 
the Reference Nonresidential Appendix NA7. A Certificate of Acceptance shall be 
submitted to the enforcement agency that certifies that the equipment and systems 
meet the acceptance requirements specified in NA7.14.  
Exception  to Section 120.6(f): Elevators located in healthcare facilities.  
(g) Mandatory requirements  for escalators  and moving walkways . 
1. Escalators and moving walkways located in airports, hotels, and transportation function 
areas shall automatically slow to the minimum permitted speed in accordance with 
ASME A17.1/CSA B44 when not conveying passengers.  
2. Escalators and Moving Walkways Acceptance. Before an occupancy permit is granted for 
escalators and moving walkways subject to 120.6(g), the following equipment and 
systems shall be certified as meeting the Acceptance Requirement for Code Compliance, 
as specified by the Reference Nonresidential Appendix NA7. A Certificate of Acceptance 
shall be submitted to the enforcement agency that certifies that the equipment and 
systems meet the acceptance requirements specified in NA7.15.  
(h) Mandatory requirements  for Controlled Environment Horticulture (CEH) spaces.  
1. Indoor growing, dehumidification.  Dehumidification equipment shall be one of the 
following:  
A. Dehumidifiers subject to regulation under federal appliance standards tested in 
accordance with 10 CFR 430.23(z) and Appendix X or X1 to Subpart B of 10 CFR Part 
430 as applicable, and complying with 10 CFR 430.32(v)2;  
B. Integrated HVAC system with on -site heat recovery designed to fulfill at least 75 
percent of the annual energy for dehumidification reheat;  
C. Chilled water system with on -site heat recovery designed to fulfill at least 75 percent 
of the annual energy for dehumidification reheat; or  
D. Solid or liquid desiccant dehumidification system for system designs that require 
dewpoint of 50°F or less.  
2. Indoor growing, horticultural lighting.  In a building with CEH spaces and with more than 
40 kW of aggregate horticultural lighting load, the electric lighting systems used for plant 
growth and plant maintenance shall meet all of the following requirements:  
A. The horticultural lighting systems shall have a photosynthetic photon efficacy (PPE) rated 
in accordance with ANSI/ASABE S640 for wavelengths from 400 to 700 nanometers and meet 
one of the following requirements:  
i. Integrated, nonserviceable luminaires shall have a rated PPE of at least 1.9 micromoles 
per joule; or  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 277 
SECTION 120.6 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR COVERED PROCESSES  ii. Luminaires with removable or serviceable lamps shall have lamps with a rated PPE of at 
least 1.9 micromoles per joule.  
B. Time -switch lighting controls shall be installed and comply with Section 110.9(b)1, 
Section 130.4(a)4 and applicable sections of NA7.6.2.  
C. Multilevel lighting controls shall be installed and comply with Section 130.1(b).  
32. Indoor growing, electrical power distribution systems. Electrical power distribution 
systems serving CEH spaces shall be designed so that a measurement device is capable of 
monitoring the electrical energy usage of aggregate horticultural lighting load.  
43. Conditioned greenhouses, building envelope. Conditioned greenhouses shall meet the 
following requirements:  
A. Opaque wall and opaque roof assembly shall meet the requirements of Section 120.7; 
and  
B. Nonopaque envelopes shall have two or more glazings separated by either air or gas fill.  
54. Conditioned greenhouses, space -conditioning systems. Space -conditioning systems used 
for plant production shall comply with all applicable requirements.  
65. Greenhouses, h Horticultural lighting. In a building with CEH spaces or  a greenhouse with 
more than 40 kW of aggregate horticultural lighting load, the electric lighting system used 
for plant growth and plant maintenance shall meet the following requirements:  
A. The horticultural lighting systems shall have a photosynthetic photon efficacy (PPE) rated 
in accordance with ANSI/ASABE S640 for wavelengths from 400 to 700 nanometers and 
meet one of the following requirements:  
i. Integrated, nonserviceable luminaires shall have a rated PPE of at least 1.72.3 
micromoles per joule; or  
ii. Luminaires with removable or serviceable lamps shall have lamps with a rated PPE of 
at least 1.72.3 micromoles per joule.  
B. Time -switch lighting controls shall be installed and comply with Section 110.9(b)1, 
Section 130.4(a)4 and applicable sections of Reference Nonresidential Appendix 
NA7.6.2.  
C. Multilevel lighting controls shall be installed and comply with Section 130.1(b).  
(i) Mandatory requirements for steam traps. Steam traps in new industrial facilities and new steam 
traps added to support new, nonreplacement , process equipment in existing industrial facilities 
where the installed steam trap operating pressure, which is the steam pressure entering the 
steam trap during normal design operating conditions, is greater than 15 psig and the total 
combined connected  boiler input rating is greater than 5 million Btu/hr shall meet the following 
requirements:  
1. Central steam trap fault detection and diagnostics monitoring.  Steam trap systems shall be 
equipped with a central steam trap monitoring system that:  
A. Provides a status update of all steam trap fault detection sensors at no greater than 8 -
hour intervals.  Page 278 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 120.6 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR COVERED PROCESSES  B. Automatically displays an alarm that identifies which steam trap has a fault once the 
system has detected a fault.  
2. Steam trap fault detection.  Steam traps shall be equipped with automatic fault detection 
sensors that shall communicate their operational state to the central steam trap monitoring 
system as described in Section 120.6(i)1.  
3. Steam trap strainer installation.  Steam traps shall either:  
A. Be equipped with an integral strainer and blow -off valve; or  
B. Be installed downstream within 3 feet of a strainer and blow -off valve.  
4. Steam trap system acceptance.  Before an occupancy permit is granted for steam trap 
systems subject to Section 120.6(i), the equipment and systems shall be certified as meeting 
the Acceptance Requirement for Code Compliance, as specified by the Reference 
Nonresidential Appendix NA7.19.  A Certificate of Acceptance shall be submitted to the 
enforcement agency that certifies that the equipment and systems meet the acceptance 
requirements specified in NA7.19.  
Exception 1 to Section 120.6(i):  Steam traps where steam is diverted to a steam system of 
lower pressure for use when the steam trap fails open.  
(j) Mandatory requirements  for computer rooms.  Space -conditioning systems serving a computer 
room shall meet the following requirements:   
1. Reheat.  Each computer room zone shall have controls that prevent reheating, recooling and 
simultaneous provisions of heating and cooling to the same zone, such as mixing or 
simultaneous supply of air that has been previously mechanically heated and air that has 
been previously cooled, either by cooling equipment or by economizer systems.   
2. Humidification.  Humidification shall be adiabatic. Nonadiabatic humidification, including but 
not limited to steam and infrared, is prohibited.  
3. Fan control . Each unitary air conditioner with mechanical cooling capacity exceeding 60,000 
Btu/hr and each chilled water fan system shall be designed to vary the airflow rate as a 
function of actual load. Fan motor demand shall not exceed 50 percent of design wattage  at 
66 percent of design fan speed.   
(k) Mandatory requirements for commercial kitchens. Electric Readiness for Newly Constructed 
Commercial Kitchens shall meet the following requirements:  
1. Quick-service commercial kitchens and institutional commercial kitchens shall include a 
dedicated branch circuit wiring and outlet that would be accessible to cookline appliance s 
and shall meet all of the following requirements:  
a. The branch circuit conductors shall be rated at 50 amps minimum.  
b. The electrical service capacity shall have 800 connected amps for  
2. Main electrical service panel shall be sized to accommodate an additional either 208v or 
240v 50 -amp breaker . 
EXCEPTION to Section 120.6(k):  healthcare facilities.  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 279 
SECTION 120.6 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR COVERED PROCESSES  Note : Authority: Sections 25213, 25218, 25218.5, 25402 and 25402.1, Public Resources Code. 
Reference: Sections 25007, 25008, 25218.5, 25310, 25402, 25402.1, 25402.4, 25402.8, and 
25943 , Public Resources Code.  Page 280 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 120.7 – MANDATORY INSULATION REQUIREMENTS FOR BUILDING ENVELOPES  SECTION 120.7 – MANDATORY INSULATION REQUIR EMENTS FOR BUILDING 
ENVELOPES  
Nonresidential and hotel/motel buildings shall comply with the applicable requirements in 
Sections 120.7(a) through 120.7 (c)(e). 
(a) Roof/Ceiling insulation . The opaque portions of the roof/ceiling that separates conditioned 
spaces from unconditioned spaces or ambient air shall meet the applicable requirements of 
Items 1 through 3 below:  
1. Metal building.  The weighted average U -factor of the roof assembly shall not exceed 
0.098.  
2. Wood framed  and others.  The weighted average U -factor of the roof assembly shall not 
exceed 0.075.  
3. Insulation  placement.  Insulation installed to limit heat loss and gain from conditioned 
spaces to unconditioned spaces shall comply with all of the following:  
A. Insulation shall be installed in direct contact with a roof or ceiling that is sealed to 
limit infiltration and exfiltration as specified in Section 110.7. This may include, but is 
not limited to, placing insulation either above or below the roof deck o r on top of the 
finished ceiling.  
B. When insulation is installed at the roof in nonresidential buildings, fixed vents or 
openings to the outdoors or to unconditioned spaces shall not be installed. When 
the space between the ceiling and the roof is either directly or indirectly conditioned  
space, it shall not be considered an attic for the purposes of complying with CBC attic 
ventilation requirements.  
C. Insulation placed on top of a suspended ceiling with removable ceiling panels shall 
not be used to meet the Roof/Ceiling requirement of Sections 140.3 and 141.0.  
Exception  to Section 120.7(a)3:  When there are conditioned spaces with a combined 
floor area no greater than 2,000 square feet in an otherwise unconditioned building, 
and when the average height of the space between the ceiling and the roof over 
these spaces is greater than 12 feet, ins ulation placed in direct contact with a 
suspended ceiling with removable ceiling panels shall be an acceptable method of 
reducing heat loss from a conditioned space and shall be accounted for in heat loss 
calculations.  
NOTE:  Vents that do not penetrate the roof deck and are instead designed for wind 
resistance for roof membranes are not within the scope of Section 120.7(a)3B.  
(b) Wall insulation . The opaque portions of walls that separate conditioned spaces from 
unconditioned spaces or ambient air shall meet the applicable requirements of Items 1 
through 7 below:  
1. Metal building . The weighted average U -factor of the wall assembly shall not exceed 
0.113.  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 281 
SECTION 120.7 – MANDATORY INSULATION REQUIREMENTS FOR BUILDING ENVELOPES  2. Metal framed . The weighted average U -factor of the wall assembly shall not exceed 
0.151.  
3. Light mass walls . A 6-inch or greater hollow core concrete masonry unit  shall have a U -
factor not to exceed 0.440.  
4. Heavy mass walls . An 8 -inch or greater hollow core concrete masonry unit  shall have a U -
factor not to exceed 0.690.  
5. Wood framed  and others . The weighted average U -factor of the wall assembly shall not 
exceed 0.110.  
6. Spandrel panels  and curtain wall . The weighted average U -factor of the  spandrel panels 
and curtain wall  assembly shall not exceed 0.280.  
7. Demising walls . The opaque portions of framed demising walls shall meet the 
requirements of Item A or B below:  
A. Wood framed walls shall be insulated to meet a U -factor not greater than 0.099.  
B. Metal framed  walls shall be insulated to meet a U -factor not greater than 0.151.  
(c) Floor and soffit insulation . The opaque portions of floors and soffits that separate 
conditioned spaces from unconditioned spaces or ambient air shall meet the applicable 
requirements of Items 1 and 2 below:  
1. Raised mass floors . Shall have a minimum of 3 inches of lightweight concrete over a 
metal deck , or the weighted average U -factor of the floor assembly shall not exceed 
0.269.  
2. Other floors . The weighted average U -factor of the floor assembly shall not exceed 
0.071.  
3. Heated slab on grade floor.  A heated slab on grade floor shall be insulated to meet the 
requirements of Section 110.8(g ). 
(d) Exterior Windows.  Vertical fenestration assemblies shal l have an area weighted average U -
factor no greater than 0.47 . 
(e) Vestibules.  Public  entrances in buildings of occupancy types A, B, E, I, and M shall include  an 
enclosed vestibule meeting the applicable requirements of Items 1 and 2 below:  
1. All doors opening into and out of the vestibule shall be equipped with self -closing 
devices. Vestibules shall be designed so that in passing through the vestibule it is not 
necessary for the interior and exterior doors to open at the same time. The installation 
of one or more revolving doors in the building entrance shall not eliminate the 
requirement that a vestibule be prov ided on any main  entrance doors adjacent to 
revolving doors.  
2. Where provided, the heating system for heated vestibules and air curtains with integral 
heating shall be provided with controls configured to shut off the source of heating 
when the outdoor air temperature is greater than 45°F. Vestibules heating and cooli ng 
systems shall be controlled by a thermostat located in the vestibule configured to limit Page 282 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 120.7 – MANDATORY INSULATION REQUIREMENTS FOR BUILDING ENVELOPES  heating to a temperature not greater than 60°F and cooling to a temperature not less 
than 85°F.  
 EXCEPTIONS to Section 120.7(e) : Vestibules are not required for the following:  
1. Doors not intended to be used by the public, such as doors to mechanical or 
electrical equipment rooms, or intended solely for employee use.  
2. Doors opening directly from a sleeping unit or dwelling unit.  
3. Doors that open directly from a space less than 3,000 square feet in area.  
4. Revolving doors.  
5. Doors used primarily to facilitate vehicular movement or material handling and 
adjacent personnel doors.  
6. Doors that have an air curtain with a velocity of not less than 6.56 feet per second at 
the floor that have been tested in accordance with ANSI/AMCA 220 and installed in 
accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Manual or automatic controls shall 
be provided that operate the air curtain with the opening and closing of the door.  
7. Public entrances in buildings that are located in  Climate Zones 2 through 13  where 
the building is less than four stories above grade and less than 10,000 square feet in 
of gross conditioned floor area.   
Exception  to Section 120.7: A dedicated building used solely as a data center that has a total 
covered process load exceeding 750 kW.  
Note : Authority: Sections 25213, 25218, 25218.5, 25402 and 25402.1, Public Resources Code. 
Reference: Sections 25007, 25008, 25218.5, 25310, 25402, 25402.1, 25402.4, 25402.8, and 
25943, Public Resources Code.  
  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 283 
SECTION 120.8 – NONRESIDENTIAL BUILDING COMMISSIONING  SECTION 120.8 – NONRESIDENTIAL BUILDING COMMISSIONING  
Nonresidential buildings other than healthcare facilities, with conditioned space of 10,000 
square feet or more, shall comply with the applicable requirements of Sections 120.8(a) through 
120.8(i) in the building design and construction processes. All buil ding systems and components 
covered by Sections 110.0, 120.0, 130.0, and 140.0 shall be included in the scope of the 
commissioning requirements in this Section, excluding those related solely to covered 
processes.  
Nonresidential buildings other than healthcare facilities, with conditioned space of less than 
10,000 square feet shall comply with the design review requirements specified in Sections 
120.8(d ), and shall include any measures or requirements necessary for completing this review 
in the construction documents in a manner consistent with Section 120.8(e).  
Healthcare facilities shall instead comply with the applicable requirements of Chapter 7 of the 
California Administrative Code (Title 24, Part 1).  
NOTE:  Nonresidential buildings include nonresidential spaces such as nonresidential function 
areas within hotel/motel and high -rise residential buildings. The requirements of Section 120.8 
apply based on the square footage of the nonresidential spaces.  
The commissioning described in this Section is in addition to any commissioning required by 
Title 24, Part 11, Section 5.410.2, 5.410.4 and subsections.  
(a) Summary of commissioning requirements . Commissioning shall include completion of the 
following items:  
1. Owner’s or owner representative’s project requirements;  
2. Basis of design;  
3. Design phase design review;  
4. Commissioning measures shown in the construction documents;  
5. Commissioning plan;  
6. Functional performance testing;  
7. Documentation and training; and  
8. Commissioning report.  
(b) Owner’s or Owner Representative’s Project Requirements (OPR).  The energy -related 
expectations and requirements of the building shall be documented before the design phase 
of the project begins. This documentation shall include the following:  
1. Energy efficiency goals;  
2. Ventilation requirements;  
3. Project documentation requirements, including facility functions, hours of operation , 
and need for after -hours operation;  
4. Equipment and systems expectations; and  
5. Building envelope performance expectations.  Page 284 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 120.8 – NONRESIDENTIAL BUILDING COMMISSIONING  (c) Basis of design  (BOD).  A written explanation of how the design of the building systems and 
components meets the OPR shall be completed at the design phase of the building project, 
and updated as necessary during the design and construction phases. The basis  of design  
document shall cover the following systems and components:  
1. Heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC) systems and controls;  
2. Indoor lighting system and controls;  
3. Water heating systems and controls;   
4. Any other building equipment or system listed in the OPR; and  
5. Any building envelope component considered in the OPR.  
(d) Design phase design review.  
1. Design reviewer requirements.  The design reviewer shall be the signer of the Design 
Review Kickoff Certificate(s) of Compliance and Construction Document Design Review 
Checklist Certificate(s) of Compliance as specified in Part 1 Section 10 -103(a)1.  
2. Design review kickoff . During the schematic design phase of the building project, the 
owner or owner’s representative, design team and design reviewer must meet to discuss 
the project scope, schedule and how the design reviewer will coordinate with the 
project team. The buildin g owner or owner’s  representative shall include the Design 
Review Kickoff Certificate of Compliance form in the certificate  of compliance  
documentation (as specified in Part 1 Section 10 -103). 
3. Construction documents design review.  The construction documents design review  
Checklist Certificate of Compliance shall list the items checked by the design reviewer 
during the construction document review. The completed form shall be returned to the 
owner and design team for review and sign -off. The building owner or owner’s  
representative shall include this form in the certificate  of compliance  documentation (as 
specified in Part 1 Section 10 -103). 
(e) Commissioning measures shown in the construction documents.  Complete descriptions of 
all measures or requirements necessary for commissioning shall be included in the 
construction documents (plans and specifications). Commissioning measures or 
requirements shall be clear, detailed and complete to clarify the commi ssioning process.   
(f) Commissioning plan . Prior to permit issuance a commissioning plan shall be completed to 
document how the project will be commissioned and shall be started during the design 
phase of the building project. The commissioning plan  shall include the following:  
1. General project information;   
2. Commissioning goals;   
3. Systems to be commissioned; and  
4. Plans to test systems and components, which shall include:  
A. An explanation of the original design intent;   
B. Equipment and systems to be tested, including the extent of tests;   2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 285 
SECTION 120.8 – NONRESIDENTIAL BUILDING COMMISSIONING  C. Functions to be tested;   
D. Conditions under which the test shall be performed;   
E. Measurable criteria for acceptable performance;   
F. Commissioning team information; and  
G. Commissioning process activities, schedules and responsibilities. Plans for the 
completion of commissioning requirements listed in Sections 120.8(g) through 
120.8(i) shall be included.  
(g) Functional performance testing.  Functional performance tests shall demonstrate the correct 
installation and operation of each component, system and system -to-system interface in 
accordance with the acceptance test requirements in Sections 120.5, 130.4 , 140.9 , 160.3(d) 
and 160.5(e).  Functional performance testing reports shall contain information addressing 
each of the building components tested, the testing methods utilized, and include any 
readings and adjustments made.  
Exception  to Section 120.8(g): Healthcare facilities.  
(h) Documentation and training.  A systems manual  and systems operations training  shall be 
completed.  
1. Systems manual.  Documentation of the operational aspects of the building shall be 
completed within the systems manual  and delivered to the building owner or 
representative and facilities operator. The systems manual  shall include the following:  
A. Site information, including facility description, history and current requirements;  
B. Site contact information;  
C. Instructions for basic operations and maintenance, including general site operating 
procedures, basic troubleshooting, recommended maintenance requirements, and a 
site events log;  
D. Description of major systems;  
E. Site equipment inventory and maintenance notes; and  
F. A copy of all special inspection verifications required by the enforcing agency or the 
standards . 
2. Systems operations training . The training of the appropriate maintenance staff for each 
equipment type or system shall be documented in the commissioning report. Training 
materials shall include the following:  
A. System and equipment overview (i.e., what the equipment is, what it does and with 
what other systems or equipment it interfaces) ; 
B. Review and demonstration of operation, servicing and preventive maintenance 
procedures ; 
C. Review of the information in the systems manual ; and  
D. Review of the record drawings on the systems and equipment . Page 286 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 120.8 – NONRESIDENTIAL BUILDING COMMISSIONING  (i) Commissioning report.  A complete report of commissioning process activities undertaken 
through the design, construction and reporting recommendations for post - construction 
phases of the building project shall be completed and provided to the owner or owner’s 
representative.  
Note : Authority: Sections 25213, 25218, 25218.5, 25402 and 25402.1, Public Resources Code. 
Reference: Sections 25007, 25008, 25218.5, 25310, 25402, 25402.1, 25402.4, 25402.5, 25402.8, 
and 25943, Public Resources Code.  
 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 287 
 
SECTION 120.9 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR COMMERCIAL BOILERS  SECTION 120.9 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR COMMERCIAL BOILERS  
(a) Combustion air positive shut -off shall be provided on all newly installed boilers as follows:  
1. All boilers with an input capacity of 2.5 MMBtu/h (2,500,000 Btu/h) and above, in which the 
boiler is designed to operate with a nonpositive vent static pressure.  
2. All boilers where one stack serves two or more boilers with a total combined input capacity per 
stack of 2.5 MMBtu/h (2,500,000 Btu/h).  
(b) Boiler combustion air fans with motors 10 horsepower or larger shall meet one of the following for 
newly installed boilers:  
1. The fan motor shall be driven by a variable speed drive, or  
2. The fan motor shall include controls that limit the fan motor demand to no more than 30 
percent of the total design wattage at 50 percent of design air volume.  
(c) Newly installed boilers with an input capacity 5 MMBtu/h (5,000,000 Btu/h) and greater shall 
maintain stack -gas oxygen concentrations at less than or equal to 5.0 percent by volume on a dry 
basis over firing rates of 20 to 100 percent. Combustion air volum e shall be controlled with respect 
to firing rate or flue gas oxygen concentration. Use of a common gas and combustion air control 
linkage or jack shaft is prohibited.  
Exception  to Section 120.9(c):  Boilers with steady state full -load combustion efficiency 90 percent 
or higher.  
Note : Authority: Sections 25213, 25218, 25218.5, 25402 and 25402.1, Public Resources Code. 
Reference: Sections 25007, 25008, 25218.5, 25310, 25402, 25402.1, 25402.4, 25402.8, and 25943, 
Public Resources Code.  
 
  Page 288 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
 
SECTION 120.10 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR FANS  SECTION 120.10 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR FANS  
a) Each fan or fan array with a combined motor nameplate horsepower greater than 1.00 hp or with a 
combined fan nameplate electrical input power greater than 0.89 kW shall have a fan energy index 
(FEI) of 1.00 or higher at fan system design conditions. Each f an and fan array used for a variable -
air-volume system that meets the requirements of Section 140.4(c)2 shall have an FEI of 0.95 or 
higher at fan system design conditions.  
1. The FEI for fan arrays shall be calculated in accordance with ANSI/AMCA 208 -18 Annex C.  
2. All FEI values shall be provided by a manufacturer, where fan selection software and/or fan 
catalogs display third party verified FEI values in accordance with ANSI/AMCA 208 -18.  
Exception  to Section 120.10(a)2:  FEI values for embedded fans do not need to be third -party 
verified.  
Exception  1 to Section 120.10(a):  Embedded fans that are part of the equipment listed under 
Section 110.1 or Section 110.2, computer room air conditioners (CRACs) as defined in 10 CFR 431, 
and DX -DOAS units.  
Exception  2 to Section 120.10(a):  Embedded fans and embedded fan arrays with a combined 
motor nameplate horsepower of 5 hp or less or with a fan system electrical input power of 4.1 kW 
or less.  
Exception  3 to Section 120.10(a):  Circulation fans, ceiling fans and air curtains.  
Exception  4 to Section 120.10(a):  Fans that are intended to operate only during emergency 
conditions.  
NOTE:  Authority: Sections 25213, 25218, 25218.5, 25402 and 25402.1, Public Resources Code. 
Reference: Sections 25007, 25008, 25218.5, 25310, 25402, 25402.1, 25402.4, 25402.8 and 25943, 
Public Resources Code.  
 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 289 
SECTION 130.0 – LIGHTING SYSTEMS AND EQUIPMENT, AND ELECTRICAL POWER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS —
GENERAL  SUBCHAPTER 4  
NONRESIDENTIAL  AND HOTEL/MOTEL  
OCCUPANCIES —MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR LIGHTING 
SYSTEMS AND EQUIPMENT, AND ELECTRICAL POWER 
DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS  
SECTION 130.0 – LIGHTING SYSTEMS AND  EQUIPMENT , AND ELECTRICAL POWER 
DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS —GENERAL  
(a) The design and installation of all lighting systems and equipment in nonresidential and 
hotel/motel buildings, outdoor lighting, and electrical power distribution systems within the 
scope of Section 100.0(a), shall comply with the applicable provisions  of Sections 130.0 
through 130.5.  
NOTE:  The requirements of Sections 130.0 through 130.5 apply to newly constructed 
buildings. Section 141.0 specifies which requirements of Sections 130.0 through 130.5 also 
apply to additions and alterations to existing buildings.  
(b) Functional areas where compliance with the residential lighting standards is required.  The 
design and installation of all lighting systems, lighting controls and equipment in the 
following functional areas shall comply with the applicable residential lighting requirements 
of Section 150.0(k). In buildings containing these functional areas, all other functional areas, 
such as common areas, shall comply with the applicable nonresidential lighting and 
controlled receptacle requirements.  
1. Reserved.  
2. Outdoor lighting attached to a hotel/motel building and separately controlled from the 
inside of a guest room.  
3. Fire station dwelling accommodations.  
4. Hotel and motel guest rooms. Additionally, hotel and motel guest rooms shall meet the 
requirements of Section 130.1(c)8 and Section 130.5(d)4.  
5. Reserved.  
NOTE: The requirements of Section 130.0(b) also apply to additions and alterations to 
functional areas of existing buildings as specified in Section 130.0(b).  
(c) Luminaire classification and power.  Luminaires shall be classified , and their wattage shall be 
determined as follows:  
1. Luminaire wattage shall be labeled as follows:  
A. The maximum rated wattage or relamping rated wattage of a luminaire shall be 
listed on a permanent, preprinted, factory installed label, as specified by UL 1574, 
1598, 2108 or 8750, as applicable; and  Page 290 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 130.0 – LIGHTING SYSTEMS AND EQUIPMENT, AND ELECTRICAL POWER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS —
GENERAL  
 B. The factory -installed maximum rated wattage or relamping rated wattage label shall 
not consist of peel -off or peel -down layers or other methods that allow the rated 
wattage to be changed after the luminaire has been shipped from the manufacturer.  
Exception  to Section 130.0(c)1B: Peel -down labels may be used only for the 
following luminaires , when they can accommodate a range of lamp wattages without 
changing the luminaire housing, ballast, transformer or wiring. Qualifying luminaires 
shall have a single lamp, and shall have integrated ballasts or transformers. Peel -
down labels must be layered  such that the rated wattage reduces as successive 
layers are removed.  
 i. High -intensity discharge luminaires, having an integral electronic ballast, with a 
maximum relamping rated wattage of 150 watts.  
ii. Low-voltage luminaires (except low voltage track systems), £ 24 volts, with a 
maximum relamping rated wattage of 50 watts.  
iii. Compact fluorescent luminaires, having an integral electronic ballast, with a 
maximum relamping rated wattage of 42 watts.  
2. For luminaires with line voltage lamp holders not served by drivers, ballasts, or 
transformers; the wattage of such luminaires shall be determined as the maximum 
relamping rated wattage as labeled in accordance with Section 130.0(c)1.  
3. For luminaires with permanently installed or remotely installed ballasts, the wattage of 
such luminaires shall be the operating input wattage of the rated lamp/ballast 
combination published in the ballast manufacturer’s catalogs based on independent 
testing lab reports as specified by UL 1598.  
4. For inseparable SSL luminaires and SSL luminaires with remotely mounted drivers, the 
maximum rated wattage shall be the maximum rated input wattage of the SSL luminaire 
as specified in Section 130.0(c)1 when tested in accordance with UL 1598, 2108 or 87 50, 
or IES LM -79.  
5. For LED tape lighting and LED linear lighting with LED tape lighting components, the 
maximum rated wattage shall be the sum of the installed length of the tape lighting 
times its rated linear power density in watts per linear feet, or the maximum rated input 
wattage of the driver or power supply providing power to the lighting system, with tape 
lighting tested in accordance with UL 2108 or 8750, or IES LM -79. 
6. For modular lighting systems that allow the addition or relocation of luminaires without 
altering the wiring of the system, shall be determined as follows:  
A.  The wattage shall be the greater of:  
i. 30 watts per linear foot of track or plug -in busway; or  
ii.  the rated wattage of all of the luminaires included in the system, where the 
luminaire wattage is determined as specified in Section 130.0(c)1.  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 291 
SECTION 130.0 – LIGHTING SYSTEMS AND EQUIPMENT, AND ELECTRICAL POWER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS —
GENERAL  B.  For line -voltage lighting track and plug -in busway served by a track lighting integral 
current limiter or a dedicated track lighting supplementary overcurrent protection 
panel, the wattage shall be determined as follows:  
 i. The volt -ampere rating of the current limiter as specified by UL 1077; or  
ii. The sum of the ampere (A) rating of all of the current protection devices times 
the branch circuit voltages for track lighting supplementary overcurrent 
protection panel.  
C. For other modular lighting systems with power supplied by a driver, power supply or 
transformer, including but not limited to low -voltage lighting systems, the wattage of 
the system shall be the maximum rated input wattage of the driver, power supply or  
transformer published in the manufacturer’s catalogs, as specified by UL 2108 or 
8750.  
Exception  to Section 130.0(c)6:  For power -over -Ethernet lighting systems, power 
provided to installed nonlighting devices may be subtracted from the total power rating 
of the power -over -Ethernet system.  
7. For all other lighting equipment not addressed by Sections 130.0(c)2 through 6, the 
wattage of the lighting equipment shall be the maximum rated wattage of the lighting 
equipment, or operating input wattage of the system, labeled in accordance with 
Sect ion 130.0(c)1, or published in manufacturer’s catalogs, based on independent 
testing lab reports as specified by UL 1574, 1598, 2108  or 8750, or IES LM -79.  
(d) Lighting controls . All lighting controls and equipment shall comply with the applicable 
requirements in Sections 110.9, 130.1 and 130.2, and shall be installed in accordance with 
any applicable manufacturer instructions.  
(e) Energy Management Control System (EMCS) . An EMCS may be installed to comply with the 
requirements of one or more lighting controls if it meets the following minimum 
requirements:  
1. Provides all applicable functionality for each specific lighting control or system for which 
it is installed in accordance with Sections 110.9, 130.1 and 130.2; and  
2. Complies with all applicable lighting control installation requirements in accordance with 
Section 130.4 for each specific lighting control or system for which it is installed; and  
3. Complies with all applicable application requirements for each specific lighting control or 
system for which it is installed, in accordance with Part 6.  
Note : Authority: Sections 25213, 25218, 25218.5, 25402 and 25402.1, Public Resources Code. 
Reference: Sections 25007, 25008, 25218.5, 25310, 25402, 25402.1, 25402.4, 25402.5, 25402.8, 
and 25943, Public Resources Code.  Page 292 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 130.1 – MANDATORY INDOOR LIGHTING CONTROLS  SECTION 130.1 – MANDATORY INDOOR LIGHTING CONTROLS  
Nonresidential and hotel/motel buildings shall comply with the applicable requirements of Sections 
130.1(a) through 130.1(f), in addition to the applicable requirements of Sections 110.9 and 130.0.  
(a) Manual area controls . Each area enclosed indoor space by ceiling -height partitions shall provide 
lighting controls that allow the lighting in that area space to be manually turned on and off. The 
manual control shall:  
1. Be readily accessible; and  
Exception  to Section 130.1(a)1:  Restrooms having two or more stalls, parking areas, stairwells, 
corridors and areas spaces of the building intended for access or use by the public may use a 
manual control not accessible to unauthorized personnel.  
2. Be located in the same enclosed area space, or be located  such that  with the controlled  lighting 
it controls or status display of the controlled lighting can be seen when operating the controls ; 
and 
Exception  1 to Section 130.1(a)2:  For malls and atria, main entry lobbies, auditorium areas, 
dining areas, retail merchandise sales areas, wholesale showroom areas, commercial and 
industrial storage areas, general commercial and industrial work areas, convention centers, 
arenas, psychiatr ic and secure areas in healthcare facilities, and other areas where placement 
of a manual area control poses a health and safety hazard, the manual area control may 
instead be located so that a person using the control can see the lights or area controlled  by 
that control, or visually signal or display showing the current state of the controlled lighting.  
Exception  2 to Section 130.1(a)2: In healthcare facilities, for restrooms and bathing rooms 
intended for a single occupant, the lighting control may be located outside the enclosed area 
but directly adjacent to the door.  
3. Provide separate control of general, floor display, wall display, window display, case display, 
ornamental, and special effects lighting, such that each type of lighting can be turned on or off 
without turning on or off other types of lighting. Scene co ntrollers may comply with this 
requirement provided that at least one scene turns on general lighting only, and the control 
provides a means to manually turn off all lighting.  
Exception  to Section 130.1(a):  Up to 0.1 watts per square foot of indoor lighting may be 
continuously illuminated to allow for means of egress illumination consistent with California 
Building Code Section 1008. Egress lighting complying with this wattage limitation is not required 
to comply with manual area control requirements if:  
1. The area space is designated for means of egress on the plans and specifications submitted to 
the enforcement agency under Section 10 -103(a)2 of Part 1; and  
2. The controls for the egress lighting are not accessible to unauthorized personnel.  
(b) Multilevel lighting controls.  The general lighting of any enclosed space with  a size of area 100 
square feet or larger and with a connected lighting load that exceeds greater than 0.5 watts per 
square foot shall provide with multilevel lighting controls that allow the level of lighting to be 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 293 
SECTION 130.1 – MANDATORY INDOOR LIGHTING CONTROLS  adjusted up and down . The multilevel lighting controls shall provide and enable continuous 
dimming from 100 percent to 10 percent or lower of lighting power . The multi -level controls shall:  
1. Provide the number of control steps specified in Table 130.1 -A; and  
Exception 11 to Section 130.1(b)1:  Classrooms with a connected general lighting load of 0.6 watts 
per square foot or less shall have a minimum of one control step between 30 and 70 percent of full 
rated power, regardless of luminaire type.  
2. Meet the uniformity requirements specified in Table 130.1 -A.  
Exception  211 to Section 130.1(b):  An area enclosed indoor space by ceiling -height partitions that 
has only one luminaire  with no more than two lamps or has only one inseparable SSL luminaire .  
Exception  2 32 to Section 130.1(b):  Restrooms.  
Exception  3 43 to Section 130. 1(b): Healthcare facilities.  
Exception  4 to Section 130. 1(b): The general lighting with light source of HID and induction shall 
have a minimum of one control step between 30 and 70 percent of full rated power.  
Exception  5 to Section 130. 1(b): Classrooms with a connected general lighting load of 0.6 watts 
per square foot or less shall have a minimum of one control step between 30 and 70 percent of full 
rated power.  
(c) Shut -OFF Controls. All installed indoor lighting shall be equipped with controls able to 
automatically reduce lighting power when the space is typically unoccupied.  
Exception  1 to Section 130.1(c):  Healthcare facilities.  
Exception  2 to Section 130.1(c):  Continuous  illumination of u p to 0.1  watts per square foot in any 
area designated for egress within a building  is allowed , provided that the area is designated for 
means of egress on the plans and specifications submitted to the enforcement agency under 
Section 10 -103(a)2 of Part 1. The l ighting providing for means of egress illumination, as defined  in 
the California Building Code, must  be configured to provide no less than the illumination  required 
by California Building Code Section 1008 while in the partial -off mode . 
1. In addition to lighting controls installed to comply with Sections 130.1(a) and (b), all All 
installed indoor lighting shall be equipped with controls that meet the following requirements:  
A. Shall be controlled with an occupant sensing control  set to no more than a 20 -minute time 
delay  , automatic time -switch control, or other control capable of automatically shutting 
OFF all of the lighting when the space is typically unoccupied; and  
B. Separate controls for the lighting on each floor, other than lighting in stairwells; and  
C. Separate control s zones  for a space enclosed by ceiling height partitions not exceeding 
5,000 square feet.  
Exception  to Section 130.1(c)1C:  The area controlled may not exceed 20,000 square feet in 
the following function areas: malls, auditoriums, single tenant retail, industrial, convention 
centers and arenas.  
Exception  1 to Section 130.1(c)1:  Where the lighting is serving an area that is in continuous 
use, 24 hours per day/365 days per year.  Page 294 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 130.1 – MANDATORY INDOOR LIGHTING CONTROLS  Exception  2 to Section 130.1(c)1 : Lighting complying with Section 130.1(c)5  or 7 or Section 
130.1(c)6E . Lighting in stairwells and common area corridors that provide access to guestrooms 
of hotel/motels  and complying with Section 130.1(c)6C.  
Exception  3 to Section 130.1(c)1:  Up to 0.1watts per square foot of lighting in any area within a 
building may be continuously illuminated, provided that the area is designated for means of 
egress on the plans and specifications submitted to the enforcement agency under Section 10 -
103(a)2  of Part 1. Lighting providing means of egress illumination, as the term is used in the 
California Building Code, shall be configured to provide no less than the amount of light 
required by California Building Code Section 1008 while in the partial -off mod e.  
Exception  4 3 to Section 130.1(c)1 : Electrical equipment rooms subject to Article 110.26(D) of 
the California Electrical Code.  
Exception  5 4 to Section 130.1(c)1 : Illumination provided by lighting equipment that is 
designated for emergency lighting, connected to an emergency power source or battery 
supply, and is intended to function in emergency mode only when normal power is absent.   
2. Countdown timer switches may be used to comply with the automatic shut -OFF control 
requirements in Section 130.1(c)1 only in  closets less than 70 square feet, and server aisles in 
server rooms. The maximum timer setting shall be 10 minutes for closets, and 30 minutes for 
server aisles.  
3. If an automatic time -switch control  , other than an occupant sensing control, is installed to 
comply with Section 130.1(c)1, it shall incorporate a manual override lighting control that  : 
A. Complies with Section 130.1(a); and  
B. Allows allows the lighting to remain ON for no more than 2 hours when an override is 
initiated.  
Exception  1 to Section 130.1(c)3 B: In the following function areas, the override time may 
exceed 2 hours: Malls, auditoriums, single tenant retail, industrial, laboratories and arenas 
where captive -key override is utilized.  
Exception  2 to Section 130.1(c)3 B: Areas where occupant sensing controls are installed.  
4. If an automatic time -switch control  , other than an occupant sensing control, is installed to 
comply with Section 130.1(c)1, it shall incorporate an automatic holiday “shut -OFF” feature 
that turns OFF all loads for at least 24 hours, and then resumes the normally scheduled 
operation.  
Exception  1 to Section 130.1(c)4:  Automatic holiday shut -OFF features are not required In in 
retail stores , and associated malls, restaurants, grocery stores, churches, and theaters , the 
automatic time -switch control is not required to incorporate an automatic holiday shut -OFF 
feature . 
Exception  2 to Section 130.1(c)4:  Areas where occupant sensing controls are installed.  
5. Occupant sensing controls  are required for specified offices, multipurpose rooms, 
classrooms, conference rooms and restrooms . In offices 250 square feet or smaller, 
multipurpose rooms of less than 1,000 square feet, classrooms  of any size , conference rooms  
of any size , and restrooms  of any size , lighting shall be controlled with occupant sensing 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 295 
SECTION 130.1 – MANDATORY INDOOR LIGHTING CONTROLS  controls to automatically shut OFF all of the lighting in 20 minutes or less after the control zone 
is unoccupied.  
In areas required by Section 130.1(b) to have multi -level lighting controls, the occupant sensing 
controls shall function either as a:  
A. Partial -ON occupant sensing controls capable of automatically activating between 50 and 
70 percent of controlled lighting power, or  
B. Vacancy sensing controls, where all lighting responds to a manual ON input only.  
In areas not required by Section 130.1(b) to have multilevel lighting controls  and in restrooms , 
the occupant sensing controls shall function either as:  
A. Automatic full -on Occupant occupant sensing controls; or  
B. Partial -ON occupant sensing controls, or  
C. Vacancy sensing controls, where all lighting responds to a manual ON input only.  
In addition, controls shall be provided that allow the lights to be manually shut OFF in 
accordance with Section 130.1(a) regardless of the sensor status.  
6. Full or partial -OFF occupant sensing controls are required for warehouse aisle ways , and 
warehouse open area s in warehouses , library book stack aisles, corridors and stairwells, and 
offices greater than 250 square feet , parking garages, parking areas, and loading and 
unloading areas . Lighting installed in the following areas shall meet the requirements below  in 
addition to complying with Section 130.1(c)1 . 
A. In warehouse aisle ways and warehouse open areas  in warehouses , lighting shall be 
controlled with occupant sensing controls that automatically reduce lighting power by at 
least 50 percent when the areas are unoccupied. The occupant sensing controls shall 
independently control lighting in each warehouse aisle way, and shall not control lighting 
beyond the aisle way being controlled by the sensor.  
Exception  1 to Section 130.1(c)6A:  In aisle ways and open areas in warehouses in which the 
installed lighting power is 80 percent or less of the value allowed under the area category 
method, occupant sensing controls shall reduce lighting power by at least 40 percent.  
Exception  2 to Section 130.1(c)6A: When metal halide lighting or high pressure sodium 
lighting is installed in warehouses, occupant sensing controls shall reduce lighting power by 
at least 40 percent.  
B. In library book stack aisles 10 feet or longer that are accessible from only one end, and 
library book stack aisles 20 feet or longer that are accessible from both ends, lighting shall 
be controlled with occupant sensing controls that automatically redu ce lighting power by at 
least 50 percent when the areas are unoccupied. The occupant sensing controls shall 
independently control lighting in each aisle way, and shall not control lighting beyond the 
aisle way being controlled by the sensor.  
C. In corridors and stairwells, lighting shall be controlled by occupant sensing controls that 
separately reduce the lighting power in each space by at least 50 percent when the space is 
unoccupied. The occupant sensing controls shall be capable of automat ically turning the Page 296 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 130.1 – MANDATORY INDOOR LIGHTING CONTROLS  lighting fully ON only in the separately controlled space, and shall be automatically 
activated from all designed paths of egress.  Lighting in stairwells and common area 
corridors that provide access to guestrooms of hotel/motels shall meet requirements of 
this section instead of complying with Section 130.1(c)1 . 
D. In office spaces greater than 250 square feet, general lighting shall be controlled with 
occupant sensing controls that meet all of the following:  
 i. The occupant sensing controls shall be configured so that lighting shall be controlled 
separately in control zones not greater than 600 square feet. For luminaires with an 
embedded occupant sensor that are capable of reducing power independently from 
other luminaires, each luminaire can be considered its own control zone All control 
zones in offices greater than 250 square feet shall be shown on the plans ; and  
ii. In 20 minutes or less after the control zone is unoccupied, the occupant sensing 
controls shall uniformly reduce lighting power in the control zone by at least 80 to no 
more than 20  percent of full power. Control functions that switch control zone lights 
completely off when the zone is vacant meet this requirement; and  
iii. In 20 minutes or less after the entire office space is unoccupied, the occupant sensing 
controls shall automatically turn off lighting in all control zones in the space; and  
iv. In each control zone, lighting shall be allowed to automatically turn on to any level up to 
full power upon occupancy within the control zone. When occupancy is detected in any 
control zone in the space, the lighting in other control zones that are uno ccupied shall 
operate at no more than 20 percent of full power.  
Exception  to Section 130.1(c)6D:  Under -shelf or furniture -mounted task lighting controlled 
by a local switch and either a time switch or an occupancy sensor.  
E. In parking garages, parking areas and loading and unloading areas, general lighting shall be 
controlled by occupant sensing controls that meet the requirements below instead  of 
complying with Section 130.1(c)1 : 
i. The occupant sensing controls shall uniformly reduce lighting power in the control zone  
to between 20 percent and 50 percent of full power and with  at least one control step ; 
and.  
ii. No more than 500 watts of rated lighting power shall be controlled together as a single 
zone ; and.  
iii. The occupant sensing controls shall be capable of automatically turning the lighting fully 
ON only in the separately controlled space, and shall be automatically activated from all 
designed paths of egress.  
Interior areas of parking garages are under the classification of indoor lighting and shall 
comply with Section 130.1(c) 6E. Parking areas on the roof of a parking structure are under 
the classification of  outdoor hardscape and shall comply with Section 130.2.  
 
7. Reserved. Partial -OFF occupant sensing controls. Partial -OFF occupant sensing controls are 
required for specified stairwells and common area corridors, parking garages, parking areas 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 297 
SECTION 130.1 – MANDATORY INDOOR LIGHTING CONTROLS  and loading and unloading areas . Lighting installed in the following areas shall meet the 
requirements  below instead of complying with Section 130.1(c)1.  
A. Lighting in stairwells and common area corridors that provide access to guestrooms of 
hotel/motels shall be controlled with occupant sensing controls that automatically reduce 
lighting power by at least 50 percent when the areas are unoccupied. The occu pant sensing 
controls shall be capable of automatically turning the lighting fully ON only in the separately 
controlled space, and shall be automatically activated from all designed paths of egress.  
Exception  to Section 130.1(c)7A:  In corridors and stairwells in which the installed lighting 
power is 80 percent or less of the value allowed under the area category method, occupant 
sensing controls shall reduce power by at least 40 percent.  
B. In parking garages, parking areas and loading and unloading areas, general lighting shall be 
controlled by occupant sensing controls having at least one control step between 20 
percent and 50 percent of design lighting power. No more than 500 watts of r ated lighting 
power shall be controlled together as a single zone. A reasonably uniform level of 
illuminance shall be achieved in accordance with the applicable requirements in Table 
130.1 -A. The occupant sensing controls shall be capable of automatically turning the 
lighting fully ON only in the separately controlled space, and shall be automatically 
activated from all designed paths of egress.  
Interior areas of parking garages are classified as indoor lighting for compliance with 
Section 130.1(c)7B. Parking areas on the roof of a parking structure are classified as 
outdoor hardscape and shall comply with the applicable provisions in Section 130. 2. 
Exception  to Section 130.1(c)7B:  Metal halide luminaires with a lamp plus ballast mean 
system efficacy of greater than 75 lumens per watt, used for general lighting in parking 
garages, parking areas and loading and unloading areas, shall be controlled by occupant 
sensing controls having at least one control step between 20 percent and 60 percent of 
design lighting power.  
8. Hotel /motel guest rooms shall  be controlled with one of the following such that, no longer than 
20 minutes after the guest room has been vacated, lighting power is switched off:  
i. Captive card key controls; or  
ii. Occupant sensing controls; or  
iii. Other automatic controls.  
Exception  to Section 130.1(c)8 : One high -efficacy luminaire as defined in Table 150.0 -A that is 
switched separately and where the switch is located within 6 feet of the entry door.  
(d) Automatic daylighting Daylight Responsive  controls Controls .  
 
1. Daylight responsive controls shall be installed in the following locations as applicable : 
A. In any enclosed space where the total installed wattage of general lighting luminaires 
completely or partially within skylit daylit zones is 75 watts or greater, the general lighting 
in the skylit daylit zones shall be controlled by daylight responsive controls.   Page 298 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 130.1 – MANDATORY INDOOR LIGHTING CONTROLS  B. In any enclosed space where the total installed wattage of general lighting luminaires 
completely or partially within primary sidelit daylit zones is 75 watts or greater, the general 
lighting in the primary sidelit daylit zones shall be controlled by daylight responsive 
controls.   
C. In any enclosed space where the total wattage of general lighting luminaires in the 
secondary zones is 75 watts or greater, the general lighting in the secondary sidelit daylit 
zones shall be controlled by daylight responsive controls. General lighting in the secondary 
sidelit daylit zones shall be controlled independently of general lighting in the primary 
sidelit daylit zones.  The general lighting in skylit daylit zones, primary sidelit daylit zones 
and secondary sidelit daylit zones, as well as the general lighting in the combined primary 
and secondary sidelit daylit zones in parking garages, shall be provided with controls that 
automatically adjust the power of the installed lighting up and down to keep the total light 
level stable as the amount of incoming daylight changes.   
D. For skylight  located in an atrium, the skylit daylit zone definition shall apply to the floor 
area directly under the atrium and the top floor area directly adjacent to the atrium.   
E. Parking garage areas where the total installed wattage of the general lighting in the primary 
and the secondary sidelit daylit zones is 60 watts or greater, the general lighting in the 
primary and secondary sidelit daylit zones shall be controlled by dayli ght responsive 
controls.  
2. All daylight responsive controls shall meet the following requirements :  
A. 1. All skylit daylit zones, primary sidelit daylit zones, secondary sidelit daylit zones, and the 
combined primary and secondary sidelit daylit zones in parking garages shall be shown on the 
plans ; and . 
NOTE: Parking areas on the roof of a parking structure are outdoor hardscape, not skylit daylit 
areas.  
B. 2. The automatic daylighting daylight responsive  controls shall provide separate control for 
general lighting in each type of daylit zone. The daylight responsive controls shall  meet the 
following : 
i. A. General lighting in overlapping skylit daylit zone and sidelit daylit zone shall be 
controlled as part of the skylit daylit zone.  
ii. B. General lighting in overlapping primary and secondary sidelit daylit zones shall be 
controlled as part of the primary sidelit daylit zone.  
iii. C. General lighting luminaires longer than 8 feet shall be controlled as segments of 8 feet 
or less Linear LED and other solid state lighting (SSL) light sources in linear form may be 
treated as linear lamps in increments of 4 -foot segments or smaller, and each segment is 
separately controlled based on according to  the type of the daylit zone in which the 
segment is primarily located ; and .   
Exception to Section 130.1(d) 2Biii : Where a luminaire contains a factory assembled housing 
and light source as an integral unit in segments longer than 8 feet, the luminaire is allowed 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 299 
SECTION 130.1 – MANDATORY INDOOR LIGHTING CONTROLS  to be controlled ac cording to the type of the daylit zone in which the segment is primarily 
located.  
C. 3. The automatic daylighting daylight responsive  controls shall  meet the following : 
i. A. For spaces required to install where the installation of  multilevel lighting controls is 
required under Section 130.1(b), adjust lighting via continuous dimming or the number of 
control steps provided by the multilevel controls allow the multilevel lighting controls to 
adjust the light level  with  continu ous dimming ; 
ii. B. For each space, ensure the combined illuminance from the controlled lighting and 
daylight is not less than the illuminance from controlled lighting when no daylight is 
available;  
iii. C. For areas other than parking garages, ensure that, when the daylight illuminance is 
greater than 150 percent of the illuminance provided by the controlled lighting when no 
daylight is available, the controlled lighting power in that daylight zone shall be reduced by a 
minimum of 90 percent; and  
iv. D. For parking garages, ensure that when daylight illuminance levels measured at the 
farthest edge of the secondary sidelit zone away from the glazing or opening are greater 
than 150 percent of the illuminance provided by the controlled lighting when no dayli ght is 
available, the controlled lighting power in the combined primary and secondary sidelit daylit 
zones shall be reduced by 100 percent ; and . 
D. 4. Photosensors shall be located so that they are not readily accessible to unauthorized 
personnel ; and . 
E. 5. The location where calibration adjustments are made to the automatic 
daylighting daylight responsive  controls shall be readily accessible to authorized personnel but 
may be inside a locked case or under a cover which requires a tool for access ; and . 
 
A. 6. Interactions with other lighting controls.  
F.  In spaces where manual controls are required , the manual controls shall be capable of turning 
off or decrease light levels below the light level set by the daylighting controls.  Manual controls 
shall be permitted to temporarily increase electric light ing light levels above the light level set 
by the daylight responsive controls if the controls are configured to reset electric lighting 
controls back to the Section 13 0.1(d)3 defaults after electric lighting have been turned off or 
reduced by a manual control, occupancy sensor or timeclock . 
 
Exception  1 to Section 130.1(d):  Areas under skylights where it is documented that existing 
adjacent structures or natural objects block direct sunlight for more than 1,500 daytime hours per 
year between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.  
Exception  2 to Section 130.1(d):  Areas adjacent to vertical glazing below an overhang, where the 
overhang covers the entire width of the vertical glazing, no vertical glazing is above the overhang, 
and the ratio of the overhang projection to the overhang rise is greater than 1.5 for Sout h, East and 
West orientations or greater than 1 for North orientations.  Page 300 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 130.1 – MANDATORY INDOOR LIGHTING CONTROLS  Exception  3 to Section 130.1(d): Where daylight responsive controls are not required for 
the primary  sidelit  daylit zones, and where the total wattage of general lighting luminaires  in the 
secondary  sidelit  daylit zones is  less than 85 watts, daylight responsive controls are not required 
for the secondary  sidelit  zone. Rooms where the combined total installed wattage of the general 
lighting in the skylit and primary sidelit zones is less than 120 watts are not required to have 
daylighting controls for those zones. Rooms where the total installed wattage of the general 
lighting in the secondary sidelit zones is less than 120 watts are not required t o have daylighting 
controls for that zone.   
Exception  4 to Section 130.1(d): Reserved. Parking garage areas where the total installed wattage 
of the general lighting in the primary and the secondary sidelit daylit zones is less than 60 watts do 
not require automatic daylighting controls in the daylit zones.  
Exception  5 to Section 130.1(d):  Rooms that have a total glazing area of less than 24 square feet, 
or parking garage areas with a combined total of less than 36 square feet of glazing or opening.  
Exception  6 to Section 130.1(d):  For parking garages, luminaires located in the daylight adaptation 
zone.  
Exception  7 to Section 130.1(d):  Luminaires in sidelit daylit zones in retail merchandise sales and 
wholesale showroom areas.  
(e) Demand responsive controls.  See Section 110.12 for requirements for demand responsive lighting 
controls.  
(f) Occupan cy sensing  control s interactions  with  space -conditioning systems . For space -conditioning 
system zones serving only spaces that are required to have occupant sensing controls as specified 
in Section 130.1(c)5 and 6, and where Table 120.1 -A allows the ventilation air to be reduced to 
zero when the space is in occupied -standby mode, the space -conditioning system shall be  
permitted to be controlled by occupancy sensing controls as specified in Section 120.2(e)3.  
(f) Control interactions . Each lighting control installed to comply with Section 130.1 (a) through (e) 
shall permit or incorporate the functions of the other lighting controls.  
1. For general lighting, the manual area control shall permit the level or amount of light provided 
while the lighting is on to be set or adjusted by the controls specified in Section 130.1(b), (c), 
(d), and (e) . 
2. The manual area control shall permit the shutoff control to turn the lighting down or off . 
3. The multilevel lighting control shall permit the automatic daylighting control to adjust the 
electric lighting level in response to changes in the amount of daylight in the daylit zone.  
4. The multilevel lighting control shall permit the demand responsive control to adjust the lighting 
during a demand response event and to return it to the level set by the multilevel control after 
the event.  
5. The shutoff control shall permit the manual area control to turn the lighting on . If the on 
request occurs while an automatic time switch control would turn the lighting off, then the on 
request shall be treated as an override request consistent with Section 130.1(c)3.  
6. The automatic daylighting control shall permit the multilevel lighting control to adjust the level 
of lighting . 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 301 
SECTION 130.1 – MANDATORY INDOOR LIGHTING CONTROLS  7. For lighting controlled by multilevel lighting controls and by occupant sensing controls that 
provide an automatic -on function, the controls shall provide a partial -on function that is 
capable of automatically activating between 50 –70 percent of controlled lighting power.  
8. Reserved . 
9. For space -conditioning system zones serving only spaces that are required to have occupant 
sensing controls as specified in Section 130.1(c)5, 6 and 7, and where Table 120.1 -A allows the 
ventilation air to be reduced to zero when the space is in occupie d-standby mode, the space -
conditioning system shall be controlled by occupancy sensing controls as specified in Section 
120.2(e)3.  
Note : Authority: Sections 25213, 25218, 25218.5, 25402 and 25402.1, Public Resources Code. 
Reference: Sections 25007, 25008, 25218.5, 25310, 25402, 25402.1, 25402.4, 25402.5, 25402.8, and 
25943, Public Resources Code.  
  Page 302 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 130.1 – MANDATORY INDOOR LIGHTING CONTROLS  TABLE 130.1 -A MULTILEVEL LIGHTING CONTROLS AND UNIFORMITY REQUIREMENTS  
Luminaire Type  Minimum Required Control Steps  
( percent of full rated power1 ) Uniform level of illuminance shall be 
achieved by:  
LED luminaires and LED light source 
systems  Continuous dimming 10 -100 percent  Continuous dimming  10 -100 percent  
Line-voltage sockets except GU -24  Continuous dimming 10 -100 percent  Continuous dimming  10 -100 percent  
Low-voltage incandescent systems  Continuous dimming 10 -100 percent  Continuous dimming  10 -100 percent  
Fluorescent luminaires  Continuous dimming 20 -100 percent  Continuous dimming 20 -100 percent  
GU-24 sockets rated for fluorescent ≤ 20 
watts;  
Pin-based compact fluorescent ≤ 20 watts2 
Linear fluorescent and U -bent fluorescent ≤ 
13 watts   
 Minimum one step between  
30-70 percent  Continuous dimming; or  
Stepped dimming; or  
Switching alternate lamps in a luminaire.  
Track Lighting  Minimum one step between  
30-70 percent  Continuous dimming; or  
Stepped dimming; or  
Separately switching circuits in multi -
circuit track with a minimum of two 
circuits.  
Linear fluorescent and U -bent fluorescent > 
13 watts  
 Minimum one step in each range:  
20 - 40 percent  
50 - 70 percent  
75 - 85 percent  
100 percent  
 Stepped dimming; or  
Continuous dimming; or  
Switching alternate lamps in each luminaire, 
having a minimum of 4 lamps per luminaire 
illuminating the same area and in the same 
manner  
Other light sources, including HID and 
Induction  Minimum one step between  
50 - 70 percent  Stepped dimming; or  
Continuous dimming; or  
Switching alternate lamps in each 
luminaire, having a minimum of 2 lamps 
per luminaire, illuminating the same 
area and in the same manner.  
1. Full rated input power of driver, ballast and lamp, corresponding to maximum ballast factor  
2. Includes only pin based lamps: twin tube, multiple twin tube, and spiral lamps   
  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 303 
SECTION 130.2 – OUTDOOR LIGHTING CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT  SECTION 130.2 – OUTDOOR LIGHTING CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT  
Nonresidential and hotel/motel buildings shall comply with the applicable requirements of Sections 
130.2(a) through 130.2(c).  
(a) Reserved.  
(b) Luminaire shielding requirements.  All outdoor luminaires of 6,200 initial luminaire lumens or 
greater shall comply with backlight, uplight and glare (BUG) (in accordance with ANSI/IES TM -15-
20, Annex A ) requirements   in accordance with Title 24, Part 11, Section 5.106.8.  
Exception  1 to Section 130.2(b):  Signs.  
Exception  2 to Section 130.2(b):  Lighting for building facades, public monuments, public art, 
statues and vertical surfaces of bridges.  
Exception  3 to Section 130.2(b):  Lighting not permitted by a health or life safety statute, ordinance 
or regulation to be a cutoff luminaire.  
Exception  4 to Section 130.2(b): Temporary outdoor lighting . 
Exception  5 to Section 130.2(b):  Replacement of existing pole mounted luminaires in hardscape 
areas meeting all of the following conditions:  
A. Where the existing luminaire does not meet the luminaire BUG requirements in Section 
130.2(b); and  
B. Spacing between existing poles is greater than six times the mounting height of the existing 
luminaires; and  
C. Where no additional poles are being added to the site; and  
D. Where new wiring to the luminaires is not being installed; and  
E. Provided that the connected lighting power wattage is not increased.  
Exception  6 to Section 130.2(b): Luminaires that illuminate the public right of way including 
publicly -maintained or utility -maintained roadways, sidewalks and bikeways . 
Exception  7 to Section 130 .2(b):  Outdoor lighting attached to a hotel/motel building and 
separately controlled from the inside of a guest room.  
Exception  8 to Section 130 .2(b):  Luminaires that qualify as exceptions in Sections 5.106.8 of Part 
11 of Title 24  and in Section 140.7(a) . 
 
(c) Controls for outdoor lighting.  Outdoor lighting shall be independently controlled from other 
electrical loads, and the controls for outdoor lighting shall meet the following functional 
requirements:  
Exception  1 to Section 130.2(c):  Outdoor lighting not permitted by a health or life safety statute, 
ordinance or regulation to be turned OFF  or reduced . 
Exception  2 to Section 130.2(c):  Lighting in tunnels required to be illuminated 24 hours per day and  
365 days per year.  Page 304 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 130.2 – OUTDOOR LIGHTING CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT  1. Daylight availability . All installed outdoor lighting shall be controlled by a photo control, 
astronomical time -switch control, or other control capable of automatically shutting OFF the 
outdoor lighting when daylight is available.  
2. Automatic  scheduling controls .  
A. Automatic scheduling controls shall be installed for all outdoor lighting. Automatic 
scheduling controls may be installed in combination with motion sensing controls or other 
outdoor lighting controls.  
B. Automatic scheduling controls shall be capable of partially reducing the outdoor lighting 
power by at least 50 to 90 percent  and no more than 90 percent , and separately capable of 
turning the lighting OFF, during scheduled unoccupied periods.  
C. Automatic scheduling controls shall allow scheduling of a minimum of two nighttime 
periods with independent lighting levels, and may include an override function that turns 
lighting ON during its scheduled dim or OFF state for no more than two hours whe n an 
override is initiated.  
3. Motion sensing controls.   
A. Motion sensing controls shall be installed for the following outdoor luminaires  providing 
lighting for general hardscape, parking lots, outdoor sales lots, vehicle service station 
hardscape, service station canopies, sales canopies, and non -sales canopies, where  the 
bottom of the luminaire is mounted 24 feet above grade or lower . Motion sensing controls 
may be installed for other outdoor lighting and in combination with other outdoor lighting 
controls.  
 i. Outdoor luminaires other than those providing building façade, ornamental hardscape, 
outdoor dining or outdoor sales frontage lighting, where the bottom of luminaire is 
mounted 24 feet above grade or lower; and  
ii. Bilaterally symmetric outdoor wall -mounted luminaires (typically referred to as “wall 
packs”) providing building façade, ornamental hardscape  or outdoor dining  lighting that 
are mounted 24 feet above grade or lower.  
B. Motion sensing controls shall be capable of partially reducing the outdoor lighting power of 
each controlled luminaire by at least 50 to 90 percent  and no more than 90 percent , and 
separately capable of turning the luminaire OFF, during unoccupied periods.  
C. Motion sensing controls shall be capable of reducing the lighting to its dim or OFF state no 
longer than 15 minutes after the area has been vacated, and of returning the lighting to its 
ON state when the area becomes occupied.  
D. No more than 1,500 watts of lighting power shall be controlled by a single sensor or as a 
single zone.  
Exception  1 to Section 130.2(c)3 : Luminaires with a maximum rated wattage of 40 watts each are 
not required to have motion sensing controls.  
Exception  2 to Section 130.2(c)3:  Applications listed as Exceptions to Section 140.7(a) and 
luminaires providing  lighting for building façade, ornamental hardscape or outdoor dining are not 
required to have motion sensing controls.   2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 305 
SECTION 130.2 – OUTDOOR LIGHTING CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT  Exception  3 to Section 130. 2(c)3:  Lighting subject to a health or life safety statute, ordinance, or 
regulation may have a minimum time -out period longer than 15 minutes or a minimum dimming 
level above 50 percent when necessary to comply with the applicable law.  
Note : Authority: Sections 25213, 25218, 25218.5, 25402 and 25402.1, Public Resources Code. 
Reference: Sections 25007, 25008, 25218.5, 25310, 25402, 25402.1, 25402.4, 25402.5, 25402.8, and 
25943, Public Resources Code.  Page 306 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 130.3 – SIGN LIGHTING CONTROLS  SECTION 130.3 – SIGN LIGHTING CONTROLS  
Nonresidential buildings other than healthcare facilities  and hotel/motel buildings shall comply with 
the applicable requirements of Sections 130.3(a)1 through 130.3(a)3.  
(a) Controls for sign lighting.  All sign lighting shall meet the requirements below as applicable:  
1. Indoor signs . All indoor sign lighting other than exit sign lighting shall be controlled with an 
automatic time -switch control or astronomical time -switch control.  
2. Outdoor signs . Outdoor sign lighting shall meet the following requirements as applicable:  
A. All outdoor sign lighting shall be controlled with a photocontrol in addition to an automatic 
time -switch control, or an astronomical time -switch control.  
Exception  to Section 130.3(a)2A:  Outdoor signs in tunnels, and signs in large permanently 
covered outdoor areas that are intended to be continuously lit, 24 hours per day and 365 
days per year.  
B. All outdoor sign lighting that is ON both day and night shall be controlled with a dimmer 
that provides the ability to automatically reduce sign lighting power by a minimum of 65 
percent during nighttime hours. Signs that are illuminated at night and fo r more than 1 
hour during daylight hours shall be considered ON both day and night.  
Exception  to Section 130.3(a)2B:  Outdoor signs in tunnels and large covered areas that are 
intended to be illuminated both day and night.  
3. Demand responsive  Electronic Message Center (EMC) control . See Section 110.12 for 
requirements for demand responsive EMC controls.  
Note : Authority: Sections 25213, 25218, 25218.5, 25402 and 25402.1, Public Resources Code. Reference: 
Sections 25007, 25008, 25218.5, 25310, 25402, 25402.1, 25402.4, 25402.5, 25402.8, and 25943, Public 
Resources Code.  
  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 307 
SECTION 130.4 –LIGHTING CONTROL ACCEPTANCE AND INSTALLATION CERTIFICATE REQUIREMENTS  SECTION 130.4 –LIGHTING CONTROL ACCEPTANCE AND INSTALLATION CERTIFICATE 
REQUIREMENTS  
Nonresidential buildings other than healthcare facilities and hotel/motel buildings shall comply with 
the applicable requirements of Sections 130.4(a) through 130.4(c). Healthcare facilities shall comply 
with the applicable acceptance and installation docu mentation requirements of OSHPD.  
(a) Lighting and receptacle control acceptance requirements . Before an occupancy permit is granted, 
indoor and outdoor lighting and receptacle controls serving the building, area or site and installed 
to comply with Section 110.12, 120.6(h) 5B, 130.1, 130.2, 130.5 or 140.6 shall be certified as 
meeting the Acceptance Requirements for Code Compliance as specified by the Reference 
Nonresidential Appendix NA7.6 and NA7.8. A Certificate of Acceptance shall be submitted to the 
enforcement agency under  Section 10 -103(a) of Part 1, that the equipment and systems meet the 
acceptance requirements:  
1. Reserved.  
2. Reserved.  
3. Automatic daylight controls shall be tested in accordance with Reference Nonresidential 
Appendix NA7.6.1;  
4. Lighting shut -OFF controls shall be tested in accordance with Reference Nonresidential 
Appendix NA7.6.2;  
5. Demand responsive lighting controls shall be tested in accordance with Reference 
Nonresidential Appendix NA7.6.3; and  
6. Outdoor lighting controls shall be tested in accordance with Reference Nonresidential 
Appendix NA7.8; and  
7. Lighting systems receiving the Institutional Tuning Power Adjustment Factor shall be tested in 
accordance with Reference Nonresidential Appendix NA7.6.4.  
8. Demand responsive controls required to control controlled receptacles shall be tested in 
accordance with Reference Nonresidential Appendix NA7.6.5.   
(b) Lighting control installation certificate requirements.  To be recognized for compliance with Part 6 
an installation certificate shall be submitted in accordance with Section 10 -103(a) for any lighting 
control system, energy management control system, interlocked lighting system, lighting power 
adjustment facto r, or additional wattage available for a videoconference studio, in accordance with 
the following requirements, as applicable:  
1. Certification that when a lighting control system is installed to comply with lighting control 
requirements in Part 6 it complies with the applicable requirements of Section 110.9; and 
complies with Reference Nonresidential Appendix NA7.7.1.  
2. Certification that when an energy management control system is installed to function as a 
lighting control required by Part 6 it functionally meets all applicable requirements for each 
application for which it is installed, in accordance with Sections 1 10.9, 130.0 through 130.5, 
140.6 through 150.0, and 150.2; and complies with Reference Nonresidential Appendix 
NA7.7.2.  Page 308 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 130.4 –LIGHTING CONTROL ACCEPTANCE AND INSTALLATION CERTIFICATE REQUIREMENTS  3. Reserved.  
4. Reserved.  
5. Certification that interlocked lighting systems used to serve an approved area comply with 
Section 140.6(a)1; and comply with Reference Nonresidential Appendix NA7.7.4.  
6. Certification that lighting controls installed to earn a lighting power adjustment factor (PAF) 
comply with Section 140.6(a)2; and comply with Reference Nonresidential Appendix NA7.7.5.  
7. Certification that additional lighting wattage installed for a videoconference studio complies 
with Section 140.6(c)2Gvii; and complies with Reference Nonresidential Appendix NA7.7.6.  
(c) When certification is required by Title 24, Part 1, Section 10 -103.1, the acceptance testing specified 
by Section 130.4 shall be performed by a Certified Lighting Controls Acceptance Test Technician 
(CLCATT). If the CLCATT is operating as an employee, the CLCATT shall be employed by a Certified 
Lighting Controls Acceptance Test Employer. The CLCATT shall disclose on the Certificate of 
Acceptance a valid CLCATT certification identification number issued by an approved acceptance 
test technician certifica tion provider. The CLCATT shall complete all certificate of acceptance 
documentation in accordance with the applicable requirements in Section 10 -103(a)4.  
Note:  Authority cited: Sections 25402, 25402.1 and 25213, Public Resources Code. Reference: Sections 
25007, 25008, 25218.5, 25310, 25402, 25402.1, 25402.4, 25402.5, 25402.8, and 25943, Public 
Resources Code.  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 309 
SECTION 130.5 –ELECTRICAL POWER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS  SECTION 130.5 –ELECTRICAL POWER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS  
Nonresidential and hotel/motel buildings shall comply with the applicable requirements of Sections 
130.5(a) through 130.5(e).  
(a) Service electrical metering . Each electrical service or feeder shall have a permanently installed 
metering system which measures electrical energy use in accordance with Table 130.5 -A. 
Exception  1 to Section 130.5(a) : Service or feeder for which the utility company provides a 
metering system that indicates instantaneous kW demand and kWh for a utility -defined period . 
Exception  2 to Section 130.5(a):  Electrical power distribution systems subject to California 
Electrical Code Article 517.  
(b) Separation of electrical circuits  for electrical energy monitoring . Electrical power distribution 
systems shall be designed so that measurement devices can monitor the electrical energy usage of 
load types according to Table 130.5 -B. 
Exception  1 to Section 130.5(b): For each separate load type, up to 10 percent of the connected 
load may be of any type.  
Exception  2 to Section 130.5(b):  Electrical power distribution systems subject to California 
Electrical Code Article 517.  
(c) Voltage drop . The maximum combined voltage drop on both installed feeder conductors and 
branch circuit conductors to the farthest connected load or outlet shall not exceed 5 percent.  
Exception  to Section 130.5(c):  Voltage drop permitted by California Electrical Code Sections 647.4, 
695.6 and 695.7.  
(d) Circuit controls  for 120 -volt receptacles  and controlled receptacles . In all buildings, both 
controlled and uncontrolled 120 volt receptacles shall be provided in office areas, lobbies, 
conference rooms, kitchen areas in office spaces and copy rooms. Additionally, hotel/motel guest 
rooms shall comply with Section 130.5(d)4 .  
Plug -in strips and other plug -in devices shall not be used to comply with the requirements of Section 
130.5(d).  
Controlled receptacles shall meet the following requirements, as applicable:  
1. Install a control capable of automatically shutting OFF the controlled receptacles when the 
space is typically unoccupied, either at the receptacle or circuit level. When an automatic time 
switch control is installed it shall incorporate an override contro l that allows the controlled 
receptacle to remain ON for no more than 2 hours when an override is initiated and an 
automatic holiday “shut -OFF” feature that turns OFF all loads for at least 24 hours and then 
resumes the normally scheduled operation. Cou ntdown timer switches shall not be used to 
comply with the automatic time switch control requirements; and  
2. Install at least one controlled receptacle within 6 feet from each uncontrolled receptacle or 
install a splitwired multiple receptacle with at least one controlled and one uncontrolled 
receptacle. Where receptacles are installed in modular furniture in open office areas, at least 
one controlled receptacle shall be installed at each workstation; and  Page 310 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 130.5 –ELECTRICAL POWER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS  3.  Provide a permanent and durable marking for controlled receptacles or circuits to differentiate 
them from uncontrolled receptacles or circuits; and  
4.  For hotel and motel guest rooms, install controlled receptacles for at least one -half of the 120 -
volt receptacles in each guestroom. Electric circuits serving controlled receptacles in 
guestrooms shall have captive card key controls, occupant sensing c ontrols, or automatic 
controls so the power is switched OFF no longer than 30 20 minutes after the guestroom has 
been vacated.  
Note: A hardwired power strip  controlled by an occupant sensing control may be used to comply with 
Section 130.5(d). Plug -in strips and other plug -in devices shall not be used to comply with the 
requirements of Section 130.5(d).  
Exception  1 to Section 130.5(d):  Receptacles that are only for the following purposes:  
i. Receptacles specifically for refrigerators and water dispensers in kitchen area.  
ii. Receptacles located a minimum of six feet above the floor that are specifically for clocks.  
iii. Receptacles for network copiers, fax machines, A/V and data equipment other than personal 
computers in copy rooms.  
iv. Receptacles on circuits rated more than 20 amperes.  
v. Receptacles connected to an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) that are intended to be in 
continuous use, 24 hours per day/365 days per year, and are marked to differentiate them 
from other uncontrolled receptacles or circuits.  
Exception  2 to Section 130.5(d):  Receptacles  in healthcare facilities.   
(e) Demand responsive controls and equipment.  See Section 110.12 for requirements for demand 
responsive controls and equipment, including demand responsive controls for controlled 
receptacles.  
NOTE:  Definitions of terms and phrases in Section 130.5 are determined as specified in Section 100.1(b). 
Terms and phrases not found in Section 100.1(b) shall be defined as specified in Title 24, Part 3, Article 100 
of the California Electrical Code.  
Note:  Authority: Sections 25213, 25218, 25218.5, 25402 and 25402.1, Public Resources Code.  
 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 311 
SECTION 130.5 –ELECTRICAL POWER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS  TABLE 130.5 -A MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR METERING OF ELECTRICAL LOAD  
Metering Functionality  Electrical Services 
rated 50 kVA or 
less Electrical Services 
rated more than 
50kVA and less 
than or equal to 
250 kVA  Electrical Services 
rated more than 250 
kVA and less than or 
equal to 1000kVA  Electrical 
Services rated 
more than 
1000kVA  
Instantaneous (at the 
time) kW demand  Required  Required  Required  Required  
Historical peak demand 
(kW)  Not required  Not required  Required  Required  
Tracking kWh for a user -
definable period.  Required  Required  Required  Required  
kWh per rate period  Not required  Not required  Not required  Required  
 Page 312 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 130.5 –ELECTRICAL POWER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS  TABLE 130.5 -B MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR SEPARATION OF ELECTRICAL LOAD  
ELECTRICAL LOAD 
TYPE  ELECTRICAL 
SERVICES 
RATED  50 
kVA OR LESS  ELECTRICAL SERVICES 
RATED MORE THAN 50 
kVA AND LESS THAN 
OR EQUAL TO 250 kVA  ELECTRICAL SERVICES 
RATED MORE THAN 
250 kVA AND LESS 
THAN OR EQUAL TO 
1000 kVA  ELECTRICAL SERVICES 
RATED MORE THAN 
1000 kVA  
Lighting including exit 
and egress lighting and 
exterior lighting  Not required  All lighting in aggregate  All lighting 
disaggregated  
by floor, type or area  All lighting 
disaggregated by floor, 
type or area  
HVAC systems and 
components including 
chillers, fans, heaters, 
furnaces, package 
units, cooling towers 
and circulation pumps 
associated with HVAC  Not required  All HVAC in aggregate  All HVAC in aggregate  
and each HVAC load 
rated  
at least 50 kVA  All HVAC in aggregate 
and each HVAC load 
rated at least 50 kVA  
Domestic and service 
water system pumps 
and related systems 
and components  Not required  All loads in aggregate  All loads in aggregate  All loads in aggregate  
Plug load including  
appliances rated less  
than 25 kVA  Not required  All plug load in 
aggregate  
Groups of plug loads 
exceeding 25 kVA 
connected load in an 
area less than 5000 sf  All plug load separated  
by floor, type or area  
Groups of plug loads 
exceeding 25 kVA 
connected load in an  
area less than 5000 sf  All plug load separated 
by floor, type or area  
All groups of plug loads 
exceeding 25 kVA 
connected load in an 
area less than 5000 sf  
Elevators, escalators, 
moving walks and 
transit systems  Not required  All loads in aggregate  All loads in aggregate  All loads in aggregate  
Other individual non -
HVAC loads or 
appliances rated 25 
kVA or greater  Not required  All loads in aggregate  All loads in aggregate  All loads in aggregate  
Industrial and 
commercial load 
centers 25 kVA or 
greater , including 
theatrical lighting 
installations and 
commercial kitchens  Not required  All loads in aggregate  All loads in aggregate  All loads in aggregate  
Renewable power 
source (net or total)  Each group  Each group  Each group  Each group  
Loads associated with 
renewable power 
source  Not required  All loads in aggregate  All loads in aggregate  All loads in aggregate  
Charging stations for 
electric vehicles  All loads in 
aggregate  All loads in aggregate  All loads in aggregate  All loads in aggregate  
Note: Authority: Sections 25213, 25218, 25218.5, 25402 and 25402.1, Public Resources Code. Reference: Sections 25007, 
25008, 25218.5, 25310, 25402, 25402.1, 25402.4, 25402.5, 25402.8, and 25943, Public Resources Code . 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards    Page 313 
SECTION 140.0 – PERFORMANCE AND PRESCRIPTIVE COMPLIANCE APPROACHES  SUBCHAPTER 5  
NONRESIDENTIAL AND HOTEL/MOTEL OCCUPANCIES —
PERFORMANCE AND PRESCRIPTIVE COMPLIANCE 
APPROACHES FOR ACHIEVING ENERGY EFFICIENCY  
SECTION 140.0 – PERFORMANCE AND PRESCRIPTIVE COMPLIANCE APPROACHES  
Nonresidential and hotel/motel buildings shall comply with all of the following:  
(a) The requirements of Sections 100.0 through 110.12 applicable to the building project 
(mandatory measures for all buildings).  
(b) The requirements of Sections 120.0 through 130.5 (mandatory measures for nonresidential 
and hotel/motel buildings).  
(c) Either the performance compliance approach (energy budgets) specified in Section 140.1 or 
the prescriptive compliance approach specified in Section 140.2 for the climate zone in 
which the building will be located. Climate zones are shown in Figure 100. 1-A. 
Note  to Section 140.0(c):  The Commission periodically updates, publishes , and makes 
available to interested persons and local enforcement agencies precise descriptions of the 
climate zones , which is available by zip code boundaries depicted in the Reference Joint 
Appendices along with a list of the communities in each zone.  
Note  to Section 140.0:  The requirements of Sections 140.1 through 140.10 apply to newly 
constructed buildings. Section 141.0 specifies which requirements of Sections 140.1 through 
140.10 also apply to additions or alterations to existing buildings.  
Note : Authority: Sections 25213, 25218, 25218.5, 25402 and 25402.1, Public Resources Code. 
Reference: Sections 25007, 25008, 25218.5, 25310, 25402, 25402.1, 25402.4, 25402.5, 25402.8, 
and 25943, Public Resources Code.  
  Page 314 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 140.1 – PERFORMANCE APPROACH: ENERGY BUDGETS  SECTION 140.1 – PERFORMANCE APPROACH: ENERGY BUDGETS  
A building complies with the performance standards approach  if the energy consumption budget  
calculated for the proposed design building is no greater than the energy budget cal culated for 
the standard design building using Commission -certified compliance software as specified by 
the Alternative Calculation Methods Approval Manual under Subsection (b) is no greater than 
the energy budget calculated for the standard design building under Subsection (a ). 
(a)  Energy Budget . The energy budget for is expressed in terms of Long -Term System Cost (LSC)  
and Source Energy . 
A. Long -term System Cost  (LSC) . The LSC energy budget is determined by applying the 
mandatory and prescriptive requirements of the standard design to the proposed design 
building and has two components, the Efficiency LSC and the Total LSC.   
i. The Efficiency LSC energy is the sum of the LSC energy for space -conditioning, water 
heating, and mechanical ventilation.  
ii. The Total LSC energy is the sum of the Efficiency LSC energy and LSC energy from 
the photovoltaic system,  energy  storage systems, lighting, demand flexibility, and 
other plug loads.  
B. Source Energy . The source energy budget is determined by applying the mandatory and 
prescriptive requirements of the standard design to the proposed design building.  
(a) Energy budget  for the standard design building . The energy budget for the Standard Design 
Building is determined by applying the mandatory and prescriptive requirements to the 
proposed design building.  The energy budget is the sum of the source energy and TDV energy 
for space -conditioning, indoor lighting, mechanical ventilation, photovoltaic (PV) and battery 
storage systems, service water heating and covered process loads.  
(b) Energy budget  for the proposed design building.  The energy budget for a proposed design 
building is determined by calculating the source energy and TDV energy for the proposed 
design building. The energy budget is the sum of the source energy and TDV energy for 
space -conditioning, indoor lighting, mech anical ventilation, photovoltaic (PV) and battery 
storage systems, and service water heating and covered process loads.  
EXCEPTION to Section 140.1( ab).  A community shared solar electric generation system, or 
other renewable electric generation system, and/or community shared battery energy 
storage system BESS , which provides dedicated power, utility energy reduction credits, or 
payments for energy bill reductions, to the permitted building and is approved by the Energy 
Commission as specified in Title 24, Part 1, Section 10 -115, may offset part or all of the s olar 
electric generation system or battery energy storage system BESS LSC TDV energy required 
to comply with the Standards, as calculated according to methods established by the 
Commission in the Nonresidential ACM Reference Manual.  
(c) Calculation of energy budget.  The TDV energy for both the standard design building and the 
proposed design building shall be computed by compliance software certified for this use by 
the Commission. The processes for compliance software approval by the Commission are 
documented in the  ACM Approval Manual.  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards    Page 315 
SECTION 140.1 – PERFORMANCE APPROACH: ENERGY BUDGETS  Note : Authority: Sections 25213, 25218, 25218.5, 25402 and 25402.1, Public Resources Code. 
Reference: Sections 25007, 25008, 25218.5, 25310, 25402, 25402.1, 25402.4, 25402.5, 
25402.8, and 25943, Public Resources Code.  
  Page 316 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 140.2 – PRESCRIPTIVE APPROACH  SECTION 140.2 – PRESCRIPTIVE APPROACH  
To comply using the prescriptive approach a building shall be designed with and shall have 
constructed and installed systems and components meeting the applicable requirements of 
Sections 140.3 through 140.10.  
Note : Authority: Sections 25213, 25218, 25218.5, 25402 and 25402.1, Public Resources Code. 
Reference: Sections 25007, 25008, 25218.5, 25310, 25402, 25402.1, 25402.4, 25402.5, 25402.8, 
and 25943, Public Resources Code .2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards    Page 317 
SECTION 140.3 – PRESCRIPTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR BUILDING ENVELOPES   SECTION 140.3 – PRESCRIPTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR BUILDING ENVELOPES  
A building complies with this section by being designed with and constructed to meet all 
prescriptive requirements in Subsection (a) and the requirements of Subsection (c) and (d) 
where they apply.  
(a) Envelope component requirements . 
1. Exterior roofs and ceilings.  Exterior roofs and ceilings shall comply with each of the 
applicable requirements in this subsection:  
A. Roofing products . Shall meet the requirements of Section 110.8 and the applicable 
requirements of Subsections i through ii:  
i. Nonresidential buildings:  
a. Low-sloped roofs in climate zones 1 through 16 shall have:  
1. A minimum aged solar reflectance of 0.63 and a minimum thermal 
emittance of 0.75; or  
2. A minimum solar reflectance index (SRI) of 75.  
Exception  1 to Section 140.3(a)1Aia:  Wood -framed roofs in climate zones 3 
and 5 are exempt from the requirements of  not required to comply with  
Section 140.3(a)1Aia if the roof assembly has a U -factor of 0.034 or lower.  
Exception2  to Section 140.3(a)1Aia:  Roof constructions with a weight of at 
least 25 lb/ft2 over the roof membrane are exempt from the requirements 
ofnot required to comply with  Section 140.3(a)1Aia.  
Exception  3 to Section  140.3(a)1Aia:  An aged solar reflectance less than 0.63 
is allowed provided the maximum roof/ceiling U -factor in Table 140.3 is not 
exceeded.  
b. Steep -sloped roofs:  
1. In Climate Zones 1 and 3 shall have a minimum aged solar reflectance of 
0.20 and a minimum thermal emittance of 0.75, or a minimum SRI of 16.  
2. In Climate Zones 2 and 4 through 16 shall have a minimum aged solar 
reflectance of 0.25 and a minimum thermal emittance of 0.80, or a 
minimum SRI of 23.  
ii. Guest rooms of hotel and motel buildings:  
a. Low-sloped roofs in Climate Zones 9, 10, 11, 13, 14 and 15 shall have a 
minimum aged solar reflectance of 0.55 and a minimum thermal emittance of 
0.75, or a minimum SRI of 64.  
Exception  to Section 140.3(a)1Aiia:  Roof constructions with a weight of at 
least 25 lb/ft2 over the roof membrane.  Page 318 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 140.3 – PRESCRIPTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR BUILDING ENVELOPES  b. Steep -sloped roofs in Climate Zones 2 through 15 shall have a minimum aged 
solar reflectance of 0.20 and a minimum thermal emittance of 0.75, or a 
minimum SRI of 16.  
TABLE 140.3 ROOF/CEILING INSULATION TRADEOFF FOR AGED SOLAR REFLECTANCE – 
NONRESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS  
Aged Solar Reflectance  Metal Building  
Climate Zone  1-16 
U-factor  Wood framed   and Other  
Climate Zone  6 - 8 
U-factor  Wood Framed and Other  
All Other Climate Zones  
U-factor  
0.62 -0.56  0.038  0.045  0.032  
0.55 -0.46  0.035  0.042  0.030  
0.45 -0.36  0.033  0.039  0.029  
0.35 -0.25  0.031  0.037  0.028  
 
Exception  to Section 140.3(a)1A:  Roof area covered by building integrated 
photovoltaic panels and building integrated solar thermal panels are not required to 
meet the minimum requirements for solar reflectance, thermal emittance, or SRI.  
B. Roof insulation . Roofs shall have an overall assembly U -factor no greater than the 
applicable value in Table 140.3 -B, C or D, and where required by Section 110.8 and 
120.7(a)3, insulation shall be placed in direct contact with a roof or drywall ceiling.  
2. Exterior walls . Exterior walls shall have an overall assembly U -factor no greater than the 
applicable value in Table 140.3 -B, C or D.  
3. Demising walls . Demising walls shall meet the requirements of Section 120.7(b)7. 
Vertical windows in demising walls between conditioned and unconditioned spaces shall 
have an area -weighted average U -factor no greater than the applicable value in Table 
140.3-B, C or D.  
4. Exterior floors  and soffits . Exterior floors and soffits shall have an overall assembly U -
factor no greater than the applicable value in Table 140.3 -B, C or D.  
5. Exterior Windows.  Vertical windows in exterior walls shall:  
A. Percent window area shall be limited in accordance with the applicable requirements 
of i and ii below:  
i. a west -facing area no greater than 40 percent of the gross west -facing exterior 
wall area, or 6 feet times the west -facing display perimeter, whichever is greater; 
and 
ii. a total area no greater than 40 percent of the gross exterior wall area, or 6 feet 
times the display perimeter, whichever is greater; and  
NOTE:  Demising walls are not exterior walls, and therefore demising wall area is not 
part of the gross exterior wall area or display perimeter and windows in demising 
walls are not part of the window area.  
Exception  to Section 140.3(a)5A : Conditioned greenhouses. The requirements of 
Section 120.6(h) 4 3 apply.  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards    Page 319 
SECTION 140.3 – PRESCRIPTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR BUILDING ENVELOPES  B. Have an area -weighted average U -factor no greater than the applicable value in 
Table  140.3 -B, C or D.  
Exception 1  to Section 140.3(a)5B : Conditioned greenhouses. The requirements of 
Section 120.6(h) 4 3 apply.  
Exception  2 to Section 140.3(a)5B:  For vertical windows containing chromogenic 
type glazing:  
i. The lower -rated labeled U -factor shall be used with automatic controls to 
modulate the amount of heat flow into the space in multiple steps in response 
to daylight levels or solar intensity ; and  
ii. Chromogenic glazing shall be considered separately from other glazing; and  
iii. Area -weighted averaging with other glazing that is not chromogenic shall not 
be permitted.  
C. Have an area -weighted average relative solar heat gain coefficient, RSHGC, excluding 
the effects of interior shading, no greater than the applicable value in Table 140.3 -B, 
C or D.  
For purposes of this paragraph, the relative solar heat gain coefficient, RSHGC, of a 
vertical window is:  
i. The solar heat gain coefficient of the windows; or  
ii. Relative solar heat gain coefficient is calculated using Equation 140.3 -A, if the 
window has an overhang or exterior horizontal slats that extend beyond each 
side of the window jamb by a distance equal to the overhang’s horizontal 
projection.  
Exception  1 to Section 140.3(a)5C:  An area - weighted average relative solar heat 
gain coefficient of 0.56 or less shall be used for windows:  
a. That are in the first story of exterior walls that form a display perimeter; and  
b. For which codes restrict the use of overhangs to shade the windows.  
Exception  2 to Section 140.3(a)5C:  For vertical glazing containing chromogenic type 
glazing:  
i. the lower -rated labeled RSHGC shall be used with automatic controls to 
modulate the amount of heat flow into the space in multiple steps in response to 
daylight levels or solar intensity ; and  
ii. chromogenic glazing shall be considered separately from other glazing; and  
iii. area -weighted averaging with other glazing that is not chromogenic shall not be 
permitted.  
Exception  3 to Section 140.3(a)5C : Conditioned greenhouses. The requirements of 
Section 120.6(h) 4 3 apply.   
NOTE: Demising walls are not exterior walls, and therefore windows in demising 
walls are not subject to SHGC requirements.  Page 320 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 140.3 – PRESCRIPTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR BUILDING ENVELOPES  D. Have an area -weighted average Visible Transmittance (VT) no less than the 
applicable value in Tables 140.3 -B and  C, or Equation 140.3 -B, as applicable.  
Exception  1 to Section 140.3(a)5D : When the window’s primary and secondary 
sidelit daylit zones are completely overlapped by one or more skylit daylit zones, 
then the window need not comply with Section 140.3(a)5D.  
Exception  2 to Section 140.3(a)5D : If the window’s VT is not within the scope of 
NFRC 200, or ASTM E972, then the VT shall be calculated according to Reference 
Nonresidential Appendix NA6.  
Exception  3 to Section 140.3(a)5D : For vertical windows containing chromogenic 
type glazing:  
i. The higher -rated labeled VT shall be used with automatic controls to modulate 
the amount of light transmitted into the space in multiple steps in response to 
daylight levels or solar intensity ; and  
ii. Chromogenic glazing shall be considered separately from other glazing; and  
iii. Area -weighted averaging with other glazing that is not chromogenic shall not 
be permitted.  
Exception 4 to Section 140.3(a)5D : Conditioned greenhouses. The requirements of 
Section 120.6(h) 4 3 apply.  
NOTE: Demising walls are not exterior walls, and therefore windows in demising 
walls are not subject to VT requirements.  
EQUATION 140.3 -A RELATIVE SOLAR HEAT GAIN COEFFICIENT, RSHGC  
RSHGC = SHGC × [1 + a × (2.72-PF – 1) × (sin(b × Az) + c] 
where:  
Feature  a b c 
Overhang  0.150  0.008727  5.67  
Exterior Horizonal Slat  0.144  0.008727  5.13  
 
RSHGC  = Relative Solar Heat Gain Coefficient.  
SHGC  = Solar Heat Gain Coefficient of the vertical fenestration.  
Az = Azimuth of the vertical fenestration in degrees.  
PF = Projection factor as calculated by Equation 140.3 -C. 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards    Page 321 
SECTION 140.3 – PRESCRIPTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR BUILDING ENVELOPES  EQUATION 140.3 -B VERTICAL FENESTRATION MINIMUM VT  
 VT ≥ 0.11/ WWR  
WHERE:  
WWR  = Window Wall Ratio, the ratio of (i) the total window area of the entire 
building to (ii) the total gross exterior wall area of the entire building. If 
the WWR is greater than 0.40, then 0.40 shall be used as the value for 
WWR in EQUATION 140.3 -B. 
VT = Visible Transmittance of framed window.  
6. Skylights.  Skylights shall:  
A. Have an area no greater than 5 percent of the gross exterior roof area Skylight Roof 
Ratio (SRR); and  
Exception  1 to Section 140.3(a)6A:  Buildings with atria over 55 feet high shall have a 
skylight area no greater than 10 percent of the gross exterior roof area.  
Exception  2 to Section 140.3(a)6A : Conditioned greenhouses. The requirements of 
Section 120.6(h) 4 3 apply.  
B. Have an area -weighted performance rating U -factor no greater than the applicable 
value in Table 140.3 -B, C or D.  
Exception 1 to Section 140.3(a)6B:  For skylights containing chromogenic type 
glazing:  
i. the lower -rated labeled U -factor shall be used with automatic controls to 
modulate the amount of heat flow into the space in multiple steps in response 
to daylight levels or solar intensity ; and  
ii. chromogenic glazing shall be considered separately from other glazing; and  
iii. area -weighted averaging with other glazing that is not chromogenic shall not 
be permitted.  
Exception  2 to Section 140.3(a)6B : Conditioned greenhouses. The requirements of 
Section 120.6(h) 4 3 apply.  
C. Have an area -weighted performance rating solar heat gain coefficient no greater 
than the applicable value in Table 140.3 -B, C or D.  
Exception  1 to Section 140.3(a)6C:  For skylights containing chromogenic type 
glazing:  
i. the lower -rated labeled SHGC shall be used to demonstrate compliance with this 
section; and  
ii. chromogenic glazing shall be considered separately from other glazing; and  
iii. area -weighted averaging with other glazing that is not chromogenic shall not be 
permitted.  Page 322 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 140.3 – PRESCRIPTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR BUILDING ENVELOPES   
Exception  2 to Section 140.3(a)6C : Conditioned greenhouses. The requirements of 
Section 120.6(h) 4 3 apply.  
D. Have an area -weighted performance rating VT no less than the applicable value in 
Table 140.3 -B or C; and  
Exception  1 to Section 140.3(a)6D:  For skylights containing chromogenic type 
glazing:  
i. the higher -rated labeled VT shall be used with automatic controls to modulate 
the amount of light transmitted into the space in multiple steps in response to 
daylight levels or solar intensity and;  
ii. chromogenic glazing shall be considered separately from other glazing ; and  
iii. area -weighted averaging with other glazing that is not chromogenic shall not be 
permitted.  
Exception  2 to Section 140.3(a)6D : Conditioned greenhouses. The requirements of 
Section 120.6(h) 4 3 apply.  
E. Have a glazing material or diffuser that has a measured haze value greater than 90 
percent, determined according to ASTM D1003 or other test method approved by 
the Energy Commission.  
Exception 1  to Section 140.3(a)6E: Skylights designed and installed to exclude direct 
sunlight entering the occupied space by the use of fixed or automated baffles or the 
geometry of the skylight and light well.  
Exception  2 to Section 140.3(a)6E : Conditioned greenhouses. The requirements of 
Section 120.6(h) 4 3 apply.  
7. Exterior doors.  All exterior doors that separate conditioned space from unconditioned 
space or from ambient air shall have a U -factor not greater than the applicable value in 
Table  140.3 -B, C or D. Doors that are more than one -quarter glass in area are considered 
glazed doors.  
8. Relocatable public school buildings . In complying with Sections 140.3(a)1 to 7 shall 
meet the following:  
A. Relocatable public school buildings shall comply with Table  140.3 -B for a specific 
climate zone  when the manufacturer or builder of the relocatable public school 
building certifies that the building is intended for use only in a specific climate zone ; 
or 
B. Relocatable public school buildings shall comply with Table  140.3 -D for any climate 
zone  when the manufacturer or builder of the relocatable public school building 
certifies that the building is intended for use in any climate zone ; and  
C. The manufacturer or builder of a relocatable public school building shall certify that 
components of the building comply  with requirements of this section by:  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards    Page 323 
SECTION 140.3 – PRESCRIPTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR BUILDING ENVELOPES  i. The p lacement of two (2) metal identification labels on the building, one 
mechanically fastened and visible from the exterior and the other mechanically 
fastened to the interior frame above the ceiling at the end of the module, both 
labels stating (in addition to any other information by the Division of the State 
Architect or other law) “Complies with Title 24, Part 6 for all climate zones”; and  
ii. Identification of the location of the two labels on the plans submitted to the 
enforcing agency.  
9. Air barrier . To meet the requirement of Table 140.3 -B, all buildings shall have a 
continuous air barrier that is designed and constructed to control air leakage into, and 
out of, the building’s conditioned space.  
Exception  to Section 140.3(a)9: Relocatable public school buildings.  
A. Design. Construction documents shall include air barrier boundaries, 
interconnections and penetrations, and associated square foot calculations for all 
sides of the air barrier.  
B. Acceptable materials and assemblies. The air barrier shall be sealed at all joints for its 
entire length and shall be composed of:  
 i. Materials that have an air permeance not exceeding 0.004 cfm/ft2, under a 
pressure differential of 0.3 in. of water (1.57 psf) (0.02 L/sec -m2) at 75 Pa), when 
tested in accordance with ASTM E2178; or  
ii. Assemblies of materials and components that have an average air leakage not 
exceeding 0.04 cfm/ft2, under a pressure differential of 0.3 in. of water (1.57 psf) 
(0.2 L/m2 at 75 pa), when tested in accordance with ASTM E2357, ASTM E1677, 
ASTM E1680 or ASTM E283.  
Exception  to Section 140.3(a)9 Bi : Materials in Table 140.3 -A shall be deemed to 
comply with Section 140.3(a)9B provided that all joints are sealed , and all of the 
materials are installed as air barriers in accordance with the manufacturer's 
instructions.  
Exception to Section 140.3(a)9B ii: The following materials shall be deemed to 
comply with Section 140.3(a)9B if all joints are sealed and all of the materials are 
installed as air barriers in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions:  
a. Concrete masonry walls that have at least two coatings of paint or at least 
two coatings of sealer coating.  
b. Concrete masonry walls with integral rigid board insulation.  
c. Structurally insulated panels.  
d. Portland cement or Portland sand parge, or stucco, or a gypsum plaster, each 
with a minimum 1/2 inch thickness.  
C. Verification. Verification of the installed air barrier may be performed.  Page 324 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 140.3 – PRESCRIPTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR BUILDING ENVELOPES  i. If verification is performed the entire building shall meet one of the following 
requirements:  
a. An air leakage rate not exceeding 0.40 cfm/ft2 at a pressure differential of 0.3 
in. of water (1.57 psf ) (2.0 L/ m2 at 75 Pa). when the entire building is tested, 
after completion of construction, in accordance with NA 5, or another test 
method approved by the Commission; or  
b. For buildings that have more than 50, 000 ft2 of conditioned floor area, a 
sectional test method of co -pressurizing representative test floors and taking 
data from the specific floors to achieve the requirement in Section 
140.3(a)9Ci when following the procedures in Sections NA5.2 to NA5.7. 
Represent ative test floors must meet the following conditions:  
I. The entire floor area of all stories that have any spaces directly under a 
roof.  
II. The entire floor area of all stories that have a building entrance or loading 
dock.  
III. Representative above grade wall sections of the building totaling at least 
25 percent of the wall area enclosing the remaining conditioned space. 
Floor areas in Parts a and b above shall not be included in the 25 percent.  
ii. If the air leakage requirements of either Section 140.3(a)9Cia or 140.3(a)9Cib are 
not met, a visual inspection and diagnostic evaluation shall be completed in 
accordance with NA5.7, all observed leaks shall be sealed where such sealing can 
be made wit hout destruction of existing building components, and buildings 
where the tested leakage rate exceeded 0.6 cfm/ft2 of building shell area at 75 Pa 
have been retested to confirm leakage is below 0.6 cfm/ft2 of building shell at 75 
Pa. 
  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards    Page 325 
SECTION 140.3 – PRESCRIPTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR BUILDING ENVELOPES  TABLE 140.3 -A MATERIALS DEEMED TO COMPLY WITH SECTION 140.3(a)9B  
MATERIALS  MINIMUM THICKNESS  
Plywood  Minimum 3/8inches thickness  
Oriented strand board  Minimum 3/8 inches thickness  
Extruded polystyrene insulation board  Minimum 1/2 inches thickness  
Foil-backed polyisocyanurate insulation board  Minimum 1/2 inches thickness  
Closed cell spray foam with a minimum density of 
2.0 pcf  Minimum 2 inches thickness  
Open cell spray foam with a density no less than 
0.4 pcf and no greater than 1.5 pcf  Minimum 5 -1/2 inches thickness  
Exterior and interior gypsum board  Minimum 1/2 inches thickness  
Cement board  Minimum 1/2 inches thickness  
Built up roofing membrane  No minimum thickness  
Modified bituminous roof membrane  No minimum thickness  
Fully adhered single -ply roof membrane  No minimum thickness  
A Portland cement or Portland sand parge, or a 
gypsum plaster  Each with Minimum 5/8 inches thickness  
Cast -in-place concrete, or precast concrete  No minimum thickness  
Fully grouted concrete block masonry  No minimum thickness  
Sheet steel or sheet aluminum  No minimum thickness  
 Page 326 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 140.3 – PRESCRIPTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR BUILDING ENVELOPES  TABLE 140.3 -B – PRESCRIPTIVE ENVELOPE CRITERIA FOR NONRESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS (INCLUDING RELOCATABLE PUBLIC SCHOOL BUILDINGS 
(WHERE MANUFACTURER CERTIFIES USE ONLY IN SPECIFIC CLIMATE ZONE; NOT INCLUDING HIGH -RISE RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS AND GUEST 
ROOMS OF HOTEL/MOTEL BUILDINGS)  
Envelope Feature  CZ 1 CZ 2 CZ3 CZ 4 CZ 5 CZ 6 CZ 7 CZ 8 CZ 9 CZ 10 CZ 11 CZ 12 CZ 13 CZ 14 CZ 15 CZ 16 
Roofs and Ceilings - Metal Building  
Max U -Factor  0.041  
0.038  0.041  
0.038  0.041  
0.038  0.041  
0.038  0.041  
0.038  0.041  
0.038  0.041  
0.038  0.041  
0.038  0.041  
0.038  0.041  
0.038  0.041  
0.038  0.041  
0.038  0.041  
0.038  0.041  
0.038  0.041  
0.038  0.041  
0.038  
Roofs and Ceilings - Wood Framed and  Other  
Max U -Factor  0.034  
0.028  0.034  
0.028  0.034  
0.028  0.034  
0.028  0.034  
0.028  0.049  
0.047  0.049  
0.047  0.049  
0.047  0.034  
0.028  0.034  
0.028  0.034  
0.028  0.034  
0.028  0.034  
0.028  0.034  
0.028  0.034  
0.028  0.034  
0.028  
Walls - Metal Building  
Max U -Factor  0.113  
0.098  0.061  
0.053  0.113  
0.098  0.061  
0.053  0.061  
0.053  0.113  
0.098  0.113  
0.098  0.061  
0.053  0.061  
0.053  0.061  
0.053  0.061  
0.053  0.061  
0.053  0.061  
0.053  0.061  
0.053  0.057  
0.050  0.061  
0.053  
Walls - Metal -framed  
Max U -Factor  0.060  0.055  0.071  0.055  0.055  0.060  0.060  0.055  0.055  0.055  0.055  0.055  0.055  0.055  0.055  0.055  
Walls - Mass , Light1 
Max U-Factor  0.196  
0.170  0.170  
0.138  0.278  
0.227  0.227  
0.196  0.440  
0.364  0.440  
0.364  0.440  
0.364  0.440  
0.364  0.440  
0.364  0.170  
0.138  0.170  
0.138  0.170  
0.138  0.170  
0.138  0.170  
0.138  0.170  
0.138  0.170  
0.138  
Walls - Mass , Heavy1 
Max U -Factor  0.253  
0.211  0.650  0.650  0.650  0.650  0.690  0.690  0.690  0.690  0.650  0.184  
0.160  0.253  
0.211  0.211  
0.184  0.184  
0.160  0.184  
0.160  0.160  
0.153  
Walls - Wood -framed and Other  
Max U -Factor  0.095  
0.078  0.059  
0.053  0.110  
0.102  0.059  
0.053  0.102  
0.095  0.110  
0.102  0.110  
0.102  0.102  
0.095  0.059  
0.053  0.059  
0.053  0.045  
0.042  0.059  
0.053  0.059  
0.053  0.059  
0.053  0.042  
0.038  0.059  
0.053  
Floors and Soffits - Raised Mass  
Max U -Factor  0.092  0.092  0.269  0.269  0.269  0.269  0.269  0.269  0.269  0.269  0.092  0.092  0.092  0.092  0.092  0.058  
Floors and Soffits – Other  
Max U -Factor  0.048  0.039  0.071  0.071  0.071  0.071  0.071  0.071  0.071  0.071  0.039  0.071  0.071  0.039  0.039  0.039  
Roofing Products  - Low-Sloped  
Aged Solar Reflectance  0.63  0.63  0.63  0.63  0.63  0.63  0.63  0.63  0.63  0.63  0.63  0.63  0.63  0.63  0.63  0.63  
Roofing Products  - Low-Sloped  
Thermal Emittance  0.75  0.75  0.75  0.75  0.75  0.75  0.75  0.75  0.75  0.75  0.75  0.75  0.75  0.75  0.75  0.75  
Roofing Products  - Steep -Sloped  
Aged Solar Reflectance  0.20  0.25  0.20  0.25  0.25  0.25  0.25  0.25  0.25  0.25  0.25  0.25  0.25  0.25  0.25  0.25  
Roofing Products  - Steep -Sloped  
Thermal Emittance  0.75  0.80  0.75  0.80  0.80  0.80  0.80  0.80  0.80  0.80  0.80  0.80  0.80  0.80  0.80  0.80  
Air Barrier  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ   REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  
Exterior Doors  - Non -Swinging  
Maximum U -Factor  0.50  1.45  1.45  1.45  1.45  1.45  1.45  1.45  1.45  1.45  1.45  1.45  1.45  1.45  1.45  0.50  
Exterior Doors – Swinging  
Maximum U -Factor  0.70  0.70  0.70  0.70  0.70  0.70  0.70  0.70  0.70  0.70  0.70  0.70  0.70  0.70  0.70  0.70  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards    Page 327 
SECTION 140.3 – PRESCRIPTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR BUILDING ENVELOPES  CONTINUED: TABLE 140.3 -B – PRESCRIPTIVE ENVELOPE CRITERIA FOR NONRESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS (INCLUDING RELOCATABLE PUBLIC SCHOOL 
BUILDINGS WHERE MANUFACTURER CERTIFIES USE ONLY IN SPECIFIC CLIMATE ZONE; NOT INCLUDING HIGH -RISE RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS AND 
GUEST RO OMS OF HOTEL/MOTEL BUILDINGS)  
Fenestra tion – Vertical (All Climate Zones)  
(Area -Weighted  Performance Ra ting) CZ 1  CZ 2  CZ3 CZ 4  CZ 5  CZ 6  CZ 7  CZ 8  CZ 9  CZ 10  CZ 11  CZ 12  CZ 13  CZ 14  CZ 15  CZ 16  
Fixed Window  (Max U -factor ) 0.36  0.36  0.36  0.36  0.36  0.36  0.36  0.36  0.34  0.36  0.34  0.34  0.34  0.34  0.34  0.36  
Fixed Window  (Max RSHGC ) 0.25  0.25  0.25  0.25  0.25  0.25  0.25  0.25  0.22  0.25  0.22  0.22  0.22  0.22  0.22  0.25  
Fixed Window  (Min VT ) 0.42  0.42  0.42  0.42  0.42  0.42  0.42  0.42  0.42  0.42  0.42  0.42  0.42  0.42  0.42  0.42  
Curtainwall or Storefront (Max U -factor ) 0.38  0.41  0.41  0.41  0.41  0.41  0.38  0.41  0.41  0.41  0.41  0.41  0.41  0.41  0.41  0.41  
Curtainwall or Storefront (Max RSHGC ) 0.25  0.26  0.26  0.26  0.26  0.26  0.25  0.26  0.26  0.26  0.26  0.26  0.26  0.26  0.26  0.26  
Curtainwall or Storefront (Min VT ) 0.46  0.46  0.46  0.46  0.46  0.46  0.46  0.46  0.46  0.46  0.46  0.46  0.46  0.46  0.46  0.46  
Operable Window (Max U -factor ) 0.46  0.46  0.46  0.46  0.46  0.46  0.46  0.46  0.46  0.46  0.46  0.46  0.46  0.46  0.46  0.46  
Operable Window (Max RSHGC ) 0.22  0.22  0.22  0.22  0.22  0.22  0.22  0.22  0.22  0.22  0.22  0.22  0.22  0.22  0.22  0.22  
Operable Window (Min VT ) 0.32  0.32  0.32  0.32  0.32  0.32  0.32  0.32  0.32  0.32  0.32  0.32  0.32  0.32  0.32  0.32  
Glazed Doors (Max U -factor ) 0.45  0.45  0.45  0.45  0.45  0.45  0.45  0.45  0.45  0.45  0.45  0.45  0.45  0.45  0.45  0.45  
Glazed Doors (Max RSHGC ) 0.23  0.23  0.23  0.23  0.23  0.23  0.23  0.23  0.23  0.23  0.23  0.23  0.23  0.23  0.23  0.23  
Glazed Doors (Min VT ) 0.17  0.17  0.17  0.17  0.17  0.17  0.17  0.17  0.17  0.17  0.17  0.17  0.17  0.17  0.17  0.17  
Glazed Doors (Max WWR% ) 40%  40%  40%  40%  40%  40%  40%  40%  40%  40%  40%  40%  40%  40%  40%  40%  
 
CONTINUED: TABLE 140.3 -B – PRESCRIPTIVE ENVELOPE CRITERIA FOR NONRESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS (INCLUDING RELOCATABLE PUBLIC SCHOOL 
BUILDINGS WHERE MANUFACTURER CERTIFIES USE ONLY IN SPECIFIC CLIMATE ZONE; NOT INCLUDING HIGH -RISE RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS AND 
GUEST ROOMS OF HOTEL/MOTEL BUILDINGS)  
Fenestration – Skylights  (all Climate Zones ) 
(Area -weighted Performance Rating)  Glass  
Curb Mounted  Glass  
Deck Mounted  Plastic  
Curb Mounted  Tubular Daylighting 
Devices (TDDs)  
Max U -factor  0.58  0.46  0.88  0.88  
Max SHGC  0.25  0.25  NR NR 
Min VT (Min VTannual for TDDs)  0.49  0.49  0.64  0.38  
Maximum SRR%  5% 5% 5% 5% 
 
  Page 328 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 140.3 – PRESCRIPTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR BUILDING ENVELOPES  TABLE 140.3 -C – PRESCRIPTIVE ENVELOPE CRITERIA FOR GUEST ROOMS OF HOTEL/MOTEL BUILDINGS  
Envelope Feature  CZ 1  CZ 2  CZ3 CZ 4  CZ 5  CZ 6  CZ 7  CZ 8  CZ 9  CZ 10  CZ 11  CZ 12  CZ 13  CZ 14  CZ 15  CZ 16  
Roofs and Ceilings - Metal Building   
Max U -Factor  0.041  0.041  0.041  0.041  0.041  0.041  0.041  0.041  0.041  0.041  0.041  0.041  0.041  0.041  0.041  0.041  
Roofs and Ceilings - Wood Framed and Other  
Max U -Factor  0.028  0.028  0.034  0.028  0.034  0.034  0.039  0.028  0.028  0.028  0.028  0.028  0.028  0.028  0.028  0.028  
Walls - Metal Building  
Max U -Factor  0.061  0.061  0.061  0.061  0.061  0.061  0.061  0.061  0.061  0.061  0.057  0.057  0.057  0.057  0.057  0.057  
Walls - Metal -framed  
Max U -Factor  0.069  0.069  0.069  0.069  0.069  0.069  0.105  0.069  0.069  0.069  0.069  0.069  0.069  0.069  0.048  0.069  
Walls - Mass, Light1 
Max U -Factor  0.170  0.170  0.170  0.170  0.170  0.227  0.227  0.227  0.196  0.170  0.170  0.170  0.170  0.170  0.170  0.170  
Walls - Mass, Heavy1 
Max U -Factor  0.160  0.160  0.160  0.184  0.211  0.690  0.690  0.690  0.690  0.690  0.184  0.253  0.211  0.184  0.184  0.160  
Walls - Wood -framed and Other  
Max U -Factor  0.059  0.059  0.059  0.059  0.059  0.059  0.059  0.059  0.059  0.059  0.042  0.059  0.059  0.042  0.042  0.042  
Floors and Soffits - Raised Mass  
Max U -Factor  0.045  0.045  0.058  0.058  0.058  0.069  0.092  0.092  0.092  0.069  0.058  0.058  0.058  0.045  0.058  0.037  
Floors and Soffits - Other  
Max U -Factor  0.034  0.034  0.039  0.039  0.039  0.039  0.071  0.039  0.039  0.039  0.039  0.039  0.039  0.034  0.039  0.034  
Low Sloped Roofing Products  
Aged Solar Reflectance  NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR 0.55  0.55  0.55  NR 0.55  0.55  0.55  NR 
Low Sloped Roofing Products  
Thermal Emit tance  NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR 0.75  0.75  0.75  NR 0.75  0.75  0.75  NR 
Steep Sloped Roofing Products  
Aged Solar Reflectance  NR 0.20  0.20  0.20  0.20  0.20  0.20  0.20  0.20  0.20  0.20  0.20  0.20  0.20  0.20  NR 
Steep  Sloped Roofing Products  
Thermal Emi ttance  NR 0.75  0.75  0.75  0.75  0.75  0.75  0.75  0.75  0. 75  0.75  0.75  0.75  0.75  0.75  NR 
Air Barrier  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  NR REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  
Non -Swinging Exterior Doors  
Max U -Factor  0.50  1.45  1.45  1.45  1.45  1.45  1.45  1.45  1.45  1.45  1.45  1.45  1.45  1.45  1.45  0.50  
Swinging Exterior Doors  
Max U -Factor  0.70  0.70  0.70  0.70  0.70  0.70  0.70  0.70  0.70  0.70  0.70  0.70  0.70  0.70  0.70  0.70  
 
  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards    Page 329 
SECTION 140.3 – PRESCRIPTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR BUILDING ENVELOPES  CONTINUED: TABLE 140.3 -C – PRESCRIPTIVE ENVELOPE CRITERIA FOR GUEST ROOMS OF HOTEL/MOTEL BUILDINGS  
Fenestration – Vertical  (All Climate Zones ) 
(Area -Weighted Performance Rating)  Fixed  
Window  Operable  
Window  Curtainwall and  
Storefront  Glazed Doors2 
Max U-factor  0.36  0.46  0.41  0.45  
Max RSHGC  0.25  0.22  0.26  0.23  
Min VT  0.42  0.32  0.46  0.17  
Maximum WWR%  40%  40%  40%  40%  
 
CONTINUED: TABLE 140.3 -C – PRESCRIPTIVE ENVELOPE CRITERIA FOR GUEST ROOMS OF HOTEL/MOTEL BUILDINGS  
Fenestration – Skylights  (All Climate Zones ) 
(Area -Weighted Performance Rating)  Glass  
Curb Mounted  Glass  
Deck Mounted  Plastic  
Curb Mounted  
Max U -factor  0.58  0.46  0.88  
Max SHGC  0.25  0.25  NR 
Min VT  0.49  0.49  0.64  
Maximum SRR%  5% 5% 5% 
Notes:  
1. As defined in Section 100.1, light mass walls are walls with a heat capacity of at least 7.0 Btu/ft² -°F and less than 15.0 Btu/ft² -°F. Heavy 
mass walls are walls with a heat capacity of at least 15.0 Btu/ft² -°F. 
2. Glazed Doors applies to both site -built and to factory -assembled glazed doors.  
 Page 330 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 140.3 – PRESCRIPTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR BUILDING ENVELOPES  TABLE 140.3 -D PRESCRIPTIVE ENVELOPE CRITERIA FOR RELOCATABLE PUBLIC SCHOOL 
BUILDINGS FOR USE IN ALL CLIMATE ZONES  
Envelope Feature  Criteria  Value  
Roofs and Ceilings  - Metal Buildings  Maximum U -factor  0.041  
Roofs and Ceilings  - Non -Metal Buildings  Maximum U -factor  0.034  
Walls  - Wood frame buildings  Maximum U -factor  0.042  
Walls  - Metal frame buildings  Maximum U -factor  0.057  
Walls  - Metal buildings  Maximum U -factor  0.057  
Walls  - Mass/7.0≤ HC  Maximum U -factor  0.170  
Walls  - All Other Walls  Maximum U -factor  0.059  
Floors and Soffits  Maximum U -factor  0.048  
Roofing Products  - Low -Sloped  Aged Solar Reflectance  0.63  
Roofing Products  - Low -Sloped  Thermal Emittance  0.75  
Roofing Products  - Steep -Sloped  Aged Solar Reflectance  0.25  
Roofing Products  - Steep -Sloped  Thermal Emittance  0.80  
Fenestration  - Windows  Maximum U -factor  0.47  
Fenestration  - Windows  Maximum SHGC  0.26  
Fenestration  - Glazed Doors  
(Site -Built and Factory Assembled)  Maximum U -factor  0.45  
Fenestration  - Glazed Doors  
(Site -Built and Factory Assembled)  Maximum SHGC  0.23  
Fenestration  - Skylights  
Glass with Curb  Maximum U -factor  0.99  
Fenestration  - Skylights  
Glass without Curb  Maximum U -factor  0.57  
Fenestration  - Skylights  
Plastic with Curb  Maximum U -factor  0.87  
Fenestration -Skylights  
Glass Type  0-2% SRR  
Maximum SHGC  0.46  
Fenestration - Skylights  - Glass Type  2.1-5% SRR  
Maximum SHGC  0.36  
Fenestration - Skylights  - Plastic Type  0-2% SRR  
Maximum SHGC  0.69  
Fenestration - Skylights  - Plastic Type  2.1-5% SRR  
Maximum SHGC  0.57  
Exterior Doors - Non -Swinging doors  Maximum U -factor  0.50  
Exterior Doors - Swinging doors  Maximum U -factor  0.70  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards    Page 331 
SECTION 140.3 – PRESCRIPTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR BUILDING ENVELOPES  (b) Reserved.  
(c) Minimum daylighting requirement  for large , enclosed spaces . In climate zones 2 through 
15, conditioned enclosed spaces, and unconditioned enclosed spaces that are greater than 
5,000 square feet and that are directly under a roof with ceiling heights greater than 15 feet, 
shall meet the following requirements:  
1. A combined total of at least 75 percent of the floor area, as determined in building floor 
plan (drawings) view, shall be within one or more of the following:  
A. Primary sidelit daylit zone in accordance with Section 130.1(d), or  
B. The total floor area in the space within a horizontal distance of 0.7 times the average 
ceiling height from the edge of rough opening of skylights.  
2. All skylit daylit zones and primary sidelit daylit zones shall be shown on building plans.  
3. General lighting in daylit zones shall be controlled in accordance with Section 130.1(d).  
4. The total skylight area is at least 3 percent of the total floor area in the space within a 
horizontal distance of 0.7 times the average ceiling height from the edge of rough 
opening of skylights; or the product of the total skylight area and the averag e skylight 
visible transmittance is no less than 1.5 percent of the total floor area in the space within 
a horizontal distance of 0.7 times the average ceiling height from the edge of rough 
opening of skylights.  
5. All skylights shall have a glazing material or diffuser that has a measured haze value 
greater than 90 percent, tested according to ASTM D1003 (notwithstanding its scope) or 
other test method approved by the Commission.  
6. Skylights for conditioned and unconditioned spaces shall have an area -weighted average 
Visible Transmittance (VT) no less than the applicable value required by Section 
140.3(a)6D.  
Exception  1 to Section 140.3(c):  Auditoriums, churches, movie theaters, museums , and 
refrigerated warehouses.  
Exception  2 to Section 140.3(c):  In buildings with unfinished interiors, future enclosed 
spaces for which there are plans to have:  
A. A floor area of less than or equal to 5,000 square feet, or  
B. Ceiling heights of less than or equal to 15 feet.  
This exception shall not be used for S -1 or S -2 (storage), or for F -1 or F -2 (factory) 
occupancies.  
Exception  3 to Section 140.3(c):  Enclosed spaces having a designed general lighting system 
with a lighting power density less than 0.5 watts per square foot.  
Exception  4 to Section 140.3(c):  Enclosed spaces where it is documented that permanent 
architectural features of the building, existing structures or natural objects block direct 
beam sunlight on at least half of the roof over the enclosed space for more than 1500 
daytime hours per year between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.  Page 332 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 140.3 – PRESCRIPTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR BUILDING ENVELOPES  (d) Daylighting Design Power Adjustment Factors (PAFs).  To qualify for a Power Adjustment 
Factor (PAF) as specified in Section 140.6(a)2L, daylighting devices shall meet the following 
requirements:  
1. Clerestory fenestration . To qualify for a PAF, clerestory fenestration shall meet the 
following requirements:  
A. Shall be installed on east, west, or south -facing facades.  
B. Shall have a head height that is at least 10 feet above the finished floor.  
C. Shall have a glazing height that is greater than or equal to 10 percent of the head 
height.  
D. If operable shading is installed on the clerestory fenestration, then the clerestory 
fenestration shading shall be controlled separately from shading serving other 
vertical fenestration.  
2. Interior and exterior horizontal slats . To qualify for a PAF, horizontal slats shall meet the 
following requirements:  
A. Shall be installed adjacent to vertical fenestration on east - or west -facing facades 
with Window Wall Ratios between 20 and 30 percent.  
B. Exterior horizontal slats shall be level or sloped downwards from fenestration. 
Interior horizontal slats shall be level or sloped upwards from fenestration.  
C. Shall have a projection factor as specified in Table 140.3 -E. The projection factor is 
calculated using Equation 140.3 -C.  
D. Shall have a minimum distance factor of 0.3. The distance factor is calculated using 
Equation 140.3 -C. 
Exception  to Section 140.3(d)2D:  Where it is documented that existing adjacent 
structures or natural objects within view of the vertical fenestration block direct sunlight 
onto the vertical fenestration between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. for less than 500 daytime hours 
per year.  
E. Shall have a minimum Visible Reflectance of 0.50 when tested as specified in ASTM 
E903.  
F. Shall be opaque.  
Exception  to Section 140.3(d)2F:  Horizontal slats with a Visible Transmittance of 0.03 or 
less when tested as specified in ASTM E1175.  
G. Shall be permanently mounted and not adjustable.  
H. Shall extend the entire height of the vertical fenestration and beyond each side of 
the window jamb by a distance equal to or greater than their horizontal projection.  
Exception  to Section 140.3(d)2H: Where the slats are located entirely within the vertical 
fenestration’s rough opening , or a fin is located at the window jambs and extends 
vertically the entire height of the window jamb and extends horizontally the entire 
depth of the projection.   
I. Shall be shown on the plans with the dimensions for the slat projection and slat 
spacing as specified in Equation 140.3 -C.  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards    Page 333 
SECTION 140.3 – PRESCRIPTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR BUILDING ENVELOPES  J. Shall have a conspicuous factory installed label permanently affixed and prominently 
located on an attachment point of the device to the building envelope, stating the 
following: “NOTICE: Removal of this device will require re -submittal of compliance 
documentation to the enforcement agency responsible for compliance with 
California Title 24, Part 6”.  
3. Interior and Exterior Light Shelves.  To qualify for a PAF, light shelves shall meet the 
following requirements:  
A. Where there is vertical fenestration area below the light shelf, both interior and 
exterior light shelves shall be installed.  
B. Shall be installed adjacent to clerestory fenestration on south -facing facades with 
Window Wall Ratios greater than 30 percent. The head height of the light shelves 
shall be no more than one foot below the finished ceiling. The clerestory fenestration 
shall meet the requirements of Section 140.3(d)1.  
C. Exterior light shelves shall be level or sloped downwards from fenestration. Interior 
light shelves shall be level or sloped upwards from fenestration.  
D. Shall have a projection factor of the applicable value as specified in Table 140.3 -E. 
The light shelf projection factor is calculated using Equation 140.3 -C.  
E. Shall have a minimum Distance Factor of 0.3. The distance factor is calculated using 
Equation 140.3 -C. 
Exception  to Section 140.3(d)3E:  Where it is documented that existing adjacent 
structures or natural objects within view of the vertical fenestration block direct 
sunlight onto the vertical fenestration between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. for less than 750 
daytime hours per year.  
F. Shall have a top surface with a minimum Visible Reflectance of 0.50 when tested as 
specified in ASTM E903.  
Exception  to Section 140.3(d)3F : Where an exterior light shelf is installed greater 
than two feet below the clerestory sill.  
G. Shall extend beyond each side of the window jamb by a distance equal to or greater 
than their horizontal projection.  
H. Shall be shown on the plans with the dimensions for the light shelf projection and 
light shelf spacing as specified in Equation 140.3 -C. 
TABLE 140.3 -E Daylighting Devices  
Daylighting Device  Orientation of the Vertical Fenestration  Projection Factor  
Horizontal Slats  East or West  2.0 to 3.0  
Interior Light Shelf  South  1.0 to 2.0  
Exterior Light Shelf  South  0.25 to 1.25  
 
  Page 334 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 140.3 – PRESCRIPTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR BUILDING ENVELOPES  EQUATION 140.3 -C PROJECTION AND DISTANCE FACTOR CALCULATION  
Projection Factor = Projection / Spacing  
Distance Factor – D / (H AS x Projection Factor)  
Where:  
Projection = The horizontal distance between the base edge and the projected 
edge of the overhang, slat, or light shelf. . 
Spacing =  For overhangs, the vertical distance between the projected edge of the 
overhang and sill of the vertical fenestration below it.  
For horizontal slats, the vertical distance between the projected edge of a 
slat to the base edge of the slat below it.  
For interior light shelves, the vertical distance between the projected edg e 
of the light shelf and head of the clerestory fenestration above it.  
For exterior light shelves, the vertical distance between the projected edge 
of the light shelf and sill of the vertical fenestration below it.  
D = Distance between the existing structure or nature object and the 
fenestration  
HAS = Height difference between the top of the existing structure or nature 
object and the bottom of the fenestration  
NOTE : The base edge is the edge of an overhang, slat , or light shelf that is 
adjacent to the vertical fenestration. The projected edge is the opposite 
edge from the base edge.  
 
NOTE:  Authority: Sections 25213, 25218, 25218.5, 25402 and 25402.1, Public 
Resources Code. Reference: Sections 25007, 25008, 25218.5, 25310, 25402, 
25402.1, 25402.4, 25402.5, 25402.8, and 25943, Public Resources Code.  
 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards    Page 335 
SECTION 140.4 – PRESCRIPTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR SPACE CONDITIONING SYSTEMS  SECTION 140.4 – PRESCRIPTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR SPACE CONDITIONING 
SYSTEMS   
A building complies with this section by being designed with and having constructed and 
installed a space -conditioning system that meets the applicable prescriptive requirements of 
Subsections (a) through (q).  
(a) Sizing, equipment selection  and type .  
1. Sizing and equipment selection.  Mechanical heating and mechanical cooling equipment 
serving healthcare facilities shall be sized to meet the design heating and cooling loads 
as calculated according to the Subsection (b). Mechanical heating and mechanical 
cooling equipment serving hotel/ motel buildings and nonresidential buildings other than 
healthcare facilities shall be the smallest size, within the available options of the desired 
equipment line, necessary to meet the design heating and cooling loads o f the building, 
as calculated according to Subsection (b).  
Exception  1 to Section 140.4(a)1:  Where it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of 
the enforcing agency that oversizing will not increase building TDV energy use.  
Exception  2 to Section 140.4(a)1:  Standby equipment with controls that allow the 
standby equipment to operate only when the primary equipment is not operating.  
Exception  3 to Section 140.4(a)1:  Multiple units of the same equipment type, such as 
multiple chillers and boilers, having combined capacities exceeding the design load, if 
they have controls , that sequence or otherwise optimally control the operation of each 
unit based on load.  
2. Single zone space -conditioning system type.  Single zone space -conditioning systems 
with direct expansion cooling with rated cooling capacity 240,000 Btu/hr or less serving 
the following spaces shall meet the applicable requirements in Items A –H, or shall meet 
the performance compliance requirements  of Section 140.1. All other system types, 
including systems with rated cooling capacity greater than 240,000 Btu/hr, multi -zone 
systems and systems using central boilers or chillers, shall comply with the applicable 
requirements of Section 140.  
A. Retail and grocery building spaces in Climate Zones 2 through 15. The space -
conditioning system shall be a heat pump.  
B. Retail and grocery building spaces in Climate Zones 1 and 16 with cooling capacity 
less than 65,000 Btu/hr.  The space -conditioning system shall be an air conditioner 
with furnace.  
C. Retail and grocery building spaces in Climate Zones 1 and 16 with cooling capacity 
65,000 Btu/hr or greater. The space -conditioning system shall be a dual -fuel heat 
pump.  
D. School building spaces. For Climate Zones 2 through 15, the space -conditioning 
system shall be a heat pump. For Climate Zones 1 and 16, the space -conditioning 
system shall be a dual -fuel heat pump.  Page 336 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 140.4 – PRESCRIPTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR SPACE CONDITIONING SYSTEMS  E. Office, financial institution , and library building spaces in Climate Zones 1 through 15. 
The space -conditioning system shall be a heat pump.  
F. Office, financial institution , and library building spaces in Climate Zone 16 with 
cooling capacity less than 65,000 Btu/hr. The space -conditioning system shall be an 
air conditioner with furnace.  
G. Office, financial institution , and library building spaces  in Climate Zone  16 with 
cooling capacity 65,000 Btu/hr or greater. The space -conditioning system shall be a 
dual -fuel heat pump.   
H. Office spaces in warehouses. The space -conditioning system shall be a heat pump in 
all climate zones.  
Exception  to Section 140.4(a)2: Systems utilizing recovered heat for space heating.  
 
3. Multizone zone space -conditioning system type s. Multizone s pace conditioning 
systems in office buildings and school buildings not covered by Section 140.4(a)2 shall 
meet the following requirements .:    
A. Offices . Office buildings shall use space conditioning systems complying with one of the 
following requirements :  
i. The space conditioning system shall be a variable refrigerant flow (VRF) heat 
pump system with a dedicated outdoor air system (DOAS) providing 
ventilation.   Indoor fans shall meet the requirements of Section 140.4(a)3D.   The 
DOAS shall comply with Section 140.4(a)3E ; or.    
ii. The space conditioning system shall be a four -pipe fan coil (FPFC) system with a 
DOAS providing ventilation. The FPFC hot water coils  shall be supplied by an air -
to-water heat pump (AWHP) space -heating hot water loop  which complies with 
Section 140.4(a)3C. The DOAS shall comply with Section 140.4(a)3E ; or.   
iii. The space conditioning system shall utilize heating supplied through a hot water 
loop served by an AWHP which complies with Section 140.4(a)3C.   Ventilation 
systems shall include DCV in all zones.   All air systems shall be equipped with a 
heat recovery system in compliance with Section 140.4(q). A hydronic 
recirculated -air heating system complying with Section 140.4(a)3F shall be used 
in climate zone 16.  
B. School buildings . The space conditioning system shall be four -pipe fan coil  (FPFC ) 
terminal units  with a DOAS providing ventilation. The FPFC hot water coils shall be 
supplied by an air -to-water heat pump (AWHP) space  heating hot water loop which 
complies with Section 140.4(a)3C. The DOAS shall comply with Section 140.4(a)3E.  
C. AWHP space -heating hot water loop .  Air-source heat pumps used for space -heating hot 
water shall have a rated heating COP of not less than 3.29 when the outdoor air 
temperature is 47°F dry -bulb and 43°F wet ‑bulb at a leaving water temperature not less 
than the design supply water temperature of the hot water loop. If  chilled water 
produced by an AWHP is used for space -cooling it shall only be used when the AWHP is 
simultaneously supplying space -heating hot water equal to the AWHP's space -heating 
hot water demand. The loop fluid volume shall not be less than 8 gallons per nominal 
ton of heating capacity of the loop. Supplemental heating shall be an electric resistance 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards    Page 337 
SECTION 140.4 – PRESCRIPTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR SPACE CONDITIONING SYSTEMS  boiler with a capacity of not greater than 50% of the design hot water loop heating 
capacity.  
.  
D. Indoor fans . Indoor fans shall have an energy consumption at design airflow of not 
greater than 0.35 W/cfm, shall have not less than three speeds, and shall turn off when 
there is no demand for heating or cooling in the space.  
  
E. DOAS . DOAS shall comply with Section 140.4(p), shall be equipped with a heat recovery 
system in compliance with Section 140.4(q), and shall have a maximum fan energy 
consumption at design airflow of 0.77 W/cfm.  If heating coils on the DOAS are included, 
they shall be hydronic heating coils utilizing  the AWHP space -heating hot water loop . If 
cooling coils are included on the DOAS , they  shall be hydronic cooling coils utilizing  
space -cooling chilled water.  
 
EXCEPTION to Section 140.4(a)3E : If an AWHP space -heating hot water loop is not included in 
the design, or space -cooling chilled water is not included in the design, DOAS heating and 
cooling shall be supplied by heat pump coils.  
(b) Calculations.  In making equipment sizing calculations under Subsection (a), all of the 
following rules shall apply:  
1. Heating and cooling loads.  Heating and cooling system design loads shall be determined 
in accordance with the procedures described in Subsection A or B below:  
A. For systems serving hotel/motel buildings , and nonresidential buildings other than 
healthcare facilities, the method in the 2017 ASHRAE Handbook, Fundamentals shall 
be used or as specified in a method approved by the Commission.  
B. For system serving healthcare facilities the method in the California Mechanical Code 
shall be used.  
2. Indoor design conditions.  Indoor design temperature and humidity conditions for 
comfort applications shall be determined in accordance with Subsection A or B below:  
A. For systems serving hotel/motel buildings , and nonresidential buildings other than 
healthcare facilities, ASHRAE Standard 55 or the 2017 ASHRAE Handbook, 
Fundamentals Volume, except that winter humidification and summer 
dehumidification shall not be required.  
B. For systems serving healthcare facilities the method in the California Mechanical 
Code shall be used.  
3. Outdoor design conditions.  Outdoor design conditions shall be selected in accordance 
with Subsection A or B below:  
A. For systems serving hotel/motel buildings , and nonresidential buildings other than 
healthcare facilities the design conditions shall meet the following:  Page 338 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 140.4 – PRESCRIPTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR SPACE CONDITIONING SYSTEMS  i. from Outdoor design conditions shall be selected from Reference Joint Appendix 
JA2 shall be used , which is based on data from the ASHRAE Climatic Data for 
Region X  or the ASHRAE Handbook, Equipment Volume, Applications Volume and 
Fundamentals Volume .  
ii. Heating design temperatures shall be no lower than the 99.0 percent Heating Dry 
Bulb or the Heating Winter Median of Extremes values.  
iii. Cooling design temperatures shall be no greater than the 0.5 percent Cooling Dry 
Bulb and Mean Coincident Wet Bulb values.  
B. For system serving healthcare facilities the method in Section 320.0 of the California 
Mechanical Code shall be used.  
Exception  to Section 140.4(b)3: Cooling design temperatures for cooling towers shall be 
no greater than the 0.5 percent cooling design wet bulb values.  
4. Ventilation.  Outdoor air ventilation loads shall be calculated using the ventilation rates 
required in Section 120.1(c)3.  
5. Envelope . Envelope heating and cooling loads shall be calculated using envelope 
characteristics, including square footage, thermal conductance, Solar Heat Gain 
Coefficient or shading coefficient, and air leakage, consistent with the proposed design.  
6. Lighting.  Lighting heating and cooling loads shall be based on actual design lighting levels 
or power densities as specified in Section 140.6.  
7. People.  Occupant density shall be based on the expected occupancy of the building and 
shall be the same as determined under Section 120.1(c)3A, if used. Sensible and latent 
heat gains shall be as listed in the 2017 ASHRAE Handbook , Fundamentals, Chapter 18.  
8. Process loads.  Loads caused by a process shall be based upon actual information on the 
intended use of the building.  
9. Miscellaneous equipment.  Equipment loads other than process loads shall be calculated 
using design data compiled from one or more of the following sources:  
A. Actual information based on the intended use of the building; or  
B. Published data from manufacturer’s technical publications or from technical 
societies, such as the ASHRAE Handbook, Applications Volume; or  
C. Other data based on the designer’s experience of expected loads and occupancy 
patterns.  
10. Internal heat gains.  Internal heat gains may be ignored for heating load calculations.  
11. Safety factor.  Calculated design loads based on 140.4(b)1 through 10 may be increased 
by up to 10 percent to account for unexpected loads or changes in space usage.  
12. Other loads.  Loads such as warm -up or cool -down shall be calculated from principles 
based on the thermal capacity of the building and its contents, the degree of setback, 
and desired recovery time; or may be assumed to be no more than 30 percent for 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards    Page 339 
SECTION 140.4 – PRESCRIPTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR SPACE CONDITIONING SYSTEMS  heating and 10 percent for cooling of the steady -state design loads. In addition, the 
steady -state load may include a safety factor in accordance with Section 140.4(b)11.  
(c) Fan systems . Each fan system moving air into, out of or between conditioned spaces or 
circulating air for the purpose of conditioning air within a space shall meet the requirements of 
Items 1, 2 and 3 below.  
1. Fan power budget . For each fan system that includes at least one fan or fan array with fan 
electrical input power ≥ 1 kW, fan system electrical input power (Fan kW design,system ) 
determined per Section 140.4(c)1(B) at the fan system design airflow shall not exceed Fan 
kW budget  as calculated per Section  140.4(c)1(A).  
A. Calculation of fan power budget  (Fan kW budget ). For each fan system:   
i. Determine the fan system airflow and choose the appropriate table(s) for fan power 
allowance.   
a. For single -cabinet fan systems, use the fan system airflow and the power 
allowances in both Table 140.4 -A and Table 140.4 -B.  
b. For supply -only fan systems, use the fan system airflow and power allowances in 
Table 140.4 -A.  
c. For relief fan systems, use the design relief airflow and the power allowances in 
Table 140.4 -B.  
d. For exhaust, return and transfer fan systems, use the fan system airflow and the 
power allowances in Table 140.4 -B.  
e. For complex fan systems, separately calculate the fan power allowance for the 
supply and return/exhaust systems and sum them. For the supply airflow, use 
supply airflow at the fan system design conditions, and the power allowances in 
Table 140.4 -A. For the return exhaust airflow, use return/exhaust airflow at the 
fan system design conditions, and the power allowances in Table 140.4 -B.  
ii. For each fan system determine the components included in the fan system and sum 
the fan power allowances  of those components. All fan systems shall include the 
system base allowance . If, for a given component, only a portion of the fan system 
airflow passes through the component, calculate the fan power allowance  for that 
component per Equation  140.4 -A:  
EQUATION 140.4 -A FAN POWER ALLOWANCE  
FPA adj= Qcomp
Qsys X FPA comp  
Where  
FPA adj = The corrected fan power allowance for the component in w/cfm  
Qcomp = The airflow through component in cfm  Page 340 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 140.4 – PRESCRIPTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR SPACE CONDITIONING SYSTEMS  Qsys = The fan system airflow in cfm  
FPA comp = The fan power allowance of the component from Table 140.4A or 
Table 140.4B  
iii. Multiply the fan system airflow by the sum of the fan power allowances for the 
fan system.  
iv. Divide by 1000 to convert to Fan kW budget .  
v. For building sites at elevations greater than 3,000 feet, multiply Fan kW budget  by 
the correction factor  in Table 140.4 -C.  
EXCEPTION to Section 140.4(c)1:  Systems whose fan power is specified in Section 
140.4 (a)3. 
B. Determining fan system electrical input power  (Fan kW design,system ). Fan kW design,system  
is the sum of Fan kW design  for each fan or fan array included in the fan system with 
Fan kW design  ≥ 1 kW. If variable speed drives are used, their efficiency losses shall be 
included. Fan input power shall be calculated with two times the clean filter pressure 
drop, which is the mean of the clean filter pressure drop and design final filter 
pressure drop . The Fan kW design  for each fan or fan array shall be determined using 
one of the following methods. There is no requirement to use the same method for 
all fans in a fan system:   
i. Use the default Fan kW design  in Table 140.4 -D for one or more of the fans. This 
method cannot be used for complex fan systems.   
ii. Use the Fan kW design at fan system design conditions provided by the manufacturer 
of the fan, fan array, or equipment that includes the fan or fan array calculated 
per a test procedure included in USDOE 10 CFR Part 430, USDOE 10 CFR Part 431, 
ANSI/AMCA Standard 208 -2018, ANSI/ AMCA Standard 210 -2016, AHRI Standard 
430-2020, AHRI Standard 440 -2019 or ISO 5801 -2017.   
iii. Use the Fan kW design  provided by the manufacturer, calculated at fan system 
design conditions per one of the methods listed in Section  5.3 of ANSI/AMCA 208 -
2018.   
iv. Determine the Fan kW design  by using the maximum electrical input power provided 
on the motor nameplate.  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards    Page 341 
SECTION 140.4 – PRESCRIPTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR SPACE CONDITIONING SYSTEMS  Table 140.4 -A: Supply Fan Power Allowances (watts/ cfm)  
  Airflow  Multi -Zone VAV 
Systems  
≤5,000 cfm1 Multi -Zone VAV 
Systems >5,000 and 
≤10,000 cfm1 Multi -Zone VAV 
Systems >10,000 
cfm1 All Other Fan 
Systems ≤5,000 
cfm All Other Fan Systems 
>5,000 and ≤10,000 
cfm All Other Fan 
Systems  
>10,000 cfm  
Supply System Base Allowance for AHU serving 
spaces ≤ 6 floors away . 0.395  0.453  0.413  0.232  0.256  0.236  
Supply system base allowance for AHU serving 
spaces > 6 floors away  0.508  0.548  0.501  0.349  0.356  0.325  
MERV 13 to MERV 16 Filter upstream of thermal 
conditioning equipment (two times the clean filter 
pressure drop)2 0.136  0.114  0.105  0.139  0.120  0.107  
MERV 13 to MERV 16 Final filter downstream of 
thermal conditioning equipment. (two times the 
clean filter pressure drop)2 0.225  0.188  0.176  0.231  0.197  0.177  
Filtration allowance for > MERV 16 or HEPA Filter 
(two times the clean filter pressure drop) 2 0.335  0.280  0.265  0.342  0.292  0.264  
Central Hydronic heating coil allowance  0.046  0.048  0.052  0.046  0.050  0.054  
Electric heat allowance  0.046  0.038  0.035  0.046  0.040  0.036  
Gas heat allowance  0.069  0.057  0.070  0.058  0.060  0.072  
Hydronic/DX cooling coil or heat pump coil (wet) 
allowance3  0.135  0.114  0.105  0.139  0.120  0.107  
Solid or liquid Desiccant system allowance  0.157  0.132  0.123  0.163  0.139  0.124  
Reheat Coil for Dehumidification Allowance  0.045  0.038  0.035  0.046  0.040  0.036  
Allowance for Evaporative humidifier/cooler in 
series with a cooling coil. Value shown is allowed 
watts/cfm per 1.0 Inches of water gauge (in.w.g.)  
Determine pressure loss (in.w.g.) at 400 fpm or 
maximum velocity allowed by the manufacturer, 
whichever is less. [Calculation required, see note 
4] 0.224  0.188  0.176  0.231  0.197  0.177  Page 342 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 140.4 – PRESCRIPTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR SPACE CONDITIONING SYSTEMS  CONTINUED: Table 140.4 -A: Supply Fan Power Allowances (watts/ cfm)  
Airflow  Multi -Zone VAV 
Systems  
≤5,000 cfm1 Multi -Zone VAV 
Systems >5,000 
and ≤10,000 cfm1 Multi -Zone VAV 
Systems >10,000 
cfm1 All Other Fan 
Systems ≤5,000 
cfm All Other Fan 
Systems >5,000 
and ≤10,000 cfm  All Other Fan 
Systems  
>10,000 cfm  
Allowance for 100% Outdoor air system5. 0.000  0.000  0.000  0.070  0.100  0.107  
Energy recovery allowance for 0.50 ≤ ERR <0.55 6 0.135  0.114  0.105  0.139  0.120  0.107  
Energy recovery allowance for 0.55 ≤ ERR <0.60 6 0.160  0.134  0.124  0.165  0.141  0.126  
Energy recovery allowance for 0.60 ≤ ERR <0.65 6 0.184  0.155  0.144  0.190  0.163  0.146  
Energy recovery allowance for 0.65 ≤ ERR <0.70 6 0.208  0.175  0.163  0.215  0.184  0.165  
Energy recovery allowance for 0.70 ≤ ERR <0.75 6 0.232  0.196  0.183  0.240  0.205  0.184  
Energy recovery allowance for 0.75 ≤ ERR <0.80 6 0.257  0.216  0.202  0.264  0.226  0.203  
Energy recovery allowance for ERR ≥ 0.80 6 0.281  0.236  0.222  0.289  0.247  0.222  
Coil Runaround Loop  0.135  0.114  0.105  0.139  0.120  0.107  
Allowance for Gas phase filtration. Value shown is 
allowed w/cfm per 1.0 in. wg air pressure drop. 
[Calculation required, see note 4]  0.224  0.188  0.176  0.231  0.197  0.177  
Economizer Return Damper  0.045  0.038  0.035  0.046  0.040  0.036  
Air blender allowance  0.045  0.038  0.035  0.046  0.040  0.036  
Sound attenuation section [fans serving spaces 
with design background noise goals below NC35]  0.034  0.029  0.026  0.035  0.030  0.027  
Deduction for systems that feed a terminal unit 
with a fan with electrical input power < 1kW  -0.100  -0.100  -0.100  -0.100  -0.100  -0.100  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards    Page 343 
SECTION 140.4 – PRESCRIPTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR SPACE CONDITIONING SYSTEMS  Footnotes to Table 140.4 -A 
1. See Section 100.1 for the definition of FAN SYSTEM, MULTI -ZONE VARIABLE AIR VOLUME (VAV) .  
2. Filter fan power allowance can only be counted once per fan system, except fan systems in healthcare facilities, which can cl aim one of the MERV 13 to 16 filter 
allowances and the HEPA filter allowance if both are included in the fan system.  
3. Healthcare facilities can claim this fan power allowance twice per fan system where coil design leaving air temperature is le ss than 44 ⁰F.    
4. Power allowance requires further calculation by multiplying the actual   inches of water gauge (in.w.g.) of the device/ component by the watts/ cfm in Table 
140.4 -A. 
5. The 100% outdoor air system must serve 3 or more HVAC zones and airflow during non -economizer operating periods must not exceed 135% of minimum 
requirements in Section 120.1(c)(3).    
6. Enthalpy Recovery Ratio (ERR) calculated per ANSI/ASHRAE 84 -2020.  
7. A low -turndown single -zone VAV fan system must be capable of and configured to reduce airflow to 50 percent of design airflow and use no more than 30 
percent of the design wattage at that airflow. No more than 10 percent of the design load served by the equipment  shall have fixed loads . 
 
  Airflow  Multi -Zone VAV 
Systems  
≤5,000 cfm1 Multi -Zone VAV 
Systems >5,000 
and ≤10,000 cfm1 Multi -Zone VAV 
Systems >10,000 
cfm1 All Other Fan 
Systems ≤5,000 
cfm All Other Fan 
Systems >5,000 
and ≤10,000 cfm  All Other Fan 
Systems  
>10,000 cfm  
Low-turndown single -zone VAV fan systems 
meeting the requirements in note 7.  0.000  0.000  0.000  0.070  0.100  0.089  Page 344 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 140.4 – PRESCRIPTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR SPACE CONDITIONING SYSTEMS  TABLE 140.4 -B: EXHAUST, RETURN, RELIEF, TRANSFER FAN POWER ALLOWANCES (WATTS/ CFM)  
 
  Airflow  Multi -Zone VAV 
Systems1 ≤5,000 
cfm Multi -Zone VAV 
Systems1 >5,000 
and ≤10,000 cfm  Multi -Zone VAV 
Systems1 >10,000 
cfm All Other Fan 
Systems ≤5,000 
cfm All Other Fan 
Systems >5,000 
and ≤10,000 cfm  All Other Fan 
Systems >10,000 
cfm 
Exhaust System Base Allowance  0.221  0.246  0.236  0.186  0.184  0.190  
Filter (any MERV value)2 0.046  0.041  0.036  0.046  0.041  0.035  
Energy Recovery Allowance For  0.50 ≤ ERR <0.55 3 0.139  0.120  0.107  0.139  0.123  0.109  
Energy Recovery Allowance For  0.55 ≤ ERR <0.60 3 0.165  0.142  0.126  0.165  0.144  0.128  
Energy Recovery Allowance For  0.60 ≤ ERR <0.65 3 0.190  0.163  0.146  0.191  0.166  0.148  
Energy Recovery Allowance For  0.65 ≤ ERR <0.70 3 0.215  0.184  0.165  0.216  0.188  0.167  
Energy Recovery Allowance For  0.70 ≤ ERR <0.75 3 0.240  0.206  0.184  0.241  0.209  0.186  
Energy Recovery Allowance For  0.75 ≤ ERR <0.80 3 0.265  0.227  0.203  0.266  0.231  0.205  
Energy Recovery Allowance For  ERR ≥ 0.80 3 0.289  0.248  0.222  0.291  0.252  0.225  
Coil Runaround Loop  0.139  0.120  0.107  0.139  0.123  0.109  
Return or exhaust systems required by code or 
accreditation standards to be fully ducted, or 
systems required to maintain air pressure 
differentials between adjacent rooms  0.116  0.100  0.089  0.116  0.102  0.091  
Return and/or exhaust airflow control devices 
required for space pressurization control  0.116  0.100  0.089  0.116  0.102  0.091  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards    Page 345 
SECTION 140.4 – PRESCRIPTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR SPACE CONDITIONING SYSTEMS  CONTINUED: TABLE 140.4 -B: EXHAUST, RETURN, RELIEF, TRANSFER FAN POWER ALLOWANCES (WATTS/ CFM)  
Footnotes to Table 140.4 -B  
1. See FAN SYSTEM, MULTI -ZONE VARIABLE AIR VOLUME (VAV) in definitions for Multizone to be classified as a Multi -Zone VAV System.  
2. Filter pressure loss can only be counted once per fan system.  
3. Enthalpy Recovery Ratio (ERR) calculated per ANSI/ASHRAE 84 -2020.  
4. Power allowance requires further calculation, multiplying the actual pressure drop (in. wg.) of the device/component by the w atts/cfm in the Table 140.4 -B. 
5. This allowance can only be taken for healthcare facilities.Airflow  Multi -Zone VAV 
Systems1 ≤5,000 
cfm Multi -Zone VAV 
Systems1 >5,000 
and ≤10,000 cfm  Multi -Zone VAV 
Systems1 >10,000 
cfm All Other Fan 
Systems ≤5,000 
cfm All Other Fan 
Systems >5,000 
and ≤10,000 cfm  All Other Fan 
Systems >10,000 
cfm 
Laboratory and vivarium exhaust systems in high -
rise buildings for vertical duct exceeding 75 ft. Value 
shown is allowed w/cfm per 0.25 in. wg for each 
100 feet exceeding 75 feet. [Calculation required, 
see note 4]  0.058  0.051  0.045  0.058  0.052  0.046  
Biosafety cabinet. Value shown is allowed w/cfm 
per 1.0 in. wg air pressure drop. [Calculation 
required, see note 4]  0.231  0.198  0.177  0.232  0.202  0.179  
Exhaust filters, scrubbers, or other exhaust 
treatment required by code or standard. Value 
shown is allowed w/cfm per 1.0 in. wg air pressure 
drop. [Calculation required, see note 4]  0.231  0.198  0.177  0.232  0.202  0.179  
Healthcare facility allowance5 0.231  0.198  0.177  0.232  0.202  0.179  
Sound attenuation section [Fans serving spaces with 
design background noise goals below NC35.]  0.035  0.030  0.027  0.035  0.031  0.028  Page 346 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 140.4 – PRESCRIPTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR SPACE CONDITIONING SYSTEMS  TABLE 140.4 -C: AIR DENSITY CORRECTION FACTORS  
Altitude (ft)  Correction Factor  
<3,000  1.000  
≥3,000 and <4,000  0.896  
≥4,000 and <5,000  0.864  
≥5,000 and <6,000  0.832   
≥6,000  0.801  
 
TABLE 140.4 -D: DEFAULT VALUES FOR FAN KW DESIGN  BASED ON MOTOR NAMEPLATE HP  
Motor Nameplate HP  Default Fan kW design  with variable 
speed drive (Fan kW design ) Default Fan kW design  without variable 
speed drive(Fan kW design ) 
<1 0.96  0.89  
≥1 and <1.5  1.38  1.29  
≥1.5 and <2  1.84  1.72  
≥2 and <3  2.73  2.57  
≥3 and <5  4.38  4.17  
≥5 and <7.5  6.43  6.15  
≥7.5 and <10  8.46  8.13  
≥10 and <15  12.47  12.03  
≥15 and <20  16.55  16.04  
≥20 and <25  20.58  19.92  
≥25 and <30  24.59  23.77  
≥30 and <40  32.74  31.70  
≥40 and <50  40.71  39.46  
≥50 and <60  48.50  47.10  
≥60 and <75  60.45  58.87  
≥75 and ≤100  80.40  78.17  
Footnotes to TABLE 140.4 -D: 
1. This table cannot be used for Motor Nameplate Horsepower values greater than 100.  
2. This table is to be used only with motors with a service factor ≤1.15. If the service factor is not provided, this 
table may not be used.  
 
2. Variable air volume (VAV) systems.  
A. Static pressure sensor location . Static pressure sensors used to control variable air 
volume fans shall be placed in a position such that the controller set point is no 
greater than one -third the total design fan static pressure, except for systems with 
zone reset control complying with  Section 140 .4(c)2B. If this results in the sensor 
being located downstream of any major duct split, multiple sensors shall be installed 
in each major branch with fan capacity controlled to satisfy the sensor furthest 
below its setpoint; and  
B. Setpoint reset. For systems with direct digital control of individual zone boxes 
reporting to the central control panel : 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards    Page 347 
SECTION 140.4 – PRESCRIPTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR SPACE CONDITIONING SYSTEMS  i. , static pressure setpoints shall be reset based on the zone requiring the most 
pressure ; i.e., the setpoint is reset lower until one zone damper is nearly wide 
open.  
ii. Control sequences of operation for static pressure setpoint reset shall be in 
accordance with ASHRAE Guideline 36.  
3. Fractional HVAC motors  for fans . HVAC motors for fans that are less than 1 hp and 1/12 
hp or greater shall be electronically -commutated motors or shall have a minimum motor 
efficiency of 70 percent when rated in accordance with NEMA Standard MG 1 -2006 at 
full load rating conditions. These  motors shall also have the means to adjust motor 
speed for either balancing or remote control. Belt -driven fans may use sheave 
adjustments for airflow balancing in lieu of a varying motor speed.  
Exception  1 to Section 140.4(c)3:  Motors in fan -coils and terminal units that operate 
only when providing heating to the space served.  
Exception  2 to Section 140.4(c)3:  Motors in space conditioning equipment certified 
under Section 110.1 or 110.2.  
Exception  to Section 140.4(c): Fan system power caused solely by process loads.  
(d) Space -conditioning zone controls . Each space -conditioning zone shall have controls 
designed in accordance with 1 or 2:  
1. Each space -conditioning zone shall have controls that prevent:  
A. Reheating; and  
B. Recooling; and  
C. Simultaneous provisions of heating and cooling to the same zone, such as mixing 
or simultaneous supply of air that has been previously mechanically heated and 
air that has been previously cooled, either by cooling equipment or by 
economizer systems; or  
2. Zones served by variable air -volume systems that are designed and controlled to reduce, 
to a minimum, the volume of reheated, recooled, or mixed air are allowed only if the 
controls meet all of the following requirements:  
A. For each zone with direct digital controls (DDC):  
i. The volume of primary air that is reheated, recooled , or mixed air supply shall not 
exceed the larger of:  
a. 50 percent of the peak primary airflow; or  
b. The design zone outdoor airflow rate as specified by Section 120.1(c)3.  
ii. The volume of primary air in the deadband shall not exceed the design zone 
outdoor airflow rate as specified by Section 120.1(c)3.  
iii. The first stage of heating consists of modulating the zone supply air temperature 
setpoint up to a maximum setpoint no higher than 95ºF while the airflow is 
maintained at the dead band flow rate.  Page 348 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 140.4 – PRESCRIPTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR SPACE CONDITIONING SYSTEMS  iv. The second stage of heating consists of modulating the airflow rate from the 
dead band flow rate up to the heating maximum flow rate.  
v. Control sequences of operation for reheat zones shall be in accordance with 
ASHRAE Guideline 36.  
B. For each zone without DDC, the volume of primary air that is reheated, re -cooled, or 
mixed air supply shall not exceed the larger of the following:  
i. 30 percent of the peak primary airflow; or  
ii. The design zone outdoor airflow rate as specified by Section 120.1(c)3.  
Exception  1 to Section 140.4(d):  Zones with special pressurization relationships or cross -
contamination control needs.  
Exception  2 to Section 140.4(d):  Zones served by space -conditioning systems in which at 
least 75 percent of the energy for reheating, or providing warm air in mixing systems, is 
provided from a site -recovered or site -solar energy source.  
Exception  3 to Section 140.4(d):  Zones in which specific humidity levels are required to 
satisfy non-covered  exempt process loads. Computer rooms or other spaces where the only 
process load is from IT equipment may not use this exception.  
Exception  4 to Section 140.4(d):  Zones with a peak supply -air quantity of 300 cfm or less.  
Exception  5 to Section 140.4(d):  Systems serving healthcare facilities.  
(e) Economizers.  
1. Each cooling air handler that has a design total mechanical cooling capacity over 33,000 
Btu/hr or chilled -water cooling systems without a fan or that use induced airflow that 
has a cooling capacity greater than the systems listed in Table 140.4 -C, shal l include 
either:  
A. An air economizer capable of modulating outside -air and return -air dampers to 
supply 100 percent of the design supply air quantity as outside  air; or  
B. A water economizer capable of providing 100 percent of the expected system cooling 
load at outside air temperatures of 50°F dry -bulb and 45°F wet -bulb and below.  
Exception  1 to Section 140.4(e)1:  Where special outside air filtration and treatment, for 
the reduction and treatment of unusual outdoor contaminants, makes compliance 
infeasible.  
Exception  2 to Section 140.4(e)1:  Where the use of outdoor air for cooling will affect 
other systems, such as humidification, dehumidification , or supermarket refrigeration 
systems, so as to increase overall building TDV energy use.  
Exception  3 to Section 140.4(e)1:  Systems serving hotel/motel guestrooms.  
Exception  4 to Section 140.4(e)1:  Where comfort cooling systems have the cooling 
efficiency that meets or exceeds the cooling efficiency improvement requirements in 
Table 140.4 -F. 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards    Page 349 
SECTION 140.4 – PRESCRIPTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR SPACE CONDITIONING SYSTEMS  Exception  5 to Section 140.4(e)1: Fan systems primarily serving computer rooms. See 
Section 140.9(a) for computer room economizer requirements.  
Exception  6 to Section 140.4(e)1 : In all climate zones, each air handler that has a design 
total mechanical cooling capacity less than 54,000 Btu/hr where ventilation is provided 
by a dedicated outdoor air system (DOAS) with exhaust air heat recovery in accordance 
with Section 140.4(p) an d the following:   
A. The DOAS unit shall meet the exhaust air heat recovery ratio as specified in Section 
140.4(q)1 and include bypass or control to disable energy recovery as specified in 
Section 140.4(q)2.  
B. The DOAS unit shall provide at least the minimum ventilation air flow rate as 
specified in Section 120.1(c)3 and provide no less than 0.3 cfm/ft2 during 
economizer conditions.  
Exception  7 to Section 140.4(e)1:  Where the use of an air economizer in controlle d 
environment horticulture spaces will affect carbon dioxide enrichment systems.  
TABLE  140.4 -E CHILLED  WATER SYSTEM COOLING CAPACITY  
Total Building Chilled Water System Capacity, Minus Capacity of the Cooling units with Air 
Economizers  
Climate Zones  Building Water -Cooled Chilled 
Water System  Air-Cooled Chilled Water 
Systems or District Chilled Water 
Systems  
15 ≥ 960,000 Btu/h (280 kW)  ≥ 1,250,000 Btu/h (365 kW)  
1-14 ≥720,000 Btu/h (210 kW)  ≥940,000 Btu/h (275 kW)  
16 ≥1,320,000 Btu/h (385 kW)  ≥1,720,000 Bu/h (505 kW)  
 Page 350 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 140.4 – PRESCRIPTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR SPACE CONDITIONING SYSTEMS  TABLE 140.4 -F ECONOMIZER TRADE -OFF TABLE FOR COOLING SYSTEMS  
Climate Zone  Efficiency Improvement a 
1 70%  
2 65%  
3 65%  
4 65%  
5 70%  
6 30%  
7 30%  
8 30%  
9 30%  
10 30%  
11 30%  
12 30%  
13 30%  
14 30%  
15 30%  
16 70%  
a If a unit is rated with an annualized or part -load metric, then to eliminate the required economizer, only 
the applicable minimum cooling efficiency of the unit must be increased by the percentage shown. If the 
unit is only rated with a full load metric, like EER or COP cooling, then that metric must be increased by the 
percentage shown. To determine the efficiency required to eliminate the economizer, when the unit 
equipment efficiency is rated with an energy -input divided by work -output metric, the metri c shall first be 
converted to COP prior to multiplying by the efficiency improvement percentage and then converted back 
to the rated metric.  
 
2. If an economizer is required by Section 140.4(e)1, and an air economizer is used to meet 
the requirement, then it shall be:  
A. Designed and equipped with controls so that economizer operation does not 
increase the building heating energy use during normal operation; and  
Exception  to Section 140.4(e)2A:  Systems that provide 75 percent of the annual 
energy used for mechanical heating from site -recovered energy or a site -solar energy 
source.  
B. Capable of providing partial cooling even when additional mechanical cooling is 
required to meet the remainder of the cooling load.  
C. Designed and equipped with a device type and high limit shut off complying with 
Table 140.4 -G. 
D. If controlled by a DDC system, configured with control sequences of operation in 
accordance with ASHRAE Guideline 36.  
 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards    Page 351 
SECTION 140.4 – PRESCRIPTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR SPACE CONDITIONING SYSTEMS  TABLE 140.4 -G AIR ECONOMIZER HIGH LIMIT SHUT OFF CONTROL REQUIREMENTS  
Device Typea Climate Zones  Required High Limit  
(Economizer Off When):  
Equationb Description  
Fixed Dry Bulb  1, 3, 5, 11 -16 TOA > 75°F  Outdoor air temperature exceeds 75°F  
Fixed Dry Bulb  2, 4, 10  TOA > 73°F  Outdoor air temperature exceeds 73°F  
Fixed Dry Bulb  6, 8, 9  TOA > 71°F  Outdoor air temperature exceeds 71°F  
Fixed Dry Bulb  7 TOA > 69°F  Outdoor air temperature exceeds 69°F  
Differential Dry Bulb  1, 3, 5, 11 -16 TOA > T RA°F Outdoor air temperature exceeds return air 
temperature  
Differential Dry Bulb  2, 4, 10  TOA > T RA-2°F Outdoor air temperature exceeds return air 
temperature minus 2°F  
Differential Dry Bulb  6, 8, 9  TOA > T RA-4°F Outdoor air temperature exceeds return air 
temperature minus 4°F  
Differential Dry Bulb  7 TOA > T RA-6°F Outdoor air temperature exceeds return air 
temperature minus 6°F  
Fixed Enthalpyc + 
Fixed Drybulb  All hOA > 28 Btu/lbc or T OA > 75 °F Outdoor air enthalpy exceeds 28 Btu/lb of dry 
airc or  
Outdoor air temperature exceeds 75°F  
a Only the high limit control devices listed are allowed to be used and at the setpoints listed. Others such as Dew 
Point, Fixed Enthalpy, Electronic Enthalpy, and Differential Enthalpy Controls, may not be used in any Climate Zone 
for compliance with Secti on 140.4(e)1 unless approval for use is provided by the Energy Commission Executive 
Director.   
b Devices with selectable (rather than adjustable) setpoints shall be capable of being set to within 2°F and 2 Btu/lb 
of the setpoint listed.  
c At altitudes substantially different than sea level, the Fixed Enthalpy limit value shall be set to the enthalpy value 
at 75°F and 50% relative humidity. As an example, at approximately 6,000 foot elevation, the fixed enthalpy limit is 
approximately 30.7 Btu/lb.  
DE. The air economizer and all air dampers shall have the following features:  
i. Warranty.  5-year manufacturer warranty of economizer assembly.  
ii. Damper reliability testing.  Suppliers of economizers shall certify that the economizer 
assembly, including but not limited to outdoor air damper, return air damper, drive 
linkage and actuator, have been tested and are able to open and close against the 
rated airflow and pressure of the system for 60,000 damper opening and closing 
cycles.  
iii. Damper leakage.  Economizer outdoor air and return air dampers shall have a 
maximum leakage rate of 10 cfm/sf at 250 Pascals (1.0 in. of water) when tested in 
accordance with AMCA Standard 500 -D. The economizer outside air and return air 
damper leakage rates shall be cert ified to the Energy Commission in accordance with 
Section 110.0.  
iv. Adjustable setpoint.  If the high -limit control is fixed dry  bulb or fixed enthalpy + 
fixed dry  bulb , then the control shall have an adjustable setpoint.  
v. Sensor accuracy.  Outdoor air, return air, mixed air, and supply air sensors shall be 
calibrated within the following accuracies.  Page 352 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 140.4 – PRESCRIPTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR SPACE CONDITIONING SYSTEMS  1. Drybulb and wetbulb temperatures accurate to ±2°F over the range of 40°F to 
80°F;  
2. Enthalpy accurate to ±3 Btu/lb over the range of 20 Btu/lb to 36 Btu/lb;  
3. Relative humidity (RH) accurate to ±5 percent over the range of 20 percent to 80 
percent RH;  
vi. Sensor calibration data.  Data used for control of the economizer shall be plotted on 
a sensor performance curve.  
vii. Sensor high limit control.  Sensors used for the high limit control shall be located to 
prevent false readings, including but not limited to being properly shielded from 
direct sunlight.  
viii. Relief air system.  Relief air systems shall be capable of providing 100 percent 
outside air without over -pressurizing the building.  
EF. The space -conditioning system shall include the following:  
i. Unit controls shall have mechanical capacity controls interlocked with economizer 
controls such that the economizer is at 100 percent open position when mechanical 
cooling is on and does not begin to close until the leaving air temperature is less 
than 45°F.  
ii. Direct Expansion (DX) units greater than 65,000 Btu/hr that control the capacity of 
the mechanical cooling directly based on occupied space temperature shall have a 
minimum of two stages of mechanical cooling capacity.  
iii. DX units not within the scope of Section 140.4(e) 2Eii 2Fii shall comply with the 
requirements in Table 140.4 -H and have controls that do not false load the 
mechanical cooling system by limiting or disabling the economizer or by any other 
means except at the lowest stage of mechanical cooling capacity.  
TABLE 140.4 -H DIRECT EXPANSION (DX) UNIT REQUIREMENTS FOR COOLING STAGES AND 
COMPRESSOR DISPLACEMENT  
COOLING CAPACITY  MINIMUM NUMBER OF 
MECHANICAL COOLING 
STAGES  MINIMUM COMPRESSOR 
DISPLACEMENT  
≥ 65,000 Btu/h and  
< 240,000 Btu/h  3 stages  ≤ 35% full load  
≥ 240,000 Btu/h  4 stages  ≤ 25% full load  
3. Systems that include a water economizer to meet Section 140.4(e)1 shall include the 
following:  
A. Maximum pressure drop. Precooling coils and water -to-water heat exchangers used as 
part of a water economizer shall either have a waterside pressure drop of less than 15 
feet of water, or a secondary loop shall be installed so that the coil or heat exch anger 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards    Page 353 
SECTION 140.4 – PRESCRIPTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR SPACE CONDITIONING SYSTEMS  pressure drop is not contributing to pressure drop when the system is in the normal 
cooling (non -economizer) mode.  
B. Economizer systems shall be integrated with the mechanical cooling system so that 
they are capable of providing partial cooling even when additional mechanical cooling is 
required to meet the remainder of the cooling load. Controls shall not false load the 
mechanical cooling system by limiting or disabling the economizer or by any other 
means, such as hot gas bypass, except at the lowest stage of mechanical cooling.  
(f) Supply air temperature reset controls . Space -conditioning systems supplying heated or 
cooled air to multiple zones shall include controls that automatically reset supply air 
temperatures. Air distribution systems serving zones that are likely to have constant loads 
shall be designed for the ai r flows resulting from the fully reset supply air temperature. 
Supply air temperature reset controls shall be:  
1. In response to representative building loads or to outdoor air temperature; and  
2. At least 25 percent of the difference between the design supply -air temperature and the 
design room air temperature.  
3. Configured with control sequences of operation in accordance with ASHRAE Guideline 
36. 
Exception  1 to Section 140.4(f):  Systems that meet the requirements of Section 140.4(d)1, 
without using Exception 1 to that section.  
Exception  2 to Section 140.4(f):  Where supply -air temperature reset would increase overall 
building energy use.  
Exception  3 to Section 140.4(f):  Systems supplying zones in which specific humidity levels 
are required to satisfy process loads. Computer rooms or other spaces with only IT 
equipment may not use this exception.  
Exception  4 to Section 140.4(f):  Systems serving healthcare facilities.  
(g) Electric resistance heating.  Electric resistance heating systems shall not be used for space 
heating.  
Exception  1 to Section 140.4(g):  Where an electric resistance heating system supplements a 
heating system in which at least 60 percent of the annual energy requirement is supplied by 
site-solar or recovered energy.  
Exception  2 to Section 140.4(g):  Where an electric resistance heating system supplements a 
heat pump heating system, and the heating capacity of the heat pump is more than 75 
percent of the design heating load calculated in accordance with Section 140.4(a) at the 
design outdoor temperatu re specified in Section 140.4(b)4.  
Exception  3 to Section 140.4(g):  Where the total capacity of all electric resistance heating 
systems serving the entire building is less than 10 percent of the total design output capacity 
of all heating equipment serving the entire building.  Page 354 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 140.4 – PRESCRIPTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR SPACE CONDITIONING SYSTEMS  Exception  4 to Section 140.4(g):  Where the total capacity of all electric resistance heating 
systems serving the entire building, excluding those allowed under Exception 2, is no more 
than 3 kW.  
Exception  5 to Section 140.4(g):  Where an electric resistance heating system serves an 
entire building that is not a hotel/motel building; and has a conditioned floor area no 
greater than 5,000 square feet; and has no mechanical cooling; and is in an area where 
natural gas is not current ly available.  
Exception  6 to Section 140 .4(g):  Heating systems serving as emergency backup to gas 
heating equipment.  
(h) Heat rejection systems.  Heat rejection equipment used in comfort cooling systems, such as 
air-cooled condensers, open cooling towers, closed -circuit cooling towers and evaporative 
condensers shall include the following:  
1. Fan speed control . Each fan powered by a motor of 7.5 hp (5.6 kW) or larger shall have 
the capability to operate that fan at two thirds of full speed or less and shall have 
controls that automatically change the fan speed to control the leaving fluid 
temperature or condensi ng temperature or pressure of the heat rejection device.  
Exception  1 to Section 140.4(h)1:  Heat rejection devices included as an integral part of 
the equipment listed in Tables 110.2 -A through 110.2 -N. 
Exception  2 to Section 140.4(h)1:  Condenser fans serving multiple refrigerant circuits.  
Exception  3 to Section 140.4(h)1:  Condenser fans serving flooded condensers.  
Exception  4 to Section 140.4(h)1:  Up to one third of the fans on a condenser or tower 
with multiple fans where the lead fans comply with the speed control requirement.  
2. Tower flow turndown.  Open cooling towers configured with multiple condenser water 
pumps shall be designed so that all cells can be run in parallel with the larger of:  
A. The flow that is produced by the smallest pump, or  
B. 50 percent of the design flow for the cell. 
3. Limitation on centrifugal fan cooling towers . Open cooling towers with a combined 
rated capacity of 900 gpm and greater at 95°F condenser water return, 85°F condenser 
water supply and 75°F outdoor wet -bulb temperature shall use propeller fans and shall 
not use centrifugal fans.  
Exception  1 to Section 140.4(h)3:  Cooling towers that are ducted (inlet or discharge) or 
have an external sound trap that requires external static pressure capability.  
Exception  2 to Section 140.4(h)3:  Cooling towers that meet the energy efficiency 
requirement for propeller fan towers in Section 110.2, Table 110.2 -F. 
4. Multiple cell heat rejection equipment . Multiple cell heat rejection equipment with 
variable speed fan drives shall:  
A. Operate the maximum number of fans allowed that comply with the 
manufacturer’s requirements for all system components, and  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards    Page 355 
SECTION 140.4 – PRESCRIPTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR SPACE CONDITIONING SYSTEMS  B. Control all operating fans to the same speed. Minimum fan speed shall comply 
with the minimum allowable speed of the fan drive as specified by the 
manufacturer’s recommendation. Staging of fans is allowed once the fans are at 
their minimum operating spe ed. 
5. Cooling tower efficiency.  Axial fan, open -circuit cooling towers serving condenser water 
loops for chilled water plants with a total of 900 gpm or greater, shall have a minimum 
rated efficiency of no less than 60 gpm/hp based on Table 140.4 -H-2 when rated in 
accordance with the conditions as listed in Table 110.2 -F. 
Table  140.4 -H-2 MINIMUM EFFICIENCY FOR PROPELLER OR AXIAL FAN OPEN -CIRCUIT COOLING 
TOWERS  (GPM/hp)  
CZ 1 CZ 2 CZ 3 CZ 4 CZ 5 CZ 6 CZ 7 CZ 8 CZ 9 CZ 10 CZ 11 CZ 12 CZ 13 CZ 14 CZ 15 CZ 16 
42.1  70 60 70 70 80 80 80 80 80 60 70 80 60 80 42.1  
Exception  1 to Section 140.4(h)5:  Replacement of existing cooling towers that are inside 
an existing building or on an existing roof.  
Exception  2 to Section 140.4(h)5:  Cooling towers serving buildings in Climate Zone 1 or 
16. 
(i) Minimum chiller efficiency.  Chillers shall meet or exceed Path B from Table 110.2 -D. 
Exception  1 to Section 140.4(i):  Chillers with electrical service > 600V.  
Exception  2 to Section 140.4(i):  Chillers attached to a heat recovery system with a design 
heat recovery capacity > 40 percent of the design chiller cooling capacity.  
Exception  3 to Section 140.4(i):  Chillers used to charge thermal energy storage systems 
where the charging temperature is < 40°F.  
Exception  4 to Section 140.4(i):  In buildings with more than three chillers, only three chillers 
are required to meet the Path B efficiencies.  
(j) Limitation of air-cooled chillers.  Chilled water plants shall not have more than 300 tons 
provided by air -cooled chillers.  
Exception  1 to Section 140.4(j):  Where the water quality at the building site fails to meet 
manufacturer’s specifications for the use of water -cooled chillers.  
Exception  2 to Section 140.4(j):  Chillers that are used to charge a thermal energy storage 
system with a design temperature of less than 40°F (4°C).  
Exception  3 to Section 140.4(j):  Systems serving healthcare facilities.  
(k) Hydronic system measures.  
1. Hydronic variable flow systems . HVAC chilled and hot water pumping shall be designed 
for variable fluid flow and shall be capable of reducing pump flow rates to no more than 
the larger of:  
A. 50 percent or less of the design flow rate; or  Page 356 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 140.4 – PRESCRIPTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR SPACE CONDITIONING SYSTEMS  B. the minimum flow required by the equipment manufacturer for the proper 
operation of equipment served by the system.  
Exception  1 to Section 140.4(k)1:  Systems that include no more than three control 
valves.  
Exception  2 to Section 140.4(k)1:  Systems having a total pump system power less than 
or equal to 1.5 hp.  
2. Chiller isolation . When a chilled water system includes more than one chiller, provisions 
shall be made so that flow through any chiller is automatically shut off when that chiller 
is shut off while still maintaining flow through other operating chiller(s). Chillers that ar e 
piped in series for the purpose of increased temperature differential shall be considered 
as one chiller.  
3. Boiler isolation . When a hot water plant includes more than one boiler, provisions shall 
be made so that flow through any boiler is automatically shut off when that boiler is shut 
off while still maintaining flow through other operating boiler(s).  
4. Chilled and hot water temperature reset controls . Systems with a design capacity 
exceeding 500,000 Btu/hr supplying chilled or heated water shall include controls that 
automatically reset supply water temperatures as a function of representative building 
loads or outside air temperature.  
Exception  1 to Section 140.4(k)4:  Hydronic systems that use variable flow to reduce 
pumping energy in accordance with 140.4(k)1.  
Exception  2 to Section 140 .4(k)4:  Systems serving healthcare facilities.  
5. Water -cooled air conditioner  and hydronic heat pump systems . Water circulation 
systems serving water -cooled air conditioners, hydronic heat pumps, or both that have 
total pump system power exceeding 5 hp shall have flow controls that meet the 
requirements of Section 140.4(k)6. Each such air conditioner or heat pump  shall have a 
two-position automatic valve interlocked to shut off water flow when the compressor is 
off. 
6. Variable flow controls.  
A. Variable speed drives. Individual pumps serving variable flow systems and having a 
motor horsepower exceeding 5 hp shall have controls or devices (such as variable 
speed control) that will result in pump motor demand of no more than 30 percent of 
design  wattage at 50 percent of design water flow. The pumps shall be controlled as 
a function of required differential pressure.  
B. Pressure sensor location and setpoint.  
i. For systems without direct digital control of individual coils reporting to the 
central control panel, differential pressure shall be measured at the most remote 
heat exchanger or the heat exchanger requiring the greatest differential 
pressure.  
ii. For systems with direct digital control of individual coils with a central control 
panel, the static pressure setpoint shall be reset based on the valve requiring the 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards    Page 357 
SECTION 140.4 – PRESCRIPTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR SPACE CONDITIONING SYSTEMS  most pressure, and the setpoint shall be no less than 80 percent open. Pressure 
sensors may be mounted anywhere.  
Exception  1 to Section 140.4(k)6:  Heating hot water systems.  
Exception  2 to Section 140.4(k)6:  Condenser water systems serving only water -cooled 
chillers.  
7. Hydronic heat pump  (WLHP) controls . Hydronic heat pumps connected to a common 
heat pump water loop with central devices for heat rejection and heat addition shall 
have controls that are capable of providing a heat pump water supply temperature dead 
band of at least 20°F between initiation o f heat rejection and heat addition by the 
central devices.  
Exception  to Section 140.4(k)7:  Where a system loop temperature optimization 
controller is used to determine the most efficient operating temperature based on real -
time conditions of demand and capacity, dead bands of less than 20°F shall be allowed.  
8. High capacity space heating gas boiler systems.  In Climate Zones 1 through 6, 9 through 
14, and 16 , gas hot water boiler systems for space heating with a total system input of at 
least 1 MMBtu/h but no more than 10 MMBtu/h shall meet all of the following 
requirements.  
A. Boiler system efficiency . Gas hot water boilers shall have a minimum thermal 
efficiency of 90 percent. Systems with multiple boilers can meet this requirement if 
the space -heating input provided by equipment with thermal efficiencies above and 
below 90 percent has an input capacit y-weighted average thermal efficiency of at 
least 90 percent. For boilers federally regulated by combustion efficiency, the 
calculation for the input capacity -weighted average thermal efficiency shall use the 
combustion efficien cy value.  
B. Hot water distribution design.  The hot water distribution system shall be designed to 
comply with Items i and ii.  
i. Coils and other heat exchangers shall be selected so that at design conditions the 
hot water return temperature entering the boilers is 120°F or less.  
ii. Under all operating conditions, the water temperature entering the boiler is 120°F 
or less or the flow rate of supply hot water that recirculates directly into the 
return system, such as by three -way valves or minimum flow bypass controls, shall 
be no greater than 20 percent of the design flow of the operating boilers.  
Exception 1 to  Section  140.4(k)8:  Where 25 percent of the annual space heating 
requirement is provided by on -site renewable energy, site -recovered energy or heat 
recovery chillers.  
Exception 2 to Section 140.4(k)8:  Space heating boilers installed in individual dwelling 
units.   
Exception 3 to  Section  140.4(k)8: Where 50 percent or more of the design heating load 
is served using perimeter convective heating, radiant ceiling panels or both.   Page 358 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 140.4 – PRESCRIPTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR SPACE CONDITIONING SYSTEMS  Exception 4 to  Section  140.4(k)8:  Individual gas boilers with input capacity less than 
300,000 Btu/h shall not be included in the calculations of the total system input or total 
system efficiency.   
(l) Reserved.  
(m) Fan control . Each  cooling system listed in Table  140.4 -I shall be designed to vary the indoor 
fan airflow as a function of load and shall comply with the following requirements:  
1. DX and chilled water cooling systems that control the capacity of the mechanical cooling 
directly based on occupied space temperature shall : 
A.  (i) have a minimum of two stages of fan control with no more than 66 percent 
speed when operating  on stage 1; and  
B.  (ii) draw no more than 40 percent of the fan power at full fan speed, when 
operating at 66 percent speed.  
2. All other systems, inc luding but not limited to DX cooling systems and chilled water 
systems that control the space temperature by modulating the airflow to the space, shall 
have proportional fan control such that at 50 percent air flow the power draw is no more 
than 30 percent of the fan power at full fan speed.  
3. Systems that include an air side economizer to meet Section 140.4(e)1 shall have a 
minimum of two speeds of fan control during economizer operation.  
Exception  1 to Section 140.4(m):  Modulating fan control is not required for chilled water 
systems with all fan motors < 1 HP, or for evaporative systems with all fan motors < 1 HP, if 
the systems are not used to provide ventilation air and all indoor fans cycle with the load.  
Exception  2 to Section 140. 4(m):  Systems serving healthcare facilities.  
 
TABLE 140.4 -I FAN CONTROL SYSTEMS  
Cooling System Type  Fan Motor Size  Cooling Capacity  
DX Cooling  Any ≥ 65,000 Btu/hr  
Chilled Water and 
Evaporative  ≥ 1/4 HP  Any 
 
(n) Mechanical system shut -off. Any directly conditioned space with operable wall or roof 
openings to the outdoors shall be provided with interlock controls that disable or reset the 
temperature setpoint to 55°F  for mechanical heating and disable or reset the temperature 
setpoint to 90°F for mechanical cooling to that space when any such opening is open for 
more than 5 minutes.  
Exception  1 to Section 140.4(n):  Interlocks are not required on doors with automatic closing 
devices.  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards    Page 359 
SECTION 140.4 – PRESCRIPTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR SPACE CONDITIONING SYSTEMS  Exception  2 to Section 140.4(n):  Any space without a thermostatic control (thermostat or a 
space temperature sensor used to control heating or cooling to the space).  
Exception  3 to Section 140.4(n):  Healthcare facilities.  
(o) Exhaust system transfer air . Conditioned supply air delivered to any space with mechanical 
exhaust shall not exceed the greater of:  
1. The supply flow required to meet the space heating or cooling load; or  
2. The ventilation rate required by the authority having jurisdiction, the facility 
Environmental Health and Safety Department, or by Section 120.1(c)3; or  
3. The mechanical exhaust flow minus the available transfer air. Available transfer air shall 
be from another conditioned space or return air plenums on the same floor and same 
smoke or fire compartment, and that at their closest point are within 15 feet o f each 
other.  
Exception  1 to Section 140.4(o):  Biosafety level classified laboratories 3 or higher.  
Exception  2 to Section 140.4(o): Vivarium spaces.  
Exception  3 to Section 140.4(o):  Spaces that are required by applicable codes and standards 
to be maintained at a positive  pressure differential  relative to adjacent spaces.  
Exception  4 to Section 140.4(o):  Spaces where the highest amount of transfer air that could 
be used for exhaust makeup may exceed the available transfer airflow rate and where the 
spaces have a required negative pressure relationship.  
Exception  5 to Section 140.4(o): Healthcare facilities.  
(p) Dedicated outdoor air systems  (DOAS). HVAC systems that utilize a dedicated outdoor air 
system (DOAS) such as a DX -DOAS, HRV or ERV unit to condition, temper , or filter 100 
percent outdoor air separate from local or central space -conditioning systems serving the 
same space shall meet the following criteria:  
1. DOAS unit fan systems with input power less than 1 kW shall not exceed a total 
combined fan power of 1.0 W/cfm. DOAS with fan power greater than or equal to 1 kW 
shall meet the requirements of Section 140.4 (c).  
2. The DOAS supply air shall be delivered directly to the occupied space or at the outlet of 
any terminal heating or cooling coils and shall cycle off any zone heating and cooling 
equipment fans, circulation pumps and terminal unit fans when there is no ca ll for 
heating or cooling in the zone.  
Exception 1 to Section 140.4(p)2:  Active chilled beam systems.  
Exception 2 to Section 140.4(p)2:  Sensible -only cooling terminal units with pressure -
independent variable -airflow regulating devices limiting the DOAS supply air to the 
greater of latent load or minimum ventilation requirements.  
Exception 3 to Section 140.4(p)2:  Any configuration where a DOAS unit provides 
ventilation air to a downstream fan (a terminal box, air handling unit or other space -
conditioning equipment) where the total system airflow can be reduced to ventilation Page 360 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 140.4 – PRESCRIPTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR SPACE CONDITIONING SYSTEMS  minimum or the downstream fan power is no greater than 0.12 watts per cfm when 
space temperatures are within the thermostat deadband (at low speed per 
manufacturer’s literature).  
3. DOAS supply and exhaust fans shall have a minimum of three speeds to facilitate system 
balancing.  
4. DOAS with mechanical cooling providing ventilation to multiple zones and operating in 
conjunction with zone heating and cooling systems shall not use heating or heat 
recovery to warm supply air above 60°F when representative building loads or outdoor 
air temperature indicates that the majority of zones require cooling.  
(q) Exhaust  air heat recovery . Fan systems designed to operate to the criteria listed in either 
Table 140.4 -J or Table 140.4 -K shall include an exhaust air heat recovery system that meets 
the following:  
1. A sensible energy recovery ratio of at least 60 percent or an enthalpy recovery ratio of at 
least 50 percent for both heating and cooling design conditions and a rating in 
accordance with AHRI 1060.  
Exception  1 to Section 140.4(q)1:  Compliance is not required for s ensible recovery ratio 
at heating design conditions for Climate Zone 15.  
Exception  2 to Section 140.4(q)1:  Compliance is not required for s ensible recovery ratio 
at cooling design conditions for Climate Zone 1.  
2. Energy recovery bypass or control to disable energy recovery and to directly economize 
with ventilation air based on outdoor air temperature limits specified in Table 140.4 -G. 
For energy recovery systems where the transfer of energy cannot be stopped, b ypass 
shall prevent the total airflow rate of either outdoor air or exhaust air through the 
energy recovery exchanger from exceeding 10 percent of the full design airflow rate.  
Exception  to Section 140.4(q)2:  For DOAS units with the capability to shut off when a 
separate space -conditioning system serving the same space meets the economizer 
requirements in Section 140.4(e)1A . 
Exception  1 to Section 140.4(q):  Systems meeting Section 140.9(c), Prescriptive 
requirements for laboratory and factory exhaust systems.  
Exception  2 to Section 140.4(q):  Systems serving spaces that are not cooled and that are 
heated to less than 60°F.  
Exception  3 to Section 140.4(q):  Where more than 60 percent of the outdoor air heating 
energy is provided from site -recovered energy in Climate Zone 16.  
Exception  4 to Section 140.4(q):  Sensible recovery ratio requirements at heating design 
conditions are exempted for Climate Zone 15.  
Exception  5 to Section 140.4(q):  Sensible recovery ratio requirements at cooling design 
conditions are exempted for Climate Zone 1.  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards    Page 361 
SECTION 140.4 – PRESCRIPTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR SPACE CONDITIONING SYSTEMS  Exception  46 to Section 140.4(q):  Where the sum of the airflow rates exhausted and 
relieved within 20 feet of each other is less than 75 percent of the design outdoor airflow 
rate, excluding exhaust air that is either:  
1. used for another energy recovery system,  
2. not allowed by the California Mechanical Code (Title 24, Part 4) (CMC) for use in energy 
recovery systems with leakage potential, or  
3. of Class 4 as specified in Section 120.1(g).  
Exception  57 to Section 140.4(q):  Systems expected to operate less than 20 hours per week.  Page 362 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 140.4 – PRESCRIPTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR SPACE CONDITIONING SYSTEMS  TABLE 140.4 -J: ENERGY RECOVERY REQUIREMENTS BY CLIMATE ZONE AND PERCENT OUTDOOR AIR AT FULL DESIGN AIRFLOW (<8,000 
HOURS / YEAR)  
% Outdoor Air at 
Full Design 
Airflow  CZ 1 CZ 2 CZ 3 CZ 4 CZ 5 CZ 6 CZ 7 CZ 8 CZ 9 CZ 10 CZ 11 CZ 12 CZ 13 CZ 14 CZ 15 CZ 16 
≥10% and <20%  NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR 
≥20% and <30%  ≥15,000  ≥20,000  NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR ≥18,500  ≥18,500  ≥18,500  ≥18,500  ≥18,500  ≥18,500  
≥30% and <40%  ≥13,000  ≥15,000  NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR ≥15,000  ≥15,000  ≥15,000  ≥15,000  ≥15,000  ≥15,000  
≥40% and <50%  ≥10,000  ≥12,000  NR NR NR NR NR NR NR ≥22,000  ≥10,000  ≥10,000  ≥10,000  ≥10,000  ≥10,000  ≥10,000  
≥50% and <60%  ≥9,000  ≥10,000  NR ≥18,500  NR NR NR NR NR ≥17,000  ≥8,000  ≥8,000  ≥8,000  ≥8,000  ≥8,000  ≥8,000  
≥60% and <70%  ≥7,000  ≥7,500  NR ≥16,500  NR NR NR NR ≥20,000  ≥15,000  ≥7,000  ≥7,000  ≥7,000  ≥7,000  ≥7,000  ≥7,000  
≥70% and <80%  ≥6,500  ≥7,000  NR ≥15,000  NR NR NR NR ≥17,000  ≥14,000  ≥5,000  ≥5,000  ≥5,000  ≥5,000  ≥5,000  ≥5,000  
≥80%  ≥4,500  ≥6,500  NR ≥14,000  NR NR NR NR ≥15,000  ≥13,000  ≥2,000  ≥2,000  ≥2,000  ≥2,000  ≥2,000  ≥2,000  
NOTES to Table 140.4 -J: 
1. Flow rates in Table 140.4 -J represent the design supply fan airflow rate in CFM.  
2. For a DOAS unit providing outdoor air to another space -conditioning system, the full design supply fan airflow rate shall be the total airflow of only the DOAS 
unit.  
 
  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards    Page 363 
SECTION 140.4 – PRESCRIPTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR SPACE CONDITIONING SYSTEMS  TABLE 140.4 -K: ENERGY RECOVERY REQUIREMENTS BY CLIMATE ZONE AND PERCENT OUTDOOR AIR AT FULL DESIGN AIRFLOW ( ≥8,000 
HOURS / YEAR)  
% Outdoor Air at 
Full Design 
Airflow  CZ 1 CZ 2 CZ 3 CZ 4 CZ 5 CZ 6 CZ 7 CZ 8 CZ 9 CZ 10 CZ 11 CZ 12 CZ 13 CZ 14 CZ 15 CZ 16 
≥10% and <20%  ≥10,000  ≥10,000  NR NR NR NR NR NR NR ≥40,000  ≥40,000  ≥20,000  ≥10,000  ≥10,000  ≥10,000  ≥10,000  
≥20% and <30%  ≥2,000  ≥5,000  ≥13,000  ≥9,000  ≥9,000  NR NR NR NR ≥15,000  ≥15,000  ≥5,000  ≥5,000  ≥5,000  ≥5,000  ≥5,000  
≥30% and <40%  ≥2,000  ≥3,000  ≥10,000  ≥6,500  ≥6,500  NR NR NR ≥15,000  ≥7,500  ≥7,500  ≥3,000  ≥3,000  ≥3,000  ≥3,000  ≥3,000  
≥40% and <50%  ≥2,000  ≥2,000  ≥8,000  ≥6,000  ≥6,000  NR NR NR ≥12,000  ≥6,000  ≥6,000  ≥2,000  ≥2,000  ≥2,000  ≥2,000  ≥2,000  
≥50% and <60%  ≥2,000  ≥2,000  ≥7,000  ≥6,000  ≥6,000  NR NR ≥20,000  ≥10,000  ≥5,000  ≥5,000  ≥2,000  ≥2,000  ≥2,000  ≥2,000  ≥2,000  
≥60% and <70%  ≥2,000  ≥2,000  ≥6,000  ≥6,000  ≥6,000  NR NR ≥18,000  ≥9,000  ≥4,000  ≥4,000  ≥2,000  ≥2,000  ≥2,000  ≥2,000  ≥2,000  
≥70% and <80%  ≥2,000  ≥2,000  ≥6,000  ≥5,000  ≥5,000  NR NR ≥15,000  ≥8,000  ≥3,000  ≥3,000  ≥2,000  ≥2,000  ≥2,000  ≥2,000  ≥2,000  
≥80%  ≥2,000  ≥2,000  ≥6,000  ≥5,000  ≥5,000  NR NR ≥12,000  ≥7,000  ≥3,000  ≥3,000  ≥2,000  ≥2,000  ≥2,000  ≥2,000  ≥2,000  
NOTES to  table 140.4 -K: 
1. Flow rates in Table 140.4 -K represent the design supply fan airflow rate in CFM.  
2. For a DOAS unit providing outdoor air to another space -conditioning system, the full design supply fan airflow rate shall be the total airflow of only the DOAS 
unit.  Page 364 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 140.4 – PRESCRIPTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR SPACE CONDITIONING SYSTEMS  (r)  DDC Controller Logic Using ASHRAE Guideline 36. HVAC systems with DDC controllers shall 
use controller logic originating from a programming library based on sequences of 
operation from ASHRAE Guideline 36 in accordance with the following:  
1.  Requirement applies to all controllers that are capable of being programmed in 
the field ; and  
2.  Requirement applies to the entirety or all applicable portions of equipment 
control for configurations included in the programming library ; and  
3.  The programming library shall be certified by the Energy Commission as meeting 
the requirements of JA1 8. 
Exception 1 to Section 140.4(r) : Logic from the certified programming library modified to 
suit application -specific operation  that are not included in Guideline 36 sequences.  
Exception 2 to Section 140.4(r) : Systems serving healthcare facilities.  
Exception 1 to Section 140.4(r) 3: Non -programmable (configurable -only) controllers for 
zone terminal units shall follow applicable ASHRAE Guideline 36 zone sequences 
referenced in JA15 Table 15.3 -1 but are not subject to programming library requirement 
in Section 140.4(r)3.  
(s) Mechanical Heat Recovery  
1. Simultaneous Mechanical Heat Recovery is required for new buildings that  meet either 
A or B : 
A. CHL + 0.1*CLL ≥ 200 tons and SWH CAP + HCAP  ≥ 2200 kBtuh ; or 
B. CCAP  ≥ 300 tons and SWHcap + 0.1* HCAP  ≥ 700 kBtuh  
Where:  
CCAP  = design capacity of all mechanical cooling systems  
CHL = coincident peak cooling load of all spaces with a design equipment power 
density > 5 watts/ft2 and a minimum outdoor  airflow requirement < 0.5 cfm/ft2, 
i.e., high load spaces.  
CLL = C CAP - CHL. If the design includes capacity for future cooling systems, then 
assume 20% of future systems serve high load spaces.  
SWH CAP = design capacity of all service water heating (SWH) systems, excluding 
systems expected to operate less than 5 hours  per week, such as instant -hot for 
emergency eyewash.  
HCAP  = design capacity of all space heating systems  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards    Page 365 
SECTION 140.4 – PRESCRIPTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR SPACE CONDITIONING SYSTEMS  The heat recovery system shall include a heat recovery chiller, or other means,  capable 
of transferring the lesser of the following from spaces in cooling to spaces in heating 
and/or to the SWH system:  
25% of the peak heat rejection of the cooling system  
25% of (SWH CAP + HCAP ) 
EXCEPTION 1 to Section 140.4( s)1: Laboratory buildings with exhaust air heat recovery systems 
meeting Section 140.9(c)6.  
EXCEPTION 2 to Section 140.4( s)1: Buildings in Climate Zone 15 with SWH CAP < 600 
kBtuh . 
2. Heat Recovery for Service Water Heating.  
If the building is required to have simultaneous mechanical heat recovery by Section  
140.4( s)1, and SWH CAP ≥ 500 kBtuh, then the  heat recovery system shall also heat or 
preheat the service hot water. The heat recovery system shall have the capacity to 
transfer the smaller of:  
· 30% of the peak heat rejection of the cooling system  
· 30% of SWH CAP 
EXCEPTION  to Section 140.4( s): Buildings with a computer room heat recovery system or 
wastewater heat recovery system capable of providing not less than 25% of SWH CAP + 
HCAP .  
Note : Authority: Sections 25213, 25218, 25218.5, 25402 and 25402.1, Public Resources Code. 
Reference: Sections 25007, 25008, 25218.5, 25310, 25402, 25402.1, 25402.4, 25402.8, and 
25943, Public Resources Code.Page 366 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 140.5 – PRESCRIPTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR SERVICE WATER HEATING SYSTEMS  SECTION 140.5 – PRESCRIPTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR SERVICE WATER HEATING 
SYSTEMS  
(a) Nonresidential occupancies . Service water -heating systems in nonresidential buildings shall 
meet the requirements of 1 or 2 below, or meet the performance compliance requirements 
of Section 140.1:  
1. School buildings less than 25,000 square feet and less than 4 stories in  Climate Zones 2 
through 15.  A heat pump water -heating system that meets the applicable requirements of 
Sections 110.1, 110.3 and 120.3.  
2. All other occupancies. A service water -heating system that meets the applicable 
requirements of Sections 110.1, 110.3, 120.3 and 140.5(c) .  
Exception to Section 140.5(a)1: A water -heating system serving an individual bathroom 
space may be an instantaneous electric water heater.  
(b) Hotel/ motel occupancies.  A service water -heating system installed in hotel/motel buildings 
shall meet the requirements of Section 170.2(d).  
(c) High -capacity service water -heating systems . Gas service water -heating systems with a total 
installed gas water -heating input capacity of 1 MMBtu/h or greater shall have gas service 
water -heating equipment with a minimum thermal efficiency of 90 percent. Multiple units 
can meet this requirement if t he water -heating input provided by equipment with thermal 
efficiencies above and below 90 percent averages out to an input capacity -weighted average 
of at least 90 percent.  
Exception 1 to  Section  140.5(c):  If 25 percent of the annual service water -heating 
requirement is provided by site -solar energy or site -recovered energy.   
Exception 2 to Section 140.5(c):  Water heaters installed in individual dwelling units.   
Exception 3 to  Section  140.5(c):  Individual gas water heaters with input capacity at or below 
100,000 Btu/h shall not be included in the calculations of the total system input or total 
system efficiency.  
Note : Authority: Sections 25213, 25218, 25218.5, 25402 and 25402.1, Public Resources Code. 
Reference: Sections 25007, 25008, 25218.5, 25310, 25402, 25402.1, 25402.4, 25402.8, and 
25943, Public Resources Code.  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards    Page 367 
SECTION 140.6 – PRESCRIPTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR INDOOR LIGHTING  SECTION 140.6 – PRESCRIPTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR INDOOR LIGHTING  
A building complies with this section if:  
 i. The calculation of adjusted indoor lighting power of all proposed building areas 
combined, calculated under Subsection (a) is no greater than the calculation of allowed 
indoor lighting power, specific methodologies calculated under Subsection (c); and  
ii. The calculation of allowed indoor lighting power, general rules comply with Subsection 
(b). 
The prescriptive limits on indoor lighting power are the smaller of the adjusted and allowed 
indoor lighting power values determined in accordance with Item i.  
(a) Calculation of adjusted indoor lighting power . The adjusted indoor lighting power of all 
proposed building areas is the total watts of all planned permanent and portable lighting 
systems in all areas of the proposed building; subject to the applicable adjustments under 
Subdivisions 1 through 4 of this  subsection , and the requirements of Subdivision 4 of this 
subsection.  
Exception to Section 140.6(a): Up to 0.3 watts per square foot of portable lighting for office 
areas shall not be required to be included in the calculation of actual indoor lighting power.  
1. Two interlocked lighting systems . No more than two lighting systems may be used for 
an area, and if there are two they must be interlocked. Where there are two interlocked 
lighting systems, the watts of the lower wattage system may be excluded from the 
adjusted indoor lighting power densi ty if:  
A. An installation certificate detailing compliance with Section 140.6(a)1 is submitted in 
accordance with Sections 10 -103 and 130.4; and  
B. The area or areas served by the interlocking systems is an auditorium, a convention 
center, a conference room, a multipurpose room or a theater; and  
C. The two lighting systems are interlocked with a nonprogrammable double -throw 
switch to prevent simultaneous operation of both systems.  
    For compliance with Part 6 a nonprogrammable double -throw switch  is an 
electrical switch commonly called a “single pole double throw ” or “three -way” 
switch that is  wired as a selector switch allowing one of two loads to be enabled. It 
can be a line voltage switch or a low voltage switch selecting between two relays. It 
cannot be overridden or changed in any manner that would  permit both loads to 
operate simultaneously.  
2. Reduction of wattage through controls.  In calculating adjusted indoor lighting power, 
the installed watts of a luminaire providing general lighting in an area listed in Table 
140.6 -A may be reduced by the product of (i) the number of watts controlled as 
described in Table 140.6 -A, times (ii) t he applicable power adjustment factor (PAF), if all 
of the following conditions are met:  
A. An installation certificate is submitted in accordance with Section 130.4(b), and  Page 368 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 140.6 – PRESCRIPTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR INDOOR LIGHTING  B. Luminaires and controls meet the applicable requirements of Section 110.9, and 
Sections 130.0 through 130.5; and  
C. The controlled lighting is permanently installed general lighting systems and the 
controls are permanently installed nonresidential -rated lighting controls.  
When used for determining PAFs for general lighting in offices, furniture mounted 
luminaires that comply with all of the following conditions shall qualify as 
permanently installed general lighting systems:  
i. The furniture mounted luminaires shall be permanently installed no later than 
the time of building permit inspection; and  
ii. The furniture mounted luminaires shall be permanently hardwired; and  
iii. The furniture mounted lighting system shall be designed to provide indirect 
general lighting; and  
iv. Before multiplying the installed watts of the furniture mounted luminaire by the 
applicable PAF, 0.2 watts per square foot of the area illuminated by the furniture 
mounted luminaires shall be subtracted from installed watts of the furniture 
mounted lum inaires; and  
v. The lighting control for the furniture mounted luminaire complies with all other 
applicable requirements in Section 140.6(a)2.  
D. At least 50 percent of the light output of the controlled luminaire is within the 
applicable area listed in Table 140.6 -A. Luminaires on lighting tracks shall be within 
the applicable area in order to qualify for a PAF.  
E. Only one PAF from Table 140.6 -A may be used for each qualifying luminaire. PAFs 
shall not be added together unless allowed in Table 140.6 -A. 
F. Only lighting wattage directly controlled in accordance with Section 140.6(a)2 shall 
be used to reduce the installed watts as allowed by Section 140.6(a)2 for calculating 
the Adjusted Indoor Lighting Power. If only a portion of the wattage in a luminair e is 
controlled in accordance with Section 140.6(a)2, then only that portion of controlled 
wattage may be reduced in calculating adjusted indoor lighting power.  
G. Lighting controls used to qualify for a PAF shall be designed and installed in addition 
to manual, multilevel, and automatic lighting controls required in Section 130.1, and 
in addition to any other lighting controls required by any provision of Part 6.  PAFs 
shall not be available for lighting controls required by Part 6.  
H. To qualify for the PAF for daylight continuous dimming plus OFF control, the daylight 
control and controlled luminaires shall comply with Section 130.1(d), 130.4(a)3 and 
130.4(a)7, and the daylight control shall be continuous dimming and shall 
additiona lly turn lights completely OFF when the daylight available in the daylit zone 
is greater than 150 percent of the illuminance received from the general lighting 
system at full power. The PAF shall apply to the luminaires in the primary sidelit 
daylit zone, secondary sidelit daylit zone and skylit daylit zone.  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards    Page 369 
SECTION 140.6 – PRESCRIPTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR INDOOR LIGHTING  I. To qualify for the PAF for an occupant sensing control controlling the general lighting 
in large  office areas above workstations, in accordance with Table 140.6 -A, the 
following requirements shall be met:  
i. The office area shall be greater than 250 square feet; and  
ii. This PAF shall be available only in office areas which contain workstations; and  
iii. Controlled luminaires shall only be those that provide general lighting directly 
above the controlled area, or furniture mounted luminaires that comply with 
Section 140.6(a)2 and provide general lighting directly above the controlled area; 
and 
iv. Qualifying luminaires shall be controlled by occupant sensing controls that meet 
all of the following requirements, as applicable:  
a. Infrared sensors shall be equipped by the manufacturer, of fitted in the field 
by the installer, with lenses or shrouds to prevent them from being triggered 
by movement outside of the controlled area.  
b. Ultrasonic sensors shall be tuned to reduce their sensitivity to prevent them 
from being triggered by movements outside of the controlled area.  
c. All other sensors shall be installed and adjusted as necessary to prevent them 
from being triggered by movements outside of the controlled area.  
v.  Occupant sensing control  zones , in offices greater than 250 square feet , shall be 
shown on the plans.  
J. To qualify for the PAF for an Institutional Tuning in Table 140.6 -A, the tuned lighting 
system shall comply with all of the following requirements:  
i. The lighting controls shall limit the maximum output or maximum power draw of 
the controlled lighting to 85 percent or less of full light output or full power draw; 
and  
ii. The means of setting the limit is accessible only to authorized personnel; and  
iii. The setting of the limit is verified by the acceptance test required by Section 
130.4(a)7; and  
iv. The construction documents specify which lighting systems shall have their 
maximum light output or maximum power draw set to no greater than 85 
percent of full light output or full power draw.  
K. To qualify for the PAF for a demand responsive control in Table 140.6 -A, the general 
lighting wattage receiving the PAF shall not be within the scope of Section 110.12(c) 
and a demand responsive control shall meet all of the following requirements:  
i. The controlled lighting shall be capable of being automatically reduced in 
response to a demand response signal; and  
ii. General lighting shall be reduced in a manner consistent with uniform level of 
illumination requirements in Table 130.1 -Athe requirements of Section 130. 1(b). Page 370 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 140.6 – PRESCRIPTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR INDOOR LIGHTING  L. To qualify for the PAFs for clerestory fenestration, horizontal slats, or light shelves in 
Table 140.6 -A, the daylighting design shall meet the requirements in Section 
140.3(d). The PAFs shall only apply to lighting in a primary or secondary sidelit daylit  
zone where continuous dimming daylighting controls meeting the requirements of 
Section 130.1(d) are installed.  
TABLE 140.6 -A LIGHTING POWER ADJUSTMENT FACTORS (PAF)  
TYPE OF CONTROL  TYPE OF AREA  FACTOR  
1. Daylight Continuous Dimming plus 
OFF Control  Luminaires in skylit daylit zone or primary sidelit daylit zone or 
secondary sidelit daylit zone  0.10  
2. Occupant Sensing Controls in 
Office Larger than 250 square 
feet One sensor controlling an area that is no larger than 125 square 
feet 0.30  
3. Occupant Sensing Controls in 
Offices Larger than 250 square feet  One sensor controlling an area that is 126 -250 square feet:  0.20  
4. 3.Institutional Tuning  Luminaires in non -daylit areas.  
Luminaires that qualify for other PAFs in this table may also qualify 
for this tuning PAF.  0.10  
4. 3.Institutional Tuning  Luminaires in daylit areas.  
Luminaires that qualify for other PAFs in this table may also qualify 
for this tuning PAF.  0.05  
45. Demand Responsive Control  General lighting luminaires not in the scope of Section 110.12(c).  
If DR controls are required of Section 110.12(c), this PAF is not 
available for any lighting in the project. Luminaires that qualify for 
other PAFs in this table may also qualify for this demand 
responsive control PAF . 0.05  
56. Clerestory Fenestration  Luminaires in daylit areas adjacent to the clerestory.  
Luminaires that qualify for daylight dimming plus OFF control may 
also qualify for this PAF.  0.05  
67. Horizontal Slats  Luminaires in daylit areas adjacent to vertical fenestration with 
interior or exterior horizontal slats.  
Luminaires that qualify for daylight dimming plus OFF control may 
also qualify for this PAF.  0.05  
78.Light Shelves  Luminaires in daylit areas adjacent to clerestory fenestration with 
interior or exterior light shelves. This PAF may be combined with 
the PAF for clerestory fenestration.  
Luminaires that qualify for daylight dimming  plus OFF control may 
also qualify for this PAF  0.10  
a. To qualify for any of the Power Adjustment Factors in this table, the installation shall comply with the 
applicable requirements in Section 140.6(a)2 . 
b. Only one PAF may be used for each qualifying luminaire unless combined below.  
c. Lighting controls that are required for compliance with Part 6 shall not be eligible for a PAF . 
3. Lighting wattage excluded.  The watts of the following indoor lighting applications may 
be excluded from adjusted indoor lighting power. (Indoor lighting not listed below shall 
comply with all applicable nonresidential indoor lighting requirements in Part 6):  
A. In theme parks: lighting for themes and special effects;  
B. Studio lighting for film or photography, provided that these lighting systems are in 
addition to and separately switched from a general lighting system;  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards    Page 371 
SECTION 140.6 – PRESCRIPTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR INDOOR LIGHTING  C. Lighting for dance floors, lighting for theatrical and other live performances, and 
theatrical lighting used for religious worship, provided that these lighting systems are 
additions to a general lighting system and are separately controlled by a multi -scene 
or theatrical cross -fade control station accessible only to authorized operators;  
Lighting intended for makeup, hair, and costume preparation in performing arts 
facility dressing rooms, provided that the lighting is separately switched from the 
general lighting system, switched independently at each dressing station, and is 
controlled w ith a vacancy sensor.  
D. In civic facilities, transportation facilities, convention centers and hotel function 
areas: lighting for temporary exhibits, if the lighting is in addition to a general lighting 
system, and is separately controlled from a panel accessible only to autho rized 
operators;  
E. Lighting installed by the manufacturer in walk -in coolers or freezers, vending 
machines, food preparation equipment, and scientific and industrial equipment;  
F. Examination and surgical lights, low ambient night lights and lighting integral to 
medical equipment, provided that these lighting systems are additions to and 
separately switched from a general lighting system;  
G. Lighting for plant growth or maintenance in non -CEH spaces, if it is controlled by a 
multilevel astronomical time -switch control that complies with the applicable 
provisions of Section 110.9;  
H. Lighting equipment that is for sale;  
I. Lighting demonstration equipment in lighting education facilities;  
J. Lighting that is required for exit signs subject to the CBC. Exit signs shall meet the 
requirements of the Appliance Efficiency Regulations;  
K. Exit way or egress illumination that is normally off and that is subject to the CBC;  
L. In hotel/motel buildings, lighting in guest rooms (lighting in hotel/motel guestrooms 
shall comply with Section 130.0(b). (Indoor lighting not in guestrooms shall comply 
with all applicable nonresidential lighting requirements in Part 6.)  
M. Reserved.  
N. Temporary lighting systems.  
O. Lighting in occupancy group U buildings (Utility and Miscellaneous Group U under 
California Building Code)  less than 1,000 square feet;  
P. Lighting in unconditioned agricultural buildings less than 2,500 square feet;  
Q. Lighting systems in qualified historic buildings, as defined in the California Historical 
Building Code (Title 24, Part 8), are exempt from the lighting power density  
allowances, if they consist solely of historic lighting components or replicas of 
historic lighting components. If lighting systems in qualified buildings contain some 
historic lighting components or replicas of historic components, combined with other 
lighting components, only those historic or historic replica components are exempt. Page 372 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 140.6 – PRESCRIPTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR INDOOR LIGHTING  All other lighting systems in qualified historic buildings shall comply with the lighting 
power density  allowances ; 
R. Lighting in nonresidential parking garages for seven or less fewer vehicles: Lighting in 
nonresidential parking garages for seven or less fewer vehicles shall comply with the 
applicable residential parking garage provisions of Section 150.0(k).  
S. Lighting for signs: Lighting for signs shall comply with Section 140.8.  
T. Lighting in refrigerated cases less than 3,000 square feet. (Lighting in refrigerated 
cases less than 3,000 square feet shall comply with the Title 20 Appliance Efficiency 
Regulations).  
U. Lighting in elevators where the lighting meets the requirements in Section 120.6(f).  
V. Lighting connected to a Life Safety Branch or Critical Branch, as specified in Section 
517 of the California Electrical Code.   
W. Horticultural lighting in CEH spaces (indoor growing and greenhouses) complying 
with Section 120.6(h).  
4. Luminaire classification  and power adjustment.   
A. Luminaire classification and power shall be determined in accordance with Section 
130.0(c).  
B. Small aperture tunable -white and dim -to-warm luminaires lighting power 
adjustment. For qualifying small aperture tunable -white and dim -to-warm LED 
luminaires, the adjusted indoor lighting power of these luminaires shall be calculated 
by multiplying thei r maximum rated wattage by 0.80. Qualifying luminaires shall 
meet all of the following:  
i. Small aperture. Qualifying luminaires with a luminaire aperture length longer 
than 18 inches shall  have a luminaire aperture no wider than four inches. 
Qualifying luminaires with a luminaire aperture length of 18 inches or less shall 
have a luminaire aperture no wider than eight inches.  
ii. Color changing. qualifying tunable -white luminaires shall be capable of a color 
change greater than or equal to 2,000 Kelvin correlated color temperature (CCT). 
Qualifying dim -to-warm luminaires shall be capable of color change greater than 
or equal to  500 Kelvin CCT.  
iii. Controls. Qualifying luminaires shall be connected to controls that allows color 
changing of the luminaires.  
C. Tailored method display lighting mounting height lighting power adjustment. For 
wall display luminaires or floor display luminaires meeting Tailored Method Section 
140.6(c)3G and H and where the bottom of luminaires are 10 feet 7 inches and 
greater abov e the finished floor, the adjusted indoor lighting power of these 
luminaires shall be calculated by multiplying their maximum rated wattage and the 
appropriated mounting height adjustment factor from Table 140.6 -E. Luminaire 
mounting height is the distance  from the finished floor to the bottom of the 
luminaire. General lighting shall not qualify for a mounting height multiplier.      2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards    Page 373 
SECTION 140.6 – PRESCRIPTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR INDOOR LIGHTING  (b) Calculation of allowed indoor lighting power: general rules.  
1. The allowed indoor lighting power allotment for conditioned areas shall be calculated 
separately from the allowed lighting power allotment for unconditioned areas. Each 
allotment is applicable solely to the area to which it applies, and there shall be n o trade -
offs between conditioned and unconditioned area allotments.  
2. Allowed indoor lighting power allotment shall be calculated separately from the allowed 
outdoor lighting power allotment. Each allotment is applicable solely to the area to 
which it applies, and there shall be no trade -offs between the separate indoor a nd 
outdoor allotments.  
3. The allowed indoor lighting power density allotment for general lighting shall be 
calculated as follows:  
A. The complete building method , as described in Section 140.6(c)1, shall be used only 
for an entire building, except as permitted by Section 140.6(c)1. As described more 
fully in Section 140.6(c)1, and subject to the adjustments listed there, the allowed 
indoor lighting power  allotment for general lighting for the entire building shall be 
calculated as follows:  
i. For a conditioned building, the product of the square feet of conditioned space of 
the building times the applicable allotment of watts per square foot described in 
Table 140.6 -B. 
ii. For an unconditioned building, the product of the square foot of unconditioned 
space of the building times the applicable allotment of watts per square feet 
described in Table 140.6 -B. 
B. The area category method, as described in Section 140.6(c)2, shall be used either by 
itself for all areas in the building , or when some areas in the building use the tailored 
method described in Section 140.6(c)3 . Under the area category method (either by 
itself or in conjunction with the tailored method), as described more fully in Section 
140.6(c)2, and subject to the adjustments listed there, the allowed indoor lighting 
power allotment for general lighting shall be calculated for each area in the buil ding 
as follows:  
i. For conditioned areas, by multiplying the conditioned square feet of the area 
times the applicable allotment of watts per square foot for the area shown in 
Table 140.6 -C (or Table 140.6 -D if the tailored method is used for that area) . 
ii. For unconditioned areas, by multiplying the unconditioned square feet of the 
area times the applicable allotment of watts per square foot for the area shown 
in Table 140.6 -C (or Table 140.6 -D if the tailored method is used for that area) . 
The allowed indoor lighting power allotment for general lighting for one area for 
which the area category method was used may be increased up to the amount that 
the allowed indoor lighting power allotment for general lighting for another area 
using the are a category method or tailored method is decreased, except that such 
increases and decreases shall not be made between conditioned and unconditioned 
space.  Page 374 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 140.6 – PRESCRIPTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR INDOOR LIGHTING  C. The tailored method, as described in Section 140.6(c)3, shall be used either by itself 
for all areas in the building, or when some areas in the building use the area category 
method described in Section 140.6(c)2. Under the tailored method (either by it self or 
in conjunction with the area category method) as described more fully in Section 
140.6(c)3, and subject to the adjustments listed there, allowed indoor lighting power 
allotment for general lighting shall be calculated for each area in the building as 
follows:  
i. For conditioned areas, by multiplying the conditioned square feet of the area 
times the applicable allotment of watts per square foot for the area shown in 
Table 140.6 -D (or Table 140.6 -C if the area category method is used for that 
area);  
ii. For unconditioned areas, by multiplying the unconditioned square feet of the 
area times the applicable allotment of watts per square foot for the area shown 
in Table 140.6 -D (or Table 140.6 -C if the area category method is used for that 
area);  
The allowed indoor lighting power allotment for general lighting for one area for 
which the Tailored Method was used may be increased up to the amount that the 
allowed indoor power lighting for general lighting for another area is decreased, but 
only if th e Tailored Method or Area Category Method was used for the other area, 
except that such increases and decreases shall not be made between conditioned 
and unconditioned space.  
D. If the Area Category Method is used for an area, the Tailored Method may not be 
used for that area. If the Tailored Method is used for an area, the Area Category 
Method may not be used for that area.  
4. Allowed Indoor Lighting Power allotments  for all lighting power allotments other than 
general lighting shall be restricted as follows:  
A. When using the Area Category Method, allowed Indoor Lighting Power allotments 
for specialized task work ,; precision commercial and industrial work ,; white board or 
chalk board ,; accent, display  and feature;  decorative ,; or Videoconferencing Studio; ,  
wall display , floor display; task , or very valuable display case , may not be increased 
as a result of, or otherwise traded off against, decreasing any other allotment .; and 
B. When using the Tailored Method, allowed indoor lighting power allotments for wall 
display; floor display and task; decorative/special effect; or very valuable display 
case; may not be increased, or otherwise traded between any of the separate 
allotments . 
(c)  Calculation of allowed indoor lighting power: specific methodologies . The allowed indoor 
lighting power for each building type, or each primary function area shall be calculated using 
only one of the methods in Subsection 1 , or 2 or 3 below as applicable.  
1. Complete Building Method.  Requirements for using the Complete Building Method 
include all of the following:  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards    Page 375 
SECTION 140.6 – PRESCRIPTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR INDOOR LIGHTING  A. The Complete Building Method shall be used only for building types, as defined in 
Section 100.1, that are specifically listed in TABLE 140.6 -B. (For example, retail and 
wholesale stores, hotel/motel, and high -rise residential buildings shall not use thi s 
method.)  
B. The Complete Building Method shall be used only on projects involving:  
i. Entire buildings with one type of use occupancy; or  
ii. Mixed occupancy buildings where one type of use makes up at least 90 percent 
of the entire building (in which case, when applying the Complete Building 
Method, it shall be assumed that the primary use is 100 percent of the building); 
or  
iii. A tenant space where one type of use makes up at least 90 percent of the entire 
tenant space (in which case, when applying the Complete Building Method, it 
shall be assumed that the primary use is 100 percent of the tenant space).  
C. The Complete Building Method shall be used only when the applicant is applying for 
a lighting permit and submits plans and specifications for the entire building or the 
entire tenant space.  
D. Under the Complete Building Method, the allowed indoor lighting power allotment is 
the lighting power density value times the floor area of the entire building.  
E. For buildings including a parking garage plus another type of use listed in Table 
140.6 -B, the parking garage portion of the building and other type of use portion of 
the building shall each separately use the Complete Building Method.  Page 376 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 140.6 – PRESCRIPTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR INDOOR LIGHTING  TABLE 140.6 -B COMPLETE BUILDING METHOD LIGHTING POWER DENSITY VALUES  
TYPE OF BUILDING  ALLOWED LIGHTING POWER DENSITY 
(WATTS PER SQUARE FOOT)  
Assembly Building  0.65  
Bank or Financial Institution Building  0.65  
Grocery Store Building  0.90  
Gymnasium Building  0.60  
Healthcare Facility  0.90  
Industrial/Manufacturing Facility Building  0.60  
Library Building  0.70  
Motion Picture Theater Building  0.60  
Museum Building  0.65  
Office Building  0.60  
Parking Garage Building  0.13  
Performing Arts Theater Building  0.75  
Religious Facility Building  0.70  
Restaurant Building  0.65  
Retail Store Building  0.90  
School Building  0.60  
Sports Arena Building  0.75  
All other buildings  0.40  
 
2. Area Category Method.  Requirements for using the Area Category Method include all of 
the following:  
A. The Area Category Method shall be used only for primary function areas, as defined 
in Section 100.1, that are listed in Table 140.6 -C. For primary function areas not 
listed, selection of a reasonably equivalent type shall be permitted.  
B. Primary function areas in TABLE 140.6 -C shall not apply to a complete building. Each 
primary function area shall be determined as a separate area.  
C. For purposes of compliance with Section 140.6(c)2, an “area” shall be defined as all 
contiguous areas that accommodate or are associated with a single primary function 
area listed in Table 146.0 -C. 
D. Where areas are bounded or separated by interior partitions, the floor area occupied 
by those interior partitions may be included in primary function area.  
E. If at the time of permitting for a newly constructed building, a tenant is not identified 
for a multitenant area, a maximum of 0.4 watts per square foot shall be allowed for 
the lighting in each area in which a tenant has not been identified. The area s hall be 
classified as unleased tenant area.  
F. Under the Area Category Method, the allowed indoor lighting power for each 
primary function area is the lighting power density value in Table 140.6 -C times the 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards    Page 377 
SECTION 140.6 – PRESCRIPTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR INDOOR LIGHTING  square feet of the primary function area. The total allowed indoor lighting power 
density for the building is the sum of all allowed indoor lighting powers densities for 
all areas in the building.  
G. In addition to the allowed indoor lighting power calculated according to Sections 
140.6(c)2A through F, the building may add additional lighting power allowances for 
qualifying lighting systems as specified in the Qualifying Lighting Systems column in 
TABLE 140.6 -C under the following conditions:  
i. Only primary function areas having a lighting system as specified in the Qualifying 
Lighting Systems column in TABLE 140.6 -C and in accordance with the 
corresponding footnote of the TABLE shall qualify for the additional lighting 
power allowances; and  
ii. The additional lighting power allowances shall be used only if the plans clearly 
identify all applicable task areas and the lighting equipment designed to 
illuminate these tasks; and  
iii. Tasks that are performed less than two hours per day or poor quality tasks that 
can be improved are not eligible for the additional lighting power allowances; 
and 
iv. The additional lighting power allowances shall not utilize any type of luminaires 
that are used for general lighting in the building; and  
v. The additional lighting power allowances shall not be used when using the 
Complete Building Method , or when the Tailored Method is used for any area in 
the building ; and  
vi. The additional lighting power allowed is the smaller of:  
a. the lighting power density listed in the “Allowed Additional Lighting LPD” 
column in Table 140.6 -C, times the square feet of the primary function, or  
b. the adjusted indoor lighting power of the applicable lighting; and  
vii. In addition to meeting Sections 140.6(c)2Gi through vi, additional lighting power 
for videoconferencing as specified in Table  140.6 -C shall be allowed in a 
videoconferencing studio, as defined in Section 100.1, provided the following 
conditions are met:  
a. A completed and signed installation certificate is prepared and submitted in 
accordance with Section 130.4(b), specifically detailing compliance with the 
applicable requirements of Section 140.6(c)2Gvii; and  
b. The videoconferencing studio is a room with permanently installed 
videoconferencing cameras, audio equipment, and playback equipment for 
both audio -based and video -based two -way communication between local 
and remote sites; and  
c. General lighting is switched in accordance with Table 130.1 -A; and  Page 378 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 140.6 – PRESCRIPTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR INDOOR LIGHTING  d. Wall wash lighting is separately switched from the general lighting system; 
and 
e. All of the lighting in the studio, including general lighting and additional 
lighting power allowed by Section 140.6(c)2Gvii is controlled by a multi -scene 
programmable control system (also known as a scene preset control system).  
viii. Floor displays shall not qualify for wall display allowances.  
ix. Qualifying wall lighting shall:  
a. Be mounted within 10 feet of the wall having the wall display. When track 
lighting is used for wall display, and where portions of that lighting track are 
more than 10 feet from the wall and other portions are within 10 feet of the 
wall, portions of tra ck more than 10 feet from the wall shall not be used for 
the wall display allowance ; and  
b. Be a lighting system type appropriate for wall lighting. Lighting systems 
appropriate for wall lighting are lighting track adjacent to the wall, wall -
washer luminaires, luminaires behind a wall valance or wall cove, or accent 
light. (Accent luminaires a re adjustable or fixed luminaires providing 
directional display light.)  
x. Additional allowed power for wall display lighting is available only for lighting 
that illuminates walls having wall displays. The length of display walls shall 
include the length of the perimeter walls, including but not limited to closable 
openings and permanent full height interior partitions. Permanent full height 
interior partitions are those that (I) extend from the floor to within two fe et of 
the ceiling or are taller than ten feet and (II) are permanently anchored to the 
floor.  
xi. Mounting height shall be  the luminaire mounting height measured from the 
finished floor to the bottom of the luminaire. If luminaires are mounted at 
different  mounting height within  the same space, the average mounting height of 
the luminaires qualified for  the additional lighting power allowances  in Table 
140.6 -C can be used to establish  the mounting height  of the qualified  luminaires  
for calculation s of the additional lighting power  allowances  of the qualified 
luminaires . 
 
3. Tailored method . Requirements for using the Tailored Method include all of the 
following:  
A. The Tailored Method shall be used only for primary function areas listed in Table 
140.6 -D, as defined in Section 100.1.  
B. Allowed indoor lighting power allotments for general lighting shall be determined 
according to Section 140.6(c)3F, as applicable.  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards    Page 379 
SECTION 140.6 – PRESCRIPTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR INDOOR LIGHTING  C. For compliance with Section 140.6(c)3, an “area” shall be defined as all contiguous 
areas that accommodate or are associated with a single primary function area listed 
in Table 140.6 -D. 
D. Where areas are bounded or separated by interior partitions, the floor area occupied 
by those interior partitions may be included in a primary function area.  
E. In addition to the allowed indoor lighting power allotments for general lighting 
calculated according to Sections 140.6(c)3F, as applicable, the building may add 
additional lighting power allowances for wall display lighting, floor display lighting 
and task lighting, decorative/special effects lighting, and very valuable display cases 
lighting according to Sections 140.6(c)3G through J.  
F. Determine allowed indoor lighting power allotments for general lighting for primary 
function areas listed in Table 140.6 -D as follows:  
i. Use the General Illumination Level (Lux) listed in Column 2 of Table 140.6 -D to 
determine the allowed general lighting power density allotments for the area.  
ii. Determine the room cavity ratio (RCR) for the area. The RCR shall be calculated 
according to the applicable equation in Table 140.6 -F. 
iii. Find the allowed general lighting power density allotments in Table 140.6 -G that 
is applicable to the general illuminance level (Lux) from Column 2 of Table 140.6 -
D (as described in Item i) and the RCR determined in accordance with Table 
140.6 -F (as described in Item ii).  
iv. Determine the square feet of the area in accordance with Section 140.6(c)3C and 
D. 
v. Multiply the allowed lighting power density allotment, as determined in 
accordance with Item iii by the square feet of each primary function area, as 
determined in accordance with Item iv. The product is the allowed indoor lighting 
power allotment for g eneral lighting for the area.  
G. Determine additional allowed power for wall display lighting according to column 3 
of Table 140.6 -D for each primary function area as follows:  
i. Floor displays shall not qualify for wall display allowances.  
ii. Qualifying wall lighting shall:  
a. Be mounted within 10 feet of the wall having the wall display. When track 
lighting is used for wall display, and where portions of that lighting track are 
more than 10 feet from the wall and other portions are within 10 feet of the 
wall, portions of tra ck more than 10 feet from the wall shall not be used for 
the wall display allowance.  
b. Be a lighting system type appropriate for wall lighting. Lighting systems 
appropriate for wall lighting are lighting track adjacent to the wall, wall -
washer luminaires, luminaires behind a wall valance or wall cove, or accent 
light. (Accent luminaires a re adjustable or fixed luminaires with PAR, R, MR, 
AR or luminaires providing directional display light.)  Page 380 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 140.6 – PRESCRIPTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR INDOOR LIGHTING  iii. Additional allowed power for wall display lighting is available only for lighting 
that illuminates walls having wall displays. The length of display walls shall 
include the length of the perimeter walls, including but not limited to closable 
openings and permanent full height interior partitions. Permanent full height 
interior partitions are those that (I) extend from the floor to within two feet of 
the ceiling or are taller than ten feet and (II) are permanently anchored to the 
floor.  
iv.  For wall display lighting where the bottom of the luminaire is greater than 10 
feet 6 inches above the finished floor, the mounting height adjustment factor 
from Table 140.6 -E can be used to adjust the installed luminaire wattage as 
specified in Secti on 140.6(a)4C.  
v. The allowed power for wall display lighting shall be the smaller of:  
a. the “wall display lighting power density” determined in accordance with 
Table  140.6 -D, multiplied by the wall display lengths determined in 
accordance with Item iii; and  
b. The adjusted indoor lighting power used for the wall display lighting systems.  
vi. Lighting internal to display cases that are attached to a wall or directly adjacent 
to a wall are counted as wall display lighting as specified in Section 140.6(c)3G. 
All other lighting internal to display cases are counted as floor display lighting as  
specified in Section 140.6(c)3H, or as very valuable display case lighting as 
specified in Section 140.6(c)3J.  
H. Determine additional allowed power for floor display lighting and task lighting as 
follows:  
i. Displays that are installed against a wall shall not qualify for the floor display 
lighting power allowances.  
ii. Lighting internal to display cases that are not attached to a wall and not directly 
adjacent to a wall shall be counted as floor display lighting in accordance with 
Section 140.6(c)3H; or very valuable display case lighting in accordance with 
Section 1 40.6(c)3J.  
iii. Additional allowed power for floor display lighting, and additional allowed power 
for task lighting, may be used by qualifying floor display lighting systems, 
qualifying task lighting systems, or a combination of both. For floor areas 
qualifying for b oth floor display and task lighting power allowances, the 
additional allowed power shall be used only once for the same floor area, so that 
the allowance shall not be additive.  
iv. Qualifying floor display lighting shall:  
a. Be mounted no closer than 2 feet to a wall.  
b. Consist of only (I) directional lamp types, such as PAR, R, MR, AR; or (II) 
luminaires providing directional display light.  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards    Page 381 
SECTION 140.6 – PRESCRIPTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR INDOOR LIGHTING  c. If track lighting is used, shall be only track heads that are classified as 
direction lighting types.  
v. Qualifying task lighting shall:  
a. Be located immediately adjacent to and capable of illuminating the task for 
which it is installed.  
b. Be of a type different from the general lighting system.  
c. Be separately switched from the general lighting system.  
vi. If there are illuminated floor displays, floor display lighting power shall be used 
only if allowed by Column 4 of Table 140.6 -D.  
vii. The square footage of floor display  or the square footage of task areas shall be 
determined in accordance with Section 140.6(c)3C and D, except that any floor 
area designed to not have floor displays or tasks, such as floor areas designated 
as a path of egress, shall not be included for the  floor display allowance.  
viii. For floor display lighting where the bottom of the luminaire is greater than 10.6 
feet above the finished floor, multiply the floor display installed watts by the 
appropriate mounting height adjustment factor from Table 140.6 -E to calculate 
the Adjus ted Indoor Lighting Power as specified in Section 140.6(a)4C.  
ix. The allowed power for floor display lighting for each applicable area shall be the 
smaller of:  
a. the allowed floor display and task lighting power determined in accordance 
with Section 140.6(c)3Hvi multiplied by the floor square footage determined 
in accordance with Section 140.6(c)3Hvii; and  
b. The Adjusted Indoor Lighting Power used for the floor display lighting 
systems.  
I. Determine additional allowed power for decorative/special effects lighting as 
follows:  
i. Qualifying decorative lighting includes luminaires such as chandeliers, sconces, 
lanterns, neon and cold cathode, light emitting diodes, theatrical projectors, 
moving lights and light color panels, when any of those lights are used in a 
decorative manne r that does not serve as display lighting or general lighting.   
ii. Additional lighting power for decorative/special effects lighting shall be used only 
if allowed by Column 5 of Table 140.6 -D. 
iii. Additional lighting power for decorative/special effects lighting shall be used only 
in areas having decorative/special effects lighting. The square footage of the floor 
area shall be determined in accordance with Section 140.6(c)3C and D, and it 
shall not include floor areas not having decorative/special effects lighting.  
iv. The additional allowed power for decorative/special effects lighting for each 
applicable area shall be the smaller of:  Page 382 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 140.6 – PRESCRIPTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR INDOOR LIGHTING  a. The product of the allowed decorative/special effects lighting power 
determined in accordance with Section 140.6(c) 3Iii, multiplied by the floor 
square footage determined in accordance with Section 140.6(c) 3Iiii; and  
b. The adjusted indoor lighting power  of allowed decorative/special effects 
lighting.  
J. Determine additional allowed power for very valuable display case lighting as 
follows:  
i. Additional allowed power for very valuable display case lighting shall be available 
only for display cases in appropriate function areas in retail merchandise sales, 
museum and religious worship.  
ii. To qualify for additional allowed power for very valuable display case lighting, a 
case shall contain jewelry, coins, fine china, fine crystal, precious stones, silver, 
small art objects and artifacts, and/or valuable collections the display of which 
involves customer inspection of very fine detail from outside of a locked case.  
iii.  Qualifying lighting includes internal display case lighting or external lighting 
employing highly directional luminaires specifically designed to illuminate the 
case or inspection area without spill light, and shall not be fluorescent lighting 
unless  installed inside of a display case.  
iv. If there is qualifying very valuable display case lighting in accordance with Section 
140.6(c)3Jii, the smallest of the following separate lighting power for display 
cases presenting very valuable display items is permitted:  
a. The product of the area of the primary function and 0.50 watt per square 
foot; or  
b. The product of the area of the display case and 7 watts per square foot; or  
c. The adjusted indoor lighting power of lighting for very valuable displays.  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards    Page 383 
SECTION 140.6 – PRESCRIPTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR INDOOR LIGHTING  TABLE 140.6 -A LIGHTING POWER ADJUSTMENT FACTORS (PAF)  
TYPE OF CONTROL  TYPE OF AREA  FACTOR  
1. Daylight Continuous Dimming plus OFF 
Control  Luminaires in skylit daylit zone or primary sidelit daylit zone or 
secondary sidelit daylit zone  0.10  
2. Occupant Sensing Controls in Offices 
Larger than 250 square feet  One sensor controlling an area that is:  
No larger than 125 square feet  0.30  
2. Occupant Sensing Controls in Offices 
Larger than 250 square feet  One sensor controlling an area that is:  
From 126 to 250 square feet  0.20  
3.Institutional Tuning  Luminaires in non -daylit areas.  
Luminaires that qualify for other PAFs in this table may also qualify 
for this tuning PAF.  0.10  
3.Institutional Tuning  Luminaires in daylit areas.  
Luminaires that qualify for other PAFs in this table may also qualify 
for this tuning PAF.  0.05  
4. Demand Responsive Control  General lighting luminaires not in the scope of Section 110.12(c).  
Luminaires that qualify for other PAFs in this table may also qualify 
for this demand responsive control PAF  0.05  
5. Clerestory Fenestration  Luminaires in daylit areas adjacent to the clerestory.  
Luminaires that qualify for daylight dimming plus OFF control may 
also qualify for this PAF.  0.05  
6. Horizontal Slats  Luminaires in daylit areas adjacent to vertical fenestration with 
interior or exterior horizontal slats.  
Luminaires that qualify for daylight dimming plus OFF control may 
also qualify for this PAF.  0.05  
7.Light Shelves  Luminaires in daylit areas adjacent to clerestory fenestration with 
interior or exterior light shelves. This PAF may be combined with 
the PAF for clerestory fenestration.  
Luminaires that qualify for daylight dimming  plus OFF control may 
also qualify for this PAF  0.10  
a. To qualify for any of the Power Adjustment Factors in this table, the installation shall comply with the applicable requir ements in Section 
140.6(a)2  
b. Only one PAF may be used for each qualifying luminaire unless combined below.  
c. Lighting controls that are required for compliance with Part 6 shall not be eligible for a PAF  
  Page 384 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 140.6 – PRESCRIPTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR INDOOR LIGHTING  TABLE 140.6 -B COMPLETE BUILDING METHOD LIGHTING POWER DENSITY VALUES  
TYPE OF BUILDING  ALLOWED LIGHTING POWER DENSITY (WATTS 
PER SQUARE FOOT)  
Assembly Building  0.65  
Bank or Financial Institution Building  0.65  
Grocery Store Building  0.90  
Gymnasium Building  0.60  
Healthcare Facility  0.90  
Industrial/Manufacturing Facility Building  0.60  
Library Building  0.70  
Motion Picture Theater Building  0.60  
Museum Building  0.65  
Office Building  0.60  
Parking Garage Building  0.13  
Performing Arts Theater Building  0.75  
Religious Facility Building  0.70  
Restaurant Building  0.65  
Retail Store Building  0.90  
School Building  0.60  
Sports Arena Building  0.75  
All other buildings  0.40  
 
  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards    Page 385 
SECTION 140.6 – PRESCRIPTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR INDOOR LIGHTING  TABLE 140.6 -C AREA CATEGORY METHOD - LIGHTING POWER DENSITY VALUES (WATTS/FT²)  
  Building Type /Use  Primary Function Area  Allowed Lighting Power 
Density for General 
Lighting (W/ft2) Additional Lighting 
Power  
 Qualified Lighting 
Systems  Additional Lighting 
Power  
 Additional Allowance  3  
(W/ft², unless noted 
otherwise)  
Aging Eye/Low -vision11 Corridor Area  0.70  Decorative/Display  0.30  
Aging Eye/Low -vision11 Dining  0.80  Decorative/Display  0.30  
Aging Eye/Low -vision11 NA 0.80  Tunable white or dim -
to-warm10 0.10  
Aging Eye/Low -vision11 Lobby, Main Entry  0.85  Decorative/Display  0.30  
Aging Eye/Low -vision11 Lobby, Main Entry  0.85  Transition Lighting OFF 
at night12 0.95  
Aging Eye/Low -vision11 Lobby, Main Entry  0.85  Tunable white or dim -
to-warm10 0.10  
Aging Eye/Low -vision11 Lounge/Waiting Area  0.80  Decorative/Display  0.30  
Aging Eye/Low -vision11 Lounge/Waiting Area  0.80  Tunable white or dim-
to-warm10 0.10  
Aging Eye/Low -vision11 Multipurpose Room  0.85  Decorative/Display  0.30  
Aging Eye/Low -vision11 Multipurpose Room  0.85  Tunable white or dim -
to-warm10 0.10  
Aging Eye/Low -vision11 Religious Worship Area  1.00  Decorative/Display  0.30  
Aging Eye/Low -vision11 Religious Worship Area  1.00  Tunable white or dim -
to-warm10 0.10  
Aging Eye/Low -vision11 Restroom  1.00  Decorative/Display  0.20  
Aging Eye/Low -vision11 Stairwell  0.80  Decorative/Display  0.30  
Audience Seating Area  NA 0.50  Decorative/Display  0.25  
Auditorium Area  NA 0.70  Decorative/Display  0.45  
Auto Repair / Maintenance 
Area  NA 0.55  Detailed Task Work7 0.20  
Barber, Beauty Salon, Spa 
Area  NA 0.70  Detailed Task Work7 0.30  
Barber, Beauty Salon, Spa 
Area  NA 0.70  Decorative/Display  0.25  
Civic Meeting Place Area  NA 0.90  Decorative/Display  0.25  
Classroom, Lecture, Training, 
Vocational Area  NA 0.60  White or Chalk Board1 7 W/ft  
Concourse and Atria Area  NA 0.60  Decorative/Display  0.25  
Convention, Conference, 
Multipurpose and Meeting 
Area  NA 
0.75  Decorative /Display  0.25  
Convention, Conference, 
Multipurpose and Meeting 
Area  NA NA Wall Display MH <= 
10’6”  2 W/ft  
Convention, Conference, 
Multipurpose and Meeting 
Area  NA NA Wall Display MH 10’7” - 
14’ 2.35 W/ft  
Convention, Conference, 
Multipurpose and Meeting 
Area  NA NA 
Wall Display MH > 14’  2.66 W/ft  Page 386 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 140.6 – PRESCRIPTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR INDOOR LIGHTING  CONTINUED: TABLE 140.6 -C AREA CATEGORY METHOD - LIGHTING POWER DENSITY VALUES 
(WATTS/FT²)  
  Building Type/Use  Primary Function 
Area  Allowed Lighting Power 
Density for General 
Lighting (W/ft2) Additional Lighting Power  
 Qualified Lighting 
Systems  Additional Lighting Power  
 Additional Allowance  3  (W/ft², 
unless noted otherwise)  
Convention, Conference, 
Multipurpose and 
Meeting Area  NA NA Floor Display & Task MH 
<= 10’6”  0.30  
Convention, Conference, 
Multipurpose and 
Meeting Area  NA NA Floor Display & Task MH 
10’7” - 14’ 0.35  
Convention, Conference, 
Multipurpose and 
Meeting Area  NA NA Floor Display & Task MH > 
14’ 0.40  
Copy Room  NA 0.50  NA NA 
Corridor Area  NA 0.40  Decorative/Display  0.25  
Dining Area  Bar/Lounge and Fine 
Dining  0.45  Decorative /Display  0.35  
Dining Area  Bar/Lounge and Fine 
Dining  NA Wall Display MH <= 10’6”  1.25 W/ft  
Dining Area  Bar/Lounge and Fine 
Dining  NA Wall Display MH 10’7” - 
14’ 1.5 W/ft  
Dining Area  Bar/Lounge and Fine 
Dining  NA Wall Display MH > 14’  1.7 W/ft  
Dining Area  Bar/Lounge and Fine 
Dining  NA Floor Display & Task MH 
<= 10’6”  0.45  
Dining Area  Bar/Lounge and Fine 
Dining  NA Floor Display & Task MH 
10’7” - 14’ 0.52  
Dining Area  Bar/Lounge and Fine 
Dining  NA Floor Display & Task MH > 
14’ 0.60  
Dining Area  Bar/Lounge and Fine 
Dining  NA General Lighting in the 
enclosed  space of ceiling 
height > 10’  0.25  
Dining Area  Cafeteria/Fast Food  0.45  Decorative/Display  0.25  
Dining Area  Family and Leisure  0.40  Decorative/Display  0.25  
Electrical, Mechanical, 
Telephone Rooms  NA 0.40  Detailed Task Work7 0.20  
Exercise/Fitness Center 
and Gymnasium Area  NA 0.50  NA NA 
Financial Transaction Area  NA 0.70  Decorative/Display  0.25  
Healthcare Facility and 
Hospitals  Exam/Treatment 
Room  1.15  NA NA 
Healthcare Facility and 
Hospitals  Imaging Room  0.60  Decorative/Display  0.20  
Healthcare Facility and 
Hospitals  Imaging Room  0.60  Tunable white or dim -to-
warm10 0.10  
Healthcare Facility and 
Hospitals  Medical Supply Room  0.55  NA NA 
Healthcare Facility and 
Hospitals  Nursery  0.80  Tunable white or dim -to-
warm10 0.10  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards    Page 387 
SECTION 140.6 – PRESCRIPTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR INDOOR LIGHTING  CONTINUED: TABLE 140.6 -C AREA CATEGORY METHOD - LIGHTING POWER DENSITY VALUES 
(WATTS/FT²)  
  Building Type/Use  Primary Function Area  Allowed Lighting Power 
Density for General 
Lighting (W/ft2) Additional Lighting Power  
 Qualified Lighting 
Systems  Additional Lighting Power  
 Additional Allowance  3  
(W/ft², unless noted 
otherwise)  
Healthcare Facility and 
Hospitals  Nurse’s Station  0.85  Tunable white or dim -to-
warm10 0.10  
Healthcare Facility and 
Hospitals  Nurse’s Station  0.85  Detailed Task Work7 0.20  
Healthcare Facility and 
Hospitals  Operating Room  1.90  NA NA 
Healthcare Facility and 
Hospitals  Patient Room  0.70  Decorative/Display  0.15  
Healthcare Facility and 
Hospitals  Patient Room  0.70  Tunable white or dim -to-
warm10 0.10  
Healthcare Facility and 
Hospitals  Physical Therapy Room  0.75  Tunable white or dim -to-
warm10 0.10  
Healthcare Facility and 
Hospitals  Recovery Room  0.90  Tunable white or dim -to-
warm10 0.10  
Hotel Function Area  NA 0.85  Decorative/Display  0.25  
Kitchen/Food Preparation 
Area  NA 0.95  NA NA 
Laboratory, Scientific  NA 0.90  Specialized Task Work8 0.35  
Laundry Area  NA 0.45  - - 
Library  Reading Area  0.80  Decorative/Display  0.25  
Library  Stacks Area  1.00  NA NA 
Lobby, Main Entry  NA 0.70  Decorative /Display  0.25  
Lobby, Main Entry  NA NA Wall Display MH <= 10’6”  3 W/ft  
Lobby, Main Entry  NA NA Wall Display MH 10’7” - 
14’ 3.5 W/ft  
Lobby, Main Entry  NA NA Wall Display MH > 14’  4 W/ft  
Locker Room  NA 0.45  NA NA 
Lounge, Breakroom, or 
Waiting Area  NA 0.55  Decorative/Display  0.25  
Manufacturing, 
Commercial & Industrial 
Work Area  Low Bay  0.60  Detailed Task Work7 0.20  
Manufacturing, 
Commercial & Industrial 
Work Area  High Bay  0.65  Detailed Task Work7 0.20  
Manufacturing, 
Commercial & Industrial 
Work Area  Precision  0.85  Precision Specialized 
Work9 0.70  
Museum Area  Exhibition/Display  0.60  Decorative/Display  0.45  
Museum Area  Restoration Room  0.70  Detailed Task Work7 0.35  
Office Area  > 250 square feet  0.60  Decorative/Display and 
Portable lighting for office 
areas6 0.20  
Office Area  ≤ 250 square feet  0.65  Decorative/Display and 
Portable lighting for office 
areas6 0.20  Page 388 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 140.6 – PRESCRIPTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR INDOOR LIGHTING  CONTINUED: TABLE 140.6 -C AREA CATEGORY METHOD - LIGHTING POWER DENSITY VALUES 
(WATTS/FT²)  
Building Type/Use  Primary Function Area  Allowed Lighting Power 
Density for General 
Lighting (W/ft2) Additional Lighting Power  
 Qualified Lighting 
Systems  Additional Lighting Power  
 Additional Allowance  3  
(W/ft², unless noted 
otherwise)  
Office Area  NA NA Decorative/Display and 
Portable lighting for office 
areas6 0.20  
Parking Garage Area  Parking Zone and Ramps  0.10  First ATM or Ticket 
Machine  100 W  
Parking Garage Area  Parking Zone and Ramps  0.10  Additional ATM or Ticket 
Machine  50 W each  
Parking Garage Area  Daylight Adaptation 
Zones2 1.00  NA NA 
Pharmacy Area   1.00  Specialized Task Work8 0.35  
Retail Sales Area  Grocery Sales  1.00  Decorative /Display  0.35  
Retail Sales Area  Grocery Sales  NA Wall Display MH <= 10’6”  6.6 W/ft  
Retail Sales Area  Grocery Sales  NA Wall Display MH 10’7” - 
14’ 7.76 W/ft  
Retail Sales Area  Grocery Sales  NA Wall Display MH > 14’  8.8 W/ft  
Retail Sales Area  Grocery Sales  NA Floor Display & Task MH 
<= 10’6”  0.60  
Retail Sales Area  Grocery Sales  NA Floor Display & Task MH 
10’7” - 14’ 0.70  
Retail Sales Area  Grocery Sales  NA Floor Display & Task MH > 
14’ 0.80  
Retail Sales Area  Grocery Sales  NA General Lighting in the 
enclosed space of ceiling 
height > 10’  0.10  
Retail Sales Area  Retail Merchandise Sales  0.95  Decorative /Display  0.35  
Retail Sales Area  Retail Merchandise Sales  NA Wall Display MH <= 10’6”  9.5 W/ft  
Retail Sales Area  Retail Merchandise Sales  NA Wall Display MH 10’7” - 
14’ 11.2 W/ft  
Retail Sales Area  Retail Merchandise Sales  NA Wall Display MH > 14’  12.7 W/ft  
Retail Sales Area  Retail Merchandise Sales  NA Floor Display & Task MH 
<= 10’6”  0.45  
Retail Sales Area  Retail Merchandise Sales  NA Floor Display & Task MH 
10’7” - 14’ 0.52  
Retail Sales Area  Retail Merchandise Sales  NA Floor Display & Task MH > 
14’ 0.60  
Retail Sales Area  Retail Merchandise Sales  NA Valuable Display Case  0.50  
Retail Sales Area  
Retail Merchandise Sales  NA General Lighting in the 
enclosed space of ceiling 
height > 10’  0.10  
Retail Sales Area  Fitting Room  0.60  External Illuminated 
Mirror5 40 W/ea  
Retail Sales Area  Fitting Room  0.60  Internal Illuminated 
Mirror5 120 W/ea  
Religious Worship Area   0.95  Decorative/Display  0.25  
Restrooms   0.65  Decorative/Display  0.35  
Stairwell   0.60  Decorative/Display  0.35  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards    Page 389 
SECTION 140.6 – PRESCRIPTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR INDOOR LIGHTING  CONTINUED: TABLE 140.6 -C AREA CATEGORY METHOD - LIGHTING POWER DENSITY VALUES 
(WATTS/FT²)  Building Type/Use  Primary Function Area  Allowed Lighting Power 
Density for General 
Lighting (W/ft2) Additional Lighting Power  
 Qualified Lighting 
Systems  Additional Lighting Power  
 Additional Allowance  3  
(W/ft², unless noted 
otherwise)  
Storage, 
Commercial/Industrial  Warehouse  0.40  NA NA 
Building Type/Use  Primary Function Area  Allowed Lighting Power 
Density for General 
Lighting (W/ft2) Additional Lighting Power  
 Qualified Lighting 
Systems  Additional Lighting Power  
 Additional Allowance  3  
(W/ft², unless noted 
otherwise)  
Storage, 
Commercial/Industrial  Shipping & Handling  0.60  NA NA 
Sports Arena – Playing 
Area  Class I Facility13 2.25  NA NA 
Sports Arena – Playing 
Area  Class II Facility13 1.45  NA NA 
Sports Arena – Playing 
Area  Class III Facility13 1.10  NA NA 
Sports Arena – Playing 
Area  Class IV Facility13 0.75  NA NA 
Theater Area  Motion picture  0.50  Decorative/Display  0.25  
Theater Area  Performance  0.80  Decorative/Display  0.25  
Transportation Function  Baggage Area  0.40  NA NA 
Transportation Function  Ticketing Area  0.45  Decorative/Display  0.20  
Videoconferencing Studio  NA 0.90  Videoconferencing14 1.00  
All other  NA 0.40  NA NA Page 390 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 140.6 – PRESCRIPTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR INDOOR LIGHTING  Footnotes for Table  140.6 -C are listed below.  
1. White board or chalk board. – Directional lighting dedicated to a white board or chalk board.  
2. Daylight Adaptation Zones shall be no longer than 66 feet from the entrance to the parking garage.  
3. MH denotes  the luminaire mounting height  of the qualified lighting systems . Reserved  
4. Reserved  
5. Illuminated mirrors. Lighting shall be dedicated to the mirror.  
6. Portable lighting in office areas includes under shelf or furniture -mounted supplemental task lighting qualifies 
when controlled by a time clock or an occupancy sensor.  
7. Detailed task work – Lighting provides high level of visual acuity required for activities with close attention to 
small elements and/or extreme close up work.  
8. Specialized task work – Lighting provides for small -scale, cognitive or fast performance visual tasks; lighting 
required for operating specialized equipment associated with pharmaceutical/laboratorial activities.  
9. Precision specialized work – Lighting for work performed within a commercial or industrial environment that 
entails working with low contrast, finely detailed, or fast moving objects.   
10. Tunable white luminaires capable of color change greater than or equal to 2000K CCT, or dim -to-warm 
luminaires capable of color change greater than or equal to 500K CCT, connected to controls that allows color 
changing of the luminaires.  
11. Aging Eye/Low -vision areas can be documented as being designed to comply with the light levels in ANSI/IES 
RP-28 and are or will be licensed by local or state authorities for either senior long -term care, adult day care, senior 
support, and/or people w ith special visual needs.  
12. Transition lighting OFF at night. Lighting power controlled by astronomical time clock or other control to shut 
off lighting at night. Additional LPD only applies to area within 30 feet of an exit. Not applicable to lighting in daylit 
zones.  
13. Class I Facility is used for competition play for 5000 or more spectators. Class II Facility is used for competition 
play for up to 5000 spectators. Class III Facility is used for competition play for up to 2000 spectators. Class IV 
Facility is normall y used for recreational play and there is limited or no provision for spectators.  
14. The additional videoconferencing lighting power shall be allowed provided the videoconferencing studio meets 
all the requirements of Section 140.6(c)2Gvii.  
  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards    Page 391 
SECTION 140.6 – PRESCRIPTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR INDOOR LIGHTING  TABLE 140.6 -D  TAILORED METHOD LIGHTING POWER ALLOWANCES  
1 2 3 4 5 
Primary Function Area  General 
Illumination 
Level (Lux)  Wall Display 
Lighting 
Power 
Density 
(W/ft)  Allowed 
Combined 
Floor Display 
Power and 
Task Lighting 
Power Density 
(W/ft²)  Allowed Decorative/ Special 
Effect Lighting  
Power Density (W/ft²)  
Auditorium Area  300 3.00  0.20  0.35  
Convention, Conference, Multipurpose, 
and Meeting Center Areas  300 2.00  0.30  0.35  
Dining Areas  200 1.25  0.45  0.35  
Exhibit, Museum Areas  150 11.20  0.70  0.35  
Hotel Area:      
Ballroom/Events  400 1.80  0.12  0.35  
 Lobby  200 3.40  0.20  0.35  
Lobby, Main entry  200 3.40  0.20  0.35  
Religious Worship Area  300 1.30  0.40  0.35  
Retail Sales      
Grocery  600 6.60  0.60  0.35  
Merchandise Sales, and 
Showroom Areas  500 11.50  0.70  0.35  
Theater Area:      
 Motion picture  200 2.00  0.20  0.35  
 Performance Arts  200 7.30  0.20  0.35  
TABLE 140.6 -E  TAILORED WALL AND FLOOR DISPLAY MOUNTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT 
FACTORS  
Height in feet above finished floor and bottom of 
luminaire(s)  Floor Display or Wall Display Mounting Height Adjustment Factor  
 ≤ 10’ -6” 1.00  
> 10’ -6” to 14’ -0”  0.85  
>14’ -0” to 18’ -0” 0.75  
> 18’ -0” 0.70  
 
14Page 392 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 140.6 – PRESCRIPTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR INDOOR LIGHTING  TABLE 140.6 -F ROOM CAVITY RATIO (RCR) EQUATIONS  
Determine the Room Cavity Ratio for TABLE 140.6 -G using one of the following equations.  
Room cavity ratio for rectangular rooms  
 
Room cavity ratio for irregular -shaped rooms  
 
Where: L =Length of room;  W = Width of room;  H =Vertical distance from the work plane to the centerline of the lighting fixture;  P = 
Perimeter of room, and  A = Area of room  
TABLE 140.6 -G  TAILORED METHOD GENERAL LIGHTING POWER ALLOWED – BY ILLUMINANCE AND ROOM 
CAVITY RATIO  
General Lighting Power Density (W/ft²) for the following RCR valuesb 
General Illuminance 
Level  
(lux)a RCR ≤ 2.0  RCR > 2.0 and ≤ 3.5  RCR > 3.5 and ≤ 7.0  RCR > 7.0  
150 0.35  0.40  0.50  0.65  
200 0.40  0.50  0.65  0.85  
300 0.55  0.70  0.85  1.20  
400 0.65  0.80  1.05  1.25  
500 0.80  0.90  1.25  1.55  
600 0.90  1.05  1.40  2.00  
a Illuminance values from Column 2 of TABLE 140.6 -D. 
b RCR values are calculated using applicable equations in TABLE 140.6 -F. 
 
Note : Authority: Sections 25213, 25218, 25218.5, 25402 and 25402.1, Public Resources Code. Reference: Sections 
25007, 25008, 25218.5, 25310, 25402, 25402.1, 25402.4, 25402.5, 25402.8, and 25943, Public Resources Code.  
WLWLHRCR+=) ( 5
APHRCR=5.22025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards    Page 393 
SECTION 140.7 – PRESCRIPTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR OUTDOOR LIGHTING  SECTION 140.7 – PRESCRIPTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR OUTDOOR LIGHTING  
(a) An outdoor lighting installation complies with this section if it meets the requirements in 
Subsections (b) and (c), and the actual outdoor lighting power installed is no greater than 
the allowed outdoor lighting power calculated under Subsection (d). The allowed outdoor 
lighting shall be calculated according to outdoor lighting zone in Title 24, Part 1, Section 10 -
114.  
Exceptions  to Section 140.7(a):  When more than 50 percent of the light from a luminaire 
falls within one or more of the following applications, the lighting power for that luminaire 
shall not be required to comply  with  be exempt from  Section 140.7:  
1. Temporary outdoor lighting.  
2. Lighting required and regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration, and the Coast 
Guard.  
3. Lighting for public streets, roadways, highways , and traffic signage lighting, including 
lighting for driveway entrances occurring in the public right -of-way.  
4. Lighting for sports and athletic fields, and children’s playgrounds.  
5. Lighting for industrial sites, including but not limited to, rail yards, maritime shipyards 
and docks, piers and marinas, chemical and petroleum processing plants, and aviation 
facilities.  
6. Lighting of public monuments.  
7. Lighting of signs complying with the requirements of Sections 130.3 and 140.8.  
8. Lighting of tunnels, bridges, stairs, wheelchair elevator lifts for American with Disabilities 
Act (ADA) compliance, and ramps that are other than parking garage ramps.  
9. Landscape lighting.  
10. In theme parks: outdoor lighting only for themes and special effects.  
11. Lighting for outdoor theatrical and other outdoor live performances, provided that these 
lighting systems are additions to area lighting systems and are controlled by a multi -
scene or theatrical cross -fade control station accessible only to authorized operators.  
12. Outdoor lighting systems for qualified historic buildings, as defined in the California 
Historic Building Code (Title 24, Part 8), if they consist solely of historic lighting 
components or replicas of historic lighting components. If lighting systems f or qualified 
historic buildings contain some historic lighting components or replicas of historic 
components, combined with other lighting components, only those historic or historic 
replica components are exempt. All other outdoor lighting systems for qua lified historic 
buildings shall comply with Section 140.7.  
(b) Outdoor lighting power trade -offs.  Outdoor lighting power trade -offs shall be determined as 
follows:  
1. Allowed lighting power determined according to Section 140.7(d)1 for general hardscape 
lighting allowance may be traded to specific applications in Section 140.7(d)2, provided Page 394 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 140.7 – PRESCRIPTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR OUTDOOR LIGHTING  the hardscape area from which the lighting power is traded continues to be illuminated 
in accordance with Section 140.7(d)1A.  
2. Allowed lighting power determined according to Section 140.7(d)2 for additional lighting 
power allowances for specific applications shall not be traded between specific 
applications, or to hardscape lighting in Section 140.7(d)1.  
3. Trading of lighting power allowances between outdoor and indoor areas shall not be 
permitted.  
(c) Calculation of actual lighting power.  The wattage of outdoor luminaires shall be determined 
in accordance with Section 130.0(c).  
(d) Calculation of allowed lighting power . The allowed lighting power shall be the combined 
total of the sum of the general hardscape lighting allowance determined in accordance with 
Section 140.7(d)1, and the sum of the additional lighting power allowance for specific 
applications determined in a ccordance with Section 140.7(d)2.  
1. General hardscape lighting allowance . Determine the general hardscape lighting power 
allowances as follows:  
A. The general hardscape area of a site shall include parking lot(s), roadway(s), 
driveway(s), sidewalk(s), walkway(s), bikeway(s), plaza(s), bridge(s), tunnel(s), and 
other improved area(s) that are illuminated. In plan view of the site, determine the 
illumi nated hardscape area, which is defined as any hardscape area that is within a 
square pattern around each luminaire or pole that is ten times the luminaire 
mounting height with the luminaire in the middle of the pattern, less any areas that 
are within a bui lding, beyond the hardscape area, beyond property lines or 
obstructed by a structure. The illuminated hardscape area shall include portions of 
planters and landscaped areas that are within the lighting application and are less 
than or equal to 10 feet wide  in the short dimensions and are enclosed by hardscape 
or other improvement on at least three sides. Multiply the illuminated hardscape 
area by the area wattage allowance  (AWA) from Table 140.7 -A for the appropriate 
lighting zone.  
B. Determine the perimeter length of the general hardscape area. The total perimeter 
shall not include portions of hardscape that are not illuminated according to Section 
140.7(d)1A. Multiply the hardscape perimeter by the linear wattage allowance (LWA) 
for hardscape from Table 140.7 -A for the appropriate lighting zone. The perimeter 
length for hardscape around landscaped areas and permanent planters shall be 
determined as follows:  
i. Landscaped areas completely enclosed within the hardscape area, and which 
have a width or length less than 10 feet wide, shall not be added to the 
hardscape perimeter length.  
ii. Landscaped areas completely enclosed within the hardscape area, and which 
width or length is a minimum of 10 feet wide, the perimeter of the landscaped 
areas or permanent planter shall be added to the hardscape perimeter length.  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards    Page 395 
SECTION 140.7 – PRESCRIPTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR OUTDOOR LIGHTING  iii. Landscaped edges that are not abutting the hardscape shall not be added to the 
hardscape perimeter length.  
C. Determine the Initial Wattage Allowance (IWA) for general hardscape lighting from 
Table 140.7 -A for the appropriate lighting zone. The hardscape area shall be 
permitted one IWA per site.  
D. The general hardscape lighting allowance shall be the sum of the allowed watts 
determined from (A), (B) , and (C) above.  
2. Additional lighting power allowance  for specific applications . Additional lighting power 
for specific applications shall be the smaller of the additional lighting allowances for 
specific applications determined in accordance with Table 140.7 -B for the appropriate 
lighting zone, or the actual installed lighting power meeting the requirements for the 
allowance.  Page 396 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 140.7 – PRESCRIPTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR OUTDOOR LIGHTING  TABLE 140.7 -A GENERAL HARDSCAPE LIGHTING POWER ALLOWANCE  
1 Continuous lighting is explicitly prohibited in Lighting Zone 0. A single luminaire of 
15 Watts or less may be installed at an entrance to a parking area, trail head, fee 
payment kiosk, outhouse, or toilet facility, as required to provide safe navigation o f 
the site infrastructure. Luminaires installed shall meet the maximum zonal lumen 
limits as specified in Section 130.2(b).  
2 RESERVED.  
3 Narrow band spectrum light sources with a dominant peak wavelength greater than 
580 nm – as mandated by local, state, or federal agencies to minimize the impact on 
local, active professional astronomy or nocturnal habitat of specific local fauna – shall 
be allowed a 2.0 lighting power allowance multiplier.  
 Type of Power 
Allowance  Lighting Zone 03 Lighting Zone 13 Lighting Zone 23 Lighting Zone 33 Lighting Zone 43 
Area Wattage 
Allowance (AWA)  No allowance1 0.016 W/ft²  0.019 W/ft²  0.021 W/ft²  0.024 W/ft²  
Linear Wattage 
Allowance (LWA)  No allowance1 0.13 W/lf  0.15 W/lf  0.20 W/lf  0.29 W/lf  
Initial Wattage 
Allowance (IWA)  No allowance1 150 W  200 W  250 W  320 W  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards    Page 397 
SECTION 140.7 – PRESCRIPTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR OUTDOOR LIGHTING  TABLE 140.7 -B ADDITIONAL LIGHTING POWER ALLOWANCE FOR SPECIFIC APPLICATIONS  
All area and distance measurements in plan view unless otherwise noted.  
PER APPLICATION: WATTAGE ALLOWANCE PER APPLICATION. Use all that apply as appropriate.  
Lighting Application  Lighting 
Zone 0  Lighting 
Zone 1  Lighting 
Zone 2  Lighting 
Zone 3  Lighting 
Zone 4  
Building Entrances or Exits.  Allowance per door. 
Luminaires qualifying for this allowance shall be within 20 
feet of the door.  Not 
applicable  9  
watts  15  
watts  19  
watts  21  
watts  
Primary Entrances to Senior Care Facilities, Police 
Stations, Healthcare Facilities, Fire Stations, and 
Emergency Vehicle Facilities.  Allowance per primary 
entrance(s) only. Primary entrances shall provide access 
for the general public and shall not be used exclusively for 
staff or service personnel. This allowance shall be in 
addition to the building entrance or exit allowance above. 
Luminaires qualifying for this allowance shall be within 
100 feet of the primary entrance.  Not 
applicable  20  
watts  40  
watts  57  
watts  60  
watts  
Drive Up Windows.  Allowance per customer service 
location. Luminaires qualifying for this allowance shall be 
within 2 mounting heights of the sill of the window.  Not 
applicable  16  
watts  30  
watts  50  
watts  75  
watts  
Vehicle Service Station Uncovered Fuel Dispenser.  
Allowance per fueling dispenser. Luminaires qualifying for 
this allowance shall be within 2 mounting heights of the 
dispenser.  Not 
applicable  55  
watts  77  
watts  81  
watts  135  
watts  
ATM Machine Lighting. Allowance per ATM  machine . 
Luminaires qualifying for this allowance shall be within 50 
feet of the dispenser.  Not 
applicable  100 watts 
for first 
ATM  
machine , 
35 watts 
for each 
additional 
ATM  
machine .   100 watts 
for first 
ATM  
machine , 
35 watts 
for each 
additional 
ATM  
machine .   100 watts 
for first 
ATM  
machine , 
35 watts 
for each 
additional 
ATM  
machine .   100 watts 
for first 
ATM  
machine , 
35 watts 
for each 
additional 
ATM  
machine .   
 
CONTINUED: TABLE 140.7 -B ADDITIONAL LIGHTING POWER ALLOWANCE FOR SPECIFIC 
APPLICATIONS  
All area and distance measurements in plan view unless otherwise noted.  
PER APPLICATION: WATTAGE ALLOWANCE PER UNIT LENGTH (w/linear ft). May be used for one 
or two frontage side(s) per site.  
Lighting Application  Lighting 
Zone 0  Lighting 
Zone 1  Lighting 
Zone 2  Lighting 
Zone 3  Lighting 
Zone 4  
Outdoor Sales Frontage.  Allowance for frontage 
immediately adjacent to the principal viewing 
location(s) and unobstructed for its viewing length. A 
corner sales lot may include two adjacent sides 
provided that a different principal viewing location 
exists for each side. Luminair es qualifying for this 
allowance shall be located between the principal 
viewing location and the frontage outdoor sales area.  Not 
applicable  No 
Allowance  11  
W/linear ft  19  
W/linear ft  25  
W/linear ft  
 
  Page 398 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 140.7 – PRESCRIPTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR OUTDOOR LIGHTING  CONTINUED: TABLE 140.7 -B ADDITIONAL LIGHTING POWER ALLOWANCE FOR SPECIFIC 
APPLICATIONS  
All area and distance measurements in plan view unless otherwise noted.  
PER APPLICATION: WATTAGE ALLOWANCE PER HARDSCAPE AREA (W/ft²). May be used for any 
illuminated hardscape area on the site.  
Lighting Application  Lighting 
Zone 0  Lighting 
Zone 1  Lighting 
Zone 2  Lighting 
Zone 3  Lighting 
Zone 4  
Hardscape Ornamental Lighting.  Allowance for the total 
site illuminated hardscape area. Luminaires qualifying for 
this allowance shall be rated for 50 watts or less as 
determined in accordance with Section 130.0(c), and 
shall be post -top luminaires, lanterns, pendant 
luminaires, or cha ndeliers.  Not 
applicable  No 
Allowance  0.007  
W/ft²  0.013  
W/ft²  0.019  
W/ft²  
 
CONTINUED: TABLE 140.7 -B ADDITIONAL LIGHTING POWER ALLOWANCE FOR SPECIFIC 
APPLICATIONS  
All area and distance measurements in plan view unless otherwise noted.  
PER APPLICATION: WATTAGE ALLOWANCE PER SPECIFIC AREA (W/ft²). Use as appropriate 
provided that none of the following specific applications shall be used for the same area.  
Lighting Application  Lighting 
Zone 0  Lighting 
Zone 1  Lighting 
Zone 2  Lighting 
Zone 3  Lighting 
Zone 4  
Building Facades.  Only areas of building façade that are 
illuminated shall qualify for this allowance. Luminaires 
qualifying for this allowance shall be aimed at the façade 
and shall be capable of illuminating it without 
obstruction or interference by permanent building 
features or other objects.  Not 
applicable  No 
Allowance  0.100  
W/ft²  0.170  
W/ft²  0.225  
W/ft²  
Outdoor Sales Lots.  Allowance for uncovered sales lots 
used exclusively for the display of vehicles or other 
merchandise for sale. Driveways, parking lots or other 
non-sales areas shall be considered hardscape areas 
even if these areas are completely surrounded by sales 
lot on all sides. Luminaires qualifying for this allowance 
shall be within 5 mounting heights of the sales lot area.  Not 
applicable  0.060  
W/ft²  0.210  
W/ft²  0.280  
W/ft²  0.485  
W/ft²  
Vehicle Service Station Hardscape.  Allowance for the 
total illuminated hardscape area less area of buildings, 
under canopies, off property, or obstructed by signs or 
structures. Luminaires qualifying for this allowance shall 
be illuminating the hardscape area and shall not be 
within a buil ding, below a canopy, beyond property lines, 
or obstructed by a sign or other structure.  Not 
applicable  0.006 
W/ft²  0.068 
W/ft²  0.138 
W/ft²  0.200 
W/ft²  
Vehicle Service Station Canopies.  Allowance for the total 
area within the drip line of the canopy. Luminaires 
qualifying for this allowance shall be located under the 
canopy.  Not 
applicable  0.220  
W/ft²  0.430  
W/ft²   0.580  
W/ft²  1.010  
W/ft²  
  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards    Page 399 
SECTION 140.7 – PRESCRIPTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR OUTDOOR LIGHTING  CONTINUED: TABLE 140.7 -B ADDITIONAL LIGHTING POWER ALLOWANCE FOR SPECIFIC 
APPLICATIONS  
All area and distance measurements in plan view unless otherwise noted.  
PER APPLICATION: WATTAGE ALLOWANCE PER SPECIFIC AREA (W/ft²). Use as appropriate 
provided that none of the following specific applications shall be used for the same area.  
Lighting Application  Lighting 
Zone 0  Lighting 
Zone 1  Lighting 
Zone 2  Lighting 
Zone 3  Lighting 
Zone 4  
Sales Canopies.  Allowance for the total area within the 
drip line of the canopy. Luminaires qualifying for this 
allowance shall be located under the canopy.  Not 
applicable  No 
Allowance  0.470  
W/ft²  0.622  
W/ft²  0.740 
W/ft²  
Non -sales Canopies and Tunnels.  Allowance for the total 
area within the drip line of the canopy or inside the 
tunnel. Luminaires qualifying for this allowance shall be 
located under the canopy or tunnel.  Not 
applicable  0.057  
W/ft²  0.137  
W/ft²  0.270 
W/ft²  0.370  
W/ft²  
Guard Stations.  Allowance up to 1,000 square feet per 
vehicle lane. Guard stations provide access to secure 
areas controlled by security personnel who stop and may 
inspect vehicles and vehicle occupants, including 
identification, documentation, vehicle license plates, an d 
vehicle contents. Qualifying luminaires shall be within 2 
mounting heights of a vehicle lane or the guardhouse.  Not 
applicable  0.081  
W/ft²  0.176  
W/ft²  0.325 
W/ft²  0.425  
W/ft²  
Student Pick -up/Drop -off zone.  Allowance for the area of 
the student pick -up/drop -off zone, with or without 
canopy, for preschool through 12th grade school 
campuses. A student pick -up/drop off zone is a curbside, 
controlled traffic area on a school campus where students 
are picked -up a nd dropped off from vehicles. The allowed 
area shall be the smaller of the actual width or 25 feet, 
times the smaller of the actual length or 250 feet. 
Qualifying luminaires shall be within 2 mounting heights 
of the student pi ck-up/drop -off zone.  Not 
applicable  No 
Allowance  0.056 
W/ft²  0.200 
W/ft²  No 
Allowance  
Outdoor Dining.  Allowance for the total illuminated 
hardscape of outdoor dining. Outdoor dining areas are 
hardscape areas used to serve and consume food and 
beverages. Qualifying luminaires shall be within 2 
mounting heights of the hardscape area of outdoor 
dining.  Not 
applicable  0.004 
W/ft²  0.030  
W/ft²  0.050  
W/ft²  0.075 
W/ft²  
 Page 400 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 140.7 – PRESCRIPTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR OUTDOOR LIGHTING  CONTINUED: TABLE 140.7 -B ADDITIONAL LIGHTING POWER ALLOWANCE FOR SPECIFIC 
APPLICATIONS  
All area and distance measurements in plan view unless otherwise noted.  
PER SITE: WATTAGE ALLOWANCE PER HARDSCAPE AREA (W/ft²). May be used as additional 
allowance for applicable illuminated hardscape area on the site.  
Lighting Application  Lighting 
Zone 0  Lighting 
Zone 1  Lighting 
Zone 2  Lighting 
Zone 3  Lighting 
Zone 4  
Special Security Lighting for Retail Parking and 
Pedestrian Hardscape.  This additional allowance is for 
illuminated retail parking and pedestrian hardscape 
identified as having special security needs. This 
allowance shall be in addition to the building entrance or 
exit allowance.  Not 
applicable  0.004 
W/ft²  0.005 
W/ft²  0.010 
W/ft²  No 
Allowance  
 
CONTINUED: TABLE 140.7 -B ADDITIONAL LIGHTING POWER ALLOWANCE FOR SPECIFIC 
APPLICATIONS  
All area and distance measurements in plan view unless otherwise noted.  
PER SITE: WATTAGE ALLOWANCE PER HARDSCAPE AREA (W/ft²). May be used as additional 
allowance for applicable illuminated hardscape area on the site.  
Lighting Application  Lighting 
Zone 0  Lighting 
Zone 1  Lighting 
Zone 2  Lighting 
Zone 3  Lighting 
Zone 4  
Security C ameras. This additional allowance is for 
illuminated general hardscape area. This allowance shall 
apply when a security camera is installed within 2 
mounting heights of the general hardscape area and 
mounted more than 10 feet away from a building.  Not 
applicable  No 
Allowance  0.018 
W/ft²  0.018 
W/ft²  0.018 
W/ft²  
 
NOTE:  Authority: Sections 25213, 25218, 25218.5, 25402 and 25402.1, Public Resources Code. Reference: Sections 
25007, 25008, 25218.5, 25310, 25402, 25402.1, 25402.4, 25402.5, 25402.8, and 25943, Public Resources Code.  
 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards    Page 401 
SECTION 140.8 – PRESCRIPTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR SIGNS  SECTION 140.8 – PRESCRIPTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR SIGNS  
This section applies to all internally illuminated and externally illuminated signs, unfiltered light 
emitting diodes (LEDs), and unfiltered neon, both indoor and outdoor. Each sign shall comply 
with either Subsection (a) or (b), as applicable.  
(a) Maximum allowed lighting power . 
1. For internally illuminated signs, the maximum allowed lighting power shall not exceed 
the product of the illuminated sign area and 12 watts per square foot. For double -faced 
signs, only the area of a single face shall be used to determine the allowed li ghting 
power.  
2. For externally illuminated signs, the maximum allowed lighting power shall not exceed 
the product of the illuminated sign area and 2.3 watts per square foot. Only areas of an 
externally lighted sign that are illuminated without obstruction or interferen ce, by one 
or more luminaires, shall be used.  
3. Lighting for unfiltered light emitting diodes (LEDs) and unfiltered neon shall comply with 
Section 140.8(b).  
(b) Alternate lighting sources . The sign shall be equipped with one or more of the following light 
sources:  
1. High pressure sodium lamps; or Reserved .  
2. Metal halide lamps that are:  Reserved.   
A. Pulse start or ceramic served by a ballast that has a minimum efficiency of 88 
percent or greater, or  
B. Pulse start that are 320 watts or smaller, are not 250 watt or 175 watt lamps, and are 
served by a ballast that has a minimum efficiency of 80 percent.  
Ballast efficiency is the reference lamp power divided by the ballast input power when 
tested according to ANSI C82.6 -2015.  
3. Neon or cold cathode lamps with transformer or power supply efficiency greater than or 
equal to the following:  
A. A minimum efficiency of 75 percent when the transformer or power supply rated 
output current is less than 50 mA; or  
B. A minimum efficiency of 68 percent when the transformer or power supply rated 
output current is 50 mA or greater.  
The ratio of the output wattage to the input wattage is at 100 percent tubing load.  
4. Fluorescent lighting systems meeting one of the following requirements:  Reserved.  
A. Use only lamps with a minimum color rendering index (CRI) of 80; or  
B. Use only electronic ballasts with a fundamental output frequency not less than 20 kHz.  
5. Light emitting diodes (LEDs) with a power supply having an efficiency of 80 percent or 
greater; or  Page 402 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 140.8 – PRESCRIPTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR SIGNS  Exception  to Section 140.8(b)5:  Single voltage external power supplies that are designed 
to convert 120 volt AC input into lower voltage DC or AC output and have a nameplate 
output power less than or equal to 250 watts, shall comply with the applicable 
requirements of the appliance effi ciency regulations Appliance Efficiency Regulations 
(Title 20).  
6. Compact fluorescent lamps that do not contain a medium screw base socket (E24/E26).  
Exception  1 to Section 140.8:  Unfiltered incandescent lamps that are not part of an 
electronic message center (EMC), an internally illuminated sign or an externally illuminated 
sign.  
Exception  2 to Section 140.8:  Exit signs.  Exit signs shall meet the requirements of the 
Appliance Efficiency Regulations.  
Exception  3 to Section 140.8:  Traffic Signs.  Traffic signs shall meet the requirements of the 
Appliance Efficiency Regulations.  
Note : Authority: Sections 25213, 25218, 25218.5, 25402 and 25402.1, Public Resources Code. 
Reference: Sections 25007, 25008, 25218.5, 25310, 25402, 25402.1, 25402.4, 25402.5, 25402.8, 
and 25943, Public Resources Code.  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards    Page 403 
SECTION 140.9 – PRESCRIPTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR COVERED PROCESSES  SECTION 140.9 – PRESCRIPTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR COVERED PROCESSES  
(a) Prescriptive Requirements for Computer Rooms.  Computer rooms with a power density 
greater than 20 W/ft2 shall comply with this section.  
1. Economizers.  Each individual cooling system primarily serving computer rooms shall 
include  either : 
A. An integrated air economizer capable of providing partial cooling even when 
additional mechanical cooling is required and capable of providing 100 percent of the 
expected system cooling load at 65°F to 80.6°F supply air temperature at outside air 
temperatures of 65°F dry -bulb and below or 50°F wet -bulb and below, and be 
equipped with a fault detection and diagnostic system as specified by Section 
120.2(i); or  
B. An integrated water economizer capable of providing partial cooling even when 
additional mechanical cooling is required and capable of providing  100 percent of the 
expected system cooling load at 65°F to 80.6°F supply air temperature  at outside air 
temperatures of 50°F dry -bulb  and below or 4 5°F wet -bulb and below.  
EXCEPTION 1 to Section 140.9(a)1:  Individual computer rooms with an ITE design load 
under 5 tons (18 kW) in a building that does not have any economizers.  
EXCEPTION 2 to Section 140.9(a)1:  A computer room with an ITE design load less than 
20 tons (70 kW) may be served by a second fan system without an economizer if it is also 
served by a fan system with an economizer that also serves other spaces within the 
building, provided that all of th e following are met:  
i. The economizer system is sized to meet the design cooling load of the computer 
room when the other spaces within the building are at 50 percent of their design 
load at outside air temperatures of 65°F dry -bulb and below or 50°F wet -bulb and 
below; and  
ii. The An economizer system  that can stop service to other spaces in the building 
when those spaces are unoccupied and  has the ability to serve  serve only the 
computer rooms . connected to it, e.g., shut off flow to other spaces within the 
building when unoccupied.  
2.  Power Consumption of Fans.  The total fan power at design conditions of each fan 
system shall not exceed 27 W/kBtu·h of net sensible cooling capacity.  
3.  Air Containment.  Computer rooms with air -cooled computers in racks and with a ITE 
design load exceeding 10 kW (2.8 tons) per room shall include air barriers such that 
there is no significant air path for computer discharge air to recirculate back to computer 
inlets withou t passing through a cooling system.  
EXCEPTION 1 to Section 140.9(a)3:  Expansions of existing computer rooms.  
EXCEPTION 2 to Section 140.9(a)3:  Computer racks with a design load less than 1 kW 
(0.28 tons) per rack.  Page 404 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 140.9 – PRESCRIPTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR COVERED PROCESSES  EXCEPTION 3 to Section 140.9(a)3:  Equivalent energy performance based on 
computational fluid dynamics or other analysis.  
4. Alternating Current -Output Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS).  Alternating current -
output UPS systems serving a computer room shall meet or exceed minimum average 
efficiencies in Table 140.9 -B. Minimum average efficiency for alternating current -output 
UPS shall meet or exceed calculation and testing requirements iden tified in ENERGY 
STAR Program Requirements for Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPSs) – Eligibility 
Criteria Version 2.0.  
where:  
P is the rated output power in watts (W).  
EMOD is an allowance of 0.004 for modular UPSs applicable in the commercial 1,500 -
10,000 W range.  
ln is the natural logarithm.  
The requirement shall be rounded to the third decimal place for certification and 
reporting.  
Exception  to Section  140.9(a)4:  Alternating current -output UPS that utilizes 
standardized NEMA 1 -15P or NEMA 5 -15P input plug, as specified in ANSI/NEMA WD -6-
2016.  
Table 140.9 -B Alternating Current -Output Uninterruptible Power Supply Minimum Average 
Efficiency  
AC Output  Voltage and 
Frequency Dependent  Voltage Independent  Voltage and Frequency 
Independent  
P≤350 W  5.71 x 10-5 x P + 0.962  5.71 x 10-5 x P + 0.964  0.011 x ln(P) + 0.824  
350 W<P≤1,500 W  0.982  0.984  0.011 x ln(P) + 0.824  
1,500 W<P≤10,000 W  0.981 – EMOD 0.980 – EMOD 0.0145 x ln(P) +0.800 – 
EMOD 
P>10,000 W  0.970  0.940  0.0058 x ln(P) + 0.886  
(b) Prescriptive requirements  for commercial kitchens . 
1. Kitchen exhaust systems.  
A. Replacement air introduced directly into the hood cavity of kitchen exhaust hoods 
shall not exceed 10 percent of the hood exhaust airflow rate.  
B. For kitchen/dining facilities having total Type I and Type II kitchen hood exhaust 
airflow rates greater than 5,000 cfm, each Type I hood shall have an exhaust rate 
that complies with Table 140.9 -C. If a single hood or hood section is installed over 
appliances with different duty ratings, then the maximum allowable flow rate for the 
hood or hood section shall not exceed the Table 140.9 -A values for the highest 
appliance duty rating under the hood or hood section. Refer to ASHRAE Standard 
154-2011 for def initions of hood type, appliance duty and next exhaust flow rate.  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards    Page 405 
SECTION 140.9 – PRESCRIPTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR COVERED PROCESSES  Exception  1 to Section 140.9(b)1B:  75 percent of the total Type I and Type II exhaust 
replacement air is transfer air that would otherwise be exhausted.  
Exception  2 to Section 140.9(b)1B:  Existing hoods not being replaced as part of an 
addition or alteration.  
TABLE 140.9 -C MAXIMUM NET EXHAUST FLOW RATE, CFM PER LINEAR FOOT OF HOOD LENGTH  
Type of Hood  Light Duty  
Equipment  Medium Duty  
Equipment  Heavy Duty  
Equipment  Extra Heavy  
Duty Equipment  
Wall -mounted  
Canopy  140 210 280 385 
Single Island  280 350 420 490 
Double Island  175 210 280 385 
Eyebrow  175 175 Not Allowed  Not Allowed  
Backshelf / 
Passover  210 210 280 Not Allowed  
2. Kitchen ventilation.  
A. Mechanically cooled or heated makeup air delivered to any space with a kitchen 
hood shall not exceed the greater of:  
i. The supply flow required to meet the space heating and cooling load; or  
ii. The hood exhaust flow minus the available transfer air from adjacent spaces. 
Available transfer air is that portion of outdoor ventilation air serving adjacent 
spaces not required to satisfy other exhaust needs, such as restrooms, not 
required to maint ain pressurization of adjacent spaces, and that would otherwise 
be relieved from the building.  
Exception  to Section 140.9(b)2A:  Existing kitchen makeup air units not being 
replaced as part of an addition or alteration.  
B. A kitchen/dining facility having a total Type I and Type II kitchen hood exhaust 
airflow rate greater than 5,000 cfm shall have one of the following:  
i. At least 50 percent of all replacement air is transfer air that would otherwise be 
exhausted; or  
ii. Demand ventilation system(s) on at least 75 percent of the exhaust air. Such 
systems shall:  
a. Include controls necessary to modulate airflow in response to appliance 
operation and to maintain full capture and containment of smoke, effluent 
and combustion products during cooking and idle; and  
b.  Include failsafe controls that result in full flow upon cooking sensor failure; 
and 
c. Include an adjustable timed override to allow occupants the ability to 
temporarily override the system to full flow; and  Page 406 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 140.9 – PRESCRIPTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR COVERED PROCESSES  d. Be capable of reducing exhaust and replacement air system airflow rates to 
the larger of:  
(i)  50 percent of the total design exhaust and replacement air system airflow 
rates; or  
(ii)  The ventilation rate required as specified by Section 120.1(c)3.  
iii. Listed energy recovery devices with a sensible heat recovery effectiveness of not 
less than 40 percent on at least 50 percent of the total exhaust airflow; or  
iv.  A minimum of 75 percent of makeup air volume that is:  
a. Unheated or heated to no more than 60°F; and  
b. Uncooled or cooled without the use of mechanical cooling.  
Exception  to Section 140.9(b)2B:  Existing hoods not being replaced as part of an 
addition or alteration.  
3. Kitchen exhaust system acceptance . Before an occupancy permit is granted for a 
commercial kitchen subject to Section 140.9(b), the following equipment and systems 
shall be certified as meeting the acceptance requirements  for code compliance , as 
specified by the Reference Nonresidential Appendix NA7. A certificate  of acceptance  
shall be submitted to the enforcement agency that certifies that the equipment and 
systems meet the acceptance requirements specified in NA7.11.  
Exception  to Section 140.9(b):  healthcare facilities.  
(c) Prescriptive requirements  for laboratory  and factory exhaust systems.   
1. Airflow reduction requirements . For buildings with Building  laboratory exhaust systems 
where the minimum circulation rate to comply with code or accreditation standards is 
10 ACH or less, the design exhaust airflow shall be capable ofto reduc eing zone exhaust 
and makeup airflow rates to the regulated minimum circulation rate, or the minimum 
required to maintain pressurization requirements, whichever is larger. Variable exhaust 
and makeup airflow shall be coordinated to achieve the required space pressurization at 
varied levels of demand and f an system capacity. occupied and unoccupied minimum 
exhaust airflow rates based on demand and sensed occupancy as follows : 
A. Occupied Minimum Exhaust Airflow. When occupant sensing controls sense 
occupants in the space, the minimum exhaust and makeup airflow rates shall be the 
greater of:  
i. Not to exceed 1.0 cfm/ft2 (equivalent to 6 air changes per hour for a 10 -foot high 
ceiling), or  
ii. The regulated minimum occupied circulation rate documented to comply with 
code, accreditation, or facility environmental health and safety department 
requirements, or  
iii. The minimum needed to maintain occupied pressurization.  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards    Page 407 
SECTION 140.9 – PRESCRIPTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR COVERED PROCESSES  B. Unoccupied Minimum Exhaust Airflow. Within 20 minutes of no occupancy being 
detected by any occupant sensors covering the space, the minimum exhaust and 
makeup airflow rates shall be the greater of : 
i. Not to exceed 0.67 cfm/ft2 (equivalent to 4 air changes per hours for a 10 -foot 
high ceiling), or  
ii. The regulated minimum unoccupied circulation rate documented to comply with 
code, accreditation, or facility environmental health and safety department 
requirements, or  
iii. The minimum needed to maintain unoccupied pressurization.  
C. Applicable equipment and systems shall be certified as meeting the acceptance 
requirements for code compliance, as specified by the reference Nonresidential 
Appendix NA7.16. A certificate of acceptance shall be submitted to the enforcement 
agency that certi fies that the equipment and systems meet the acceptance 
requirements specified in NA7.16.  
 
Exception  1 to Section 140.9(c)1:  Laboratory exhaust systems serving zones where 
constant volume is required by the authority having jurisdiction, facility environmental 
health & safety department or other applicable code.  
Exception 2 to Section 140.9(c)1:  New zones on an existing constant volume exhaust 
system.  
2. Exhaust System Transfer Air. Conditioned supply air delivered to any space with 
mechanical exhaust shall comply with the requirements of Section 140.4(o).  
3. Fan System Power Consumption.  All newly installed fan exhaust systems serving a 
laboratory or factory with a design exhaust fan system airflow rate greater than 10,000 
cfm shall meet Subsection A and either B, C, or D . Exhaust air  in laboratories or factories  
includes all indoor air and gases removed by the exhaust system including exhaust air 
from fume hoods, hazardous exhaust flows, or other manifolded exhaust streams. 
Exhaust fan system airflow rate is the total of the airflow rates entering the exhaust fans 
which includes exhaust air and bypass air but does not include entrained or induced 
airflow downstream of the exhaust fans. : 
A. System s serving laboratory  spaces  shall meet all discharge requirements in ANSI 
Z9.5 -2022 2012  Section 6.4 . 
B. The exhaust fan system electrical input power (Fan kW design,system ) determined per 
Section 140.4(c)1B at the fan system design airflow does not exceed Fan kW budget  as 
calculated per Section 140.4(c)1A.  
C. The exhaust fan system power shall not exceed 0.85 watts per cfm of exhaust  fan 
system  airflow  for systems with air filtration, scrubbers, or other air treatment 
devices. For all other exhaust fan systems the system power shall not exceed 0.65 
watts per cfm of exhaust fan system airflow . Exhaust fan system power equals the 
sum of the power of all fans in the exhaust system that are required to operate at Page 408 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 140.9 – PRESCRIPTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR COVERED PROCESSES  normal occupied design conditions in order to exhaust air from the conditioned 
space to the outdoors. Exhaust air does not include entrained air, but does include all 
exhaust air from fume hoods, hazardous exhaust flows, or other manifolded exhaust 
streams.  
 Exception  to Section 140.9(c)3B:  Laboratory exhaust systems where applicable local, 
state, or federal exhaust treatment requirements specify installation of air treatment 
devices that cause more than 1 in. of water pressure drop.  
CD. Exhaust system shall comply with all of the following:  
i. The sum of the occupied minimum circulation rates of the spaces served by the 
fan system shall be less than 60% of the exhaust fan system design airflow rate.  
ii. The design exhaust fan system power shall not exceed 1.3 watts per cfm of 
exhaust fan system airflow when operating under full load design conditions.  
iii. The system shall include variable speed controls so that exhaust system fans shall 
draw no more than 40% of the design fan power when the exhaust fan system 
airflow is 60% of the design airflow rate.  
iv. The exhaust fan system airflow rate shall not exceed the larger of:  
a. The sum of the space exhaust airflow rates served by the system, or  
b. The minimum acceptable exhaust fan system airflow rate.  
v. The minimum acceptable exhaust airflow rate , using the procedures and system 
definitions included in ANSI Z9.5 (2022) Appendix 3, shall be one of the following:  
a. Less than 60% of the exhaust fan system design airflow rate (simple 
turndown control system), or  
b. Dynamically reset based on measured wind speed and/or wind direction 
and assumes worst case emissions rate and shall be less than 60% of the 
exhaust fan system design airflow rate for at least 70% of the hours 
during a typical meteorological year (TY) for the site (wind responsive 
control system), or  
c. Dynamically reset based on measured contaminant concentration and 
shall be less than 60% of the exhaust fan system design airflow rate when 
measure d contaminants in the exhaust system plenum are below the 
threshold contaminant concentration value (monitored control system).  
vi. Exhaust system design and control results in calculated outdoor contaminant 
concentrations in compliance with applicable federal, state, or local regulations.  
vii. Applicable equipment and systems shall be certified as meeting the acceptance 
requirements for code compliance, as specified by the  reference Nonresidential 
Appendix NA7.16. A certificate of acceptanc e shall be submitted to the 
enforcement agency that certifies that the equipment and systems meet the 
acceptance requirements specified in NA7.16.  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards    Page 409 
SECTION 140.9 – PRESCRIPTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR COVERED PROCESSES  The volume flow rate at the stack shall vary based on the measured 5 -minute averaged 
wind speed and wind direction obtained from a calibrated local anemometer.  
i. At least one sonic anemometer or at least two anemometers of other types shall 
be installed in a location that experiences similar wind conditions to the free 
stream environment above the exhaust stacks and be at a height that is outside 
the wake region  of nearby structures.  
ii. Look -up tables shall be used to define the required exhaust volume flow rate, as 
a function of at least eight wind speeds and eight wind directions, to maintain 
downwind concentrations below health and odor limits, as defined by the 2018 
American Confe rence of Governmental Industrial Hygienists Threshold Limit 
Values and Biological Exposure Indices, for all contaminants, or as defined by 
applicable local, state, or federal jurisdictions, if more stringent.  
iii. Wind speed/direction sensors shall be certified by the manufacturer to be 
accurate within plus or minus 40 fpm (0.2 m/s) and 5.0 degrees when measured 
at sea level and 25°C, factory calibrated, and certified by the manufacturer to 
require calibration no more frequently than once every 5 years.  
iv. Upon detection of anemometer and/or signal failure, the system shall reset the 
exhaust volume flow rate to the value needed to maintain downwind 
concentrations below health and odor limits for all contaminants at worst -case 
wind conditions and shall re port the fault to an Energy Management Control 
System (EMCS) or fault management application which automatically provides 
notification of the fault to a remote system provider. The EMCS  or fault 
management system shall log the error and the time when it oc curred. The 
system shall have logic that automatically checks for anemometer failure by the 
following means.  
a. If any anemometer has not been calibrated within the manufacturer’s 
recommended calibration period, the anemometer has failed.  
b. During unoccupied periods the system compares the readings of all 
anemometers. If any anemometer is more than 30% above or below the 
average reading for a period of 4 hours, the anemometer has failed.  
c. Wind speed and wind direction readings shall be sampled at least 10 times 
per minute. If the difference between the maximum and minimum readings 
from the average of either the wind direction or the wind speed over a one 
minute period is less than 10% of  the average value, the measurements shall 
be considered a signal failure.   
d. Other error signals sent by the anemometer.  
v. Before an occupancy permit is granted for a laboratory or process facility subject 
to Section 140.9(c)3C, the applicable equipment and systems shall be certified as 
meeting the Acceptance Requirements for Code Compliance, as specified by the 
Reference N onresidential Appendix NA7.16. A Certificate of Acceptance shall be Page 410 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 140.9 – PRESCRIPTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR COVERED PROCESSES  submitted to the enforcement agency that certifies that the equipment and 
systems meet the acceptance requirements specified in NA7.16.  
D. The volume flow rate at the stack shall vary based on the measured contaminant 
concentration in the exhaust plenum from a calibrated contaminant sensor installed 
within each exhaust plenum.  
i. A contaminant -event threshold shall be established based on maintaining 
downwind concentrations below health and odor limits for all chemicals at worst -
case wind conditions, as defined by the 2018 American Conference of 
Governmental Industrial Hygienist s Threshold Limit Values and Biological 
Exposure Indices, or as defined by applicable local, state, or federal jurisdictions, 
if more stringent.  
ii. At least two contaminant concentration sensors shall be Photo Ionization 
Detectors (PID) certified by the manufacturer to be accurate within plus or minus 
5% when measured at sea level and 25°C, factory calibrated, and certified by the 
manufacturer to require calibration no more frequently than once every 6 
months.  
iii. Upon detection of sensor and/or signal failure, the system shall reset the exhaust 
volume flow rate to the value needed to maintain downwind concentrations 
below health and odor limits for all contaminants at worst -case wind conditions 
and shall repor t the fault to an Energy Management Control System or fault 
management application which automatically provides notification of the fault to 
a remote system provider. The system shall have logic that automatically checks 
for sensor failure by the following  means.  
a. If any sensor has not been calibrated within the manufacturer’s 
recommended calibration period, the sensor has failed.  
b. During unoccupied periods the system compares the readings of all sensors. If 
any sensor is more than 30% above or below the average reading for a period 
of 4 hours, the sensor has failed.  
iv. Before an occupancy permit is granted for a laboratory or process facility subject 
to Section 140.9(c)3D, the applicable equipment and systems shall be certified as 
meeting the Acceptance Requirements for Code Compliance, as specified by the 
Reference Nonresidential Appendix NA7.16. A Certificate of Acceptance shall be 
submitted to the enforcement agency that certifies that the equipment and 
systems meet the acceptance requirements specified in NA7.16.  
4. Fume Hood Automatic Sash Closure. Variable air volume laboratory fume hoods with 
vertical only sashes located in fume hood intensive laboratories, as described in Table 
140.9 -D, shall have an automatic sash closure system that complies with the following:  
A. The automatic sash closure system shall be capable of the following:  
i. The automatic sash closure system shall have a dedicated zone presence sensor 
that detects people in the area near the fume hood sash and automatically closes 
the sash within 5 minutes of no detection.  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards    Page 411 
SECTION 140.9 – PRESCRIPTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR COVERED PROCESSES  ii. The automatic sash closure system shall have controls to prevent the sash from 
automatic closing when a force of no more than 10 lbs is detected.  
iii. The automatic sash closure system shall be equipped with an obstruction sensor 
that prevents the sash from automatic closing with obstructions in the sash 
opening. Obstruction sensor shall be capable of sensing transparent materials 
such as laboratory  glassware.  
iv. The automatic sash closure system shall be capable of being configured in a 
manual open mode where once the sash is closed, detection of people in the 
area near the fume hood by the zone presence sensor does not open the fume 
hood sash.  
B. Fume Hood Automatic Sash Closure Acceptance. Before an occupancy permit is 
granted for the fume hoods subject to 140.9(c)4, the equipment and systems shall be 
certified as meeting the Acceptance Requirement for Code Compliance as specified 
by the Refere nce Nonresidential Appendix NA7. A Certificate of Acceptance shall be 
submitted to the enforcement agency that certifies that the equipment and systems 
meet the acceptance requirements specified in NA7.17.  
Table 140.9 -D Fume Hood Intensive Laboratories  Threshold  (both must be true)  
Occupied Minimum 
Ventilation ACH  ≤ 4 > 4 and ≤ 6  > 6 and ≤ 8 > 8 and ≤ 10  > 10 and ≤ 12  > 12 and ≤ 14  
Hood Density (linear 
feet per 10,000 ft3 
of laboratory space  ≥ 6 ≥ 8 ≥ 10  ≥ 12  ≥ 14  ≥ 16  
5. Reheat Limita tion. Air handlers in buildings with greater than 20,000 cfm of laboratory exhaust that serve 
multiple space conditioning zones in laboratory spaces shall not mechanical ly cool  air 
handler supply air below  80 °F and shall not heat air handler supply air above 50  °F, and 
each zone shall include heating and cooling capacity, to prevent cooling at the air handler 
and reheating at the zones.  
 Exception 1 to Section 140.9(c)5:  Additions or alterations to existing air handling systems 
serving existing zones without heating and cooling capacity.  
 Exception 2 to Section 140.9(c)5:  Systems in climate zones 7 or 15 . 
 Exception 3 to Section 140.9(c)5:  Systems dedicated to vivarium spaces or to spaces 
classified as biosafety level 3 or higher.  
 Exception 4 to Section 140.9(c)5:  Systems that:  
1. Are located where the outdoor dew point temperature is greater than or equal to 64 
°F at the ASHRAE 2 percent annual dehumidification design condition, and  
2. Include heating and cooling capacity at each zone, and  
3. Do not mechanically cool air handler supply air below 80 °F when the outdoor dew 
point temperature is below 60 °F.  
6. Exhaust Air Heat Recovery.  Buildings with greater than 10,000 cfm of laboratory exhaust 
shall include an exhaust air heat recovery system that meets the following:  Page 412 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 140.9 – PRESCRIPTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR COVERED PROCESSES  A. A sensible energy recovery ratio of at least 45  percent  at heating design conditions and 
25 percent  at cooling design conditions.  
B. Heat is recovered from at least 75  percent  of all lab exhaust air volume.  
C. The system includes a run -around coil pump or other means to disable heat recovery.  
D. The system includes a bypass damper or other means so that the exhaust air pressure 
drop through the heat exchanger does not exceed 0.4  inch  w.g. when heat recovery is 
disabled.  
Exception 1 to Section 140.9(c)6:  Additions or alterations to existing laboratory exhaust 
systems that do not include exhaust air heat recovery.  
Exception 2 to Section 140.9(c)6:  Buildings where the total laboratory exhaust rate exceeds 
20 cfm/ft2 of roof area.  
Exception 3 to Section 140.9(c)6:  Locations that meet both of the following:  
1. In Climate Zone 6 or 7;  and 
2. In a jurisdiction where gas heating is allowed.  
Exception 4 to Section 140.9(c)6:  Buildings with an exhaust air heat recovery system and 
heat recovery chillers designed to provide at least 40% of the peak heating load from 
exhaust heat recovery.  
Exception 5 to Section 140.9(c)6:  Exhaust systems requiring wash down systems such as 
exhaust systems dedicated to perch loric  acid fume h oods.  
 
Exception  to Section 140.9(c):  healthcare facilities.  
 
Note:  Authority: Sections 25213, 25218, 25218.5, 25402 and 25402.1,  Public Resources Code . 
Reference: Sections 25007, 25008, 25218.5, 25310, 25402, 25402.1, 25402.4, 25402.8 , and 
25943, Public Resources Code.    2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards    Page 413 
SECTION 140.10 – PRESCRIPTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR PHOTOVOLTAIC AND BATTERY ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEMS  SECTION 14 0.10  – PRESCRIPTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR PHOTOVOLTAIC AND 
BATTERY ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEMS  
 
(a) Photovoltaic requirements . All newly constructed building types specified in Table 
140.10 -A, or mixed oc cupancy buildings where one or more of these building types 
constitute at least 80 percent of the floor area of the building, shall have a newly installed 
photovoltaic (PV) system meeting the minimum qualification requirements of Reference 
Joint Appendix J A11. The PV capacity size in kW dc shall be not less than the smaller of the 
PV minimum rated PV system capacity system size determined by Equation 140.10 -A, or  
building’s the total of all  available Solar Access Roof Areas  (SARA ) (Solar Access Roof Area) 
multiplied by 18 for steep -sloped roofs or SARA  multiplied by 14 for low-sloped roofs.  In 
mixed occupancy buildings, the minimum rated PV system capacity  for the building shall 
be determined by applying Equation 140.10 -A to the conditione d floor area  of each of the 
listed building types and summing the capacities determined for each .   
1. SARA includes the area of the building’s roof space capable of structurally supporting a 
PV system, and the area of all roof space on covered parking areas, carports and all 
other newly constructed structures on the site that are compatible with supporting  a PV 
system per Title 24, Part 2, Section 1511.2.  
2. SARA does NOT include:  
A. Any area that has less than 70 percent annual solar access. Annual solar access is 
determined by dividing the total annual solar insolation (accounting for shading 
obstructions) by the total annual solar insolation if the same areas were unshaded by 
those obstructions. For all roofs, all obstructions , including those that are external to 
the building, and obstructions that are part of the building design and elevation 
features may be considered for the annual solar access calculations.   
B. Occupied roofs as specified by CBC S ection 503.1.4.   
C. Roof area that is otherwise not available due to compliance with other state building 
code requirements or with  local building code requirements if the local building code 
requirements are confirmed by the Executive Director Roof space that is otherwise 
not available due to compliance with other building code requirements if confirmed 
by the Executive Director .  
EQUATION 140.10 -A PHOTOVOLTAIC DIRECT CURRENT SIZE  
 
kW PVdc ,kW PVdc = (CFA x A)/1000  
where:  
kW PVdc ,kW PVdc = Minimum rated PV system capacity  in kW Size of the PV system in 
kW. 
CFA = Conditioned floor area in square feet.  Page 414 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 140.10 – PRESCRIPTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR PHOTOVOLTAIC AND BATTERY ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEMS  A = PV capacity factor  in W/square foot  as specified in Table 140.10 -A for the 
building type  
Where the building includes more than one of the space types listed in Table 140.10 -A, the 
total PV system capacity for the building shall be determined by applying Equation 140.10 -A 
to each of the listed space types and summing the capacities determined f or each.   
Exception  1 to Section 140.10(a).   No PV system is required where the total of all available 
SARA is less than three percent of the conditioned floor area.  
Exception  2 to Section 140.10(a).  No PV system is required where the required PV system 
size is less than 4 kW dc. 
Exception  3 to Section 140.10(a ). No PV system is required if the SARA contains less than 80 
contiguous square feet.  
Exception  4 to Section 140.10(a ):. Buildings with enforcement -authority -approved roof 
designs, where the enforcement authority determines it is not possible for the PV system, 
including panels, modules, components, supports and attachments to the roof structure, to 
meet ASCE 7 -16, Chapter 7 , Snow Loads.  
Exception 5 to Section 140.10(a). Multi -tenant buildings in areas where a load -serving entity 
does not provide either a virtual net metering (VNEM) , virtual net billing tariff (VNBT)  or 
community solar program.  
Exception 5 to Section 140.10(a) : For nonresidential and hotel/motel multitenant buildings, 
the PV capacity determined by Equation 140.10 -A shall be calculated without including 
tenant spaces meeting all  of the following:     
i. The tenant space is less than or equal to 2,000 square feet of conditioned space;   
ii. The tenant space is served by an individual HVAC system that does not serve other 
spaces in the building; and   
iii. The tenant space has an individual utility meter to track electricity consumption that 
does not include the electricity consumption of other spaces in the building.  
 
This exception does not apply where the Commission has approved a community solar 
program for showing compliance as specified in Title 24, Part 1, Section 10 -115, or where a 
load -serving entity provides a program where PV generation is compensated through virtual 
energy bill credits for occupants of nonresidential and hotel/motel tenant spaces to receive 
energy bill benefits from netting of energy generation and consumption . 
(b) Battery Energy storage system (BESS) requirements . All buildings that are required by 
Section 140.10(a) to have a PV system shall also have a battery storage system BESS 
meeting the minimum qualification requirements of Reference Joint Appendix JA12. The 
rated energy capacity shall be not less than the Minimum Rated Useable Energy Capacity  
determined using Equation 140.10 -B, or Equation 140.10 -C if SARA was used to determine 
the PV capacity in Section 140.4(a) . The rated power capacity shall be not less than the 
Minimum Power Capacity  determined using Equation 140.10 -D.  The rated energy capacity 
and the rated power capacity shall be not less than the values determined by Equation 
140.10 -B and Equation 140.10 -C. Where the building includes more than one of the space 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards    Page 415 
SECTION 140.10 – PRESCRIPTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR PHOTOVOLTAIC AND BATTERY ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEMS  types listed in Table 140.10 -B, the total battery system capacity for the building shall be 
determined by applying Equations 140.10 -B and 140.10 -C to each of the listed space types 
and summing the capacities determined for each space type and equation.  In mixed 
occupancy buildings,  the total battery system capacity for the building shall be determined 
by applying the Minimum Rated  Usable  Energy Capacity  to each of the listed building types 
and summing the capacities determined for each .  
EQUATION 140.10 -B - BATTERY ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM RATED ENERGY CAPACITY  
kWh batt,= ((CFA x B)/(1000 x C0.5))kWh batt = kW PVdc × B / D0.5  
EQUATION 140.10 -C - BATTERY ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM  RATED ENERGY CAPACITY, SARA -
ADJUSTED  
kWh batt = ((CFA x B)/(1000 x C0.5)) x (kW PVdc,SARA /kW PVdc)   
where:  
kWh batt, minkWh batt = Minimum Rated  Uuseable Eenergy Ccapacity of the battery 
storage system BESS in kWh.  
CFA = Conditioned floor area that is subject to the PV system requirements of 
Section 140.10(a) in square feet.  
kW PVdc, = Minimum Rated PV System Capacity Size of the PV system  in kW  from 
Equation 140.10 -A  
kW PVdc = PV system capacity required by Section 140.10(a) in kWdc.  
kW PVdc, SARA   = Minimum Rated PV System Capacity in kW from the SARA 
calculation.  
B = Battery Eenergy BESS  Ccapacity Ffactor in Wh/square foot as  specified in Table 
140.10 -B for the building type.  
DC = Rated single charge -discharge cycle AC to AC (round -trip) efficiency of the 
battery storage system BESS. 
EQUATION 140.10 -DC - BATTERY STORAGE  BESS  RATED POWER CAPACITY  
kW batt = kWh batt, min / 4 kW PVdc × C  
where:  
kW batt   = Minimum Rated Power Capacity of the BESS in kWdc  
kWh batt  =  Minimum Rated Useable Energy Capacity of the BESS in kWh  
kWh batt, min kW batt = Minimum Power capacity of the battery storage system in 
kWdc.  
kW PVdc = PV system capacity required by Section 140.10(a) in kWdc.  Page 416 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 140.10 – PRESCRIPTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR PHOTOVOLTAIC AND BATTERY ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEMS  C = Battery power capacity factor specified in Table 140.10 -B for the building type.  
 
Exception  1 to Section 140.10(b ).: No battery storage system BESS is required if the installed 
PV system size is less than 15 percent of the size determined by Equation 140.10 -A.  
Exception  2 to Section 140.10(b). No battery storage system BESS  is required in buildings 
with battery storage system BESS requirements with less than 10 kWh rated capacity.   
Exception  3 to Section 140.10(b).  For multitenant  buildings, the energy capacity and power 
capacity of the battery storage system BESS shall be based on the tenant spaces with more 
than 5,000 square feet of conditioned floor area. For single -tenant buildings with less than 
5,000 square feet of conditioned floor area, no battery storage system BESS is required.  
Exception  4 to Section 140.10(b).  In Climate Zone  1, no battery storage system is required 
for offices, schools and warehouses.   
 
 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards    Page 417 
SECTION 140.10 – PRESCRIPTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR PHOTOVOLTAIC AND BATTERY ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEMS  Table 140.10 -A – PV Capacity Factors  (W/ft² of conditioned floor area)  
Building Type  CZ 1 CZ 2 CZ 3 CZ 4 CZ 5 CZ 6 CZ 7 CZ 8 CZ 9 CZ 10 CZ 11 CZ 12 CZ 13 CZ 14 CZ 15 CZ 16 
Events & Exhibits  3.48  4.28  3.66  4.32  3.77  4.05  4.28  4.83  4.63  4.80  5.04  4.44  4.95  4.36  5.48  3.38  
Library  0.39  3.23  2.59  3.25  2.48  2.74  3.04  3.49  3.32  3.69  3.79  3.32  3.79  3.37  4.49  2.84  
Hotel/Motel  1.69  1.90  1.66  1.97  1.69  1.87  1.94  2.22  2.09  2.20  2.30  2.05  2.30  2.02  2.72  1.73  
Office, Financial Institution, 
Unleased Tenant Space  2.59  3.13  2.59  3.13  2.59  3.13  3.13  3.13  3.13  3.13  3.13  3.13  3.13  3.13  3.80  2.59  
Restaurants  8.55  9.32  8.16  9.65  8.21  8.73  9.11  10.18  9.75  10.28  10.85  9.73  10.69  9.73  12.25  8.47  
Retail, Grocery  3.14  3.49  3.01  3.61  3.05  3.27  3.45  3.83  3.65  3.81  4.09  3.64  3.99  3.71  4.60  3.21  
School  1.27  1.63  1.27  1.63  1.27  1.63  1.63  1.63  1.63  1.63  1.63  1.63  1.63  1.63  2.46  1.27  
Warehouse  0.39  0.44  0.39  0.44  0.39  0.44  0.44  0.44  0.44  0.44  0.44  0.44  0.44  0.44  0.58  0.39  
Religious Worship  4.25  4.65  3.49  4.52  3.72  4.29  4.64  5.89  5.30  5.67  5.89  4.99  5.78  4.63  7.57  3.90  
Sports & Recreation  2.47  1.97  1.54  2.03  1.60  1.84  1.98  2.63  2.47  2.60  2.75  2.20  2.72  2.15  4.03  1.81  
Multifamily > 3 stories  1.82  2.21  1.82  2.21  1.82  2.21  2.21  2.21  2.21  2.21  2.21  2.21  2.21  2.21  2.77  1.82  
 
Table 140.10 -B –BESS Capacity Factors  (Wh/ft² of conditioned floor area)  
Building Type  CZ 1 CZ 2 CZ 3 CZ 4 CZ 5 CZ 6 CZ 7 CZ 8 CZ 9 CZ 10 CZ 11 CZ 12 CZ 13 CZ 14 CZ 15 CZ 16 
Events & Exhibits  1.82  1.95  1.74   2.12  1.91  2.13  2.24  2.30  2.36  2.47  2.62   2.16  2.64  2.68  3.22  1.89  
Library  0.37  7.17  5.97  6.75  5.64  6.08  6.19  7.13  7.18  7.56  7.17  6.93  6.88  6.81  7.93  6.40   
Hotel/Motel  0.86  0.84  0.77  0.92  0.81  0.89  0.90  1.01  1.00  1.11  1.14   0.96  1.18  1.18  1.49  0.85  
Office, Financial Institution, 
Unleased Tenant Space  NR 5.26   4.35  5.26  4.35  5.26  5.26  5.26  5.26  5.26  5.26   5.26  5.26  5.26  6.39  4.35  
Restaurants  4.36  4.11  3.78  4.37  3.89  4.02  4.11  4.49  4.47  4.82  5.05  4.43  5.05  5.24  6.23  4.11  
Retail, Grocery  1.89  1.82 2.70 1.82  1.72 1.80 1.76 1.92  1.97  2.05  2.22  1.95  2.16  2.29  2.66  1.91  
School  NR 3.05  2.38  3.05  2.38  3.05  3.05  3.05  3.05  3.05  3.05  3.05  3.05  3.05  4.60  2.38  
Warehouse  0.37  0.41  0.37  0.41   0.37  0.41  0.41  0.41  0.41  0.41  0.41  0.41  0.41   0.41  0.54  0.37   
Religious Worship  2.21  2.25  1.74  2.42  2.08  2.75  2.94  3.37  3.17  3.37  3.58  2.72  3.62  3.21  4.89  2.37   
Sports & Recreation  1.26  0.98  0.76  1.14  0.86  1.20  1.23  1.57  1.53  1.65  1.83  1.27  1.86  1.57  3.02  1.13  
Multifamily > 3 stories  1.88  2.27  1.88  2.27  1.88  2.27  2.27  2.27  2.27  2.27  2.27  2.27  2.27   2.27  2.85  1.88  
 
 Page 418 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 140.10 – PRESCRIPTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR PHOTOVOLTAIC AND BATTERY ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEMS  Table 140.10 -A – PV Capacity Factors  
Factor A – Minimum PV Capacity (W/ft² of conditioned floor area)  
Climate Zone  1, 3, 
5, 
16 2, 4, 
6 -
14 15 
Grocery  2.62  2.91  3.53  
High -Rise Multifamily  1.82  2.21  2.77  
Office, Financial 
Institutions, Unleased 
Tenant Space  2.59  3.13  3.80  
Retail  2.62  2.91  3.53  
School  1.27  1.63  2.46  
Warehouse  0.39  0.44  0.58  
Auditorium, 
Convention Center, 
Hotel/Motel, Library, 
Medical Office 
Building/Clinic, 
Restaurant, Theater  0.39  0.44  0.58  
Table 140.10 -B – Battery Storage Capacity Factors  
  Factor B – Energy 
Capacity  Factor C – Power 
Capacity  
Storage -to-PV Ratio  Wh/W  W/W  
Grocery  1.03  0.26  
High -Rise Multifamily  1.03  0.26  
Office, Financial Institutions, Unleased Tenant Space  1.68  0.42  
Retail  1.03  0.26  
School  1.87  0.46  
Warehouse  0.93  0.23  
Auditorium, Convention Center, Hotel/Motel, Library, 
Medical Office Building/Clinic, Restaurant, Theater  0.93  0.23  
 
NOTE: Authority: Sections 25213, 25218, 25218.5, 25402 and 25402.1, Public Resources Code. Reference: Sections 
25007, 25008, 25218.5, 25310, 25402, 25402.1, 25402.4, 25402.8  and 25943, Public Resources Code.  
 
 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 419 
SECTION 141.0 – ADDITIONS, ALTERATIONS, AND REPAIRS TO EXISTING NONRESIDENTIAL, AND HOTEL/MOTEL BUILDINGS, 
TO EXISTING OUTDOOR LIGHTING, AND TO INTERNALLY AND EXTERNALLY ILLUMINATED SIGNS  SUBCHAPTER 6  
NONRESIDENTIAL, AND HOTEL/MOTEL OCCUPANCIES —
ADDITIONS, ALTERATIONS, AND REPAIRS  
SECTION 141.0 – ADDITIONS, ALTERATIONS, AND REPAIRS TO EXISTING 
NONRESIDENTIAL, AND HOTEL/MOTEL BUILDINGS, TO EXISTING OUTDOOR LIGHTING, 
AND TO INTERNALLY AND EXTERNALLY ILLUMINATED SIGNS  
Additions, alterations, and repairs to existing nonresidential, and hotel/motel buildings, existing 
outdoor lighting for these occupancies, and internally and externally illuminated signs, shall meet the 
requirements specified in Sections 100.0 through 110 .10, and 120.0 through 130.5 that are applicable 
to the building project, and either the performance compliance approach (energy budgets) in Section 
141.0(a)2 (for additions) or 141.0(b)3 (for alterations), or the prescriptive compliance approach in 
Sectio n 141.0(a)1 (for additions) or 141.0(b)2 (for alterations), for the Climate Zone in which the 
building is located. Climate zones are shown in FIGURE 100.1 -A. 
Covered process requirements for additions, alterations , and repairs to existing nonresidential, and 
hotel/motel buildings are specified in Section 141.1.  
Exception to Section 141.0:  Alterations to healthcare facilities are not required to comply with this 
Section.  
NOTES:  
1. For alterations that change the occupancy classification of the building, the requirements 
specified in       Section 141.0(b) apply to the occupancy after the alterations.  
2. Relocation or moving of a relocatable public school building is not, by itself, considered an 
alteration for the purposes of Title 24, Part 6.  
(a) Additions.  Additions shall meet either Item 1 or 2 below.  
1. Prescriptive approach.  The envelope and lighting of the addition; any newly installed space -
conditioning system, electrical power distribution system, or water -heating system; any 
addition to an outdoor lighting system; and any new sign installed in conjunction with an 
indoor o r outdoor addition shall meet the applicable requirements of Sections 110.0 through 
120.7, 120.9 through 130.5, and 140.2 through 140. 9. 
2. Performance approach.  
A. The envelope and indoor lighting in the conditioned space of the addition, and any newly 
installed space -conditioning system, electrical power distribution system, or water -heating 
system, shall meet the applicable requirements of Sections 110.0 through  120.7, 120.9 
through 130.5; and  
B. Either:  
i. The addition alone shall comply with Section 140.1; or  Page 420 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 141.0 – ADDITIONS, ALTERATIONS, AND REPAIRS TO EXISTING NONRESIDENTIAL, AND HOTEL/MOTEL BUILDINGS, 
TO EXISTING OUTDOOR LIGHTING, AND TO INTERNALLY AND EXTERNALLY ILLUMINATED SIGNS  ii. Existing plus addition plus alteration. The standard design for existing plus addition, plus 
alteration energy use is the combination of the existing building’s unaltered 
components to remain, existing building altered components that are the more 
efficient, in TDV energy, of either the existing conditions, or the requirements of Section 
141.0(b)2, plus the proposed addition's energy use meeting the requirements of Section 
140.1. The proposed design energy use is the combination of the existing building ’s 
unaltered components to remain and the altered component’s energy features, plus the 
proposed energy features of the addition.  
Exception 1 to Section 141.0(a) : When heating, cooling, or service water heating to an addition are 
provided by expanding existing systems, the existing systems and equipment need not comply with 
Sections 110.0 through 120.9, or Sections 140.4 through 140.5.  
Exception2 to Section 141.0(a) : Where an existing system with electric reheat is expanded by 
adding variable air volume (VAV) boxes to serve an addition, total electric reheat capacity may be 
expanded so that the total capacity does not exceed 150 percent of the existing installed elec tric 
heating capacity in any one permit, and the system need not comply with Section 140.4(g). 
Additional electric reheat capacity in excess of 150 percent of the existing installed electric heating 
capacity may be added subje ct to the requirements of Section 140.4(g).  
Exception 3 to Section 141.0(a):  Duct Sealing. When ducts are extended from an existing duct 
system to serve the addition, the existing duct system and the extended ducts shall meet the 
applicable requirements specified in Section 141.0(b)2D.  
Exception 4 to Section 141.0(a):  Additions that increase the area of the roof by 2,000 square feet 
or less are exempt from the requirements of not required to  comply with  Section 110.10.  
Exception 5 to Section 141.0(a):  A gas hot water boiler system with a total system input of at least 
1 MMBtu/h but no more than 10 MMBtu/h added to an existing building is exempt from not 
required to comply with  Section  the requirements of 140.4(k)8.  
Exception 6 to Section 141.0(a):  A gas service water heating system with a total system input of at 
least 1 MMBtu/h added to an existing building is exempt from the requirements of not required to 
comply with  Section  140.5(c).  
Exception  7 to Section 141.0(a) : Section 140.4(a)2 shall not apply to new space conditioning 
systems or components.  
(b) Alterations.  Alterations to components of existing nonresidential, hotel/motel, or relocatable 
public school buildings, including alterations made in conjunction with a change in building 
occupancy to a nonresidential, high -rise residential, or hotel/motel occupancy s hall meet item 1, 
and either Item 2 or 3 below:  
1. Mandatory Requirements . Altered components in a nonresidential, or hotel/motel building 
shall meet the minimum requirements in this Section.  
A. Roof/Ceiling Insulation. The opaque portions of the roof/ceiling that separate conditioned 
spaces from unconditioned spaces or ambient air shall meet the requirements of Section 
141.0(b)2Bii.   2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 421 
SECTION 141.0 – ADDITIONS, ALTERATIONS, AND REPAIRS TO EXISTING NONRESIDENTIAL, AND HOTEL/MOTEL BUILDINGS, 
TO EXISTING OUTDOOR LIGHTING, AND TO INTERNALLY AND EXTERNALLY ILLUMINATED SIGNS  B. Wall Insulation. For the altered  opaque portion of walls separating conditioned spaces 
from unconditioned spaces or ambient air shall meet the applicable requirements of Items 
1 through 4 below:  
1. Metal Building.  A minimum of R -13 insulation between framing members, or the area -
weighted average U -factor of the wall assembly shall not exceed U -0.113.  
2. Metal Framed.  A minimum of R -13 insulation between framing members, or the area -
weighted average U -factor of the wall assembly shall not exceed U -0.217.  
3. Wood Framed and Others.  A minimum of R -11 insulation between framing members, 
or the area -weighted average U -factor of the wall assembly shall not exceed U -0.110.  
4. Spandrel Panels and Glass Curtain Walls. A minimum of R -4, or the area -weighted 
average U -factor of the wall assembly shall not exceed U -0.280.  
Exception  to Section 141.0(b)1B: Light and heavy mass walls.   
C. Floor Insulation.  For the altered portion of raised floors that separate conditioned spaces 
from unconditioned spaces or ambient air shall meet the applicable requirements of Items 
1 through 3 below:  
1. Raised Framed Floors.  A minimum of R -11 insulation between framing members, or the 
area -weighted average U -factor of the floor assembly shall not exceed the U -factor of 
U-0.071.  
2. Raised Mass Floors in Hotel/Motel Guest Rooms.  A minimum of R -6 insulation, or the 
area -weighted average U -factor of the floor assembly shall not exceed the U -factor of 
U-0.111.  
 3. Raised Mass Floors in Other Occupancies.  No minimum U -factor requirement.   
D. Fan Energy Index:  New fan systems serving an existing building shall meet the 
requirements of Section 120.10.  
E. Exterior windows.  Fenestration alterations other than repairs shall meet  the following 
requirements below:  
1. Vertical fenestration alterations . Where over 150 square feet of the entire building’s 
vertical fenestration is replaced, the maximum  U-factor of the replaced units shall not 
exceed U -0.58 . 
2. Added vertical fenestration . Where over 50 square feet of vertical fenestration is 
added, it shall meet the requirements of Section 120.7(d). Where 50 square feet or less 
of vertical  fenestration is added, this requirement shall not apply.  
2. Prescriptive approach.  The altered components of the envelope, or space conditioning, 
lighting, electrical power distribution and water heating systems, and any newly installed 
equipment serving the alteration, shall meet the applicable requirements of Sections 110.0 
through 11 0.9, Sections 120.0 through 120.6, and Sections 120.9 through 130.5.  
Exception  to Section 141. 0(b)2 : The requirements of Section 120.2(i) shall not apply to 
alterations of space -conditioning systems or components.  Page 422 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 141.0 – ADDITIONS, ALTERATIONS, AND REPAIRS TO EXISTING NONRESIDENTIAL, AND HOTEL/MOTEL BUILDINGS, 
TO EXISTING OUTDOOR LIGHTING, AND TO INTERNALLY AND EXTERNALLY ILLUMINATED SIGNS  A. Fenestration alterations other than repair and those subject to Section 141.0(b)2 shall meet 
the requirements below:  
i. Vertical fenestration alterations shall meet the requirements in Table 141.0 -A. 
ii. Added vertical fenestration shall meet the requirements of TABLE 140.3 -B, C, or D.  
iii. All altered or newly installed skylights shall meet the requirements of TABLE 140.3 -B, C 
or D.  
Exception 1 to Section 141.0(b)2Ai:  In an alteration, where 150 square feet or less of 
the entire building's vertical fenestration is replaced, RSHGC and VT requirements of 
TABLE 141.0 -A shall not apply.  
Exception 2 to Section 141.0(b)2Aii:  In an alteration, where 50 square feet or less of 
vertical fenestration is added, RSHGC and VT requirements of TABLE 140.3 -B, C or D 
shall not apply.  
Exception 3 to Section 141.0(b)2Aiii:  In an alteration, where 50 square feet or less of 
skylight is added, SHGC and VT requirements of TABLE 140.3 -B, C or D shall not apply.  
NOTE:  Glass replaced in an existing sash and frame , or sashes replaced in an existing frame 
are considered repairs. In these cases, Section 141.0(c) requires that the replacement be at 
least equivalent to the original in performance.  
Table 141.0 -A Altered Vertical Fenestration Maximum U -Factor and Maximum RSHGC  
 NOTE: The required values for VT  are located in Tables 140.3 -B, C, and D for all Climate Zones  
B. Existing roofs of a nonresidential or hotel/motel building being replaced, recovered or 
recoated, as defined in Section 100.1(b) and Title 24, Part 2, Chapter 2, shall meet the 
requirements of Section 110.8(i). Roofs with more than 50 percent of the roo f area or more 
than 2,000 square feet of roof, whichever is less, is being altered the requirements of i and 
ii below apply:  
i. Roofing Products shall comply with requirements in Section 140.3(a)1A:  
Exception 1 to Section 141.0(b)2Bi:  An aged solar reflectance less than 0.63 is allowed 
for low -sloped roofs provided the maximum roof/ceiling U -factor in TABLE 141.0 -B is 
not exceeded.  
Exception  2 to Sections 141.0(b)2Bi:  Roof area covered by building integrated 
photovoltaic panels and building integrated solar thermal panels are not required to 
meet the minimum requirements for solar reflectance, thermal emittance, or SRI.  
EXCEPTION 3 to Sections 141.0(b)2Bi:  Roof constructions with a weight of at least 25 
lb/ft² are not required to meet the minimum requirements for solar reflectance, 
thermal emittance, or SRI.  
 Requirement  CZ 1  CZ 2  CZ 3  CZ 4  CZ 5  CZ 6  CZ 7  CZ 8  CZ 9  CZ 10  CZ 11  CZ 12  CZ 13  CZ 14  CZ 15  CZ 16  
U-factor  0.47  0.47  0.58  0.47  0.58  0.47  0.47  0.47  0.47  0.47  0.47  0.47  0.47  0.47  0.47  0.47  
RSHGC  0.41  0.31  0.41  0.31  0.41  0.31  0.31  0.31  0.31  0.31  0.31  0.31  0.31  0.31  0.31  0.41  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 423 
SECTION 141.0 – ADDITIONS, ALTERATIONS, AND REPAIRS TO EXISTING NONRESIDENTIAL, AND HOTEL/MOTEL BUILDINGS, 
TO EXISTING OUTDOOR LIGHTING, AND TO INTERNALLY AND EXTERNALLY ILLUMINATED SIGNS  Table 141.0 -B Roof/Ceiling Insulation Tradeoff for Low -Sloped Aged Solar Reflectance  
Aged Solar  Reflectance  Climate Zones  6, 7, & 8  
U-factor  All Other Climate Zones   
U-factor  
0.62 - 0.60  0.043  0.035  
0.59 -0.55  0.041  0.034  
0.54 -0.50  0.038  0.031  
0.49 -0.45  0.034  0.029  
0.44 -0.40  0.032  0.028  
0.39 -0.35  0.029  0.026  
0.34 -0.30  0.028  0.025  
0.29 -0.25  0.026  0.024  
ii. Roof/ceiling insulation.  For low -sloped roofs, the area of the roof recover or roof 
replacement shall be insulated to the level specified in Table 141.0 -C.  
Exception  1 to Section 141.0(b)2Bii: Roof recovers with new R -10 insulation added 
above deck do not need to be insulated to the level specified in Table 141.0 -C. 
Exception  2 to Section 141.0(b)2Bii: When existing mechanical equipment located on 
the roof will not be disconnected and lifted, insulation added is the greater of R -10 or 
the maximum installed thickness that will allow the distance between the height of the 
roof membrane surface to the top o f the base flashing to remain in accordance with the 
manufacturer’s instructions.  
Exception  3 to Section 141. 0(b)2Bii: At the drains and other low points, tapered 
insulation with a thermal resistance less than that prescribed in Table 141.0 -C may be 
used, provided that insulation thickness is increased at the high points of the roof so 
that the average thermal resistance e quals or exceeds the value specified in Table 
141.0 -C. 
Exception  4 to Section 141 .0(b)2Bii:  The area of the roof recoat is not required to be 
insulated.  
 
TABLE 141.0 -C INSULATION REQUIREMENTS FOR ROOF ALTERATIONS  
Climate Zone  Continuous Insulation  
R-value  U-factor  
1-5, 9-16 R-23 0.037, with at least R -10 above deck  
6-8 R-17 0.047, with at least R -10 above deck  
 
C. C. New or Replacement Space -Conditioning Systems or Components  other than new or 
replacement space -conditioning system ducts shall meet the requirements of Section 140.4 
applicable to the systems or components being altered  and meet the following: .  Page 424 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 141.0 – ADDITIONS, ALTERATIONS, AND REPAIRS TO EXISTING NONRESIDENTIAL, AND HOTEL/MOTEL BUILDINGS, 
TO EXISTING OUTDOOR LIGHTING, AND TO INTERNALLY AND EXTERNALLY ILLUMINATED SIGNS  i. Additional Fan Power Allowances are available when determining the Fan Power 
Budget (Fan kW budget ) as specified in Table 141.0 -D. These values can be added to 
the Fan Power Allowance values in Tables 140.4 -A and Table 140.4 -B. 
TABLE 141.0 -D: ADDITIONAL FAN POWER ALLOWANCES  (watts/ cfm)  
Airflow  Multi -Zone VAV 
Systems1 ≤5,000 
cfm Multi -Zone VAV 
Systems1 >5,000 
and ≤10,000 cfm  Multi -Zone VAV 
Systems1 
>10,000 cfm  All Other Fan 
Systems ≤5,000 
cfm All Other Fan 
Systems >5,000 
and ≤10,000 cfm  All Other Fan 
Systems >10,000 
cfm 
Supply Fan System 
Additional Allowance  0.135  0.114  0.105  0.139  0.12  0.107  
Supply Fan System 
Additional Allowance 
In Unit with Adapter 
Curb  0.033  0.033  0.043  0.000  0.000  0.000  
Exhaust/ Relief/ 
Return/ Transfer Fan 
System Additional 
Allowance  0.07  0.061  0.054  0.07  0.062  0.055  
Exhaust/ Relief/ 
Return/ Transfer Fan 
System Additional 
Allowance In Unit 
with Adapter Curb  0.016  0.017  0.022  0.000  0.000  0.000  
Footnotes to Table 141.0 -D:  
1. See FAN SYSTEM, MULTI -ZONE VARIABLE AIR VOLUME (VAV) in definitions for “Multi -zone” to be classified as a 
multi -zone VAV system.  
 
ii.  New or replacement of single zone packaged rooftop systems with a direct expansion 
cooling with rated cooling capacity less than 65,000 Btu/hr shall meet the applicable 
requirements in Items a through d below  or shall meet the performance compliance 
requirements of Section 141.0(b)3.  
a. Retail and grocery buildings:  
1. In Climate Zones 3 through 13 and Climate Zone 15 shall have a heat pump 
or comply with the requirements specified in Table 141.0 -E-1.  
2. In Climate Zones 2 and 14 shall have an air conditioner with furnace and 
economizer or a heat pump with economizer.  
3. In Climate Zone 1 and 16 shall have an air conditioner with furnace.  
b. School buildings:  
1. In Climate Zones 1 through 15 shall have a heat pump or comply with the 
requirements specified in Table 141.0 -E-1. 
2. In Climate Zone 16 shall have an air conditioner with furnace.  
c. Office and financial institution buildings:  
1. In Climate Zones 3 through 13 and 15 shall have a heat pump or comply with 
the requirements specified in Table 141.0 -E-1. 
2. In Climate Zone 2 and 14 shall have an air conditioner with furnace or a heat 
pump with economizer.  
3. In Climate Zone 1 shall have an air conditioner with furnace or a heat pump.  
4. In Climate Zone 16 shall have an air conditioner with furnace.  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 425 
SECTION 141.0 – ADDITIONS, ALTERATIONS, AND REPAIRS TO EXISTING NONRESIDENTIAL, AND HOTEL/MOTEL BUILDINGS, 
TO EXISTING OUTDOOR LIGHTING, AND TO INTERNALLY AND EXTERNALLY ILLUMINATED SIGNS  d. Library buildings:  
1. In Climate Zones 1, 3 through 15 shall have a heat pump or comply with the 
requirements specified in Table 141.0 -E-1. 
2. In Climate Zone 2 shall have an air conditioner with furnace  and economizer 
or a heat pump with economizer.  
3. In Climate Zone 16 shall have an air conditioner with furnace.  
a  
Exception  1 to Section 141.0(b)2C : Section 140.4(a)2 shall not apply to new or replacement space 
conditioning systems or components .Page 426 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 141.0 – ADDITIONS, ALTERATIONS, AND REPAIRS TO EXISTING NONRESIDENTIAL, AND HOTEL/MOTEL BUILDINGS, TO EXISTING OUTDOOR LIGHTING, AND 
TO INTERNALLY AND EXTERNALLY ILLUMINATED SIGNS  Table 141.0 -E-1 – NEW OR REPLACEMENT SINGLE ZONE AIR CONDITIONER OR HEAT PUMP REQUIREMENT  
Building Type  CZ 1 CZ 2 CZ 3 CZ 4 CZ 5 CZ 6 CZ 7 CZ 8 CZ 9 CZ 10 CZ 11 CZ 12 CZ 13 CZ 14 CZ 15 CZ 16 
Retail and 
grocery  NR SZHP1  or 
SZAC1  SZHP or 
SZAC1  SZHP or 
SZAC1  SZHP or 
SZAC1  SZHP or 
SZAC1  SZHP or 
SZAC1  SZHP or 
SZAC1  SZHP or 
SZAC1  SZHP or 
SZAC1  SZHP or 
SZAC1  SZHP or 
SZAC1  SZHP or 
SZAC1  SZHP1  or 
SZAC1  SZHP or 
SZAC3  NR 
School  SZHP or 
SZAC2  SZHP or 
SZAC2  SZHP or 
SZAC2  SZHP or 
SZAC2  SZHP or 
SZAC1  SZHP or 
SZAC1  SZHP or 
SZAC2  SZHP or 
SZAC1  SZHP or 
SZAC2  SZHP or 
SZAC2  SZHP or 
SZAC2  SZHP or 
SZAC2  SZHP or 
SZAC2  SZHP or 
SZAC2  SZHP or 
SZAC2  NR 
Office, financial 
institution  NR SZHP1 or 
SZAC1  SZHP or 
SZAC1  SZHP or 
SZAC1  SZHP or 
SZAC1  SZHP or 
SZAC1  SZHP or 
SZAC1  SZHP or 
SZAC1  SZHP or 
SZAC1  SZHP or 
SZAC1  SZHP or 
SZAC2  SZHP or 
SZAC1  SZHP or 
SZAC1  SZHP1  or 
SZAC1  SZHP or 
SZAC2  NR 
Library  SZHP or 
SZAC1  SZHP1  or 
SZAC1  SZHP or 
SZAC1  SZHP or 
SZAC1  SZHP or 
SZAC1  SZHP or 
SZAC1  SZHP or 
SZAC1  SZHP or 
SZAC2  SZHP or 
SZAC2  SZHP or 
SZAC2  SZHP or 
SZAC2  SZHP or 
SZAC2  SZHP or 
SZAC2  SZHP or 
SZAC2  SZHP or 
SZAC2  NR 
Footnotes to Table 141.0 -E01 
• SZHP – Single Zone Heat Pump  
• SZAC – Single Zone Air Conditioner with furnace  
• SZAC1 – Single Zone Air Conditioner with furnace + Economizer  
• SZAC2 – Single Zone Air Conditioner with furnace + Economizer + Demand Controlled Ventilation  
• SZAC3 – Single Zone Air Conditioner with furnace + Economizer + Variable Frequency Drive  
• SZHP1 – Single Zone Heat Pump + Economizer  
• NR – No Requirement  
 
Air conditioners with furnaces complying with Table 141.0 -E-1 using variable speed fan and controls shall be designed to vary the 
indoor fan air flow rate as a function of the load and shall have a minimum of two stages of fan control. The minimum speed a t stage 
1 shall be  set for ventilation only mode and shall be the greater of 50% or the minimum fan speed required to meet the minimum 
ventilation airflow rate. The indoor fan shall draw no more than 30% of the fan power at full fan speed when operating at 50% speed.  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 427 
SECTION 141.0 – ADDITIONS, ALTERATIONS, AND REPAIRS TO EXISTING NONRESIDENTIAL, AND HOTEL/MOTEL BUILDINGS, 
TO EXISTING OUTDOOR LIGHTING, AND TO INTERNALLY AND EXTERNALLY ILLUMINATED SIGNS  Exception to Section 141.0(b)2Cii:  Section 141.0(b)2Cii is not applicable if the alteration 
exceeds the existing main service panel or service transformer capacity. An electrical load 
calculation shall be submitted by a registered professional engineer in accordance with Article 
220 of Cal ifornia Electrical Code . 
 
iii. Systems are required to follow Section 140.4(e) with the exception:  
1. SZAC1, 2, 3 and SZHP1 in Table 141.0 -E-1 with rated cooling capacity less than 65,000 
Btu/hr are required to have an economizer, and  
2. All other single packaged air -cooled unitary air conditioners and heat pumps with 
rated cooling capacity equal to or greater than 54,000 Btu/hr are required to have an 
economizer.  
 
Exception 1 to Section 141.0(b)2C:  Section 140.4(a)2 shall not apply to new or replacement 
space conditioning systems or components. Section 140.4(a)3 shall not apply to new or 
replacement space conditioning systems or components.  
Exception  2 to Section 141.0(b)2C:  Subsection (b)2C does not apply to replacement of 
electric reheat of equivalent or lower capacity electric resistance space heaters, when 
natural gas is not available.  
Exception 3 to Section 141.0(b)2C:  Section 140.4(n) is not applicable to new ly installed  or 
replacement  space conditioning systems .  with existing operable wall or roof openings 
without interlock controls.  
Exception  3 to Section 141 .0(b)2C : Section 140.4(n) is not applicable to new or 
replacement space conditioning systems. Section 140.4(e) is applicable to systems, other 
than single package air -cooled commercial unitary air conditioners and heat pumps, with 
cooling capacity less than 54,000 Btu/h. not Exception 4 to Section 141.0(b)2C : A new or 
replacement gas hot water boiler system with a total system input of at least 1 MMBtu/h 
but no more than 10 MMBtu/h need not comply with the requirements of 140.4(k)8.   
Exception 5 to Section 141.0(b)2C: Requirements for the use of ASHRAE  Guideline 36 in 
Sections 140.4(c)2 CBii, 140.4(d)2Av, 140.4(e)2D, and 140.4(f)3, and 140.4(r) shall not apply 
to new or replacement components unless the space conditioning -systems are also new or 
replacements.  
D. Altered Duct Systems.  New or replacement space -conditioning system ducts installed to 
serve an existing building shall meet the requirements of Section 120.4 (a) through (f) and 
meet i, ii, or iii below:  
i.  Entirely new or complete replacement duct systems installed as part of an alteration 
shall be leakage tested in accordance with Section 120.4(g). This applies to  replacement 
duct systems installed as part of an alteration that are constructed of at least 75 percent 
new duct material. Up to 25 percent of that alteration may consist of reused parts from 
the building's existing duct system, including registers, grill es, boots, air handlers, coils, Page 428 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 141.0 – ADDITIONS, ALTERATIONS, AND REPAIRS TO EXISTING NONRESIDENTIAL, AND HOTEL/MOTEL BUILDINGS, 
TO EXISTING OUTDOOR LIGHTING, AND TO INTERNALLY AND EXTERNALLY ILLUMINATED SIGNS  plenums, and ducts, if the reused parts are accessible and can be sealed to prevent 
leakage.  
ii. If the new ducts are an extension of an existing duct system and the combined new and 
existing duct system meets the criteria in Subsections 1, 2, 3, and 4 below, the duct 
system shall be sealed to a leakage rate not to exceed 15 percent of the nominal  air 
handler airflow rate as confirmed through HERS field verification and 
diagnostic acceptance  testing, in accordance with the applicable procedures in Reference 
Nonresidential Appendix NA7.5.3:  
1. The duct system does not serve a healthcare facility;  
2. The duct system provides conditioned air to an occupiable space for a constant 
volume, single zone, space -conditioning system;  
3. The space conditioning system serves less than 5,000 square feet of conditioned 
floor area; and  
4. The combined surface area of the ducts located outdoors or in unconditioned space 
is more than 25 percent of the total surface area of the entire duct system.  
Exception  1 to Section 141.0(b)2Dii: When it is not possible to achieve the duct leakage 
criterion in Section 141.0(b)2Dii, then all accessible leaks shall be sealed and verified 
through a visual inspection and a smoke test performed by a certified HERS ECC-Rater 
mechanical acce ptance test  technician utilizing the methods specified in Reference 
Nonresidential Appendix NA 2.1.4.2.2 7.5.3 . 
Exception  2 to Section 141.0(b)2Dii:  Duct Sealing.  Existing duct systems that are 
extended, which are constructed, insulated or sealed with asbestos are exempt from 
the requirements of not required to comply with  subsection 141.0(b)2Dii.  
iii. If new ducts installed as part of an alteration   are not required to comply with  exempt 
from  leakage testing according to specified by  section 141.0(b)2Di or 141.0(b)2Dii, then 
the new ducts shall meet the duct leakage testing requirements of CMC Section 603.9.2.  
E. Altered Space -Conditioning Systems. When a space -conditioning system is altered by the 
installation or replacement of space -conditioning system equipment (including replacement 
of the air handler, outdoor condensing unit of a split system air conditioner or heat pump, 
or cooling or heating c oil: 
i. For all altered units where the existing thermostat does not comply with the 
requirements for demand responsive controls specified in Section 110.12, the existing 
thermostat shall be replaced with a demand responsive thermostat that complies with 
Sectio n 110.12. All newly installed space -conditioning systems requiring a thermostat 
shall be equipped with a demand responsive thermostat that complies with Section 
110.12; and  
ii. The duct system that is connected to the new or replaced space -conditioning system 
equipment shall be sealed in accordance with Section 141.0(b)2Dii.   
Exception  1 to Section 141.0(b)2Eii: Duct Sealing . Buildings altered so that the duct system 
no longer meets the criteria of Section 141.0(b)2Dii.  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 429 
SECTION 141.0 – ADDITIONS, ALTERATIONS, AND REPAIRS TO EXISTING NONRESIDENTIAL, AND HOTEL/MOTEL BUILDINGS, 
TO EXISTING OUTDOOR LIGHTING, AND TO INTERNALLY AND EXTERNALLY ILLUMINATED SIGNS  Exception  2 to Section 141.0(b)2Eii: Duct Sealing . Duct systems that are documented to 
have been previously sealed as confirmed through field verification and diagnostic testing 
in accordance with procedures in the Reference Nonresidential Appendix NA2.  
Exception  3 to Section 141.0(b)2Eii: Duct Sealing . Existing duct systems constructed, 
insulated , or sealed with asbestos are exempt from the requirements of not required to  
comply with  Subsection 141.0(b)2Eii.  
F. Spaces with lighting systems installed for the first time shall meet the requirements of 
Sections 110.9, 130.0, 130.1, 130.2, 130.4, 140.3(c), 140.6 and 140.7.  
G. When the requirements of Section 130.1(d) are triggered by the addition of skylights to an 
existing building and the lighting system is not recircuited, the daylighting control need not 
meet the multilevel requirements in Section 130.1(d).  
H. New internally and externally illuminated signs shall meet the requirements of Sections 
110.9, 130.3 and 140.8.  
I. Altered Indoor Lighting Systems.   Alterations to indoor lighting systems that include 10% or 
more of the luminaires serving an enclosed space shall meet the requirements of i, ii, or iii 
below:  
i. The alteration shall comply with the indoor lighting power requirements specified in 
Section 140.6 and the lighting control requirements specified in Table 141.0 -F;  
ii.  The alteration shall not exceed 80% of the indoor lighting power requirements specified 
in Section 140.6, and shall comply with the lighting control requirements specified in 
Table 141.0 -F; or  
iii. The alteration shall be a one -for-one luminaire alteration within a building or tenant 
space of 5,000 square feet or less, the total wattage of the altered luminaires shall be at 
least 40% lower compared to their total pre -alteration wattage, and the alteration shall 
comply with the lighting control requirements specified in Table 141.0 -F. 
Alterations to indoor lighting systems shall not prevent the operation of existing, unaltered 
controls, and shall not alter controls to remove functions specified in Section 130.1.  
Alterations to lighting wiring are considered alterations to the lighting system. Alteratio ns 
to indoor lighting systems are not required to separate existing general, floor, wall, display, 
or decorative lighting on shared circuits or controls. New or completely replaced lighting 
circuits shall comply with the control separation requirements of Section 130.1(a)3 and 
130.1(c)1D.  
Exception 1 to Section 141.0(b)2I:  Alteration of portable luminaires, luminaires affixed to 
moveable partitions, or lighting excluded as specified in Section 140.6(a)3.  
Exception 2 to Section 141.0(b)2I:  Any enclosed space with only one luminaire.  
Exception 3 to Section 141.0(b)2I:  Any alteration that would directly cause the disturbance 
of asbestos unless the alteration is made in conjunction with asbestos abatement.  Page 430 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 141.0 – ADDITIONS, ALTERATIONS, AND REPAIRS TO EXISTING NONRESIDENTIAL, AND HOTEL/MOTEL BUILDINGS, 
TO EXISTING OUTDOOR LIGHTING, AND TO INTERNALLY AND EXTERNALLY ILLUMINATED SIGNS  Exception 4 to Section 141.0(b)2I:  Acceptance testing requirements of Section 130.4 are 
not required for alterations where lighting controls are added to control 20 or fewer 
luminaires.  
Exception 5 to Section 141.0(b)2I: Any alteration limited to adding lighting controls or 
replacing lamps, ballasts, or drivers.  
Exception 6 to Section 141.0(b)2I:  One-for-one luminaire alteration of up to 50 luminaires 
either per complete floor of the building or per complete tenant space, per annum.  
J. Reserved . 
K. Reserved.  
L. Alterations to existing outdoor lighting systems in a lighting application listed in TABLE 
140.7 -A or 140.7 -B shall meet the applicable requirements of Sections 130.0, 130.2(b), and 
130.4, and:  
i. In alterations that increase the connected lighting load, the added or altered luminaires 
shall meet the applicable requirements of Section 130.2(c) and the requirements of 
Section 140.7 for general hardscape lighting or for the specific lighting applic ations 
containing the alterations; and  
ii. In alterations that do not increase the connected lighting load, where 10 percent or 
more of the existing luminaires are replaced in a general hardscape or a specific lighting 
application, the alterations shall meet the following requirements:  
a. In parking lots and outdoor sales lots where the bottom of the luminaire is mounted 
24 feet or less above the ground, the replacement luminaires shall comply with 
Section 130.2(c)1 AND Section 130.2(c)3; and 
b. For parking lots and outdoor sales lots where the bottom of the luminaire is 
mounted greater than 24 feet above the ground and for all other lighting 
applications, the replacement luminaires shall comply with Section 130.2(c)1 AND 
EITHER comply with Sec tion 130.2(c)2 or be controlled by lighting control systems, 
including motion sensors, that automatically reduce lighting power by at least 40 
percent in response to the area being vacated of occupants .; and  
Exception to  Section  141.0(b)2Lii: Alterations where less than 5 existing luminaires are 
replaced.  
iii. In alterations that do not increase the connected lighting load, where 50 percent or 
more of the existing luminaires are replaced in general hardscape or a specific 
application, the replacement luminaires shall meet the requirements of subsection ii 
above and the requirements of Section 140.7 for general hardscape lighting or specific 
lighting applications containing the alterations.  
Exception 1 to Section  141.0(b)2Liii: Alterations where the replacement luminaires 
have at least 40 percent lower power consumption compared to the original luminaires 
are not required to comply with the lighting power allowances of Section 140.7.  
Exception 2 to  Section  141.0(b)2Liii: Alterations where less than 5 existing luminaires 
are replaced.  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 431 
SECTION 141.0 – ADDITIONS, ALTERATIONS, AND REPAIRS TO EXISTING NONRESIDENTIAL, AND HOTEL/MOTEL BUILDINGS, 
TO EXISTING OUTDOOR LIGHTING, AND TO INTERNALLY AND EXTERNALLY ILLUMINATED SIGNS  Exception to  Section  141.0(b)2L: Acceptance testing requirements of Section 130.4 are not 
required for alterations where controls are added to 20 or fewer luminaires.  
M. Alterations to existing internally and externally illuminated signs that increase the 
connected lighting load, replace and rewire more than 50 percent of the ballasts, or 
relocate the sign to a different location on the same site or on a different site shall meet 
the requirements of Section 140.8.  
Exception to  Section  141.0(b)2M:  Replacement of parts of an existing sign, including 
replacing lamps, the sign face or ballasts, that do not require rewiring or that are done at a 
time other than when the sign is relocated, is not an alteration subject to the requirements 
of Section 141. 0(b)2M.  
N. Service water -heating systems shall meet the requirements of Section 140.5(a)2 and (b),  
except for the solar water heating requirements.  
O. A building shell for which interior walls or ceilings are installed for the first time shall meet 
the requirements of Section 140.3(c).  
P. Electrical Power Distribution Systems.  Alterations to electrical power distribution systems 
shall meet the applicable requirements of Section 130.5 as follows:  
i. Service Electrical Metering . New or replacement  electrical service equipment shall 
meet the requirements of Section 130.5(a)  applicable to the electrical power 
distribution system altered . 
ii. Separation Of Electrical Circuits for Electrical Energy Monitoring . For entirely new or 
complete replacement of  electrical power distribution systems, the entire system  shall 
meet the applicable requirements of Section 130.5(b) . 
iii. Voltage Drop.  Alterations of feeders and branch circuits where the alteration includes 
addition, modification, or replacement of both feeders and branch circuits, the altered 
circuits shall meet the requirements of Section 130.5(c).  
Exception to Section 141.0(b)2Piii : Voltage drop permitted by California Electrical Code 
Sections 647.4, 695.6 and 695.7.  
iv. Circuit Controls for 120 -Volt Receptacles and Controlled Receptacles . For entirely new 
or complete replacement of  electrical power distribution systems, the entire system  
shall meet the applicable requirements of Section s 130.5( d) and 130.5(e).  
Q. Existing building envelope wall where at least 25% or more of the wall area is being altered 
must comply with Section 140.3(a)9. Where the building is tested in accordance with the 
procedures for whole building air leakage in NA2.4 and the tested leakage r ate exceeds 0.4 
cfm/ft2 of building shell at 75 pa. A Visual Inspection and Diagnostic Evaluation shall be 
done in accordance with NA2.4.7 and all  observed leaks shall be sealed where such sealing 
can be made without destruction of existing building compon ents.  
Exception to Section 141.0(b)2Q:  Healthcare facilities.  
R. Exterior doors.  Alterations that add exterior door area shall meet the U -factor 
requirements of Section 140.3(a)7.  Page 432 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 141.0 – ADDITIONS, ALTERATIONS, AND REPAIRS TO EXISTING NONRESIDENTIAL, AND HOTEL/MOTEL BUILDINGS, 
TO EXISTING OUTDOOR LIGHTING, AND TO INTERNALLY AND EXTERNALLY ILLUMINATED SIGNS  3.  Performance approach.  
A. The altered envelope, space –conditioning system, lighting and water heating components, 
and any newly installed equipment serving the alteration, shall meet the applicable 
requirements of Sections 110.0 through 110.9, Sections 120.0 through 120.6, and Sect ions 
120.9 through 130.5.  
Exception  1 to Section 141.0(b)3A: Window Films. Applied window films installed as part 
of an alteration complies with the U -factor, RSHGC and VT requirements of TABLE 141.0 -E. 
Exception  2 to Section 141. 0(b)3A:  The requirements of Section 120.2(i) shall not apply to 
alterations of space -conditioning systems or components.  
B. The standard design for an altered component shall be the higher efficiency of existing 
conditions or the requirements of Section 141.0(b)2. For components not being altered, the 
standard design shall be based on the unaltered existing conditions such t hat the standard 
and proposed designs for these components are identical.  
C. When the third party verification option is specified, all components proposed for 
alteration, for which the additional credit is taken, must be verified. The Executive Director 
shall determine the qualifications required by the third party inspector.  
D.  The proposed design shall be based on the actual values of the altered components.  
NOTES TO SECTION 141.0(b)3:  
1. If an existing component is replaced with a new component, that component is 
considered an altered component for the purpose of determining the energy budget 
and shall meet the requirements of Section 141.0(b)3.  
2. The standard design assumes the same geometry and orientation as the proposed 
design.  
3. The “existing efficiency level” modeling rules, including situations where nameplate 
data is not available, are described in the Nonresidential ACM Reference Manual.  
Exception  1 to Section 141.0(b):  When heating, cooling or service water heating for an alteration 
are provided by expanding existing systems, the existing systems and equipment need not comply 
with Sections 110.0 through 120.9 and Section 140.4 or 140.5.  
Exception  2 to Section 141.0(b):  When existing heating, cooling or service water heating systems 
or components are moved within a building, the existing systems or components need not comply 
with Sections 110.0 through 120.9 and Section 140.4 or 140.5.  
Exception  3 to Section 141.0(b):  Where an existing system with electric reheat is expanded when 
adding variable air volume (VAV) boxes to serve an alteration, total electric reheat capacity may be 
expanded not to exceed 20 percent of the existing installed electric capacity in any one pe rmit and 
the system need not comply with Section 140.4(g). Additional electric reheat capacity in excess of 
20 percent may be added subject to the requirements of the Section 140.4(g).  
Exception 4 to Section 141.0(b):  The requirements of Section 120.2(i) shall not apply to alterations 
of space -conditioning systems or components.  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 433 
SECTION 141.0 – ADDITIONS, ALTERATIONS, AND REPAIRS TO EXISTING NONRESIDENTIAL, AND HOTEL/MOTEL BUILDINGS, 
TO EXISTING OUTDOOR LIGHTING, AND TO INTERNALLY AND EXTERNALLY ILLUMINATED SIGNS  TABLE 141.0 -E – The Standard Design For An Altered Component  
Altered Component  Standard Design Without Third Party 
Verification of Existing Conditions 
Shall be Based On  Standard Design With Third Party 
Verification of Existing Conditions Shall 
be Based On  
Roof/Ceiling Insulation, Wall 
Insulation, and Floor/Soffit 
Insulation  The requirements of Section 141.0(b)1  
and 141.0(b)2Bii . The requirements of Section 141.0(b)1  
and 141.0(b)2Bii . 
Fenestration  
The allowed glass area shall 
be the smaller of the a. or b. 
below:  
a. The proposed glass area: 
or 
b. The larger of:  
1.The existing glass area 
that remains; or  
2.The area allowed in 
Section 140.3(a)5A.  The U -factor and RSHGC requirements 
of TABLE 141.0 -A. The existing U -factor and RSHGC levels.  
Space -Conditioning System 
Equipment and Ducts  The requirements of Sections 
141.0(b)2C, 141.0(b)2Di or Section 
141.0(b)2Dii, and Section 141.0(b)2E.  The requirements of Sections 141.0(b)2C, 
141.0(b)2Di or Section 141.0(b)2Dii, and 
Section 141.0(b)2E.  
Window Film  The U -factor of 0.40 and SHGC value of 
0.35.  The existing fenestration in the alteration 
shall be based on TABLE 110.6 -A and 
Table 110.6 -B. 
Service Water Heating Systems  The requirements of Section 140.5 
without solar water heating 
requirements.  The requirements of Section 140.5 
without solar water heating 
requirements.  
Roofing Products  The requirements of Section 
141.0(b)2B.  The requirements of Section 141.0(b)2B.  
Lighting System  The requirements of Sections 
141.0(b)2F, through 141.0(b)2K.  The requirements of Sections 141.0(b)2F, 
through 141.0(b)2K.  
All Other Measures  The proposed efficiency levels.  The proposed efficiency levels.  
(c) Repairs.  Repairs shall not increase the preexisting energy consumption of the repaired component, 
system, or equipment.  
(d) Alternate Method of Compliance.  Any addition, alteration, or repair may comply with the 
requirements of Title 24, Part 6 by meeting the applicable requirements for the entire building.  
  Page 434 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 141.0 – ADDITIONS, ALTERATIONS, AND REPAIRS TO EXISTING NONRESIDENTIAL, AND HOTEL/MOTEL BUILDINGS, 
TO EXISTING OUTDOOR LIGHTING, AND TO INTERNALLY AND EXTERNALLY ILLUMINATED SIGNS  Table 141.0 -F – Control Requirements for Indoor Lighting System Alterations  
Control 
Specifications  Coded Section  Projects 
complying with 
Section 
141.0(b)2Ii  Projects complying 
with Sections 
141.0(b)2Iii or 
141.0(b)2Iiii  
Manual Area 
Controls  130.1(a)1  Required  Required  
Manual Area 
Controls  130.1(a)2  Required  Required  
Manual Area 
Controls  130.1(a)3  Only required for 
new or completely 
replaced circuits  Only required for 
new or completely 
replaced circuits  
Multilevel 
Controls  130.1(b)  Required  Not Required  
Automatic Shut 
Off Controls  130.1(c)1  Required ; 
130.1(c)1D only 
required for new 
or completely 
replaced circuits  Required ; 
130.1(c)1D only 
required for new 
or completely 
replaced circuits  
Automatic Shut 
Off Controls  130.1(c)2  Required  Required  
Automatic Shut 
Off Controls  130.1(c)3  Required  Required  
Automatic Shut 
Off Controls  130.1(c)4  Required  Required  
Automatic Shut 
Off Controls  130.1(c)5  Required  Required  
Automatic Shut 
Off Controls  130.1(c)6  Required  Required; except 
for 130.1(c)6D  
Automatic Shut 
Off Controls  130.1(c)7  Required  Required  
Automatic Shut 
Off Controls  130.1(c)8  Required  Required  
Daylighting 
Controls  130.1(d)  Required  Not Required  
Demand 
Responsive 
Controls  110.12(a) and 
110.12(c)  Required  Not Required  
 
NOTE:  Authority: Sections 25213, 25218, 25218.5, 25402 and 25402.1, Public Resources Code. Reference: Sections 25007, 
25008, 25218.5, 25310, 25402, 25402.1, 25402.4, 25402.5, 25402.8, 25910, and 25943, Public Resources Code.  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 435 
SECTION 141.1 – REQUIREMENTS FOR COVERED PROCESSES IN ADDITIONS, ALTERATIONS TO EXISTING NONRESIDENTIAL, 
AND HOTEL/MOTEL BUILDINGS  SECTION 141.1 – REQUIREMENTS FOR COVERED PROCESSES IN ADDITIONS, 
ALTERATIONS TO EXISTING NONRESIDENTIAL, AND HOTEL/MOTEL BUILDINGS  
Covered processes in additions or alterations to existing buildings that will be nonresidential,  and 
hotel/motel occupancies shall comply with the applicable subsections of section 120.6 and 140.9.  
(a) Lab and Process Facility Exhaust Systems.  All newly installed fan systems for a laboratory or 
process facility exhaust system greater than 10,000 cfm Additions  and alterations to existing 
laboratories and factories  shall meet the requirements of Section 140.9(c).  
(b) Computer Rooms.  All newly installed computer room cooling systems and uninterruptible power 
supply systems in additions/alterations shall meet the requirements of Sections 120.6(j), 140.9(a)2, 
and 140.9(a)4 and comply with item 1 below.  
1. Economizers.  Each individual cooling system primarily serving computer rooms in an existing 
building shall include either:  
A. An integrated air economizer capable of partial cooling when additional mechanical cooling 
is required and capable of providing 100 percent of the expected system cooling load up to 
80°F room supply air temperature at outside air temperatures of 55°F dry -bulb and below 
or 50°F wet -bulb and below, and be equipped with a fault detection and diagnostic system 
as specified by section 120.2(i); or  
B. An integrated water economizer capable of partial cooling when additional mechanical 
cooling is required and capable of providing 100 percent of the expected system cooling 
load up to 80°F room supply air temperature at outside air temperatures of 40°F dry -bulb 
and below or 35°F wet -bulb and below.  
EXCEPTION 1 to Section 141.1(b)1:  Individual computer rooms with an ITE design load under 5 
tons (18 kW) in a building that does not have any economizers.  
EXCEPTION 2 to Section 141.1.(b)1:  New cooling systems serving an existing computer room in 
an existing building with an ITE design load up to a total of 50 tons (176 kW).  
EXCEPTION 3 to Section 141.1(b)1:  New cooling systems serving a new computer room in an 
existing building with an ITE design load up to a total of 20 tons (70 kW).  
(c) Controlled Environment Horticulture  Spaces.    
1. Indoor Growing, Space -Conditioning Systems and Dehumidification. All newly installed 
heating, ventilation, air conditioning systems or dehumidification systems in buildings with 
indoor growing shall  meet the applicable requirements of Section 120.6(h)1 and  120.6(h)2.    
2. Greenhouses, Building Envelope and Space -Conditioning Systems. A greenhouse  being 
converted  to a conditioned greenhouse  or additions to a conditioned greenhouse  shall 
meet the requirements of Sections 120.6(h) 5 3 and 120.6(h) 64.  
3. Indoor Growing and Greenhouses,  Horticultural Lighting.  When alterations to horticultural 
lighting systems increase lighting wattage or include adding, replacing, or altering 10 
percent or more of the  horticultural  luminaires  serving an enclosed space,  the newly 
installed, replaced, or altered  lighting  shall meet the requirements of Section 
120.6(h) 3 5 for indoor growing or Section 120.6(h)7  for greenhouses .   Page 436 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 141.1 – REQUIREMENTS FOR COVERED PROCESSES IN ADDITIONS, ALTERATIONS TO EXISTING NONRESIDENTIAL, 
AND HOTEL/MOTEL BUILDINGS  EXCEPTION to Section 141.1(c)3: Any alteration limited to adding lighting controls or 
replacing lamps, ballasts, or drivers.   
(d) Process piping . Newly installed process heating and process cooling system piping  and pipes 
relocated as part of an alteration shall meet the requirements of Section 120.3 .  
NOTE:   For alterations that change the occupancy classification of the building, the requirements of 
Section 141.1 apply to the occupancy that will exist after the alterations.  
NOTE:  Authority: Sections 25213, 25218, 25218.5, 25402 and 25402.1, Public Resources Code. 
Reference: Sections 25007, 25008, 25218.5, 25310, 25402, 25402.1, 25402.4, 25402.8, and 25943, 
Public Resources Code.  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 437 
SECTION 150.0 – MANDATORY FEATURES AND DEVICES  SUBCHAPTER 7  
SINGLE -FAMILY RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS – MANDATORY 
FEATURES AND DEVICES  
SECTION 150.0 – MANDATORY FEATURES AND DEVICES  
Single -family residential buildings shall comply with the applicable requirements of Sections 
150(a) through 150.0(v).  
NOTE:  The requirements of Sections 150.0(a) through 150.0(r) apply to newly constructed 
buildings. Sections 150.2(a) and 150.2(b) specify which requirements of Sections 150.0(a) 
through 150.0(r) also apply to additions or alterations.  
(a) Roof deck, ceiling  and rafter roof insulation . The opaque portions of roof decks separating 
attic spaces from ambient air, and ceilings or rafter roofs separating conditioned spaces 
from unconditioned spaces or ambient air, shall meet the requirements of Items 1 through 4 
below:  
1. In Climate Zones 4 and 8 through  16, roof decks in newly constructed attic s that are 
above conditioned space  systems shall be insulated to achieve an area -weighted average 
U-factor not exceeding U -0.184.   
Exception  1 to Section 150.0(a)1:  
i. The space -conditioning system air handler and ducts are located entirely in 
conditioned space below the ceiling separating the occupiable space from the 
attic; or  
ii. The space -conditioning system air handler is located in unconditioned space and 
has 12 linear feet or less of supply duct, including the length of the air handler 
and the plenum, located in unconditioned space, with all other portions of the 
supply ducts l ocated in conditioned space below the ceiling separating the 
occupiable space from the attic.  
Exception 2 to Section 150.0(a)1:  Space -conditioning duct  system s buried within  
insulation in an attic that compl ies using  Section 150.1 (b) and is verified according to 
RA 3. 1.4.1 .  
2. Ceilings and rafter roofs shall be insulated to achieve an area -weighted average U -factor 
not exceeding U -0.043 or shall be insulated between wood -framing members with 
insulation resulting in an installed thermal resistance of R -22 or greater for the insulation 
alone. For vented at tics, the mandatory insulation shall be installed at the ceiling level; 
for unvented attics, the mandatory insulation shall be placed at either ceiling or roof 
level; and  
Exception  to Section 150.0(a)2: Ceilings and rafter roofs in an alteration shall be 
insulated to achieve an area -weighted average U -factor not exceeding 0.054 or shall be Page 438 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 150.0 – MANDATORY FEATURES AND DEVICES  insulated between wood -framing members with insulation resulting in an installed 
thermal resistance of R -19 or greater.   
3. Attic access doors shall have permanently attached insulation using adhesive or 
mechanical fasteners. The attic access shall be gasketed to prevent air leakage; and  
4. Insulation shall be installed in direct contact with a roof or ceiling which is sealed to limit 
infiltration and exfiltration as specified in Section 110.7, including but not limited to 
placing insulation either above or below the roof deck or on top of  a drywall ceiling.  
(b) Loose -fill insulation . When loose -fill insulation is installed, the minimum installed weight per 
square foot shall conform with the insulation manufacturer’s installed design weight per 
square foot at the manufacturer’s labeled R -value.  
(c) Wall insulation . Opaque portions of above grade walls separating conditioned spaces from 
unconditioned spaces or ambient air shall meet the following requirements:  
1. 2 × 4 inch framing shall have an overall assembly U -factor not exceeding U -0.102 0.095 . 
Exception  to Section 150.0(c)1:  Existing walls already insulated to a U -factor not 
exceeding U -0.110 or already insulated between framing members with insulation 
having an installed thermal resistance of R -11 or greater.  
2. 2 × 6 inch or greater framing shall have an overall assembly U -factor not exceeding U -
0.071 0.069 . 
3. Opaque non -framed assemblies shall have an overall assembly U -factor not exceeding U -
0.102.  
4. Bay or bow window roofs and floors shall be insulated to meet the wall insulation 
requirements of Table 150.1 -A. 
5. Masonry walls shall be insulated to meet the wall insulation requirements of Table 
150.1 -A. 
6. In wood framed assemblies, compliance with U -factors may be demonstrated by 
installing wall insulation with an R -value of 13 R-15 in 2x4 assemblies , and 20 R-21 in 2x6 
assemblies , with 16 inches on center  spacing . 
(d) Raised -floor insulation . Raised floors separating conditioned space from unconditioned 
space or ambient air shall have an overall assembly U -factor not exceeding U -0.037. In a 
wood framed assembly, compliance with the U -factor may be demonstrated by installing 
insulation with an R-value of 19 or greater.  
Exception  to Section 150.0(d):  A building with a controlled ventilation or unvented 
crawlspace may omit raised floor insulation if all of the following are met:  
i. The foundation walls are insulated to meet the wall insulation minimums as shown in 
Table 150.1 -A; and  
ii. A Class I or Class II vapor retarder is placed over the entire floor of the crawl space; and  
iii. Vents between the crawlspace and outside air are fitted with automatically operated 
louvers that are temperature actuated; and  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 439 
SECTION 150.0 – MANDATORY FEATURES AND DEVICES  iv. The requirements in Reference Residential Appendix RA4.5.1.  
(e) Installation of fireplaces, decorative gas appliances  and gas logs . If a masonry or factory -
built fireplace is installed, it shall comply with Section 110.5, Section 4.503 of Part 11, and 
shall have the following:  
1. Closable metal or glass doors covering the entire opening of the firebox; and  
2. A combustion air intake to draw air from the outside of the building, which is at least 6 
square inches in area and is equipped with a readily accessible, operable and tight -fitting 
damper or combustion -air control device; and  
Exception  to Section 150.0(e)2:  An outside combustion -air intake is not required if the 
fireplace will be installed over concrete slab flooring and the fireplace will not be located 
on an exterior wall.  
3. A flue damper with a readily accessible control.  
Exception  to Section 150.0(e)3:  When a gas log, log lighter or decorative gas appliance is 
installed in a fireplace, the flue damper shall be blocked open if required by the CMC or 
the manufacturer’s installation instructions.  
(f) Slab edge insulation . Material used for slab edge insulation shall meet the following 
minimum specifications:  
1. Water absorption rate for the insulation material alone without facings no greater than 
0.3 percent when tested in accordance with Test Method A – 24-Hour -Immersion of 
ASTM C272.  
2. Water vapor permeance no greater than 2.0 perm/inch when tested in accordance with 
ASTM E96.  
3. Concrete slab perimeter insulation shall be protected from physical damage and 
ultraviolet light deterioration.  
4. Insulation for a heated slab floor shall meet the requirements of Section 110.8(g).  
(g) Vapor retarder.  
1. In Climate Zones 1 –16, the earth floor of unvented crawl space shall be covered with a 
Class I or Class II vapor retarder. This requirement shall also apply to controlled 
ventilation crawl space for buildings complying with the Exception to Section 150. 0(d).  
2. In Climate Zones 14 and 16, a Class I or Class II vapor retarder shall be installed on the 
conditioned space side of all insulation in all exterior walls, vented attics and unvented 
attics with air -permeable insulation.  
(h) Space -conditioning equipment.  
1. Building cooling  and heating loads . Building heating and cooling loads shall be 
determined using a method based on any one of the following:  
A.A.  The ASHRAE Handbook, Equipment Volume, Applications Volume 
and Fundamentals Volume; or  Page 440 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 150.0 – MANDATORY FEATURES AND DEVICES  B.B.  The SMACNA Residential Comfort System Installation Standards 
Manual; or  
C. C. The ACCA Manual J.  
Exception 1 to Section 150.0(h)1: Block loads (the total load for all rooms combined that 
are served by the central equipment) may be used for the purpose of system sizing for 
additions.  
A.  
The cooling and heating loads are two of the criteria that shall be used for equipment 
sizing and selection.  
Note : Heating systems are required to have a minimum heating capacity adequate to 
meet the minimum requirements of the CBC. The furnace output capacity and other 
specifications are published in the Commission’s directory of certified equipment or 
other director ies approved by the Commission.  
2. Design conditions . Design conditions shall be determined in accordance with the 
following:  
A. For the purpose of sizing the space - conditioning (HVAC) system, the indoor 
design temperatures  shall be  68°F for heating and 75°F for cooling.  
B. Outdoor design conditions shall be selected from  one of the following:  
i. Reference Joint Appendix JA2, which is based on data from the ASHRAE 
Climatic Data for Region X ; or 
ii. The ASHRAE Handbook, Equipment Volume, Applications Volume and 
Fundamentals Volume; or  
iii. The SMACNA Residential Comfort System Installation Standards Manual; or  
iv. The ACCA Manual J.   
C. The outdoor  design temperatures for heating shall be no lower than the 99.0 
percent Heating Dry Bulb or the Heating Winter Median of Extremes v alues.  
D. The outdoor design temperatures for cooling shall be no greater than the 1.0 
percent Cooling Dry Bulb and Mean Coincident Wet Bulb values.  
E.  
3. Outdoor condensing units.  
A. Clearances. Installed air conditioner and heat pump outdoor condensing units shall 
have a clearance of at least five (5) feet (1.5 meters) from the outlet of any dryer 
vent.  
B. Liquid line drier . Installed air conditioner and heat pump systems shall be equipped 
with liquid line filter driers if required, as specified by  manufacturer’s instructions.  
4. Central forced -air heating furnaces . 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 441 
SECTION 150.0 – MANDATORY FEATURES AND DEVICES  A. Temperature rise. Central forced -air heating furnace installations shall be configured 
to operate in conformance with the furnace manufacturer’s maximum inlet -to-outlet 
temperature rise specifications.  
5. System Selection . 
A. Equipment sizing and selection shall meet  the cooling and heating loads  of Section 
150.0(h) 1 and 2 .  
B. Systems shall be sized based on ACCA Manual S -2023  in accordance with these 
requirements: ): 
i. Cooling  Capacity : There is no limit on the minimum capacity . 
ii. Furnaces: Heating capacity shall be sized based on ACCA Manual S -2023, Table 
N2.5.  
iii. Heat Pump  Heating Capacity : There is no limit on the minimum capacity . 
a. Minimum : Heating systems are required to have a heating capacity meeti ng 
the minimum requirements of the CBC  not including any supple menta ry 
heating . 
b. Maximum:  There is no limit on the maximum heating capacity. T 
6. Defrost.   
A. If a heat pump is equipped with a defrost delay timer, the delay timer shall  be set to 
greater than or equal to 90 minutes.  
B. The installer shall certify on the Certificate of Installation (CF2R) that the control 
configuration has been tested in accordance with the testing procedure in the CF2R.   
Exception 1 to Section 150.0(h) 6. Dwelling units in Climate Zones 6 and 7.  
Exception 2 to Section 150.0(h) 6. Dwelling units with a conditioned floor area of 500 
square feet or less in Climate Zones  3, 5 through 10 , and 15.- 
7. Supplementary heating control configuration . Heat pumps with   supplementary heat, 
including, but not limited to , electric resistance heaters or gas furnace supplementary 
heating , shall comply with the following requirements : 
A. Lock  out supplementary heating above an outdoor air temperature of no greater 
than 35°F. There are additional thermostat requirements in section 150.0(i)2 . 
B. The installer shall certify on the Certificate of Installation that the control 
configuration has been tested in accordance with the testing procedure found in the 
CF2R.  
C. The controls may allow supplementary heater operation above 35°F only during 
defrost; or when the user selects emergency operation.  
Exception 1 to Section 150.0(h) 7: Room air -conditioner heat pumps.  
Exception 2 to Section 150.0(h)7 : Buildings  in Climate Zone s 7 and  15. Page 442 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 150.0 – MANDATORY FEATURES AND DEVICES  Exception 3 to Section 150.0(h)7:  Buildings  with a conditioned floor space less than 500 
square feet . 
8. Sizing of electric resistance supplementary heat . Where heat pumps have electric 
resistance heat, the capacity of electric resistance heat shall not exceed the heat pump 
nominal cooling capacity (at 95°F ambient conditions) multiplied by  2.7 kW per ton, 
rounded up to the closest kW.  
9. Capacity variation with th ird-party thermostats . Variable or multi -speed systems shall 
comply with the following requirements:   
A. The space conditioning system and thermostat together shall be capable of  
respond ing to heating and cooling load s by modulating system compressor spee d, 
and meet thermostat requirements in section 150.0(i) 2. 
B. The installer shall certify on the Certificate of Installation that the control 
configuration has been tested in accordance with the testing procedure found in the 
CF2R.  
 
(i) Thermostats .  
1. Setback thermostats.  All heating or cooling systems, including heat pumps, not 
controlled by a central energy management control system (EMCS) shall have a setback 
thermostat, as specified in Section 110.2(c).  
2. Thermostats that are applied to heat pumps with supplemental  heating . In addition to 
the requirements in Section 150.0(i)A, thermostats controlling heat pumps with electric 
resistance supplementary heat or gas furnace supplementary heat shall comply with the 
following requirements:  
A. The thermostat shall receive outdoor air temperature from an outdoor air 
temperature sensor or from an internet weather service.  
B. The thermostat shall display the outdoor air temperature.  
 
C. As described in 150.0(h) 7, the thermostat and heat pump shall lock out 
supplementary heat when the outdoor air temperature is above 35°F.  
D. The thermostat shall have an indicator to notify when supplementary heat or 
emergency heat is in use.  
E. During defrost or when the user selects emergency heating, supplementary heat 
operation is permitted above 35°F.  
F. The installer shall certify on the Certificate of Installation that the system  has been 
tested in accordance with  the testing procedure  found in the CF2R . 
Exception 1 to Section 150.0(i)2B and C: Where supplementary heat is locked out above 
35°F by another control device in accordance with Section 150.0(h) 9. 
 
Exception 2 to Section  150.0(i)2:  Room  air-conditioner  heat  pumps.  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 443 
SECTION 150.0 – MANDATORY FEATURES AND DEVICES  (j) Insulation for piping  and tanks.   
1. Water piping, solar water -heating system piping, and space -conditioning system line 
insulation thickness and conductivity.  Piping shall be insulated as follows:  
A. All domestic hot water piping shall be insulated as specified in Section 609. 11 12 of 
the California Plumbing Code.  
B. Piping for space -conditioning systems, solar water -heating system collector loop, and 
distribution piping for steam and hydronic heating system shall meet the 
requirements of Section 120.3( a). 
Exception  1 to Section 150.0(j)1:  Factory -installed piping within space -conditioning 
equipment certified under Section 110.1 or 110.2.  
Exception  2 to Section 150.0(j)1:  Piping that penetrates framing members shall not be 
required to have pipe insulation for the distance of the framing penetration. Piping that 
penetrates metal framing shall use grommets, plugs, wrapping or other insulating 
material to assure that no conta ct is made with the metal framing. Insulation shall butt 
securely against all framing members.  
Exception 3 to Section 150.0(j)1:  Piping installed in interior or exterior walls shall not be 
required to have pipe insulation if all of the requirements are met for compliance with 
(QII) as specified in the Reference Residential Appendix RA3.5.  
Exception 4 to Section 150.0(j)1:  Piping surrounded with a minimum of 1 inch of wall 
insulation, 2 inches of crawlspace insulation, or 4 inches of attic insulation shall not be 
required to have pipe insulation.  
2. Insulation protection . Pipe insulation shall meet the insulation protection requirements 
of Section 120.3(b).  
(k) Residential lighting.  
1. Luminaire requirements .  
A. Luminaire efficacy . All installed luminaires  and light source s  shall meet the 
requirements in Table 150.0 -Acomply with Reference Joint Appendix JA8 and shall be 
certified and marked as required by JA8 . 
Exception 1 to Section 150.0(k)1A: Integrated device lighting.  Lighting integral to 
exhaust fans, kitchen range hoods, bath vanity mirrors , and garage door openers , 
and ceiling fan kits that are subject to  DOE's Appliance and Equipment Standards 
Program .  
Exception  2 to Section 150.0(k)1A: Navigation lighting  rated less than five watts , 
such as night lights, step lights, and path lights  less than 5 watts .  
Exception  3 to Section 150.0(k)1A: Cabinet lighting . Lighting  with an efficacy of 45 
lumens per watt or greater and located  internal to drawers, cabinetry , and or linen 
closets  with an efficacy of 45 lumens per watt or greater .  
Exception 4 to Section 150.0(k)1A:  Light sources as follows:  Page 444 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 150.0 – MANDATORY FEATURES AND DEVICES  i. LED light sources installed outdoors;  
ii. inseparable solid state lighting (SSL) luminaires containing colored light sources 
that are installed to provide decorative lighting;  
iii. High intensity discharge (HID) light sources including pulse start metal halide and 
high pressure sodium light sources; and  
iv. Luminaires with hardwired high frequency generator and induction lamp.  
B. Screw -based luminaires.  Screw -based luminaires shall contain lamps that comply 
with Reference Joint Appendix JA8 Reserved . 
C. Recessed downlight luminaires  in ceilings.  Luminaires recessed into ceilings shall 
meet all of the following requirements:  
i. Shall not contain screw base lamp sockets; and  
ii. Have a label that certifies the luminaire is airtight with air leakage less than 2.0 
cfm at 75 Pascals when tested in accordance with ASTM E283. An exhaust fan 
housing with integral light shall not be required to be certified airtight; and  
iii. Be sealed with a gasket or caulk between the luminaire housing and ceiling, and 
have all air leak paths between conditioned and unconditioned spaces sealed 
with a gasket or caulk, or be installed per manufacturer’s instructions to maintain 
airtightnes s between the luminaire housing and ceiling; and  
iv. Meet the clearance and installation requirements of California Electrical Code 
Section Article 410.116 for recessed luminaires.  
Exception  to Sections  150.0(k)1Cii and iii:  Recessed luminaires marked for use in fire -
rated installations extruded into ceiling space and recessed luminaires installed in 
noninsulated  ceilings.  
D. Light sources  in enclosed  or recessed luminaires . Lamps and other separable light 
sources  in enclosed or recessed luminaires  shall be in that are not compliant 
compliance with the JA8 elevated temperature requirements, including marking 
requirements , shall not be installed in enclosed or recessed luminaires . 
E. Blank electrical boxes.  The number of electrical boxes that are more than 5 five feet 
above the finished floor and do not contain a luminaire or other device shall be no 
greater than the number of bedrooms. These electrical boxes   must shall  be served by 
a dimmer, vacancy sensor control, low voltage wiring , or fan speed control.  
2. Indoor lighting controls.   
A. Lighting shall have readily accessible wall -mounted controls that allow the lighting to 
be manually turned ON and OFF.  
Exception to Section 150.0(k)2A:  Ceiling fans may provide control of integrated 
lighting via a remote control.  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 445 
SECTION 150.0 – MANDATORY FEATURES AND DEVICES  B. No controls shall bypass a dimmer, occupant sensor or vacancy sensor function 
where that dimmer or sensor has been installed to comply with Section 
150.0(k) Reserved . 
C. All lighting controls . Lighting controls shall comply with the applicable requirements 
of Section 110.9.  
D. Controls permitted . An Eenergy Mmanagement Ccontrol Ssystem (EMCS) or a multi -
scene programmable control may be used to comply with dimming, occupancy , and 
lighting control requirements in Section 150.0(k)2 if it provides the functionality of 
the specified controls in accordance with Section 110.9 , and the physical controls 
specified in Section 150.0(k)2A.  No controls shall bypass control function s of a 
dimmer, occupant sensor , or vacancy sensor where  the dimmer or sensor has been 
installed to comply with Section 150.0(k) 2. 
E. Automatic -off controls .  
i. In bathrooms, garages, laundry rooms, utility rooms and walk -in closets, at least 
one installed luminaire shall be controlled by an occupancy or vacancy sensor 
providing automatic -off functionality.  
ii. For lighting internal to drawers and cabinetry with opaque fronts or doors, 
controls that turn the light off when the drawer or door is closed shall be 
provided.  
F. Dimming controls . Lighting in habitable spaces, including but not limited to living 
rooms, dining rooms, kitchens , and bedrooms, shall have readily accessible wall -
mounted dimming controls that allow the lighting to be manually adjusted up and 
down. Forward phase cut dimmers controlling LED light sources in these spaces shall 
comply with NEMA SSL 7A.  
Exception 1 to Section 150.0(k)2F:  Ceiling fans may provide control of integrated 
lighting via a remote control. Lighting integral to kitchen range hoods and bathroom 
exhaust fans . 
Exception  2 to Section 150.0(k)2F:  Luminaires connected to a circuit with controlled 
lighting power less than 20 watts or controlled by an occupancy or vacancy sensor 
providing automatic -off functionality.   
Exception  3 to Section 150.0(k)2F: Navigation lighting  rated less than five watts , 
such as night lights, step lights, and path lights . less than 5 watts,  and lighting 
Lighting controlled by automatic -off controls  and located  internal to drawers , and 
cabinetry with opaque fronts , or cabinetry with doors  or with automatic -off controls .  
G. Independent controls.  Integrated lighting of Lighting integral to  exhaust fans shall be 
controlled independently from the fans. The following shall be controlled separately 
from ceiling -installed lighting such that one can be turned on without turning on the 
other:  
i. Undercabinet lighting.  
ii. Undershelf lighting.  Page 446 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 150.0 – MANDATORY FEATURES AND DEVICES  iii. Interior lighting of display cabinets.  
iv. Switched outlets.  
3. Residential outdoor lighting . In addition to meeting the requirements of Section 
150.0(k)1A, luminaires providing residential outdoor lighting shall meet the following 
requirements, as applicable:  
A. For single -family residential buildings, outdoor Outdoor lighting permanently 
mounted to a residential building or to other buildings on the same lot shall meet the  
following  requirement s in Item i and the requirements in either Item ii or Item iii : 
 i. Controlled by a manual ON and OFF control switch that permits the automatic 
actions of items ii or iii below; and  
ii. Controlled by one of the following controls:  
a. a photocell and either a motion sensor ; or  
b. a photocell and an automatic time switch control; or  
iii. c. Controlled by an astronomical time clock control .  
B. Controls that override to ON shall not be allowed unless the override 
automatically returns the automatic control to its normal operation within 6 six 
hours.  
C. An energy management control system  (EMCS) or other controls  that provides the 
specified lighting control functionality and complies with all requirements applicable 
to the specified controls may be used to meet these requirements.  No controls shall 
bypass control function s of a dimmer, occupant sensor , or vacancy sensor where the 
dimmer or sensor has been installed to comply with Section 150.0(k)3.  
4. Internally illuminated address signs.  Internally illuminated address signs shall either:  
A. Comply with Section 140.8; or  
B. Consume no more than 5 five watts of power.  
5. Residential garages  for eight  or more vehicles . Lighting for residential parking garages 
for eight or more vehicles shall comply with the applicable requirements for 
nonresidential garages in Sections 110.9, 130.0, 130.1, 130.4, 140.6 , and 141.0.  
(l) Reserved.  
(m) Air-distribution  and ventilation system ducts, plenums , and fans . 
1. CMC compliance .  
A. All air -distribution system ducts and plenums, including but not limited to, 
mechanical closets and air -handler boxes, shall meet the requirements of the CMC 
Sections 601.0, 602.0, 603.0, 604.0, 605.0 and ANSI/SMACNA -006-2006 HVAC Duct 
Construction Standar ds Metal and Flexible, 3rd Edition, incorporated herein by 
reference.  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 447 
SECTION 150.0 – MANDATORY FEATURES AND DEVICES  B. Portions of supply -air and return -air ducts and plenums of a space heating or cooling 
system shall be insulated in accordance with either Subsection i or ii below:  
i. Ducts shall have a minimum installed level of R -6.0, or  
Exception  to Section 150.0(m)1Bi : Portions of the duct system located in 
conditioned space below the ceiling separating the occupiable space from the 
attic are not required to be insulated if all of the following conditions are met:  
a. The noninsulated portion of the duct system is located entirely inside the 
building’s thermal envelope as confirmed by visual inspection.  
b. At all locations where noninsulated portions of the duct system penetrate 
into unconditioned space, the penetration shall be draft stopped compliant 
with CFC Sections 703.1 and 704.1 and air -sealed to the construction 
materials that are penetrated, usin g materials compliant with CMC Section 
E502.4.2 to prevent air infiltration into the cavity. All connections in 
unconditioned space are insulated to a minimum of R -6.0 as confirmed by 
visual inspection.  
ii. Ducts do not require insulation when the duct system is located entirely in 
conditioned space  below the ceiling separating the occupiable sp ace from the 
attic  as confirmed through field verification and diagnostic testing in accordance 
with the requirements of Reference Residential Appendix RA3.1.4.3.8.  
C. Connections of metal ducts and the inner core of flexible ducts shall be mechanically 
fastened.  
D. Openings shall be sealed with mastic, tape or other duct -closure system that meets 
the applicable requirements of UL 181, UL181A or UL 181B or aerosol sealant that 
meets the requirements of UL 723. If mastic or tape is used to seal openings greater 
than  1/4 inch, the combination of mastic and either mesh or tape shall be used.  
E. Building cavities, support platforms for air handlers and plenums designed or 
constructed with materials other than sealed sheet metal, duct board or flexible duct 
shall not be used for conveying conditioned air. Building cavities and support 
platforms may contain ducts. Ducts installed in cavities and support platforms shall 
not be compressed to cause reductions in the cross -sectional area of the ducts.  
Exception  to Section 150.0(m)1:  Ducts and fans integral to a wood heater or fireplace.  
2. Factory -fabricated duct systems . 
A. All factory -fabricated duct systems shall comply with UL 181 for ducts and closure 
systems, including collars, connections and splices, and be labeled as complying with 
UL 181. UL 181 testing may be performed by UL laboratories , or a laboratory 
approved by the Executive Director.  
B. All pressure -sensitive tapes, heat -activated tapes, and mastics used in the 
manufacture of rigid fiberglass ducts shall comply with UL 181 and UL 181A.  
C. All pressure -sensitive tapes and mastics used with flexible ducts shall comply with UL 
181 and UL 181B.  Page 448 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 150.0 – MANDATORY FEATURES AND DEVICES  D. Joints and seams of duct systems and their components shall not be sealed with 
cloth -back rubber adhesive duct tapes unless such tape is used in combination with 
mastic and drawbands.  
3. Field -fabricated duct systems . 
A. Factory -made rigid fiberglass and flexible ducts for field -fabricated duct systems shall 
comply with UL 181. All pressure -sensitive tapes, mastics, aerosol sealants or other 
closure systems used for installing field -fabricated duct systems shall meet th e 
applicable requirements of UL 181, UL 181A and UL 181B.  
B. Mastic sealants and mesh.  
 i. Sealants shall comply with the applicable requirements of UL 181, UL 181A and 
UL 18IB, and be nontoxic and water resistant.  
ii. Sealants for interior applications shall be tested in accordance with ASTM C731 
and D2202 incorporated herein by reference.  
iii. Sealants for exterior applications shall be tested in accordance with ASTM C731, 
C732 and D2202, incorporated herein by reference.  
iv. Sealants and meshes shall be rated for exterior use.  
C. Pressure -sensitive tape. Pressure -sensitive tapes shall comply with the applicable 
requirements of UL 181, UL 181A and UL 181B.  
D. Joints and seams of duct systems and their components shall not be sealed with 
cloth -back rubber adhesive duct tapes unless such tape is used in combination with 
mastic and drawbands.  
E. Drawbands used with flexible duct.  
i. Drawbands shall be either stainless -steel worm -drive hose clamps or UV -resistant 
nylon duct ties.  
ii. Drawbands shall have a minimum tensile strength rating of 150 pounds.  
iii. Drawbands shall be tightened as recommended by the manufacturer with an 
adjustable tensioning tool.  
F. Aerosol -sealant closures.  
i. Aerosol sealants shall meet the requirements of UL 723 and be applied according 
to manufacturer specifications.  
ii. Tapes or mastics used in combination with aerosol sealing shall meet the 
requirements of this section.  
4. Duct insulation  R-value ratings . All duct insulation product R -values shall be based on 
insulation only (excluding air films, vapor retarder or other duct components) and tested 
C-values at 75°F mean temperature at the installed thickness, in accordance with ASTM 
C518 or ASTM C177, inco rporated herein by reference, and certified pursuant to Section 
110.8.  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 449 
SECTION 150.0 – MANDATORY FEATURES AND DEVICES  5. Duct insulation thickness . The installed thickness of duct insulation used to determine 
its R -value shall be determined as follows:  
A. For duct board, duct liner and factory -made rigid ducts not normally subjected to 
compression, the nominal insulation thickness shall be used.  
B. For duct wrap, installed thickness shall be assumed to be 75 percent (25 percent 
compression) of nominal thickness.  
C. For factory -made flexible air ducts, the installed thickness shall be determined by 
dividing the difference between the actual outside diameter and nominal inside 
diameter by two.  
6. Duct labeling . Insulated flexible duct products installed to meet this requirement shall 
include labels, in maximum intervals of 3 feet, showing the thermal performance R -value 
for the duct insulation itself (excluding air films, vapor retarders or other duct 
components ), based on the tests in Section 150.0(m)4 and the installed thickness 
determined by Section 150.0(m)5C.  
7. Backdraft dampers . All fan systems, regardless of volumetric capacity, that exchange air 
between the building conditioned space and the outside of the building shall be 
provided with backdraft or automatic dampers to prevent unintended air leakage 
through the fan system wh en the fan system is not operating.  
8. Gravity ventilation dampers.  All gravity ventilating systems that serve conditioned space 
shall be provided with either automatic or readily accessible, manually operated 
dampers in all openings to the outside except combustion inlet and outlet air openings 
and elevator shaft vents.  
9. Protection of insulation . Insulation shall be protected from damage, including that due 
to sunlight, moisture, equipment maintenance and wind, but not limited to the 
following: Insulation exposed to weather shall be suitable for outdoor service, e.g., 
protected by aluminum, sheet metal, painted canvas or plastic cover. Cellular foam 
insulation shall be protected as above or painted with a coating that is water retardant 
and provides shielding from solar radiation that can cause degradation of the materia l. 
10. Porous inner core flex duct.  Flexible ducts having porous inner cores shall have a non -
porous layer or air barrier between the inner core and the outer vapor barrier.  
11. Duct system sealing  and leakage testing.  When space -conditioning systems utilize 
forced air duct systems to supply conditioned air to an occupiable space, the ducts shall 
be sealed as confirmed through field verification and diagnostic testing in accordance 
with all applicable procedures specifi ed in Reference Residential Appendix RA3.1, and 
conforming to one of the following Subsections A, B or C as applicable . Air handler 
airflow for calculation of duct leakage rate compliance targets shall be determi ned 
according to methods specified in Reference Residential Appendix RA3.1.4.2.  
A. For single -family dwellings and townhouses with the air -handling unit installed and 
the ducts connected directly to the air handler, the total leakage of the duct system 
shall not exceed 5 percent of the air handler airflow as determined utilizing the 
procedures in Reference Residential Appendix Section RA3.1.4.3.1.  Page 450 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 150.0 – MANDATORY FEATURES AND DEVICES  B. For single -family dwellings and townhouses at the rough -in stage of construction 
prior to installation of the dwelling’s interior finishing:  
 i. Air-handling unit installed . If the air -handling unit is installed and the ducts are 
connected directly to the air handler, the total leakage of the duct system shall 
not exceed 5 percent of the air handler airflow as determined utilizing the 
procedures in Reference Residential Appendix Sections RA3.1.4.3.2, RA3.1.4.3.2.1 
and RA3.1.4.3.3.  
ii. Air-handling unit not yet installed . If the air -handling unit is not yet installed, 
the total leakage of the duct system shall not exceed 4 percent of the air handler 
airflow as determined utilizing the procedures in Reference Residential Appendix 
Sections RA3.1.4.3.2, RA3.1.4.3.2.2 and RA3.1 .4.3.3.  
12. Air filtration .  
A. System types specified in Subsections i, ii, and iii shall be provided with air filters in 
accordance with Sections 150.0(m)12B, 150.0(m)12C, and 150.0(m)12D. System 
types specified in Subsection i shall also comply with Section 150.0(m)12E.  
i. Mechanical space -conditioning systems that supply air to an occupiable space 
through ductwork exceeding 10 feet (3 m) in length.  
ii. Mechanical supply -only ventilation systems and makeup air systems that provide 
outside air to an occupiable space.  
iii. The supply side of mechanical balanced ventilation systems, including heat 
recovery ventilation systems, and energy recovery ventilation systems that 
provide outside air to an occupiable space.  
Exception  1 to Section 150.0(m)12A:  Evaporative coolers are exempt from not 
required to comply with  the air filtration requirements in Section 150.0(m)12.  
B. System design  and installation.  
 i. The system shall be designed to ensure that all recirculated air and all outdoor air 
supplied to the occupiable space is filtered before passing through any system’s 
thermal conditioning components.  
Exception  1 to Section 150.0(m)12Bi:  For heat recovery ventilators and energy 
recovery ventilators the location of the filters required by Section 150.0(m)12 
may be downstream of a system thermal conditioning component, provided the 
system is equipped with ancillary filtration upstream of th e system’s thermal 
conditioning component.  
ii. All systems shall be designed to accommodate the clean -filter pressure drop 
imposed by the system air filter(s). The design airflow rate and maximum 
allowable clean -filter pressure drop at the design airflow rate applicable to each 
air filter shall be determined and reported on labels according to Subsection iv 
below.  
Systems specified in Section 150.0(m)12Ai shall be equipped with air filters that 
meet either Subsection a or b below.  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 451 
SECTION 150.0 – MANDATORY FEATURES AND DEVICES  a. Nominal two -inch minimum depth filter(s) shall be sized by the system 
designer, or  
b. Nominal one -inch minimum depth filter(s) shall be allowed if the filter(s) are 
sized according to Equation 150.0 -A, based on a maximum face velocity of 
150 ft per minute, and according to the maximum allowable clean -filter 
pressure drop specified in Sectio n 150.0(m)12Dii.  
Aface = Q filter/Vface (Equation 150.0 -A) 
where  
Aface = air filter face area, the product of air filter nominal length x 
nominal width, ft2. 
Qfilter = design airflow rate for the air filter, ft3/min . 
Vface = air filter face velocity £150, ft/min.  
iii. All system air filters shall be located and installed in such a manner as to be 
accessible for regular service by the system owner.  
iv. All system air filter installation locations shall be labeled to disclose the 
applicable design airflow rate and the maximum allowable clean -filter pressure 
drop. The labels shall be permanently affixed to the air filter installation location, 
readily legible, and visible to a person replacing the air filter.  
v. Filter racks or grilles shall use gaskets, sealing or other means to close gaps 
around inserted filters to and prevent air from bypassing the filter.  
C. Air filter efficiency.  The system shall be provided with air filter(s) having a 
designated efficiency equal to or greater than MERV 13 when tested in accordance 
with ASHRAE Standard 52.2, or a particle size efficiency rating equal to or greater 
than 50 percent in the 0.30 -1.0 m m range, and equal to or greater than 85 percent in 
the 1.0 -3.0 mm range when tested in accordance with AHRI Standard 680.  
D. Air filter pressure drop.  All system shall be provided with air -filter(s) that conforms 
to the applicable maximum allowable clean -filter pressure drop specified in 
Subsections i, ii, iii, or iv below, when tested using ASHRAE Standard 52.2, or as rated 
using AHRI Standard 680, for the applicable design airflow rate(s) for the system air 
filter(s).  
 i. The maximum allowable clean -filter pressure drop shall be determined by the 
system design for the nominal two -inch minimum depth air filter required by 
Section 150.0(m)12Biia, or  
ii. A maximum of 25 PA (0.1 inches water) clean -filter pressure drop shall be 
allowed for a nominal one -inch depth air filter sized according to Section 
150.0(m)12Biib, or  
iii. For systems specified in 150.0(m)12Aii, and 150.0(m)12Aiii, the maximum 
allowable clean filter pressure drop shall be determined by the system design.  Page 452 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 150.0 – MANDATORY FEATURES AND DEVICES  iv. If Exception 1 to Section 150.0(m)13B or D is utilized for compliance with cooling 
system airflow rate and fan efficacy requirements, the clean -filter pressure drop 
for the system air filter shall conform to the requirements given in Table 150.0 -B 
or 150.0 -C. 
E. Air filter product labeling . Systems described in 150.0(m)12Ai shall be equipped with 
air filters that have been labeled by the manufacturer to disclose the efficiency and 
pressure drop ratings that demonstrate conformance with Sections 150.0(m)12C and 
150.0(m)12D.  
13. Space conditioning system airflow rate and fan efficacy.  Space conditioning systems 
that utilize forced air ducts to supply cooling to an occupiable space shall:  
A. Static pressure probe.  Have a hole for the placement of a static pressure probe 
(HSPP), or a permanently installed static pressure probe (PSPP) in the supply plenum 
downstream of the air conditioning evaporator coil. The size, location, and labeling 
of the HSPP or PSPP shall con form to the requirements specified in Reference 
Residential Appendix RA3.3.1.1 as confirmed by field verification and diagnostic 
testing; and  
Exception  to 150.0(m)13A:  Systems that cannot conform to the specifications for 
hole location in Reference Residential Appendix Figure RA3.3 -1 shall not be required 
to provide holes as described in Figure RA3.3 -1.  
B. Single zone central forced air systems.  Demonstrate, in every control mode, airflow 
greater than or equal to 350 CFM per ton of nominal cooling capacity through the 
return grilles, and an air -handling unit fan efficacy less than or equal to the maximum 
W/CFM specified in Subsections i or ii bel ow. The airflow rate and fan efficacy 
requirements in this section shall be confirmed by field verification and diagnostic 
testing in accordance with the procedures given in Reference Residential Appendix 
RA3.3.  
i. 0.45 W/ CFM  for gas furnace air -handling units.  
ii. 0.58 W/CFM for air -handling units that are not gas furnaces.  
C. Zonally controlled central forced air systems . Zonally controlled central forced air 
cooling systems shall be capable of simultaneously delivering, in every zonal control 
mode, an airflow from the dwelling, through the air handler fan and delivered to the 
dwelling, of greater than or equal to 350 cfm per ton of nominal cooling capacity, 
and operating at an air -handling unit fan efficacy of less than or equal to the 
maximum W/CFM specified in Subsections i or ii below. The airflow rate and fan 
efficacy re quirements in this section shall be confirmed by field verification and 
diagnostic testing in accordance with the applicable procedures specified in 
Reference Residential Appendix RA3.3.  
i. 0.45 W/ CFM  for gas furnace air -handling units.  
ii. 0.58 W/CFM for air -handling units that are not gas furnaces.  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 453 
SECTION 150.0 – MANDATORY FEATURES AND DEVICES  D. Small duct high velocity forced air systems.  Demonstrate, in every control mode, 
airflow greater than or equal to 250 CFM per ton of nominal cooling capacity through 
the return grilles, and an air -handling unit fan efficacy less than or equal to 0.62 
W/CFM as confirmed by field verification and diagn ostic testing in accordance with 
the procedures given in Reference Residential Appendix RA3.3.  
Exception  1 to Section 150.0(m)13B and D:  Standard ducted systems (without 
zoning dampers) may comply by meeting the applicable requirements in Table 150.0 -
B or 150.0 -C as confirmed by field verification and diagnostic testing in accordance 
with the procedures in Reference Residential Appendix Se ctions RA3.1.4.4 and 
RA3.1.4.5. The design clean -filter pressure drop requirements specified by Section 
150.0(m)12Div for the system air filter(s) shall conform to the requirements given in 
Tables 150.0 -B and 150.0 -C. 
Exception  2 to Section 150.0(m)13B and D:  Multispeed compressor systems or 
variable speed compressor systems shall verify air flow (cfm/ton) and fan efficacy 
(Watt/cfm) for system operation at the maximum compressor speed and the 
maximum air handler fan speed.  
Exception  3 to Section 150.0(m)13B:  Gas furnace air -handling units manufactured 
prior to July 3, 2019 shall  comply with  a fan efficacy value less than or equal to 0.58 
w/cfm  as confirmed by field verification and diagnostic testing in accordance with 
the procedures given in Reference Residential Appendix RA3.3.  
Exception  1 to Section 150.0(m)13C:  Multispeed or variable speed compressor 
systems, or single speed compressor systems that utilize the performance 
compliance approach , shall incorporate controls that vary fan speed with respect to 
the number of zones calling as certified by t he installer may demonstrate compliance 
with the airflow (cfm/ton) and fan efficacy (Watt/cfm) requirements of Section 
150.0(m)13C by operating the system at maximum compressor capacity and system 
fan speed with all zones calling for conditioning , rather than in every zonal control 
mode . 
Exception  2 to Section 150.0(m)13C:  Gas furnace air -handling units manufactured 
prior to July 3, 2019 shall  comply with a fan efficacy value less than or equal to 0.58 
w/cfm as confirmed by field verification and diagnostic testing in accordance with 
the procedures given in Reference Residential Appendix RA3.3.  
(n) Water heating system . 
1. Systems using gas or propane water heaters to serve individual dwelling units shall 
designate a space at least 2.5 feet by 2.5 feet wide and 7 feet tall suitable for the future 
installation of a heat pump water heater (HPWH) by meeting either A or B below. All 
electrical components sh all be installed in accordance with the California Electrical Code :  
A. If the designated space is within 3 feet from the water heater, then this space shall 
include the following:  
 i. A dedicated 125 volt, 20 amp electrical receptacle that is connected to the electric 
panel with a 120/240 volt 3 conductor, 10 AWG copper branch circuit  rated at 30 Page 454 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 150.0 – MANDATORY FEATURES AND DEVICES  amps  minimum , within 3 feet from the water heater and accessible to the water 
heater with no obstructions; and  
 ii. Both ends of the unused conductor shall be labeled with the word “spare” and be 
electrically isolated; and  
iii. A reserved single pole circuit breaker space in the electrical panel adjacent to the 
circuit breaker for the branch circuit in A above and labeled with the words 
“Future 240V Use”; and  
iv. A condensate drain that is no more than 2 inches higher than the base of the 
installed water heater, and allows natural draining without pump assistance.  
B. If the designated space is more than 3 feet from the water heater, then this space 
shall include the following:  
i. A dedicated 240 volt branch circuit shall be installed within 3 feet from the 
designated space. The branch circuit shall be rated at 30 amps minimum. The 
blank cover shall be identified as “240V ready”; and  
ii. The main electrical service panel shall have a reserved space to allow for the 
installation of a double pole circuit breaker for a future HPWH installation. The 
reserved space shall be permanently marked as “For Future 240V use”; and  
iii. Either a dedicated cold water supply, or the cold water supply shall pass through 
the designated HPWH location just before reaching the gas or propane water 
heater; and  
iv. The hot water supply pipe coming out of the gas or propane water heater shall 
be routed first through the designated HPWH location before serving any 
fixtures; and  
v. The hot and cold water piping at the designated HPWH location shall be exposed 
and readily accessible for future installation of an HPWH; and  
vi. A condensate drain that is no more than 2 inches higher than the base of the 
installed water heater, and allows natural draining without pump assistance.  
2. Water heating recirculation loops serving multiple dwelling units shall meet the 
requirements of Section 110.3(c)4.  
23. Solar water -heating systems and collectors shall be certified and rated by the Solar 
Rating and Certification Corporation (SRCC), the International Association of Plumbing 
and Mechanical Officials, Research and Testing (IAPMO R&T), or by a listing agency  that 
is approved by the Executive Director.  
34. Instantaneous water heaters with an input rating greater than 6.8 kBTU/hr (2kW) shall 
meet the requirements of Section 110.3(c)6.  
(o) Requirements for ventilation  and indoor air quality.  All dwelling units shall meet the 
requirements of ASHRAE Standard 62.2 . Ventilation and Acceptable Indoor Air Quality in 
Residential Buildings subject to the amendments specified in Section 150.0(o)1 below. All 
dwelling units shall comply with Section 150.0(o)2 below.  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 455 
SECTION 150.0 – MANDATORY FEATURES AND DEVICES  Exception to Section 150.0(o):  The following sections of ASHRAE 62.2 shall not be required 
for compliance: Section 4.1.1, Section 4.1.2, Section 4.1.4, Section 4.3, Section 4.6, Section 5, 
Section 6.1.1, Section 6.5.2 and Normative Appendix A.  
1. Amendments to ASHRAE 62.2 requirements . 
A. Window operation. Window operation is not a permissible method of providing the 
dwelling unit ventilation airflow specified in Section 150.0(o)1C below.  
B. Central fan integrated  (CFI) ventilation systems.  CFI ventilation systems shall meet 
the following requirements.  
 i. Continuous operation prohibition.  Continuous operation of a dwelling unit’s 
central forced air system air handler s used in CFI ventilation systems is not a 
permissible method of providing the whole -dwelling unit ventilation airflow 
required in Section 150.0(o)1C.  
ii. Outdoor air damper( s). A motorized damper(s) shall be installed on the 
connected ventilation duct(s) of CFI systems that prevents all airflow into or out 
of the space -conditioning duct system when the damper(s) is closed.  
iii. Damper control . The required motorized damper(s) shall be controlled to be in 
an opened position when outdoor air ventilation is required for compliance, and 
shall be in the closed position when ventilation air is not required. The damper(s) 
shall be closed whenever the  space -conditioning system air handling unit is not 
operating. If the outdoor airflow for the CFI ventilation system is fan -powered, 
then the outdoor air fan shall not operate when the required motorized 
damper(s) on the outdoor air vent ilation duct(s) is closed.  
iv. Variable ventilation . CFI ventilation systems shall incorporate controls that track 
outdoor air ventilation run time, and either open or close the required motorized 
damper(s) depending on whether or not outdoor air ventilation is required for 
compliance with Section 150.0(o)1 C. During periods when comfort conditioning 
is not called for by the space -conditioning thermostat, the CFI ventilation system 
controls shall operate the space -conditioning system central fan and outdoor air 
damper(s) when necessar y to ensure compliance with the minimum outdoor air 
ventilation required by Section 150.0(o) in accordance with applicable variable 
mechanical ventilation methods specified in ASHRAE 62.2 Section 4.5.  
C. Whole -dwelling unit mechanical ventilation for single -family detached and 
townhouses. Single -family detached dwelling units, and attached dwelling units not 
sharing ceilings or floors with other dwelling units, occupiable spaces, public garages, 
or commercial spaces shall have mechanical ventilation airflow as specified in 
Subsections i, ii, and i ii below.  
i. Total Required Ventilation Rate [ASHRAE 62.2:4.1.1].  
The total required ventilation rate shall be calculated using Equation 150.0 -B. 
Qtot = 0.03 Afloor  + 7.5(Nbr + 1)    (Equation 150.0 -B) Page 456 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 150.0 – MANDATORY FEATURES AND DEVICES  where  
Qtot  = total  required  ventilation  rate,  cfm 
Afloor  = dwelling -unit floor  area,  ft2 
Nbr = number  of bedrooms  (not  to be less than  1) 
ii. Effective Annual Average Infiltration Rate.  The effective annual average 
infiltration rate shall be determined in accordance with Subsections a and b:  
a. An enclosure leakage rate in cubic feet per minute at 50 Pa (0.2 inch water) 
(Q50) shall be determined by either Subsection 1, or Subsection 2 below.  
1. Q50 shall be calculated based on the conditioned volume of the dwelling 
unit and a default value for dwelling unit envelope leakage of 2 air 
changes per hour at 50 PA (0.2 inch water) (2 ACH 50) as specified by 
equation 150.0 -C below.  
Q50 = Vdu x 2 ACH 50/60 min  
(Equation 150.0 -C) 
 where  
Q50  = leakage rate at 50 Pa.  
Vdu  = dwelling unit conditioned volume, ft3. 
ACH 50 =air changes per hour at 50 Pa (0.2 inch water).  
2. If dwelling unit envelope leakage less than 2 ACH 50 is confirmed by field 
verification and diagnostic testing, Q50 shall be calculated according to 
Equation 150.0 -D below, using the value for dwelling unit envelope 
leakage less than 2 ACH 50 verified by the procedures specified in 
Reference Residential Appendix RA3.8.  
Q50 = Vdu x Verified ACH 50/60 min   
 (Equation 150.0 -D) 
where  
Q50 = leakage rate at 50 Pa  
Vdu = dwelling unit conditioned volume, ft3. 
ACH 50 = air changes per hour at 50 Pa (0.2 inch water).  
b. The Effective Annual Average Infiltration Rate ( Qinf) shall be calculated using 
Equation 150.0 -E [ASHRAE 62.2:4.1.2.1].  
Qinf = 0.052 × Q50 × wsf × [H/H r]z (Equation 150.0 -E) 
where  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 457 
SECTION 150.0 – MANDATORY FEATURES AND DEVICES  Qinf = effective annual infiltration rate, cfm (L/s)  
Q50 = leakage rate at 50 Pa from equation 150.0 -C, or equation 150.0 -D 
wsf = weather and shielding factor from Table 150.0 -D 
H = vertical distance between the lowest and highest above -grade points 
within the pressure boundary, ft (m)  
Hr = reference height, 8.2 ft (2.5 m)  
z = 0.4 for the purpose of calculating the Effective Annual Average Infiltration 
Rate  
iii. Required Mechanical Ventilation Rate [ASHRAE 62.2:4.1.2 ] 
The Required Mechanical Ventilation Rate (Q fan) shall be calculated using 
Equation 150.0 -F. 
Qfan = Q tot – F (Qinf × A ext) 
(Equation 150.0 -F) 
where  
Qfan = required mechanical ventilation rate, cfm (L/s).  
Qtot = total required ventilation rate, cfm (L/s) from Equation 150.0 -B. 
Qinf  = effective annual average infiltration rate, cfm (L/s) from Equation 
150.0 -E.  
Aext  = 1 for single -family detached homes, or the ratio of exterior 
envelope surface area that is not attached to garages or other dwelling units 
to total envelope surface area for attached dwelling units not sharing ceilings 
or floors with other dwelling uni ts, occupiable spaces, public garages, or 
commercial spaces.  
F = 1 for  balanced ventilation systems and  Qinf/Qtot otherwise . 
Iv.  Requirements for balanced  and supply only ventilation  systems  
a.  IAQ filter and HRV/ERV accessibility . System air filters and HRV/ERV 
heat/energy recovery cores shall be located such that they are accessible for 
service from within occupiable space s, basements, garages, balconies, and 
mechanical close ts. Filters and heat/energy cores behind access panels , 
access doors, or grilles located no more than 10 feet above a walking surface  
inside a space  specified above comply with this requirement.  
Exception  to Section 150 .0(o) 1C iva: Systems that require servicing from inside 
the attic shall have the following:  
        1. An Fault Indicator  Display ( FID) meeting the requirements of Reference 
Appendix JA1 7; and Page 458 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 150.0 – MANDATORY FEATURES AND DEVICES   2. An attic access door located in a wall or, where attic access is provided 
through a ceiling , an attic access  hatch that includes an integrated ladder ;, 
and  
3.  A walkway from the attic access door to the HRV/ERV . 
b.  IAQ System component accessibility: Fans, motors, heat exchangers, filters 
and recover y core s  shall meet all applicable requirements of California 
Mechanical Code Section 304. 0 accessibility for service . 
c.  Outdoor air intake design : Outdoor air intakes shall comply with California 
Mechanical Code Section 402.4.1 . 
d.  Outdoor air intake location and accessibility: To provide access for cleaning, 
outdoor air intakes shall be accessible. Air intakes located not more than 10 
feet above a walking surface comply with this requirement. If located on 
roofs, they shall meet the requirements of California Mechanical Code 
Section 304.3.1.  
Exception  to Section 150.0(o)1Civd : Outdoor air intake serving equipment 
with an FID meeting requirements of Reference Appendix JA 1 7.  
D. Air filtration. Air filtration shall conform to the specifications in Section 150.0(m)12. 
Compliance with ASHRAE 62.2 Sections 6.7 (Minimum Filtration) and 6.7.1 (Filter 
Pressure Drop) shall not be required.  
E. Reserved . 
F. Reserved.  
G. Local mechanical exhaust. A local mechanical exhaust system shall be installed in 
each kitchen and bathroom. Systems shall be rated for airflow in accordance with 
ASHRAE 62.2 Section 7.1.  
i. Nonenclosed kitchens  shall have a demand -controlled mechanical exhaust 
system meeting the requirements of Section 150.0(o)1Giii.  
ii. Enclosed kitchens and all bathrooms  shall have either one of the following 
alternatives a or b:  
a. A demand -controlled mechanical exhaust system meeting the requirements 
of Section 150.0(o)1Giii.  
b. A continuous mechanical exhaust system meeting the requirements of 
Section 150.0(o)1Giv.   
iii. Demand -controlled mechanical exhaust. A local mechanical exhaust system shall 
be designed to be operated as needed.  
a. Control and operation.  Demand -controlled mechanical exhaust systems shall 
be provided with at least one of the following controls:  
1. A readily accessible occupant -controlled ON -OFF control.  
2. An automatic control that does not impede occupant ON control.  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 459 
SECTION 150.0 – MANDATORY FEATURES AND DEVICES  b. Ventilation rate and capture efficiency.  The system shall meet or exceed 
either the minimum airflow in accordance with Table 150.0 -E or the minimum 
capture efficiency in accordance with Table 150.0 -E, and Table 150.0 -G. 
Capture efficiency ratings shall be determined in accordance with ASTM 
E3087 and listed in a product directory approved by the Energy Commission.  
iv. Continuous mechanical exhaust. A mechanical exhaust system shall be installed 
to operate continuously. The system may be part of a balanced mechanical 
ventilation system.  
a. Control and operation . A manual ON -OFF control shall be provided for each 
continuous mechanical exhaust system. The system shall be designed to 
operate during all occupiable hours. The ON -OFF control shall be accessible to 
the dwelling unit occupant.  
b. Ventilation rate. The minimum delivered ventilation shall be at least the 
amount indicated in Table 150.0 -F during each hour of operation.  
v. Airflow measurement of local mechanical exhaust by the system installer. The 
airflow required by Section 150.0(o)1G is the quantity of indoor air exhausted by 
the ventilation system as installed in the dwelling unit. When a vented range 
hood utilizes a capture efficiency rating to demonstrate compliance with Section 
150.0(o)1Gi iib, the airflow listed in the approved directory corresponding to the 
compliant capture efficiency rating point shall be met by the installed system. 
The as -installed airflow shal l be verified by the system installer to ensure 
compliance by use of either Subsection a or b below:  
a. The system installer shall measure the airflow by using a flow hood, flow grid 
or other airflow measuring device at the mechanical ventilation fan’s inlet 
terminals/grilles or outlet terminals/grilles in accordance with the procedures 
in Reference Resid ential Appendix RA3.7.  
b. As an alternative to performing an airflow measurement of the system as 
installed in the dwelling unit, compliance may be demonstrated by installing 
an exhaust fan and duct system that conforms to the specifications of Table 
150.0 -H. Visual inspection shal l verify the installed system conforms to the 
requirements of Table 150.0 -H.  
When using Table 150.0 -H for demonstrating compliance, the airflow rating 
shall be greater than or equal to the value required by Section 150.0(o)1G at 
a static pressure greater than or equal to 0.25 in. of water (62.5 Pa). When a 
vented range hood utilize s a capture efficiency rating to demonstrate 
compliance with Section 150.0(o)1Giiib, a static pressure greater than or 
equal to 0.25 in. of water at the rating point shall not be required, and the 
airflow listed in the approved directory corresponding to t he compliant 
capture efficiency rating point shall be applied to Table 150.0 -H for 
determining compliance.  
Use of Table 150.0 -H is limited to ventilation systems that conform to all of 
the following three specifications:  Page 460 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 150.0 – MANDATORY FEATURES AND DEVICES  1. Total duct length is less than or equal to 25 ft (8 m),  
2. Duct system has no more than three elbows, and  
3. Duct system has exterior termination fitting with a hydraulic diameter 
greater than or equal to the minimum duct diameter and not less than 
the hydraulic diameter of the fan outlet.  
vi. Sound ratings for local mechanical exhaust . Local mechanical exhaust systems 
shall be rated for sound in accordance with Section 7.2 of ASHRAE 62.2 at no less 
than the minimum airflow rate required by Section 150.0(o)1G.  
Exception to Section 150.0(o)1Gvi : Kitchen range hoods may be rated for sound 
at no less than 100 cfm at a static pressure determined at working speed as 
specified in HVI 916 section 7.2.  
H. Airflow measurement  of whole -dwelling unit ventilation.  The airflow required by 
Section 150.0(o)1C is the quantity of outdoor ventilation air supplied or indoor air 
exhausted by the mechanical ventilation system as installed and shall be measured 
by using a flow hood, flow grid or other airflow measuring devic e at the mechanical 
ventilation fan’s inlet terminals/grilles or outlet terminals/grilles in accordance with 
the procedures in Reference Residential Appendix RA3.7. Balanced mechanical 
ventilation system airflow shall be the average of the supp ly fan and exhaust fan 
flows.  
I. Sound ratings for whole -dwelling unit ventilation systems. Whole -dwelling unit 
ventilation systems shall be rated for sound in accordance with Section 7.2 of 
ASHRAE 62.2 at no less than the minimum airflow rate required by Section 
150.0(o)1C.  
J. Label for whole -dwelling unit ventilation system on -off control . Compliance with 
ASHRAE 62.2 Section 4.4 (Control and Operation) shall require manual ON -OFF 
control switches associated with whole -dwelling unit ventilation systems to have a 
label clearly displaying the following text, or equivalent text: “This switch c ontrols 
the indoor air quality ventilation for the home. Leave switch in the ‘on’ position at all 
times unless the outdoor air quality is very poor.”  
K. Combustion air and compensating outdoor air or makeup air.  
i. All dwelling units shall conform to the applicable requirements specified in 
California Mechanical Code Chapter 7, Combustion Air.  
ii. All dwelling units shall conform to the requirements in ASHRAE 62.2 Section 6.4, 
Combustion and Solid -Fuel -Burning Appliances.  
2. Field verification  and diagnostic testing.  
A. Whole -dwelling unit ventilation airflow performance . The whole -dwelling unit 
ventilation airflow required by Section 150.0(o)1C shall be confirmed through field 
verification and diagnostic testing in accordance with the applicable procedures 
specified in Reference Residential Appendix RA3.7. Balanced mecha nical ventilation 
system airflow shall be the average of the supply fan and exhaust fan flows. 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 461 
SECTION 150.0 – MANDATORY FEATURES AND DEVICES  Ventilation airflow of systems with multiple operating modes shall be tested in all 
modes designed to comply with the required ventilation airflows.  
B. Kitchen local mechanical exhaust —vented range hoods . Vented range hoods 
installed to comply with local mechanical exhaust requirements specified in Section 
150.0(o)1G shall be field verified in accordance with the procedures in Reference 
Residential Appendix RA3.7.4.3 to confirm the model is rated by HVI o r AHAM to 
comply with the following requirements:  
i. The minimum ventilation airflow rate as specified by Section 150.0(o)1G, or 
alternatively the minimum capture efficiency as specified by Section 150.0(o)1G.  
ii The maximum sound rating as specified in Section 150.0(o)1Gvi.  
C. Heat recovery ventilation (HRV) and energy recovery ventilation (ERV) system fan 
efficacy . Systems with heat or energy recovery serving a single dwelling unit shall 
have a fan efficacy of ≤1.0 W/cfm as confirmed by HERS field verification in 
accordance with Reference Appendix RA3.7.4.4.  
(p) Pool systems  and equipment installation . Any residential p Pool system or equipment 
installed shall comply with the applicable requirements of Section 110.4, as well as the 
requirements listed in this section.  
1. Pump sizing and flow rate  for single family buildings .  
A. All installed Dedicated -purpose pool  pumps and replacement dedicated -purpose  
pump motors subject to State or federal appliance standards shall be listed in the 
Commission’s directory of certified equipment  and shall comply with the Appliance 
Efficiency Regulations . Dedicated -purpose pool pumps shall meet the applicable 
standards set forth in 20 CCR § 1605.1(g)(7) of the Appliance Efficiency Regulations.  
Replacement dedicated -purpose pool pump motors shall meet the applicable 
standards set forth in 20 CCR § 1605.3 of the Appliance Efficiency Regulations;  
B. All pump flow rates shall be calculated using the following system equation:  
H = C × F2 
where:  
H is the total system head in feet of water.  
F is the flow rate in gallons per minute (gpm).  
C is a coefficient based on the volume of the pool:  
0.0167 for pools less than or equal to 17,000 gallons.  
0.0082 for pools greater than 17,000 gallons.  
C. Filtration pumps shall be sized, or if programmable shall be programmed, so that the 
filtration flow rate is not greater than the rate needed to turn over the pool water 
volume in 6 hours or 36 gpm, whichever is greater; and  
D. Pump motors used for filtration shall meet the applicable federal standard in 10 CFR 
431.465; and  Page 462 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 150.0 – MANDATORY FEATURES AND DEVICES  E. Each auxiliary pool load shall be served by either separate pumps, or the system shall 
be served by a multispeed pump; and  
Exception  to Section 150.0(p)1E:  Pumps less than 1 hp may be single speed.  
DF. Multispeed Dedicated -purpose pool pumps  with more than one speed  shall have 
controls which default to the filtration flow rate when no auxiliary pool loads are 
operating; and  
EG. For dedicated -purpose pool multispeed pumps  with more than one speed , the 
controls shall default to the filtration flow rate setting within 24 hours and shall have 
an override capability for servicing.  
2. System piping.  
A. A length of straight pipe that is greater than or equal to at least 4 pipe diameters 
shall be installed before the pump; and  
B. Pool piping shall be sized so that the velocity of the water at maximum flow for 
auxiliary pool loads does not exceed 8 feet per second in the return line and 6 feet 
per second in the suction line; and  
C. All elbows shall be sweep elbows or of an elbow -type that has a pressure drop of less 
than the pressure drop of straight pipe with a length of 30 pipe diameters.  
3. Filters.  Filters shall be at least the size specified in NSF/ANSI 50 for public pool intended 
applications.  
4. Valves.  Minimum diameter of backwash valves shall be 2 inches or the diameter of the 
return pipe, whichever is greater.  
(q) Fenestration products . Fenestration , including skylight products , separating conditioned 
space from unconditioned space or outdoors shall meet the requirements of either Item 1 or 
2 below:  
1. Fenestration, including skylight products, must have a maximum  weighted average  U-factor 
of 0.45 0.40 . 
Exception  1 to Section 150.0(q) 1: Up to 10 square feet of fenestration area or 0.5 
percent of the conditioned floor area, whichever is greater, is not required to comply 
with exempt from the maximum U -factor requirement.  
Exception  2 to Section 150.0(q) 1: For dual -glazed greenhouse or garden windows, up to 
30 square feet of fenestration area is not required to comply with  exempt from the 
maximum U -factor requirement.  
2. The area -weighted average U -factor of all fenestration, including skylight products shall 
not exceed 0.45.  
(r) Solar ready buildings. shall meet the requirements of Section 110.10 applicable to the 
building project.  
(s) Battery Energy Storage Systems ( BESS) ready.  All single -family residences that include one 
or two dwelling units , which are provided by a load serving entity provides with  new  and has 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 463 
SECTION 150.0 – MANDATORY FEATURES AND DEVICES  the size of the dedicated main electrical service for the dwelling unit from that is utility 
greater than 125 amps , shall meet the following. All electrical components shall be installed 
in accordance with the California Electrical Code :  
1. At least one of the following shall be provided:  
A. BESS ready interconnection equipment with a minimum backed -up capacity of 60 
amps and a minimum of four BESS-supplied branch circuits  specified  in Section 
150.0(s)2 , or  
B. A dedicated raceway from the main service to a panelboard (subpanel) that supplies 
the branch circuits in Section 150.0(s) (2). All branch circuits are permitted to be 
supplied by the main service panel prior to the installation of a n BESS. The trade size 
of the raceway shall be not less than one inch. The panelboard that supplies the 
branch circuits (subpanel) must be labeled “Subpanel shall include all backed -up load 
circuits.”  
2. A minimum of four branch circuits shall be identified and have their source of supply 
collocated at a single panelboard suitable to be supplied by the BESS. At least one circuit 
shall supply the refrigerator, one lighting circuit shall be located near the primary egress, 
and at least one circuit shall supply a sleeping room receptacle outlet.  
3. The main panelboard shall have a minimum busbar rating of 225 amps.  
4. Sufficient space shall be reserved to allow future installation of a system isolation 
equipment/transfer switch within 3 feet of the main panelboard. Raceways shall be 
installed between the panelboard and the system isolation equipment/transfer switch 
location to allow the connection of backup power source.  
Exception to Section 150.0(s) : Buildings which have a  BESS  installed . 
(t) Heat pump space heater ready.  Systems using gas or propane furnace to serve individual 
dwelling units shall include the following:  
1. A dedicated 240 volt branch circuit wiring shall be installed within 3 feet from the 
furnace and accessible to the furnace with no obstructions. The branch circuit conductors 
shall be rated at 30 amps minimum. The blank cover shall be identified as “240 V ready.” All 
electrical components shall be installed in accordance with the California Electrical Code .  
2. The main electrical service panel shall have a reserved space to allow for the installation 
of a double pole circuit breaker for a future heat pump space heater installation. The 
reserved space shall be permanently marked as “For Future 240V use.”  
(u) Electric cooktop ready.  Systems using gas or propane cooktop to serve individual dwelling 
units shall include the following:  
1. A dedicated 240 volt branch circuit wiring shall be installed within 3 feet from the 
cooktop and accessible to the cooktop with no obstructions. The branch circuit 
conductors shall be rated at 50 amps minimum. The blank cover shall be identified as 
“240 V ready.” All electrical components shall be installed in accordance with the 
California Electrical Code .  Page 464 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 150.0 – MANDATORY FEATURES AND DEVICES  2. The main electrical service panel shall have a reserved space to allow for the installation 
of a double pole circuit breaker for a future electric cooktop installation. The reserved 
space shall be permanently marked as “For Future 240V use.”  
(v) Electric clothes dryer ready.  Clothes dryer locations with gas or propane plumbing to serve 
individual dwelling units shall include the following:  
1. A dedicated 240 volt branch circuit wiring shall be installed within 3 feet from the 
clothes dryer location and accessible to the clothes dryer location with no obstructions. 
The branch circuit conductors shall be rated at 30 amps minimum. The blank cov er shall 
be identified as “240V ready.” All electrical components shall be installed in accordance 
with the California Electrical Code .  
2. The main electrical service panel shall have a reserved space to allow for the installation 
of a double pole circuit breaker for a future electric clothes dryer installation. The 
reserved space shall be permanently marked as “For Future 240V use.”  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 465 
SECTION 150.0 – MANDATORY FEATURES AND DEVICES   TABLE 150.0 -A  CLASSIFICATION OF HIGH LUMINOUS EFFICACY LIGHT SOURCES  
Light sources in this column other that those installed 
in ceiling recessed downlight luminaires are classified 
as high luminous efficacy and are not required to 
comply with Reference Joint Appendix JA8.  Light sources in this column are required to comply 
with Reference Joint Appendix JA8 and shall be 
certified and marked as required by JA8.  
1. LED light sources installed outdoors.  
2. Inseparable Solid State Lighting (SSL) luminaires containing 
colored light sources that are installed to provide decorative lighting.  
3. Pin-based linear fluorescent or compact fluorescent light 
sources using electronic ballasts.  
4. High intensity discharge (HID) light sources including pulse 
start metal halide and high pressure sodium light sources.  
5. Luminaires with hardwired high frequency generator and 
induction lamp.  
6. Ceiling Fan Light Kits subject to federal appliance regulations.  
 7. All light sources installed in ceiling recessed 
downlight luminaires. Note that ceiling recessed 
downlight luminaires shall not have screw base 
sockets regardless of lamp type as specified in Section 
150.0(k)1C.  
8. Any light source not otherwise listed in this table.  
  
 
TABLE 150.0 -B: Return Duct Sizing for Single Return Duct Systems  
Return duct length shall not exceed 30 feet and shall contain no more than 180 
degrees of bend. If the total bending exceeds 90 degrees, one bend shall be a metal 
elbow.   
Return grille devices shall be labeled in accordance with the requirements in 
Section 150.0(m)12Biv to disclose the grille’s  design airflow rate and a maximum 
allowable clean -filter pressure drop of 25 Pa (0.1 inches water) for the air filter 
when tested using ASHRAE Standard 52.2, or as rated in accordance with AHRI 
Standard 680 for the design airflow rate for the return grill e. 
*Not applicable to systems with nominal cooling capacity greater than 2.5 tons or less than 1.5 ton.  
  SYSTEM NOMINAL COOLING  
CAPACITY (Ton) * RETURN DUCT MINIMUM  
NOMINAL DIAMETER  
(inch)  MINIMUM TOTAL RETURN FILTER  
GRILLE NOMINAL AREA  
(square inch es) 
1.5 16 500 
2.0 18 600 
2.5 20 800 Page 466 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 150.0 – MANDATORY FEATURES AND DEVICES  TABLE 150.0 -C: Return Duct Sizing for Multiple Return Duct Systems  
Each return duct length shall not exceed 30 feet and shall contain no more than 180 
degrees of bend. If the total bending exceeds 90 degrees,°, one bend shall be a 
metal elbow.  
Return grille devices shall be labeled in accordance with the requirements in 
Section 150.0(m)12Biv to disclose the grille’s design airflow rate and a maximum 
allowable clean -filter pressure drop of 25 Pa (0.1 inches water) for the air filter 
when tested u sing ASHRAE Standard 52.2, or as rated in accordance with AHRI 
Standard 680 for the design airflow rate for the return grille.  
*Not applicable to systems with nominal cooling capacity greater than 5.0 tons or less than 1.5 tons.  
 
TABLE 150.0 -D: Infiltration Effectiveness Weather and Shielding Factors [ASHRAE 62.2:Table B1]  
TMY3  Wsf Weather  Station  Latitude  Longitude  State  
690150  0.50  Twentynine  Palms  34.30  –116.17  California  
722860  0.43  March  AFB 33.90  –117.25  California  
722868  0.45  Palm  Springs  Intl 33.83  –116.50  California  
722869  0.42  Riverside  Muni  33.95  –117.45  California  
722880  0.39  Burbank –Glendale –Pasadena  
AP 34.20  –118.35  California  
722885  0.39  Santa  Monica  Muni  34.02  –118.45  California  
722886  0.39  Van Nuys  Airport  34.22  –118.48  California  
722895  0.55  Lompoc  (AWOS)  34.67  –120.47  California  
722897  0.51  San Luis Co Rgnl  35.23  –120.63  California  
722899  0.45  Chino  Airport  33.97  –117.63  California  
722900  0.38  San Diego  Lindbergh  Field  32.73  –117.17  California  
722903  0.39  San Diego/Montgomery  32.82  –117.13  California  
722904  0.40  Chula  Vista  Brown  Field  NAAS  32.58  –116.98  California  
722906  0.39  San Diego  North  Island  NAS 32.70  –117.20  California  System Nominal 
Cooling Capacity 
(Ton) * Return Duct 1  
Minimum 
Nominal 
Diameter (inch)  Return Duct 2  
Minimum 
Nominal 
Diameter (inch)   Minimum Total Return Filter 
Grille Nominal Area   
(square inches) 
1.5  12  10  500  
2.0  14  12  600  
2.5  14  14  800  
3.0  16  14  900  
3.5  16  16  1000  
4.0 18  18  1200  
5.0 20  20  1500  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 467 
SECTION 150.0 – MANDATORY FEATURES AND DEVICES  TMY3  Wsf Weather  Station  Latitude  Longitude  State  
722926  0.40  Camp  Pendleton  MCAS  33.30  –117.35  California  
722927  0.38  Carlsbad/Palomar  33.13  –117.28  California  
722930  0.39  San Diego  Miramar  NAS 32.87  –117.13  California  
722950  0.42  Los Angeles  Intl Arpt  33.93  –118.40  California  
722956  0.38  Jack Northrop  Fld H 33.92  –118.33  California  
722970  0.38  Long  Beach  Daugherty  Fld 33.83  –118.17  California  
722976  0.34  Fullerton  Municipal  33.87  –117.98  California  
722977  0.36  Santa  Ana John  Wayne  AP 33.68  –117.87  California  
723805  0.51  Needles  Airport  34.77  –114.62  California  
723810  0.59  Edwards  AFB 34.90  –117.87  California  
723815  0.58  Daggett  Barstow –Daggett  AP 34.85  –116.80  California  
723816  0.62  Lancaster  Gen Wm Fox Field  34.73  –118.22  California  
723820  0.57  Palmdale  Airport  34.63  –118.08  California  
723830  0.68  Sandberg  34.75  –118.72  California  
723840  0.43  Bakersfield  Meadows  Field  35.43  –119.05  California  
723890  0.45  Fresno  Yosemite  Intl AP 36.78  –119.72  California  
723895  0.42  Porterville  (AWOS)  36.03  –119.07  California  
723896  0.43  Visalia  Muni  (AWOS)  36.32  –119.40  California  
723910  0.45  Point  Mugu  Nf 34.12  –119.12  California  
723925  0.44  Santa  Barbara  Municipal  AP 34.43  –119.85  California  
723926  0.43  Camarillo  (AWOS)  34.22  –119.08  California  
723927  0.45  Oxnard  Airport  34.20  –119.20  California  
723940  0.52  Santa Maria Public Arpt  34.92  –120.47  California  
723965  0.53  Paso Robles Municipal Arpt  35.67  –120.63  California  
724800  0.55  Bishop Airport  37.37  –118.35  California  
724815  0.46  Merced/Macready Fld  37.28  –120.52  California  
724830  0.51  Sacramento Executive Arpt  38.50  –121.50  California  
724837  0.45  Beale AFB  39.13  –121.43  California  
724838  0.50  Yuba Co  39.10  –121.57  California  
724839  0.51  Sacramento Metropolitan AP  38.70  –121.58  California  
724915  0.49  Monterey Naf  36.60  –121.87  California  
724917  0.54  Salinas Municipal AP  36.67  –121.60  California  
724920  0.50  Stockton Metropolitan Arpt  37.90  –121.23  California  
724926  0.47  Modesto City –County AP  37.63  –120.95  California  
724927  0.53  Livermore Municipal  37.70  –121.82  California  
724930  0.54  Oakland Metropolitan Arpt  37.72  –122.22  California  
724935  0.47  Hayward Air Term  37.67  –122.12  California  
724936  0.53  Concord –Buchanan Field  38.00  –122.05  California  
724940  0.60  San Francisco Intl AP  37.62  –122.40  California  Page 468 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 150.0 – MANDATORY FEATURES AND DEVICES  TMY3  Wsf Weather  Station  Latitude  Longitude  State  
724945  0.48  San Jose Intl AP  37.37  –121.93  California  
724955  0.55  Napa Co. Airport  38.22  –122.28  California  
724957  0.49  Santa Rosa (AWOS)  38.52  –122.82  California  
725845  0.44  Blue  Canyon  AP 39.30  –120.72  California  
725846  0.66  Truckee –Tahoe  39.32  –120.13  California  
725847  0.64  South  Lake  Tahoe  38.90  –120.00  California  
725905  0.47  Ukiah  Municipal  AP 39.13  –123.20  California  
725910  0.50  Red Bluff  Municipal  Arpt  40.15  –122.25  California  
725920  0.47  Redding  Municipal  Arpt  40.52  –122.32  California  
725945  0.56  Arcata  Airport  40.98  –124.10  California  
725946  0.60  Crescent  City Faa Ai 41.78  –124.23  California  
725955  0.55  Montague  Siskiyou  County  AP 41.78  –122.47  California  
725958  0.59  Alturas  41.50  –120.53  California  
745090  0.45  Mountain  View  Moffett  Fld 
NAS 37.40  –122.05  California  
745160  0.67  Travis  Field  AFB 38.27  –121.93  California  
746120  0.52  China  Lake  Naf 35.68  –117.68  California  
747020  0.50  Lemoore  Reeves  NAS 36.33  –119.95  California  
747185  0.46  Imperial  32.83  –115.58  California  
747187  0.46  Palm  Springs  Thermal  AP 33.63  –116.17  California  
747188  0.48  Blythe Riverside Co Arpt  33.62  –114.72  California  
 
Table 150.0 -E Demand -Controlled Local Ventilation Exhaust Airflow Rates and Capture Efficiency  
Application  Compliance Criteria  
Enclosed Kitchen or 
Nonenclosed Kitchen  Vented range hood, including appliance -range hood combinations shall meet 
either the capture efficiency (CE) or the airflow rate specified in Table 150.0 -G 
as applicable.  
Enclosed Kitchen  or 
Nonenclosed Kitchen  Other kitchen exhaust fans, including downdraft: 300 cfm (150 L/s) or a 
capacity of 5 ACH   
Other kitchen exhaust fans, including downdraft: 300 cfm (150 L/s)  
 
Nonenclosed Kitchen  Other kitchen exhaust fans, including downdraft: 300 cfm (150 L/s)  
Bathroom  50 cfm (25 L/s)  
 
Table 150.0 -F Continuous Local Ventilation Exhaust Airflow Rates  
Application  Airflow  
Enclosed kitchen  5 ach, based on kitchen volume  
Bathroom  20 cfm (10 L/s)  
 
  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 469 
SECTION 150.0 – MANDATORY FEATURES AND DEVICES  Table 150.0 -G Kitchen Range Hood Airflow Rates (cfm) and ASTM E3087 Capture Efficiency (CE) 
Ratings  
According to Dwelling Unit Floor Area and Kitchen Range Fuel Type  
Dwelling Unit Floor Area (ft2) Hood Over Electric Range  Hood Over Natural Gas Range  
>1500  50% CE or 110 cfm  70% CE or 180 cfm  
>1000 - 1500  50% CE or 110 cfm  80% CE or 250 cfm  
750 - 1000  55% CE or 130 cfm  85% CE or 280 cfm  
<750  65% CE or 160 cfm  85% CE or 280 cfm  
 
Table 150.0 -H Prescriptive Ventilation System Duct Sizing [ASHRAE 62.2:Table 5 -3] 
Fan Airflow Rating, cfm at 
minimum static pressuref, 0.25 in. 
water (L/s at minimum 62.5 Pa)  Minimum Duct Diameter  for Rigid 
Duct, in.(mm) a,b  Minimum Duct Diameter  for Flex 
Ductc, in. (mm) a,b 
≤50 (25)  4e (100)  4 (100)  
≤80 (40)  5 (125)  5 (125)  
≤100 (50)  5 (125)  6 (150)  
≤125 (60)  6 (150)  6 (150)  
≤150 (70)  6 (150)  7 (150)  
≤175 (85)  7 (180)  7 (180)  
≤200 (95)  7 (180)  8 (205)  
≤250 (120)  8 (205)  8 (205)  
≤350 (165)  9 (230)  9 (230)  
≤400 (190)  10 (255)  10 (255)  
≤450 (210)  10 (255)  NP 
≤700 (330)  12 (305)  NP 
≤800 (380)  12d (305)  NP 
Footnotes for Table 150.0 -H: 
a. For noncircular ducts, calculate the diameter as four times the cross -sectional area divided by the perimeter.  
b. NP = application of the prescriptive table is not permitted for this scenario.  
c. Use of this table for verification of flex duct systems requires flex duct to be fully extended and any flex duct 
elbows to have a minimum bend radius to duct diameter ratio of 1.0.  
d. For this scenario, use of elbows is not permitted.  
e. For this scenario, 4 in. (100 mm) oval duct shall be permitted, provided the minor axis of the oval is greater 
than or equal to 3 in. (75 mm)  
f. When a vented range hood utilizes a capture efficiency rating to demonstrate compliance with 150.0(o)1Giiib, 
a static pressure greater than or equal to 0.25 in. of water at the rating point shall not be required, and the 
airflow listed in the approved d irectory corresponding to the compliant capture efficiency rating point shall be 
applied to Table 150.0 -H for determining compliance.  
 
Note:  Authority: Sections 25213, 25218, 25218.5, 25402 and 25402.1, Public Resources Code. Reference: Sections 
25007, 25008, 25218.5, 25310, 25402, 25402.1, 25402.4, 25402.5, 25402.8, and 25943, Public Resources Code.  
 Page 470 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 150.1 – PERFORMANCE AND PRESCRIPTIVE COMPLIANCE APPROACHES FOR SINGLE -FAMILY RESIDENTIAL 
BUILDINGS  
 SUBCHAPTER 8  
SINGLE -FAMILY  RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS - PERFORMANCE AND 
PRESCRIPTIVE COMPLIANCE APPROACHES  
SECTION 150.1 – PERFORMANCE AND PRESCRIPTIVE COMPLIANCE APPROACHES FOR 
SINGLE -FAMILY  RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS  
(a) Basic Requirements.  Single -family residential buildings shall meet all of the following:  
1. The applicable requirements of Sections 110.0 through 110.10.  
2. The applicable requirements of Section 150.0 (mandatory features).  
3. Either the performance standards or the prescriptive standards set forth in this section for the 
Climate Zone in which the building is located. Climate zones are shown in Reference Joint 
Appendix JA2 – Weather/Climate Data.  
Exception to Section 150.1(a)3:  If a single contiguous subdivision or tract falls in more than one 
Climate Zone, all buildings in the subdivision or tract may be designed to meet the performance 
or prescriptive standards for the climate zones that contains 50 percent or more of the 
dwel ling units.  
Note:  The Commission periodically updates, publishes, and makes available to interested 
persons and local enforcement agencies precise descriptions of the climate zones, as specified 
in Reference Joint Appendix JA2 – Weather/Climate Data.  
Note:  The requirements of Sections 150.0(a) through 150.0(r) apply to newly constructed buildings 
and Sections 150.2(a) and 150.2(b) specifies changes to the requirements of Sections 150.1(a) 
through 150.1(c) that apply to additions or alterations.  
(b) Performance approach standards . A building complies with the performance approach standards  if 
the energy consumption calculated for the proposed design building is no greater  than the energy 
budget calculated for the standard design building using Commission -certified compliance 
software as specified by the Alternative Calculation Methods Approval Manual.  
1. Newly constructed buildings. Energy budget . The eEnergy bBudget for newly constructed 
buildings is expressed in terms of the Energy Design Ratings, which are based on Ssource 
Eenergy , and Long -Term System Cost (LSC) .time -dependent valuation (TDV) energy . 
A. Long -term System Cost  (LSC)  The LSC energy budget  is determined by applying the 
mandatory and prescriptive requirements of the standard design to the proposed design 
building  and has two components, the Efficiency LSC and the Total LSC.   
i. The Efficiency LSC  energy  is the sum of the LSC energy for space -conditioning, water 
heating, and mechanical ventilation.  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 471  
SECTION 150.1 – PERFORMANCE AND PRESCRIPTIVE COMPLIANCE APPROACHES FOR SINGLE -FAMILY RESIDENTIAL 
BUILDINGS   ii. The Total LSC energy is the sum of the Efficiency LSC energy and LSC energy from the 
photovoltaic  system , energy  storage systems  (ESS) , lighting, demand flexibility, and 
other plug loads . 
B. Source Energy. The source energy budget is determined by applying the mandatory and 
prescriptive requirements of the standard design to the proposed design building. The 
Source Energy is the total annual source energy.  
The Energy Design Rating 1 (EDR1) is based on source energy. The Energy Design Rating 2 
(EDR2) is based on TDV energy and has two components, the Energy Efficiency Design Rating, 
and the Solar Electric Generation and Demand Flexibility Design Rating. The t otal Energy 
Design Rating shall account for both the Energy Efficiency Design Rating and the Solar Electric 
Generation and Demand Flexibility Design Rating. The proposed building shall separately 
comply with the Source Energy Design Rating, Energy Efficien cy Design Rating and the Total 
Energy Design Rating.   
Exception to Section 150.1(b)1. A community shared solar electric generation system, or other 
renewable electric generation system, or community shared battery storage system BESS, 
which provides dedicated power, utility energy reduction credits, or payments for energy bill 
reductions, to the permitted building and is approved by the Energy Commission as specified in 
Title 24, Part 1, Section 10 -115, may offset part or all of the s olar electric generation system 
and demand flexibility Energy Design Rating required to comply with the Standa rds, as 
calculated according to methods established by the Commission in the Residential ACM 
Reference Manual.  
2.  Additions and alterations to existing buildings.  The energy budget for additions and 
alterations is expressed in terms of TDV energy.  
23. Compliance demonstration requirements for performance standards . 
A. Certificate of compliance and application for a building permit.  The application for a 
building permit shall include documentation pursuant to Sections 10 -103(a)1 and 10 -
103(a)2 which demonstrates, using an approved calculation method, that the building has 
been designed so that its energy consumption Energy Efficiency Design Rating and the total 
EDR does not meets or exceed s the standard design energy budgets EDR for the applicable 
climate zone.  
Exception n to Section 150.1(b) 23A: Multiple orientation : A permit applicant may 
demonstrate compliance with the energy budget requirements of Section 150.1(a) and (b) 
for any orientation of the same building model if the documentation demonstrates that the 
building model with its proposed designs and features would comply in each of the four 
cardinal orientations.  
B. Field verification . When performance of installed features, materials, components, 
manufactured devices or systems above the minimum specified in Section 150.1(c) is 
necessary for the building to comply with Section 150.1(b), or is necessary to achieve a 
more stringent loca l ordinance, field verification shall be performed in accordance with the 
applicable requirements in the following subsections, and the results of the verification(s) Page 472 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 150.1 – PERFORMANCE AND PRESCRIPTIVE COMPLIANCE APPROACHES FOR SINGLE -FAMILY RESIDENTIAL 
BUILDINGS  
 shall be documented on applicable certificates of installation pursuant to Section 10 -
103(a)3 and applicable certificates of verification pursuant to Section 10 -103(a)5.  
i. EER/ EER2/ SEER/ SEER2/CEER/ HSPF/ HSPF2 Rating.  When performance compliance 
requires installation of a space conditioning system with a rating that is greater than the 
minimum rating required by Table 150.1 -A or specified for the standard design, the 
installed system shall be field verified in accordan ce with the procedures specified in 
the applicable sections of Reference Residential Appendix RA3.4.  
ii. Variable capacity heat pump (VCHP) compliance option . When performance 
compliance requires installation of a heat pump system  that meets all the requirements 
of the VCHP compliance option specified in the ACM Reference Manual, the system 
shall be field verified in accordance with the procedures in Reference Residential 
Appendix RA3.4.4.3.  
iii. Low leakage air handler.  When performance compliance requires installation of a low 
leakage air -handling unit, the installed air -handling unit shall be field verified in 
accordance with the procedures specified in Reference Residential Appendix 
RA3.1.4.3.9.  
iv. RESERVED  
v. Heat pump  - rated heating capacity.  When performance compliance requires 
installation of a heat pump system, the heating capacity values at 47° F and 17° F shall 
be field verified in accordance with the procedures specified in Reference Residential 
Appendix RA3.4.  
vi. Whole -house fan . When performance compliance requires installation of a whole -
house fan, the whole -house fan ventilation airflow rate and fan efficacy shall be field 
verified in accordance with the procedures in Reference Residential Appendix RA3.9.  
vii. Central fan ventilation cooling system . When performance compliance requires 
installation of a central fan ventilation cooling system, the installed system shall be field 
verified in accordance with the procedures in Reference Residential Appendix RA3.3.4.  
viii. Building enclosure air leakage . When performance compliance requires a building 
enclosure leakage rate that is lower than the standard design, the building enclosure 
shall be field verified in accordance with the procedures specified in Reference 
Residential Appendix RA3.8.  
ix. Quality Insulation Installation (QII).  When performance compliance requires field 
verification of QII, the building insulation system shall be field verified in accordance 
with the procedures in Reference Residential Appendix RA3.5.  
(c) Prescriptive standards/component packages.  Buildings that comply with the prescriptive 
standards shall be designed, constructed and equipped to meet all of the requirements for the 
appropriate climate zone shown in Table 150.1 -A. In Table 150.1 -A, NA (not allowed) means that 
feature is not permitt ed in a particular climate zone and NR (no requirement) means that there is 
no prescriptive requirement for that feature in a particular climate zone. Installed components 
shall meet the following requirements:  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 473  
SECTION 150.1 – PERFORMANCE AND PRESCRIPTIVE COMPLIANCE APPROACHES FOR SINGLE -FAMILY RESIDENTIAL 
BUILDINGS   1. Insulation.  
A. Roof and ceiling insulation shall be installed in a ventilated attic with an R -value equal to or 
greater than that shown in Table 150.1 -A meeting options ii or iii below.  
i. Option A: RESERVED . 
ii. Option B: A minimum R -value of insulation in a ventilated attic installed between the 
roof rafters in contact with the roof deck and an additional layer of ceiling insulation 
located between the attic and the conditioned space when meeting Section 150.1(c)9A; 
or 
iii. Option C: A minimum R -value of ceiling insulation located between the a ventilated attic 
and the conditioned space  or within  a cathed ral ceiling  assembly   when meeting shall 
comply with  Section 150.1(c)9B.  
Note:  Low rise residential single - family buildings with the ducts and air handler located in 
the conditioned space, as specified by Section 150.1(c)9B, need only comply with insulation 
requirements of Option C.  
B. Walls.  
i. Framed exterior walls shall be insulated such that the exterior wall has an assembly U -
factor equal to or less than that shown in Table 150.1 -A. The U -factors shown are 
maximum U -factors for the exterior wall assembly.  
ii. Mass walls above grade and below grade shall be insulated such that the wall has an 
assembly U -factor equal to or less than that shown in Table 150.1 -A, or walls shall be 
insulated with continuous insulation that has an R -value equal to or greater than  that 
shown in Table 150.1 -A. “Interior” denotes continuous insulation installed on the inside 
surface of the wall, and “exterior” denotes continuous insulation installed on the 
outside surface of the wall.  
iii. Other unframed exterior walls, excluding mass walls, shall meet the requirements for 
framed walls shown in Table 150.1 -A. 
C. Raised -floors shall be insulated such that the floor assembly has an assembly U -factor equal 
to or less than shown in Table 150.1 -A, or shall be insulated between wood framing with 
insulation having an R -value equal to or greater than that shown in Tabl e 150.1 -A.  
Exception  to Section 150.1(c)1C:  Raised -floor insulation may be omitted if the foundation 
walls are insulated to meet the wall insulation minimums shown in Table 150.1 -A, and a 
vapor retarder is placed over the entire floor of the crawl space, and the vents are fitted 
with automatically operated louvers, and the requirements of Reference Residential 
Appendix RA4.5.1 are met.  
D. Slab floor perimeter insulation shall be installed with a U -factor equal to or less than, or R -
value equal to or greater than shown in TABLE 150.1 -A. The minimum depth of concrete -
slab floor perimeter insulation shall be 16 inches or the depth of the fo oting of the building, 
whichever is less.  
Exception  to Section 150.1(c)1:  The insulation requirements of Tables 150.1 -A may also be 
met by ceiling, roof deck, wall, or floor assemblies that meet the required maximum U -Page 474 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 150.1 – PERFORMANCE AND PRESCRIPTIVE COMPLIANCE APPROACHES FOR SINGLE -FAMILY RESIDENTIAL 
BUILDINGS  
 factors using a U -factor calculation method that considers the thermal effects of all 
elements of the assembly and is approved by the Executive Director.  
E. All buildings shall comply with the Quality Insulation Installation (QII) requirements shown 
in Table 150.1 -A. When QII is required, insulation installation shall meet the criteria 
specified in Reference Appendix RA3.5.  
2. Radiant barrier.  A radiant barrier required in Table 150.1 -A shall meet the requirements 
specified in Section 110.8(j), and shall meet the installation criteria specified in the Reference 
Residential Appendix RA4.  
3. Fenestration.  
A. Installed fenestration products, including glazed doors, shall have an area  -weighted 
average U -factor and a Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) meeting the applicable 
fenestration value in Table 150.1 -A and shall be determined in accordance with Sections 
110.6(a)2 and 110.6(a)3.  
Exception 1 to Section 150.1(c)3A: New dwelling units with a conditioned floor area of 500 
square feet o rf less in Climate Zones 5 through 10 and Climate Zone 15 may compl y with a 
maximum U -factor of 0.30.  
Exception  12 to Section 150.1(c)3A:  For each dwelling unit, up to 3 square feet of new 
glazing area installed in doors and up to 3 square feet of new tubular skylights area with 
dual -pane diffusers shall not be required to meet the U -factor and SHGC requirements of 
Table 150.1 -A. 
Exception  23 to Section 150.1(c)3A: In Climate Zones 2, 4, and 6 through 15, Ffor each 
dwelling unit up to 16 square feet of new skylight area with a maximum U -factor of 
0.55 0.40  and a maximum SHGC of 0.30.  In Climate Zones 1, 3, 5, and 16  there is no SHGC 
requirement.  
Exception  34 to Section 150.1(c)3A For fenestration containing chromogenic type glazing:  
i. The lower -rated labeled U -factor and SHGC shall be used with automatic controls to 
modulate the amount of solar gain and light transmitted into the space in multiple steps 
in response to daylight levels or solar intensity;  
ii. Chromogenic glazing shall be considered separately from other fenestration; and  
iii. Area -weighted averaging with other fenestration that is not chromatic shall not be 
permitted and shall be determined in accordance with Section 110.6(a).  
EXCEPTION 45 to Section 150.1(c)3A: For dwelling units containing unrated site -built 
fenestration that meets the maximum area restriction, the U -factor and SHGC can be 
determined in accordance with the Nonresidential Reference Appendix NA6 or use default 
values in Table 110.6 -A and Table 110 .6-B. 
B.  The maximum total fenestration area shall not exceed the percentage of conditioned floor 
area, CFA, as indicated in TABLE 150.1 -A. Total fenestration includes skylights and west -
facing glazing.  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 475  
SECTION 150.1 – PERFORMANCE AND PRESCRIPTIVE COMPLIANCE APPROACHES FOR SINGLE -FAMILY RESIDENTIAL 
BUILDINGS   C. The maximum west -facing fenestration area shall not exceed the percentage of conditioned 
floor area as indicated in TABLE 150.1 -A. West -facing fenestration area includes skylights 
tilted in any direction when the pitch is less than 1:12.  
4. Shading. Where Table 150.1 -A requires a maximum SHGC, the shading requirements shall be 
met by one of the following:  
A. Complying with the required maximum SHGC pursuant to Section 150.1(c)3A; or  
B. An exterior operable shading louver or other exterior shading device that meets the 
required maximum SHGC; or  
C. A combination of Items A and B to achieve the same performance as achieved in Section 
150.1(c)3A.  
D. For south -facing glazing only, optimal overhangs shall be installed so that the south -facing 
glazing is fully shaded at solar noon on August 21 and substantially exposed to direct 
sunlight at solar noon on December 21.  
E. Exterior shading devices must be permanently secured with attachments or fasteners that 
are not intended for removal.  
Exception  to Section 150.1(c)4E: Where the California Building Code (CBC) requires 
emergency egress or where compliance would conflict with health and safety regulations.  
5. Doors. Installed swinging door products separating conditioned space from outside or adjacent 
unconditioned space, but not including glazed door products, shall have an area -weighted 
average U -factor no greater than the applicable door value in Table 150.1 -A and shall be 
determined in accordance with Section 110.6(a)2. Glazed door products are treated as 
fenestration products in Sections 150.1(c)3 and 150.1(c)4.  
Exception to Section 150.1(c)5: Swinging doors between the garage and conditioned space 
that are required to have fire protection are not required to meet the applicable door value in 
Table 150.1 -A. 
6. Heating system type.  Heating system types shall be installed as required in Table 150.1 -A. For 
climate zones 3, 4, 13 and 14, t The space conditioning system shall be a heat pump, or shall 
meet the performance compliance requirements of Section 150.1(b)1.  
Exception  to Section 150.1(c)6:  A supplemental heating unit may be installed in a space served 
directly or indirectly by a primary heating system, provided that the unit thermal capacity does 
not exceed 2 kW or 7,000 Btu/hr and is controlled by a time -limiting device not exceeding 30 
minutes.  
7. Space heating and space cooling.  All space heating and space cooling equipment shall comply 
with minimum Appliance Efficiency Regulations as specified in Sections 110.0 through 110.2 
and meet all applicable requirements of Sections 150.0 and 150.1(c)7A.   
A. Refrigerant charge . When refrigerant charge verification or fault indicator display  is shown 
as required by Table 150.1 -A, the system shall comply with either Section 150.1(c)7Ai or 
150.1(c)7Aii:  Page 476 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 150.1 – PERFORMANCE AND PRESCRIPTIVE COMPLIANCE APPROACHES FOR SINGLE -FAMILY RESIDENTIAL 
BUILDINGS  
 i. air-cooled air conditioners and air -source heat pumps, including but not limited to 
ducted split systems, ducted packaged systems, small duct high velocity systems, and 
mini -split systems, shall comply with subsections a, b , and c, unless the system is of a 
type that cannot be verified using the specified procedures:  
a. Have measurement access holes (MAH) installed according to the specifications in 
Reference Residential Appendix Section RA3.2.2.3; and  
Exception  to Section 150.1(c)7Aia:  Systems that cannot conform to the 
specifications for hole location in Reference Residential Appendix Figure RA3.2 -1, 
shall not be required to provide holes as described in Figure RA3.2 -1. 
b. System airflow rate in accordance with subsection I or II shall be confirmed through 
field verification and diagnostic testing in accordance with all applicable procedures 
specified in Reference Residential Appendix Section RA3.  3 or an approved 
alternative procedure as specified by Section RA1; and  
I. For small duct high velocity systems the system airflow rate shall be greater than 
or equal to 250 cfm per ton; or  
II. For all other air -cooled air conditioner or air -source heat pump systems the 
system airflow rate shall be greater than or equal to 350 cfm per ton.  
Exception to Section 150.1(c)7Aib: Standard ducted systems without zoning 
dampers may comply with the minimum airflow rate by meeting the applicable 
requirements in Table -150.0 -B or 150.0 -C as confirmed by field verification and 
diagnostic testing in accordance with the procedures in Refere nce Residential 
Appendix Section RA3.1.4.4 and RA3.1.4.5. The design clean -filter pressure drop 
requirements of Section 150.0(m)12D for the system air filter device(s) shall 
conform to the requirements given in Tables 150 .0-B and 150.0 -C. 
c. The installer shall charge the system according to manufacturer’s specifications. 
Refrigerant charge shall be verified according to one of the following options, as 
applicable:  
I. The installer and rater shall perform the standard charge procedure as specified 
by Reference Residential Appendix Section RA3.2.2, or an approved alternative 
procedure as specified by Section RA1; or  
II. The system shall be equipped with a fault indicator display (FID) device that 
meets the specifications of Reference Joint Appendix JA6. The installer shall 
verify the refrigerant charge and FID device in accordance with the procedures 
in Reference Resident ial Appendix Section RA3.4.2. The HERS ECC-Rater shall 
verify FID device in accordance with the procedures in Section RA3.4.2; or  
III. The installer shall perform the weigh -in charging procedure as specified by 
Reference Residential Appendix Section RA3.2.3.1 provided the system is of a 
type that can be verified using the Section RA3.2.2 standard charge verification 
procedure and Sectio n RA3.3 airflow rate verification procedure or approved 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 477  
SECTION 150.1 – PERFORMANCE AND PRESCRIPTIVE COMPLIANCE APPROACHES FOR SINGLE -FAMILY RESIDENTIAL 
BUILDINGS   alternatives in Section RA1. The HERS ECC-Rater shall verify the charge using 
Sections RA3.2.2 and RA3.3 or approved alternatives in Section RA1.  
Exception  1 to Section 150.1(c)7Aic : When the outdoor temperature is less than 
55°F and the installer utilizes the weigh -in charging procedure in Reference 
Residential Appendix Section RA3.2.3.1 to verify the refrigerant charge, the installer 
may elect to utilize the HERS Rater verification procedure in Reference Residential 
Appendix Section RA3.2.3.2. If the HERS Rater verification procedure in Section 
RA3.2.3.2 is used for compliance, the system's thermostat shall conform to the 
specifications in Section 110.12. Ducted systems shall comply with minimum system 
airflow rate requirement in Section 150.1(c)7Aib.  
ii. Air-cooled air conditioners and air -source heat pumps, including but not limited to 
ducted split systems, ducted packaged systems, small duct high velocity systems and 
mini -split systems, which are of a type that cannot comply  be verified using the 
specified procedures, with the requirements of Section 150.1(c)7Ai  shall comply with 
Subsections a and b, as applicable.  
a. The installer shall confirm the refrigerant charge using the weigh -in charging 
procedure specified in Reference Residential Appendix Section RA3.2.3.1, as verified 
by an HERS  ECC-Rater according to the procedures specified in Reference 
Residential Appendix Section RA3.2.3.2; and  
b. Systems that utilize forced air ducts shall comply with the minimum system airflow 
rate requirement in Section 150.1(c)7Aib provided the system is of a type that can 
be verified using the procedures in Section RA3.3 or an approved alternative 
procedure in Section RA1.  
Exception  1 to Section 150.1(c)7A: Packaged systems for which the manufacturer has 
verified correct system refrigerant charge prior to shipment from the factory are not 
required to have refrigerant charge confirmed through field verification and diagnostic 
testing. The installer of these pa ckaged systems shall certify on the Certificate of Installation 
that the packaged system was pre -charged at the factory and has not been altered in a way 
that would affect the charge. Ducted systems shall comply with mini mum system airflow 
rate requirements in Section 150.1(c)7Aib, provided that the system is of a type that can be 
verified using the procedure specified in Section RA3.3 or an approved alternative in Section 
RA1.  
8. Domestic water -heating systems.  Water -heating systems shall meet the requirements of A, B, 
C, or shall meet the performance compliance requirements of Section 150.1(b)1. For 
recirculation distribution systems, only demand recirculation systems with manual on/off 
control as specified in the Reference Appendix RA4.4.9 shall be used:  
A. A single 240 volt heat pump water heater (HPWH). The storage tank shall be located in the 
garage or conditioned space. In addition, meet the following:  
i. A compact hot water distribution system as specified in the Reference Appendix 
RA4.4.6 in climate zone 1 and 16; and  Page 478 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 150.1 – PERFORMANCE AND PRESCRIPTIVE COMPLIANCE APPROACHES FOR SINGLE -FAMILY RESIDENTIAL 
BUILDINGS  
 ii. A drain water heat recovery system that is field verified as specified in the Reference 
Appendix RA3.6.9 in climate zone 16.  
B. A single 240 volt HPWH that meets the requirements of NEEA Advanced Water Heater 
Specification Tier 3 or higher. In addition, f or Climate Zone 16, a drain water heat recovery 
system that is field verified as specified in the Reference Appendix RA3.6.9 and the storage 
tank shall be located in the garage or conditioned space.  
C. A solar water -heating system with electric backup meeting the installation criteria specified 
in Reference Residential Appendix RA4 and with a minimum annual solar savings fraction of 
0.7. 
Exception 1 to Section 150.1(c)8: For climate zones 3, 4, 13 and 14, a gas or propane 
instantaneous water heater with an input of 200,000 Btu per hour or less and no storage tank 
may be installed.  
NOTE:  The space conditioning system shall be a heat pump as specified in Section 150.1(c)6.  
Exception 2 1 to Section 150.1(c)8: An instantaneous electric water heater with point of use 
distribution as specified in RA4.4.5 may be installed for new dwelling units with a conditioned 
floor area of 500 square feet or less.  
Exception 3 2 to Section 150.1(c)8A and B: A 120V HPWH may be installed in place of a 240V 
HPWH for new dwelling unit with one bedroom or less.  
9. Space conditioning distribution systems.  All space conditioning systems shall meet all 
applicable requirements of A or B below:  
A. High performance attics. Air handlers or ducts are allowed to be in ventilated attic spaces 
when the roof and ceiling insulation level meet Option B in Table 150.1 -A. Duct insulation 
levels shall meet the requirements in Table 150.1 -A. 
B. Duct and air handlers located in conditioned space. Duct systems and air handlers of HVAC 
systems shall be located in conditioned space  below the ceiling separating the occupiable 
space from the attic ,  and confirmed by field verification and diagnostic testing to meet the 
criterion of Reference Residential Appendix Section RA3.1.4.3.8. Duct insulation levels shall 
meet the requirements in Table 150.1 -A.  
Note:  Gas heating appliances installed in conditioned spaces must meet the combustion air 
requirements of the California Mechanical Code Chapter 7, as applicable.  
10. Central fan integrated ventilation systems.  Central forced air system fans used to provide 
outside air, shall have an air -handling unit fan efficacy less than or equal to the maximum 
W/cfm specified in A, B, or C. The airflow rate and fan efficacy requirements in this section shall 
be confirmed thr ough field verification and diagnostic testing in accordance with all applicable 
procedures specified in Reference Residential Appendix RA3.3. Central Fan integrated 
ventilation systems shall be certified to t he Energy Commission as intermittent ventilation 
systems as specified in Reference Residential Appendix RA3.7.4.2.  
A. 0.45 W/cfm for gas furnace air -handling units.  
B. 0.58 W/cfm for air -handling units that are not gas furnaces.  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 479  
SECTION 150.1 – PERFORMANCE AND PRESCRIPTIVE COMPLIANCE APPROACHES FOR SINGLE -FAMILY RESIDENTIAL 
BUILDINGS   C. 0.62 W/cfm for small duct high velocity air -handling units.  
Exception to Section 150.1(c)10A:  Gas furnace air -handling units manufactured prior to July 3, 
2019 shall comply with a fan efficacy value less than or equal to 0.58 w/cfm as confirmed by 
field verification and diagnostic testing in accordance with the procedures given in Reference 
Reside ntial Appendix RA3.3.  
11. Roofing products.  All roofing products shall meet the requirements of Section 110.8 and the 
applicable requirements of Subsection A or B:  
A. Single -family residential buildings with steep -sloped roofs in climate zones 10 through 15 
shall have a minimum aged solar reflectance of 0.20 and a minimum thermal emittance of 
0.75, or a minimum SRI of 16.  
B. Single -family residential buildings with low -sloped roofs; in climate zones 13 and 15 shall 
have a minimum aged solar reflectance of 0.63 and a minimum thermal emittance of 0.75 
or a minimum SRI of 75.  
Exception  1 to Section 150.1(c)11:  Building integrated photovoltaic panels and building 
integrated solar thermal panels are not required to comply  with  exempt from the minimum 
requirements for aged solar reflectance and thermal emittance or SRI.  
Exception  2 to Section 150.1(c)11:  Roof constructions with a weight of at least 25 lb/ft² are 
exempt from are not required to comply with  the minimum requirements for aged solar 
reflectance and thermal emittance or SRI.  
12. Ventilation cooling . Single - family homes shall comply with the Whole -house fan (WHF) 
requirements shown in Table 150.1 -A. When a WHF is required, comply with Subsections A, B 
and C below.  
A. Have installed one or more WHFs whose total airflow cfm is equal to or greater than 1.5 
cfm/ft2 of conditioned floor area. Airflow cfm for WHF's shall be determined based on the 
airflow listed in the Home Ventilating Institute Certified Products Directory.  
B. Have at least 1 square foot of attic vent free area for each 750 cfm of rated whole -house 
fan airflow cfm, or if the manufacturer has specified a greater free vent area, the 
manufacturers’ free vent area specifications.  
Exception to Section 150.1(c)12B:  WHFs that are directly vented to the outside.  
C. Provide homeowners who have WHFs with a one page “How to operate your whole -house 
fan” informational sheet.  
Exception to section 150.1(c)12:  New dwelling units with a conditioned floor area of 500 square 
feet or less  shall not be required to comply with the WHF requirements.  
13. HVAC system bypass ducts.  Bypass ducts that deliver conditioned supply air directly to the 
space conditioning system return duct airflow shall not be used.  
14. Photovoltaic requirements.  All single -family residential buildings shall have a newly installed 
photovoltaic (PV) system or newly installed PV modules meeting the minimum qualification 
requirements specified in Joint Appendix JA11. The annual electrical output of the PV system 
shall be no less than the smaller of a PV system size determined using Equation 150.1 -C, or the Page 480 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 150.1 – PERFORMANCE AND PRESCRIPTIVE COMPLIANCE APPROACHES FOR SINGLE -FAMILY RESIDENTIAL 
BUILDINGS  
 total  Solar Access Roof  Area ) (SARA) multiplied by  18 for steep -sloped roofs or multiplied by  14 
for low-sloped roofs  or the maximum PV system size that can be installed on the building’s 
Solar Access Roof Area (SARA) . 
 
A. SARA includes the area of the building’s roof space capable of structurally supporting a PV 
system, and the area of all roof space on covered parking areas, carports, and all other 
newly constructed structures on the site that are compatible with supportin g a PV system 
per Title 24, Part 2, Section 1511.2.  
B. SARA does NOT include:  
i. Any roof area that has less than 70 percent annual solar access. Annual solar access is 
determined by dividing the total annual solar insolation, accounting for shading 
obstructions, by the total annual solar insolation if the same areas were unshaded by 
obstructions. For steep slope roofs only shading from existing permanent natural or 
manmade obstructions that are external to the dwelling, including but not limited to 
trees, hills, and adjacent structures, shall be considered for annual solar access 
calcu lations. For low slope roofs, all obstructions including those that are external to the 
dwelling unit, and obstructions that are part of the building design and elevation 
features shall be considered for the annual solar access calculations.  
ii. Occupied roof areas as specified by CBC S ection 503.1.4.  
iii. Roof area that is otherwise not available due to compliance with other  state  building 
code requirements  and local building code requirements  if confirmed by the Executive 
Director.  
EQUATION 150.1 -C ANNUAL PHOTOVOLTAIC ELECTRICAL OUTPUT  
kW pv=CFA × A
1000+𝑁𝐷𝑈× B − CFA ×C ×EER2 Adj
1000 
kW PV = (CFA × A)/1000 +  (NDU × B) 
WHERE:  
kW PV  = kW dc size of the PV system  
CFA   = Conditioned floor area  
NDU   = Number of dwelling units  
A = CFA adjustment factor from Table 150.1 -C 
B = Dwelling unit adjustment factor from Table 150.1 -C 
C = EER2 adjustment factor coefficient from Table 150.1 -C 
EER2 Adj = EER2 adjustment factor = (EER2  – 7); or 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 481  
SECTION 150.1 – PERFORMANCE AND PRESCRIPTIVE COMPLIANCE APPROACHES FOR SINGLE -FAMILY RESIDENTIAL 
BUILDINGS        EER2 adjustment factor =  4.7 if (EER2  – 7) > 4.7  
 
Exception  1 to Section 150.1(c)14: For steep slope roofs, SARA shall not consider roof areas 
with a northerly azimuth that lies between 300 degrees and 90 degrees from true north. No PV 
system is required if the SARA is less than 80 contiguous square feet.  
Exception  2 to Section 150.1(c)14:  No PV system is required when the minimum PV system size 
specified by section 150.1(c)14 is less than 1.8 kW dc. 
Exception 3 to Section 150.1(c)14:  Buildings with enforcement -authority -approved roof 
designs, where the enforcement authority determines it is not possible for the PV system, 
including panels, modules and components and supports and attachments to the roof 
structure, to meet the requireme nts of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), Standard 
7-16, Chapter 7, Snow Loads.  
Exception 4 to Section 150.1(c)14:  For buildings that are approved by the local planning 
department prior to January 1, 2020 with mandatory conditions for approval:  
a. Shading from roof designs and configurations for steep -sloped roofs, which are required 
by the mandatory conditions for approval, shall be considered for the annual solar access 
calculations; and  
b. Roof areas that are not allowed by the mandatory conditions for approval to have PVs, 
shall not be considered in determining the SARA.  
EXCEPTION 5 to Section 150.1(c)14:  PV system sizes determined using Equation 150.1 -C may 
be reduced by 25 percent if installed in conjunction with a battery storage system BESS. The 
battery storage system BESS shall meet the qualification requirements specified in Joint 
Appendix JA12 and have a minimum cycling usable capacity of 7.5 kWh  as defined in Joint 
Appendix JA12.  
  Page 482 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 150.1 – PERFORMANCE AND PRESCRIPTIVE COMPLIANCE APPROACHES FOR SINGLE -FAMILY RESIDENTIAL 
BUILDINGS  
 Table 150.1 -C – PV System Size  Adjustment Factors  and Coefficient  
Climate Zone  Factor A - CFA Factor B - CFA Constant Adder  C 
1 0.793 1.27  0 
2 0.621 1.220  0 
3 0.628 1.12  0 
4 0.607 1.21  0.004  
5 0.585 1.060  0 
6 0.596 1.230  0.001  
7 0.576 1.150  0.001  
8 0.608 1.370  0.005  
9 0.642 1.36 0 0.006  
10 0.691 1.410  0.014  
11 0.986 1.440  0.032  
12 0.640 1.400  0.006  
13 1.066  1.510  0.037  
14 0.846 1.260  0.022  
15 2.029  1.470  0.100  
16 0.591 1.220  0 
 
15.  Ventilation System Fault Indicator Display (FID): All HRV/ERV  systems serving individual 
dwelling units shall have a Fault Indicator Display  (FID) that is ECC-rater field verified as 
specified in Joint Reference Appendix JA1 7.2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 483  
SECTION 150.1 – PERFORMANCE AND PRESCRIPTIVE COMPLIANCE APPROACHES FOR SINGLE -FAMILY RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS   TABLE 150.1 -A COMPONENT PACKAGE – Single -Family Standard Building Design   
Building Component  
Roofs and Ceilings  CZ 1  CZ 2  CZ 3  CZ 4  CZ 5  CZ 6  CZ 7  CZ 8  CZ 9  CZ 10  CZ 11  CZ 12  CZ 13  CZ 14  CZ 15 CZ 16  
Roof Deck Insulation for 
Cathedral Ceilings1,4  R 38  R 38  R 38  R 38  R 38  R 38  R 38  R 38  R 38  R 38  R 38  R 38  R 38  R 38  R 38  R 38  
Option B13  
Below Roof Deck Insulation1,2 
(With Air Space)  NR NR NR R 19  NR NR NR R 19  R 19  R 19  R 19  R 19  R 19  R 19  R 19  R 19  
Option B13  
Ceiling Insulation  R 38  R 38  R 30  R 38  R 30  R 30  R 30  R 38  R 38  R 38  R 38 R 38  R 38  R 38  R 38  R 38  
Option B13  
Radiant Barrier  NR REQ  REQ  NR REQ  REQ  REQ  NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR 
Option C14  
Ceiling Insulation  for vented 
attics  R 38  R 30  R 30  R 30  R 30  R 30  R 30  R 380 R 380 R 380 R 38  R 38  R 38  R 38  R 38  R 38  
Option C14 - Radiant Barrier  NR REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  NR 
Low-Sloped Roofing Product  
Aged Solar Reflectance  NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR 0.63  NR 0.63  NR 
Low-Sloped Roofing Product  
Thermal Emittance  NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR 0.75  NR 0.75  NR 
Steep -Sloped Roofing Product  
Aged Solar Reflectance  NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 NR 
Steep -Sloped Roofing Product  
Thermal Emittance  NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR 0.75  0.75  0.75  0.75  0.75  0.75  NR 
 
  Page 484 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 150.1 – PERFORMANCE AND PRESCRIPTIVE COMPLIANCE APPROACHES FOR SINGLE -FAMILY RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS  
 TABLE 150.1 -A COMPONENT PACKAGE – Single -Family Standard Building Design (continued)  
Building Component  
Walls, Floors, Doors , 
Fenestrations, and QII  CZ 1  CZ 2  CZ 3  CZ 4  CZ 5  CZ 6  CZ 7  CZ 8  CZ 9  CZ 10  CZ 11  CZ 12  CZ 13  CZ 14  CZ 15  CZ 16  
Above Grade Framed Walls3 U 0.048  U 0.048  U 0.048  U 0.048  U 0.048  U 0.065  U 0.065  U 0.048  U 0.048  U 0.048  U 0.048  U 0.048  U 0.048  U 0.048  U 0.048  U 0.048  
Above Grade Mass Wall 
Interior4,5,6 U 0.077  
R 13  U 0.077  
R 13  U 0.077  
R 13  U 0.077  
R 13  U 0.077  
R 13  U 0.077  
R 13  U 0.077  
R 13  U 0.077  
R 13  U 0.077  
R 13  U 0.077  
R 13  U 0.077  
R 13  U 0.077  
R 13  U 0.077  
R 13  U 0.077  
R 13  U 0.077  
R 13  U 0.059  
R 17  
Above Grade Mass Wall 
Exterior4,5,6 U 0.125  
R 8.0  U 0.125  
R 8.0  U 0.125  
R 8.0  U 0.125  
R 8.0  U 0.125  
R 8.0  U 0.125  
R 8.0  U 0.125  
R 8.0  U 0.125  
R 8.0  U 0.125  
R 8.0  U 0.125  
R 8.0  U 0.125  
R 8.0  U 0.125  
R 8.0  U 0.125  
R 8.0  U 0.125  
R 8.0  U 0.125  
R 8.0  U 0.077  
R 13  
Below Grade Interior Walls67 U 0.077  
R 13  U 0.077  
R 13  U 0.077  
R 13  U 0.077  
R 13  U 0.077  
R 13  U 0.077  
R 13  U 0.077  
R 13  U 0.077  
R 13  U 0.077  
R 13  U 0.077  
R 13  U 0.077  
R 13  U 0.077  
R 13  U 0.077  
R 13  U 0.077  
R 13  U 0.077  
R 13  U 0.067  
R 15  
Below Grade ExteriorWalls67 U 0.200  
R 5.0  U 0.200  
R 5.0  U 0.200  
R 5.0  U 0.200  
R 5.0  U 0.200  
R 5.0  U 0.200  
R 5.0  U 0.200  
R 5.0  U 0.200  
R 5.0  U 0.200  
R 5.0  U 0.200  
R 5.0  U 0.200  
R 5.0  U 0.200  
R 5.0  U 0.200  
R 5.0  U 0.100  
R 10  U 0.100  
R 10  U 0.053  
R 19  
Slab Perimeter Floors  NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR FU-0.58 
R 7.0  
Raised Floors  U 0.037  
R 19  U 0.037  
R 19  U 0.037  
R 19  U 0.037  
R 19  U 0.037  
R 19  U 0.037  
R 19  U 0.037  
R 19  U 0.037  
R 19  U 0.037  
R 19  U 0.037  
R 19  U 0.037  
R 19  U 0.037  
R 19  U 0.037  
R 19  U 0.037  
R 19  U 0.037  
R 19  U 0.037  
R 19  
Concrete Raised Floors  U 0.092  
R 8.0  U 0.092  
R 8.0  U 0.269  
R 0 U 0.269  
R 0 U .269  
R 0 U 0.269  
R 0 U 0.269  
R 0 U 0.269  
R 0 U 0.269  
R 0 U 0.269  
R 0 U 0.092  
R 8.0  U 0.138  
R 4.0  U 0.092  
R 8.0  U 0.092  
R 8.0  U 0.138  
R 4.0  U 0.092  
R 8.0  
Fenestration - Maximum U -
factor1112 0.30  
0.27  0.30  
0.27  0.30  
0.27  0.30  
0.27  0.30  
0.27  0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30  
0.27  0.30  
0.27  0.30  
0.27  0.30  
0.27  0.30 0.30  
0.27  
Fenestration - Maximum 
SHGC  NR 0.23  NR 0.23  NR 0.23  0.23  0.23  0.23  0.23  0.23  0.23  0.23  0.23  0.203 NR 
Fenestration - Maximum 
Total Area  20%  20%  20%  20%  20%  20%  20%  20%  20%  20%  20%  20%  20%  20%  20%  20%  
Fenestration - Maximum 
West Facing Area  NR 5% NR 5% NR 5% 5% 5% 5% 5% 5% 5% 5% 5% 5% NR 
Door - Maximum U -Factor  0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 
Quality Insulation 
Installation  Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes 
  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 485  
SECTION 150.1 – PERFORMANCE AND PRESCRIPTIVE COMPLIANCE APPROACHES FOR SINGLE -FAMILY RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS   TABLE 150.1 -A COMPONENT PACKAGE – Single - Family Standard Building Design (continued)  
Building Envelope  
HVAC and Water Heating  Systems  CZ 1  CZ 2  CZ 3  CZ 4  CZ 5  CZ 6  CZ 7  CZ 8  CZ 9  CZ 10  CZ 11  CZ 12  CZ 13  CZ 14  CZ 15  CZ 16  
Space Heating - Electric -Resistance 
Allowed  No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No 
Space Heating - If gas, AFUE2 NA 
MIN  MIN  
NA NA NA MIN  
NA MIN  
NA MIN  
NA MIN  
NA MIN  
NA MIN  
NA MIN  
NA MIN  
NA NA NA MIN  
NA MIN  
NA 
Space Heating - If Heat Pump, HSPF 7 
/HSPF28 MIN  MIN  MIN  MIN  MIN  MIN  MIN  MIN  MIN  MIN  MIN  MIN  MIN  MIN  MIN  MIN  
Space Cooling - SEER/ SEER2  MIN  MIN  MIN  MIN  MIN  MIN  MIN  MIN  MIN  MIN  MIN  MIN  MIN  MIN  MIN  MIN  
Space Cooling - Whole -house fan89 NR NR NR NR NR NR NR REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  NR NR 
Refrigerant Charge Verification  
Air Conditioners  NR REQ  NR NR NR NR NR REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  NR 
Refrigerant Charge Verification  
Heat Pumps  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  
Central Fan Integrated Ventilation 
System  - Fan Efficacy  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  
Option B13  
Roof/Ceiling - Duct Insulation  R 8 R 8 R 6 R 8 R 6 R 6 R 6 R 8 R 8 R 8 R 8 R 8 R 8 R 8 R 8 R 8 
Option B13 - §150.1(c)9A  NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA 
Option C14  
Roof/Ceiling - Duct Insulation  R 6 R 6 R 6 R 6 R 6 R 6 R 6 R 6 R 6 R 6 R 6 R 6 R 6 R 6 R 6 R 6 
Option C14 - §150.1(c)9B  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  
HRV/ERV systems  
(Section 150.1(c)15)  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  
Water Heating  (Section 150.1(c)8)  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  
Footnote requirements to TABLE 150.1 -A:  
1. Install the specified R -value with an air space present between the roofing and the roof deck, such as standard installation of concrete or clay tile . 
2. R-values  shown for  below roof deck insulation are for  wood -frame construction with insulation installed between the framing members.  Alternatives including insulation 
above rafters or above roof deck shall comply with the performance standards.  Page 486 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 150.1 – PERFORMANCE AND PRESCRIPTIVE COMPLIANCE APPROACHES FOR SINGLE -FAMILY RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS  
 3. Assembly U -factors for exterior framed walls can be met with cavity insulation alone or with continuous insulation alone, or with both c avity and continuous insulation 
that results in an assembly U -factor equal to or less than the U -factor shown. Use Re ference Joint Appendices JA4 Table 4.3.1, 4.3.1(a), or Table 4.3.4 to determine 
alternative insulation products to be less than or equal to  the required maximum U -factor.  
4. Assembly U -factors for roofs can be met with cavity insulation alone or with continuous insulation alone, or with both cavity and contin uous insulation that results in an 
assembly U -factor equal to or less than the U -factor shown. Use Reference Joint Ap pendices JA4 Table 4.2.2 to determine alternative insulation products to be less than 
or equal to the required maximum U -factor. R -values shown represent the required insulation to meet the maximum U -factor with cavity insulation alone.  
45. Mass wall has a heat capacity greater than or equal to 7.0 Btu/h -ft2.  
65. “Interior” denotes insulation installed on the inside surface of the wall. “Exterior” denotes insulation installed on the exterior surface of the wall.  
76. Below grade “interior” denotes insulation installed on the inside surface of  the wall, and below grade “exterior” denotes insulation installed on the outside surface of  the 
wall.  
87. HSPF 2 means heating seasonal performance factor.  
98. When whole -house fans are required (REQ), only those whole -house fans that are listed in the Home Ventilating Institute Certified Products Directory may be installed. 
Compliance requires installation of one or more WHFs whose total airflow cfm  is capable of meeting or exceeding a minimum 1.5 cfm/square foot of conditioned floor 
area as specified by Section 150.1(c)12 .  
109. A supplemental heating unit may be installed in a space served directly or indirectly by a primary heating system, provided t hat the unit thermal capacity does not exceed 
2 kilowatts or 7,000 Btu/hr and is controlled by a time -limiting device not exceedi ng 30 minutes.  
110. For duct and air handler location: REQ denotes location in conditioned space. When the table indicates ducts and air handlers  are in conditioned space, a HERS 
verification is required as specified by  Reference Residential Appendix RA3.1.4.3.8.  
121. New dwelling units with a conditioned floor area of 500 square feet or less in Climate Zone 5 -10 and 15 may comply with a maximum U -factor of 0.30.  
13. Option B  meets §150.1(c)9A  
14. Option C meets §150.1(c)9B  
 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 487 
SECTION 150.1 – PERFORMANCE AND PRESCRIPTIVE COMPLIANCE APPROACHES FOR SINGLE -FAMILY RESIDENTIAL 
BUILDINGS  TABLE 150.1 -B RESERVED  
Table 150.1 -C – CFA and Dwelling Unit Adjustment Factors  
Climate Zone  A - CFA B - Dwelling Units  
1 0.793  1.27  
2 0.621  1.22  
3 0.628  1.12  
4 0.586  1.21  
5 0.585  1.06  
6 0.594  1.23  
7 0.572  1.15  
8 0.586  1.37  
9 0.613  1.36  
10 0.627  1.41  
11 0.836  1.44  
12 0.613  1.40  
13 0.894  1.51  
14 0.741  1.26  
15 1.56  1.47  
16 0.59  1.22  
 
Note:  Authority: Sections 25213, 25218, 25218.5, 25402, 25402.1, and 25605, Public Resources Code. Reference: Sections 
25007, 25008, 25218.5, 25310, 25402, 25402.1, 25402.4, 25402.5, 25402.8, 25605, and 25943, Public Resources Code.  
  Page 488 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 150.2 – ENERGY EFFICIENCY STANDARDS FOR ADDITIONS AND ALTERATIONS TO EXISTING SINGLE -FAMILY 
RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS  SUBCHAPTER 9  
SINGLE -FAMILY RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS - ADDITIONS AND 
ALTERATIONS TO EXISTING RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS  
SECTION 150.2 – ENERGY EFFICIENCY STANDARDS FOR ADDITIONS AND ALTERATIONS 
TO EXISTING SINGLE -FAMILY  RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS  
(a) Additions.  Additions to existing single -family residential buildings shall meet the requirements of 
Sections 110.0 through 110.9, Sections 150.0(a) through (n), (p), (q), and either Section 150.2(a)1 
or 2.  
Exception  1 to Section 150.2(a): Additions of 300 square feet or less are exempt from not required 
to comply with  the roofing requirements of Section 150.1(c) 11. 
Exception  2 to Section 150.2(a) : Existing inaccessible piping shall not require insulation as defined 
under Section 150.0(j)1.   
Exception  3 to Section 150.2(a): Space -conditioning system.  When heating or cooling will be 
extended to an addition from the existing system(s), the existing heating and cooling equipment 
need not comply with Part 6. The heating system capacity must be adequate to meet the minimum 
requirements of CBC Section 1204.1 CRC 303.10 . 
Exception  4 to Section 150.2(a): space -conditioning system ducts.  When any length of duct is 
extended from an existing duct system to serve the addition, the existing duct system and the 
extended duct shall meet the applicable requirements specified in Section 150.2(b)1Di and 
150.2(b)1Dii.  
Exception  5 to Section 150.2(a):  Additions 1,000 square feet or less are exempt from not required 
to comply with  the ventilation cooling requirements of Section 150.1(c)12.  
Exception 6 to Section 150.2(a):  Photovoltaic systems, as specified in Section 150.1(c)14, are not 
required for additions.  
 
Exception 7 to Section 150.2(a):  Space heating system . New or replacement space heating system 
serving an addition may be a heat pump or gas heating system.  
1. Prescriptive approach.  Additions to existing buildings shall meet the following additional 
requirements:  
A. Additions that are greater than 700 square feet shall meet the requirements of Section 
150.1(c), with the following modifications:  
i. Extensions of existing wood -framed walls may retain the dimensions of the existing 
walls and shall install cavity insulation of R -15 in a 2x4 framing and R -21 in a 2x6 
framing.  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 489 
SECTION 150.2 – ENERGY EFFICIENCY STANDARDS FOR ADDITIONS AND ALTERATIONS TO EXISTING SINGLE -FAMILY 
RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS  ii. The maximum allowed fenestration area shall be the greater of 175 square feet or 20 
percent of the addition floor area, and the maximum allowed west -facing fenestration area 
shall be the greater of 70 square feet or the requirements of Section 150.1(c) . 
Exception  to Section 150.2(b)1Aii: Alteration that adds fenestration area of shall have a 
Maximum SHGC value of 0.23 in Climate Zone 15.  
iii. When existing siding of a wood -framed wall is not being removed or replaced, cavity 
insulation of R -15 in a 2x4 framing and R -21 in a 2x6 framing shall be installed and 
continuous insulation is not required.  
iv. Additions that consist of the conversion of existing spaces from unconditioned to 
conditioned space shall not be required to perform the following as part of QII:  
a. Existing window and door headers shall not be required to be insulated.  
b. Air sealing shall not be required when the existing air barrier is not being removed 
or replaced.  
B. Additions that are 700 square feet or less shall meet the requirements of Section 150.1(c), 
with the following modifications:  
i. Roof and ceiling insulation in a ventilated attic shall meet one of the following 
requirements:  
a. In Climate Zones 1, 2, 4, and 8 through 16, achieve an overall assembly U -factor not 
exceeding 0.025. In wood framed assemblies, compliance with U -factors may be 
demonstrated by installing insulation with an R -value of R -38 or greater.  
b. In Climate Zones 3, and 5 through 7, achieve an overall assembly U -factor not 
exceeding 0.031. In wood framed assemblies, compliance with U -factors may be 
demonstrated by installing insulation with an R -value of R -30 or greater.  
ii. Radiant barriers shall be installed in climate zones 2 -15. 
iii. Extensions of existing wood -framed walls may retain the dimensions of the existing 
walls and shall install cavity insulation of R -15 in a 2×4 framing and R -21 in a 2×6 
framing.  
iv. In Climate Zones 2, 4 and 6 -15; the maximum allowed west -facing fenestration area 
shall not be greater than 60 square feet; and shall also comply with either a or b below:  
a. For additions that are 700 square feet or less but greater than 400 square feet, the 
maximum allowed fenestration area limit is the greater of 120 square feet or 25 
percent of the conditioned floor area of the addition; or  
b. For additions that are 400 square feet or less, the maximum allowed  fenestration 
area is the greater of 75 square feet or 30 percent of the conditioned floor area of 
the addition.  
v. Quality Insulation Installation (QII) requirements of Section 150.1(c)1E do not apply.  Page 490 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 150.2 – ENERGY EFFICIENCY STANDARDS FOR ADDITIONS AND ALTERATIONS TO EXISTING SINGLE -FAMILY 
RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS  vi. When existing siding of a wood -framed wall is not being removed or replaced, cavity 
insulation of R -15 in a 2×4 framing and R -21 in a 2×6 framing shall be installed , and 
continuous insulation is not required.  
Exception to Section 150.2(a)1B:  Insulation in an enclosed rafter ceiling shall meet the 
requirements of Section 150.0.  
C. Mechanical ventilation for indoor air quality . Additions to existing buildings shall comply 
with Section 150.0(o) subject to the requirements specified in subsections i and ii below.  
i. Whole -dwelling unit mechanical ventilation . 
a. Dwelling units that meet the conditions in subsections 1, or 2 below shall not be 
required to comply with the whole -dwelling unit ventilation airflow specified in 
Sections 150.0(o)1C, 150.0(o)1E, or 150.0(o)1F.  
1. Additions to an existing dwelling unit that increase the conditioned floor area of 
the existing dwelling unit by less than or equal to 1000 square feet.  
2. Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADU) that are additions to an existing building.  
b. Additions to an existing dwelling unit that increase the conditioned floor area of the 
existing dwelling unit by more than 1,000 square feet shall have mechanical 
ventilation airflow in accordance with Section 150.0(o)1C, 150.0(o)1E, or 150.0(o)1F 
as ap plicable. The mechanical ventilation airflow rate shall be based on the 
conditioned floor area of the entire dwelling unit comprised of the existing dwelling 
unit conditioned floor area plus the addition conditioned floor area.  
c. New dwelling units that are additions to an existing building shall have mechanical 
ventilation airflow provided in accordance with Section 150.0(o)1C, 150.0(o)1E, or 
150.0(o)1F as applicable. The mechanical ventilation airflow rate shall be based on 
the conditioned floor area of the new dwelling unit.  
ii. Local mechanical exhaust . Additions to existing buildings shall comply with all 
applicable requirements specified in 150.0(o)1G and 150.0(o)2.  
D. Water heater . When a  second n additional  water heater is installed as part of the addition, 
one of the following types of water heaters shall be installed:  
i. A single heat pump water heater. The storage tank shall not be located outdoors and 
shall be placed on an incompressible, rigid insulated surface with a minimum thermal 
resistance of R -10. The water heater shall be installed with a communication interfa ce 
that meets either the requirements of 110.12(a) or has a ANSI/CTA -2045 -B 
communication port; or  
ii. A single heat pump water heater that meets the requirements of NEEA Advanced Water 
Heater Specification Tier 3 or higher; or  
iii. A gas or propane instantaneous water heater with an input of 200,000 Btu per hour or 
less and no storage tank; or  
iiiiv. For additions that are 500 square feet or less, an instantaneous electric water 
heater with point of use distribution as specified in RA4.4.5; or  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 491 
SECTION 150.2 – ENERGY EFFICIENCY STANDARDS FOR ADDITIONS AND ALTERATIONS TO EXISTING SINGLE -FAMILY 
RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS  iv. A water -heating system determined by the Executive Director to use no more energy 
than the one specified in Item item i, ii, or iii, or iv . 
E. Space -Conditioning Load Calculations and System Capacity : 
i. Minimum capacity limits are as described in 150.0(h) 5. 
ii. The maximum capacity depends on the relative sizes of the calculated heating design 
load (HL) and cooling design load (CL), the type of space conditioning system , and the 
duct sizing.  
a. In situations where airflow would be field verified to be at least 350 cfm/ton, there 
is no maximum capacity limi t. 
b. In situations where airflow would NOT be field verified to be at least 350 cfm/ton, 
the system capacities shall be no larger than indicated in Table 150.2 -A for heating 
and Table 150.2 -B for cooling .  
iii. For additions, the envelope leakage specified in the load calculation shall be no greater 
than the values shown in Table 150.2 -C.  
Exception to Section 150.2(a)1Eiii: If leakage is established through field verification 
and diagnostic testing following procedures specified in Reference Residential Appendix 
RA3.8, the tested envelope leakage value may be used in the load calculations and no 
disclosure is required.  
TABLE 150.2 -A MAXIMUM HEATING CAPACITY  
System Type  Maximum Heating 
Capacity for Heating 
Only Systems  Heat Pump 
Maximum Heating 
Capacity when HL is 
greater than CL  Heat Pump 
Maximum Heating 
Capacity when CL is 
greater than HL by 
less than 12 kBtuh  Heat Pump 
Maximum Heating 
Capacity when CL is 
greater than HL by 12 
kBtuh  or more  
Single Speed System 
Capacity  HL + 6 kBtuh  No Maximum  HL + 12 kBtuh  No Maximum  
Variable or Multi 
Speed System 
Maximum Capacity  HL + 6 kBtuh  No Maximum  HL + 12 kBtuh  No Maximum  
Variable or Multi 
Speed System 
Capacity at Lowest 
Speed  80% of HL  80% of HL  No Maximum  No Maximum  
 
  Page 492 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 150.2 – ENERGY EFFICIENCY STANDARDS FOR ADDITIONS AND ALTERATIONS TO EXISTING SINGLE -FAMILY 
RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS  TABLE 150.2 -B MAXIMUM COOLING CAPACITY  
System Type  Maximum Cooling 
Capacity for Cooling 
Only Systems  Heat Pump Maximum 
Cooling Capacity 
when HL is greater 
than CL  Heat Pump Maximum 
Cooling Capacity 
when CL is greater 
than HL by  less than 
12 kBtuh   Heat Pump Maximum 
Cooling Capacity 
when CL is greater 
than HL by 12 kBtuh  
or more 
Single Speed System 
Capacity  CL + 6 kBtuh  No Maximum  CL + 6 kBtuh  CL + 6 kBtuh  
Variable or Multi 
Speed System 
Maximum Capacity  CL + 6 kBtuh  No Maximum  CL + 6 kBtuh  CL + 6 kBtuh  
Variable or Multi 
Speed System 
Capacity at Lowest 
Speed  80% of CL  No Maximum  80% of CL  80% of CL  
Footnote for Table 150.2 -A and Table  150.2 -B: 
HL and CL refer to the design heating load and design cooling load respectively . 
TABLE 150.2 -C MAXIMUM INFILTRATION AIR CHANGES PER HOUR FOR LOAD CALCULATIONS  
Floor Area of 
Conditioned Space  Single Story 
Heating  Single Story 
Cooling  Two Story 
Heating  Two Story 
Cooling  Townhouse or 
Condominium 
Heating  Townhouse or 
Condominium 
Cooling  
 ACH for ≤900 sqft  0.61  0.32  0.79  0.41  0.69  0.36  
ACH for 901 - 1500 
sqft 0.45  0.23  0.80  0.30  0.50  0.27  
ACH for 1501 -2000 
sqft 0.38  0.20  0.50  0.26  0.43  0.23  
ACH for 2001 -3000 
sqft 0.32  0.16  0.41  0.21  0.36  0.19  
ACH for ≥3001 sqft  0.28  0.15  0.37  0.19  0.32  0.17  
CFM for one 
Fireplace  20 0 20 0 20 0 
 
2. Performance approach.  The Energy Budget for additions is expressed in terms of Long -term 
System Cost (LSC) . Performance calculations shall meet the requirements of Section 150.1(a) 
through (c), pursuant to the applicable requirements in Items A, B, and C below.  
A. For additions alone.  The addition complies if the addition alone meets the energy budgets 
as specified in Section 150.1(b).  
B. Existing plus alteration plus addition.  The standard design for existing plus alteration plus 
addition energy use is the combination of the existing building’s unaltered components to 
remain; existing building altered components that are the more efficient, in TDV LSC 
energy, of either the existing conditions or the requirements of Section 150.2(b)2; plus the 
proposed addition's energy use meeting the requirements of Section 150.2(a)1. The 
proposed design energy use is the combination of the existing bui lding’s unaltered 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 493 
SECTION 150.2 – ENERGY EFFICIENCY STANDARDS FOR ADDITIONS AND ALTERATIONS TO EXISTING SINGLE -FAMILY 
RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS  components to remain and the altered components’ energy features, plus the proposed 
energy features of the addition.  
EXCEPTION to Section 150.2(a)2B: Existing structures with a minimum R -11 insulation in 
framed walls showing compliance with Section 150.2(a)2 are exempt from showing 
compliance  not required to comply  with Section 150.0(c).  
C. Mechanical Ventilation for Indoor Air Quality . Additions to existing buildings shall comply 
with Section 150.0(o) subject to the requirements specified in subsections i, ii below.  
i. Whole -dwelling unit mechanical ventilation . 
a. Dwelling units that meet the conditions in Subsections 1, or 2 below shall not be 
required to comply with the whole -dwelling unit ventilation airflow specified in 
Section 150.0(o)1C, 150.0(o)1E, or 150.0(o)1F.  
1. Additions to an existing dwelling unit that increase the conditioned floor area of 
the existing dwelling unit by less than or equal to 1000 square feet.  
2. Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADU) that are additions to an existing building.  
b. Additions to an existing dwelling unit that increase the conditioned floor area of the 
existing dwelling unit by more  than 1,000 square feet shall have mechanical 
ventilation airflow in accordance with Section 150.0(o)1C, 150.0(o)1E, or 150.0(o)1F 
as applicable. The mechanical ventilation airflow rate shall be based on the 
conditioned floor area of the entire dwelling uni t comprised of the existing dwelling 
unit conditioned floor area plus the addition conditioned floor area.  
c. New dwelling units that are additions to an existing building shall have mechanical 
ventilation airflow provided in accordance with Section 150.0(o)1C, 150.0(o)1E, or 
150.0(o)1F as applicable. The mechanical ventilation airflow rate shall be based on 
the conditioned floor area of the new dwelling unit.  
ii. Local mechanical exhaust  . Additions to existing buildings shall comply with all 
applicable requirements specified in 150.0(o)1G and 150.0(o)2.  
D. Space -Conditioning Load Calculations and System Capacity : Additions to existing buildings 
shall comply with all applicable requirements specified in 150.2(a)1E.  
(b) Alterations.  Alterations to existing single -family residential buildings or alterations in conjunction 
with a change in building occupancy to a single -family residential occupancy shall meet either Item 
1 or 2 below.  
1. Prescriptive approach.  The altered component and any newly installed equipment serving the 
alteration shall meet the applicable requirements of Sections 110.0 through 110.9 and all 
applicable requirements of Sections 150.0(a) through (l), 150.0(m)1 through 150.0 (m)10, and 
150. 0(p) through (q); and  
A. Added fenestration . Alterations that add vertical fenestration and skylight area shall meet 
the total fenestration area and west facing fenestration area, U -factor, and Solar Heat Gain 
Coefficient requirements of Section 150.1(c) 3A and TABLE 150.1 -A. Page 494 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 150.2 – ENERGY EFFICIENCY STANDARDS FOR ADDITIONS AND ALTERATIONS TO EXISTING SINGLE -FAMILY 
RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS  Exception  1 to Section 150.2(b)1A : Alterations that add fenestration area of up to 75 
square feet shall not be required to meet the total fenestration area and west -facing 
fenestration area requirements of Sections 150.1(c)3B and C. Alteration that adds 
fenestration area of shall have a Maximum SHGC value of 0.23 in Climate Zone 15.  
Exception  2 to Section 150.2(b)1A: Alterations that add up to 16 square feet of new  
fenestration or  skylight area with a maximum U -factor of 0.55 and a maximum SHGC of 
0.30 area shall not be required to meet the total fenestration area and west -facing 
fenestration area requirements of Sections 150.1(c)3B and C.  
B. Replacement fenestration.  New manufactured fenestration products installed to replace 
existing fenestration products of the same total area shall meet the U -factor and Solar Heat 
Gain Coefficient requirements of Sections 150.1(c)3A, and 150.1(c)4.  
Exception  1 to Section 150.2(b)1B: Replacement of vertical fenestration no greater than 75 
square feet with a U -factor no greater than 0.40 in Climate Zones 1 -16, and a SHGC value 
no greater than 0.35 in Climate Zones 2, 4, and 6 - through 15.  
Exception  2 to Section 150.2(b)1B: Replaced skylights must meet a U -factor no greater 
than 0.55 0.40 , and a SHGC value no greater than 0.30.  
Exception  3 to Section 150.2(b)1B: Replacement of vertical fenestration shall have a 
maximum SHGC value no greater than 0. 23 in Climate Zone 15.  
NOTE:  Glass replaced in an existing sash and frame or sashes replaced in an existing frame 
are considered repairs, provided that the replacement is at least equivalent to the original 
in performance.  
C. Entirely  new or complete replacement space -conditioning systems  installed as part of an 
alteration, shall include all the system heating or cooling equipment, including but not 
limited t o: condensing unit cooling or heating coil, and air handler for split systems; or 
complete replacement of a packaged unit; plus entirely new or replacement duct system 
(Section 150.2(b)1Diia). Entirely new or complete replacement space -conditioning systems 
shall meet the requirements of Sections 150.0(h), 150.0(i), 150.0( j)1, 150.0(j)2, 150.0(m)1 
through 150.0(m)10; 150.0(m)12; 150.0(m)13, 150.1(c)7, 150.2(b) 1Fii, 150.2(b)1G, and  
TABLE 150.2 -A. 
D. Altered duct systems - duct sealing : In all Climate Zones, when more than 25 feet of new or 
replacement space -conditioning system ducts are installed, the ducts shall comply with the 
applicable requirements of subsections i and ii below. Additionally, when altered ducts, air -
handling units, cool ing or heating coils, or plenums are located in garage spaces, the system 
shall comply with subsection 150.2(b)1Diic regardless of the length of any new or 
replacement space -conditioning ducts installed in the garage space.  
i. New ducts located in unconditioned space shall meet the applicable requirements of 
Sections 150.0(m)1 through 150.0(m)10, and the duct insulation requirements of Table 
150.2 -AD; and  
  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 495 
SECTION 150.2 – ENERGY EFFICIENCY STANDARDS FOR ADDITIONS AND ALTERATIONS TO EXISTING SINGLE -FAMILY 
RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS  TABLE 150.2 -AD DUCT INSULATION R -VALUE  
Requirement  Climate Zone  
3, 5 through 7  Climate Zone  
1, 2, 4, 8  through 16  
Duct R -Value  R-6 R-8 
ii. The altered duct system, regardless of location, shall be sealed as confirmed through 
field verification and diagnostic testing in accordance with all applicable procedures for 
duct sealing of altered existing duct  
systems as specified in Reference Residential Appendix Section RA3.1, utilizing the leakage 
compliance criteria specified in Subsection a or b below.  
a. Entirely new or complete replacement duct system.  If the new ducts form an 
entirely new or complete replacement duct system directly connected to the air 
handler, the duct system measured leakage shall be equal to or less than 5 percent 
of the system air handler airflow as confirmed by field verification  and diagnostic 
testing utilizing the procedures in Reference Residential Appendix Section 
RA3.1.4.3.1.  
 Entirely new or complete replacement duct systems installed as part of an alteration 
is constructed of at least 75 percent new duct material, and up to 25 percent may 
consist of reused parts from the dwelling unit's existing duct system, including but 
not limited to registers, grilles, boots, air handler, coil, plenums, duct material; if the 
reused parts are accessible and can be sealed to prevent leakage.  
 Entirely new or complete replacement duct systems shall also conform to the 
requirements of Sections 150.0(m)12 and 150.0(m)13. If the air handler and ducts 
are located within a vented attic, the requirements of Section 150.2(b)1J shall also 
be met.  
b. Extension of an existing duct system . If the new ducts are an extension of an 
existing duct system serving single -family dwellings, the combined new and existing 
duct system shall meet one of the following requirements:  
I. The measured duct leakage shall be equal to or less than 10 percent of system 
air handler airflow as confirmed by field verification and diagnostic testing 
utilizing the procedures in Reference Residential Appendix Section RA3.1.4.3.1; 
or 
II. The measured duct leakage to outside shall be equal to or less than 7 percent of 
system air handler airflow as confirmed by field verification and diagnostic 
testing utilizing the procedures in Reference Residential Appendix Section 
RA3.1.4.3.4; or  
III. If it is not possible to meet the duct sealing requirements of either Section 
150.2(b)1DiibI, or 150.2(b)1DiibII, then all accessible leaks shall be sealed and 
verified through a visual inspection and a smoke test by a certified HERS ECC-
Rater utilizing the methods specified in Reference Residential Appendix 
RA3.1.4.3.5.  Page 496 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 150.2 – ENERGY EFFICIENCY STANDARDS FOR ADDITIONS AND ALTERATIONS TO EXISTING SINGLE -FAMILY 
RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS   Exception to Section 150.2(b)1Diib: Duct sealing.  Existing duct systems that are 
extended, which are constructed, insulated or sealed with asbestos.  
c. Altered ducts and duct system components in garage spaces.  When new or 
replacement space -conditioning ducts, air -handling units, cooling or heating coils, or 
plenums are located in a garage space, compliance with either I or II below is 
required.  
I. The measured system duct leakage shall be less than or equal to 6 percent of 
system air handler airflow as determined utilizing the procedures in Reference 
Residential Appendix Section RA3.1.4.3.1; or  
II. All accessible leaks located in the garage space shall be sealed and verified 
through a visual inspection and a smoke test by a certified HERS ECC-Rater 
utilizing the methods specified in Reference Residential Appendix RA3.1.4.3.5.  
E. Altered space -conditioning system - duct sealing.  In all climate zones, when a space -
conditioning system serving a single -family dwelling is altered by the installation or 
replacement of space -conditioning system equipment, including replacement of the air 
handler, outdoor condensing unit of a split syst em air conditioner or heat pump, or cooling 
or heating coil; the duct system that is connected to the altered space -conditioning system 
equipment shall be sealed, as confirmed through field verification a nd diagnostic testing in 
accordance with the applicable procedures for duct sealing of altered existing duct systems 
as specified in Reference Residential Appendix RA3.1 and the leakage compliance criteria 
specified in Subsection i, ii, or iii below. Addit ionally, when altered ducts, air -handling units, 
cooling or heating coils, or plenums are located in garage spaces, the system shall comply 
with Section 150.2(b)1Diic regardless of the length of any new or replacement space -
conditioning ducts installed in the garage space.  
i. The measured duct leakage shall be equal to or less than 10 percent of system air 
handler airflow as determined utilizing the procedures in Reference Residential 
Appendix RA3.1.4.3.1; or  
ii. The measured duct leakage to outside shall be equal to or less than 7 percent of system 
air handler airflow as determined utilizing the procedures in Reference Residential 
Appendix Section RA3.1.4.3.4; or  
iii. If it is not possible to meet the duct sealing requirements of either Section 150.2(b)1Ei 
or 150.2(b)1Eii, then, all accessible leaks shall be sealed and verified through a visual 
inspection and a smoke test by a certified HERS ECC-Rater utilizing the methods 
specified in Reference Residential Appendix Section RA3.1.4.3.5.  
Exception 1 to Section 150.2(b)1E:  Duct sealing.  Duct systems that are documented to 
have been previously sealed as confirmed through field verification and diagnostic testing 
in accordance with procedures in the Reference Residential Appendix RA3.1.  
Exception 2 to Section 150.2(b)1E: Duct sealing.  Duct systems with less than 40 linear feet 
as determined by visual inspection.  
Exception 3 to Section 150.2(b)1E: Duct sealing.  Existing duct systems constructed, 
insulated or sealed with asbestos.  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 497 
SECTION 150.2 – ENERGY EFFICIENCY STANDARDS FOR ADDITIONS AND ALTERATIONS TO EXISTING SINGLE -FAMILY 
RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS  F. Altered space -conditioning system - mechanical cooling.  When a space -conditioning 
system is an air conditioner or heat pump that is altered by the installation or replacement 
of refrigerant -containing system components such as the compressor, condensing coil, 
evaporator coil, refrigerant metering device or ref rigerant piping, the altered system shall 
comply with the following requirements:  
i. All thermostats associated with the system shall be replaced with setback 
thermostats meeting the requirements of Section 110.2(c).  
ii. Air-cooled air conditioners i In Climate Zones 2, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15 , air-
cooled air conditioners and air -source heat pumps  in all climate zones , including but 
not limited to ducted split systems, ducted package systems, small duct high velocity 
air systems, and minisplit systems, shall comply with Subsections a and b, unless the 
system is of a type that cannot be verified using the specified proc edures. Systems 
that cannot comply with the requirement s of 150.2(b)1Fii s hall comply with Section 
150.2(b)1F iii. 
Exception to Section 150.2(b)1F ii: Entirely new or complete replacement packaged 
systems for which the manufacturer has verified correct system refrigerant charge 
prior to shipment from the factory are not required to have refrigerant charge 
confirmed through field verification and diagnostic testing. The installer of these 
packaged systems shall certify on  the Certificate of Installation that the packaged 
system was pre -charged at the factory and has not been altered in a way that would 
affect the charge. Ducted systems shall comply with minimum system airflow rate 
requirement in Section 150.2(b)1FCa, provi ded that the system is of a type that can 
be verified using the procedure specified in RA3.3 or an approved alternative in RA1.  
a. Minimum system airflow rate shall comply with the applicable Subsection I or II 
below as confirmed through field verification and diagnostic testing in 
accordance with the procedures specified in Reference Residential Appendix 
Section RA3.3 or an approve d alternative procedure as specified in Section RA1.  
I. Small duct high velocity systems shall demonstrate a minimum system 
airflow rate greater than or equal to 250 cfm per ton of nominal cooling 
capacity; or  
II. All other air -cooled air conditioner or air -source heat pump systems shall 
demonstrate a minimum system airflow rate greater than or equal to 300 
cfm per ton of nominal cooling capacity; and  
Exception  1 to Section 150.2(b) 1Fiia : Systems unable to comply with the 
minimum airflow rate requirement shall demonstrate compliance using the 
procedures in Section RA3.3.3.1.5; and the system's thermostat shall conform to 
the specifications in Section 110.12.  
Exception  2 to Section 150.2(b) 1Fiia : Entirely new or complete replacement 
space conditioning systems, as specified by Section 150.2(b)1C, without zoning 
dampers may comply with the minimum airflow rate by meeting the applicable 
requirements in Tables -150.0 -B or 150.0 -C as confirmed by field v erification and 
diagnostic testing in accordance with the procedures in Reference Residential Page 498 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 150.2 – ENERGY EFFICIENCY STANDARDS FOR ADDITIONS AND ALTERATIONS TO EXISTING SINGLE -FAMILY 
RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS  Appendix Section RA3.1.4.4 and RA3.1.4.5. The design clean -filter pressure drop 
requirements of Section 150.0(m)12C for the system air filter device(s) shall 
conform to the requirements given in Tables150.0 -B and 150.0 -C. 
b. The installer shall charge the system according to manufacturer’s specifications. 
Refrigerant charge shall be verified according to one of the following options, as 
applicable.  
I. The installer and rater shall perform the standard charge verification 
procedure as specified in Reference Residential Appendix Section RA3.2.2, or 
an approved alternative procedure as specified in Section RA1; or  
II. The system shall be equipped with a fault indicator display (FID) device that 
meets the specifications of Reference Joint Appendix JA6. The installer shall 
verify the refrigerant charge and FID device in accordance with the 
procedures in Reference Resident ial Appendix Section RA3.4.2. The HERS 
ECC-Rater shall verify FID device in accordance with the procedures in 
Section RA3.4.2; or  
III. The installer shall perform the weigh -in charging procedure as specified by 
Reference Residential Appendix Section RA3.2.3.1 provided the system is of 
a type that can be verified using the RA3.2.2 standard charge verification 
procedure and RA3.3 airflow ra te verification procedure or approved 
alternatives in RA1. The HERS ECC-Rater shall verify the charge using RA3.2.2 
and RA3.3 or approved alternatives in RA1.  
Exception 1 to Section 150.2(b) 1Fiib : When the outdoor temperature is less 
than 55° F and the installer utilizes the weigh -in charging procedure in Reference 
Residential Appendix Section RA3.2.3.1to demonstrate compliance, the installer 
may elect to utilize the HERS Rater verification procedure in Reference 
Residential Appendix Section RA3.2.3.2. If the HERS Rater verification procedure 
in Section RA3.2.3.2 is used for compliance, the system's thermostat shall 
conform to the specifications in Section 110.12 . Ducted systems shall comply 
with the minimum system airflow rate requirements in Section 150.2(b) 1Fiia . 
 
iii. C. Air-cooled air conditioners i In climate Zones 2, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15 , 
air-cooled air conditioners or  and air-source heat pumps  in all climate zones , 
including but not limited to ducted split systems, ducted package systems, small 
duct high velocity, and minisplit systems, which are of a type that cannot comply 
with the requirements of 150.2(b)1Fiib shall comply with subsections a and b, as 
applicable . 
a. The installer shall confirm the refrigerant charge using the weigh -in charging 
procedure specified in Reference Residential Appendix Section RA3.2.3.1, as 
verified by a n HERS ECC-Rater according to the procedures specified in 
Reference Residential Appendix RA3.2.3.2; and  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 499 
SECTION 150.2 – ENERGY EFFICIENCY STANDARDS FOR ADDITIONS AND ALTERATIONS TO EXISTING SINGLE -FAMILY 
RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS  b. Systems that utilize forced air ducts shall comply with the minimum system 
airflow rate requirement in Section 150.2(b) 1Fiia provided the system is of a 
type that can be verified using the procedures in Section RA3.3 or an approved 
alternative procedure in Section RA1.  
Exception to Section 150.2(b) 1Fiii : Entirely new or complete replacement packaged 
systems for which the manufacturer has verified correct system refrigerant charge 
prior to shipment from the factory are not required to have refrigerant charge 
confirmed through field verification and diagnostic testing. The installer of these 
packaged systems shall certify on the Certificate of Installation that the packaged 
system was pre -charged at the factory and has not been altered in a way that would 
affect the charge. Ducted systems shall comply  with minimum system airflow rate 
requirement in Section 150.2(b) 1Fiiib , provided that the system is of a type that can 
be verified using the procedure specified in Section RA3.3 or an approved alternative 
in Section RA1.  
G. Altered Space Heating System. Altered or  replacement space heating systems shall not 
use electric resistance as the primary heat source.  
 Exception  1 to Section 150.2(b)1G:  Non -ducted electric resistance space heating 
systems, if the existing space heating system is electric resistance.  
 Exception  2 to Section 150.2(b)1G: Ducted electric resistance space heating systems, if 
the existing space heating system is electric resistance and a ducted space cooling 
system is not being replaced or installed.  
 Exception  3 to Section 150.2(b)1G: Electric resistance space heating systems, if the 
existing space heating system is electric resistance and the building is located in climate 
zones 7 or 15.  
H. Water -Heating System . Altered or replacement service water -heating systems or 
components shall meet the applicable requirements below:  
i. Pipe Insulation.  For newly installed ad existing accessible piping, the insulation 
requirements of Section 150.0(j)1 shall be met.  
ii. Distribution System.  For recirculation distribution systems serving individual 
dwelling units, only demand recirculation systems with manual on/off control as 
specified in the Reference Appendix RA4.4.9 shall be installed.  
iii. Water heating system.  The water heating system shall meet one of the following:  
a. A natural gas or propane water -heating system; or  
b. A single heat pump water heater. The storage tank shall not be located outdoors 
and be placed on an incompressible, rigid insulated surface with a minimum 
thermal resistance of R -10. The water heater shall be installed with a 
communication interface tha t either meets the requirements of Section 
110.12(a) or has an ANSI/CTA -2045 -B communication port; or  Page 500 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 150.2 – ENERGY EFFICIENCY STANDARDS FOR ADDITIONS AND ALTERATIONS TO EXISTING SINGLE -FAMILY 
RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS  c. A single heat pump water heater that meets the requirements of NEEA 
Advanced Water Heater Specification Tier 3 or higher; or  
d. If the existing water heater is an electric resistance water heater, a consumer 
electric water heater; or  
e. A water -heating system determined by the Executive Director to use no more 
energy than the one specified in Item a above; or if no natural gas is connected 
to the existing water heater location, a water -heating system determined by the 
executive directo r to use no more energy than the one specified in Item d 
above.  
I. Roofs.  Replacements of the exterior surface of existing roofs, including adding a new 
surface layer on top of the existing exterior surface, shall meet the requirements of Section 
110.8 and the applicable requirements of Subsections i and ii where more than 50 p ercent 
of the roof is being replaced.  
i. Steep -sloped roofs. Steep -sloped roofs shall meet the following:  
New roofing products in Climate Zones 4 and 8 through 15 shall have a minimum aged 
solar reflectance of 0.20 and a minimum thermal emittance of 0.75, or a minimum SRI 
of 16.  
Exception 1 to Section 150.2(b)1Ii:  The following shall be considered equivalent to 
Subsection i:  
a. Buildings with ceiling assemblies with a U -factor lower than or equal to 0.025 or that 
are insulated with at least R -38 ceiling insulation; or  
b. Buildings with a radiant barrier in the attic, where the radiant barrier is not installed 
directly above spaced sheathing, meeting the requirements of Section 150.1(c)2; or  
c. In Climate Zones 2, 4, 9, 10, 12 and 14, buildings that have no ducts in the attic; or  
d. Buildings with R -2 or greater continuous insulation above or below the roof deck.  
Exception  2 to Section 150.2(b)1Ii: Roof area covered by building integrated 
photovoltaic panels or building integrated solar thermal panels is not required to meet 
minimum requirements for aged solar reflectance, thermal emittance or SRI.  
Exception  3 to Section 150.2(b)1Ii: Roof constructions with a weight of at least 25 lb/ft2 
are exempt not required to comply with from the minimum requirements for aged solar 
reflectance and thermal emittance, or SRI.  
ii. Low -sloped roofs. Low-sloped roofs shall meet the following:  
a. New roofing products in Climate Zones 4 and 6 through 15 shall have an aged solar 
reflectance equal to or greater than 0.63 and a thermal emittance equal or greater 
than 0.75, or a minimum SRI of 75.  
Exception 1 to Section 150.2(b)1Iiia:  The aged solar reflectance can be met by using 
insulation at the roof deck specified in Table 150.2 -BE. 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 501 
SECTION 150.2 – ENERGY EFFICIENCY STANDARDS FOR ADDITIONS AND ALTERATIONS TO EXISTING SINGLE -FAMILY 
RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS  TABLE 150.2 -BE AGED SOLAR REFLECTANCE INSULATION TRADE OFF TABLE  
Minimum Aged Solar 
Reflectance  Roof Deck Continuous 
Insulation R -value  
(Climate Zones 6 -7) Roof Deck Continuous 
Insulation R -value  
(Climate Zones 2, 4, & 8 -15) 
0.60  2 16 
0.55  4 18 
0.50  6 20 
0.45  8 22 
No Requirement  10 24 
Exception 2 to Section 150.2(b)1Iiia: Roof area covered by building integrated 
photovoltaic panels or building integrated solar thermal panels is not required to meet 
the minimum requirements for aged solar reflectance, thermal emittance or SRI.  
Exception 3 to Section 150.2(b)1Iiia:  Roof constructions with a weight of at least 25 
lb/ft2 are exempt are not required to comply with from the minimum requirements for 
aged solar reflectance and thermal emittance, or SRI.  
b. Roofs shall be insulated to the levels specified in Table 150.2 -CF. 
TABLE 150.2 -CF INSULATION REQUIREMENTS FOR ROOF ALTERATIONS  
Climate Zone  Continuous Insulation R -value  Roof Assembly U -factor  
3, 5-7 NR NR 
1, 2, 4, 8 -16 R-14 0.039  
 
Exception  1 to Section 150.2(b)1Iiib:  Existing roofs with R -10 or greater continuous 
insulation above or below the roof deck; or  
Exception  2 to Section 150.2(b)1Iiib: Existing roofs with an assembly U -factor of 0.056 
or less or that are insulated with at least R-19 insulation between the roof rafters and in 
contact with the roof deck in Climate Zones 1, 2, 4, and 8 through 10; or  
Exception  3 to Section 150.2(b)1Iiib: The continuous insulation requirements of Table 
150.2 -CF may be reduced to R -4 where the following conditions are met:  
i. Mechanical equipment is located on the roof and will not be temporarily 
disconnected and lifted as part of the roof replacement and the addition of 
insulation required by Table 150.2 -CF would reduce the height from the roof 
surface to the top of the base flashing to less than that set forth in the 
manufacturer’s installation instructions as per California Residential Code 
Section R900; or  
ii. Replaced roofing abuts sidewall or parapet walls and the addition of insulation 
required by Table 150.2 -CF would reduce the height from the roof surface to the 
top of the base flashing to less than that set forth in the manufacturer’s 
installation instructions as per the California Residential Code Section R900, 
provided that the following conditions apply:  Page 502 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 150.2 – ENERGY EFFICIENCY STANDARDS FOR ADDITIONS AND ALTERATIONS TO EXISTING SINGLE -FAMILY 
RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS  1. The sidewall or parapet walls are finished with an exterior cladding 
material other than the roof covering membrane material; and  
2. The sidewall or parapet walls have exterior cladding material that must 
be removed to install the new roof covering membrane to maintain the 
minimum base flashing height; and  
3. The ratio of the replaced roof area to the linear dimension of affected 
sidewall or parapet walls is less than 25 square feet per linear foot; or  
Exception  4 to Section 150.2(b)1Iiib: The continuous insulation requirements per Table 
150.2 -CF may be reduced where increasing the thickness of above deck insulation 
would reduce the flashing around an existing exterior wall opening below what is 
permitted by the fenestration or door manufacturer’s installation instructions, or 
registered design pr ofessionals approved flashing design, as per the California 
Residential Code Section R703.4, or by California Residential Code Section R905.2.8.3.  
Exception  5 to Section 150.2(b)1Biib: Tapered insulation with thermal resistance less 
than prescribed at the drains and other low points may be used provided that the 
thickness of insulation is increased at the high points of the roof so that the average 
thermal resistance equals or exceeds th e required value.  
J. Ceiling. Vented attics shall meet the following:  
i. In Climate Zones 1 through 4, 6, and 8 through 16 , insulation shall be installed to 
achieve a weighted U -factor of 0.020 or insulation installed at the ceiling level shall 
result in an insulated thermal resistance of R -49 or greater for the insulation alone; 
and 
Exception  to Section 150.2(b)1Ji:  In Climate Zones 1, 3, and 6, dwelling units with at 
least R -19 existing insulation installed at the ceiling level.  
ii. In Climate Zones 2, 4, and 8 through 16 air seal all accessible areas of the ceiling 
plane between the attic and the conditioned space in accordance with Section 
110.7; and  
Exception  1 to Section 150.2(b)1Jii:  Dwelling units with at least R -19 existing 
insulation installed at the ceiling level.  
Exception  2 to Section 150. 2(b)1Jii:  Dwelling units with atmospherically vented 
space heating or water heating combustion appliances located inside the pressure 
boundary of the dwelling unit.  
iii. In Climate Zones 1 through 4 and 8 through 16 , recessed downlight luminaires in the 
ceiling shall be covered with insulation to the same depth as the rest of the ceiling. 
Luminaires not rated for insulation contact must be replaced or retrofitted with a 
fireproof cover that allows for insulation to be  installed directly over the cover; and  
Exception  1 to Section 150.2(b)1Jiii: In Climate Zones 1 through 4 and 8 through 10, 
dwelling units with at least R -19 existing insulation installed at the ceiling level.  
iv. Attic ventilation shall comply with the California Building Code 
requirements California Residential Code, Title 24, Part 2.5, Section R806. 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 503 
SECTION 150.2 – ENERGY EFFICIENCY STANDARDS FOR ADDITIONS AND ALTERATIONS TO EXISTING SINGLE -FAMILY 
RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS  Exception  1 to Section 150.2(b)1J: Dwelling units with at least R -38 existing 
insulation installed at the ceiling level.  
Exception  2 to Section 150.2(b)1J: Dwelling units where the alteration would 
directly cause the disturbance of asbestos.  
Exception  3 to Section 150.2(b)1J:  Dwelling units with knob and tube wiring located 
in the vented attic.  
Exception  4 to Section 150. 2(b)1J:  Where the accessible space in the attic is not 
large enough to accommodate the required R -value, the entire accessible space 
shall be filled with insulation provided such installation does not violate Section 
806.3 of Title 24, Part 2.5.  
Exception  5 to Section 150.2(b)1J: Where the attic space above the altered dwelling 
unit is shared with other dwelling units and the requirements of Section 150.2(b)1J 
are not triggered for the other dwelling units.  
K. Lighting . The altered lighting system shall meet the lighting requirements of Section 
150.0(k). The altered luminaires shall meet the luminaire efficacy requirements of Section 
150.0(k)  and TABLE 150.0 -A. Where existing screw base sockets are present in ceiling -
recessed luminaires, removal of these sockets is not required provided that new JA8 
compliant trim kits or lamps designed for use with recessed downlights or luminaires are 
installed.  
L. Mechanical ventilation for indoor air quality - entirely new or complete replacement 
ventilation Systems.  Entirely new or complete replacement ventilation systems shall 
comply with all applicable requirements in Section 150.0(o). An entirely new or complete 
replacement ventilation system includes a new ventilation fan component and an entirely 
new duct system . An entirely new or complete replacement duct system is constructed of 
at least 75 percent new duct material, and up to 25 percent may consist of r eused parts 
from the dwelling unit's existing duct system, including but not limited to registers, grilles, 
boots, air filtration devices and duct material, if the reused parts are accessible and can be 
sealed to prevent leakage.  
M. Mechanical ventilation for indoor air quality - altered ventilation systems . Altered 
ventilation system components or newly installed ventilation equipment serving the 
alteration shall comply with Section 150.0(o) as applicable subject to the requirements 
specified in subsections i and ii below.  
i. Whole -dwelling unit mechanical ventilation . 
a. Whole -dwelling unit airflow . If the whole -dwelling ventilation fan is altered or 
replaced, then one of the following subsections 1 or 2 shall be used for compliance 
as applicable.  
1. Dwellings that were required by a previous building permit to comply with the 
whole -dwelling unit airflow requirements in Section 150.0(o) shall meet or 
exceed the whole -dwelling  unit mechanical ventilation airflow specified in 
Section 150.0(o)1C, 150.0(o)1E or 150.0(o)1F as confirmed through field Page 504 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 150.2 – ENERGY EFFICIENCY STANDARDS FOR ADDITIONS AND ALTERATIONS TO EXISTING SINGLE -FAMILY 
RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS  verification and diagnostic testing in accordance with the applicable procedures 
specified in Reference Residential Appendix RA3.7.  
2. Dwellings that were not required by a previous building permit to have a whole -
dwelling unit ventilation system shall not be required to comply with the whole -
dwelling unit ventilation airflow specified in Section 150.0(o)1C, 150.0(o)1E or 
150.0(o)1F.  
b. Replacement ventilation fans.  Whole -dwelling unit replacement ventilation fans 
shall be rated for airflow and sound in accordance with the requirements of ASHRAE 
62.2 Sections 7.1 and 7.2. Additionally, when conformance to a specified whole -
dwelling unit airflow rate is required for c ompliance, the replacement fans shall be 
rated at no less than the airflow rate required for compliance.  
c. Air filters . If the air filtration device for a whole -dwelling unit ventilation system is 
altered or replaced, then one of the following subsections 1 or 2 shall be used for 
compliance as applicable.  
1. Dwellings that were required by a previous building permit to comply with the 
ventilation system air filtration requirements in Section 150.0(m)12 shall comply 
with the air filtration requirements in Section 150.0(m)12.  
2. Dwellings that were not required by a previous building permit to comply with 
the ventilation system air filtration requirements in 150.0(m)12 shall not be 
required to comply with the air filtration requirements specified in Section 
150.0(m)12.  
ii. Local mechanical exhaust . 
a. Bathroom local mechanical exhaust . Altered bathroom local mechanical exhaust 
systems shall comply with the applicable requirements specified in Section 
150.0(o)1G.  
b. Kitchen local mechanical Exhaust . If the kitchen local ventilation fan is altered or 
replaced, then one of the following subsections 1, 2, or 3 shall be used for 
compliance as applicable.  
1. Dwellings that were required by a previous building permit to comply with the 
kitchen local exhaust requirements in 150.0(o)1G shall meet or exceed the 
applicable airflow or capture efficiency requirements in Section 150.0(o)1G.  
2. Dwellings that were required by a previous building permit to install a vented 
kitchen range hood or other kitchen exhaust fan, shall install a replacement fan 
that meets or exceeds the airflow required by the previous building permit, or 
100 cfm, which ever is greater.  
3. Dwellings that were not required to have a kitchen local ventilation exhaust 
system according to the conditions in either subsection 1 or 2 above shall not be 
required to comply with the requirements of Section 150.0(o)1G.  
c. Replacement Ventilation Fans. New or replacement local mechanical exhaust fans 
shall be rated for airflow and sound in accordance with the requirements of ASHRAE 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 505 
SECTION 150.2 – ENERGY EFFICIENCY STANDARDS FOR ADDITIONS AND ALTERATIONS TO EXISTING SINGLE -FAMILY 
RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS  62.2 Section 7.1 and Title 24, Part 6 Section 150.0(o)1Gvi. Additionally, when 
compliance with a specified exhaust airflow rate is required, the replacement fan 
shall be rated at no less than the airflow rate required for compliance.  
N. Exterior doors. Alterations that add exterior door area shall meet the U -factor requirement of 
Section 150.1(c)5.  
2. Performance approach.  
The Energy Budget for alterations is expressed in terms of Long -term System Cost (LSC) , and Tthe 
altered component(s) and any newly installed equipment serving the alteration shall meet the 
applicable requirements of Subsections A, B, and C below.  
A. The altered components shall meet the applicable requirements of Sections 110.0 through 
110.9, Sections 150.0(a) through (l), Sections 150.0(m)1 through 150.0 (m)10, and Sections 
150.0(p) through (q). Entirely new or complete replacement mechanical ventila tion systems 
as these terms are used in Section 150.2(b)1L, shall comply with the requirements in 
Section 150.2(b)1L. Altered mechanical ventilation systems shall comply with the 
requirements of Section 150.2(b)1M. Entirely new or complete replacement spac e-
conditioning systems, and entirely new or complete replacement duct systems, as these 
terms are used in Sections 150.2(b)1C and 150.2(b)1Diia, shall comply with the 
requirements of Sections 150.0(m)12 and 150.0(m)13.  
B. The standard design for an altered component shall be the higher efficiency of existing 
conditions or the requirements stated in Table 150.2 -DG. For components not being 
altered, the standard design shall be based on the existing conditions. When the third party 
verification option is specified as a requirement, all components proposed for alteration for 
which the additional credit is taken, must  be verified  by a field verification and diagnostic 
testing certified ECC-rater . Page 506 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 150.2 – ENERGY EFFICIENCY STANDARDS FOR ADDITIONS AND ALTERATIONS TO EXISTING SINGLE -FAMILY 
RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS  TABLE 150.2 -DG STANDARD DESIGN FOR AN ALTERED COMPONENT  
Altered Component  Standard Design Without Third Party 
Verification of Existing Conditions Shall be 
Based On  Standard Design With Third Party 
Verification of Existing Conditions Shall be 
Based On  
Ceiling Insulation,  
Wall Insulation, and  
Raised -floor Insulation  The requirements of Sections 150.0(a), (c), 
and (d)  The existing insulation R -value  
Fenestration  The U -factor of 0.40 and SHGC value of 
0.35. The glass area shall be the glass area 
of the existing building. The requirements of 
Section 150.1(c)3A.  If the proposed U -factor is ≤ 0.40 and SHGC 
value is ≤ 0.35, the standard design shall be 
based on the existing U -factor and SHGC 
values as verified. Otherwise, the standard 
design shall be based on the U -factor of 0.40 
and SHGC value of 0.35. The glass area shall 
be the glass area of the existing building. The 
existing fenestration  U-factor and SHGC 
values as verified.  
Window Film  The U -factor of 0.40 and SHGC value of 
0.35. The requirements of Section 
150.1(c)3A.   The existing fenestration in the alteration 
shall be based on Table 110.6 -A and Table 
110.6 -B.  
Doors  The U -factor of 0.20. The door area shall be 
the door area of the existing building.  If the proposed U -factor is < 0.20, the 
standard design shall be based on the 
existing U -factor value as verified. 
Otherwise, the standard design shall be 
based on the U -factor of 0.20. The door area 
shall be the door area of the existing 
building.  
Space -Heating and Space -
Cooling Equipment  TABLE 150.1 -A for equipment efficiency 
requirements;  
Section 150.2(b)1C for entirely new or 
complete replacement systems;  
Section 150.2(b)1F for refrigerant charge 
verification requirements.  The existing efficiency levels.  
Air Distribution System  
– Duct Sealing  The requirements of Sections 150.2(b)1D 
and 150.2(b)1E  The requirements of Sections 150.2(b)1D 
and 150.2(b)1E  
Air Distribution System  
– Duct Insulation  The proposed efficiency levels.  The existing efficiency levels.  
Water Heating Systems  The requirements of Section 150.2(b)1Hii  The existing efficiency level.  
Roofing Products  The requirements of Section 150.2(b)1I.  The requirements of Section 150.2(b)1I  
All Other Measures  The proposed efficiency levels.  The existing efficiency levels.  
C. The proposed design shall be based on the actual values of the altered components.  
Notes to Section 150.2(b)2:  
1. If an existing component must be replaced with a new component, that component is 
considered an altered component for the purpose of determining the standard design  altered 
component energy budget and must meet the requirements of Section 150.2(b)2B.  
2. The standard design shall assume the same geometry and orientation as the proposed design.  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 507 
SECTION 150.2 – ENERGY EFFICIENCY STANDARDS FOR ADDITIONS AND ALTERATIONS TO EXISTING SINGLE -FAMILY 
RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS  3. The “existing efficiency level” modeling rules, including situations where nameplate data are 
not available, are described in the Residential ACM Approval Manual.  
Exception 1 to Section 150.2(b):  Any dual -glazed greenhouse or garden window installed as part of 
an alteration complies with the U -factor requirements in Section 150.1(c)3.  
Exception 2 to Section 150.2(b ): Where the space in the attic or rafter area is not large enough to 
accommodate the required R -value, the entire space shall be filled with insulation provided such 
installation does not violate Section 1203.2 of Title 24, Part 2.  
(c) Whole building.  Any addition or alteration may comply with the requirements of Title 24, Part 6 by 
meeting the requirements for the entire building.  
 
Note:  Authority: Sections 25213, 25218, 25218.5, 25402 and 25402.1, Public Resources Code. 
Reference: Sections 25007, 25008, 25218.5, 25310, 25402, 25402.1, 25402.4, 25402.5, 25402.8, 
25910, and 25943, Public Resources Code.  Page 508  2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 160.0 – GENERAL  SUBCHAPTER 10  
MULTIFAMILY BUILDINGS —MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS  
SECTION 160.0 – GENERAL 
Multifamily buildings shall comply with the applicable requirements of Sections 160.1 through 160.9. 
Sections 160.1 through 160.9 apply to dwelling units and common use areas in multifamily buildings. 
Nonresidential occupancies in a mixed occupancy building shall comply with nonresidential 
requirements in Sections 120.0 through 141.1.  
Note : The requirements of Sections 160.1 through 160.9 apply to newly constructed buildings. 
Sections 180.1 through 180.4 specify which requirements of Sections 160.1 through 160.9 apply to additions or alterations.  
 
Note:  Authority: Sections 25213, 25218, 25218.5, 25402 and 25402.1, Public Resources Code. 
Reference: Sections 25007, 25008, 25218.5, 25310, 25402, 25402.1, 25402.4, 25402.5, 25402.8, and 
25943, Public Resources Code. 
 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 509  
SECTION 160.1 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR BUILDING ENVELOPES  SECTION 160.1 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR BUILDING ENVELOPES  
(a) Ceiling and roof insulation . The opaque portions of ceilings and roofs separating conditioned 
spaces from unconditioned spaces or ambient air shall meet the requirements of Item 1 or 2, and 3 
below:   
1. Attic roof. Roofs with an attic space shall meet the requirements of A through C below:  
A. Shall be insulated to achieve an area- weighted average U -factor not exceeding U -0.043 or 
shall be insulated between wood- framing members with insulation resulting in an installed 
thermal resistance of R -22 or greater for the insulation alone. For vented  attics, the 
mandatory insulation shall be installed at the ceiling level; for unvented attics, the 
mandatory insulation shall be placed at either ceiling or roof level;  
B. Attic access doors shall have permanently attached insulation using adhesive or mechanical 
fasteners. The attic access shall be gasketed to prevent air leakage; and  
C. When loose -fill insulation is installed, the minimum installed weight per square foot shall 
conform with the insulation manufacturer's installed design weight per square foot at the manufacturer's labeled R -value.   
2. Non- attic roof. Roofs without attic spaces shall meet the applicable requirements of A through 
C below:  
A. Metal building —The area- weighted average U -factor of the roof assembly shall not exceed 
0.098.  
B. Wood framed and others —The area -weighted average U -factor of the roof assembly shall 
not exceed 0.075.  
C. Insulation placement— When insulation is installed at the roof, fixed vents or openings to 
the outdoors or to unconditioned spaces shall not be installed. When the space between 
the ceiling and the roof is either directly or indirectly conditioned space, it shall not be 
considered an attic for the purposes of complying with CBC attic ventilation requirements.  
Exception to Section 160.1(a)2C:  Vents that do not penetrate the roof deck and are instead 
designed for wind resistance for roof membranes are not within the scope of Section 
160.1(a)2C.  
3. Insulation shall be installed in direct contact with a roof or ceiling that is sealed to limit infiltration and exfiltration as specified in Section 110.7, including but not limited to placing 
insulation either above or below the roof deck or on top of a drywall ceiling.  
(b) Wall insulation.  Opaque portions of above grade walls separating conditioned spaces from 
unconditioned spaces or ambient air shall meet the following applicable  requirements:  
1. Metal building —The area- weighted average U -factor of the wall assembly shall not exceed 
0.113.  
2. Metal framed —The area -weighted average U -factor of the wall assembly shall not exceed 
0.1510.148.  Page 510  2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 160.1 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR BUILDING ENVELOPES  3. Wood framed and others — 
A. Nominal 2x4 inch framing shall have an area- weighted average U -factor of the wall 
assembly not exceeding 0.1020.095.  
B. Nominal 2x6 inch framing shall have an area- weighted average U -factor of the wall 
assembly not exceeding 0.0710.069.  
C. Other wall assemblies shall have an area- weighted average U -factor of the wall assembly 
not exceeding 0.102.  
4. Light mass walls—A 6 inch or greater hollow core concrete masonry unit shall have a U -factor 
not to exceed 0.440.  
5. Heavy mass walls—An 8 inch or greater hollow core concrete masonry unit shall have a U -
factor not to exceed 0.690.  
6. Spandrel panels and curtain wall —The area- weighted average U -factor of the spandrel panels 
and curtain wall assembly shall not exceed 0.280.  
7. Demising walls —The opaque portions of framed demising walls shall meet the requirements of 
Item A or B below:  
A. Wood framed walls shall be insulated to meet a U -factor not greater than 0.099.  
B. Metal framed walls shall be insulated to meet a U -factor not greater than 0.151.  
8. Bay or bow window roofs and floors shall be insulated to meet the wall insulation requirements 
of Table 170.2 -A.  
(c) Floor and soffit insulation . The opaque portions of floors and soffits that separate conditioned 
spaces from unconditioned spaces or ambient air shall meet the applicable requirements of Items 
1 through 3 below:   
1. Raised mass floors shall have a minimum of 3 inches of lightweight concrete over a metal deck or the area -weighted average U -factor of the floor assembly shall not exceed 0.269.  
2. Raised wood floor shall have an overall assembly U -factor not exceeding U -0.037. In a wood 
framed assembly, compliance with the U -factor may be demonstrated by installing insulation 
with an R -value of 19 or greater.  
3. Other floors —The area -weighted average U -factor of the floor assembly shall not exceed 0.071.  
4. Heated slab on grade floor—A heated slab on grade floor shall be insulated to meet the requirements of Section 110.8(g).  
Exception to Section 160.1(c):  A building with a controlled ventilation or unvented crawl space 
may omit raised floor insulation if all of the following are met:  
A. The foundation walls are insulated to meet the wall insulation minimums as shown in Table 170.2- A; and  
B. A Class I or Class II vapor retarder is placed over the entire floor of the crawl space; and  
C. Vents between the crawl space and outside air are fitted with automatically operated louvers that are temperature actuated; and  2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 511  
SECTION 160.1 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR BUILDING ENVELOPES  D. The requirements in Reference Residential Appendix RA4.5.1.  
(d) Vapor retarder.  
1. In Climate Zones 1 –16, the earth floor of unvented crawl space shall be covered with a Class I 
or Class II vapor retarder. This requirement shall also apply to controlled ventilation crawl 
space for buildings complying with the Exception to Section 160. 1(c).  
2. In Climate Zones 14 and 16, a Class I or Class II vapor retarder shall be installed on the 
conditioned space side of all insulation in all exterior walls, vented attics and unvented attics with air -permeable insulation.  
(e) Fenestration products. Fenestration separating conditioned space from unconditioned space or 
outdoors shall meet the requirements of either Item 1 or 2 below:   
1. Fenestration, including skylight products, must have a maximum U -factor of 0.58.  
Exception  1 to Section 160.1(e)1:  Up to 0.5 percent of the conditioned floor area is not 
required to comply with  exempt  from the maximum U -factor requirement.  
Exception 2 to Section 160.1(e)1:  For dual- glazed greenhouse or garden windows, up to 30 
square feet of fenestration area per dwelling unit is not required to comply with exempt from  
the maximum U -factor requirement.  
2. The area -weighted average U -factor of all fenestration, including skylight products, shall not 
exceed 0.58.  
(f) Installation of fireplaces, decorative gas appliances  and gas logs. If a masonry or factory -built 
fireplace is installed, it shall comply with Section 110.5, Section 4.503 of Part 11, and shall have the following:   
1. Closable metal or glass doors covering the entire opening of the firebox; and  
2. A combustion air intake to draw air from the outside of the building, which is at least 6 square inches in area and is equipped with a readily accessible, operable and tight -fitting damper or 
combustion- air control device; and  
Exception  to Section 160.1(f)2:  An outside combustion- air intake is not required if the fireplace 
will be installed over concrete slab flooring and the fireplace will not be located on an exterior wall.  
3. A flue damper with a readily accessible control.  
Exception  to Section 160.1(f)3:  When a gas log, log lighter or decorative gas appliance is 
installed in a fireplace, the flue damper shall be blocked open if required by the CMC or the 
manufacturer's installation instructions.  
(g) Slab edge  Insulation. Slab edge insulation shall meet the following minimum specification s:  
1. Insulation material alone without the facing shall have a water absorption rate  no greater than 
0.3 percent  when tested in accordance with ASTM C272, Test Method A – 24-Hour- Immersion ; 
and 
2. Water vap or permeance no greater than 2.0 perm/inch when tested in accordance  with ASTM 
C272; and Page 512  2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 160.1 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR BUILDING ENVELOPES  3. Concrete slab perimeter insulation shall be protected from physical damage and ultraviolet 
light deterioration;  and 
4. Insulation for a heated slab floor shall meet the requirements of Section 110.8(g).  
 
NOTE: Authority: Sections 25213, 25218, 25218.5, 25402 and 25402.1, Public Resources Code. 
Reference: Sections 25007, 25008, 25218.5, 25310, 25402, 25402.1, 25402.4, 25402.5, 25402.8, and 
25943, Public Resources Code. 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 513  
SECTION 160.2 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR VENTILATION AND INDOOR AIR QUALITY  SECTION 160.2 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR VENTILATION AND INDOOR AIR 
QUALITY 
(a) General requirements.  
1. Attached dwelling units in multifamily buildings shall comply with the applicable requirements 
of Subsection 160.2(b) below. Occupiable spaces in multifamily buildings other than attached 
dwelling units shall comply with the applicable requirements of Section 160.2(c). When HERS 
field verification and diagnostic testing of attached dwelling units is required by Section 160.2, buildings with three habitable stories or fewer shall use the applicable procedures in the Residential Appendices, and buildings with four or more habitable stories shall use the 
applicable procedures in Nonresidential Appendices NA1 and NA2.  
NOTE: Section 160.2 is not applicable to townhouses or dwellings that contain two dwelling 
units.  
2. The required outdoor air -ventilation rate and the air- distribution system design shall be clearly 
identified on the building design plans submitted to the enforcement agency in accordance 
with Section 10 -103 of Title 24, Part 1.  
(b) Attached dwelling units. Attached dwelling units shall comply with the requirements of 
Subsections 1 and 2 below.  
1. Air filtration.  
A. System types specified in Subsections i, ii and iii shall be provided with air filters in accordance with Sections 160.2(b)1B, 160.2(b)1C and 160.2(b)1D. System types specified in Subsection i shall also comply with Section 160.2(b)1E.  
 i. Mechanical space -conditioning systems that supply air to an occupiable space through 
ductwork exceeding 10 ft (3 m) in length.  
ii. Mechanical supply -only ventilation systems and makeup air systems that provide 
outside air to an occupiable space.  
iii. The supply side of mechanical balanced ventilation systems, including heat recovery ventilation systems, and energy recovery ventilation systems that provide outside air to an occupiable space.  
B. System design and installation.  
i. The system shall be designed to ensure that all recirculated air and all outdoor air supplied to the occupiable space are filtered before passing through any system's thermal conditioning components.  
Exception  to Section  160.2(b)1Bi:  For heat recovery ventilators and energy recovery 
ventilators, the location of the filters required by Section 160.2(b)1 may be downstream of a system thermal conditioning component, provided the system is equipped with ancillary filtration upstream of th e system’s thermal conditioning component.  
ii. All systems shall be designed to accommodate the clean -filter pressure drop imposed 
by the system air filter(s). The design airflow rate, and maximum allowable clean -filter Page 514 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 160.2 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR VENTILATION AND INDOOR AIR QUALITY  pressure drop at the design airflow rate applicable to each air filter, shall be determined 
and reported on labels according to Subsection iv below.  
Systems specified in Section 160.2(b)1Ai shall be equipped with air filters that meet either Subsection a or b below:  
a. Nominal two -inch minimum depth filter(s) shall be sized by the system designer, or  
b. Nominal one -inch minimum depth filter(s) shall be allowed if the filter(s) are sized 
according to Equation 160.2 -A, based on a maximum face velocity of 150 ft per 
minute and according to the maximum allowable clean -filter pressure drop specified 
in Sect ion 160.2(b)1Dii.  
 
A
face = Q filter /Vface (Equation 160.2 -A) 
where:  
Aface = air filter face area, the product of air filter nominal length × 
nominal width, ft2. 
Qfilter  = design airflow rate for the air filter, ft3/min  
Vface = air filter face velocity ≤ 150 ft/min  
iii. All system air filters shall be located and installed in such a manner as to be accessible 
for regular service by the system owner.   
iv. All system air filter installation locations shall be labeled to disclose the applicable 
design airflow rate and the maximum allowable clean -filter pressure drop. The labels 
shall be permanently affixed to the air filter installation location, readily legible, and 
visible to a person replacing the air filter.  
v. Filter racks or grilles shall use gaskets, sealing or other means to close gaps around 
inserted filters and prevent air from bypassing the filter.  
C. Air filter efficiency . The system shall be provided with air filters having a designated 
efficiency equal to or greater than MERV 13 when tested in accordance with ASHRAE 
Standard 52.2, or a particle size efficiency rating equal to or greater than 50 percent in the 0.30– 1.0 µm ra nge, and equal to or greater than 85 percent in the 1.0 –3.0 µm range when 
tested in accordance with AHRI Standard 680.  
D. Air filter pressure drop . All systems shall be provided with air filters that conform to the 
applicable maximum allowable clean -filter pressure drop specified in Subsection i, ii, iii or iv 
below, when tested using ASHRAE Standard 52.2, or as rated using AHRI Standard 680, for the applicable design airflow rates for the system air filters.  
 i. The maximum allowable clean -filter pressure drop shall be determined by the system 
design for the nominal two -inch minimum depth air filter required by Section 
160.2(b)1Biia, or  
ii. A maximum of 25 Pa (0.1 inches water) clean -filter pressure drop shall be allowed for a 
nominal 1 -inch depth air filter sized according to Section 160.2(b)1Biib, or  2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 515  
SECTION 160.2 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR VENTILATION AND INDOOR AIR QUALITY  iii. For systems specified in Sections 160.2(b)1Aii and 160.2(b)1Aiii, the maximum 
allowable clean filter pressure drop shall be determined by the system design.  
iv. If Exception 1 to Section 160.3(b)5Lii or iv is utilized for compliance with cooling system airflow rate and fan efficacy requirements, the clean- filter pressure drop for the system 
air filter shall conform to the requirements given in Table 160.3 -A or 160.3- B.  
E. Air filter product labeling. Systems described in Section 160.2(b)1Ai shall be equipped with 
air filters that have been labeled by the manufacturer to disclose the efficiency and pressure drop ratings that demonstrate conformance with Sections 160.2(b)1C and 160.2(b)1D.  
Exception to Section 160.2(b)1:  Evaporative coolers are not required to comply with exempt 
from the air filtration requirements in Section 160.2(b)1.  
2. Ventilation and indoor air quality  for attached dwelling units . All attached dwelling units shall 
meet the requirements of ASHRAE Standard 62.2, Ventilation and Acceptable Indoor Air Quality in Residential Buildings subject to the amendments specified in Section 160.2(b)2A below. All dwelling units shall comply with Section 160.2(b)2B below.  
Exception to Section 160.2(b)2  The following sections of ASHRAE 62.2 shall not be required for 
compliance: Section 4.1.1, Section 4.1.2, Section 4.1.4, Section 4.3, Section 4.6, Section 5, 
Section 6.1.1, Section 6.5.2 and Normative Appendix A.  
A. Amendments to ASHRAE 62.2 requirements.  
i. Window operation . Window operation is not a permissible method of providing the 
dwelling unit ventilation airflow specified in Subsection iv or v below.  
ii. Central fan integrated (CFI) ventilation systems .  
a. Continuous operation prohibition. Continuous operation of a dwelling unit's central 
forced air system air handlers used in CFI ventilation systems is not a permissible 
method of providing the whole -dwelling unit ventilation airflow required by Section 
160.2(b)2Aiv.  
Exception to Section 160.2(b)2Aiia:  The Energy Commission may approve 
continuous operation of central fan integrated ventilation systems pursuant to Section 10 -109(h).  
b. Outdoor air damper(s). A motorized damper(s) shall be installed on the connected 
ventilation duct(s) of CFI systems that prevents all airflow into or out of the space -
conditioning duct system when the damper(s) is closed.  
c. Damper control. The required motorized damper(s) shall be controlled to be in an 
opened position when outdoor air ventilation is required for compliance, and shall 
be in the closed position when ventilation air is not required. The damper(s) shall be 
closed whenever the space -conditioning system air handling unit is not operating. If 
the outdoor airflow for the CFI ventilation system is fan- powered, then the outdoor Page 516  2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 160.2 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR VENTILATION AND INDOOR AIR QUALITY  air fan shall not operate when the required motorized damper(s) on the outdoor air 
ventilation duct(s) is closed.  
d. Variable ventilation. CFI ventilation systems shall incorporate controls that track outdoor air ventilation run time, and either open or close the required motorized 
damper(s) depending on whether or not outdoor air ventilation is required for 
complianc e with Section 160.2(b)2Aiv. During periods when comfort conditioning is 
not called for by the space -conditioning thermostat, the CFI ventilation system 
controls shall operate the space -conditioning system central fan and outdoor air 
damper(s) when necessa ry to ensure compliance with the minimum outdoor air 
ventilation required by Section 160.2(b)2Aiv in accordance with applicable variable 
mechanical ventilation methods specified in ASHRAE 62.2 Section 4.5.  
iii. Air filtration . Air filtration shall conform to the specifications in Section 160.2(b)1. 
Compliance with ASHRAE 62.2 Sections 6.7 (Minimum Filtration) and 6.7.1 (Filter 
Pressure Drop) shall not be required.  
iv. Whole -dwelling unit mechanical ventilation. Multifamily attached dwelling units shall 
comply with Subsections a and b below.  
a. Mechanical ventilation airflow shall be provided at rates greater than or equal to 
the value determined in accordance with Equation 160.2 -B. 
Total Required Ventilation Rate [ASHRAE 62.2:4.1.1].  
Qtot = 0.03 Afloor  + 7.5(Nbr + 1)    (Equation 160.2 -B) 
WHERE:  
Qtot = total required  ventilation  rate,  cfm 
Afloor = dwelling -unit floor  area,  ft
2 
Nbr = number of bedrooms (not to be less than 1) 
b. All dwelling units in a multifamily building shall use the same whole -dwelling unit 
ventilation system type. The system type installed throughout the building shall be 
only one of the following three types: supply, exhaust or balanced. The dwelling unit 
shall comply with one of the following Subsections 1 andor  2 below.  
1. Balanced or supply ventilation . A balanced or supply ventilation system shall 
provide the required whole -dwelling- unit ventilation airflow. Balanced Ssystems 
with heat recovery or energy recovery that serve a single dwelling unit shall 
have a fan efficacy of ≤1.0 W/cfm; and or 
2. Supply or exhaust ventilation with c  Compartmentalization tTesting . 
Continuously operating supply ventilation systems or continuously operating 
exhaust ventilation systems shall be allowed to be used to provide the required 
whole- dwelling unit ventilation airflow only if tT he dwelling unit envelope 
leakage is  shall be less than or equal to  not e xceed  0.3 cubic feet per minute at 
50 Pa (0.2 inch water) per ft2 of dwelling unit envelope surface area as 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 517  
SECTION 160.2 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR VENTILATION AND INDOOR AIR QUALITY  confirmed by ECC- rater HERS field  verification and diagnostic testing in 
accordance with the procedures specified in Reference Appendix RA3.8 or NA2.3 
as applicable. In multifamily buildings with four or more habitable stories, the 
field verification and diagnostic testing which requires an ECC -Rater may 
alternatively be performed by a certified Mechanical Acceptance Test Technician 
according to the requirements specified in Reference Appendix NA1.9.  
v. Multifamily building central ventilation system airflow rate tolerance. Multifamily 
building central ventilation systems that serve multiple dwelling units shall have airflow rates in each dwelling unit served that meet or exceed a design ventilation airflow rate specification.  
a. Designers shall specify a design ventilation airflow rate for each dwelling unit that is 
equal to or greater than the rate specified by Equation 160.2 -B.  
b. The design ventilation airflow rate for each dwelling unit shall be stated on the 
building design plans approved by the enforcement agency.  
c. Airflow in each dwelling unit shall be no more than twenty percent greater than the specified design ventilation airflow rate. Ventilation systems shall utilize mechanical or software airflow control means to ensure each of the dwelling -unit airflows ca n 
be maintained at the design ventilation airflow within this tolerance at all times. 
System airflow control- means may include but are not limited to constant air 
regulation devices, orifice plates and variable speed central fans.  
vi. Local mechanical exhaust . A local mechanical exhaust system shall be installed in each 
kitchen and bathroom. Systems shall be rated for airflow in accordance with ASHRAE 
62.2 Section 7.1.  
a. Nonenclosed kitchens  shall have a demand -controlled mechanical exhaust system 
meeting the requirements of Section 160.2(b)2Avic.  
b. Enclosed kitchens and all bathrooms  shall have either one of the following options 
1 or 2:  
1. A demand -controlled mechanical exhaust system meeting the requirements of 
Section 160.2(b)2Avic; or  
2. A continuous mechanical exhaust system meeting the requirements of Section 
160.2(b)2Avid.  
c. Demand -controlled mechanical exhaust. A local mechanical exhaust system shall 
be designed to be operated as needed.  
1. Control and operation. Demand- controlled mechanical exhaust systems shall be 
provided with at least one of the following controls:  
A. A readily accessible occupant -controlled ON -OFF control.  
B. An automatic control that does not impede occupant ON control.  Page 518 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 160.2 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR VENTILATION AND INDOOR AIR QUALITY  2. Ventilation rate and capture efficiency. The system shall meet or exceed either 
the minimum airflow in accordance with Table 160.2 -E or the minimum capture 
efficiency in accordance with Table 160.2 -E, and Table 160.2 -G. Capture 
efficiency ratings shall be determined in accordance with ASTM E3087, and 
listed in a product directory approved by the Energy Commission.  
d. Continuous mechanical exhaust. A mechanical exhaust system shall be installed to 
operate continuously. The system may be part of a balanced mechanical ventilation 
system.  
1. Control and operation.  A manual ON -OFF control shall be provided for each 
continuous mechanical exhaust system. The system shall be designed to operate 
during all occupiable hours. For multifamily dwelling units, the manual ON -OFF 
control may be accessible to the dwelling unit o ccupant; however, the manual 
ON-OFF control shall not be required to be accessible to the dwelling unit 
occupant.  
2. Ventilation rate. The minimum delivered ventilation shall be at least the amount 
indicated in Table 160.2 -F during each hour of operation.  
e. Airflow measurement of local mechanical exhaust by the system installer. The 
airflow required by Section 160.2(b)2Avi is the quantity of indoor air exhausted by 
the ventilation system as installed in the dwelling unit. When a vented range hood 
utilizes a capture efficiency rating to demonstrate compliance with Section 
160.2(b)2Avic2, the airflow listed in the approved directory corresponding to the compliant capture efficiency rating point shall be met by the installed system. The 
as-installed airflow sh all be verified by the system installer to ensure compliance by 
use of either Subsection 1 or 2 below:  
1. The system installer shall measure the airflow by using a flow hood, flow grid or 
other airflow measuring device at the mechanical ventilation fan’s inlet 
terminals/grilles or outlet terminals/grilles in accordance with the procedures in 
Reference Appen dix RA3.7 or NA2.2 as applicable.  
2. As an alternative to performing an airflow measurement of the system as installed in the dwelling unit, compliance may be demonstrated by installing an 
exhaust fan and duct system that conforms to the specifications of Table 160.2 -
H. Visual inspection shal l verify the installed system conforms to the 
requirements of Table 160.2 -H.  
When using Table 160.2 -H for demonstrating compliance, the airflow rating shall 
be greater than or equal to the value required by Section 160.2(b)2Avi at a static 
pressure greater than or equal to 0.25 in. of water (62.5 Pa). When a vented 
range hood utili zes a capture efficiency rating to demonstrate compliance with 
Section 160.2(b)2Avic2, a static pressure greater than or equal to 0.25 in. of 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 519 
SECTION 160.2 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR VENTILATION AND INDOOR AIR QUALITY  water at the rating point shall not be required, and the airflow listed in the 
approved directory corresponding to the compliant capture efficiency rating 
point shall be applied to Table 160.2 -H for determining compliance.  
Use of Table 160.2- H is limited to ventilation systems that conform to all of the 
following three specifications:  
A. Total duct length is less than or equal to 25 feet (8 m),  
B. Duct system has no more than three elbows, and  
C. Duct system has exterior termination fitting with a hydraulic diameter 
greater than or equal to the minimum duct diameter and not less than the 
hydraulic diameter of the fan outlet.  
f. Sound ratings for local mechanical exhaust . Local mechanical exhaust systems shall 
be rated for sound in accordance with Section 7.2 of ASHRAE 62.2 at no less than 
the minimum airflow rate required by Section 160.2(b)2Avi.  
Exception  to Section 160.2(b)2Avif:  Kitchen range hoods may be rated for sound at 
a static pressure determined at working speed as specified in HVI 916 Section 7.2.  
vii. Airflow measurement  of whole -dwelling unit ventilation. The airflow required by 
Section 160.2(b)2Aiv or 160.2(b)2Av is the quantity of outdoor ventilation air supplied 
or indoor air exhausted by the mechanical ventilation system as installed and shall be measured by using a flow hood, flow grid or other airfl ow measuring device at the 
mechanical ventilation fan’s inlet terminals/grilles or outlet terminals/grilles in accordance with the procedures in Reference Appendix Section RA3.7.4.1.1 or 
NA2.2.4.1.1 as applicable for supply and exhaust systems or RA3.7.4.1 .2 or NA2.2.4.1.2 
as applicable for balanced systems. Balanced mechanical ventilation system airflow shall be the average of the supply fan and exhaust fan flows.  
viii. Sound ratings for whole -dwelling unit ventilation systems. Whole -dwelling unit 
ventilation systems shall be rated for sound in accordance with Section 7.2 of ASHRAE 62.2 at no less than the minimum airflow rate required by Section 160.2(b)2Aiv or 160.2(b)2Av as applicable.  
ix. Label for whole -dwelling unit ventilation system on- off control . Compliance with 
ASHRAE 62.2 Section 4.4 (Control and Operation) shall require manual ON -OFF control 
switches associated with whole -dwelling unit ventilation systems to have a label clearly 
displaying the following text, or equivalent text: “This switch c ontrols the indoor air 
quality ventilation for the home. Leave switch in the ‘on’ position at all times unless the outdoor air quality is very poor.”  
x. Combustion air and compensating outdoor air or makeup air.  
a. All dwelling units shall conform to the applicable requirements specified in California Mechanical Code Chapter 7, Combustion Air.  
b. All dwelling units shall conform to the requirements in ASHRAE 62.2 Section 6.4, Combustion and Solid -Fuel -Burning Appliances.  Page 520  2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 160.2 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR VENTILATION AND INDOOR AIR QUALITY  xi.    Balanced and supply v entilation component accessibility . Balanced and supply 
ventilation systems shall meet the following requirements for accessibility : 
a. IAQ filter and HRV/ERV accessibility. S ystem  air filters and HRV /ERV heat/energy 
recovery cores shall be located such that they are accessible  for service from within 
occupiable space s, basements, garages, balconies, mechanical closets or accessible 
rooftops . Filters and heat/energy recovery core s behind access panels , access doors , 
or grilles located no more than 10 feet above a walking surface inside a space 
specified above comply with this requirement.  
Exception  to Section 160.2(b)2A xia: Systems that require servicing from inside the 
attic shall have the following:  
1. An Fault Indicator Display ( FID) meeting the requirements of Reference Appendix 
JA 17; and 
2. An attic access door located in a wall or, where attic access is provided through a 
ceiling, an attic access hatch that includes an integrated ladder ; and 
3. A walkway from the attic access door to the HRV/ERV . 
b.      IAQ system component accessibility. Fans , motors, heat exchangers , filters and 
recovery cores  shall meet  all applicable  requirements of California Mechanical Code 
304.0 accessibility of service.  
B. Dwelling unit HERS field verification and diagnostic testing .  
i. The whole -dwelling unit ventilation airflow required by Section 160.2(b)2Aiv or 
160.2(b)2Av shall be confirmed through HERS field verification and diagnostic testing in 
accordance with Reference Appendix RA3.7.4.1.1 or NA2.2.4.1.1 as applicable for supply 
and exhaust systems or RA3.7.4.1.2 or NA2.2.4.1.2 as applicable for balanced systems. 
Balanced mechanical ventilation system airflow shall be the average of the supply fan 
and exhaust fan flows. Ventilation airflow of systems with multiple operating modes 
shall be tested in all modes designed to comply with the required ventilation airflows.  
ii. K itchen local mechanical exhaust —vented range hoods. Vented range hoods installed 
to comply with local mechanical exhaust requirements specified in Section 160.2(b)2Avi shall be HERS field verified in accordance with Reference Appendix RA3.7.4.3 or 
NA2.2.4.1.4 as applicable to confirm the model is rated by HVI or AHAM to comply with the following requirements:  
a. The minimum ventilation airflow rate as specified by Section 160.2(b)2Avi, or 
alternatively the minimum capture efficiency as specified by Section 160.2(b)2Avi; and  
b. The maximum sound rating as specified in Section 160.2(b)2Avif.  
iii. Heat recovery ventilation (HRV) and energy recovery ventilation (ERV) system fan 
efficacy.  At a minimum, systems with heat or energy recovery serving a single dwelling 
unit shall have a fan efficacy of ≤1.0 W/cfm as confirmed by HERS field verification in 
accordance with Reference Appendix RA3.7.4.4 or NA2.2.4.1.5 as applicable. If Section 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 521  
SECTION 160.2 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR VENTILATION AND INDOOR AIR QUALITY  170.2(c)3Biva requirements are applicable to the dwelling unit, then HERS field 
verification shall instead confirm compliance with the maximum fan efficacy and 
minimum sensible recovery efficiency specified in Section 170.2(c)3Biva in accordance 
with the procedures specified in Reference Appendix RA3.7.4.4 or NA2.2.4.1.5 as 
appl icable.  
iv. I n multifamily buildings with four or more habitable stories, the field verification and 
diagnostic testing required in Section 160.2(b)2Bi, ii and iii which requires an ECC -Rater 
may alternatively be performed by a certified  Mechanical Acceptance Test Technician 
according to the requirements specified in Reference Appendix NA1.9 . 
C. Multifamily building central ventilation system field verification. 
i. Central ventilation system duct sealing. Ventilation ducts that conform to Subsections  a 
and b below shall meet the duct sealing requirements in California Mechanical Code Section 603.10 and have leakage that is no greater than six percent of the rooftop fan or 
central fan design airflow rate as confirmed by field verification in accordance  with the 
procedures in Reference Appendix NA7.18.3. The leakage test shall be conducted using a test pressure of 25 Pa (0.1 inches) for ducts serving six or fewer dwelling units and 50 
Pa (0.2 inches) for ducts serving more than six dwelling units, and shall measure the 
leakage of all ductwork between the central fan and the connection point to the in-unit grille or fan.  
a. The ventilation ducts serve multiple dwelling units.  
b. The ventilation ducts provide continuous airflows or airflows to provide balanced 
ventilation to meet the requirements specified in Section 160.2(b)2Aiv or 
160.2(b)2Av as applicable.  
Exception  to Section 160.2(b)2C:  Multifamily buildings with three or fewer habitable stories 
in Climate Zone 7 6 are not required to comply with Section 160.2(b)2C.  
(c) Common use areas. All occupiable spaces shall comply with the requirements of Subsection 1 and 
shall also comply with either Subsection 2 or Subsection 3:   
1. Air filtration.  
A. Mechanical system types specified in Subsections i, ii and iii below shall be designed to 
ensure that all recirculated air and all outdoor air supplied to the occupiable space are filtered before passing through any system’s thermal conditioning components . Air filters 
shall conform to the requirements of Sections 160.2(c)1B, 160.2(c)1C and 160.2(c)1D.  
i. Mechanical space -conditioning systems that supply air to an occupiable space through 
ductwork exceeding 10 ft (3 m) in length.  
ii. Mechanical supply -only ventilation systems and makeup air systems that provide 
outside air to an occupiable space.  Page 522  2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 160.2 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR VENTILATION AND INDOOR AIR QUALITY  iii. The supply side of mechanical balanced ventilation systems, including heat recovery 
ventilation systems and energy recovery ventilation systems that provide outside air to 
an occupiable space.  
Exception  to Section 160.2(c)1A:  For heat recovery ventilators and energy recovery 
ventilators , the location of the filters required by Section 160.2(c)1A may be downstream of 
a system’s thermal conditioning component, provided the system is equipped with ancillary 
filtration upstream of the system’s thermal conditioning component.   
B. Air filter efficiency . The filters shall have a designated efficiency equal to or greater than 
MERV 13 when tested in accordance with ASHRAE Standard 52.2, or a particle size 
efficiency rating equal to or greater than 50 percent in the 0.30 –1.0 µm range, and equal to 
or greate r than 85 percent in the 1.0 –3.0 µm range when tested in accordance with AHRI 
Standard 680; and  
C. Systems shall be equipped with air filters that meet either Subsection i or ii below.  
i. Nominal two inch minimum depth filter(s); or  
ii. Nominal one inch minimum depth filter(s) shall be allowed if the filter(s) are sized according to Equation 160.2 -A, based on a maximum face velocity of 150 ft per minute.  
D. Filter racks or grilles shall be gasketed or sealed to eliminate any gaps around the filter to prevent air from bypassing the filter.  
2. Natural ventilation.  Naturally ventilated spaces shall be designed in accordance with Sections 
160.2(c)2A through 160.2(c)2CD. and include a mechanical ventilation system designed in 
accordance with Section 160.2(c)3:   
Exception  1 to Section 160.2(c)2: The mechanical ventilation system shall not be required 
where natural ventilation openings complying with Section 160.2(c)2 are either permanently 
open or have controls that prevent the openings from being closed during periods of expected 
occupancy.  
Exception  2 to Section  160.2(c)2 : The mechanical ventilation system shall not be required 
where the zone is not served by a space -conditioning system.  
A. Floor area to be ventilated. Spaces or portions of spaces to be naturally ventilated shall be 
located within a distance based on the ceiling height, as specified in i, ii and iii. The ceiling height (H) to be used in i, ii or iii shall be the minimum ceiling height in the space, or for ceilings that are increasing in height as distance from the operable openings is increased, 
the ceiling height shall be determined as the average height of the ceiling within 20 ft from 
the operable opening. [ASHRAE 62.1:6 .4.1.1 ]  
i. Single side opening. For spaces with operable opening on one side of the space zone , the 
maximum distance from the operable opening shall be not more than 2H. naturally 
ventilated area shall extend to a distance not greater than two times the height (H) of 
the ceiling from the openings.  [ASHRAE 62.1:6.4.1. 13]  2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 523  
SECTION 160.2 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR VENTILATION AND INDOOR AIR QUALITY  ii. Double side opening. For spaces zones with operable openings on two opposite sides of 
the space zone , the maximum distance from the operable opening shall be not more 
than 5H.naturally ventilated area shall extend between the openings separated by a 
distance not greater than five times the height of the ceiling.  [ASHRAE 62.1:6.4.1. 24]  
iii. Corner opening. For spaces zones with operable openings on two adjacent sides of a 
space zone , the  naturally ventilated area shall extend to a maximum distance not 
greater than five times the height of the ceiling  from the operable openings shall be not 
more than 5H  along a line drawn between the outside edges of the two openings that 
are the farthest apart. Floor area outside that line shall comply with i as having 
openings on only one side of the zone.  or ii. [ASHRAE 62.1:6.4.1. 35]  
Informative Note: “Floor area outside that line” refers to the remaining area of the 
zone that is not bounded by the walls that have the openings and the line drawn 
between the  openings.  
iv. Ceiling height. The ceiling height (H) to be used in Sections 160.2(c)2Ai through 
160.2(c)2Aiii shall be the minimum ceiling height in the space.  
Exception to Section 160.2(c)2Aiv: For ceilings that are increasing in height as distance 
from the opening is increased, the ceiling height shall be determined as the average height of the ceiling within 20 feet from the operable openings. [ASHRAE 62.1:6.4.1. 41]  
B. Location and size  of openings . Spaces Zones or portions of spaces zones to be naturally 
ventilated shall be have a permanently open airflow path to operable wall openings directly  
connected to the outdoors. The openable area shall be not less than 4 percent of the net 
occupiable floor area. Where openings are covered with louvers or otherwise obstructed, the openable area shall be based on the net free unobstructed area through the opening. Where interior rooms, or portions of rooms, without direct openings to the outdoors are ventilated through adjoining rooms, the opening between rooms shall be permanently 
unobstructed and have a free area of not less than 8 percent of the area of the interior 
room or less than 25 square feet. [ASHRAE 62.1:6.4. 21.6]  
C. Control and accessibility. The means to open the required operable opening shall be readily accessible to building occupants whenever the space is occupied. Controls shall be designed to coordinate operation of the natural and mechanical ventilation system s. [ASHRAE 
62.1:6.4.3]  
D. Naturally ventilated spaces shall also include a mechanical ventilation system designed in 
accordance with 160 .2(c)3.  
Exception 1 to Section 160.2(c)2D: Spaces not served by a space -conditioning system.  
Exception  2 to Section 1 60.2(c)2D: Spaces where natural ventilation openings complying 
with 120.1(c)2 are either permanently open or have controls that prevent the openings 
from being closed during periods of expected occupancy.  
3. Mechanical ventilation.  Occupiable spaces shall be ventilated with a mechanical ventilation 
system capable of providing an outdoor airflow rate (V z) to the zone no less than the  Equation 
160.2-H larger of A or B as described below:  Page 524  2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 160.2 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR VENTILATION AND INDOOR AIR QUALITY  A. The outdoor airflow rate to the zone (Vz) shall be determined in accordance with Equation 
160.2- G; or  
Vz = R a x A z   (Equation 160.2 -G) 
Where: 
Ra = Outdoor airflow rate required per unit area as determined from Table 160.2 -B. 
Az = Zone floor area is the net occupiable floor area of the ventilation zone in square feet.  
B. For spaces designed for an expected number of occupants, the outdoor airflow rate to the 
zone (V z) shall be determined in accordance with Equation 160.2 -H;  
Vz = The larger of R p x P z or R a × A z  (Equation 160.2 -H) 
Where: 
Rp = 15 cubic feet per minute of outdoor airflow per person  
Pz = The expected number of occupants. For spaces without fixed seating, Thethe 
expected number of occupants shall be the expected number specified by the building 
designer  or the default occupancy density in Table  160.2- B times the occupiable floor 
area of the zone, whichever is greater. For spaces with fixed seating, the expected 
number of occupants shall be determined in accordance with the California Building Code Section 1004.6. 
Ra = The area -based minimum ventilation airflow rate in Table 160.2 -B.  
Az = The net occupiable floor area of the ventilation zone in square feet.   
Exception  to Section 160.2(c)3:  Transfer air.  The rate of outdoor air required by Section 
160.2(c)3 may be provided with air transferred from other ventilated space if:  
i. Use of transfer air is in accordance with Section 160.2(c)8; and  
ii. The outdoor air that is supplied to all spaces combined is sufficient to meet the requirements of Section 160.2(c)3 for each space individually.  
4. Exhaust ventilation. The design exhaust airflow shall be determined in accordance with the 
requirements in Table 160.2 -C. Exhaust makeup air shall be permitted to be any combination of 
outdoor air, recirculated air or transfer air. [ASHRAE 62.1:6.5.1]  
5. Operation and control requirements for minimum quantities of outdoor air .  
A. Times of occupancy.  The minimum rate of outdoor air required by Section 160.2(c) shall be 
supplied to each space at all times when the space is usually occupied.  
Exception  1 to Section 160.2(c)5A:  Demand control ventilation. In intermittently occupied 
spaces that do not have processes or operations that generate dusts, fumes, mists, vapors 
or gases and are not provided with local exhaust ventilation (such as indoor operation of 
internal combustion engines or areas designated for unvented food service preparation), the rate of outdoor air may be reduced if the ventilation system serving the space is controlled by a demand control ventilation device complying with Section 160.2(c)5D or by an occupant sensor ventilation control device complying with Section 160.2(c)5E.  2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 525 
SECTION 160.2 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR VENTILATION AND INDOOR AIR QUALITY  Exception  2 to Section 160.2(c)5A:  Temporary reduction. The rate of outdoor air provided 
to a space may be reduced below the level required by Section 160.2(c) for up to 30 
minutes at a time if the average rate for each hour is equal to or greater than the required ventilation rate.  
B. Preoccupancy . The lesser of the minimum rate of outdoor air required by Section 160.2(c) 
or three complete air changes shall be supplied to the entire building during the 1 -hour 
period immediately before the building is normally occupied.  
C. Required demand control ventilation. Demand ventilation controls complying with Section 
160.2(c)5D are required for a space with a design occupant density, or a maximum occupant load factor for egress purposes in the CBC, greater than or equal to 25 people per 1000 square feet (40 square fee t or less per person) if the system serving the space has one 
or more of the following:  
i. an air economizer; or  
ii. modulating outside air control; or  
iii. design outdoor airflow rate > 3,000 cfm.  
Exception  1 to Section 160.2(c)5C:  Where space exhaust is greater than the design 
ventilation rate specified in Section 160.2(c)3  minus 0.2 cfm per ft² of conditioned area.  
Exception  2 to Section 160.2(c)5C:  Spaces that have processes or operations that generate 
dusts, fumes, mists, vapors or gases and are not provided with local exhaust ventilation, 
such as indoor operation of internal combustion engines or areas designated for unvented food service preparat ion, daycare sickrooms, science labs, barber shops or beauty and nail 
salons, shall not install demand control ventilation.  
Exception  3 to Section 160.2(c)5C:  Spaces with an area of less than 150 square feet or a 
design occupancy of less than 10 people as specified by Section 160.2(c)3.  
D. Demand control ventilation devices.  
i. For each system with demand control ventilation (DCV), CO
2 sensors shall be installed in 
each room that meets the criteria of Section  160.2(c)5C with no less than one sensor 
per 10,000 ft² of floor space. When a zone or a space is served by more than one 
sensor, a signal from any sensor indicating that CO 2 is near or at the setpoint within the 
zone or space shall trigger an increase in ventilation.  
ii. CO 2 sensors shall be located in the room between 3 ft and 6 ft above the floor or at the 
anticipated height of the occupants’ heads.  
iii. Demand ventilation controls shall maintain CO 2 concentrations less than or equal to 600 
ppm plus the outdoor air CO 2 concentration in all rooms with CO 2 sensors.  
Exception  to Section 160.2(c)5Diii:  The outdoor air ventilation rate is not required to be 
larger than the design outdoor air ventilation rate required by Section 160.2(c)3 
regardless of CO 2 concentration.  
iv. Outdoor air CO 2 concentration shall be determined by one of the following:  Page 526  2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 160.2 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR VENTILATION AND INDOOR AIR QUALITY  a. CO 2 concentration shall be assumed to be 400 ppm without any direct 
measurement; or  
b. CO 2 concentration shall be dynamically measured using a CO 2 sensor located within 
4 ft of the outdoor air intake.  
v. When the system is operating during hours of expected occupancy, the controls shall 
maintain system outdoor air ventilation rates no less than  Ra × Az per Equation 160.2 -H 
the rate listed in Table 160.2 -B for DCV, times the conditioned floor area for each 
space s with a CO 2 sensor (s), plus the greater of either the exhaust air rate or the rate 
required by Section 160.2(c)3 for other spaces served by the system ., or the exhaust air 
rate, whichever is greater.  
vi. CO 2 sensors shall be certified by the manufacturer to be accurate within plus or minus 
75 ppm at a 600 and 1000 ppm concentration when measured at sea level and 25°C, 
factory calibrated, and certified by the manufacturer to require calibration no more frequently than once every 5 years. Upon detection of sensor failure, the system shall provide a signal that resets to supply the minimum quantity of outside air to levels required by Section 160.2(c)3 to the zone serviced by the sensor at all times that the 
zone is occupied.  
vii. The CO
2 sensor(s) reading for each zone shall be displayed continuously, and shall be 
recorded on systems with digital direct controls (DDC) to the zone level.  
E. Occupant sensing ventilation control devices. Occupant sensing ventilation controls are 
required for space -conditioning zones that are both permitted to have their ventilation air 
reduced to zero while in occupied- standby mode per Table 160.2 -B and required to install 
occupant sensors to comply with Sections 160.5(b)4Cv, vi and vii. Occupant sensing 
ventilation control devices used to reduce the rate of outdoor air flow when occupants are 
not present shall comply with the following: Occupied -Standby Zone Controls.  
i. Space conditioning zones shall include occupied standby controls complying with Table  
160.2-B when all of the following are true:  
 a . All rooms served by the zone are permitted to have their ventilation air reduced to 
zero while in occupied- standby mode per Table 1 60.2-B ; and  
 b. Occupant sensors are required by Section 160.5(b)4Cv and vi; and 
 c . The zone and ventilation system that serves it is controlled by DDC.  
ii. Occupied -standby zone controls shall comply with the following:  
a. Occupant sensors shall meet the requirements in Section 110.9(b)4 and shall 
have suitable coverage and placement to detect occupants in the entire space  
ventilated. In 20 minutes or less after no occupancy is detected by any sensors 
covering the room, occupant sensing controls shall indicate a room is vacant.  
b. When occupant sensors controlling lighting are also used for ventilation, the 
ventilation signal shall be independent of daylighting, manual lighting 
overrides or manual control of lighting.  2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 527  
SECTION 160.2 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR VENTILATION AND INDOOR AIR QUALITY  c. When a single zone damper or a single zone system serves multiple 
rooms spaces , there shall be an occupant sensor in each room space and the 
zone shall not be considered vacant until all rooms spaces in the zone are 
vacant.  
d. One hour prior to normal scheduled occupancy, the occupant sensor 
ventilation control shall allow preoccupancy purge as described in Section 
160.2(c)5B.  
e. When the zone is scheduled to be occupied and occupant sensing controls in all rooms spaces and areas served by the zone indicate the spaces are 
unoccupied, the zone shall be placed in occupied - standby mode.  
f. In 5 minutes or less after entering occupied- standby mode, mechanical 
ventilation to the zone shall be shut off until the space becomes occupied or until ventilation is needed to provide space heating or conditioning. When 
mechanical ventilation is shut off to the zone, the ventilation system serving 
the zone shall reduce the system outside air rate by the amount of outside air 
required for the zone.  
g. Where the system providing space conditioning also provides ventilation to the zone, in 5 minutes or less after entering occupied- standby mode, space -
conditioning zone setpoints shall be reset in accordance with Section 120.2(e)3.  
6. Ducting for zonal heating and cooling units.  Where a return plenum is used to distribute 
outdoor air to a zonal heating or cooling unit that then supplies the air to a space in order to 
meet the requirements of Section 160.2(c)3, the outdoor air shall be ducted to discharge either:  
A. Within 5 feet of the unit; or  
B. Within 15 feet of the unit, substantially toward the unit and at a velocity not less than 500 feet per minute.  
7. Design and control requirements for quantities of outdoor air .  
A. All mechanical ventilation and space -conditioning systems shall be designed with and have 
installed ductwork, dampers and controls to allow outside air rates to be operated at the minimum levels specified in Section 160.2(c)3 or the rate required for ma ke-up of exhaust 
systems that are required for an exempt or covered process, for control of odors or for the removal of contaminants within the space.  
B. All variable air volume mechanical ventilation and space -conditioning systems shall include 
dynamic controls that maintain measured outside air ventilation rates within 10 percent of the required outside air ventilation rate at both full and reduced supply  airflow conditions. 
Fixed minimum damper position is not considered to be dynamic and is not an allowed control strategy.  
C. Measured outdoor air rates of constant volume mechanical ventilation and space -
conditioning systems shall be within 10 percent of the required outside air rate.  Page 528  2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 160.2 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR VENTILATION AND INDOOR AIR QUALITY  8. Air classification  and recirculation limitations . Air classification and recirculation limitations of 
air shall be based on the air classification as listed in Table 160.2 -B or Table 160.2- D, in 
accordance with the following:  
A. Class 1 air is air with significant contaminant concentration, significant sensory -irritation 
intensity or offensive odor. Recirculation or transfer of Class 1 air to any space shall be 
permitted; [ASHRAE 62.1:5.1 36.3.1]  
B. Class 2 air is air with moderate contaminant concentration, mild sensory -irritation intensity 
or mildly offensive odor (Class 2 air also includes air that is not necessarily harmful or objectionable but that is inappropriate for transfer or recirculatio n to spaces used for 
different purposes). Recirculation or transfer of Class 2 air shall be permitted in accordance with Sections 160.2(c)8Bi through 160.2(c)8Bv:  
i. Recirculation of Class 2 air within the space of origin shall be permitted [ASHRAE 62.1:5.136 .3.2.1]. 
ii. Recirculation or transfer of Class 2 to other Class 2 or Class 3 spaces shall be permitted, provided that the other spaces are used for the same or similar purpose or task and involve the same or similar pollutant sources as the Class 2 space [ASHRAE 62.1:5.136 .3.2.2]; or  
iii. Transfer of Class 2 air to toilet rooms [ASHRAE 62.1:5.1 36.3.2.3]; or  
iv. Recirculation or transfer of Class 2 air to Class 4 spaces [ASHRAE 62.1:5.1 36.3.2.4]; or  
v. Class 2 air shall not be recirculated or transferred to Class 1 spaces. [ASHRAE 62.1:5.136 .3.2.5]  
Exception  to Section 160.2(c)8Bv: When using any energy recovery device, recirculation 
from leakage, carryover or transfer from the exhaust side of the energy recovery device is permitted. Recirculated Class 2 air shall not exceed 10 percent of the outdoor air intake flow.   
C. Class 3 air is air with significant contaminant concentration, significant sensory -irritation 
intensity or offensive odor. Recirculation or transfer of Class 3 air shall be permitted in accordance with Sections 160.2(c)8Ci and 160.2(c)8Cii:  
i. Recirculation of Class 3 air within the space of origin shall be permitted. [ASHRAE 62.1:5.136 .3.3.1]  
ii. Class 3 air shall not be recirculated or transferred to any other space. [ASHRAE 62.1:5.136 .3.3.2].  
Exception  to Section 160.2(c)8Cii: When using any energy recovery device, recirculation 
from leakage, carryover or transfer from the exhaust side of the energy recovery device is permitted. Recirculated Class 3 air shall not exceed 5 percent of the outdoor air intake flow.  
D. Class 4 air is air with highly objectionable fumes or gases or with potentially dangerous particles, bioaerosols or gases at concentrations high enough to be considered as harmful. Class 4 air shall not be recirculated or transferred to any space or rec irculated within the 
space of origin. [ASHRAE 62.1:5.136 .3.4]  2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 529  
SECTION 160.2 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR VENTILATION AND INDOOR AIR QUALITY  E. Ancillary spaces. Redesignation of Class 1 air to Class 2 air shall be permitted for Class 1 
spaces that are ancillary to Class 2 spaces. [ASHRAE 62.1:5.1 36.2.3]  
F. Transfer. A mixture of air that has been transferred through or returned from spaces or locations with different air classes shall be redesignated with the highest classification 
among the air classes mixed. [ASHRAE 62.1:5.1 36.2.2]  
G. Classification. Air leaving each space or location shall be designated at an expected air-
quality classification not less than that shown in Table 160.2 -B, 160.2- C or 160.2- D. Air 
leaving spaces or locations that are not listed in Table 160.2 -B, 160.2-C or 160.2- D shall be 
designated with the same classification as air from the most similar space or location listed in terms of occupant activities and building construction.  
(d) Parking garages. Mechanical ventilation systems for enclosed parking garages in multifamily 
buildings shall comply with Section 120.6(c).   
 
TABLE 160.2- A: RESERVED  Infiltration Effectiveness Weather and Shielding Factors [ASHRAE 62.2: Table B1  
TMY3  wsf Weather  Station  Latitude  Longitude  State 
690150  0.50 Twentynine  Palms  34.30  –116.17  California  
722860  0.43 March  AFB 33.90  –117.25  California  
722868  0.45 Palm  Springs  Intl 33.83  –116.50  California  
722869  0.42 Riverside  Muni 33.95  –117.45  California  
722880  0.39 Burbank –Glendale –Pasadena  AP 34.20  –118.35  California  
722885  0.39 Santa Monica  Muni 34.02  –118.45  California  
722886  0.39 Van Nuys Airport  34.22  –118.48  California  
722895  0.55 Lompoc  (AWOS)  34.67  –120.47  California  
722897  0.51 San Luis Co Rgnl 35.23  –120.63  California  
722899  0.45 Chino  Airport  33.97  –117.63  California  
722900  0.38 San Diego  Lindbergh Field 32.73  –117.17  California  
722903  0.39 San Diego/Montgomery  32.82  –117.13  California  
722904  0.40 Chula Vista  Brown  Field  NAAS 32.58  –116.98  California  
722906 0.39 San Diego North Island NAS  32.70 –117.20 California  
722926 0.40 Camp Pendleton MCAS 33.30 –117.35 California  
722927 0.38 Carlsbad/Palomar  33.13 –117.28 California  
722930 0.39 San Diego Miramar NAS  32.87 –117.13 California  
722950 0.42 Los Angeles Intl Arpt  33.93 –118.40 California  
722956 0.38 Jack Northrop Fld H  33.92 –118.33 California  
722970 0.38 Long Beach Daugherty Fld  33.83 –118.17 California  
722976 0.34 Fullerton Municipal  33.87 –117.98 California  
722977 0.36 Santa Ana John Wayne AP  33.68 –117.87 California  
723805 0.51 Needles Airport  34.77 –114.62 California  
723810 0.59 Edwards AFB  34.90 –117.87 California  
 Page 530  2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 160.2 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR VENTILATION AND INDOOR AIR QUALITY  TABLE 160.2- A: Infiltration Effectiveness Weather and Shielding Factors [ASHRAE 62.2: Table B1] (continued)  
TMY3  wsf Weather  Station  Latitude  Longitude  State 
723815  0.58 Daggett  Barstow– Daggett AP 34.85  –116.80  California  
723816  0.62 Lancaster  Gen Wm Fox Field 34.73  –118.22  California  
723820  0.57 Palmdale  Airport  34.63  –118.08  California  
723830  0.68 Sandberg  34.75  –118.72  California  
723840  0.43 Bakersfield Meadows  Field 35.43  –119.05  California  
723890  0.45 Fresno  Yosemite  Intl AP 36.78  –119.72  California  
723895  0.42 Porterville  (AWOS)  36.03  –119.07  California  
723896  0.43 Visalia  Muni  (AWOS)  36.32  –119.40  California  
723910  0.45 Point  Mugu  Nf 34.12  –119.12  California  
723925  0.44 Santa Barbara Municipal  AP 34.43  –119.85  California  
723926  0.43 Camarillo  (AWOS)  34.22  –119.08  California  
723927  0.45 Oxnard  Airport  34.20  –119.20  California  
723940 0.52 Santa Maria Public Arpt  34.92 –120.47 California  
723965 0.53 Paso Robles Municipal Arpt  35.67 –120.63 California  
724800 0.55 Bishop Airport  37.37 –118.35 California  
724815 0.46 Merced/Macready Fld  37.28 –120.52 California  
724830 0.51 Sacramento Executive Arpt  38.50 –121.50 California  
724837 0.45 Beale AFB 39.13 –121.43 California  
724838 0.50 Yuba Co  39.10 –121.57 California  
724839 0.51 Sacramento Metropolitan AP  38.70 –121.58 California  
724915 0.49 Monterey Naf  36.60 –121.87 California  
724917 0.54 Salinas Municipal AP  36.67 –121.60 California  
724920 0.50 Stockton Metropolitan Arpt  37.90 –121.23 California  
724926 0.47 Modesto City –County AP  37.63 –120.95 California  
724927 0.53 Livermore Municipal  37.70 –121.82 California  
724930 0.54 Oakland Metropolitan Arpt  37.72 –122.22 California  
724935 0.47 Hayward Air Term  37.67 –122.12 California  
724936 0.53 Concord –Buchanan Field  38.00 –122.05 California  
724940 0.60 San Francisco Intl AP  37.62 –122.40 California  
724945 0.48 San Jose Intl AP  37.37 –121.93 California  
724955 0.55 Napa Co. Airport  38.22 –122.28 California  
724957 0.49 Santa Rosa (AWOS)  38.52 –122.82 California  
725845 0.44 Blue Canyon AP  39.30 –120.72 California  
725846 0.66 Truckee –Tahoe  39.32 –120.13 California  
725847 0.64 South Lake Tahoe  38.90 –120.00 California  
725905 0.47 Ukiah Municipal AP 39.13 –123.20 California  
 
 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 531  
SECTION 160.2 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR VENTILATION AND INDOOR AIR QUALITY  TABLE 160.2- A: Infiltration Effectiveness Weather and Shielding Factors [ASHRAE 62.2:Table B1] (continued)  
TMY3  wsf Weather Station  Latitude  Longitude  State 
725910  0.50 Red Bluff  Municipal  Arpt 40.15  –122.25  California  
725920  0.47 Redding  Municipal Arpt 40.52  –122.32  California  
725945  0.56 Arcata  Airport  40.98  –124.10  California  
725946  0.60 Crescent  City Faa Ai 41.78  –124.23  California  
725955  0.55 Montague  Siskiyou  County  AP 41.78  –122.47  California  
725958  0.59 Alturas  41.50  –120.53  California  
745090  0.45 Mountain  View  Moffett Fld NAS 37.40  –122.05  California  
745160  0.67 Travis  Field  AFB 38.27  –121.93  California  
746120  0.52 China Lake  Naf 35.68  –117.68  California  
747020  0.50 Lemoore  Reeves  NAS 36.33  –119.95  California  
747185  0.46 Imperial  32.83  –115.58  California  
747187  0.46 Palm  Springs  Thermal  AP 33.63  –116.17  California  
747188  0.48 Blythe  Riverside  Co Arpt 33.62  –114.72  California  
 
TABLE 160.2- B – Minimum Ventilation Rates for Multifamily Common Use Areas  
Occupancy Category3 Area Outdoor Air 
Rate1 Ra 
cfm/ft2 Min Air Rate for 
DC cfm/ft2V2 Air Class  Notes  
Daycare (through age 4)  0.21  0.15  2  
Multiuse assembly  0.50  0.15  1 F 
Dining rooms  0.50  0.15  2  
Bars, cocktail lounges  0.50  0.20  2  
Kitchen (cooking)  0.15   2  
Break rooms  0.50  0.15  1 F 
Coffee stations  0.50  0.15  1 F 
Conference/meeting  0.50  0.15  1 F 
Corridors  0.15   1 F 
Occupiable storage rooms for liquids or gels  0.15   2 B 
Laundry rooms, central  0.15   2  
Lobbies/pre -function  0.50  0.15  1 F 
Breakrooms  0.50 0.15    
Occupiable storage rooms for dry materials  0.15     
Office space  0.15   1  
Reception areas  0.15   1 F 
Telephone/data entry  0.15   1 F 
Computer (not printing)  0.15     
Freezer and refrigerated spaces (<50oF) -  1 F 
Shipping/receiving  0.15     
 
TABLE 160.2- B – Minimum Ventilation Rates for Multifamily Common Use Areas (Continued)  
Occupancy Category3 Area Outdoor Air 
Rate1 Ra 
cfm/ft2 Min Air Rate for 
DC cfm/ft2V2 Air Class  Notes  
Gym, sports arena (play area)  0.50  0.15  2 E 
Swimming (pool)  0.15   2 C 
Swimming (deck)  0.50  0.15  2 C 
Disco/dance floors  1.50  0.15  2 F 
Health club/aerobics room/weight rooms  0.15   2  
Game arcades  0.68  0.15  1  
All others  0.15     Page 532  2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 160.2 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR VENTILATION AND INDOOR AIR QUALITY  TABLE 160.2- B – Minimum Occupant Load Density and Ventilation Rates for Multifamily Common Use 
Areas  
Space Type  Minimum Occupant Load 
Density (p/1000 ft2)1 Area -based Minimum  Ventilation  
Ra (cfm/ft2) Air Class  Notes  
Bars,  cocktail  lounges  33 0.2 2  
Break  rooms  33 0.15 1 F 
Coffee  stations  33 0.15 1 F 
Conference/meeting  33 0.15 1 F 
Corridors  5 0.15 1 F 
Computer  (not printing)  5 0.15 1 F 
Daycare  (through age 4) 14 0.15 2  
Dining  rooms  33 0.15 2  
Disco/dance  floors  100 0.15 2 F 
Freezer  and refrigerated  
spaces  (<50oF)  0 0 2 E 
Game  arcades  45 0.15 1  
Gym,  sports  arena  (play  
area)  10 0.15 2 E 
Health  club/aerobics  
room /weight  rooms  10 0.15 2  
Kitchen  (cooking)  3 0.15 2  
Laundry  rooms,  central  5 0.15 2  
Lobbies/pre -function  33 0.15 1 F 
Multiuse  assembly  33 0.15 1 F 
Occupiable  storage  rooms  
for dry materials  2 0.15 1  
Occupiable  storage  rooms  
for liquids  or gels 2 0.15 2 B 
Office  space  5 0.15 1 F 
Reception  areas  5 0.15 1 F 
Shipping/receiving  2 0.15 2 B 
Spectator  areas  33 0.15 1 F 
Swimming  (deck)  33 0.15 2 C 
Swimming  (pool)  10 0.15 2 C 
Telephone/data entry  33 0.15 1 F 
All others  5 0.15 2  
General:  
1. Ra was determined as being the larger of the area method and the default per person method. The minimum occupant density used 
in the per person method was assumed to be is one half of the maximum occupant load assumed for egress purposes in the CBC.  
2. If this column specifies a minimum cfm/ft2 then it shall be used to comply with Section160.2(c)5E.  
3. For spaces not included in this table, the spaces in Table 120.1 -A shall apply.  
Specific Notes:  2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 533  
SECTION 160.2 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR VENTILATION AND INDOOR AIR QUALITY  A – RESERVED  
B – Rate may not be sufficient where stored materials include those having potentially harmful emissions.  
C – Rate does not allow for humidity control. “Deck area” refers to the area surrounding the pool that is capable of being wetted during 
pool use or when the pool is occupied. Deck area that is not expected to be wetted shall be designated as an occupancy category.  
D – RESREVED. 
E – Where combustion equipment is intended to be used on the playing surface or in the space, additional dilution ventilation, so urce 
control, or both shall be provided.  
F – Ventilation air for this occupancy category shall be permitted to be reduced to zero when the space is in occupied -standby mode.  
 
TABLE 160.2-C  – Minimum Exhaust Rates  
[ASHRAE 62.1: TABLE 6-2 .5] 
Occupancy Category3 Exhaust Rete,  
cfm/unit  Exhaust Rate,  
cfm/ft2 Air Class  Notes  
Copy, printing rooms  - 0.50  2 - 
Janitor closets, trash rooms, recycling  - 1.00  3 - 
Kitchenettes  - 0.30  2 - 
Kitchens – commercial  - 0.70  2 - 
Locker rooms for athletic or industrial 
facilities  - 0.50 2 - 
All other locker rooms  - 0.25  2 - 
Shower rooms  20/50  - 2 G, H  
Parking garages  - 0.75  2 C 
Pet shops (animal areas)  - 0.90  2 - 
Soiled laundry storage rooms  - 1.00  3 F 
Storage rooms, chemical  - 1.50  4 F 
Toilets – private  25/50  - 2 E 
Toilets – public  50/70  - 2 D 
General:  
3 For spaces not included in this table, the spaces in Table 120.1 -B shall apply.  
Notes: 
A –Reserved  
B –Reserved  
C – Exhaust shall not be required where two or more sides comprise walls that are at least 50% 
open to the outside.  
D – Rate is per water closet, urinal, or both. Provide the higher rate where periods of heavy use are 
expected to occur. The lower rate shall be permitted to be used otherwise.  
E – Rate is for a toilet room intended to be occupied by one person at a time. For continuous 
systems operation during hours of use, the lower rate shall be permitted to be used. Otherwise 
the higher rate shall be used.  
F – See other applicable standards for exhaust rate.  
G – For continuous system operation, the lower rate shall be permitted to be used. Otherwise the 
higher rate shall be used.  
H – Rate is per showerhead.  
 
  Page 534  2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 160.2 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR VENTILATION AND INDOOR AIR QUALITY  TABLE 160.2-D – Airstreams or Sources  
[ASHRAE 62.1:Table 6-3 5.16.1] 
Description  Air Class  
Commercial kitchen grease hoods  4 
Commercial kitchen hoods other than grease  3 
Hydraulic elevator machine room  2 
Refrigerating machinery rooms  3 
 
Table 160.2- E: Demand- Controlled Local Ventilation Exhaust Airflow Rates and Capture Efficiency  
Application  Compliance Criteria  
Enclosed Kitchen or 
Nonenclosed Kitchen  Vented range hood, including appliance -range hood combinations shall meet either 
the capture efficiency (CE) or the airflow rate specified in Table 160.2 -G as applicable.  
Enclosed Kitchen  Other kitchen exhaust fans, including downdraft: 300 cfm (150 L/s) or a capacity of 5 
ACH  
Nonenclosed Kitchen  Other kitchen exhaust fans, including downdraft: 300 cfm (150  L/s) 
Bathroom 50 cfm (25 L/s)  
 
Table 160.2- F: Continuous Local Ventilation Exhaust Airflow Rates  
Application  Airflow  
Enclosed kitchen  5 ach, based on kitchen volume  
Bathroom 20 cfm (10 L/s)  2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 535 
SECTION 160.2 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR VENTILATION AND INDOOR AIR QUALITY  Table 160.2- G: Kitchen Range Hood Airflow Rates (cfm) and ASTM E3087 Capture Efficiency (CE) Ratings  
According to Dwelling Unit Floor Area and Kitchen Range Fuel Type  
Dwelling Unit Floor Area (ft2) Hood Over Electric Range  Hood Over Natural Gas Range  
>1500  50% CE or 110 cfm  70% CE or 180 cfm  
>1000 - 1500  50% CE or 110 cfm  80% CE or 250 cfm  
750 - 1000  55% CE or 130 cfm  85% CE or 280 cfm  
<750  65% CE or 160 cfm  85% CE or 280 cfm  
 
Table 160.2- H: Prescriptive Ventilation System Duct Sizing [ASHRAE 62.2:Table 5 -3] 
Fan Airflow Rating,  
cfm at minimum static 
pressuref 0.25 in. water  
(L/s at minimum 62.5 Pa)  ≤50 
(25) ≤80 
(40) ≤100 
(50) ≤125 
(60) ≤150 
(70) ≤175 
(85) ≤200 
(95) ≤250 
(120
) ≤350 
(165
) ≤400 
(190
) ≤450 
(210
) ≤700 
(330
) ≤800 
(380
) 
Minimum Duct Diameter, in. 
(mm) a,b For Rigid duct  4 e 
(100)  5 
(125) 5 
(125) 6 
(150) 6 
(150) 7 
(180) 7 
(180) 8 
(205) 9 
(230) 10 
(255) 10 
(255) 12 
(305) 12 d 
(305)  
Minimum Duct Diameter, in. 
(mm) a,b For Flex duct c 4 
(100)  5 
(125)  6 
(150)  6 
(150)  7 
(150)  7 
(180)  8 
(205)  8 
(205)  9 
(230)  10 
(255)  NP NP NP 
Footnotes for Table 150.0 -H: 
a. For noncircular ducts, calculate the diameter as four times the cross- sectional area divided by the perimeter. 
b. NP = application of the prescriptive table is not permitted for this scenario.  
c. Use of this table for verification of flex duct systems requires flex duct to be fully extended and any flex duct elbows to h ave a minimum bend radius to 
duct diameter ratio of 1.0.  
d. For this scenario, use of elbows is not permitted.  
e. For this scenario, 4 in. (100 mm) oval duct shall be permitted, provided the minor axis of the oval is greater than or equal to 3 in. (75 mm)  
f. When a vented range hood utilizes a capture efficiency rating to demonstrate compliance with 160.2(b)2Avic2, a static pressur e greater than or equal to 
0.25 in. of water at the rating point shall not be required, and the airflow listed in the approved directory corresponding to the compliant capture 
efficiency rating point shall be applied to Table 160.2- H for determining compliance.  
Note:  Authority: Sections 25213, 25218, 25218.5, 25402 and 25402.1, Public Resources Code. Reference: Sections 25007, 25008, 25218. 5, 25310, 
25402, 25402.1, 25402.4, 25402.5, 25402.8, and 25943, Public Resources Code.  Page 536  2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 160.3 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR SPACE CONDITIONING SYSTEMS IN MULTIFAMILY BUILDINGS  SECTION 160.3 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR SPACE CONDITIONING SYSTEMS 
IN MULTIFAMILY BUILDINGS  
Space conditioning systems serving multifamily dwelling units and common use areas shall comply 
with the applicable requirements of Sections 160.3(a) through 160.3(c).  
(a) Controls . Space -conditioning systems serving dwelling units and common use areas in multifamily 
buildings shall comply with applicable requirements of Section  160.3(a)1 or 160.3(a)2.   
1. Dwelling unit thermostats. All heating or cooling systems, including heat pumps, not controlled 
by a central energy management control system (EMCS) shall have a setback thermostat, as 
specified in Section 110.2(c).  
2. Common use area controls . Heating or cooling systems serving common use areas of 
multifamily buildings shall comply with application requirements of Sections 160.3(a)2A 
through 160.3(a)2J.  
Exception to Section 160.3(a)2:  Heating or cooling systems exclusively serving dwelling units 
and common use areas providing shared provisions for living, eating, cooking or sanitation to dwelling units that would otherwise lack these provisions may instead comply with Section 160.3(a)1.  
A. Thermostatic controls for each zone.  The supply of heating and cooling energy to each 
space -conditioning zone shall be controlled by an individual thermostatic control that 
responds to temperature within the zone and that meets the applicable requirements of 
Section 160.3(a)2B. An energy man agement control system (EMCS) may be installed to 
comply with the requirements of one or more thermostatic controls if it complies with all applicable requirements for each thermostatic control.  
Exception  to Section 160.3(a)2A:  An independent perimeter heating or cooling system may 
serve more than one zone without individual thermostatic controls if:  
i. All zones are also served by an interior cooling system; and  
ii. The perimeter system is designed solely to offset envelope heat losses or gains; and  
iii. The perimeter system has at least one thermostatic control for each building orientation of 50 feet or more; and  
iv. The perimeter system is controlled by at least one thermostat located in one of the zones served by the system.  
B. Criteria for zonal thermostatic controls . The individual thermostatic controls required by 
Section 160.3(a)2A shall meet the following requirements as applicable:  
i. Where used to control comfort heating, the thermostatic controls shall be capable of 
being set, locally or remotely, down to 55°F or lower.  
ii. Where used to control comfort cooling, the thermostatic controls shall be capable of 
being set, locally or remotely, up to 85°F or higher.  2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 537 
SECTION 160.3 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR SPACE CONDITIONING SYSTEMS IN MULTIFAMILY BUILDINGS  iii. Where used to control both comfort heating and comfort cooling, the thermostatic 
controls shall meet Items i and ii and shall be capable of providing a temperature range or deadband of at least 5°F within which the supply of heating and cooling energy  to the 
zone is shut off or reduced to a minimum.  
Exception  to Section 160.3(a)2Biii:  Systems with thermostats that require manual 
changeover between heating and cooling modes.  
iv. Thermostatic controls for all single zone air conditioners and heat pumps shall comply with the requirements of Sections 110.2(c) and 110.12(a) and, if equipped with DDC to the zone level, with the automatic demand shed controls of Section 110.12(b).  
Exception  to Section 160.3(a)2Biv: Package terminal air conditioners, package terminal 
heat pumps, room air conditioners and room air- conditioner heat pumps.  
C. Heat pump controls .  
All heat pumps with supplementary electric resistance heaters shall be installed with 
controls that comply with Section 110.2(b).  
D. Shut- off and reset controls  for space -conditioning systems.  Each space -conditioning 
system shall be installed with controls that comply with the following:  i. The control shall be capable of automatically shutting off the system during periods of 
nonuse and shall have:  
a. An automatic time switch control device complying with Section 110.9, with an 
accessible manual override that allows operation of the system for up to 4 hours; or  
b. An occupancy sensor; or  
c. A 4-hour timer that can be manually operated.  
ii. The control shall automatically restart and temporarily operate the system as required to maintain:   
a. A setback heating thermostat setpoint if the system provides mechanical heating; 
and  
Exception  to Section 160.3(a)2Diia:  Thermostat setback controls are not required in 
multifamily buildings in areas where the Winter Median of Extremes outdoor air 
temperature determined in accordance with Section 170.2(c)1C  is greater than 32°F.  
b. A setup cooling thermostat setpoint if the system provides mechanical cooling.  
Exception  to Section 160.3(a)2Diib:  Thermostat setup controls are not required in 
multifamily buildings in areas where the summer design dry -bulb 0.5 -percent 
temperature determined in accordance with Section 170.2(c)1C  is less than 100°F.  
iii. Occupant sensing zone controls . Where the system providing space conditioning also 
provides the ventilation required by Section 160.2(c)3 and includes occupant sensor ventilation control as specified in Section 160.2(c)5E, the occupant sensing zone controls shall additionally comply with  the following:  Page 538  2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 160.3 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR SPACE CONDITIONING SYSTEMS IN MULTIFAMILY BUILDINGS  a. Occupant sensing zone controls shall comply with the occupant sensor ventilation 
control device requirements of Section 160.3(c)5E and allow preoccupancy ventilation requirements of Section 160.3(c)5B; and  
b. In 5 minutes or less after entering occupied- standby mode as described in Section 
160.2(c)5:   
I. Automatically set up the operating cooling temperature setpoint by 2°F or more and set back the operating heating temperature setpoint by 2°F or more; or  
II. For multiple zone systems with Direct Digital Controls (DDC) to the zone level, set up the operating cooling temperature setpoint by 0.5°F or more and set back the operating heating temperature setpoint by 0.5°F or more.  
c. In 5 minutes or less after entering occupied- standby mode, mechanical ventilation 
to the zone shall remain off whenever the space temperature is between the active heating and cooling setpoints.  
Exception to Section 160.3(a)2Diii : Zones that are only ventilated by a natural 
ventilation system in accordance with Section 120.1(c)2.   
Exception  1 to Sections 160.3(a)2Di, ii and iii:  Where it can be demonstrated to the 
satisfaction of the enforcing agency that the system serves an area that must operate continuously.  
Exception  2 to Sections 160.3(a)2Di, ii and iii:  Systems with full load demands of 2 kW 
or less, if they have a readily accessible manual shut -off switch.  
E. Dampers for air supply and exhaust equipment.  Outdoor air supply and exhaust 
equipment shall be installed with dampers that automatically close upon fan shutdown.  
Exception  1 to Section 160.3(a)2E:  Equipment that serves an area that must operate 
continuously.  Exception  2 to Section 160.3(a)2E:  Gravity and other nonelectrical equipment that has 
readily accessible manual damper controls.  Exception  3 to Section 160.3(a)2E:  At combustion air intakes and shaft vents.  
Exception  4 to Section 160.3(a)2E:  Where prohibited by other provisions of law.  
F. Isolation area devices . Each space -conditioning system serving multiple zones with a 
combined conditioned floor area of more than 25,000 square feet shall be designed, 
installed and controlled to serve isolation areas.  
i. Each zone, or any combination of zones not exceeding 25,000 square feet, shall be a 
separate isolation area.  
ii. Each isolation area shall be provided with isolation devices, such as valves or dampers 
that allow the supply of heating or cooling to be reduced or shut off independently of other isolation areas.  
iii. Each isolation area shall be controlled by a device meeting the requirements of Section 160.3(a)2Di.  2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 539  
SECTION 160.3 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR SPACE CONDITIONING SYSTEMS IN MULTIFAMILY BUILDINGS  Exception  to Section 160.3(a)2F:  Zones designed to be conditioned continuously.   
G. Automatic demand shed controls. See Section 110.12 for requirements for automatic 
demand shed controls.  
H. Economizer Fault Detection and Diagnostics (FDD).  All newly installed air handlers with a 
mechanical cooling capacity over 33 ,000 Btu/hr and an installed air economizer shall 
include a stand- alone or integrated Fault Detection and Diagnostics (FDD) system in 
accordance with Subsections 160.3(a)2Hi through 160.3(a)2Hviii.  
i. The following temperature sensors shall be permanently installed to monitor system 
operation: outside air, supply air and, when required for differential economizer operation, a return air sensor; and  
ii. Temperature sensors shall have an accuracy of ±2°F over the range of 40°F to 80°F; and  
iii. The controller shall have the capability of displaying the value of each sensor; and  
iv. The controller shall provide system status by indicating the following conditions:  
a. Free cooling available;  
b. Economizer enabled;  
c. Compressor enabled;  
d. Heating enabled, if the system is capable of heating; and  
e. Mixed air low limit cycle active.  
v. The unit controller shall allow manual initiation of each operating mode so that the operation of cooling systems, economizers, fans and heating systems can be independently tested and verified; and  
vi. Faults shall be reported in one of the following ways:  
a. Reported to an Energy Management Control System regularly monitored by facility personnel.  
b. Annunciated locally on one or more zone thermostats, or a device within five feet of 
zone thermostat(s), clearly visible, at eye level and meeting the following 
requirements:  
I. On the thermostat, the device or an adjacent written sign, display instructions to contact appropriate building personnel or an HVAC technician; and  
II. In buildings with multiple tenants, the annunciation shall either be within property management offices or in a common space accessible by the property or building manager.  
c. Reported to a fault management application that automatically provides notification of the fault to remote HVAC service provider.  
vii. The FDD system shall detect the following faults:  
a. Air temperature sensor failure/fault;  Page 540 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 160.3 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR SPACE CONDITIONING SYSTEMS IN MULTIFAMILY BUILDINGS  b. Not economizing when it should;  
c. Economizing when it should not;  
d. Damper not modulating; and  
e. Excess outdoor air.  
viii. The FDD system shall be certified by the Energy Commission as meeting the 
requirements of Sections 160.3(a)2Hi through 160.3(a)2Hvii in accordance with Section 110.0 and JA6.3.  
Exception to Section 160.3(a)2Hviii : FDD algorithms based in direct digital control 
systems are not required to be certified to the Energy Commission.   
I. Direct Digital Controls (DDC).  Direct digital controls to the zone shall be provided as 
specified by Table 160.3 -C.  
i. The provided DDC system shall meet the control logic requirements of Sections 
160.3(a)2E and 160.3(a)2G, and be capable of the following:  
ii. Monitoring zone and system demand for fan pressure, pump pressure, heating and cooling;  
iii. Transferring zone and system demand information from zones to air distribution system controllers and from air distribution systems to heating and cooling plant controllers;  
iv. Automatically detecting the zones and systems that may be excessively driving the reset 
logic and generate an alarm or other indication to the system operator;  
v. Readily allow operator removal of zone(s) from the reset algorithm;  
vi. For new buildings, trending and graphically displaying input and output points; and  
vii. Resetting heating and cooling setpoints in all noncritical zones upon receipt of a signal 
from a centralized contact or software point as described in Section 160.3(a)2G.  
J. Optimum start/stop controls. Space -conditioning systems with DDC to the zone level shall 
have optimum start/stop controls. The control algorithm shall, as a minimum, be a function 
of the difference between space temperature and occupied setpoint, the outdoor air 
temperature, and the amount of time prior to scheduled occupancy. Mass radiant floor slab systems shall incorporate floor temperature onto the optimum start algorithm.  
Exception  to Section 160.3(a)2J:  Systems that must operate continuously.  
 (b) Dwelling unit space -conditioning  and air distribution systems.  
1. Building cooling  and heating loads . Building heating and cooling loads shall be determined 
using a method based on any one of the following, using cooling and heating loads as two of 
the criteria for equipment sizing and selection:  
A. The ASHRAE Handbook, Equipment Volume, Applications Volume and Fundamentals Volume; or  
B. The SMACNA Residential Comfort System Installation Standards Manual; or  2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 541  
SECTION 160.3 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR SPACE CONDITIONING SYSTEMS IN MULTIFAMILY BUILDINGS  C. The ACCA Manual J.   
Note:  Heating systems are required to have a minimum heating capacity adequate to meet the 
minimum requirements of the CBC.  
2. Design conditions . Design conditions shall be determined in accordance with the following:  
A. For the purpose of sizing the space -conditioning (HVAC) system, the indoor design 
temperatures shall be 68°F for heating and 75°F for cooling.  
B. Outdoor design conditions shall be selected from one of the following:  
i. Reference Joint Appendix JA2, which is based on data from the ASHRAE 2021 Climatic 
Data for Region X ; or.  
ii. The ASHRAE Handbook, Equipment Volume, Applications Volume and Fundamentals 
Volume ; or 
iii. The SMACNA Residential Comfort System Installation Standards Manual; or  
iv. The ACCA Manual J 
C. The outdoor design temperatures for heating shall be no lower than the 99.0 percent 
Heating Dry Bulb or the Heating Winter Median of Extremes values.  
D. The outdoor design temperatures for cooling shall be no greater than the 1.0 percent 
Cooling Dry Bulb and Mean Coincident Wet Bulb values.  
3. Outdoor condensing units .  
A. Clearances. Installed air conditioner and heat pump outdoor condensing units shall have a 
clearance of at least five feet (1.5 meters) from the outlet of any dryer vent.  
B. Liquid line drier . Installed air conditioner and heat pump systems shall be equipped with 
liquid line filter driers if required, as specified by manufacturer’s instructions.  
4. Central forced -air heating furnaces .  
A. Temperature rise. Central forced- air heating furnace installations shall be configured to 
operate in conformance with the furnace manufacturer's maximum inlet -to-outlet 
temperature rise specifications.  
5. Air-distribution and ventilation system ducts, plenums  and fans.  
A. CMC compliance.  
i. All air- distribution system ducts and plenums, including, but not limited to, mechanical 
closets and air- handler boxes, shall meet the requirements of the CMC Sections 601.0, 
602.0, 603.0, 604.0 and 605.0 and ANSI/SMACNA -006- 2006 HVAC Duct Construction 
Standards Metal and Flexible 3rd Edition, incorporated herein by reference.  
ii. Portions of supply -air and return -air ducts and plenums of a space heating or cooling 
system shall be insulated in accordance with either Subsection a or b below:  
 a. Ducts shall have a minimum installed level of R -6.0, or  Page 542 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 160.3 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR SPACE CONDITIONING SYSTEMS IN MULTIFAMILY BUILDINGS  Exception  to Section  160.3(b)5Aiia : Portions of the duct system located in 
conditioned space below the ceiling separating the occupiable space from the attic 
are not required to be insulated if all of the following conditions are met:  i. The noninsulated portion of the duct system is located entirely inside the 
building’s thermal envelope as confirmed by visual inspection.  
ii. At all locations where noninsulated portions of the duct system penetrate into 
unconditioned space, the penetration shall be draft stopped compliant with CFC 
Sections 703.1 and 704.1 and air -sealed to the construction materials that are 
penetrated, using m aterials compliant with CMC Section E502.4.2 to prevent air 
infiltration into the cavity. All connections in unconditioned space are insulated 
to a minimum of R -6.0 as confirmed by visual inspection.  
b. Ducts do not require insulation when the duct system is located entirely in 
conditioned space. For buildings with three or fewer habitable stories, duct systems located entirely in conditioned space shall be confirmed through field verification and diag nostic testing in accordance with the requirements of Reference Residential 
Appendix RA3.1.4.3.8.  
iii. Connections of metal ducts and the inner core of flexible ducts shall be mechanically fastened.  
iv. Openings shall be sealed with mastic, tape, or other duct -closure system that meets the 
applicable requirements of UL 181, UL 181A or UL 181B or aerosol sealant that meets the requirements of UL 723. If mastic or tape is used to seal openings greater than 1/4 inch, the combination of mastic and either mesh or tape shall be used.  
v. Building cavities, support platforms for air handlers, and plenums designed or 
constructed with materials other than sealed sheet metal, duct board or flexible duct 
shall not be used for conveying conditioned air. Building cavities and support platforms  
may contain ducts. Ducts installed in cavities and support platforms shall not be compressed to cause reductions in the cross -sectional area of the ducts.  
Exception  to Section 160.3(b)5A : Ducts and fans integral to a wood heater or fireplace.  
B. Factory- fabricated duct systems .  
i. All factory -fabricated duct systems shall comply with UL 181 for ducts and closure 
systems, including collars, connections and splices, and be labeled as complying with UL 181. UL 181 testing may be performed by UL laboratories or a laboratory approved by the Executive Director.  
ii. All pressure -sensitive tapes, heat- activated tapes and mastics used in the manufacture 
of rigid fiberglass ducts shall comply with UL 181 and UL 181A.  
iii. All pressure -sensitive tapes and mastics used with flexible ducts shall comply with UL 
181 and UL 181B.  
iv. Joints and seams of duct systems and their components shall not be sealed with cloth 
back rubber adhesive duct tapes unless such tape is used in combination with mastic 
and drawbands.  2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 543 
SECTION 160.3 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR SPACE CONDITIONING SYSTEMS IN MULTIFAMILY BUILDINGS  C. Field -fabricated duct systems.  
i. Factory -made rigid fiberglass and flexible ducts for field -fabricated duct systems shall comply 
with UL 181. All pressure -sensitive tapes, mastics, aerosol sealants or other closure systems 
used for installing field -fabricated duct systems shall meet the applicable requirements of UL 
181, UL 181A and UL 181B.  
ii. Mastic sealants and mesh.   
a. Sealants shall comply with the applicable requirements of UL 181, UL 181A  and UL 181B, 
and be nontoxic and water resistant.  
b. Sealants for interior applications shall be tested in accordance with ASTM C731 and D2202, 
incorporated herein by reference.   
c. Sealants for exterior applications shall be tested in accordance with ASTM C731, C732  and 
D2202, incorporated herein by reference.  
d. Sealants and meshes shall be rated for exterior use.   
iii. Pressure -sensitive tape. Pressure -sensitive tapes shall comply with the applicable 
requirements of UL 181, UL 181A  and UL 181B.  
iv. Joints and seams of duct systems and their components shall not be sealed with cloth back rubber adhesive duct tapes unless such tape is used in combination with mastic and drawbands.   
v. Drawbands used with flexible duct.  
a. Drawbands shall be either stainless -steel worm -drive hose clamps or UV -resistant nylon 
duct ties.  
b. Drawbands shall have a minimum tensile strength rating of 150 pounds.  
c. Drawbands shall be tightened as recommended by the manufacturer with an adjustable 
tensioning tool.  
vi. Aerosol -sealant closures.  
a. Aerosol sealants shall meet the requirements of UL 723 and be applied according to 
manufacturer specifications.  
b. Tapes or mastics used in combination with aerosol sealing shall meet the requirements of this section.  
D. Duct insulation  R-value ratings . All duct insulation product R -values shall be based on 
insulation only (excluding air films, vapor retarder or other duct components) and tested C -
values at 75°F mean temperature at the installed thickness, in accordance with ASTM C518 or ASTM C177, incorporated herein by reference, and certified pursuant to Section 110.8.  
E. Duct insulation thickness . The installed thickness of duct insulation used to determine its R -
value shall be determined as follows:  
i. For duct board, duct liner and factory -made rigid ducts not normally subjected to 
compression, the nominal insulation thickness shall be used.  Page 544 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 160.3 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR SPACE CONDITIONING SYSTEMS IN MULTIFAMILY BUILDINGS  ii. For duct wrap, installed thickness shall be assumed to be 75 percent (25 percent 
compression) of nominal thickness.  
iii. For factory -made flexible air ducts, the installed thickness shall be determined by 
dividing the difference between the actual outside diameter and nominal inside 
diameter by two.  
F. Duct labeling . Insulated flexible duct products installed to meet this requirement shall 
include labels, in maximum intervals of 3 feet, showing the thermal performance R -value 
for the duct insulation itself (excluding air films, vapor retarder or other duct components), 
based on the tests in Section 160.3(b)5D and the installed thickness determined by Section 160.3(b)5Eiii.   
G. Backdraft dampers . All fan systems, regardless of volumetric capacity, that exchange air 
between the building conditioned space and the outside of the building shall be provided 
with backdraft or automatic dampers to prevent unintended air leakage through the fan 
system when the fan system is not operating.  
H. Gravity ventilation dampers . All gravity ventilating systems that serve conditioned space 
shall be provided with either automatic or readily accessible, manually operated dampers in 
all openings to the outside except combustion inlet and outlet air openings and elevator shaft vents.  
I. Protection of insulation.  Insulation shall be protected from damage, including that due to 
sunlight, moisture, equipment maintenance and wind but not limited to the following: Insulation exposed to weather shall be suitable for outdoor service (e.g., protected by aluminum, sheet m etal, painted canvas or plastic cover). Cellular foam insulation shall be 
protected as above or painted with a coating that is water retardant and provides shielding from solar radiation that can cause degradation of the materia l.  
J. Porous inner core flex duct.  Flexible ducts having porous inner cores shall have a 
nonporous layer or air barrier between the inner core and the outer vapor barrier.  
K. Duct system sealing and leakage testing.  When space -conditioning systems utilize forced 
air duct systems to supply conditioned air to an individual dwelling unit, the ducts shall be sealed, as confirmed through field verification and diagnostic testing, in accordance with all applicable procedures specified in Reference Residential Appendix RA3.1. Air handler airflow for calculation of duct leakage rate compliance targets shall be determined according to methods specified in Reference Residential Appendix RA3.1.4.2 .  
For multifamily dwellings with the air- handling unit installed and the ducts connected 
directly to the air handler, regardless of duct system location:  
i. The total leakage of the duct system shall not exceed 12 percent of the air handler 
airflow as determined utilizing the procedures in Reference Residential Appendix Section RA3.1.4.3.1; or  
ii. The duct system leakage to outside shall not exceed 6 percent of the air handler airflow as determined utilizing the procedures in Reference Residential Appendix Section RA3.1.4.3.4.  2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 545  
SECTION 160.3 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR SPACE CONDITIONING SYSTEMS IN MULTIFAMILY BUILDINGS  Exception  1 to Section 160.3(b)5K: The HERS Rater field verification and HERS ECC-Provider 
data registry requirements of Reference Residential Appendix RA2 and RA3 are not 
required for multifamily dwelling units in buildings four habitable stories and greater. The installer shall certify that diagnostic testing was performed in accordan ce with the 
applicable procedures.  
Exception  2 to Section 160.3(b)5K: Multifamily dwelling units in buildings four habitable 
stories and greater in Climate Zones 1, 3, 5 and 7.  
L. System airflow rate  and fan efficacy . Space -conditioning systems that utilize forced air 
ducts to supply cooling to an individual dwelling unit shall:  
i. Static pressure probe . Have a hole for the placement of a static pressure probe (HSPP), 
or a permanently installed static pressure probe (PSPP) in the supply plenum 
downstream of the air conditioning evaporator coil. The size, location and labeling of 
the HSPP or PSPP shall conf orm to the requirements specified in Reference Residential 
Appendix RA3.3.1.1 as confirmed by field verification and diagnostic testing; and  
Exception  to Section 160.3(b)5Li: Systems that cannot conform to the specifications for 
hole location in Reference Residential Appendix Figure RA3.3 -1 shall not be required to 
provide holes as described in Figure RA3.3 -1.  
ii. Single zone central forced air systems . Demonstrate, in every control mode, airflow 
greater than or equal to 350 cfm per ton of nominal cooling capacity through the return 
grilles, and an air- handling unit fan efficacy less than or equal to the maximum W/cfm 
specified in Subsection a or b below. The airflow rate and fan efficacy requirements in this section shall be confirmed by field verification and diagnostic testing in accordance with the procedures given in Reference Residential Appendix RA3.3.  
a. 0.45 W/cfm for gas furnace air- handling units.  
b. 0.58 W/cfm for air- handling units that are not gas furnaces.  
 
Exception  1 to Section 160.3(b)5Lii:  Standard ducted systems without zoning dampers 
may comply by meeting the applicable requirements in Table 160.3 -A or 160.3- B as 
confirmed by field verification and diagnostic testing in accordance with the procedures 
in Reference Residential Appendix Sections RA3.1.4.4 and RA3.1.4.5. The design clean -
filter pressure drop requirements specified by Section 160.2(b)1Div for the system air filter(s) shall conform to the requirements given in Table 160.3 -A or 160.3 -B.  
Exception  2 to Section  160.3(b)5Lii:  Multispeed compressor systems or variable speed 
compressor systems shall verify airflow (cfm/ton) and fan efficacy (watt/cfm) for system 
operation at the maximum compressor speed and the maximum air handler fan speed.  
Exception  3 to Section 160.3(b)5Lii: Gas furnace air- handling units manufactured prior 
to July 3, 2019 shall comply with a fan efficacy value less than or equal to 0.58 w/cfm as 
confirmed by field verification and diagnostic testing in accordance with the procedures 
given in Reference Residen tial Appendix RA3.3.   Page 546  2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 160.3 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR SPACE CONDITIONING SYSTEMS IN MULTIFAMILY BUILDINGS  iii. Zonally controlled central forced air systems . Zonally controlled central forced air 
cooling systems shall be capable of simultaneously delivering, in every zonal control 
mode, an airflow from the dwelling, through the air handler fan and delivered to the dwelling, of greater than or equal to 350 cfm per ton of nominal cooling capacity, and 
operating at an air- handling unit fan efficacy of less than or equal to the maximum 
W/cfm specified in Subsection a or b below. The airflow rate and fan efficacy 
requirements in this section shall be confirmed by field verification and diagnostic 
testing in accordance with the applicable procedures specified in Reference Residential Appendix RA3.3.  
a. 0.45 W/cfm for gas furnace air- handling units.  
b. 0.58 W/cfm for air- handling units that are not gas furnaces.  
Exception  1 to Section 160.3(b)5Liii: Multispeed or variable speed compressor systems, 
or single speed compressor systems that utilize the performance compliance approach, 
shall demonstrate compliance with the airflow (cfm/ton) and fan efficacy (watt/cfm) requirements of Section 160.3(b)5Liii by operating the system at maximum compressor capacity and system fan speed with all zones calling for conditioning, rather than in every zonal control mode.  
 
Exception  2 to Section 160.3(b)5Liii: Gas furnace air- handling units manufactured prior 
to July 3, 2019 shall comply with a fan efficacy value less than or equal to 0.58 w/cfm as 
confirmed by field verification and diagnostic testing in accordance with the procedures 
given in Reference Residen tial Appendix RA3.3.   
iv. Small duct high velocity forced air systems . Demonstrate, in every control mode, 
airflow greater than or equal to 250 cfm per ton of nominal cooling capacity through 
the return grilles, and an air- handling unit fan efficacy less than or equal to 0.62 W/cfm 
as confirmed by field verification and diagn ostic testing in accordance with the 
procedures given in Reference Residential Appendix RA3.3.  
Exception  1 to Section 160.3(b)5Liv:  Standard ducted systems without zoning dampers 
may comply by meeting the applicable requirements in Table 160.3 -A or 160.3- B as 
confirmed by field verification and diagnostic testing in accordance with the procedures 
in Reference Residential Appendix Sections RA3.1.4.4 and RA3.1.4.5. The design clean -
filter pressure drop requirements specified by Section 160.2(b)1Div for the system air filter(s) shall conform to the requirements given in Table 160.3 -A or 160.3 -B.  
Exception  2 to Section 160.3(b)5Liv: Multispeed compressor systems or variable speed 
compressor systems shall verify airflow (cfm/ton) and fan efficacy (watt/cfm) for system 
operation at the maximum compressor speed and the maximum air handler fan speed.  
Exception  1 to Section 160.3(b)5L: The HERS Rater field verification and HERS ECC-Provider 
data registry requirements of Reference Residential Appendix RA2 and RA3 are not 
required for multifamily dwelling units in buildings four habitable stories and greater. The installer shall certify that diagnostic testing was performed in accordan ce with the 
applicable procedures.   2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 547  
SECTION 160.3 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR SPACE CONDITIONING SYSTEMS IN MULTIFAMILY BUILDINGS  Exception  2 to Section 160.3(b)5L: Multifamily dwelling units in buildings four habitable 
stories and greater in Climate Zone 1.  
6. Piping for space -conditioning systems, solar water- heating system collector loop, and 
distribution piping for steam and hydronic heating system shall meet the requirements of 
Section 160.3(c)1.  
7. Defrost .  
A. If a heat pump is equipped with a defrost delay timer, the delay timer must be set to 
greater than or equal to 90 minutes.  
B. The installer shall certify on the Certificate of Installation that the control configuration has 
been tested in accordance with the testing procedure found in the CF2R.  
Exception  to 160.3(b)7. Dwelling units in Climate  Zones 1,  6 through 10, 15, and 16 shall 
not be required to comply with the 90 minute delay timer requirements.  
8. Capacity variation with third- party thermostats. Variable or multi -speed systems shall 
comply with the following requirements:  
A. The space conditioning system and thermostat together shall be capable of responding to 
heating and cooling loads by modulating system compressor speed. 
B. The installer shall certify on the Certificate of Installation that the control configuration has 
been tested in accordance with the testing procedure found in the CF2R.  
(c) Fluid distribution systems; common area space- conditioning systems . Multifamily buildings shall 
comply with the applicable requirements of Section 160.3(a)1. Multifamily common areas  shall 
comply with the applicable requirements of Sections 160.3(a)2A through 160.3(a)2J .  
1. Pipe insulation. Multifamily buildings shall comply with the applicable requirements of Sections 
160.3(c)1A through 160.3(c)1D.  
A. General requirements. The piping conditions listed below for space -conditioning systems 
with fluid normal operating temperatures listed in Table 160.3 -D shall have at least the 
amount of insulation specified in Section 160.3(c) 1D:  
i. Space cooling systems.  All refrigerant suction, chilled water and brine fluid distribution 
systems.  
ii. Space heating systems.  All refrigerant  suction, steam, steam condensate and hot water 
fluid distribution systems.  
Exception to Section 160.3(c)1Aii: Heat pumps refrigerant vapor line shall be installed 
with a minimum of 0.75 inch thick or R -6.0 insulation. No insulation is required on the 
refrigerant liquid line.  
B. Insulation conductivity shall be determined in accordance with ASTM C335 at the mean 
temperature listed in Table 160.3 -D, and shall be rounded to the nearest 1/100 Btu- inch per 
hour per square foot per °F. Fluid distribution systems include all elements  that are in series 
with the fluid flow, such as pipes, pumps, valves, strainers, coil u -bends and air separators, 
but not including elements that are not in series with the fluid flow, such as expansion 
tanks, fill lines, chemical feeders and drains.  Page 548  2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 160.3 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR SPACE CONDITIONING SYSTEMS IN MULTIFAMILY BUILDINGS  C. Insulation protection . Pipe insulation shall be protected from damage due to sunlight, 
moisture, equipment maintenance and wind. Protection shall, at minimum, include the 
following:  
i. Pipe insulation exposed to weather shall be protected by a cover suitable for outdoor 
service. The cover shall be water retardant and provide shielding from solar radiation 
that can cause degradation of the material. Adhesive tape shall not be used to provide this protection.  
ii. Pipe insulation covering chilled water piping and refrigerant suction piping located outside the conditioned space shall include, or be protected by, a Class I or Class II vapor retarder. All penetrations and joints shall be sealed.  
iii. Pipe insulation buried below grade must be installed in a waterproof and noncrushable 
casing or sleeve.  
D. Insulation thickness.  
i. For insulation with a conductivity in the range shown in Table 160.3 -D for the applicable 
fluid temperature range, the insulation shall have the applicable minimum thickness or 
R-value shown in Table 160.3 -D.  
ii. For insulation with a conductivity outside the range shown in Table 160.3 -D for the 
applicable fluid temperature range, the insulation shall have a minimum R -value shown 
in Table 160.3- D or thickness as calculated with Equation 160.3 -A:  
 (Equation 160.3 -A) 
WHERE:  
T = Minimum insulation thickness for material with conductivity K, inches.  
PR = Pipe actual outside radius, inches.  
t = Insulation thickness from TABLE 160.3-D, inches.  
K = Conductivity of alternate material at the mean rating temperature 
indicated in TABLE 160.3-D for the applicable fluid temperature range, in Btu-
inch per hour per square foot per °F.   
k = The lower value of the conductivity range listed in TABLE 160.3-D for the 
applicable fluid temperature range, Btu- inch per hour per square foot per °F.   
Exception  1 to Section 160.3(c)1:  Factory -installed piping within space -conditioning equipment 
certified under Section 110.1 or 110.2.  
Exception  2 to Section 160.3(c)1:  Piping that conveys fluids with a design operating 
temperature range between 60°F and 105°F.  



−

+ = 1PRt1 PRTkK2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 549 
SECTION 160.3 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR SPACE CONDITIONING SYSTEMS IN MULTIFAMILY BUILDINGS  Exception  3 to Section 160.3(c)1:  Where the heat gain or heat loss to or from piping without 
insulation will not increase building source energy use.  
Exception  4 to Section 160.3(c)1:  Piping that penetrates framing members shall not be 
required to have pipe insulation for the distance of the framing penetration. Metal piping that 
penetrates metal framing shall use grommets, plugs, wrapping or other insulating material to 
ensure that no  contact is made with the metal framing.  
2. Requirements for air distribution system, ducts  and plenum . Multifamily common areas shall 
comply with the applicable requirements of Sections 160.3(c)2A through 160.3(c)2F.  
A. CMC compliance . All air distribution system ducts and plenums, including, but not limited 
to, building cavities, mechanical closets, air- handler boxes and support platforms used as 
ducts or plenums shall meet the requirements of CMC Sections 601.0, 602.0, 603.0, 604.0  
and 605.0, and ANSI/SMACNA- 006- 2006 HVAC Duct Construction Standards Metal and 
Flexible 3rd Edition, incorporated herein by reference. Connections of metal ducts and the 
inner core of flexible ducts shall be mechanically fastened. Openings shall be sealed wit h 
mastic, tape, aerosol sealant or other duct -closure system that meets the applicable 
requirements of UL 181, UL 181A or UL 181B. If mastic or tape is used to seal openings 
greater than 1/4 inch, the combination of mastic and either mesh or tape shall be used.  
B. Portions of supply -air and return -air ducts conveying heated or cooled air located in one or 
more of the following spaces shall be insulated to a minimum installed level of R -8:  
i. Outdoors; or  
ii. In a space between the roof and an insulated ceiling; or  
iii. In a space directly under a roof with fixed vents or openings to the outside or unconditioned spaces; or  
iv. In an unconditioned crawl space; or  
v. In other unconditioned spaces.  
Portions of supply -air ducts that are not in one of these spaces, including ducts buried in 
concrete slab, shall be insulated to a minimum installed level of R -4.2 or be enclosed in 
directly conditioned space.  
C. Duct and plenum materials.  
i. Factory- fabricated duct systems.  
a. All factory -fabricated duct systems shall comply with UL 181 for ducts and closure 
systems, including collars, connections and splices, and be labeled as complying with 
UL 181. UL 181 testing may be performed by UL laboratories or a laboratory 
approved by the Executive Director.  
b. All pressure -sensitive tapes, heat- activated tapes and mastics used in the 
manufacture of rigid fiberglass ducts shall comply with UL 181 and UL 181A.  
c. All pressure -sensitive tapes and mastics used with flexible ducts shall comply with 
UL 181 and UL 181B.  Page 550  2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 160.3 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR SPACE CONDITIONING SYSTEMS IN MULTIFAMILY BUILDINGS  d. Ductwork and plenums with pressure class ratings shall be constructed to Seal Class 
A. Joints and seams of duct systems and their components shall not be sealed with cloth back rubber adhesive duct tapes unless such tape is used in combination with mast ic and drawbands.  
Exception  to Section 160.3(c)2Cid: Ductwork located in occupied space and exposed 
to view.  
ii. Field -fabricated duct systems.  
a. Factory -made rigid fiberglass and flexible ducts for field -fabricated duct systems 
shall comply with UL 181. All pressure -sensitive tapes, mastics, aerosol sealants or 
other closure systems used for installing field- fabricated duct systems shall meet the 
applicable requirements of UL 181, UL 181A and UL 181B.  
b. Mastic sealants and mesh.  
 I. Sealants shall comply with the applicable requirements of UL 181, UL 181A and 
UL 181B, and be nontoxic and water resistant.  
II. Sealants for interior applications shall pass ASTM C731 (extrudability after aging) and D2202 (slump test on vertical surfaces), incorporated herein by reference.  
III. Sealants for exterior applications shall pass ASTM C731, C732 (artificial weathering test) and D2202, incorporated herein by reference.  
IV. Sealants and meshes shall be rated for exterior use.  
c. Pressure -sensitive tape. Pressure -sensitive tapes shall comply with the applicable 
requirements of UL 181, UL 181A and UL 181B.  
d. Ductwork and plenums  with pressure class ratings  shall be constructed to Seal Class 
A. Joints and seams of duct systems and their components shall not be sealed with 
cloth back rubber adhesive duct tapes unless such tape is used in combination with mastic and drawbands.  
e. Drawbands used with flexible duct.  
I. Drawbands shall be either stainless -steel worm -drive hose clamps or UV -
resistant nylon duct ties.  
II. Drawbands shall have a minimum tensile strength rating of 150 pounds.  
III. Drawbands shall be tightened as recommended by the manufacturer with an adjustable tensioning tool.  
f. Aerosol -sealant closures.  
I. Aerosol sealants shall meet the requirements of UL 723 and be applied according to manufacturer specifications.  
II. Tapes or mastics used in combination with aerosol sealing shall meet the requirements of this section.  
D. All duct insulation product R -values shall be based on insulation only (excluding air films, 
vapor retarders or other duct components) and tested C -values at 75°F mean temperature 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 551  
SECTION 160.3 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR SPACE CONDITIONING SYSTEMS IN MULTIFAMILY BUILDINGS  at the installed thickness, in accordance with ASTM C518 or ASTM C177, incorporated 
herein by reference, and certified pursuant to Section 110.8.  
E. The installed thickness of duct insulation used to determine its R -value shall be determined 
as follows:  
 i. For duct board, duct liner and factory -made rigid ducts not normally subjected to 
compression, the nominal insulation thickness shall be used.  
ii. For duct wrap, installed thickness shall be assumed to be 75 percent (25 percent compression) of nominal thickness.  
iii. For factory -made flexible air ducts, the installed thickness shall be determined by 
dividing the difference between the actual outside diameter and nominal inside diameter by two.  
F. Insulated flexible duct products installed to meet this requirement must include labels, in maximum intervals of 3 feet, showing the thermal performance R -value for the duct 
insulation itself (excluding air films, vapor retarder or other duct components ), based on 
the tests in Section 160.3(c)2D and the installed thickness determined by Section 160.3(c)2Eiii.  
G. Insulation shall be protected from damage, including that due to sunlight, moisture, equipment maintenance and wind but not limited to the following: Insulation exposed to 
weather shall be suitable for outdoor service; e.g., protected by aluminum, sheet metal, 
painted canvas or plastic cover. Cellular foam insulation shall be protected as above or 
painted with a coating that is water retardant and provides shielding from solar radiation that can cause degradation of the material.  
H. Duct systems shall be tested in accordance with i or ii below:  
i. New duct systems that meet the criteria in Subsections a, b and c  below or ductwork 
that is part of a system that meets the criteria of Section 180.2(b)2B shall be sealed to a 
leakage rate not to exceed 6 percent of the nominal air handler airflow rate as 
confirmed through field verification and diagnostic acceptance  testing, in accordance 
with the applicable procedures in Reference Nonresidential Appendi xces NA1 and 
NA2 NA7.5.3. 
a. The duct system provides conditioned air to an occupiable space for a constant volume, single zone, space -conditioning system; and  
b. The space -conditioning system serves less than 5,000 square feet of conditioned 
floor area; and  
c. The combined surface area of the ducts located in the following spaces is more than 25 percent of the total surface area of the entire duct system:  
I. Outdoors; or  
II. In a space directly under a roof that has a U -factor greater than the U -factor of 
the ceiling, or if the roof does not meet the requirements of Section 170.2(a)1; or  Page 552  2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 160.3 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR SPACE CONDITIONING SYSTEMS IN MULTIFAMILY BUILDINGS  III. In a space directly under a roof that has fixed vents or openings to the outside or 
unconditioned spaces; or  
IV. In an unconditioned crawl space; or  
V. In other unconditioned spaces.  
ii. All duct systems that do not meet the criteria in Section 160.3(c)2H shall meet the duct leakage testing requirements of CMC Section 603.9.2.  
(d) Mechanical acceptance testing . 
1. Common areas. Before an occupancy permit is granted, the following systems and equipment serving multifamily common areas shall be certified as meeting the Acceptance Requirements for Code Compliance, as specified by Reference Nonresidential Appendix NA 7. These systems 
and equipment shall also comply with the applicable requirements of Section 160.3(d)3. A 
Certificate of Acceptance shall be submitted to the enforcement agency that certifies that the 
equipment and systems meet the acceptance requirements:   
A. Outdoor air ventilation systems shall be tested in accordance with NA7.5.1.  
B. Constant volume, single zone air conditioning and heat pump unit controls shall be tested in accordance with NA7.5.2.  
C. Duct systems shall be tested in accordance with NA7.5.3 where either:  
a. They are new duct systems; or  
b. They are part of an altered system.  
D. Air economizers, DOAS, HRV or ERV systems  shall be tested in accordance with NA7.5.4.  
Exception  to Section 160.3(d)1D:  Air economizers installed by the HVAC system 
manufacturer and certified to the Commission as being factory calibrated and tested are not required to comply with exempt  from the Functional Testing section of the Air 
Economizer Controls acceptance test as described in NA7.5.4.2.  
E. Demand control ventilation systems required by Section 160.2(c)3 shall be tested in 
accordance with NA7.5.5.  
F. Supply fan variable flow controls shall be tested in accordance with NA7.5.6.  
G. Hydronic system variable flow controls shall be tested in accordance with NA7.5.7 and 
NA7.5.9. 
H. Boilers or chillers that require isolation controls as specified by Section 170.2(c)4Iii or 170.2(c)4Iiii shall be tested in accordance with NA7.5.7.  
I. Hydronic systems with supply water temperature reset controls shall be tested in 
accordance with NA7.5.8.  
J. Automatic demand shed controls shall be tested in accordance with NA7.5.10.  
K. Fault detection and diagnostics (FDD) for packaged direct expansion units shall be tested in 
accordance with NA7.5.11.  2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 553  
SECTION 160.3 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR SPACE CONDITIONING SYSTEMS IN MULTIFAMILY BUILDINGS  L. Automatic fault detection and diagnostics (FDD) for air handling units and zone terminal 
units shall be tested in accordance with NA7.5.12.  
M. Distributed energy storage DX AC systems shall be tested in accordance with NA7.5.13.  
N. Thermal energy storage (TES) systems shall be tested in accordance with NA7.5.14.  
O. Supply air temperature reset controls shall be tested in accordance with NA7.5.15.  
P. Water- cooled chillers served by cooling towers with condenser water reset controls shall be 
tested in accordance with NA7.5.16.  
Q. When an energy management control system is installed, it shall functionally meet all of the applicable requirements of Part 6.  
R. Occupant sensing zone controls shall be tested in accordance with NA7.5.17.  
2. Multifamily dwelling units. Before an occupancy permit is granted, the following systems and 
equipment serving multifamily dwelling units shall be certified as meeting the acceptance 
requirements for code compliance, as specified by the Reference Nonresidential Appendix NA7. 
These systems and equipment shall also comply with the applicable requirements of Section 
160.3(d)3. A Certificate of Acceptance shall be submitted to the enforcement agency that 
certifies that the equipment and systems meet the acceptance requirements:  
A. In multifamily buildings with four or more habitable stories, dwelling unit ventilation 
systems shall be tested in accordance with NA7.18.1.  
B. In multifamily buildings with four or more habitable stories, dwelling unit enclosure leakage 
shall be tested in accordance with NA7.18.2 when exhaust or supply ventilation systems are 
used for compliance with whole -dwelling unit ventilation requirements as specified in 
Section 160.2(b)2Aivb2.  
CA. Multifamily building central ventilation ducts in multifamily buildings with four or more 
habitable stories shall be leak tested in accordance with NA7.18.3.  
DB. M ultifamily building central ventilation system heat recovery or energy recovery systems in 
multifamily buildings with four or more habitable stories shall be tested in accordance with 
NA7.18.4.  
3. When certification is required by Title 24, Part 1, Section 10 -103.2, the acceptance testing 
specified by Section 160.3(d)1 and 2 shall be performed by a Certified Mechanical Acceptance 
Test Technician (CMATT). If the CMATT is operating as an employee, the CMATT shall be employed by a Certified Mechanical Acceptance Test Employer. The CMATT shall disclose on 
the Certificate of Acceptance a valid CMATT certification identification number issued by an 
approved Acceptance Test Technician Certification Provi der. The CMATT shall complete all 
Certificate of Acceptance documentation in accordance with the applicable requirements in Section 10 -103(a)4.  Page 554 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 160.3 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR SPACE CONDITIONING SYSTEMS IN MULTIFAMILY BUILDINGS  TABLE 160.3- A: Return Duct Sizing for Single Return Duct Systems 
Return duct length shall not exceed 30 feet and shall contain no more 
than 180 degrees of bend. If the total bending exceeds 90 degrees, one bend shall be a metal elbow.  
Return grille devices shall be labeled in accordance with the requirements in Section 160.2(b)1Biv to disclose the grille's design airflow rate and a maximum allowable clean -filter pressure drop of 25 Pa (0.1 
inches water) for the air filter when tested us ing ASHRAE Standard 52.2, 
or as rated in accordance with AHRI Standard 680 for the design airflow rate for the return grille.  
*Not applicable to systems with nominal cooling capacity greater than 2.5 tons or less than 1.5 ton  
 
TABLE 160.3- B: Return Duct Sizing for Multiple Return Duct Systems 
Each return duct length shall not exceed 30 feet and shall contain no more than 180 degrees of bend. If the total bending exceeds 90 degrees, one bend shall be a metal elbow.  
Return grille devices shall be labeled in accordance with the requirements in Section 160.2(b)1Biv to disclose the grille's design airflow rate and a maximum allowable clean -filter pressure drop of 25 Pa (0.1 
inches water) for the air filter when tested us ing ASHRAE Standard 52.2, 
or as rated in accordance with AHRI Standard 680 for the design airflow 
rate for the return grille.  
*Not applicable to systems with nominal cooling capacity greater than 5.0 tons or less than 1.5 tons . 
 
  System Nominal Cooling Capacity 
(Ton)*  Return Duct Minimum Nominal 
Diameter (inch)  Minimum Total Return Filter Grille 
Nominal Area  
(inch2) 
1.5 16 500 
2.0 18 600 
2.5 20 800 
System Nominal 
Cooling Capacity 
(Ton)*  Return Duct 1  
Minimum Nominal 
Diameter (inch)  Return Duct 2  
Minimum Nominal 
Diameter (inch)   Minimum Total Return Filter Grille 
Nominal Area   
(inch2) 
1.5  12  10  500  
2.0  14  12  600  
2.5  14  14  800  
3.0  16  14  900  
3.5  16  16  1000  
4.0 18  18  1200  
5.0 20  20  1500  2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 555  
SECTION 160.3 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR SPACE CONDITIONING SYSTEMS IN MULTIFAMILY BUILDINGS  TABLE 160.3- C DDC Applications and Qualifications  
Building Status  Applications  Qualifications  
Newly Constructed 
Buildings  Air handling system and all 
zones served by the system  Individual systems supplying more than three zones and 
with design heating or cooling capacity of 300 kBtu/h 
and larger  
Newly Constructed 
Buildings  Chilled water plant and all 
coils and terminal units 
served by the system  Individual plants supplying more than three zones and 
with design cooling capacity of 300 kBtu/h (87.9 kW) 
and larger  
Newly Constructed 
Buildings  Hot water plant and all coils 
and terminal units served by 
the system  Individual plants supplying more than three zones and 
with design heating capacity of 300 kBtu/h (87.9 kW) 
and larger  
Additions or Alterations  Zone terminal unit such as 
VAV box  Where existing zones served by the same air handling, 
chilled water, or hot water systems that have DDC  
Additions or Alterations  Air handling system or fan 
coil Where existing air handling system(s) and fan coil(s) 
served by the same chilled or hot water plant have DDC  
Additions or Alterations  New air handling system and 
all new zones served by the 
system  Individual systems with design heating or cooling 
capacity of 300 kBtu/h and larger and supplying more than three zones and more than 75 percent of zones are 
new  
Additions or Alterations  New or upgraded chilled 
water plant  Where all chillers are new and plant design cooling 
capacity is 300 kBtu/h (87.9 kW) and larger  
Additions or Alterations  New or upgraded hot water 
plant  Where all boilers are new and plant design heating 
capacity is 300 kBtu/h (87.9 kW) and larger  
TABLE 160.3- D PIPE INSULATION THICKNESS 
Space heating (Steam, Steam Condensate, Refrigerant, Space Heating)  
Fluid Operating 
Temperature 
Range (°F)  Insulation 
Conductivity   
(Btu·in/h·ft2 °F) Insulation 
Conductivity 
Mean Rating 
Temp . (°F) Nominal Pipe 
Diameter 
(in inches)  
< 1 Nominal Pipe 
Diameter 
(in inches)  
1 to <1.5  Nominal Pipe 
Diameter 
(in inches)  
1.5 to < 4  Nominal Pipe 
Diameter 
(in inches)  
4 to < 8  Nominal Pipe 
Diameter 
(in inches)  
8 and larger  
Above 350  0.32 -0.34  250 4.5 (R 37)  5.0 (R 41)  5.0 (R 37)  5.0 (R 27)  5.0 (R 23)  
251-350 0.29 -0.32  200 3.0 (R 24)  4.0 (R 34)  4.5 (R 35)  4.5 (R 26)  4.5 (R 22)  
201-250 0.27 -0.30  150 2.5 (R 21)  2.5 (R 20)  2.5 (R 17.5)  3.0 (R 17)  3.0 (R 14.5)  
141-200 0.25 -0.29  125 1.5 (R 11.5)  1.5 (R 11)  2.0 (R 14)  2.0 (R 11)  2.0 (R 10)  
105-140 0.22 -0.28  100 1.0 (R 7.7)  1.5 (R 12.5)  1.5 (R 11)  1.5 (R 9)  1.5 (R 8)  
 
CONTINUED: TABLE 160.3- D PIPE INSULATION THICKNESS REQUIRED (thickness in inches or R -Value)  
Space cooling systems (chilled water, refrigerant and brine)  
Fluid Operating 
Temperature 
Range (°F)  Insulation 
Conductivity   
(Btu·in/h·ft2 °F) Insulation 
Conductivity 
Mean Rating 
Temp . (°F) Nominal Pipe 
Diameter 
(in inches)  
< 1 Nominal Pipe 
Diameter 
(in inches)  
1 to <1.5  Nominal Pipe 
Diameter 
(in inches)  
1.5 to < 4  Nominal Pipe 
Diameter 
(in inches)  
4 to < 8  Nominal Pipe 
Diameter 
(in inches)  
8 and larger  
40-60 0.21 -0.27  75 0.75 (R 6)  0.75 (R 5)  1.0 (R 7)  1.0 (R 6)  1.0 (R 5)  
Below 40  0.20 -0.26  50 1.0 (R 8.5)  1.5 (R 14)  1.5 (R 12)  1.5 (R 10)  1.5 (R 9)  
Footnote to TABLE 160.3 -D: 
1. These thicknesses are based on energy efficiency considerations only. Issues such as water vapor permeability or 
surface condensation sometimes require vapor retarders or additional insulation.  Page 556 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 160.3 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR SPACE CONDITIONING SYSTEMS IN MULTIFAMILY BUILDINGS  NOTE: Authority: Sections 25213, 25218, 25218.5, 25402 and 25402.1, Public Resources Code. 
Reference: Sections 25007, 25008, 25218.5, 25310, 25402, 25402.1, 25402.4, 25402.5, 25402.8, and 
25943, Public Resources Code. 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 557  
SECTION 160.4 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR WATER HEATING SYSTEMS  SECTION 160.4 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR WATER HEATING SYSTEMS  
(a) Systems using gas or propane water heaters to serve individual dwelling units shall include the 
following components:   
1. A dedicated 125 volt, 20 amp electrical receptacle that is connected to the electric panel with a 
120/240 volt 3 conductor, 10 AWG copper branch circuit, within 3 feet from the water heater 
and accessible to the water heater with no obstructions. In addition, all of the following:  
A. Both ends of the unused conductor shall be labeled with the word “spare” and be 
electrically isolated; and  
B. A reserved single pole circuit breaker space in the electrical panel adjacent to the circuit 
breaker for the branch circuit in A above and labeled with the words “Future 240V Use”; 
and  
2. A Category III or IV vent, or a Type B vent with straight pipe between the outside termination 
and the space where the water heater is installed; and  
3. A condensate drain that is no more than 2 inches higher than the base of the installed water 
heater, and allows natural draining without pump assistance; and  
4. A gas supply line with a capacity of at least 200,000 Btu/hr.  
(ab) Water -heating recirculation loops serving multiple dwelling units shall meet the requirements of 
Section 110.3(c)4.   
(b c) Solar water- heating systems and collectors shall be certified and rated by the Solar Rating and 
Certification Corporation (SRCC), the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical 
Officials, Research and Testing (IAPMO R&T), or a listing agency that  is approved by the Executive 
Director.   
(cd ) Instantaneous water heaters with an input rating greater than 6.8 kBTU/hr (2kW) shall meet the 
requirements of Section 110.3(c)6.  
(d e) Commercial boilers  
1. Combustion air positive shut- off shall be provided on all newly installed boilers as follows :  
A. All boilers with an input capacity of 2.5 MMBtu/h (2,500,000 Btu/h) and above, in which the boiler is designed to operate with a nonpositive vent static pressure.  
B. All boilers where one stack serves two or more boilers with a total combined input capacity per stack of 2.5 MMBtu/h (2,500,000 Btu/h).  
2. Boiler combustion air fans with motors 10 horsepower or larger shall meet one of the following for newly installed boilers:  
A. The fan motor shall be driven by a variable speed drive, or  
B. The fan motor shall include controls that limit the fan motor demand to no more than 30 
percent of the total design wattage at 50 percent of design air volume.  Page 558  2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 160.4 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR WATER HEATING SYSTEMS  3. Newly installed boilers with an input capacity 5 MMBtu/h (5,000,000 Btu/h) and greater shall 
maintain excess (stack -gas) oxygen concentrations at less than or equal to 5.0 percent by 
volume on a dry basis over firing rates of 20 percent to 100 percent. Combustion air volume shall be controlled with respect to firing rate or flue gas oxygen concentration. Use of a 
common gas and combustion air control linkage or jack shaft is prohibited.  
Exception  to Section 160.4( de)3: Boilers with steady state full -load thermal combustion 
efficiency 90 percent or higher.  
(ef ) Pipe Insulation for piping and tanks  
All piping for multifamily domestic hot water systems shall be insulated and meet the applicable 
requirements 1 through 4 below: 
1. 1. General Requirements . 
A. The first 8 feet of inlet cold water piping from the storage tanks, including piping between a 
storage tank and a heat trap shall be insulated.  
B. Insulation on the piping and appurtenances shall be continuous.  
C. Pipe supports, hangers, and pipe clamps shall be attached on the outside of rigid pipe 
insulation to prevent thermal bridges.  
D. All pipe insulation seams shall be sealed.  
E. Insulation for pipe elbows shall be mitered, preformed, or site fabricated with PVC covers.  
F. Insulation for tees shall be notched, preformed, or site fabricated with PVC covers.  
G. Extended stem isolation valves shall be installed.  
H. All plumbing appurtenances on hot water piping from a heating source to heating plant, at 
the heating plant, and distribution supply and return piping shall be insulated to meet the 
following requirements:  
1. Where the outer diameter of the appurtenance is less than the outer diameter of the 
insulated pipe that it is attached to, the appurtenance shall be insulated flush with the 
insulation surrounding the pipe.  
2. Where the outer diameter of the appurtenance is greater than the outer diameter of 
the insulated pipe that it is attached to, the appurtenance shall be insulated with a 
minimum thickness of 1  inch. 
3. The insulation shall be removable and re -installable to ensure maintenance or 
replacement services can be completed.  
4. Valves shall be fully functional without impediment from the insulation.   
2. Insulation Thickness . All Ppiping for multifamily domestic hot water systems  shall be insulated 
to meet the insulation thickness requirements specified in of Table 160.4- A.  
A. For insulation conductivity in the range shown in Table 160.4-A for the applicable 
fluid temperature range, the insulation shall have the applicable minimum thickness 
or R-value shown in Table 160.4-A. 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 559  
SECTION 160.4 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR WATER HEATING SYSTEMS  B. if the insulation conductivity falls outside the range provided in Table 160.4 -A applicable 
fluid temperature range, the insulation shall meet a minimum R -value as indicated in Table 
160.4- A. Or, it can have a thickness determined using Equation 160.4 -A" 
 
 (E quation 160.4 -A) 
WHERE:  
T = Minimum insulation thickness for material with conductivity K, inches.  
PR = Pipe actual outside radius, inches.  
t = Insulation thickness from TABLE 160.4-A , inches.  
K = Conductivity of alternate material at the mean rating temperature indicated in 
TABLE 160.4- A for the applicable fluid temperature range, in Btu- inch per hour per 
square foot per °F.   
k = The lower value of the conductivity range listed in TABLE 160.4-A for the 
applicable fluid temperature range, Btu- inch per hour per square foot per °F.   
C. Insulation conductivity shall be determined in accordance with ASTM C335 at the mean 
temperature listed in Table 160.4 -A, and shall be rounded to the nearest 1/100 Btu- inch per 
hour per square foot per °F.  
Exception  1 to Section 160.4(f)1:  Factory -installed piping within space -conditioning equipment 
certified under Section 110.1 or 110.2.  
Exception  2 1 to Section 160.4(ef)1 : Piping that penetrates framing members shall not be 
required to have pipe insulation for the distance of the framing penetration. Piping that 
penetrates metal framing shall use grommets, plugs, wrapping or other insulating material to 
ensure that no contac t is made with the metal framing. Insulation shall abut securely against all 
framing members.  
Exception  3 2 to S ection 160.4( fe)1: Piping installed in interior or exterior walls shall not be 
required to have pipe insulation if all of the requirements are met for compliance with quality insulation installation (QII) as specified in Reference Residential Appendix RA3.5.  
Exception  4 3 to S
 ection 160.4(ef)1 : Piping surrounded with a minimum of 1 inch of wall 
insulation, 2 inches of crawl space insulation or 4 inches of attic insulation shall not be required to have pipe insulation.   



−

+ = 1PRt1 PRTkKPage 560  2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 160.4 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR WATER HEATING SYSTEMS  TABLE 160.4- A PIPE INSULATION THICKNESS – Multifamily Domestic Hot Water  Systems  
Fluid Operating 
Temperature 
Range (°F)  Insulation 
Conductivity  
(Btu·in/h·ft2 °F) Insulation 
Conductivity 
Mean Rating 
Temp. (°F)  Nominal Pipe 
Diameter 
(in inches)  
< 1 Nominal Pipe 
Diameter 
(in inches)  
1 to <1.5  Nominal Pipe 
Diameter 
(in inches)  
1.5 to < 4  Nominal Pipe 
Diameter 
(in inches)  
4 to < 8  Nominal Pipe 
Diameter 
(in inches)  
8 and larger  
105-1401 0.22 -0.28  100 1.0 (R 7.7)  1.5 (R 12.5)  2.0 (R 16)  2.0 (R 12.5)  2.0 (R 11)  
Footnote to TABLE 160.4 -A: 
1. Multifamily and hotel/motel domestic hot water systems with water temperature above 140°F shall use the row in 
table 120.3 -A for the applicable water temperature.  
 
32. Insulation Protection. Pipe Insulation shall be protected from damage due to sunlight, 
moisture, equipment maintenance and wind. Protection shall, at minimum, include the 
following:  
A. Pi pe and appurtenance insulation exposed to weather shall be protected by a cover suitable 
for outdoor service. The cover shall be water retardant and provide shielding from solar 
radiation that can cause degradation of the material. Appurtenance insulation covers shall be 
removable and re -installalbe. Adhesive tape shall not be used to provide this protection.  
B. Pipe insulation covering chilled water piping and refrigerant suction piping located outside the conditioned space shall include, or be protected by, a Class I or Class II vapor retarder. All penetrations and joints shall be sealed.  
C. Pipe insulation buried below grade must be installed in a waterproof and noncrushable casing or sleeve.  
4 Insulation Quality Verification . Insulation for hot water pipes  and plumbing appurtenances 
shall be field verified  as specified in Residential Reference Appendix RA3.6. 3. 
 
NOTE: Authority: Sections 25213, 25218, 25218.5, 25402 and 25402.1, Public Resources Code. 
Reference: Sections 25007, 25008, 25218.5, 25310, 25402, 25402.1, 25402.4, 25402.5, 25402.8 and 
25943, Public Resources Code.  2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 561  
SECTION 160.5 – MANDATORY LIGHTING REQUIREMENTS FOR INDOOR AND OUTDOOR SPACES  SECTION 160.5 – MANDATORY LIGHTING REQUIREMENTS FOR INDOOR AND 
OUTDOOR SPACES  
The design and installation of all lighting systems and equipment in multifamily buildings within the 
scope of Section 100.0(a) shall comply with the applicable provisions of Section 160.5. All functional 
areas except dwelling units and common living areas  shall comply with the applicable requirements of 
Sections 160.5(b) through 160.5(e).   
(a) Dwelling unit lighting.  
The design and installation of all lighting systems and equipment in multifamily dwelling units shall 
comply with Section 160.5(a). Multifamily dwelling units include dormitory and senior housing 
dwelling accommodations.  Outdoor lighting attached to multifamily buildings and controlled from 
the inside of a dwelling unit shall comply with the lighting requirements of Section 160.5(a).  
1. Luminaire  requirements  
A. Luminaire  efficacy . All installed luminaires and light sources  shall meet the requirements in 
Table 160.5-A comply with Reference Joint Appendix JA8 and shall be certified and marked 
as required by JA8 .  
 
Exception  1 to Section 160.5(a)1A : Integrated device lighting: Lighting integral to exhaust 
fans, kitchen range hoods, bath vanity mirrors , and garage door openers, and 
nonremovable lighting attached to ceiling fans ceiling  fan kits that are subject to DOE's 
Appliance and Equipment Standards Program .  
Exception  2 to Section 160.5(a)1A: Navigation lighting  rated less than five watts, such as : 
Nnight lights, step lights, and path lights  less than 5 watts .  
Exception  3 to Section 160.5(a)1A: Lighting with an efficacy of 45 lumens per watt or 
greater and located  internal to drawers, cabinetry , and linen closets  with an efficacy of 45 
lumens per watt or greater .  
Exception 4 to Section 160.5(a)1A : Light sources as follows:  
i. LED light sources installed outdoors;  
ii. inseparable solid state lighting (SSL) luminaires containing colored light sources that are 
installed to provide decorative lighting;  
iii. High intensity discharge (HID) light sources including pulse start metal halide and high 
pressure sodium light sources; and  
iv. Luminaires with hardwired high frequency generator and induction lamp.  
B. Screw based luminaires. Screw based luminaires shall contain lamps that comply with Reference Joint Appendix JA8 Reserved .  
C. Recessed downlight luminaires . In addition to complying with Section 160.5(a)1A, 
luminaires recessed into ceilings shall meet all of the following requirements:  Page 562  2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 160. 5 – Mandatory Lighting Requirements for Indoor and Outdoor Spaces    i. Shall not contain screw base lamp sockets; and  
ii. Have a label that certifies the luminaire is airtight with air leakage less than 2.0 cfm at 
75 Pascals when tested in accordance with ASTM E283. An exhaust fan housing with integral light shall not be required to be certified airtight; and  
iii. Be sealed with a gasket or caulk between the luminaire housing and ceiling, and have all air leak paths between conditioned and unconditioned spaces sealed with a gasket or caulk, or be installed per manufacturer’s instructions to maintain airtightnes s between 
the luminaire housing and ceiling; and  
iv. Meet the clearance and installation requirements of California Electrical Code Section Article 410.116 for recessed luminaires.  
 
Exception  to Section 160.5(a)1Cii and Iii:  Recessed luminaires marked for use in fire -
rated installations, and recessed luminaires installed in noninsulated ceilings.  
D. Light sources in enclosed or recessed luminaires . Lamps and other separable light sources 
in enclosed or recessed luminaires shall be in that are not compliant compliance with the 
JA8 elevated temperature requirements, including marking requirements , shall not be 
installed in enclosed or recessed luminaires .  
E. Blank electrical boxes . The number of electrical boxes that are more than 5 five feet above 
the finished floor and do not contain a luminaire or other device shall be no greater than 
the number of bedrooms. These electrical boxes must shall be served by a dimmer, vacancy 
sensor control, low voltage wiring , or fan speed control.  
2. Indoor lighting controls .  
A. Lighting shall have readily accessible wall- mounted controls that allow the lighting to be 
manually turned ON and OFF.  
Exception  to Section 160.5(a)2A:  Ceiling fans may provide control of integrated lighting via 
a remote control.  
B. No controls shall bypass a dimmer, occupant sensor or vacancy sensor function where that 
dimmer or sensor has been installed to comply with Section 160.5(a)2 Reserved .  
C. All lighting controls . Lighting controls shall comply with the applicable requirements of 
Section 110.9.  
D. Controls permitted. An energy management control system (EMCS) or a multi- scene 
programmable controller may be used to comply with dimming, occupancy and lighting control requirements in Section 160.5(a)2 if it provides the functionality of the specified controls in accordance with Section 110.9 and the physical controls specified in Section 160.5(a)2A. No controls shall bypass control functions of a dimmer, occupant sensor, or 
vacancy sensor where the dimmer or sensor has been installed to comply with S ection 
160.5(a)2.  
E. Automatic - off controls .  2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 563  
SECTION 160.5 – MANDATORY LIGHTING REQUIREMENTS FOR INDOOR AND OUTDOOR SPACES  i. In bathrooms, garages, laundry rooms, utility rooms and walk -in closets, at least one 
installed luminaire shall be controlled by an occupancy or vacancy sensor providing 
automatic- off functionality.  
ii. For lighting internal to drawers and cabinetry with opaque fronts or doors, controls that 
turn the lighting off when the drawer or door is closed shall be provided.  
F. Dimming controls . Lighting in habitable spaces, including but not limited to living rooms, 
dining rooms, kitchens and bedrooms, shall have readily accessible wall- mounted dimming 
controls that allow the lighting to be manually adjusted up and down. Forward phase cut 
dimmers controlling LED light sources shall comply with NEMA SSL 7 A.  
Exception  1 to Section 160.5(a)2F: Ceiling fans may provide control of integrated lighting via 
a remote control.  Lighting integral to kitchen range hoods and bathroom exhaust fans.  
Exception  2 to Section 160.5(a)2F:  Luminaires controlled by an occupancy or vacancy 
sensor providing automatic -off functionality.  
Exception 3 to Section 160.5(a)2F: Navigation lighting rated less than five watts , such as 
night lights, step lights and path lights . less than 5 watts; and Llighting controlled by 
automatic- off controls and located internal to drawers , and cabinetry with opaque fronts , 
or cabinetry with doors , or with automatic off controls .  
G. Independent controls . Integrated lighting Lighting integrated with the  exhaust fans shall be 
controlled independently from the fans. The following shall be controlled separately from 
ceiling -installed lighting such that one can be turned on without turning on the other:  
i. Undercabinet lighting  
ii. Undershelf lighting  
iii. Interior lighting of display cabinets  
iv. Switched outlets  
3. Outdoor lighting controls . In addition to meeting the requirements of Section 160.5(a)1, 
luminaires providing residential outdoor lighting shall meet the following requirements, as 
applicable:  
A. Outdoor lighting attached to a building and separately controlled from the inside of a dwelling unit shall meet the following requirements in Item i and the requirements in either 
Item ii or Item iii:  
i. Controlled by a manual ON and OFF control switch that permits the automatic actions 
of Item ii or iii below; and  
ii. Controlled by one of the following controls:  
a. a photocell and either a motion sensor ; or  
b. a photocell and an automatic time switch control; or  
iii. Controlled by an astronomical time clock control.   Page 564  2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 160. 5 – Mandatory Lighting Requirements for Indoor and Outdoor Spaces   B. Controls that override to ON shall not be allowed unless the override automatically returns 
the automatic control to its normal operation within 6 six hours.  
C. An energy management control system (EMCS) or other controls  that provides the specified 
lighting control functionality and complies with all requirements applicable to the specified 
controls may be used to meet these requirements.  No controls shall bypass a dimmer, 
occupant sensor , or vacancy sensor function where the dimmer or sensor has been 
installed to comply with Section 160.5(a)3.  
 
TABLE 160.5-A CLASSIFICATION OF DWELLING UNIT HIGH LUMINOUS EFFICACY LIGHT SOURCES  
Light sources in this column other than those 
installed in ceiling recessed downlight luminaires 
are classified as high luminous efficacy and are 
not required to comply with Reference Joint 
Appendix JA8  Light sources in this column are required to 
comply with Reference Joint Appendix JA8 and 
shall be certified and marked as required by JA8.  
1. LED light sources installed outdoors.  
2. Inseparable Solid State Lighting (SSL) 
luminaires containing colored light sources 
that are installed to provide decorative 
lighting.  
3. Pin-based linear fluorescent or compact 
fluorescent light sources using electronic 
ballasts.  
4. High intensity discharge (HID) light sources 
including pulse start metal halide and high 
pressure sodium light sources.  
5. Luminaires with hardwired high frequency 
generator and induction lamp.  
6. Ceiling Fan Light Kits subject to federal 
appliance regulations.  
 7. All light sources installed in ceiling recessed 
downlight luminaires. Note that ceiling 
recessed downlight luminaires shall not have 
screw base sockets regardless of lamp type as 
specified in Section 150.0(k)1C.  
8. Any light source not otherwise listed in this 
table. 
(b) Common services area lighting. Lighting systems and equipment in multifamily common services 
areas shall comply with the applicable provisions of Sections 160.5(b) 1 through 160.5(b)4.   
Exception to Section 160.5(b):  Lighting systems in common use areas providing shared provisions 
for living, eating, cooking or sanitation to dwelling units that would otherwise lack these provisions may instead comply with Section 160.5(a).  
Note:  The requirements of Section 160.5(b) apply to newly constructed buildings. Sections 180.1 
and 180.2 specify which requirements of Sections 160.5(b)1 through 160.5(e) also apply to 
additions and alterations to existing buildings.  
1. Luminaire classification and power . Luminaires shall be classified , and their wattage 
determined as follows:  2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 565 
SECTION 160.5 – MANDATORY LIGHTING REQUIREMENTS FOR INDOOR AND OUTDOOR SPACES  A. Luminaire wattage shall be labeled as follows:  
i. The maximum rated wattage or relamping  rated wattage of a luminaire shall be listed 
on a permanent, preprinted, factory -installed label, as specified by UL 1574, 1598, 2108 
or 8750, as applicable; and  
ii. The factory -installed maximum rated wattage or relamping rated wattage label shall not 
consist of peel -off or peel -down layers or other methods that allow the rated wattage 
to be changed after the luminaire has been shipped from the manufacturer.  
Exception to Section 160.3(b)1Aii:  Luminaires with a single lamp and an integrated 
ballast or transformer may use a peel- down label provided that they are layered such 
that the rated wattage reduces as successive layers are removed.  
a. Low- voltage luminaires (except low voltage track systems), ≤ 24 volts, with a 
maximum relamping rated wattage of 50 watts.  
b. Compact fluorescent luminaires, having an integral electronic ballast, with a 
maximum relamping rated wattage of 42 watts.  
c. High intensity discharge luminaires, having an integral electronic ballast, with a 
maximum relamping rated wattage of 150 watts.  
B. For luminaires with line voltage lamps not served by drivers, ballasts or transformers, the wattage of such luminaires shall be determined as the maximum rated wattage as labeled 
in accordance with Section 160.5(b)1A.  
C. For luminaires with permanently installed or remotely installed ballasts, the wattage of 
such luminaires shall be the operating input wattage of the rated lamp/ballast combination 
published in the ballast manufacturer’s catalogs based on independent tes ting lab reports 
as specified by UL 1598.  
D. For inseparable SSL luminaires and SSL luminaires with remotely mounted drivers, the maximum rated wattage shall be the maximum rated input wattage of the SSL luminaire as 
specified in Section 160.5(b)1A when tested in accordance with UL 1598, 2108 or 8 750, or 
IES LM -79.  
E. For LED tape lighting and LED linear lighting with LED tape lighting components, the 
maximum rated wattage shall be the sum of the installed length of the tape lighting times its rated linear power density in watts per linear foot, or the maximum rated input wattage of the driver or power supply providing power to the lighting system, with tape lighting tested in accordance with UL 2108 or 8750, or IES LM- 79. 
F. For modular lighting systems that allow the addition or relocation of luminaires without altering the wiring of the system, wattage shall be determined as follows:  
i. The wattage shall be the greater of:  
a. 30 watts per linear foot of track or plug -in busway; or  
b. the rated wattage of all of the luminaires included in the system, where the 
luminaire wattage is determined as specified in Section 160.5(b)1A; or  Page 566  2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 160. 5 – Mandatory Lighting Requirements for Indoor and Outdoor Spaces   ii. For line -voltage lighting track and plug -in busway served by a track lighting integral 
current limiter or a dedicated track lighting supplementary overcurrent protection 
panel, the wattage shall be determined as follows:  
a. The volt -ampere rating of current limiter as specified by UL 1077; or 
b. The sum of the ampere (A) rating of all of the current protection devices times the 
branch circuit voltages for track lighting supplementary overcurrent protection 
panel. 
iii. For other modular lighting systems with power supplied by a driver, power supply or transformer, including but not limited to low- voltage lighting systems, the wattage of 
the system shall be the maximum rated input wattage of the driver, power supply or 
transformer published in the manufacturer’s catalogs, as specified by UL 2108 or 8750.  
Exception  to Section 160.5(b)1F:  For power -over -Ethernet lighting systems, power 
provided to installed nonlighting devices may be subtracted from the total power rating of the power -over -Ethernet system.  
G. For all other lighting equipment not addressed by Sections 160.5(b)1B through F, the wattage of the lighting equipment shall be the maximum rated wattage of the lighting equipment, or operating input wattage of the system, labeled in accordance with Sec tion 
160.5(b)1A, or published in manufacturer’s catalogs, based on independent testing lab 
reports as specified by UL 1574, 1598, 2108, 8750, or IES LM -79. 
2. Lighting controls . All lighting controls and equipment shall comply with the applicable 
requirements in Sections 110.9, 160.5(b) and 160.5(c), and shall be installed in accordance with 
any applicable manufacturer instructions.  
3. Energy Management Control System (EMCS) . An EMCS may be installed to comply with the 
requirements of one or more lighting controls if it meets the following minimum requirements:  
A. Provides all applicable functionality for each specific lighting control or system for which it 
is installed in accordance with Sections 110.9, 160.5(b) and 160.5(c); and  
B. Complies with all applicable lighting control installation requirements in accordance with 
Section 160.5(e) for each specific lighting control or system for which it is installed; and  
C. Complies with all applicable application requirements for each specific lighting control or system for which it is installed, in accordance with Part 6.  
4. Mandatory indoor lighting controls . Multifamily common use areas shall comply with the 
applicable requirements of Sections 160.5(b)4A through 160.5(b)4F, in addition to the 
applicable requirements of Section 110.9.  
A. Manual area controls . Each area enclosed space by ceiling -height partitions shall provide 
lighting controls that allow the lighting in that area space to be manually turned on and off. 
The manual control shall:  
i. Be readily accessible; and  2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 567  
SECTION 160.5 – MANDATORY LIGHTING REQUIREMENTS FOR INDOOR AND OUTDOOR SPACES  Exception  to Section 160.5(b)4Ai:  Restrooms having two or more stalls, parking areas, 
stairwells, corridors and areas spaces of the building intended for access or use by the 
public may use a manual control not accessible to unauthorized personnel.  
ii. B e located in the same enclosed area space, or be located such that with the controlled 
lighting it controlsor status display of the controlled lighting can be seen when 
operating the controls ; and  
Exception  to Section 160.5(b)4Aii:  For areas where placement of a manual area control 
poses a health and safety hazard, the manual area control may instead be located so 
that a person using the control can see the lights or area controlled by that control, or 
visually signal or display sho wing the current state of the controlled lighting.  
iii. Provide separate control of general, floor display, wall display, window display, case 
display, ornamental, and special effects lighting, such that each type of lighting can be 
turned on or off without turning on or off other types of lighting. Scene controllers may comply with this requirement provided that at least one scene turns on general lighting only, and the control provides a means to manually turn off all lighting.  
Exception  to Section 160.5(b)4A:  Up to 0.1 watts per square foot of indoor lighting may be 
continuously illuminated to allow for means of egress illumination consistent with California Building Code Section 1008. Egress lighting complying with this wattage limitation 
is not required to c omply with manual area control requirements if:  
i. The area is designated for means of egress on the plans and specifications submitted to 
the enforcement agency under Section 10 -103(a)2 of Part 1; and  
ii. The controls for the egress lighting are not accessible to unauthorized personnel.  
B. Multi -level lighting controls. The general lighting of any enclosed area space 100 square 
feet or larger with a connected lighting load that exceeds greater than 0.5 watts per 
square foot shall provide with multi- level lighting controls. The multilevel lighting controls  
shall provide and enable continuous dimming from 1 00 percent to 10 percent or lower of 
lighting power  that allow the level of lighting to be adjusted up and downto achieve  
illuminance uniformity . The multi -level controls shall:  
i. Provide the number of control steps specified in Table 160.5 -B; and  
ii. Meet the uniformity requirements specified in Table 160.5 -B.  
Exception  1 to Section 160.5(b)4B:  An area enclosed space by ceiling height partitions that 
has only one luminaire  with no more than two lamps or has only one inseparable SSL 
luminaire .  
Exception  2 to Section 160.5(b)4B:  Restrooms.  
Exception  3 to Section 160.5(b)4B:  The general lighting with light source of HID and 
induction shall have a minimum of one control step between 30 and 70 percent of full rated 
power. 
C. Automatic shutShut -OFF controls . All installed indoor lighting shall be equipped with 
controls able to automatically reduce lighting power when the space is typically unoccupied. Page 568  2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 160. 5 – Mandatory Lighting Requirements for Indoor and Outdoor Spaces   Exception to Section 160.5(b)4C:  Continuous illumination of up to 0.1 watts per square foot 
of lighting is allowed to be in any area designated for egress within a building, provided that 
the area is indicated on the plans and specifications submitted to the enforcement agency 
under Section 10 -103(a)2 of Part 1. Lighting providing means of egress illumination, as 
defined in the California Building Code, shall be configured to provide no less than the 
illumination  required by California Building Code Section 1008 while in the partial- off mode . 
i. In addition to lighting controls installed to comply with Sections 160.5(b)4A and B, all All 
installed indoor lighting shall be equipped with controls that meet the following 
requirements:  
a. S hall be controlled with an occupant sensing control  set no more than a 20 -minute 
time delay , automatic time -switch control, or other control capable of automatically 
shutting OFF all of the lighting when the space is typically unoccupied; and 
b. Separate controls for the lighting on each floor, other than lighting in stairwells; and  
c. Separate controls zones for a space enclosed by ceiling height partitions not 
exceeding 5,000 square feet;  
Exception  1 to Section 160.5(b)4Ci : Where the lighting is serving an area that is in 
continuous use, 24 hours per day/365 days per year.  
Exception 2 to Section 160.5(b)4Ci:  Lighting complying with Section 160.5(b)4Cv or vii  
Section 160.5(b) 4Cvi c. 
Exception 3 to Section 160.5(b)4Ci:  Up to 0.1 watts per square foot of lighting in any 
area within a building may be continuously illuminated, provided that the area is 
designated for means of egress on the plans and specifications submitted to the 
enforcement agency under Section 10 -103(a) 2 of Part 1. Lighting providing means of 
egress illumination, as the term is used in the California Building Code, shall be 
configured to provide no less than the amount of light required by California Building 
Code Section 1008 while in the partial -off mo de. 
Exception  4 3 to Section 160.5(b)4Ci:  Electrical equipment rooms subject to Article 
110.26(D) of the California Electrical Code.   
Exception  5 4 to  Section 160.5(b)4Ci:  Illumination provided by lighting equipment that 
is designated for emergency lighting, connected to an emergency power source or 
battery supply, and intended to function in emergency mode only when normal power 
is absent.   
ii. Countdown timer switches may be used to comply with the automatic shut- OFF control 
requirements in Section 160.5(b)4Ci only in  closets less than 70 square feet. The 
maximum timer setting shall be 10 minutes for closets.  
iii. If an automatic time -switch control ,  other than an occupant sensing control, is installed 
to comply with Section 160.5(b)4Ci, it shall incorporate a manual override lighting control that:  
a. Complies with 160.5(b)4A; a nd 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 569  
SECTION 160.5 – MANDATORY LIGHTING REQUIREMENTS FOR INDOOR AND OUTDOOR SPACES  b. Allows allows the lighting to remain ON on for no more than 2 hours when an 
override is initiated.  
Exception to Section 160.5(b)4Ci ii : Areas where occupant sensing controls are installed.  
iv. If an automatic time -switch control ,  other than an occupant sensing control, is installed 
to comply with Section 160.5(b)4Ci, it shall incorporate an automatic holiday "shut -OFF" 
feature that turns OFF all loads for at least 24 hours, and then resumes the normally 
scheduled operation.  
Exception 1 to  Section 160.5(b)4Civ:  Automatic holiday shut -OFF features are not 
required in restaurants .  
Exception 2 to Section 160.5(b)4Civ:  Areas where occupant sensing controls are 
installed . 
v. Occupant sensing controls are required for specified offices, multipurpose rooms, conference rooms and restrooms.  In offices 250 square feet or smaller, multipurpose 
rooms of less than 1,000 square feet, conference rooms , of any size and restrooms  of 
any size, lighting shall be controlled with occupant sensing controls to automatically 
shut OFF all of the lighting in 20 minutes or less after the control zonecontrol zone  is 
unoccupied.  
In areas required by Section 160.5(b)4B to have multi- level lighting controls, the 
occupant sensing controls shall function either as:  
a. a partial- ON occupant sensing control capable of automatically activating between 
50 and 70 percent of controlled lighting power, or  
b. a vacancy sensing control, where all lighting responds to a manual ON input only.  
In areas not required by Section 160.5(b)4B to have multi -level lighting controls  and in 
restrooms , the occupant sensing controls shall function either as:  
a. an automatic full -on occupant sensing control; or  
b. a partial- ON occupant sensing control, or  
c. a vacancy sensing control, where all lighting responds to a manual ON input only.  
In addition, controls shall be provided that allow the lights to be manually shut OFF in 
accordance with Section 160.5(b)4A regardless of the sensor status.  
vi. Full or partial OFF occupant sensing controls are required for corridors and stairwells, and offices greater than 250 square feet. Lighting installed in the following areas shall meet the requirements below in addition to complying with Section 160.5(b)4Ci .  
a. In corridors and stairwells, lighting shall be controlled by occupant sensing controls that separately reduce the lighting power in each space by at least 50 percent when the space is unoccupied. The occupant sensing controls shall be capable of automat ically turning the lighting fully ON only in the separately controlled space 
and shall be automatically activated from all designed paths of egress.  Page 570  2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 160. 5 – Mandatory Lighting Requirements for Indoor and Outdoor Spaces   b. In office spaces greater than 250 square feet, general lighting shall be controlled by 
occupancy sensing controls that meet all of the following:  
I. The occupancy sensing controls shall be configured so that lighting shall be controlled separately in control zones not greater than 600 square feet. For 
luminaires with an embedded occupancy sensor that are capable of reducing 
power independently from other luminaires, each luminaire can be considered 
its own control zone All control zones in offices greater than 250 square feet shall 
be shown on the plans; and  
II. In 20 minutes of  or less after the control zone is unoccupied, the occupancy 
sensing controls shall uniformly reduce lighting power in the control zone to by 
at least 80 no more than 20  percent of full power. Control functions that switch 
control zone lights completely off when the zone is vacant meet this requirement;  and 
III. In 20 minutes or less after the entire office space is unoccupied, the occupancy sensing controls shall automatically turn off lighting in all control zones in the space; and  
IV. In each control zone, lighting shall be allowed to automatically turn on to any level up to full power upon occupancy within the control zone. When occupancy 
is detected in any control zone in the space, the lighting in other control zones 
that are unoccupied shall operate at no more than 20 percent of full power.  
Exception  to Section 160.5(b)4Cvi:  Under- shelf or furniture -mounted task lighting 
controlled by a local switch and either a time switch or an occupancy sensor.   
c. In parking garages, parking areas, and loading and unloading areas, general lighting 
shall be controlled by occupant sensing controls that meet the requirements below 
instead of complying with Section 160.5(b)4C i: 
i. The occupant sensing controls shall uniformly reduce lighting power in the 
control zone to between 20 percent and 50 percent of full power and with at 
least one control step; and   
ii. No more than 500 watts of rated lighting power shall be controlled together as a 
single zone ; and  
iii. The occupant sensing controls shall be capable of automatically turning the 
lighting fully ON only in the separately controlled space, and shall be 
automatically activated from all designed paths of egress.  
Interior areas of parking garages are under the classification of indoor lighting and 
shall comply with  Section 160.5(b)4Cvic . Parking areas on the roof of a parking 
structure are under the classification of outdoor hardscape and shall comply with 
Section 160.5(c).   
vii. Partial OFF occupant sensing controls are required for parking garages, parking areas, 
and loading and unloading areas. Lighting installed in the following areas shall meet the 
requirements below instead of complying with Section 160.5(b)4Ci.  2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 571  
SECTION 160.5 – MANDATORY LIGHTING REQUIREMENTS FOR INDOOR AND OUTDOOR SPACES  a. Reserved  
b. In parking garages, parking areas, and loading and unloading areas, general lighting 
shall be controlled by occupant sensing controls having at least one control step 
between 20 percent and 50 percent of design lighting power. No more than 500 
watts of rated lighting power shall be controlled together as a single zone. A 
reasonably uniform level of illuminance shall be achieved in accordance with the 
applicable requirements in Table 160.5 -B. The occupant sensing controls shall be 
capable of automatically  turning the lighting fully ON only in the separately 
controlled space, and shall be automatically activated from all designed paths of 
egress.  
Interior areas of parking garages are classified as indoor lighting for compliance with 
Section 160.5(b)4Cviib. Parking areas on the roof of a parking structure are classified 
as outdoor hardscape and shall comply with the applicable provisions in Section 
160.5(c).  
Exception  to Section 160.5(b)4Cviib:  Metal halide luminaires with a lamp plus 
ballast mean system efficacy of greater than 75 lumens per watt, used for general 
lighting in parking garages, parking areas, and loading and unloading areas, shall be 
controlled by occupant sensing controls having  at least one control step between 20 
percent and 60 percent of design lighting power.   
D. Automatic Daylighting Daylight Responsive Controls.  
Daylight responsive controls shall be installed in the following locations as applicable:  
i. In any enclosed space where the total installed wattage of general lighting luminaires 
completely or partially within skylit daylit zones is 75 watts or greater, the general lighting 
in the skylit daylit zones shall be controlled by daylight responsive controls.  
ii. In any enclosed space where the total installed wattage of general lighting luminaires 
completely or partially within primary sidelit daylit zones is 75 watts or greater, the general 
lighting in the primary sidelit daylit zones shall be controlled by daylight responsive 
controls.  
iii. In any enclosed space where the total wattage of general lighting luminaires in the 
secondary zones is 75 watts or greater, the general lighting in the secondary sidelit daylit 
zones shall be controlled by daylight responsive controls. General lighting in the secondary 
sidelit daylit zones shall be controlled independently of general lighting in the primary 
sidelit daylit zones.  The general lighting in skylit daylit zones, primary sidelit daylit zones, 
and secondary sidelit daylit zones, as well as the general lighting in the combined primary 
and secondary sidelit daylit zones in parking garages, shall be provided with controls that 
automatically adjust the power of the installed general lighting up and down to keep the 
total light level stable as the amount of incoming daylight changes.  
iv. For skylights located in an atrium, the skylit daylit zones shall apply to the floor area directly 
under the atrium and the top floor area directly adjacent to the atrium.  
v. Parking garage areas where the total installed wattage of the general lighting in the primary 
and the secondary sidelit daylit zones is 60 watts or greater, the general lighting in the Page 572  2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 160. 5 – Mandatory Lighting Requirements for Indoor and Outdoor Spaces   primary and secondary sidelit daylit zones shall be controlled by daylight responsive 
controls. 
All daylight responsive controls shall meet the following requirements:  
vi. i. All skylit daylit zones, primary sidelit daylit zones, secondary sidelit daylit zones  and the 
combined primary and secondary sidelit  daylit zones in parking garages shall be shown on 
the plans ; and .  
Note:  Parking areas on the roof of a parking structure are outdoor hardscape, not skylit daylit 
areas.  
vii. ii. The automatic daylightingdaylight responsive  controls shall provide separate control for 
general lighting in each type of daylit zone. The daylight responsive controls shall meet the 
following: 
a. General lighting  in overlapping skylit daylit zone and sidelit daylit zone  shall be 
controlled as part of the  skylit daylit  zone.  
b. General lighting in overlapping primary and secondary sidelit daylit zone shall be 
controlled as part of the primary sidelit daylit zone.  
c. General lighting luminaires longer than 8 feet shall be controlled  as segments of 8 
feet or less  Linear LED luminaires and other solid state lighting (SSL) light sources in 
linear form may be treated as linear lamps in increments of 4 feet segment or 
smaller, and each segment is separately controlled based on according to  the type 
of the daylit zone the segment is primarily located ; and. 
Exception to Section 160.5(b)4D7c:  Where a luminaire contains a factory assembled 
housing and light source as an integral unit in segments longer than 8 feet, the 
luminaire is  allowed to be controlled according to the type of the daylit zone in 
which the segment is primarily located.  
viii. iii. The automatic daylightingdaylight responsive  controls shall:  
a. For spaces required to install multilevel lighting controls under Section 160.5(b)4B, 
adjust lighting via continuous dimming or the number of control steps provided by 
the multilevel controls  and allow the multilevel controls to adjust the light level ; 
b. For each space, ensure the combined illuminance from the controlled lighting and daylight is not less than the illuminance from controlled lighting when no daylight is available;  
c. For areas other than parking garages, ensure that when the daylight illuminance is 
greater than 150 percent of the illuminance provided by the controlled lighting 
system when no daylight is available, the controlled lighting power in that daylight zone shall be reduced by a minimum of 90 percent; and  
d. For parking garages, ensure that when daylight illuminance levels measured at the farthest edge of the secondary sidelit zone away from the glazing or opening are greater than 150 percent of the illuminance provided by the controlled lighting when no da ylight is available, the controlled lighting power in the combined primary 
and secondary sidelit daylight zones shall be reduced by 100 percent; and . 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 573  
SECTION 160.5 – MANDATORY LIGHTING REQUIREMENTS FOR INDOOR AND OUTDOOR SPACES  ix. iv. Photosensor shall be located so that they are not readily accessible to unauthorized 
personnel ; and . 
x. v. The location where calibration adjustments are made to the automatic 
daylighting daylight responsive  controls shall be readily accessible to authorized personnel 
but may be inside a locked case or under a cover that requires a tool for access; and .  
xi. Interaction with other lighting controls.  
a. In spaces  where manual controls are required, the manual controls shall be capable 
of turning off or decrease light levels below the light level set by the daylighting 
controls. 
b. Manual controls shall be permitted to temporarily increase electric lighting light 
levels above the light level set by the daylight responsive controls if the controls are 
configured to reset electric lighting controls back to the Section 130.1(d)3 defaults 
after electric lighting have been turned off or reduced by a manual control, 
occupancy sensor or timeclock.   
Exception  1 to Section 160.5(b)4D:  Areas under skylights where it is documented that 
existing adjacent structures or natural objects block direct sunlight for more than 1,500 
daytime hours per year between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.  
Exception  2 to Section 160.5(b)4D : Areas adjacent to vertical glazing below an overhang, 
where the overhang covers the entire width of the vertical glazing, no vertical glazing is above the overhang, and the ratio of the overhang projection to the overhang rise is greater than 1.5 for south, east and west orientations or greater than 1 for north orientations.  
Exception 3 to Section 160.5(b)4D : Where daylight responsive controls are not required for 
the primary sidelit daylit zones, and where the total wattage of general lighting luminaires 
in the secondary sidelit daylit zones is less than 85 watts, daylight responsive controls are 
not required for the secondary sidelit zone.Rooms where the combined total installed 
wattage of the general lighting in the skylit and primary sidelit zones is less than 120 watts 
are not required to have daylighting controls for those zones. Rooms where the total 
installed wattage of the general lighting in the secondary sidelit zones is less than 120 watts 
are not required to have daylighting controls for that zone.   
Exception 4 to Section 160.5(b)4D:  Parking garage areas where the total installed wattage 
of the general lighting in the primary and the secondary sidelit daylit zones is less than 60 
watts do not require automatic daylighting controls in the daylit zones Reserved . 
Exception  5 to Section 160.5(b)4D:  Rooms that have a total glazing area of less than 24 
square feet, or parking garage areas with a combined total of less than 36 square feet of glazing or opening.  
Exception  6 to Section 160.5(b)4D:  For parking garages, luminaires located in the daylight 
adaptation zone and luminaires for only dedicated ramps. Daylight adaptation zone and dedicated ramps are defined in Section 100.1.  Page 574  2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 160. 5 – Mandatory Lighting Requirements for Indoor and Outdoor Spaces   Exception 7 to Section 160.5(b)4D:  Luminaires in sidelit  daylit zones in retail merchandise 
sales and wholesale showroom areas.  
E. Demand Responsive Controls.  See Section 110.12 for requirements for demand responsive 
lighting controls.  
F. Occupancy Sensing  Control s interactions  with Space- conditioning Systems . For space -
conditioning system zones serving only spaces that are required to have occupancy sensing 
controls as specified in Sections 160.5(b)4Cv  and vi, and where Table 120.1 -A allows the 
ventilation air to be reduced to zero when the space is in occupied- standby mode, the 
space conditioning system shall be permitted to be controlled by occupancy sensing 
controls as specified in Section 120.2(e)3.  
F. Control interactions . Each lighting control installed to comply with Section 160.5(b)4 shall 
permit or incorporate the functions of the other lighting controls required by this section.  
i. For general lighting, the manual area control shall permit the level or amount of light 
provided while the lighting is on to be set or adjusted by the controls specified in 
Sections 160.5(b)4B, C, D, and E.  
ii. The manual area control shall permit the shutoff control to turn the lighting down or 
off. 
iii. The multi -level lighting control shall permit the automatic daylighting control to adjust 
the electric lighting level in response to changes in the amount of daylight in the daylit 
zone. 
iv. The multi -level lighting control shall permit the demand responsive control to adjust the 
lighting during a demand response event and to return it to the level set by the 
multilevel control after the event.  
v. The shutoff control shall permit the manual area control to turn the lighting on. If the 
on request occurs while an automatic time switch control would turn the lighting off, 
then the on request shall be treated as an override request consistent with 
Section160.5(c)4Ciii. 
vi. The automatic daylighting control shall permit the multi -level lighting control to adjust 
the level of lighting.  
vii. For lighting controlled by multi- level lighting controls and by occupant sensing controls 
that provide an automatic -on function, the controls shall provide a partial -on function 
that is capable of automatically activating between 50 and 70 percent of controlled 
lighting power.  
viii. Reserved.  
ix. For space -conditioning system zones serving only spaces that are required to have 
occupancy sensing controls as specified in Sections 160.5(b)4Cv, vi and vii, and where 
Table 120.1- A allows the ventilation air to be reduced to zero when the space is in 
occupied -standby mode, the space conditioning system shall be controlled by 
occupancy sensing controls as specified in Section 120.2(e)3.  
 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 575  
SECTION 160.5 – MANDATORY LIGHTING REQUIREMENTS FOR INDOOR AND OUTDOOR SPACES  TABLE 160.5- B MULTI -LEVEL LIGHTING CONTROLS AND UNIFORMITY REQUIREMENTS 
Luminaire Type  Minimum Required Control Steps  
(percent of full rated power1 ) Uniform level of 
illuminance shall be 
achieved by:  
LED luminaires and LED light source 
systems  Continuous dimming 10 -100 percent  Continuous dimming 10 -
100 percent  
Line-voltage sockets except GU -24 Continuous dimming 10 -100 percent  Continuous dimming 10 -
100 percent  
Low-voltage incandescent systems  Continuous dimming 10 -100 percent  Continuous dimming 10 -
100 percent  
Fluorescent luminaires  Continuous dimming 20 -100 percent  Continuous dimming 20 -
100 percent  
 
TABLE 160.5- B MULTI-LEVEL LIGHTING CONTROLS AND UNIFORMITY REQUIREMENTS (Continued)  
GU-24 sockets rated for fluorescent ≤ 
20 watts;  
Pin-based compact fluorescent ≤ 20 
watts2 
Linear fluorescent and U -bent 
fluorescent ≤ 13 watts   
Minimum one step between  
30-70 percent  Continuous dimming; or  
Stepped dimming; or  
Switching alternate lamps 
in a luminaire, or  
Separately switching 
circuits in multi -circuit 
track with a minimum of 
two circuits.  
Track Lighting  Minimum one step between  
30-70 percent  Continuous dimming; or  
Stepped dimming; or  
Switching alternate lamps 
in a luminaire, or  
Separately switching 
circuits in multi -circuit 
track with a minimum of 
two circuits.  
Linear fluorescent and U -bent 
fluorescent > 13 watts  
 Minimum one step in each range:  
20-40 % 
50-70 % 
75-85 % 
100 % Stepped dimming; or  
Continuous dimming; or  
Switching alternate lamps 
in each luminaire, having 
a minimum of 4 lamps per 
luminaire illuminating the 
same area and in the 
same manner  
Other light sources, including HID and 
induction  Minimum one step between  
50 - 70 percent  Stepped dimming; or  
Continuous dimming; or  
Switching alternate lamps 
in each luminaire, having 
a minimum of 2 lamps per 
luminaire, illuminating the 
same area and in the 
same manner.  Page 576  2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 160. 5 – Mandatory Lighting Requirements for Indoor and Outdoor Spaces   1. Full rated input power of driver, ballast and lamp, corresponding to maximum ballast factor  
2. Includes only pin based lamps: twin tube, multiple twin tube, and spiral lamps  
(c) Outdoor lighting  and control equipment. Multifamily buildings shall comply with the applicable 
requirements of Sections 160.5(c)1 through 160.5(c)2.   
1. Luminaire shielding requirements . All outdoor luminaires of 6,200 initial luminaire lumens or 
greater shall comply with Backlight, Uplight, and Glare (BUG) (in accordance with ANSI/IES TM -
15-20, Annex A) requirements in accordance with Title 24, Part 11, Section 5.106.8.  
Exception  1 to Section 160.5(c)1:  Signs.  
Exception  2 to Section 160.5(c)1:  Lighting for building facades, public monuments, public art, 
statues and vertical surfaces of bridges.  
Exception  3 to Section 160.5(c)1:  Lighting not permitted by a health or life safety statute, 
ordinance or regulation to be a cutoff luminaire.  
Exception  4 to Section 160.5(c)1: Temporary outdoor lighting .  
Exception  5 to Section 160.5(c)1:  Replacement of existing pole mounted luminaires in 
hardscape areas meeting all of the following conditions:  
A. Where the existing luminaire does not meet the luminaire BUG requirements in Section 
160.5(c)1; and  
B. Spacing between existing poles is greater than six times the mounting height of the existing luminaires; and  
C. Where no additional poles are being added to the site; and  
D. Where new wiring to the luminaires is not being installed; and  
E. Provided that the connected lighting power wattage is not increased.  
Exception  6 to Section 160.5(c)1: Luminaires that illuminate the public right of way, including 
publicly maintained or utility -maintained roadways, sidewalks and bikeways.   
Exception  7 to Section 160.5(c)1:  Outdoor lighting attached to a multifamily building and 
separately controlled from the inside of a dwelling unit.  
Exception  8 to Section 160.5(c)1: Luminaires that qualify as exceptions in Sections 5.106.8 of 
Part 11 of Title 24 and in Section 1 70.2(e)6A. 
2. Controls for outdoor lighting.  Outdoor lighting shall be independently controlled from other 
electrical loads, and the controls for outdoor lighting shall meet the following functional requirements:  
Exception  1 to Section 160.5(c)2:  Outdoor lighting not permitted by a health or life safety 
statute, ordinance or regulation to be turned OFF or reduced.  
Exception  2 to Section 160.5(c)2:  Lighting in tunnels required to be illuminated 24 hours per 
day and 365 days per year.  2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 577  
SECTION 160.5 – MANDATORY LIGHTING REQUIREMENTS FOR INDOOR AND OUTDOOR SPACES  A. Daylight availability . All installed outdoor lighting shall be controlled by a photo control, 
astronomical time -switch control or other control capable of automatically shutting OFF the 
outdoor lighting when daylight is available.  
B. Automatic scheduling controls.  
i. Automatic scheduling controls shall be installed for all outdoor lighting. Automatic 
scheduling controls may be installed in combination with motion sensing controls or other outdoor lighting controls.  
ii. Automatic scheduling controls shall be capable of partially reducing the outdoor lighting 
power by at least 50 to 90  percent  and no more than 90 percent, and separately 
capable of turning the lighting OFF, during scheduled unoccupied periods.  
iii. Automatic scheduling controls shall allow scheduling of a minimum of two nighttime 
periods with independent lighting levels, and may include an override function that 
turns lighting ON during its scheduled dim or OFF state for no more than two hours when an override is initiated.   
C. Motion sensing controls .  
i. Motion sensing controls shall be installed for the following outdoor  luminaires  providing 
lighting for general hardscape, parking lots, and outdoor canopies , where  the bottom of 
the luminaire is mounted 24 feet above grade or lower . Motion sensing controls may be 
installed for other outdoor lighting and in combination with other outdoor lighting 
controls:  
a. Outdoor luminaires other than those providing building façade, ornamental hardscape 
or outdoor dining lighting, where the bottom of the luminaire is mounted 24 feet above 
grade or lower; and  
b. Outdoor wall -mounted luminaires installed for general hardscape parking lot lighting, 
located within one mounting height of a parking space, mounted 24 feet above grade or 
lower.  
ii. Motion sensing controls shall be capable of partially reducing the outdoor lighting 
power of each controlled luminaire by at least 50 to 90 percent  and no more than 90 
percent, and separately capable of turning the luminaire OFF, during unoccupied 
periods. 
iii. Motion sensing controls shall be capable of reducing the lighting to its dim or OFF state no longer than 15 minutes after the area has been vacated, and of returning the lighting 
to its ON state when the area becomes occupied.  
iv. No more than 1,500 watts of lighting power shall be controlled by a single sensor or as a 
single zone.  
Exception  1 to Section 160.5(c)2C:  Luminaires with a maximum rated wattage of 40 watts 
each are not required to have motion sensing controls.  
Exception  2 to Section 160.5(c)2C: Applications listed as exceptions to Section 170.2(e)2A 
and luminaires providing lighting for building façade, ornamental hardscape or outdoor 
dining are not required to have motion sensing controls.  Page 578 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 160. 5 – Mandatory Lighting Requirements for Indoor and Outdoor Spaces   Exception  3 to Section 160.5(c)2C: Lighting subject to a health or life safety statute, 
ordinance or regulation may have a minimum time -out period longer than 15 minutes or a 
minimum dimming level above 50 percent when necessary to comply with the applicable 
law.  
(d) Sign lighting controls. All sign lighting shall meet the requirements below as applicable:   
1. Indoor signs . All indoor sign lighting other than exit sign lighting shall be controlled with an 
automatic time -switch control or astronomical time -switch control.   
2. Outdoor signs.  Outdoor sign lighting shall meet the following requirements as applicable:  
A. All outdoor sign lighting shall be controlled with a photocontrol in addition to an automatic time -switch control, or an astronomical time -switch control.  
Exception  to Section 160.5(d)2A:  Outdoor signs in tunnels, and signs in large permanently 
covered outdoor areas that are intended to be continuously lit, 24 hours per day and 365 
days per year.  
B. All outdoor sign lighting that is ON both day and night shall be controlled with a dimmer 
that provides the ability to automatically reduce sign lighting power by a minimum of 65 percent during nighttime hours. Signs that are illuminated at night and fo r more than 1 
hour during daylight hours shall be considered ON both day and night.  
Exception  to Section 160.5(d)2B:  Outdoor signs in tunnels and large covered areas that are 
intended to be illuminated both day and night.  
3. Demand Responsive Electronic Message Center (EMC) control . See Section 110.12 for 
requirements for demand responsive EMC controls.  
(e) Lighting control acceptance and installation certificate requirement. Multifamily common use 
areas shall comply with the applicable requirements of Sections 160.5(e)1 through 1 60.5(e)3.  
1. Lighting control acceptance requirements . Before an occupancy permit is granted, indoor and 
outdoor lighting controls serving the building, area or site and installed to comply with Section 
160.5(b)4D, 160.5(b)4C, 160.5(b)4E, 160.5(c)2 or 170.2(e)1Aiij shall be certified as meeting the 
Acceptance  Requirements for Code Compliance as specified by Reference Nonresidential 
Appendix NA7.6 and NA7.8. A Certificate of Acceptance shall be submitted to the enforcement agency under Section 10 -103(a) of Part 1 that  the equipment and systems meet the acceptance 
requirements:  
A. Reserved;  
B. Reserved;  
C. Automatic daylight controls shall be tested in accordance with Reference Nonresidential Appendix NA7.6.1;  
D. Lighting shut- OFF controls shall be tested in accordance with Reference Nonresidential 
Appendix NA7.6.2;  
E. Demand responsive lighting controls shall be tested in accordance with Reference Nonresidential Appendix NA7.6.3; and  2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 579 
SECTION 160.5 – MANDATORY LIGHTING REQUIREMENTS FOR INDOOR AND OUTDOOR SPACES  F. Outdoor lighting controls shall be tested in accordance with Reference Nonresidential 
Appendix NA7.8; and  
G. Lighting systems receiving the Institutional Tuning Power Adjustment Factor shall be tested in accordance with Reference Nonresidential Appendix NA7.6.4.  
H. Demand responsive controls required to control controlled receptacles shall be tested in 
accordance with Reference Nonresidential Appendix NA7.6.5.  
2. Lighting control installation certificate requirements.  To be recognized for compliance with 
Part 6, an Installation Certificate shall be submitted in accordance with Section 10 -103(a) for 
any lighting control system, energy management control system, interlocked lighting system, 
lighting power adjustment factor, or additional wattage available for a videoconference studio, in accordance with the following requirements, as applicable:  
A. Certification that when a lighting control system is installed to comply with lighting control 
requirements in Part 6, it complies with the applicable requirements of Section 110.9 and complies with Reference Nonresidential Appendix NA7.7.1.  
B. Certification that when an energy management control system is installed to function as a lighting control required by Part 6, it functionally meets all applicable requirements for each application for which it is installed, in accordance with Sections 110.9, 160, 170 and 180, and complies with Reference Nonresidential Appendix NA7.7.2.  
C. Certification that interlocked lighting systems used to serve an approved area comply with Section 170.2(e)2A and comply with Reference Nonresidential Appendix NA7.7.4.  
D. Certification that lighting controls installed to earn a lighting Power Adjustment Factor 
(PAF) comply with Section 170.2(e)2B and comply with Reference Nonresidential Appendix NA7.7.5. 
E. Reserved.  
3. When certification is required by Title 24, Part 1, Section 10 -103.1, the acceptance testing 
specified by Section 160.5(e) shall be performed by a Certified Lighting Controls Acceptance Test Technician (CLCATT). If the CLCATT is operating as an employee , the CLCATT shall be 
employed by a Certified Lighting Controls Acceptance Test Employer. The CLCATT shall disclose on the Certificate of Acceptance a valid CLCATT certification identification number issued by an approved Acceptance Test Technician Certifi cation Provider. The CLCATT shall complete all 
Certificate of Acceptance documentation in accordance with the applicable requirements in Section 10 -103(a)4.  
 
NOTE: Authority: Sections 25213, 25218, 25218.5, 25402 and 25402.1, Public Resources Code. 
Reference: Sections 25007, 25008, 25218.5, 25310, 25402, 25402.1, 25402.4, 25402.5, 25402.8, and 
25943, Public Resources Code. Page 580  2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION  160.6 – MANDATORY  REQUIREMENTS FOR ELECTRIC POWER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM  SECTION 160.6 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR ELECTRIC POWER DISTRIBUTION 
SYSTEM S 
Multifamily buildings shall comply with the applicable requirements of Sections 160.6(a) through 
160.6(e).   
(a) Service electrical metering . Each electrical service or feeder that provides power to the common 
use areas (interior and exterior) shall have a permanently installed metering system that measures 
electrical energy use in accordance with Table 160.6 -A.  
Exception  to Section 160.6(a): Service or feeder for which the utility company provides a metering 
system for the multifamily building that indicates instantaneous kW demand and kWh for a utility -
defined period.  
TABLE 160.6- A MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR METERING OR SUBMETERING OF ELECTRICAL 
LOAD  
Metering 
Functionality  Electrical 
Services1 rated 
50 kVA or less  Electrical Services1 
rated more than 50kVA 
and less than or equal 
to 250 kVA  Electrical Services1 rated 
more than 250 kVA and 
less than or equal to 
1000kVA  Electrical 
Services1 rated 
more than 
1000kVA  
Instantaneous (at 
the time) kW 
demand  Required  Required  Required  Required  
Historical peak 
demand (kW)  Not required Not required Required  Required  
Tracking kWh for a 
user -definable 
period.  Required  Required  Required  Required  
kWh per rate 
period  Not required Not required Not required Required  
1 “Electrical Services” applies to the building service -entrance rating or to the submetering service. 
For a building with submetering, this applies to the submetering service size to the common use areas.  
(b) Separation of  electrical circuits for electrical energy monitoring . Electrical power distribution 
systems shall be designed so that measurement devices can monitor the electrical energy usage of load types according to Table 160.6 -B.  
Exception  1 to Section 160.6(b) : For each separate load type, up to 10 percent of the connected 
load may be of any type.  
Exception  2 to Section 160. 6(b):  Submetered electrical power distribution systems that provide 
power to dwelling units.  2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 581  
SECTION 160.6 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR ELECTRIC POWER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM  TABLE 160.6- B MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR SEPARATION OF ELECTRICAL LOAD  
Electrical Load Type  Electrical Services1 
rated 50 kVA or less  Electrical Services1 
rated more than 
50kVA and less than 
or equal to 250 kVA  Electrical Services1 
rated more than 250 
kVA and less than or 
equal to 1000kVA  Electrical Services1 
rated more than 
1000kVA  
Lighting including exit 
and egress lighting and 
exterior lighting Not required  All lighting in 
aggregate All lighting 
disaggregated by 
floor, type or area All lighting 
disaggregated by 
floor, type or area 
HVAC systems and 
components including 
chillers, fans, heaters, 
furnaces, package 
units, cooling towers, 
and circulation pumps 
associated with HVAC  Not required  All HVAC in 
aggregate All HVAC in 
aggregate and each 
HVAC load rated at 
least 50 kVA All HVAC in 
aggregate and each 
HVAC load rated at 
least 50kVA 
Domestic and service 
water system pumps and related systems 
and components  Not required  All loads in 
aggregate All loads in 
aggregate All loads in 
aggregate 
Plug load including 
appliances rated less 
than 25 kVA  Not required  All plug load in 
aggregate 
Groups of plug loads 
exceeding 25 kVA 
connected load in an 
area less than 5000 
sf All plug load 
separated by floor, 
type or area  
Groups of plug loads 
exceeding 25 kVA 
connected load in an 
area less than 5000 
sf All plug load 
separated by floor, 
type or area  
All groups of plug 
loads exceeding 25 
kVA connected load 
in an area less than 
5000 sf  
Elevators, escalators, 
moving walks, and 
transit systems  Not required  All loads in 
aggregate All loads in 
aggregate All loads in 
aggregate 
Renewable power 
source (net or total)  Each group Each group Each group Each group 
Loads associated with 
renewable power 
source  Not required  All loads in 
aggregate All loads in 
aggregate All loads in 
aggregate 
Charging stations for electric vehicles  All loads in 
aggregate All loads in 
aggregate All loads in 
aggregate All loads in 
aggregate 
1 “Electrical Services” applies to the building service -entrance rating or to the submetering service. For a building with 
submetering, this applies to the submetering service size to the common use area.  
 
(c) Voltage  drop. The maximum combined voltage drop on both installed feeder conductors and 
branch circuit conductors to the farthest connected load or outlet shall not exceed 5 percent.   
Exception  to Section 1 60.6(c): Voltage drop permitted by California Electrical Code Sections 647.4, 
695.6 and 695.7.  
(d) Circuit controls  for 120- volt receptacles  and controlled receptacles . In all common areas, both 
controlled and uncontrolled 120 volt receptacles shall be provided in office areas, lobbies, Page 582  2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION  160.6 – MANDATORY  REQUIREMENTS FOR ELECTRIC POWER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM  conference rooms, kitchen areas in office spaces, and copy rooms.  Plug -in strips and other plug -in 
devices shall not be used to comply with the requirements of this section.  
Controlled receptacles shall meet the following requirements, as applicable:   
1. I
nstall a control capable of automatically shutting OFF the controlled receptacles when the 
space is typically unoccupied, either at the receptacle or circuit level. When an automatic time 
switch control is installed it shall incorporate an override contro l that allows the controlled 
receptacle to remain ON for no more than 2 hours when an override is initiated and an automatic holiday “shut -OFF” feature that turns OFF all loads for at least 24 hours and then 
resumes the normally scheduled operation. Countdown timer switches shall not be used to comply with the automatic time switch control requirements; and  
2. I
nstall at least one controlled receptacle within 6 feet from each uncontrolled receptacle, or 
install a splitwired multiple receptacle with at least one controlled and one uncontrolled 
receptacle. Where receptacles are installed in modular furniture in open office areas, at least one controlled receptacle shall be installed at each workstation; and  
3. Provide a permanent and durable marking for controlled receptacles or circuits to differentiate 
them from uncontrolled receptacles or circuits; and  
NOTE:  A  hardwired power strip  controlled by an occupant sensing control may be used to comply 
with Section 1 60.6(d). Pl ug -in strips and other plug -in devices shall not be used to comply with the 
requirements of this section.  
Exception  1 to Section 1 60.6(d): Receptacles that are only for the following purposes:  
A. Receptacles specifically for refrigerators and water dispensers in kitchen areas.  
B. Receptacles located a minimum of six feet above the floor that are specifically for clocks.  
C. Receptacles for network copiers, fax machines, A/V and data equipment other than personal computers in copy rooms.  
D. Receptacles on circuits rated more than 20 amperes.  
E. Receptacles connected to an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) that are intended to be in continuous use, 24 hours per day/365 days per year, and are marked to differentiate them from other uncontrolled receptacles or circuits.  
Exception 2 to Section 160.6(d):  Receptacles in common use areas providing shared provisions for 
living, eating, cooking or sanitation to dwelling units that would otherwise lack these provisions.  
(e) Demand responsive controls and equipment. See Section 110.12 for requirements for demand 
responsive controls and equipment.  
NOTE: Definitions of terms and phrases in Section 160.6 are determined as specified in Section 
100.1(b). Terms and phrases not found in Section 100.1(b) shall be defined as specified in Title 24, Part 3, Article 100 of the California Electrical Code.  
NOTE: Authority: Sections 25213, 25218, 25218.5, 25402 and 25402.1, Public Resources Code. 
Reference: Sections 25007, 25008, 25218.5, 25310, 25402, 25402.1, 25402.4, 25402.5, 25402.8 and 25943, Public Resources Code.   2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 583  
SECTION 160. 7 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR COVERED PROCESSES   SECTION 160.7 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR COVERED PROCESSES  
(a) Elevators shall meet the requirements of  120.6(f).
(b) Pool and spa systems.  Pool and spa systems available to multiple tenants or to the public shall 
comply with the applicable requirements of Section 110.4. Pool and spa systems installed for 
exclusive use by a single tenant shall comply with the applicable requirements of Sectio n 150.0(p). 
Pool and spa systems installed for public use shall comply with Section 150(p)2, Section 150.0(p)3, and Section 150.0(p)4.  
 
NOTE: Authority: Sections 25213, 25218, 25218.5, 25402 and 25402.1, Public Resources Code. 
Reference: Sections 25007, 25008, 25218.5, 25310, 25402, 25402.1, 25402.4, 25402.5, 25402.8 and 
25943, Public Resources Code .  
  El evators. Section   Page 584  2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 160. 8 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR SOLAR  READY BUILDINGS  SECTION 160.8 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR SOLAR READY BUILDINGS  
(a) Solar ready buildings . Newly constructed multifamily buildings shall meet the requirements of 
Section 110.10 applicable to the building project.  
Note:  Authority: Sections 25213, 25218, 25218.5, 25402 and 25402.1, Public Resources Code. 
Reference: Sections 25007, 25008, 25218.5, 25310, 25402, 25402.1, 25402.4, 25402.5, 25402.8, and 
25943, Public Resources Code.  
 
 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 585  
Section 160.9 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR ELECTRIC READY BUILDINGS  SECTION 160. 9 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR ELECTRIC  READY BUILDINGS 
(a) General  Requirements.  Multifamily buildings shall comply with the applicable requirements of 
subsection 160.9. The building electrical system shall be sized to meet the future electric requirements 
of the electric ready equipment specified in sections 160.9 (a) through ( e). The building main service 
conduit, the electrical system to the point specified in each subsection, and any on- site distribution 
transformers shall have sufficient capacity to supply full rated amperage at each electric ready 
appliance in accordance with the California Electrical Code.  
(ba) Heat Ppump Sspace Hheater Rready . Systems using gas or propane furnaces to serve individual 
dwelling units shall include the following:  
1. A dedicated 240 volt branch circuit wiring shall be installed within 3 feet from the furnace and 
accessible to the furnace with no obstructions. The branch circuit conductors shall be rated at 
30 amps minimum. The blank cover shall be identified as “240V ready.” All electrical 
components shall be installed in accordance with the California Electrical Code .  
2. The main electrical service panel shall have a reserved space to allow for the installation of a double pole circuit breaker for a future heat pump space heater installation. The reserved 
space shall be permanently marked as “For Future 240V use.”  
(cb) Electric Ccooktop Rready . Systems using gas or propane cooktops to serve individual dwelling 
units shall include the following:  
1. A dedicated 240 volt branch circuit wiring shall be installed within 3 feet from the cooktop and 
accessible to the cooktop with no obstructions. The branch circuit conductors shall be rated at 
50 amps minimum. The blank cover shall be identified as “240V ready.” All electrical 
components shall be installed in accordance with the California Electrical Code .  
2. The main electrical service panel shall have a reserved space to allow for the installation of a 
double pole circuit breaker for a future electric cooktop installation. The reserved space shall 
be permanently marked as “For Future 240V use.”  
(dc) Electric Cclothes Ddryer Rready.  Clothes dryer locations with gas or propane plumbing shall 
include the following:  
1. Systems serving individual dwelling units shall include:  
A. A dedicated 240 volt branch circuit wiring shall be installed within 3 feet from the clothes dryer location and accessible to the clothes dryer location with no obstructions. The branch 
circuit conductors shall be rated at 30 amps minimum. The blank cover shall be identified as 
“240V ready.” All electrical components shall be installed in accordance with the California 
Electrical Code .  Page 586  2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 160. 9 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR ELECTRIC READY BUILDINGS  B. The main electrical service panel shall have a reserved space to allow for the installation of 
a double pole circuit breaker for a future electric clothes dryer installation. The reserved 
space shall be permanently marked as “For Future 240V use.”  
2. Systems in common use areas shall include:  
A. Conductors or raceway shall be installed with termination points at the main electrical 
panel, via subpanels panels if applicable, to a location no more than 3 feet from each gas outlet or a designated location of future electric replacement equipment. Both ends of the 
conductors or raceway shall be labelled “Future 240V Use.” The conductors or raceway and 
any intervening subpanels, panelboards, switchboards and busbars shall be sized to meet 
the future electric power requirements, at the service voltage  to the point at which the 
conductors serving the building connect to the utility distribution system, as specified 
below. The capacity requirements may be adjusted for demand factors in accordance with 
the California Electric Code. Gas flow rates shall be determined in accordance with the 
California Plumbing Code. Capacity shall be one of the following:   
i. 24 amps at 208/240 volts per clothes dryer;  
ii. 2.6 kVA for each 10,000 Btu per hour of rated gas input or gas pipe capacity; or  
iii. The electrical power required to provide equivalent functionality of the gas -powered 
equipment as calculated and documented by the responsible person associated with 
the project.  
(e) Individual Heat Pump Water Heater Ready. Systems using gas or propane water heaters to serve 
individual dwelling units shall include the following components and shall meet the requirements of 
Section 160.9(f):  
1. A dedicated 125 volt, 20 amp electrical receptacle that is connected to the electric panel with a 
120/240 volt 3 conductor branch circuit rated to 30 amps minimum, within 3 feet from the water 
heater and accessible to the water heater with no obstructions. In addition, all the following:  
A. Both ends of the unused conductor shall be labeled with the word “spare” and be electrically 
isolated; and  
B. A reserved single pole circuit breaker space in the electrical panel adjacent to the circuit 
breaker for the branch circuit in A above and labeled with the words “Future 240V Use”; and  
2. A condensate drain that is no more than 2 inches higher than the base of the installed water 
heater, and allows natural draining without pump assistance, and  
3. The construction drawings shall designate a space at least 39 inches by 39 inches and 96 inches 
tall for the future  location of  heat pump water heater.      
4. A ventilation method meeting one of the following:  
A. The designated space  for the future heat pump water heater shall have a minimum volume of 
700 cubic feet;  or 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 587  
Section 160.9 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR ELECTRIC READY BUILDINGS  B. The designated space  for the future heat pump water heater shall vent to a communicating 
space in the same pressure boundary via permanent openings with a minimum total NFA of 250 
square inches., so that the total combined volume connected via permanent openings is 700 
cubic feet or larger. The permanent openings shall be:  
i. Fully louvered doors with fixed louvers ; or 
ii. Two permanent fixed openings  located within 12 inches from the enclosure top and bottom;  
C. The designated space  for the future heat pump water heater shall include two 8  inches capped 
ducts, venting to the building exterior:  
i. All ducts , connections, and building penetrations shall be sealed.  
ii. Exhaust air ducts and all ducts which cross pressure boundaries shall be insulated to a 
minimum insulation level of R -6. 
iii. Airflow from termination points shall be diverted away from each other.  
(f) Central Heat Pump Water Heater Ready. Central water heating systems using gas or propane to 
serve multiple dwelling units shall include the following:  
1. The system input capacity of the gas or propane water heating system shall be determined as the 
sum of the input gas or propane capacity of all water heating devices associated with each gas or 
propane water heating system.  
2. Space reserved shall include:  
A. Heat Pump. The minimum space reserved shall include space for service clearances and air flow 
clearances and shall meet one of the following:  
i. The space reserved shall be the space required for a heat pump water heater system that meets 
the total building hot water demand as calculated and documented by the responsible person 
associated with the project ; or 
ii. The space reserved shall meet the requirements specified in Joint Appendix JA1 5.2.1. 
B. Tanks. The minimum space reserved shall include space for service clearances and shall meet one 
of the following:  
i. The space reserved shall be the space required for a heat pump water heater system that meets 
the total building hot water demand as calculated and documented by the responsible person 
associated with the project ; or 
ii. The space reserved shall meet the requirements specified in Joint Appendix JA1 5.2.2. 
3. Ventilation shall be provided by meeting one of the following:  
A. Physical space reserved for the heat pump shall be located outside ; or Page 588  2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 160. 9 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR ELECTRIC READY BUILDINGS  B. A pathway shall be reserved for future routing of supply and exhaust air via ductwork from the 
reserved heat pump location to a  suitable  outdoor location. Penetrations through the building 
envelope for louvers and ducts shall be planned and identified for future use. The reserved 
pathway and penetrations through the building envelope shall be sized to meet one of the 
following: 
i. The reserved pathway and penetrations shall be sized to serve a heat pump water heater 
system that meets the total building hot water demand as calculated and documented by the 
responsible person associated with the project.  
ii. The reserved pathway and penetrations shall be sized to meet the requirements specified in 
Joint Appendix JA1 5.2.3. 
4. Condensate drainage piping. An approved receptacle that is sized per the California Plumbing 
Code for condensate drainage shall be installed within 3 feet of the reserved heat pump location, 
or piping shall be installed from within 3 feet of the reserved heat pump location to an approved 
discharge location that is sized in accordance with the California Plumbing Code, and meet one of 
the following:  
i. Condensate drainage shall be sized to serve a heat pump water heater system that meets the 
total building hot water demand as calculated and documented by the responsible person 
associated with the project.  
ii. Condensate drainage piping shall be sized to meet the requirements specified in Joint 
Appendix JA1 5.2.4. 
5. Electrical  
A. Physical space shall be reserved on the bus system of the main switchboard or on the bus 
system of a distribution board to serve the future heat pump water heater system including the 
heat pump and temperature maintenance tanks. In addition, the physica l space reserved shall be 
capable of providing adequate power to the future heat pump water heater in accordance with 
the following:  
i. Heat Pump. Meet one of the following.  
A. The electrical power required to power a heat pump water heater system heat pump that 
meets the total building hot water demand as calculated and documented by the 
responsible person associated with the project.  
B. The electrical power required that meets the requirements specified for the heat pump in 
Joint Appendix JA1 5.2.5. 
ii. Temperature Maintenance Tank. Meet one of the following.  
A. The electrical power required to power a heat pump water heater system temperature 
maintenance tank that meets the total building hot water demand as calculated and 
documented by the responsible person associated with the project.  2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 589  
Section 160.9 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR ELECTRIC READY BUILDINGS  B. The electrical power required that meets the requirements specified for the 
temperature maintenance tank in Joint Appendix JA1 5.2.5. 
NOTE: Authority: Sections 25213, 25218, 25218.5, 25402 and 25402.1, Public Resources Code. 
Reference: Sections 25007, 25008, 25218.5 25310, 25402, 25402.1, 25402.4, 25402.5, 25402.8 and 
25943, Public Resources Code.  Page 590                                                                                     2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SUBCHAPTER 11  
MULTIFAMILY BUILDINGS - PERFORMANCE AND PRESCRIPTIVE 
COMPLIANCE APPROACHES  
SECTION 170.0 – GENERAL  
Multifamily buildings shall comply with the applicable requirements of Sections 170.0 through 170.2. 
Sections 170.0 through 170.2 apply to dwelling units and common use areas in multifamily buildings. 
Nonresidential occupancies in mixed occupancy buildings  shall comply with nonresidential 
requirements in Sections 120, 130, 140 and 141.  
(a) Multifamily buildings shall meet all of the following:   
1. The applicable requirements of Sections 110.0 through 110.10.  
2. The applicable requirements of Section 160.0 (mandatory features).  
3. Either the performance standards Section 170.1 or the prescriptive standards Section 170.2 set 
forth in this subchapter for the climate zone in which the building is located. Climate zones are 
shown in Reference Joint Appendix JA2 —Weather/Climate Data.  
Exception  to Section 170.0 (a)3:  If a single development falls in more than one climate zone, all 
buildings in the subdivision or tract may be designed to meet the performance or prescriptive 
standards for the climate zone that contains 50 percent or more of the dwelling units.  
NOTE:  The Commission periodically updates, publishes and makes available to interested 
persons and local enforcement agencies precise descriptions of the climate zones, as specified 
in Reference Joint Appendix JA2 —Weather/Climate Data.  
NOTE:  The requirements of Sections 170.1(a) through 170.2(e) apply to newly constructed 
buildings and Sections 180.1 and 180.2 specify changes to the requirements of Sections 170.1(a) 
through 170.2(e) that apply to additions or alterations.  
 
NOTE:  Authority: Sections 25213, 25218, 25218.5, 25402 and 25402.1, Public Resources Code. 
Reference: Sections 25007, 25008, 25218.5, 25310, 25402, 25402.1, 25402.4, 25402.5, 25402.8 and 
25943, Public Resources Code.  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards        Page 591 
SECTION 170.1 – PERFORMANCE APPROACH  SECTION 170.1 – PERFORMANCE APPROACH  
A building complies with the performance approach if the energy budget calculated for the proposed 
design building  under Subsection (b) is no greater than the energy budget calculated for the standard 
design building  under Subsection (a).  consumption calculated for the proposed design building is no 
greater than the energy budget calculated for the standard design building using Commission -certified 
compliance software  as specified by Sections 10 -109, 10 -116 and the Alternative Calculation Method 
Reference Manual . 
(a) Energy budget  for the standard design building . The Energy budget is expressed in terms of Long -
Term System Cost (LSC ) and Source Energy : 
1. Long -term System Cost  (LSC) . The LSC energy budget is determined by applying the mandatory 
and prescriptive requirements of the standard design to the proposed design building  and has 
two components, the Efficiency LSC and the Total LSC.  
A. The Efficiency LSC energy is the sum of the LSC energy for space -conditioning, water heating, 
and mechanical ventilation.  
B. The Total LSC energy is the sum of the Efficiency LSC energy and LSC energy from the 
photovoltaic system, energy  storage systems  (ESS) , lighting, demand flexibility, plug loads , 
and covered process loads.  
2. Source Energy. The source energy budget is determined by applying the mandatory and 
prescriptive requirements of the standard design, except with a consumer gas or propane water 
heater, to the proposed design building.  
The energy budget for the standard design building is expressed in terms of source energy and time -
dependent valuation (TDV) energy, and they are determined by applying the mandatory and 
prescriptive requirements to the proposed design building. The source en ergy budget and the TDV 
energy budget is the sum of the TDV energy for space -conditioning, indoor lighting, mechanical 
ventilation, photovoltaic (PV) and battery storage system, service water heating and covered 
process loads.   
(b) Energy budget  for the proposed design building . The energy budget for a proposed design building 
is expressed in terms of source energy and time -dependent valuation (TDV) energy, and they are 
determined by calculating the source energy and TDV energy for the proposed design building. The 
source energy budget and the TDV energy budget is the sum of the energy for space -conditioning, 
indoor lighting, mechanical ventilation, photovoltaic (PV) and battery storage system, and service 
water heating and covere d process loads. The proposed building shall separately comply with the 
source energy budget and the TDV energy budget.  
Exception  to Section 170.1( ab): A community shared solar electric generation system, or other 
renewable electric generation system, and/or community shared battery storage system BESS, that 
provides dedicated power, utility energy reduction credits or payments for energy bill reductions to 
the permitted building and is approved by the Energy Commission as specified in Title 24, Part 1, 
Section 10 -115, may offset part or all of the solar elec tric generation system or battery storage Page 592                                                                                     2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 170.1 – PERFORMANCE APPROACH  system BESS LSCTDV energy required to comply with the standards , as calculated according to methods 
established by the Commission in the Nonresidential ACM Reference Manual.   
(bc) Calculation of energy budget . The TDV energy for both the standard design building and the 
proposed design building shall be computed by compliance software certified for this use by the 
Commission. The processes for compliance software approval by the Commission are documented 
in the ACM Approval Manual.  
(bcd) Compliance demonstration requirements  for performance standards.  
1. Certificate of Compliance and Application for a Building Permit. The application for a building 
permit shall include documentation pursuant to Sections 10 -103(a)1 and 10 -103(a)2 that 
demonstrates, using an approved calculation method, that the building has  been designed so 
that its source energy budget and TDV LSC energy   budget consumption do not exceed the 
standard design energy budget s for the applicable climate zone.  
2. Field verification of individual dwelling unit systems. When performance of installed features, 
materials, components, manufactured devices or systems above the minimum specified in 
Section 170.2 is necessary for the building to comply with Section 170.1, or is necessary to 
achieve a more stringent local ordinance, field verification shall be performed in accordance 
with the applicable requirements in the following subsections, and the results of the 
verification(s) shall be documented on applicable Certifi cates of Installation pursuant to Section 
10-103(a)3 and applicable Certificates of Verification pursuant to Section 10 -103(a)5.  
A. EER/ EER2/ SEER/ SEER2/CEER/ HSPF/ HSPF2 Rating. When performance compliance requires 
installation of a space -conditioning system with a  rating that is greater than the minimum  
rating required by Table 170.2 -K or specified for the standard design, the installed system 
shall be field verified in accordance with the procedures specified in the applicable sections 
of Reference Residential Appendix RA3 . 
B. Variable capacity heat pump (VCHP) compliance option. When performance compliance 
requires installation of a heat pump system that meets all the requirements of the VCHP 
compliance option specified in the ACM Reference Manual, the system shall be field 
verified in accordance with the procedures in Reference Residential Appendix RA3.4.4.3.  
C. Low leakage air handler. When performance compliance requires installation of a low 
leakage air -handling unit, the installed air handling unit shall be field verified in accordance 
with the procedures specified in Reference Residential Appendix RA3.1.4. 3.9.  
D. Thermal Balancing Valve. When performance compliance requires installation of thermal 
balancing valves with variable speed circulation pump(s), the installation shall meet the 
procedures specified in Reference Residential Appendix RA4.4.3 .Reserved.   
E. Heat pump —rated heating capacity. When performance compliance requires installation of 
a heat pump system, the heating capacity values at 47°F and 17°F shall be field verified in 
accordance with the procedures specified in Reference Residential Appendix RA 3.4.4.2.  
F. Whole -house fan. When performance compliance requires installation of a whole -house 
fan, the whole -house fan ventilation airflow rate and fan efficacy shall be field verified in 
accordance with the procedures in Reference Residential Appendix RA3.9.  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards        Page 593 
SECTION 170.1 – PERFORMANCE APPROACH  G. Central fan ventilation cooling system. When performance compliance requires installation 
of a central fan ventilation cooling system, the installed system shall be field verified in 
accordance with the procedures in Reference Residential Appendix RA3.3 .4.  
HF. Dwelling unit enclosure air leakage. When performance compliance requires a building 
enclosure leakage rate that is lower than the standard design, the building enclosure shall 
be field verified in accordance with the procedures specified in Reference Re sidential 
Appendix RA3.8.  
IG. Quality insulation installation (QII). When performance compliance requires field 
verification of QII, the building insulation system shall be field verified in accordance with 
the procedures in Reference Residential Appendix RA3.5.  
J. Precooling . When performance compliance requires field verification of the installation and 
programming of a precooling thermostat , it shall be field verified in accordance with the 
procedures in Reference Residential Appendix RA3.4.5.  
 
NOTE:  Authority: Sections 25213, 25218, 25218.5, 25402 and 25402.1, Public Resources Code. 
Reference: Sections 25007, 25008, 25218.5, 25310, 25402, 25402.1, 25402.4, 25402.5, 25402.8, and 
25943, Public Resources Code.  Page 594                                                                                     2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 170.2 – PRESCRIPTIVE APPROACH  SECTION 170.2 – PRESCRIPTIVE APPROACH  
Multifamily buildings, including both dwelling units and common use areas, that comply with the 
prescriptive standards shall be designed, constructed and equipped to meet all of the requirements for 
the appropriate climate zone  shown in Table 170.2 -A. In Table 170.2 -A, NA (not allowed) means that 
feature is not permitted in a particular climate zone  and NR (no requirement) means that there is no 
prescriptive requirement for that feature in a particular climate zone . Installed components shall meet 
the follo wing requirements:   
(a) Envelope component requirements .  
1. Exterior roofs and ceilings . Exterior roofs and ceilings shall comply with each of the applicable 
requirements in this subsection:  
A. Roofing products. All roofing products shall meet the requirements of Section 110.8 and the 
applicable minimum aged solar reflectance and thermal emittance requirements of Table 
170.2 -A.  
Exception  1 to Section 170.2(a)1A:  Roof area covered w ith Bbuilding integrated 
photovoltaic panels and building integrated solar thermal panels are not required to 
comply with  exempt  from the minimum requirements for solar reflectance and thermal 
emittance or SRI.  
Exception  2 to Section 170.2(a)1A:  Roof constructions with a weight of at least 25 lb/ft² are 
not required to comply with exempt from  the minimum requirements for solar reflectance 
and thermal emittance or SRI.  
B. Roof insulation. Roofs shall have an overall assembly U -factor no greater than the 
applicable value in Table 170.2 -A, meeting i, ii, iii or iv below. Where required by Sections 
110.8 and 160.1(a), insulation shall be placed in direct contact with a continuous roof or 
drywal l ceiling.  
 i. Option A: Reserved.  
ii. Option B: A minimum R -value of insulation installed between the roof rafters in contact 
with the roof deck and an additional layer of ceiling insulation located between the attic 
and the conditioned space when meeting Section 170.2(c)3Biia; or  
iii. Option C: A minimum R -value of ceiling insulation located between the attic and the 
conditioned space when meeting Section 170.2(c)3Biib.  
iv. Option D: A minimum U -factor for roof assemblies above conditioned space without 
attic space.  
C. Radiant barrier. A radiant barrier required in Table 170.2 -A shall meet the requirements 
specified in Section 110.8(j) and shall meet the installation criteria specified in Reference 
Residential Appendix RA4 .  
2. Wall insulation.  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards        Page 595 
SECTION 170.2 – PRESCRIPTIVE APPROACH  A. Exterior walls shall have an overall assembly U -factor no greater than the applicable value 
in Table 170.2 -A.  
B. Demising walls shall meet the requirements of Section 160.1(b)7. Vertical windows in 
demising walls between conditioned and unconditioned spaces shall have an area -weighted 
average U -factor no greater than the applicable value in Table 170.2 -A.  
3. Fenestration.   
A. Vertical fenestration and glazed doors in exterior walls shall comply with Subsections i, ii 
and iii:  
i. Percent fenestration area shall be limited in accordance with the applicable 
requirements of a and b below:  
a. A total fenestration area no greater than 20 percent of the conditioned floor area; 
and 
b. A total fenestration area no greater than 40 percent of the gross exterior wall area.  
Note:  Demising walls are not exterior walls, and therefore demising wall area is not part 
of the gross exterior wall area, and fenestration in demising walls is not part of the 
fenestration area limitation.  
ii. Fenestration properties. Installed fenestration products, including glazed doors, shall 
have an area -weighted average U -factor, Relative Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (RSHGC), 
and Visual Visible Transmittance (VT) meeting the applicable fenestration values in 
Table 170.2 -A and shall be determined in accordance with Sections 110.6(a)2 and 
110.6(a)3.   
Vertical fenestration in demising walls between conditioned and unconditioned spaces 
is only required to comply with the area -weighted average U -factor requirement in 
Table  170.2 -A.  
Exception  1 to Section 170.2(a)3Aii:  For each dwelling unit, up to 3 square feet of new 
glazing area installed in doors shall not be required to meet the U -factor and RSHGC 
requirements of Table 170.2 -A.  
Exception  2 to Section 170.2(a)3Aii: For fenestration containing chromogenic type 
glazing:  
a. The lower -rated labeled U -factor and SHGC shall be used with automatic controls 
to modulate the amount of solar gain and light transmitted into the space in 
multiple steps in response to daylight levels or solar intensity;  
b. Chromogenic glazing shall be considered separately from other fenestration; and  
c. Area -weighted averaging with other fenestration that is not chromatic shall not be 
permitted and shall be determined in accordance with Section 110.6(a).  
Exception 3 to  Section 170.2(a)3Aii: For dwelling units containing unrated site -built 
fenestration that meets the maximum area restriction, the U -factor and SHGC can be Page 596                                                                                     2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 170.2 – PRESCRIPTIVE APPROACH  determined in accordance with Nonresidential Reference Appendix NA6 or using default 
values in Table 110.6 -A and Table 110.6 -B.  
Exception  4 to Section 170.2(a) 3Aii: Fenestration in dwelling units of buildings that are 
three habitable stories or fewer in Climate Zones 1, 3, 5 and 16 is not required to 
comply with the RSHGC requirements.  
Exception 5 to Section 170.2(a)3Aii : Fenestration in dwelling units of buildings that are 
three habitable stories or fewer is not required to comply with the VT requirements.  
iii. Shading. Where Table 170.2 -A requires a maximum RSHGC, the requirements shall be 
met with an area -weighted average RSHGC excluding the effects of interior shading, no 
greater than the applicable value in Table 170.2 -A. 
For the purposes of this paragraph, the RSHGC of a vertical window is:  
a. The solar heat gain coefficient of the window; or  
b. Relative solar heat gain coefficient is calculated using Equation 170.2 -A, if the 
window has an overhang that extends beyond each side of the window jamb by a 
distance equal to the overhang’s horizontal projection .  
Exception  1 to Section 170.2(a)3Aiiib:  An area -weighted average relative solar heat 
gain coefficient of 0.56 or less shall be used for windows:  
I. That are in the first story of exterior walls that form a display perimeter; and  
II. For which codes restrict the use of overhangs to shade the windows.  
Exception  2 to Section 170.2(a)3Aiiib:  For vertical glazing containing chromogenic type 
glazing:  
I. the lower -rated labeled RSHGC shall be used with automatic controls to 
modulate the amount of heat flow into the space in multiple steps in 
response to daylight levels or solar intensity; and  
II. chromogenic glazing shall be considered separately from other glazing; and  
III. area -weighted averaging with other glazing that is not chromogenic shall not 
be permitted.  
Note:  Demising walls are not exterior walls, and therefore fenestration in demising 
walls is not subject to SHGC requirements.  
 
RSHGC = SHGC  × [1 + a ×  (2.72-PF – 1) × (sin(b × Az) + c)]    (Equation 
170.2 -A) 
WHERE:   
Component  a b c 
Overhang   0.150  0.008727  5.67  
Exterior Horizontal Slat   0.144  0.008727  5.13  
 
RSHGC  = Relative Solar Heat Gain Coefficient.  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards        Page 597 
SECTION 170.2 – PRESCRIPTIVE APPROACH  SHGC  = Solar Heat Gain Coefficient of the vertical fenestration.  
Az = Azimuth of the vertical fenestration I degrees.  
PF  = Projection factor as calculated by Equation 140.3 -D. 
 
iv. Vertical fenestration shall have  an area -weighted average Visible Transmittance (VT) no 
less than the applicable value in Table 170.2 -A, or Equation 170.2 -B, as applicable.  
Exception  1 to Section 170.2(a)3Aiv:  When the window’s primary and secondary sidelit 
daylit zones are completely overlapped by one or more skylit daylit zones, then the 
window need not comply with Section 170.2(a)3Aivw.  
Exception  2 to Section 170.2(a)3Aiv:  If the window’s VT is not within the scope of NFRC 
200 or ASTM E972, then the VT shall be calculated according to Reference 
Nonresidential Appendix NA6.  
Exception  3 to Section 170.2(a)3Aiv:  For vertical windows containing chromogenic type 
glazing:  
a. The higher rated labeled VT shall be used with automatic controls to modulate the 
amount of light transmitted into the space in multiple steps in response to daylight 
levels or solar intensity;  
b. Chromogenic glazing shall be considered separately from other glazing; and  
c. Area -weighted averaging with other glazing that is not chromogenic shall not be 
permitted.  
Exception  4 to Section 170.2(a)3 Aiv: Fenestration in dwelling units of buildings that are 
three habitable stories or fewer is not required to comply with the VT requirements.  
NOTE:  Demising walls are not exterior walls, and therefore windows in demising walls 
are not subject to VT requirements.  
VT ≥ 0.11/WWR  (Equation 170.2 -B) 
where:  
WWR  = Window Wall Ratio, the ratio of (i) the total window area of the entire 
building to (ii) the total gross exterior wall area of the entire building. If the 
WWR is greater than 0.40, then 0.40 shall be used as the value for WWR in 
Equation 170.2 -B.  
VT = Visible Transmittance of framed window.   
B. Skylights shal l: 
i. Have an area no greater than 5 percent of the gross exterior roof area Skylight Roof 
Ratio (SRR); and  
Exception  1 to Section 170.2(a)3Bi:  Buildings with an atrium over 55 feet high shall 
have a skylight area no greater than 10 percent of the gross exterior roof area.  
ii. Have an area -weighted performance rating U -factor no greater than the applicable 
value in Table 170.2 -A.  Page 598                                                                                     2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 170.2 – PRESCRIPTIVE APPROACH  Exception  2 to Section 170.2(a)3Bii: For each dwelling unit up to 16 square feet of new 
skylight area with a maximum U -factor of 0.55 and a maximum SHGC of 0.30.  
iii. Solar heat gain coefficient. Have an area -weighted performance rating solar heat gain 
coefficient no greater than the applicable value in Table 170.2 -A.  
Exception  to Sections  170.2(a)3Bii and 170.2(a)3Biii:  For skylights containing 
chromogenic type glazing:  
a. the lower -rated labeled SHGC shall be used with automatic controls to modulate the 
amount of heat flow into the space in multiple steps in response to daylight levels or 
solar intensity; and  
b. chromogenic glazing shall be considered separately from other glazing; and  
c. area -weighted averaging with other glazing that is not chromogenic shall not be 
permitted.  
iv. Haze value. Have a glazing material or diffuser that has a measured haze value greater 
than 90 percent, determined according to ASTM D1003 or other test method approved 
by the Energy Commission.  
Exception  to Section 170.2(a)3Biv: Skylights designed and installed to exclude direct 
sunlight entering the occupied space by the use of fixed or automated baffles or the 
geometry of the skylight and light well.   
4. All exterior doors, excluding glazed doors, that separate conditioned space from unconditioned 
space or from ambient air shall have a U -factor not greater than the applicable value in Table 
170.2 -A. Glazed doors must comply with the requirements of Sect ion 170.2(a)3A.  
Exception  to Section 170.2(a)4: Swinging doors that are required to have fire protection are 
not required to meet the applicable door value in Table 170.2 -A.  
5. Floors shall meet the following requirements:  
A. Raised floors shall be insulated such that the floor assembly has an assembly U -factor equal 
to or less than shown in Table 170.2 -A, or shall be insulated between wood framing with 
insulation having an R -value equal to or greater than shown in Table 170 .2-A.  
B. All buildings with three habitable stories or fewer shall have slab floor Slab floors shall have  
perimeter insulation installed with a n UF-factor equal to or less than or R -value equal to or 
greater than shown in Table 170.2 -A. The minimum depth of concrete slab floor perimeter 
insulation shall be 16 inches or the depth of the footing of the building, whichever is less.  
Exception  to Section 170.2(a)5:  Raised -floor insulation may be omitted if the foundation walls 
are insulated to meet the wall insulation minimums shown in Table 170.2 -A.  
6. All buildings up to three habitable stories shall comply with the quality insulation installation 
(QII) requirements shown in Table 170.2 -A. When QII is required, insulation installation shall 
meet the criteria specified in Reference Appendix RA3.5.  
Exception  to Section 170.2(a):  The insulation requirements of Table 170.2 -A and Table 170.2 -B 
may be met by ceiling, roof deck, wall or floor assemblies that meet the required maximum U -2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards        Page 599 
SECTION 170.2 – PRESCRIPTIVE APPROACH  factors using a U -factor calculation method that considers the thermal effects of all elements of 
the assembly and is approved by the Executive Director.  Page 600                                                                                      2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
 
SECTION 170.2 – PRESCRIPTIVE APPROACH  TABLE 170.2 -A ENVELOPE COMPONENT PACKAGE – Multifamily Standard Building Design  
Building Component  - Roofs and Ceilings  CZ 1  CZ 2  CZ 3  CZ 4  CZ 5  CZ 6  CZ 7  CZ 8  CZ 9  CZ 10  CZ 11  CZ 12  CZ 13  CZ 14  CZ 15  CZ 16  
Option B9 Below Roof Deck Insulation 1,2   
(with air space ) NR NR NR R19 NR NR NR R19 R19 R13 R19 R19 R19 R19 R19 R13 
Option B9 Ceiling Insulation  R 38  R 38  R 30  R 38  R 30  R 30  R 30  R 38  R 38  R 38  R 38  R 38  R 38  R 38  R 38  R 38  
Option B9 Radiant Barrier  NR REQ  REQ  NR REQ  REQ  REQ  NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR 
Option B9 Low-Slope -Aged Solar Reflectance  NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR 0.63  NR 0.63  NR 
Option B9 Low-Sloped -Thermal Emittance  NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR 0.75  NR 0.75  NR 
Option B9 Low-Sloped -Solar Reflectance Index  NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR 75 NR 75 NR 
Option B9 Steep -Sloped -Aged Solar Reflectance  NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR 0.20 0.25  0.20 0.25  0.20 0.20 0.25  0.20 0.20 0.25  NR 
Option B9 Steep -Sloped -Thermal Emittance  NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR 0. 75  0.75  0.75  0.75  0.75  0.75  NR 
Option B9 Steep -Sloped -Solar Reflectance 
Index  NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR 1623 1623 16 1623 16 1623 NR 
Option C10-Ceiling Insulation  R 38  R 30  R 30  R 30  R 30  R 30  R 30  R 30  R 30  R 30  R 38  R 38  R 38  R 38  R 38  R 38  
Option C10-Radiant Barrier  NR REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  NR 
Option C10 Low-Sloped -Aged Solar Reflectance  NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR 0.63  NR 0.63  NR 
Option C10 Low-Sloped -Thermal Emittance  NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR 0.75  NR 0.75  NR 
Option C10 Low-Sloped -Solar Reflectance Index  NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR 75 NR 75 NR 
Option C10 Steep -Sloped -Aged Solar 
Reflectance  NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 NR 
Option C10 Steep -Sloped -Thermal Emittance  NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR 0. 75  0.75  0.75  0.75  0.75  0.75  NR 
Option C10 Steep -Sloped -Solar Reflectance 
Index  NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR 16 16 16 16 16 16 NR 
Option D -Metal Building U -factor  0.04 1 0.04 1 0.04 1 0.04 1 0.04 1 0.04 1 0.04 1 0.04 1 0.04 1 0.04 1 0.04 1 0.04 1 0.04 1 0.04 1 0.04 1 0.04 1 
Option D -Wood Framed and Other U -factor  0.028  0.028  0.034  0.028  0.034  0.034  0.039  0.028  0.028  0.028  0.028  0.028  0.028  0.028  0.028  0.028  
Option D Low -Sloped -Aged Solar Reflectance  NR NR0.63  NR NR0.63  NR NR0.63  NR0.63  NR0.63  0.63  0.63  0.63  NR0.63  0.63  0.63  0.63  NR 
Option D Low -Sloped -Thermal Emittance  NR NR0.75  NR NR0.75  NR NR0.75  NR0.75  NR0.75  0.75  0.75  0.75  NR0.75  0.75  0.75  0.75  NR 
Option D Low -Sloped -Solar Reflectance Index  NR NR75 NR NR75 NR NR75 NR75 NR75 75 75 75 NR75 75 75 75 NR 
Option D Steep -Sloped -Aged Solar Reflectance  NR 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 NR 
Option D Steep -Sloped -Thermal Emittance  NR 0.75  0.75  0.75  0.75  0.75  0.75  0.75  0.75  0.75  0.75  0.75  0.75  0.75  0.75  NR 
Option D Steep -Sloped -Solar Reflectance Index  NR 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 NR 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards                                                                                Page 601 
 
SECTION 170.2 – PRESCRIPTIVE APPROACH  TABLE 170.2 -A ENVELOPE COMPONENT PACKAGE – Multifamily Standard Building Design (continued)  
Building Component - Walls, 
Floors, Doors, and QII  CZ 1  CZ 2  CZ 3  CZ 4  CZ 5  CZ 6  CZ 7  CZ 8  CZ 9  CZ 10  CZ 11  CZ 12  CZ 13  CZ 14  CZ 15  CZ 16  
Walls - Metal Building - Any 
Fire Rating  0.061  0.061  0.061  0.061  0.061  0.061  0.061  0.061  0.061  0.061  0.057  0.057  0.057  0.057  0.057  0.057  
Walls - Framed (wood, metal) 
and other - >1hr fire rating  0.059  0.059  0.059  0.059  0.059  0.065  0.065  0.059  0.059  0.059  0.051  0.059  0.059  0.051  0.051  0.051  
Walls - Framed (wood, metal) 
and other - ≤1hr fire rating3 0.051  0.051  0.051  0.051  0.051  0.065  0.065  0.051  0.051  0.051  0.051  0.051  0.051  0.051  0.051  0.051  
Walls - Mass Light4,5 U 0.077  
R 13  U 0.077  
R 13  U 0.077  
R 13  U 0.077  
R 13  U 0.077  
R 13  U 0.077  
R 13  U 0.077  
R 13  U 0.077  
R 13  U 0.077  
R 13  U 0.077  
R 13  U 0.077  
R 13  U 0.077  
R 13  U 0.077  
R 13  U 0.077  
R 13  U 0.077  
R 13  U 0.059  
R 17  
Walls - Mass Heavy  0.253  0.650  0.650  0.650  0.650  0.690  0.690  0.690  0.690  0.650  0.184  0.253  0.211  0.184  0.184  0.160  
Floors/Soffits - Slab 
Perimeter8, Three Habitable 
Stories or less  NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR U F 0.58  
R 7.0  
Floors/Soffits – Wood  Framed  U 0.037  
R 19  U 0.037  
R 19  U 0.037  
R 19  U 0.037  
R 19  U 0.037  
R 19  U 0.037  
R 19  U 0.037  
R 19  U 0.037  
R 19  U 0.037  
R 19  U 0.037  
R 19  U 0.037  
R 19  U 0.037  
R 19  U 0.037  
R 19  U 0.037  
R 19  U 0.037  
R 19  U 0.037  
R 19  
Floors/Soffits - Raised Mass  U 0.092  
R 8.0  U 0.092  
R 8.0  U 0.269  
R 0 U 0.269  
R 0 U-0.269  
R 0 U 0.269  
R 0 U 0.269  
R 0 U 0.269  
R 0 U 0.269  
R 0 U 0.269  
R 0 U 0.092  
R 8.0  U 0.138  
 R 4.0  U 0.092  
R 8.0  U 0.092  
R 8.0  U 0.138  
R 4.0  U 0.092  
R 8.0  
Floors/Soffits - Other  0.048  0.039  0.071  0.071  0.071  0.071  0.071  0.071  0.071  0.071  0.039  0.071  0.071  0.039  0.039  0.039  
 Exterior Doors6 - Max U -
Factor  Dwelling Unit Entry  0.20  0.20  0.20  0.20  0.20  0.20  0.20  0.20  0.20  0.20  0.20  0.20  0.20  0.20  0.20  0.20  
Exterior Doors6 - Max U -Factor  
Common Use Area Entry Non -
Swinging  0.50  1.45  1.45  1.45  1.45  1.45  1.45  1.45  1.45  1.45  1.45  1.45  1.45  1.45  1.45  0.50  
Exterior Doors6 - Max U -Factor  
Common Use Area Entry 
Swinging  0.70  0.70  0.70  0.70  0.70  0.70  0.70  0.70  0.70  0.70  0.70  0.70  0.70  0.70  0.70  0.70  
Quality Insulation Installation  
up to 3 habitable stories  Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes NR Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes 
 
  Page 602                                                                                      2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
 
SECTION 170.2 – PRESCRIPTIVE APPROACH  TABLE 170.2 -A ENVELOPE COMPONENT PACKAGE – Multifamily Standard Building Design (continued)  
Building Component - Fenestration  CZ 1  CZ 2  CZ 3  CZ 4  CZ 5  CZ 6  CZ 7  CZ 8  CZ 9  CZ 10  CZ 11  CZ 12  CZ 13  CZ 14  CZ 15  CZ 16  
Curtain Wall/ Storefront7 - Maximum 
U-factor  0.38  0.41  0.41  0.41  0.41  0.41  0.41  0.41  0.41  0.41  0.41  0.41  0.41  0.41  0.41  0.38  
Curtain Wall/ Storefront7 - Maximum 
RSHGC , three or fewer habitable 
stories  NR 0.26  NR 0.26  NR 0.26  0.26  0.26  0.26  0.26  0.26  0.26  0.26  0.25  0.26  NR 
Curtain Wall/ Storefront7 - Maximum 
RSHGC, four or more habitable stories  0.35  0.26  0.26  0.26  0.26  0.26  0.26  0.26  0.26  0.26  0.26  0.26  0.26  0.25  0.26  0.25  
Curtain Wall/ Storefront7 - Minimum 
VT, four or more habitable stories  
common use area  0.46  0.46  0.46  0.46  0.46  0.46  0.46  0.46  0.46  0.46  0.46  0.46  0.46  0.46  0.46  0.46  
NAFS 2017 Performance Class AW5 - 
Maximum U -factor  0.38  0.40  0.40  0.40  0.40  0.40  0.40  0.40  0.40  0.40  0.40  0.40  0.40  0.40  0.40  0.38  
NAFS 2017 Performance Class AW5 - 
Maximum RSHGC , three or less 
habitable stories   NR 0.24  NR 0.24  NR 0.24  0.24  0.24  0.24  0.24  0.24  0.24  0.24  0.24  0.24  NR 
NAFS 2017 Performance Class AW5 - 
Maximum RSHGC, four or more 
habitable stories  0.35  0.24  0.24  0.24  0.24  0.24  0.24  0.24  0.24  0.24  0.24  0.24  0.24  0.24  0.24  0.24  
NAFS 2017 Performance Class AW5 - 
Minimum VT, four or more habitable 
storie s common use areas  0.37  0.37  0.37  0.37  0.37  0.37  0.37  0.37  0.37  0.37  0.37  0.37  0.37  0.37  0.37  0.37  
All Other Fenestration  - Maximum U -
factor  0.30  
0.28  0.30 0.30  
0.28  0.30  
0.28  0.30  
0.28  0.34  0.34  0.304 0.30 0.30 0.30  
0.28  0.30 0.30  
0.28  0.30  
0.28  0.30  
0.28  0.30  
0.28  
All Other Fenestration  - Maximum 
RSHGC , three or less habitable stories  NR 0.23  NR 0.23  NR 0.23  0.23  0.23  0.23  0.23  0.23  0.23  0.23  0.23  0.23  NR 
All Other Fenestration  - Maximum 
RSHGC, four or more habitable stories  0.35  0.23  0.23  0.23  0.23  0.23  0.23  0.23  0.23  0.23  0.23  0.23  0.23  0.23  0.23  0.23  
Maximum Window to Floor Ratio  20%  20%  20%  20%  20%  20%  20%  20%  20%  20%  20%  20%  20%  20%  20%  20%  
Maximum Window to Wall Ratio  40%  40%  40%  40%  40%  40%  40%  40%  40%  40%  40%  40%  40%  40%  40%  40%  
Maximum Skylight Roof Ratio  5% 5% 5% 5% 5% 5% 5% 5% 5% 5% 5% 5% 5% 5% 5% 5% 
Footnote requirements to TABLE 170.2 -A:  
1. Install the specified R -value with an air space present between the roofing and the roof deck. Such as standard installation of concrete or clay tile . 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards                                                                                Page 603 
 
SECTION 170.2 – PRESCRIPTIVE APPROACH  2. R-values  shown for  below roof deck insulation are for  wood -frame construction with insulation installed between the framing members.  Alternatives including insulation 
above rafters or above roof deck shall comply with the performance standards . 
3. Assembly U -factors for exterior framed walls can be met with cavity insulation alone or with continuous insulation alone, or with both c avity and continuous insulation that 
results in an assembly U -factor equal to or less than the U -factor shown. Use Refer ence Joint Appendices JA4 Table 4.3.1, 4.3.1(a), or Table 4.3.4 to determine alternative 
insulation products to be less than or equal to  the required maximum U -factor.  
4. Mass wall has a heat capacity greater than or equal to 7.0 Btu/h -ft2. 
5. Product must be certified to meet the North American Fenestration Standard/Specification for an Architectural Window (AW).  
6. Glazed doors must meet the fenestration requirements.  
7. Requirements apply to doors included in the Curtainwall/Storefront construction assembly.   
8. If using F -factor to comply, use Reference Joint Appendices JA4, Table 4.4.7 to determine alternate depth and R -value to be less than or equal to the required maximum F -
factor.  
9. Option B meets §170.2(a)1Bii  
10. Option C meets §170.2(a)1BIiii  
 
 Page 604                                                                                     2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 170.2 – PRESCRIPTIVE APPROACH  (b) Minimum  daylighting requirement for large enclosed spaces . In Climate Zones 2 through 15, 
conditioned enclosed spaces and unconditioned enclosed spaces that are greater than 5,000 ft² 
and that are directly under a roof with ceiling heights greater than 15 feet shall meet the following 
requirements:  
1. A combined total of at least 75 percent of the floor area, as determined in building floor plan 
(drawings) view, shall be within one or more of the following:  
A. Primary sidelight daylight zone in accordance with Section 160.5(b)4Dib, or  
B. The total floor area in the space within a horizontal distance of 0.7 times the average ceiling 
height from the edge of rough opening of skylights.  
2. All skylit daylit zones and primary sidelit daylit zones shall be shown on building plans.  
3. General lighting in daylit zones shall be controlled in accordance with Section 160.5(b)4D.  
4. The total skylight area is at least 3 percent of the total floor area in the space within a 
horizontal distance of 0.7 times the average ceiling height from the edge of rough opening of 
skylights; or the product of the total skylight area and the averag e skylight visible transmittance 
is no less than 1.5 percent of the total floor area in the space within a horizontal distance of 0.7 
times the average ceiling height from the edge of rough opening of skylights.  
5. All skylights shall have a glazing material or diffuser that has a measured haze value greater 
than 90 percent, tested according to ASTM D1003 (notwithstanding its scope) or another test 
method approved by the Commission.  
Exception  1 to Section 170.2(b) : In buildings with unfinished interiors, future enclosed spaces for 
which there are plans to have:   
A. A floor area of less than or equal to 5,000 square feet; or  
B. Ceiling heights of less than or equal to 15 feet. This exception shall not be used for S -1 or S -
2 (storage), or for F -1 or F -2 (factory) occupancies.  
Exception  2 to Section 170.2(b):  Enclosed spaces having a designed general lighting system with a 
lighting power density less than 0.5 watts per square foot.  
Exception  3 to Section 170.2(b):  Enclosed spaces where it is documented that permanent 
architectural features of the building, existing structures or natural objects block direct beam 
sunlight on at least half of the roof over the enclosed space for more than 1500 daytime hours per 
year between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.  
(c) Space -conditioning systems.  All space heating, space cooling and ventilation equipment shall 
comply with minimum Appliance Efficiency Regulations as specified in Sections 110.0 through 
110.2  and the applicable requirements of Subsections 1 through 4.   
1. Sizing and equipment selection —common use areas. Mechanical heating and mechanical 
cooling equipment serving common use areas of multifamily buildings shall be the smallest 
size, within the available options of the desired equipment line, necessary to me et the design 
heating and cooling loads of the building, as calculated according to Subsection 2 below.  
Exception  1 to Section 170.2(c)1:  Where it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the 
enforcing agency that oversizing will not increase building TDV LSC energy use.  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards                                                               Page 605 
SECTION 170.2 – PRESCRIPTIVE APPROACH  Exception  2 to Section 170.2(c)1:  Standby equipment with controls that allow the standby 
equipment to operate only when the primary equipment is not operating.  
Exception  3 to Section 170.2(c)1:  Multiple units of the same equipment type, such as multiple 
chillers and boilers, having combined capacities exceeding the design load, if they have controls 
that sequence or otherwise optimally control the operation of each unit based on load.  
2. Calculations —common use areas . In making equipment sizing calculations under Subsection 
(c)1, all of the following rules shall apply:  
A. Heating and cooling loads.  Heating and cooling system design loads shall be determined in 
accordance with  the method in the 2017 ASHRAE Handbook, Fundamentals  Volume, or as 
specified in a method approved by the Commission.  
B. Indoor design conditions.  Indoor design temperature and humidity conditions for comfort 
applications shall be determined using ASHRAE Standard 55 or the 2017 2021 ASHRAE 
Handbook, Fundamentals Volume, except that winter humidification and summer 
dehumidification shall not be required.  
C. Outdoor design conditions.  Outdoor design conditions shall be selected in accordance with 
the design conditions from Reference Joint Appendix JA2, which is based on data from the 
ASHRAE Climatic Data for Region X , or the ASHRAE Handbook, Equipment Volume, 
Applications Volume and Fundamentals Volume .. Heating design temperatures shall be no 
lower than the 99.0 percent Heating Dry Bulb or the Heating Winter Median of Extremes 
values. Cooling design temperatures shall be no greater than the 0.5 percent Cool ing Dry 
Bulb and Mean Coincident Wet Bulb values.  
Exception  to Section 170.2(c)2C: Cooling design temperatures for cooling towers shall be 
no greater than the 0.5 percent Cooling Design Wet Bulb values.  
D. Ventilation.  Outdoor air ventilation loads shall be calculated using the ventilation rates 
required in Section 160.2(c)3.  
E. Envelope . Envelope heating and cooling loads shall be calculated using envelope 
characteristics, including square footage, thermal conductance, solar heat gain coefficient 
or shading coefficient, and air leakage, consistent with the proposed design.  
F. Lighting.  Lighting heating and cooling loads shall be based on actual design lighting levels or 
power densities as specified in Section 170.2(e)1.  
G. People.  Occupant density shall be based on the expected occupancy of the building and 
shall be the same as determined under Section 160.2(c)3A, if used. Sensible and latent heat 
gains shall be as listed in the 2017 ASHRAE Handbook —Fundamentals, Chapter 18.  
H. Process loads.  Loads caused by a process shall be based upon actual information on the 
intended use of the building.  
I. Miscellaneous equipment.  Equipment loads other than process loads shall be calculated 
using design data compiled from one or more of the following sources:  
i. Actual information based on the intended use of the building; or  
ii. Published data from manufacturers’ technical publications or from technical societies, 
such as the ASHRAE Handbook, Applications Volume; or  Page 606                                                                                     2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 170.2 – PRESCRIPTIVE APPROACH  iii. Other data based on the designer’s  experience of expected loads and occupancy 
patterns.  
J. Internal heat gains.  Internal heat gains may be ignored for heating load calculations.  
K. Safety factor.  Calculated design loads based on Sections 170.2(c)2A through K may be 
increased by up to 10 percent to account for unexpected loads or changes in space usage.  
L. Other loads.  Loads such as warm -up or cool -down shall be calculated from principles based 
on the thermal capacity of the building and its contents, the degree of setback, and desired 
recovery time; or may be assumed to be no more than 30 percent for heating and 10 
percent for cooling of the steady -state design loads. In addition, the steady -state load may 
include a safety factor in accordance with Section 170.2(c)2K.  
3. Dwelling unit space -conditioning systems . 
A. Heating system type . Space -conditioning systems serving dwelling units shall meet i or ii . 
Systems that cannot meet the requirements of i or ii, including multi -zone systems and 
systems using central boilers or chillers, shall comply with the performance requirements of 
Section 170. 1.  
i. Multifamily buildings three habitable stories or fewer. For Climate Zones 1 through 15, 
the space -conditioning system shall be a heat pump. For Climate Zone 16, the space -
conditioning system shall be an air conditioner with furnace. Additionally, balanc ed 
ventilation systems serving these dwelling units shall meet the applicable requirements of 
Section 170.2(c)3Bivc.  
ii. Multifamily buildings four habitable stories or greater. For Climate Zones  2 through 15, 
the space -conditioning system shall be a heat pump. For Climate Zones  1 and 16, the 
space -conditioning system shall be a dual -fuel heat pump.   
Exception  to Section 170.2(c)3A:  A supplemental heating unit may be installed in a space 
served directly or indirectly by a primary heating system, provided that the unit thermal 
capacity does not exceed 2 kW or 7,000 Btu/hr and is controlled by a time -limiting device 
not exceeding 30 mi nutes.  
B. Space -conditioning and ventilation systems . All space heating and space cooling equipment 
serving dwelling units shall comply with minimum Appliance Efficiency Regulations as specified 
in Sections 110.0 through 110.2 and meet all applicable requirements of Sections 160.3(b) and 
170.2(c)2.  
i. Refrigerant charge —systems serving individual dwelling units. When refrigerant charge 
verification or fault indicator display is shown as required by Table 170.2 -K, the system 
shall comply with either Section 170.2(c), 170.2(c)3Bia or 170.2(c)3Bib:   
a. Air-cooled air conditioners and air -source heat pumps, including but not limited to 
ducted split systems, ducted packaged systems, small duct high velocity systems and 
mini -split systems, shall comply with Subsections I, II and III, unless the system is  of 
a type that cannot be verified using the specified procedures:  
I. Have measurement access holes (MAH) installed according to the specifications 
in Reference Residential Appendix Section RA3.2.2.3; and  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards                                                               Page 607 
SECTION 170.2 – PRESCRIPTIVE APPROACH  II. System airflow rate in accordance with Subsection A or B below shall be 
confirmed through field verification and diagnostic testing in accordance with all 
applicable procedures specified in Reference Residential Appendix Section RA3.3 
or an approved al ternative procedure as specified by RA1; and  
A. For small duct high velocity systems, the system airflow rate shall be greater 
than or equal to 250 cfm per ton; or  
B. For all other air -cooled air conditioner or air -source heat pump systems, the 
system airflow rate shall be greater than or equal to 350 cfm per ton.  
III. The installer shall charge the system according to manufacturer’s specifications. 
Refrigerant charge shall be verified according to one of the following options, as 
applicable:  
A. The installer and rater shall perform the standard charge procedure as 
specified by Reference Residential Appendix Section RA3.2.2 or an approved 
alternative procedure as specified by RA1; or  
B. The system shall be equipped with a fault indicator display (FID) device that 
meets the specifications of Reference Joint Appendix JA6. The installer shall 
verify the refrigerant charge and FID device in accordance with the 
procedures in Reference Resident ial Appendix Section RA3.4.2. The HERS 
ECC-Rater shall verify the FID device in accordance with the procedures in 
Section RA3.4.2; or   
BjC. The installer shall perform the weigh -in charging procedure as specified 
by Reference Residential Appendix Section RA3.2.3.1, provided the system is 
of a type that can be verified using the RA3.2.2 standard charge verification 
procedure and RA3.3 airflow r ate verification procedure or approved 
alternatives in RA1. The HERS ECC-Rater shall verify the charge using RA3.2.2 
and RA3.3 or approved alternatives in RA1.  
Exception  to Section 170.2(c)3BiaI: Systems that cannot conform to the 
specifications for hole location in Reference Residential Appendix Figure RA3.2 -1 
shall not be required to provide holes as described in Figure RA3.2 -1.  
Exception  to Section 170.2(c)3BiaII: Standard ducted systems without zoning 
dampers may comply with the minimum airflow rate by meeting the applicable 
requirements in Table  160.3 -A and Table  160.3 -B as confirmed by field verification 
and diagnostic testing in accordance with the procedures in Reference Residential 
Appendix Sections  RA3.1.4.4 and RA3.1.4.5. The design clean -filter pressure drop 
requirements of Section 160.2(b)1D for the system air filter device(s) shall conform 
to the requirements given in Table  160.3 -A and Table  160.3 -B.  
Exception  to Section 170.2(c)3BiaIII : When the outdoor temperature is less than 55 
degrees F and the installer utilizes the weigh -in charging procedure in Reference 
Residential Appendix Section RA3.2.3.1 to verify the refrigerant charge, the installer 
may elect to utilize the HERS Rater verification procedure in Reference Residential 
Appendix Section RA3.2.3.2. If the HERS Rater verification procedure in Section 
RA3.2.3.2 is used for compliance, the system’s  thermostat shall conform to the Page 608                                                                                     2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 170.2 – PRESCRIPTIVE APPROACH  specifications in Section 110.12. Ducted systems shall comply with the minimum 
system airflow rate requirement in Section 170.2(c)3BiaII .  
b. For air -cooled air conditioners and air -source heat pumps, including but not limited 
to ducted split systems, ducted packaged systems, small duct high velocity systems 
and mini -split systems, which are of a type that cannot comply with the 
requirements of Section 170.2(c)3Bi:   
I. The installer shall confirm the refrigerant charge using the weigh -in charging 
procedure specified in Reference Residential Appendix Section RA3.2.3.1, as 
verified by a n HERS ECC-Rater according to the procedures specified in 
Reference Residential Appendix Section RA3.2.3.2; and  
II. Systems that utilize forced air ducts shall comply with the minimum system 
airflow rate requirement in Section 170.2(c)3BiaII, provided the system is of a 
type that can be verified using the procedures in RA3.3 or an approved 
alternative procedure in R A1.  
Exception  1 to Section 170.2(c)3Bi: Packaged systems for which the manufacturer has 
verified correct system refrigerant charge prior to shipment from the factory are not 
required to have refrigerant charge confirmed through field verification and diagnostic 
testing. The installer of these pa ckaged systems shall certify that the packaged system 
was precharged at the factory and has not been altered in a way that would affect the 
charge. Ducted systems shall comply with minimum system airflow rate requirement  in 
Section  170.2(c)3Bib , provided that the system is of a type that can be verified using the 
procedure specified in RA3.3 or an approved alternative in RA1.  
Exception  2 to Section 170.2(c)3Bi: The HERS Rater field verification and HERS ECC-
Provider data registry requirements of Reference Residential Appendix RA2 and RA3 are 
not required for multifamily dwelling units in buildings four habitable stories and 
greater. The installer shall certify that diagnostic testing was performed in accordan ce 
with the applicable procedures.  
ii. Space -conditioning distribution systems. All space -conditioning systems shall meet all 
applicable requirements of a or b below:  
a. High performance attics. Air handlers or ducts are allowed to be in ventilated attic 
spaces when the roof and ceiling insulation level meet Option B in Table 170.2 -A.  
b. Duct and air handlers located in conditioned space. Duct systems and air handlers of 
HVAC systems shall be located in conditioned space, and confirmed by field 
verification and diagnostic testing to meet the criterion of Reference Residential 
Appendix R A3.1.4.3.8.  
Note:  Gas heating appliances installed in conditioned spaces must meet the combustion 
air requirements of California Mechanical Code Chapter 7, as applicable.   
iii. Central fan integrated ventilation systems —systems serving individual dwelling units. 
Central forced air system fans used to provide outside air shall have an air -handling unit 
fan efficacy less than or equal to the maximum W/cfm specified in a or b belo w. The 
airflow rate and fan efficacy requirements in this section shall be confirmed through 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards                                                               Page 609 
SECTION 170.2 – PRESCRIPTIVE APPROACH  field verification and diagnostic testing in accordance with all applicable procedures 
specified in Reference Residential Appendix RA3.3. Central Fan Integrated Ventilation 
Systems shall be certified to the Energy Commission as Intermittent Ventilation Sys tems 
as specified in Reference Residential Appendix RA3.7.4.2.  
a. 0.45 W/cfm for gas furnace air -handling units; or  
b. 0.58 W/cfm for air -handling units that are not gas furnaces.  
iv. Balanced ventilation systems  with heat/ energy  recovery in climate zones 1, 2, 4, 11 -14, 
and 16.  When   balanced A balanced  ventilation system s with heat or energy recovery 
shall be  are  used to meet Section 160.2(b)2Aivb 1, they and shall meet the applicable 
requirements of a,  or  b or c below:  
a. In Climate Zones 1, 2 , 4, 11-14, and 11–16, balanced ventilation systems serving 
individual dwelling units shall:  
1. Be an energy recovery ventilator (ERV) or heat recovery ventilator (HRV),  
2. Have a minimum sensible recovery efficiency of 67 percent, rated at 32 degrees 
Fahrenheit (0 degrees Celsius), and  
3. Have a fan efficacy less than or equal to 0.6 W per cfm.  
These measures shall be confirmed through HERS field verification in accordance 
with the procedures in RA3.7.4.4 for buildings with three habitable stories or less, or 
the procedures in NA2.2.4.1.5 for buildings with four or more habitable stories.  
b. In Climate Zones 1, 2 , 4, 11-14, and 11–16, balanced ventilation systems serving 
multiple dwelling units in buildings with four or more habitable stories shall:  
1. Be an ERV or HRV,  
2. Have a minimum sensible recovery efficiency or effectiveness of 67 percent, 
rated at 32 degrees Fahrenheit (0 degrees Celsius),  
3. Meet the fan power requirements of Section 170.2(c)4A, and  
4. Have recovery bypass or control  to directly economize with ventilation air based 
on outdoor air temperature limits specified in Table 170.2 -G.  
These measures shall be fi leld verified in accordance with NA7.18.4.  
c. In buildings with three habitable stories or less in Climate Zones 45–10 and Climate 
Zone 15, when a heat pump space -conditioning system is installed to meet the 
requirements of Section 170.2(c)3Ai, balanced ventilation systems without an ERV 
or HRV shall have a fan efficacy less than or equal to 0.4 W/cfm.  
        v.   Dwelling unit ventilation system requirements. All HRV/ERV systems serving individual 
dwelling units shall have a Fault Indicator Display (FID) that is manufac turer certified in 
compliance with the requirements in Joint Appendix JA17. 4. The FID certification  shall 
be verified by an ECC -Rater.  Page 610                                                                                     2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 170.2 – PRESCRIPTIVE APPROACH  Exception  to Section 170.2(c)3B:  The HERS Rater field verification and HERS ECC-Provider 
data registry requirements of Reference Residential Appendix RA2 and RA3 are not 
required for multifamily dwelling units in buildings four habitable stories and greater. The 
installer shall certify that diagnostic testing was performed in accordan ce with the 
applicable procedures.  
C. HVAC system bypass ducts. Bypass ducts that deliver conditioned supply air directly to the 
space -conditioning system return duct airflow shall not be used.  
4. Common use area space -conditioning systems . A building complies with this section by being 
designed with and having constructed and installed a space -conditioning system that meets the 
applicable requirements of Subsections A through O.  
A. Fan systems . Each fan system moving air into, out of, or between spaces or circulating air 
for the purpose of conditioning air within a space shall meet the requirements of Items i, ii 
and iii below.  
i. Fan power budget.  For each fan system that includes at least one fan or fan array with 
fan electrical input power ≥ 1 kW, fan system electrical input power (Fan kW design,system ) 
determined per Section 170.2(c)4Aib at the fan system design airflow shall not exceed 
Fan kW budget  as calculated per Section 170.2(c)4Aia.  
a. Calculation of fan power budget  (Fan kW budget ). For each fan system:   
I. Determine the fan system airflow and choose the appropriate table(s) for fan 
power allowance.  
A. For single -cabinet fan systems, use the fan system airflow and the power 
allowances in both Tables 170.2 -B and Table 170.2 -C.  
B. For supply -only fan systems, use the fan system airflow and power allowances 
in Table 170.2 -B.  
C. For relief fan systems, use the design relief airflow and the power allowances 
in Table 170.2 -C.  
D. For exhaust, return and transfer fan systems, use the fan system airflow  and 
the power allowances in Table 170.2 -C.  
E. For complex fan systems, separately calculate the fan power allowance for the 
supply and return/exhaust systems and sum them. For the supply airflow, use 
supply airflow  at the fan system design conditions, and the power allowances 
in Table 170.2 -B. For the return/exhaust airflow, use return/exhaust airflow  at 
the fan system design conditions, and the power allowances in Table 170.2 -C.  
II. For each fan system , determine the components included in the fan system and 
sum the fan power allowances  of those components. All fan systems shall include 
the system base allowance . If, for a given component, only a portion of the fan 
system airflow passes through the component, calculate the fan power allowance  
for that component per  this equation:  
 
FPAadjQcomp
Qsys--------------FPAcomp  =2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards                                                               Page 611 
SECTION 170.2 – PRESCRIPTIVE APPROACH  Where:  
FPA adj = The correct/ed fan power allowance for the component in w/cfm  
Qcomp = The airflow through component in cfm  
Qsys = The fan system airflow in cfm  
FPA comp = The fan power allowance of the component from Table 170.2 -B or Table 170.2 -C 
III. Multiply the fan system airflow by the sum of the fan power allowances for the fan 
system.  
IV. Divide by 1000 to convert to Fan kW budget .  
V. For building sites at elevations greater than 3,000 feet, multiply Fan kW budget  by the 
correction factor in Table 170.2 -D.  
b. Determining fan system electrical input power (Fan kW design,system ). Fan kW design,system  is 
the sum of Fan kW design for each fan or fan array included in the fan system with Fan 
kW design  ≥ 1 kW. If variable speed drives are used , their efficiency losses shall be 
included. Fan input power shall be calculated with two times the clean filter pressure 
drop, which is the mean of the clean filter pressure drop and design final filter pressure 
drop. The Fan kW design for each fan or fan array shall be determined  using one of the 
following methods. There is no requirement to use the same method for all fans in a fan 
system:   
I. Use the default Fan kW design  in Table 170.2 -E-1 for one or more of the fans. This 
method cannot be used for complex fan systems.  
II. Use the Fan kW design at fan system design conditions provided by the manufacturer 
of the fan, fan array, or equipment that includes the fan or fan array calculated per a 
test procedure included in USDOE 10 CFR Part 430, USDOE 10 CFR Part 431, 
ANSI/AMCA Standard 208 -2018, ANSI/ AMCA Standard 210 -2016, AHRI Standard 
430-2020, AHRI Standard 440 -2019 or ISO 5801 -2017.  
III. Use the Fan kW design  provided by the manufacturer, calculated at fan system design 
conditions per one of the methods listed in Section 5.3 of ANSI/AMCA 208 -2018.  
IV. Determine the Fan kW design  by using the maximum electrical input power provided 
on the motor nameplate.  
ii. VAV systems.   
a. Static pressure sensor location. Static pressure sensors used to control variable air 
volume fans shall be placed in a position such that the controller setpoint is no greater 
than one -third the total design fan static pressure, except for systems with zon e reset 
control complying with Section 170.2(c)4Aiib. If this results in the sensor being located 
downstream of any major duct split, multiple sensors shall be installed in each major 
branch with fan capacity controlled to satisfy the sensor furthest below  its setpoint; and  
b. Setpoint reset. For systems with direct digital control of individual zone boxes reporting 
to the central control panel, static pressure setpoints shall be reset based on the zone Page 612                                                                                     2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 170.2 – PRESCRIPTIVE APPROACH  requiring the most pressure , i.e., the setpoint is reset lower until one zone damper is 
nearly wide open.  
iii. Fractional HVAC motors for fans. HVAC motors for fans that are less than 1 hp and 1/12 hp 
or greater shall be electronically commutated motors or shall have a minimum motor 
efficiency of 70 percent when rated in accordance with NEMA Standard MG 1 -2006 at full 
load rating conditions. These  motors shall also have the means to adjust motor speed for 
either balancing or remote control. Belt -driven fans may use sheave adjustments for airflow 
balancing in lieu of a varying motor speed.  
Exception  1 to Section 170.2(c)4Aiii: Motors in fan -coils and terminal units that operate 
only when providing heating to the space served.   
Exception  2 to Section 170.2(c)4Aiii: Motors in space -conditioning equipment certified 
under Section 110.1 or 110.2.  
Exception  1 to 170.2(c)4A: Fan system power caused solely by process loads.  
 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards                                                               Page 613 
SECTION 170.2 – PRESCRIPTIVE APPROACH  TABLE 170.2 -B: Supply Fan Power Allowances (watts/cfm)  
Component  Multi -Zone VAV 
Systems ≤5,000 
cfm Multi -Zone VAV 
Systems >5,000 
and ≤10,000 cfm  Multi -Zone VAV 
Systems >10,000 
cfm All Other Fan 
Systems ≤5,000 
cfm All Other Fan 
Systems >5,000 
and ≤10,000 cfm  All Other Fan 
Systems >10,000 
cfm 
Supply System Base Allowance for AHU Serving 
Spaces < 6 Floors Away.  0.395  0.453  0.413  0.232  0.256  0.236  
Supply System Base Allowance for AHU Serving 
Spaces > 6 Floors Away  0.508  0.548  0.501  0.349  0.356  0.325  
MERV 13 to MERV 16 Filter Upstream of 
Thermal Conditioning Equipment (two times the 
clean filter pressure drop)2 0.136  0.114  0.105  0.139  0.120  0.107  
MERV 13 to MERV 16 Final Filter Downstream of 
Thermal Conditioning Equipment. (two times 
the clean filter pressure drop) 2 0.225  0.188  0.176  0.231  0.197  0.177  
Filtration Allowance for > Merv 16 or HEPA 
Filter (two times the clean filter pressure drop) 2 0.335  0.280  0.265  0.342  0.292  0.264  
Central Hydronic Heating Coil Allowance  0.046  0.048  0.052  0.046  0.050  0.054  
Electric Heat Allowance  0.046  0.038  0.035  0.046  0.040  0.036  Page 614                                                                                     2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 170.2 – PRESCRIPTIVE APPROACH  TABLE 170.2 -B: Supply Fan Power Allowances (watts/cfm) (Continued)  
Component  Multi -Zone VAV 
Systems ≤5,000 
cfm Multi -Zone VAV 
Systems >5,000 
and ≤10,000 cfm  Multi -Zone VAV 
Systems >10,000 
cfm All Other Fan 
Systems ≤5,000 
cfm All Other Fan 
Systems >5,000 
and ≤10,000 cfm  All Other Fan 
Systems >10,000 
cfm 
Gas Heat Allowance  0.069  0.057  0.070  0.058  0.060  0.072  
Hydronic/DX Cooling Coil, or Heat Pump Coil (wet) 
Allowance  0.135  0.114  0.105  0.139  0.120  0.107  
Solid or Liquid Desiccant System Allowance  0.157  0.132  0.123  0.163  0.139  0.124  
Reheat Coil for Dehumidification Allowance  0.045  0.038  0.035  0.046  0.040  0.036  
Allowance for evaporative humidifier/cooler in series with a 
cooling coil. Value shown is allowed watts/cfm per 1.0 in. 
wg. Determine pressure loss (in. wg) at 400 fpm or 
maximum velocity allowed by the manufacturer, whichever 
is less. [Calculation required, see note 4]  0.224  0.188  0.176  0.231  0.197  0.177  
Allowance for 100% outdoor air system meeting the 
requirements of Note 5.  0.000  0.000  0.000  0.070  0.100  0.107  
Energy Recovery Allowance for 0.50 ≤ ERR <0.55 6 0.135  0.114  0.105  0.139  0.120  0.107  
Energy Recovery Allowance for 0.55 ≤ ERR <0.60 6 0.160  0.134  0.124  0.165  0.141  0.126  
Energy Recovery Allowance for 0.60 ≤ ERR <0.65 6 0.184  0.155  0.144  0.190  0.163  0.146  
Energy Recovery Allowance for 0.65 ≤ ERR <0.70 6 0.208  0.175  0.163  0.215  0.184  0.165  
Energy Recovery Allowance for 0.70 ≤ ERR <0.75 6 0.232  0.196  0.183  0.240  0.205  0.184  
Energy Recovery Allowance for 0.75 ≤ ERR <0.80 6 0.257  0.216  0.202  0.264  0.226  0.203  
Energy Recovery Allowance for ERR ≥ 0.80 6 0.281  0.236  0.222  0.289  0.247  0.222  
Coil Runaround Loop  0.135  0.114  0.105  0.139  0.120  0.107  
Allowance for gas phase filtration required by code or 
accredited standard. Value shown is allowed w/cfm per 1.0 
in. wg air pressure drop. [Calculation required, see note 4]  0.224  0.188  0.176  0.231  0.197  0.177  
  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards                                                               Page 615 
SECTION 170.2 – PRESCRIPTIVE APPROACH  TABLE 170.2 -B: Supply Fan Power Allowances (watts/cfm) (Continued)  
Component  Multi -Zone VAV 
Systems ≤5,000 
cfm Multi -Zone VAV 
Systems >5,000 
and ≤10,000 cfm  Multi -Zone VAV 
Systems >10,000 
cfm All Other Fan 
Systems ≤5,000 
cfm All Other Fan 
Systems >5,000 
and ≤10,000 cfm  All Other Fan 
Systems >10,000 
cfm 
Economizer Return Damper  0.045  0.038  0.035  0.046  0.040  0.036  
Air Blender Allowance  0.045  0.038  0.035  0.046  0.040  0.036  
Allowance for sound attenuation section 
[fans serving spaces with design background 
noise goals below NC35].  0.034  0.029  0.026  0.035  0.030  0.027  
Deduction for systems that feed a terminal 
unit with a fan with electrical input power < 
1kW.  -0.100  -0.100  -0.100  -0.100  -0.100  -0.100  
Low-turndown single -zone VAV fan systems 
meeting the requirements in note 7.  0.000  0.000  0.000  .070  0.100  0.089  
Footnote to TABLE 170.2 -B: 
1. See FAN SYSTEM,  MULTI -ZONE  VARIABLE  AIR VOLUME (VAV)  in definition  a Multi -Zone  VAV  System.  
2. Filter fan power allowance can only be counted once per fan system.  
3. RESERVED.  
4. Power allowance requires further calculation by multiplying the actual in. wg. of the device/ component by the watts/ cfm in Table 170.2 -B. 
5. The 100% outdoor air system must serve 3 or more HVAC zones and airflow during non -economizer operating periods must not exceed 135% of minimum 
requirements in Section 120.1(c)(3).  
6. Energy Recovery Ratio (ERR) calculated per ANSI/ASHRAE 84 -2020.  
7. A low -turndown single -zone VAV fan system must be capable of and configured to reduce airflow to 50 percent of design airflow and use no more than 30 
percent of the design wattage at that airflow. No more than 10 percent of the design load served by the eq uipment shall have fixed loads.  
 
  Page 616                                                                                     2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 170.2 – PRESCRIPTIVE APPROACH  TABLE 170.2 -C: EXHAUST, RETURN, RELIEF, TRANSFER FAN POWER ALLOWANCES (WATT/CFM)  
Component  Multi -Zone VAV 
Systems ≤5,000 cfm1 Multi -Zone VAV 
Systems >5,000 and 
≤10,000 cfm1 Multi -Zone VAV 
Systems >10,000 cfm1 All Other Fan 
Systems ≤5,000 cfm  All Other Fan 
Systems >5,000 and 
≤10,000 cfm  All Other Fan 
Systems >10,000 cfm  
Exhaust System Base Allowance  0.221  0.246  0.236  0.186  0.184  0.190  
Filter (any MERV value)2 0.046  0.041  0.036  0.046  0.041  0.035  
Energy Recovery Allowance for 
0.50 ≤ ERR <0.55 3 0.139  0.120  0.107  0.139  0.123  0.109  
Energy Recovery Allowance for 
0.55 ≤ ERR <0.60 3 0.165  0.142  0.126  0.165  0.144  0.128  
Energy Recovery Allowance for 
0.60 ≤ ERR <0.65 3 0.190  0.163  0.146  0.191  0.166  0.148  
Energy Recovery Allowance for 
0.65 ≤ ERR <0.70 3 0.215  0.184  0.165  0.216  0.188  0.167  
Energy Recovery Allowance for 
0.70 ≤ ERR <0.75 3 0.240  0.206  0.184  0.241  0.209  0.186  
Energy Recovery Allowance for 
0.75 ≤ ERR <0.80 3 0.265  0.227  0.203  0.266  0.231  0.205  
Energy Recovery Allowance for 
ERR ≥ 0.80 3 0.289  0.248  0.222  0.291  0.252  0.225  
Coil Runaround Loop  0.139  0.120  0.107  0.139  0.123  0.109  
 
  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards                                                               Page 617 
SECTION 170.2 – PRESCRIPTIVE APPROACH  TABLE 170.2 -C: EXHAUST, RETURN, RELIEF, TRANSFER FAN POWER ALLOWANCES (WATT/CFM) (Continued)  
Component  Multi -Zone VAV 
Systems ≤5,000 
cfm1 Multi -Zone VAV 
Systems >5,000 
and ≤10,000 cfm1 Multi -Zone VAV 
Systems >10,000 
cfm1 All Other Fan 
Systems ≤5,000 
cfm All Other Fan 
Systems >5,000 
and ≤10,000 cfm  All Other Fan 
Systems >10,000 
cfm 
Return or exhaust systems required by code or 
accreditation standards to be fully ducted, or systems 
required to maintain air pressure differentials between 
adjacent rooms  0.116  0.100  0.089  0.116  0.102  0.091  
Return and/or exhaust airflow control devices required 
for space pressurization control  0.116  0.100  0.089  0.116  0.102  0.091  
Laboratory and vivarium exhaust systems in high -rise 
buildings for vertical duct exceeding 75 ft. Value shown 
is allowed w/cfm per 0.25 in. wg for each 100 feet 
exceeding 75 feet. [Calculation required, see note 4]  0.058  0.051  0.045  0.058  0.052  0.046  
Biosafety cabinet. Value shown is allowed w/cfm per 
1.0 in. wg air pressure drop. [Calculation required, see 
note 4]  0.231  0.198  0.177  0.232  0.202  0.179  
Exhaust filters, scrubbers, or other exhaust treatment 
required by code or standard. Value shown is allowed 
w/cfm per 1.0 in. wg air pressure drop. [Calculation 
required, see note 4]  0.231  0.198  0.177  0.232  0.202  0.179  
Sound attenuation section [Fans serving spaces with 
design background noise goals below NC35.]  0.035  0.030  0.027  0.035  0.031  0.028  
Footnote to TABLE 170.2 -C: 
1. For requirements to be classified as a Multi -Zone VAV System see definition for Multi -Zone Variable Air Volume Fan System.  
2. Filter pressure loss can only be counted once per fan system.  
3. Energy Recovery Ratio (ERR) calculated per ANSI/ASHRAE 84 -2020.  
4. Power allowance requires further calculation, multiplying the actual pressure drop (in. wg.) of the device/ component by the 
watts/cfm in the Table 170.2 -C. 
 Page 618                                                                                     2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 170.2 – PRESCRIPTIVE APPROACH  TABLE 170.2 -D AIR DENSITY CORRECTION FACTORS  
Altitude  (ft) Correction  factor  
<3,000  1.000  
≥3,000  and <4,000  0.896  
≥4,000  and <5,000  0.864  
≥5,000  and <6,000  0.832  
≥6,000  0.801  
 
TABLE 170.2 -E-1: Default values for Fan kW design Based on Motor Nameplate HP1,2 
Motor Nameplate HP  Default Fan kW design  with variable 
speed drive (Fan kW design ) Default Fan kW design  without variable 
speed drive  (Fan kW design ) 
<1 0.96  0.89  
≥1 and <1.5  1.38  1.29  
≥1.5 and <2  1.84  1.72  
≥2 and <3  2.73  2.57  
≥3 and <5  4.38  4.17  
≥5 and <7.5  6.43  6.15  
≥7.5 and <10  8.46  8.13  
≥10 and <15  12.47  12.03  
≥15 and <20  16.55  16.04  
≥20 and <25  20.58  19.92  
≥25 and <30  24.59  23.77  
≥30 and <40  32.74  31.70  
≥40 and <50 40.71  39.46  
≥50 and <60  48.50  47.10  
≥60 and <75  60.45  58.87  
≥75 and ≤100  80.40  78.17  
Footnote to TABLE 170.2 -E-1: 
1. This table cannot be used for Motor Nameplate Horsepower values greater than 100.  
2. This table is to be used only with motors with a service factor ≤1.15. If the service factor is not provided, this table 
may not be used.  
 
B. Space -conditioning zone controls.  Each space -conditioning zone shall have controls 
designed in accordance with  i or ii:  
i. Each space -conditioning zone shall have controls that prevent:  
a. Reheating; and  
b. Recooling; and  
c. Simultaneous provisions of heating and cooling to the same zone, such as mixing or 
simultaneous supply of air that has been previously mechanically heated and air 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards                                                               Page 619 
SECTION 170.2 – PRESCRIPTIVE APPROACH  that has been previously cooled either by cooling equipment or by economizer 
systems; or  
ii. Zones served by variable air -volume systems that are designed and controlled to 
reduce, to a minimum, the volume of reheated, recooled , or mixed air are allowed only 
if the controls meet all of the following requirements:  
a. For each zone with direct digital controls (DDC), the volume of primary air that is 
reheated, recooled , or mixed air supply shall not exceed the larger of:  
I. 50 percent of the peak primary airflow; or  
II. The design zone outdoor airflow rate as specified by Section 160.2(c)3.  
b. The volume of primary air in the deadband shall not exceed the design zone outdoor 
airflow rate as specified by Section 160.2(c)3.  
c. The first stage of heating consists of modulating the zone supply air temperature 
setpoint up to a maximum setpoint no higher than 95 F degrees F while the airflow 
is maintained at the deadband flow rate.  
d. The second stage of heating consists of modulating the airflow rate from the 
deadband flow rate up to the heating maximum flow rate.  
e. For each zone without DDC, the volume of primary air that is reheated, recooled , or 
mixed air supply shall not exceed the larger of the following:  
I. 30 percent of the peak primary airflow; or  
II. The design zone outdoor airflow rate as specified by Section 160.2(c)3.  
Exception  1 to Section 170.2(c)4B:  Zones with special pressurization relationships or cross -
contamination control needs.  
Exception  2 to Section 170.2(c)4B: Zones served by space -conditioning systems in which at 
least 75 percent of the energy for reheating, or providing warm air in mixing systems, is 
provided from a site -recovered or site -solar energy source.  
Exception  3 to Section 170.2(c)4B:  Zones in which specific humidity levels are required to 
satisfy exempt process loads. Computer rooms or other spaces where the only process load 
is from IT equipment may not use this exception.  
Exception  4 to Section 170.2(c)4B:  Zones with a peak supply -air quantity of 300 cfm or less.  
C. Economizers .  
i. Each cooling air handler that has a design total mechanical cooling capacity over 33,000 
Btu/hr, or chilled -water cooling systems without a fan or that use induced airflow that 
has a cooling capacity greater than the systems listed in Table 170.2 -E-2, shal l include 
either:  
a. An air economizer capable of modulating outside -air and return -air dampers to 
supply 100 percent of the design supply air quantity as outside air; or  Page 620                                                                                     2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 170.2 – PRESCRIPTIVE APPROACH  b. A water economizer capable of providing 100 percent of the expected system 
cooling load, at outside air temperatures of 50°F dry -bulb and 45°F wet -bulb and 
below.  
Exception  1 to Section 170.2(c)4Ci:  Where special outside air filtration and treatment, 
for the reduction and treatment of unusual outdoor contaminants, makes compliance 
infeasible.  
Exception  2 to Section 170.2(c)4Ci:  Where the use of outdoor air for cooling will affect 
other systems, such as humidification or dehumidification, so as to increase overall 
building TDV LSC energy use.  
Exception  3 to Section 170.2(c)4Ci:  Systems serving dwelling units.  
Exception  4 to Section 170.2(c)4Ci:  Where comfort cooling systems have the cooling 
efficiency that meets or exceeds the cooling efficiency improvement requirements in 
Table 170.2 -F.  
Exception  5 to Section 170.2(c)4Ci: Fan systems primarily serving computer rooms. See 
Section 140.9(a) for computer room economizer requirements.  
Exception  6 to Section 170.2(c)4Ci : In all climate zones, each air handler that has a 
design total mechanical cooling capacity less than 54,000 Btu/hr where ventilation is 
provided by a dedicated outdoor air system (DOAS) with exhaust air heat recovery in 
accordance with Section 140.4(p) an d the following:   
A. The DOAS unit shall meet the exhaust air heat recovery ratio as specified in Section 
140.4(q)1 and include bypass or control to disable energy recovery as specified in 
Section 140.4(q)2.  
B. The DOAS unit shall provide at least the minimum ventilation air flow rate as 
specified in Section 120.1(c)3 and provide no less than 0.3 cfm/ft2 during 
economizer conditions.  
 
TABLE 170.2 -E-2 CHILLED WATER SYSTEM COOLING CAPACITY  
Climate Zones  Building Water -Cooled Chilled 
Water System  Air-Cooled Chilled Water 
Systems or District Chilled 
Water Systems  
15 ≥ 960,000 Btu/h (280 kW)  ≥ 1,250,000 Btu/h (365 kW)  
1-14 ≥720,000 Btu/h (210 kW)  ≥940,000 Btu/h (275 kW)  
16 ≥1,320,000 Btu/h (385 kW)  ≥1,720,000 Bu/h (505 kW)  
Note for Table 170.2 -E-2: 
Total Building Chilled Water System Capacity, Minus Capacity of the Cooling units with Air Economizers  
 
  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards                                                               Page 621 
SECTION 170.2 – PRESCRIPTIVE APPROACH  TABLE 170.2 -F ECONOMIZER TRADE -OFF TABLE FOR COOLING SYSTEMS  
Climate Zone  Efficiency Improvement a 
1 70%  
2 65%  
3 65%  
4 65%  
5 70%  
6 30%  
7 30%  
8 30%  
9 30%  
10 30%  
11 30%  
12 30%  
13 30%  
14 30%  
15  30%   
16  70%   
Footnote to TABLE 170.2 -F: 
a. If a unit is rated with an annualized or part -load metric, then to eliminate 
the required economizer, only the annualized or part -load minimum cooling 
efficiency of the unit must be increased by the percentage shown. If the unit 
is only rated with a full load metric, like EER 2 or COP cooling, then that 
metric must be increased by the percentage shown. To determine the 
efficiency required to eliminate economizer, when the unit equipment 
efficiency  is rated with an energy -input divided by work -output metric, the 
metric shall first be converted to COP prior to multiplying by the efficiency  
improvement percentage and then converted back to the rated metric.  
 
ii. If an economizer is required by Section 170.2(c)4Ci, and an air economizer is used to 
meet the requirement, then it shall  be:  
a. Designed and equipped with controls so that economizer operation does not 
increase the building heating energy use during normal operation; and  
Exception  to Section 170.2(c)4Ciia:  Systems that provide 75 percent of the annual 
energy used for mechanical heating from site -recovered energy or a site -solar 
energy source.  
b. Capable of providing partial cooling even when additional mechanical cooling is 
required to meet the remainder of the cooling load.  
c. Designed and equipped with a device type and high limit shut off complying with 
Table 170.2 -G.  
 Page 622                                                                                     2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 170.2 – PRESCRIPTIVE APPROACH  TABLE 170.2 -G AIR ECONOMIZER HIGH LIMIT SHUT OFF CONTROL REQUIREMENTS  
Device Typea Climate Zones  Required High Limit 
(Economizer Off When):  
Equationb Required High Limit (Economizer Off 
When):  
Description  
Fixed Dry Bulb  1, 3, 5, 11 -16 TOA > 75°F  Outdoor air temperature exceeds 75°F  
Fixed Dry Bulb  2, 4, 10  TOA > 73°F  Outdoor air temperature exceeds 73°F  
Fixed Dry Bulb  6, 8, 9  TOA > 71°F  Outdoor air temperature exceeds 71°F  
Fixed Dry Bulb  7 TOA > 69°F  Outdoor air temperature exceeds 69°F  
Differential Dry Bulb  1, 3, 5, 11 -16 TOA > T RA°F Outdoor air temperature exceeds return air 
temperature  
Differential Dry Bulb  2, 4, 10  TOA > T RA-2°F Outdoor air temperature exceeds return air 
temperature minus 2°F  
Differential Dry Bulb  6, 8, 9  TOA > T RA-4°F Outdoor air temperature exceeds return air 
temperature minus 4°F  
Differential Dry Bulb  7 TOA > T RA-6°F Outdoor air temperature exceeds return air 
temperature minus 6°F  
Fixed Enthalpyc + 
Fixed Drybulb  All hOA > 28 Btu/lbc or T OA > 75°F  Outdoor air enthalpy exceeds 28 Btu/lb of 
dry airc or  
Outdoor air temperature exceeds 75°F  
Footnote to TABLE 170.2 -G: 
a. Only the high limit control devices listed are allowed to be used and at the setpoints listed. Others such as Dew 
Point, Fixed Enthalpy, Electronic Enthalpy, and Differential Enthalpy Controls, may not be used in any Climate Zone 
for compliance with Sectio n 170.2(c)4Ci unless approval for use is provided by the Energy Commission Executive 
Director.   
b. Devices with selectable (rather than adjustable) setpoints shall be capable of being set to within 2°F and 2 Btu/lb 
of the setpoint listed.  
c. At altitudes substantially different than sea level, the Fixed Enthalpy limit value shall be set to the enthalpy value 
at 75°F and 50% relative humidity. As an example, at approximately 6,000 foot elevation, the fixed enthalpy limit is 
approximately 30.7 B tu/lb.  
 
iii. The air economizer and all air dampers shall have the following features:  
a. Warranty.  5-year manufacturer warranty of economizer assembly.  
b. Damper reliability testing.  Suppliers of economizers shall certify that the economizer 
assembly, including but not limited to outdoor air damper, return air damper, drive 
linkage and actuator, has been tested and is able to open and close against the rated 
airflow and pressure of th e system for 60,000 damper opening and closing cycles.  
c. Damper leakage.  Economizer outdoor air and return air dampers shall have a maximum 
leakage rate of 10 cfm/sf at 250 Pascals (1.0 in. of water) when tested in accordance 
with AMCA Standard 500 -D. The economizer outside air and return air damper leakage 
rates shall be cert ified to the Energy Commission in accordance with Section 110.0.  
d. Adjustable setpoint.  If the high -limit control is fixed dry -bulb or fixed enthalpy + fixed 
dry-bulb then the control shall have an adjustable setpoint.  
e. Sensor accuracy.  Outdoor air, return air, mixed air and supply air sensors shall be 
calibrated within the following accuracies.  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards                                                               Page 623 
SECTION 170.2 – PRESCRIPTIVE APPROACH   I. Drybulb and wetbulb temperatures accurate to ±2°F over the range of 40°F to 80°F;  
II. Enthalpy accurate to ±3 Btu/lb over the range of 20 Btu/lb to 36 Btu/lb;  
III. Relative humidity (RH) accurate to ±5 percent over the range of 20 percent to 80 
percent RH.  
f. Sensor calibration data.  Data used for control of the economizer shall be plotted on a 
sensor performance curve.  
g. Sensor high limit control.  Sensors used for the high limit control shall be located to 
prevent false readings, including but not limited to being properly shielded from direct 
sunlight.  
h. Relief air system.  Relief air systems shall be capable of providing 100 percent outside 
air without over -pressurizing the building.  
iv. The space -conditioning system shall include the following:  
a. Unit controls shall have mechanical capacity controls interlocked with economizer 
controls such that the economizer is at 100 percent open position when mechanical 
cooling is on and does not begin to close until the leaving air temperature is less than 45 
degree F.  
b. Direct Expansion (DX) units greater than 65,000 Btu/hr that control the capacity of the 
mechanical cooling directly based on occupied space temperature shall have a 
minimum of two stages of mechanical cooling capacity.  
c. DX units not within the scope of Section 170.2(c)4Ciib shall (i) comply with the 
requirements in Table 170.2 -H, and (ii) have controls that do not false load the 
mechanical cooling system by limiting or disabling the economizer or by any other 
means exc ept at the lowest stage of mechanical cooling capacity.  
TABLE 170.2 -H DIRECT EXPANSION (DX) UNIT REQUIREMENTS FOR COOLING STAGES AND 
COMPRESSOR DISPLACEMENT  
Cooling Capacity  Minimum Number of 
Mechanical Cooling Stages  Minimum Compressor 
Displacement  
≥ 65,000 Btu/h and  
< 240,000 Btu/h  3 stages  ≤ 35% full load  
≥ 240,000 Btu/h  4 stages  ≤ 25% full load  
 
v. Systems that include a water economizer to meet Section 170.2(c)4Ci shall include the 
following:  
a. Maximum pressure drop. Precooling coils and water -to-water heat exchangers used 
as part of a water economizer shall either have a waterside pressure drop of less 
than 15 feet of water, or a secondary loop shall be installed so that the coil or heat 
exchang er pressure drop is not contributing to pressure drop when the system is in 
the normal cooling (non -economizer) mode.  Page 624                                                                                     2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 170.2 – PRESCRIPTIVE APPROACH  b. Economizer systems shall be integrated with the mechanical cooling system so that 
they are capable of providing partial cooling even when additional mechanical 
cooling is required to meet the remainder of the cooling load. Controls shall not 
false load the mechanical cooling system by limiting or disabling the economizer or 
by any other means, such as hot gas bypass, except at the lowest stage of 
mechanical cooling.  
D. Supply air temperature reset controls . Space -conditioning systems supplying heated or 
cooled air to multiple zones shall include controls that automatically reset supply -air 
temperatures. Air distribution systems serving zones that are likely to have constant loads 
shall be designed for the air  flows resulting from the fully reset supply air temperature. 
Supply air temperature reset controls shall be:  
i. In response to representative building loads or to outdoor air temperature; and  
ii. At least 25 percent of the difference between the design supply -air temperature and 
the design room air temperature.  
Exception  1 to Section 170.2(c)4D:  Systems that meet the requirements of Section 
170.2(c)3Bi, without using Exception 1 to that section.  
Exception  2 to Section 170.2(c)4D:  Where supply -air temperature reset would increase 
overall building energy use.  
Exception  3 to Section 170.2(c)4D: Systems supplying zones in which specific humidity 
levels are required to satisfy process loads. Computer rooms or other spaces with only IT 
equipment may not use this exception.   
E. Electric -resistance heating.  Electric -resistance heating systems shall not be used for space 
heating.  
Exception  1 to Section 170.2(c)4E:  Where an electric -resistance heating system 
supplements a heating system in which at least 60 percent of the annual energy 
requirement is supplied by site -solar or recovered energy.  
Exception  2 to Section 170.2(c)4E:  Where an electric -resistance heating system 
supplements a heat pump heating system, and the heating capacity of the heat pump is 
more than 75 percent of the design heating load calculated in accordance with Section 
170.2(c)1 at the design outdoor temperat ure specified in Section 170.2(c)2.  
Exception  3 to Section 170.2(c)4E:  Where the total capacity of all electric -resistance 
heating systems serving the entire building is less than 10 percent of the total design output 
capacity of all heating equipment serving the entire building.  
Exception  4 to Section 170.2(c)4E:  Where the total capacity of all electric -resistance 
heating systems serving the entire building, excluding those allowed under Exception 2, is 
no more than 3 kW.  
Exception  5 to Section 170.2(c)4E:  Heating systems serving as emergency backup to gas 
heating equipment.  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards                                                               Page 625 
SECTION 170.2 – PRESCRIPTIVE APPROACH  F. Heat rejection systems . Heat rejection equipment used in comfort cooling systems such as 
air-cooled condensers, open cooling towers, closed -circuit cooling towers and evaporative 
condensers shall include the following:  
i. Fan speed control . Each fan powered by a motor of 7.5 hp (5.6 kW) or larger shall have 
the capability to operate that fan at 2/3 of full speed or less, and shall have controls 
that automatically change the fan speed to control the leaving fluid temperature or 
condensing tem perature or pressure of the heat rejection device.  
Exception  1 to Section 170.2(c)4Fi: Heat rejection devices included as an integral part of 
the equipment listed in Table 110.2 -A through Table 110.2 -N.  
Exception  2 to Section 170.2(c)4Fi:  Condenser fans serving multiple refrigerant circuits.  
Exception  3 to Section 170.2(c)4Fi:  Condenser fans serving flooded condensers.  
Exception  4 to Section 170.2(c)4Fi:  Up to one -third of the fans on a condenser or tower 
with multiple fans where the lead fans comply with the speed control requirement.  
ii. Tower flow turndown . Open cooling towers configured with multiple condenser water 
pumps shall be designed so that all cells can be run in parallel with the larger of:  
a. The flow that is produced by the smallest pump; or  
b. 50 percent of the design flow for the cell.  
iii. Limitation on centrifugal fan cooling towers . Open cooling towers with a combined 
rated capacity of 900 gpm and greater at 95°F condenser water return, 85°F condenser 
water supply and 75°F outdoor wet -bulb temperature shall use propeller fans and shall 
not use centrifugal fans.  
Exception  1 to Section 170.2(c)4Fiii:  Cooling towers that are ducted (inlet or discharge) 
or have an external sound trap that requires external static pressure capability.  
Exception  2 to Section 170.2(c)4Fiii:  Cooling towers that meet the energy efficiency 
requirement for propeller fan towers in Section 110.2, Table 110.2 -F.  
iv. Multiple cell heat rejection equipment.  Multiple cell heat rejection equipment with 
variable speed fan drives shall:  
a. Operate the maximum number of fans allowed that comply with the manufacturer’s 
requirements for all system components, and  
b. Control all operating fans to the same speed. Minimum fan speed shall comply with 
the minimum allowable speed of the fan drive as specified by the manufacturer’s 
recommendation. Staging of fans is allowed once the fans are at their minimum 
operating spe ed.  
v. Cooling tower efficiency.  Axial fan, open -circuit cooling towers serving condenser water 
loops for chilled water plants with a total of 900 gpm or greater shall have a minimum 
rated efficiency of no less than 60 gpm/hp based on Table 170. 2-I when rated in 
accordance with the conditions as listed in Table 110.2 -F.  
  Page 626                                                                                     2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 170.2 – PRESCRIPTIVE APPROACH  Table 170.2 -I MINIMUM EFFICIENCY FOR PROPELLER OR AXIAL FAN OPEN -CIRCUIT COOLING 
TOWERS  (GPM/hp)  
CZ 1 CZ 2 CZ 3 CZ 4 CZ 5 CZ 6 CZ 7 CZ 8 CZ 9 CZ 10 CZ 11 CZ 12 CZ 13 CZ 14 CZ 15 CZ 16 
42.1  70 60 70 70 80 80 80 80 80 60 70 80 60 80 42.1  
Exception  1 to Section 170.2(c)4Fv:  Replacement of existing cooling towers that are inside an existing 
building or on an existing roof.  
Exception  2 to Section 170.2(c)4Fv:  Cooling towers serving buildings in Climate Zone 1 or 16.  
G. Minimum chiller efficiency.  Chillers shall meet or exceed Path B from Table 110.2 -D. 
Exception  1 to Section 170.2(c)4G : Chillers with electrical service > 600 V.  
Exception  2 to Section 170.2(c)4G:  Chillers attached to a heat recovery system with a design heat recovery 
capacity > 40 percent of the design chiller cooling capacity.  
Exception  3 to Section 170.2(c)4G:  Chillers used to charge thermal energy storage systems where the 
charging temperature is < 40°F.  
Exception  4 to Section 170.2(c)4G: In buildings with more than three chillers, only three chillers are required 
to meet the Path B efficiencies.  
H. Limitation of air-cooled chillers.  Chilled water plants shall not have more than 300 tons provided by air -
cooled chillers.  
Exception  1 to Section 170.2(c)4H:  Where the water quality at the building site fails to meet manufacturer’s 
specifications for the use of water -cooled chillers.  
Exception  2 to Section 170.2(c)4H:  Chillers that are used to charge a thermal energy storage system with a 
design temperature of less than 40°F (4°C).  
I. Hydronic system measures .  
i. Hydronic variable flow systems . HVAC chilled and hot water pumping shall be designed for variable fluid 
flow and shall be capable of reducing pump flow rates to no more than the larger of: a) 50 percent or less 
of the design flow rate; or b) the minimum flow required by the equipment ma nufacturer for the proper 
operation of equipment served by the system.  
Exception  1 to Section 170.2(c)4I:  Systems that include no more than three control valves.  
Exception  2 to Section 170.2(c)4I:  Systems having a total pump system power less than or equal to 1.5 
hp.  
ii. Chiller isolation . When a chilled water system includes more than one chiller, provisions shall be made so 
that flow through any chiller is automatically shut off when that chiller is shut off while still maintaining 
flow through other operating chiller(s). Chillers that ar e piped in series for the purpose of increased 
temperature differential shall be considered as one chiller.  
iii. Boiler isolation . When a hot water plant includes more than one boiler, provisions shall be made so that 
flow through any boiler is automatically shut off when that boiler is shut off while still maintaining flow 
through other operating boiler(s).  
iv. Chilled and hot water temperature reset controls . Systems with a design capacity exceeding 500,000 
Btu/hr supplying chilled or heated water shall include controls that automatically reset supply water 
temperatures as a function of representative building loads or outside air temperature.  
Exception  to Section 170.2(c)4Iiv:  Hydronic systems that use variable flow to reduce pumping energy in 
accordance with Section 170.2(c)4Ii.  
v. Water -cooled air conditioner  and hydronic heat pump systems.  Water circulation systems serving 
water -cooled air conditioners, hydronic heat pumps or both, that have total pump system power 
exceeding 5 hp, shall have flow controls that meet the requirements of Section 170.2(c)4Ivi. Each such air 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards                                                               Page 627 
SECTION 170.2 – PRESCRIPTIVE APPROACH  conditioner or heat pump shall have a two -position automatic valve interlocked to shut off water flow 
when the compressor is off.  
vi. Variable flow controls.  
a. Variable speed drives. Individual pumps serving variable flow systems and having a motor 
horsepower exceeding 5 hp shall have controls or devices (such as variable speed control) that will 
result in pump motor demand of no more than 30 percent of design  wattage at 50 percent of design 
water flow. The pumps shall be controlled as a function of required differential pressure.  
b. Pressure sensor location and setpoint.  
c. For systems without direct digital control of individual coils reporting to the central control panel, 
differential pressure shall be measured at the most remote heat exchanger or the heat exchanger 
requiring the greatest differential pressure.  
d. For systems with direct digital control of individual coils with a central control panel, the static 
pressure setpoint shall be reset based on the valve requiring the most pressure, and the setpoint 
shall be no less than 80 percent open. Pressure sensor s may be mounted anywhere.  
Exception  1 to Section 170.2(c)4Ivi:  Heating hot water systems.  
Exception  2 to Section 170.2(c)4Ivi:  Condenser water systems serving only water -cooled chillers.  
vii. Hydronic heat pump  (WLHP) controls . Hydronic heat pumps connected to a common heat pump water 
loop with central devices for heat rejection and heat addition shall have controls that are capable of 
providing a heat pump water supply temperature deadband of at least 20°F between initiation of heat 
rejection and heat addition by the central devices.  
Exception  to Section 170.2(c)4Ivii: Where a system loop temperature optimization controller is used to 
determine the most efficient operating temperature based on real -time conditions of demand and 
capacity, deadbands of less than 20°F shall be allowed.  
J. Reserved.  
K. Fan control . Each cooling system listed in Table 170.2 -H shall be designed to vary the indoor fan airflow as a 
function of load and shall comply with the following requirements:  
i. DX and chilled water cooling systems that control the capacity of the mechanical cooling directly based on 
occupied space temperature shall (i) have a minimum of two stages of fan control with no more than 66 
percent speed when operating on stage 1; and  (ii) draw no more than 40 percent of the fan power at full 
fan speed, when operating at 66 percent speed.  
ii. All other systems, including but not limited to DX cooling systems and chilled water systems that control 
the space temperature by modulating the airflow to the space, shall have proportional fan control such 
that at 50 percent air flow the power draw is no more than 30 percent of the fan power at full fan speed.  
iii. Systems that include an air side economizer to meet Section 170.2(c)4Ci shall have a minimum of two 
speeds of fan control during economizer operation.  
Exception  to Section 170.2(c)4K: Modulating fan control is not required for chilled water systems with all fan 
motors <1 HP, or for evaporative systems with all fan motors < 1 HP, if the systems are not used to provide 
ventilation air and all indoor fans cycle with the load.   
L. Mechanical system shut -off. Any directly conditioned common use area space with operable wall or roof 
openings to the outdoors shall be provided with interlock controls that disable or reset the temperature 
setpoint to 55°F for mechanical heating and disable or reset the temperature setpoint to 90°F for mechanical 
cooling to that space when any such opening is open for more than 5 minutes.  
Exception  1 to Section 170.2(c)4L: Interlocks are not required on doors with automatic closing devices.   
Exception  2 to Section 170.2(c)4L: Any space without a thermostatic control (thermostat or a space 
temperature sensor used to control heating or cooling to the space).   Page 628                                                                                     2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 170.2 – PRESCRIPTIVE APPROACH  M. Exhaust system transfer air . Conditioned supply air delivered to any space with mechanical exhaust shall not 
exceed the greater of:  
i. The supply flow required to meet the space heating or cooling load; or  
ii. The ventilation rate required by the authority having jurisdiction, the facility Environmental Health and 
Safety Department or Section 160.2(c)3; or  
iii. The mechanical exhaust flow minus the available transfer air. Available transfer air shall be from another 
conditioned space or return air plenums on the same floor and same smoke or fire compartment, and 
that at their closest point are within 15 feet  of each other.  
Exception  1 to Section 170.2(c)4M: Spaces that are required by applicable codes and standards to be 
maintained at a positive pressure differential relative to adjacent spaces.  
Exception  2 to Section 170.2(c)4M: Spaces where the highest amount of transfer air that could be used for 
exhaust makeup may exceed the available transfer airflow rate and where the spaces have a required 
negative pressure relationship.  
N. Dedicated outdoor air systems (DOAS). HVAC systems that utilize a dedicated outdoor air system (DOAS) such as a DX -
DOAS, HRV or ERV unit to condition, temper or filter 100 percent outdoor air separate from local or central space -
conditioning systems serving the same space shall meet the follow ing criteria:  
1. DOAS unit fan systems with input power less than 1 kW shall not exceed a total combined fan power of 1.0 
W/cfm. DOAS with fan power greater than or equal to 1 kW shall meet the requirements of Section 140.4  (c).  
2. The DOAS supply air shall be delivered directly to the occupied space or at the outlet of any terminal heating or 
cooling coils and shall cycle off any zone heating and cooling equipment fans, circulation pumps and terminal unit 
fans when there is no call for heating or cooling in the zone.  
Exception 1 to Section 170.2(c)4N 2: Active chilled beam systems.  
Exception 2 to Section 170.2(c)4N 2: Sensible -only cooling terminal units with pressure -independent variable -
airflow regulating devices limiting the DOAS supply air to the greater of latent load or minimum ventilation 
requirements.  
Exception 3 to Section 170.2(c)4N 2: Any configuration where a DOAS unit provides ventilation air to a 
downstream fan (a terminal box, air handling unit or other space -conditioning equipment) where the total system 
airflow can be reduced to ventilation minimum or the downstream fan power is no greater than 0.12 watts per 
cfm when space temperatures are within the thermostat deadband (at low speed per manufacturer’s literature).  
3. DOAS supply and exhaust fans shall have a minimum of three speeds to facilitate system balancing.  
4. DOAS with mechanical cooling providing ventilation to multiple zones and operating in conjunction with zone 
heating and cooling systems shall not use heating or heat recovery to warm supply air above 60°F when 
representative building loads or outdoor ai r temperature indicates that the majority of zones require cooling.  
Dedicated outdoor air systems  (DOAS).  HVAC systems utilizing a dedicated outdoor air system (DOAS) to 
condition, temper or filter 100 percent outdoor air separate from local or central space -conditioning systems 
serving the same space shall meet the following criteria:  
i. Provide each space with one of the following configurations:  
a. A DOAS unit and a separate independent space -conditioning system in which the independent space -
conditioning system complies with the economizer requirements specified by Section 170.2(c)4Ci and the 
DOAS unit complies with the exhaust air heat recovery requirements specified in Section 170.2(c)4N.  
b. A DOAS unit that meets or exceeds the following criteria and a separate space cooling system:  
I. Provides at least the minimum ventilation air flow rate as specified in Section 120.1(c)3 and provides no less 
than 0.3 cfm/ft2 during economizer operation.  
II. Ventilation sensible energy recovery ratio of at least 60 percent or enthalpy recovery ratio of at least 50 
percent at full flow cooling design conditions and heating design condition.  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards                                                               Page 629 
SECTION 170.2 – PRESCRIPTIVE APPROACH  III. Energy recovery bypass or control to directly economize with ventilation air based on outdoor air 
temperature limits specified in Table 170.2 -G.  
c. DOAS units with airflow rate > 1,000 cfm must meet demand ventilation control requirements in accordance 
with Sections 160.2(c)5C, D and E .  
Exception  to Section  170.2(c)4Ni:  Systems installed for the sole purpose of providing makeup air for exhausting 
toxic fumes, flammable materials, paint, corrosive fumes, dust, dryer exhaust, or commercial kitchen hoods 
used for collecting and removing grease vapors and smoke.  
ii. Ventilation fan systems shall be capable of modulating fan speed control.  
iii. Heating and cooling equipment fans, heating and cooling circulation pumps, and terminal unit fans shall cycle 
off, and terminal unit primary cooling air shall be shut off when there is no call for heating or cooling in the 
zone.  
Exception  to Section  170.2(c)4Niii:  Fans used for heating and cooling using less than 0.12 watts per cfm may 
operate when space temperatures are within the thermostat deadband to provide destratification and air 
mixing in the space.  
iv. The DOAS supply air shall be delivered directly to the occupied space or downstream of the terminal heating 
or cooling coils.  
Exception  1 to Section 170.2(c)4Niv:  Active chilled beam systems.  
Exception  2 to Section 170.2(c)4Niv:  Sensible only cooling terminal units with pressure -independent variable -
airflow regulating devices limiting the DOAS supply air to the greater of latent load or minimum ventilation 
requirements.  
Exception  3 to Section  170.2(c)4Niv:  Terminal heating  or cooling units that comply with the low fan power 
allowance requirements  in Exception to Section 170.2(c)4Niii.   
v. DOAS with mechanical cooling providing ventilation to multiple zones and operating in conjunction with zone 
heating and cooling systems shall not use heating or heat recovery to warm supply air above 60°F when 
representative building loads or outdoor ai r temperature indicate that the majority of zones require cooling.  
vi. DOAS with a total fan system power less than 1 kW shall not exceed a total combined fan power of 1.0 
W/cfm. DOAS with fan power greater than or equal to 1 kW shall meet the requirements of Section 
170.2(c)4A.  
O. Exhaust air heat recovery. Fan systems designed to operate to the criteria listed in either Table 170.2 -I or 
Table 170.2 -J shall include an exhaust air heat recovery system that meets the following:  
i. A sensible energy recovery ratio of at least 60 percent or an enthalpy recovery ratio of at least 50 percent 
for both heating and cooling design conditions.  
ii. Energy recovery bypass or control to disable energy recovery and to directly economize with ventilation 
air based on outdoor air temperature limits specified in Table 170.2 -G. For energy recovery systems 
where the transfer of energy cannot be stopped, bypass shall prevent the total airflow rate of either 
outdoor air or exhaust air through the energy recovery exchanger from exceeding 10 percent of the full 
design airflow rate.  
iii. For a DOAS unit and a separate independent space -conditioning system meeting the requirements of 
Section 170.2(c)4Nia, the design supply fan airflow rate shall be the total airflow of only the DOAS unit.  
EXCEPTION 1  to Section 170.2(c)4Oii : DOAS units with the capability to shut off when a separate independent 
space -conditioning system meets the economizer requirements specified by section 170.2(c)4Cia is 
economizing.   
Exception 1  to Section 170.2(c)4O : Systems meeting Section 140.9(c) prescriptive requirements for laboratory 
and factory exhaust systems.  
Exception 2  to Section 170.2(c)4O : Systems serving spaces that are not cooled and that are heated to less 
than 60°F.  Page 630                                                                                     2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 170.2 – PRESCRIPTIVE APPROACH  Exception 3 to Section 170.2(c)4O : Where more than 60 percent of the outdoor air heating energy is provided 
from site -recovered energy in Climate Zone 16.  
Exception 4 to Section 170.2(c)4O : Sensible recovery ratio requirements at heating design conditions are not 
required exempted for Climate Zone 15.  
Exception 5 to Section  170.2(c)4O : Sensible recovery ratio requirements at cooling design conditions are  not 
required   exempted for Climate Zone 1.  
Exception 6 to Section 170.2(c)4O : Where the sum of the airflow rates exhausted and relieved within 20 feet 
of each other is less than 75 percent of the design outdoor airflow rate, excluding exhaust air that is either:  
i. used for another energy recovery system;  
ii. not allowed by the California Mechanical Code (Title 24, Part 4) for use in energy recovery systems with 
leakage potential; or  
iii. of Class 4 as specified in Section 160.2(c)8.  
Exception 7  to Section 170.2(c)4O : Systems expected to operate less than 20 hours per week.   
 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards                                                     Page 631 
SECTION 170.2 – PRESCRIPTIVE APPROACH  TABLE 170.2 -I: ENERGY RECOVERY REQUIREMENTS BY CLIMATE ZONE AND PERCENT OUTDOOR AIR AT FULL DESIGN AIRFLOW (<8,000 HOURS / YEAR)  
% Outdoor Air 
at Full Design 
Airflow  CZ 1 CZ 2 CZ 3 CZ 4 CZ 5 CZ 6 CZ 7 CZ 8 CZ 9 CZ 10 CZ 11 CZ 12 CZ 13 CZ 14 CZ 15 CZ 16 
≥10% and <20%  NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR 
≥20% and <30%  ≥15,000  ≥20,000  NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR ≥18,500  ≥18,500  ≥18,500  ≥18,500  ≥18,500  ≥18,500  
≥30% and <40%  ≥13,000  ≥15,000  NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR ≥15,000  ≥15,000  ≥15,000  ≥15,000  ≥15,000  ≥15,000  
≥40% and <50%  ≥10,000  ≥12,000  NR NR NR NR NR NR NR ≥22,000  ≥10,000  ≥10,000  ≥10,000  ≥10,000  ≥10,000  ≥10,000  
≥50% and <60%  ≥9,000  ≥10,000  NR ≥18,500  NR NR NR NR NR ≥17,000  ≥8,000  ≥8,000  ≥8,000  ≥8,000  ≥8,000  ≥8,000  
≥60% and <70%  ≥7,000  ≥7,500  NR ≥16,500  NR NR NR NR ≥20,000  ≥15,000  ≥7,000  ≥7,000  ≥7,000  ≥7,000  ≥7,000  ≥7,000  
≥70% and <80%  ≥6,500  ≥7,000  NR ≥15,000  NR NR NR NR ≥17,000  ≥14,000  ≥5,000  ≥5,000  ≥5,000  ≥5,000  ≥5,000  ≥5,000  
≥80%  ≥4,500  ≥6,500  NR ≥14,000  NR NR NR NR ≥15,000  ≥13,000  ≥2,000  ≥2,000  ≥2,000  ≥2,000  ≥2,000  ≥2,000  
FOOTNOTES TO TABLE 170.2 -I: 
1. Flow rates in Table 140.4 -G represent the design supply fan airflow rate in CFM.  
2. For a DOAS unit providing outdoor air to another space -conditioning system, the full design supply fan airflow rate shall be the total airflow of only the 
DOAS unit.  
 
TABLE 170.2 -J: ENERGY RECOVERY REQUIREMENTS BY CLIMATE ZONE AND PERCENT OUTDOOR AIR AT FULL DESIGN AIRFLOW ( ≥8,000 HOURS / YEAR)  
% Outdoor Air 
at Full Design 
Airflow  CZ 1 CZ 2 CZ 3 CZ 4 CZ 5 CZ 6 CZ 7 CZ 8 CZ 9 CZ 10 CZ 11 CZ 12 CZ 13 CZ 14 CZ 15 CZ 16 
≥10% and <20%  ≥10,000  ≥10,000  NR NR NR NR NR NR NR ≥40,000  ≥40,000  ≥20,000  ≥10,000  ≥10,000  ≥10,000  ≥10,000  
≥20% and <30%  ≥2,000  ≥5,000  ≥13,000  ≥9,000  ≥9,000  NR NR NR NR ≥15,000  ≥15,000  ≥5,000  ≥5,000  ≥5,000  ≥5,000  ≥5,000  
≥30% and <40%  ≥2,000  ≥3,000  ≥10,000  ≥6,500  ≥6,500  NR NR NR ≥15,000  ≥7,500  ≥7,500  ≥3,000  ≥3,000  ≥3,000  ≥3,000  ≥3,000  
≥40% and <50%  ≥2,000  ≥2,000  ≥8,000  ≥6,000  ≥6,000  NR NR NR ≥12,000  ≥6,000  ≥6,000  ≥2,000  ≥2,000  ≥2,000  ≥2,000  ≥2,000  
≥50% and <60%  ≥2,000  ≥2,000  ≥7,000  ≥6,000  ≥6,000  NR NR ≥20,000  ≥10,000  ≥5,000  ≥5,000  ≥2,000  ≥2,000  ≥2,000  ≥2,000  ≥2,000  
≥60% and <70%  ≥2,000  ≥2,000  ≥6,000  ≥6,000  ≥6,000  NR NR ≥18,000  ≥9,000  ≥4,000  ≥4,000  ≥2,000  ≥2,000  ≥2,000  ≥2,000  ≥2,000  
≥70% and <80%  ≥2,000  ≥2,000  ≥6,000  ≥5,000  ≥5,000  NR NR ≥15,000  ≥8,000  ≥3,000  ≥3,000  ≥2,000  ≥2,000  ≥2,000  ≥2,000  ≥2,000  
≥80%  ≥2,000  ≥2,000  ≥6,000  ≥5,000  ≥5,000  NR NR ≥12,000  ≥7,000  ≥3,000  ≥3,000  ≥2,000  ≥2,000  ≥2,000  ≥2,000  ≥2,000  
Footnotes to TABLE 170.2 -J: 
1. Flow rates in Table 140.4 -G represent the design supply fan airflow rate in CFM.  
2. For a DOAS unit providing outdoor air to another space -conditioning system, the full design supply fan airflow rate shall be the total airflow of only the 
DOAS unit.  Page 632                                                                        2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 170.2 – PRESCRIPTIVE APPROACH  (d) Domestic Hot Water Systems Water -heating systems . Water -heating systems shall meet the 
applicable requirements of either  1, 2, 3 or 4  below: .  
For recirculation distribution systems serving individual dwelling units, only demand recirculation 
systems with manual on/off control as specified in the Reference Appendix RA4.4.9 shall be used. 
Recirculation system serving multiple dwelling units shall meet the requirements of Sections 
110.3(c)2 and 110.3(c)5, and shall be capable of automatically controlling the recirculation pump 
operation based on measurement of hot water demand and hot water return temperature:  
1. Individual Systems.  For systems serving individual dwelling units, the water -heating system 
shall meet the requirement of either A, or B or C, or shall meet the performance compliance 
requirements of Section 170.1 . For recirculation distribution systems serving individual 
dwelling units, only demand recirculation systems with manual on/off control as specified in 
the Reference Appendix RA4.4.9 shall be used. :  
A. A single 240 volt heat pump water heater. In addition, meet the following:  
i. A compact hot water distribution system as specified in Reference Appendix RA4.4.6 in 
climate zones 1 and 16; and  
ii. A drain water heat recovery system that is field verified as specified in the Reference 
Appendix RA3.6.9 in Climate Zone 16.  
B. A single heat pump water heater that meets the requirements of NEEA Advanced Water 
Heater Specification Tier 3 or higher. In addition, for climate zone 16, a drain water heat 
recovery system that is field verified as specified in Reference Appendix RA3. 6.9.  
C. A gas or propane instantaneous water heater with an input of 200,000 Btu per hour or less 
and no storage tank.  
Exception  1 to Section 170.2(d)1: Multifamily buildings four habitable stories or greater  may 
install a gas or propane instantaneous water heater with an input of 200,000 Btu per hour or 
less and no storage tank.  
Exception 2 to Section 170.2(d)1: A 120V HPWH may be installed in place of a 240V HPWH for 
new dwelling unit with one bedroom or less.  
2. Central Systems.  For systems serving multiple  dwelling units, the water -heating system shall 
meet the applicable requirement of A  through F,  or shall meet the performance compliance 
requirements of Section 170.1 : 
A.  For heat pump w ater-heating systems serving multiple dwelling units, the water -heating 
system shall be installed according to the manufacturer’s  design and installation guidelines 
and meet the following requirements , or meet the requirements of NEEA Advanced Water 
Heater Specification for commercial heat pump water heater Tier 2 or higher :  
iA. The primary heat pump water heater shall be a single -pass heat pump water heater.  
ii. The hot water return from the recirculation loop shall connect to a recirculation loop tank 
and shall not directly connect to the primary heat pump water heater inlet or the primary 
thermal storage tanks.  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards                                                     Page 633 
SECTION 170.2 – PRESCRIPTIVE APPROACH  iiiB. The fuel source for the recirculation loop tank shall be electricity . if auxiliary heating is 
needed. The recirculation loop heater shall be capable of multi -pass water -heating 
operation.   
C. For systems with single pass primary heat pump water heater, the primary thermal storage 
tanks shall be piped in series if multiple tanks are used. For systems with multi -pass primary 
heat pump water heater, the primary thermal storage tanks shall be piped  in parallel if 
multiple tanks are used.   
ivD. The primary storage tank temperature setpoint shall be at least 135°F.  
vE. The recirculation loop tank temperature setpoint shall be at least 10°F lower than the 
primary thermal storage tank temperature setpoint such that hot water from the 
recirculation loop tank is used for the temperature maintenance load before engaging the 
recirculation loop tank heater .  
viF. The minimum heat pump water heater compressor cut -off temperature shall be equal to or 
lower than 40°F ambient air temperature.  
G. A recirculation system.  
Exception  to Section 170.2(d)2G: Buildings with eight or fewer dwelling units.  
viiH. Design documentation shall be provided in accordance with JA14.4.   
3B. For gas or propane systems serving multiple dwelling units, the a central water -heating system 
that includes the following components shall be installed:  
iA. For Climate Zones 1 through 9, gas service water -heating systems with a total installed gas 
water -heating input capacity of 1 MMBtu/h or greater shall have gas service water -heating 
equipment with a minimum thermal efficiency of 90 percent. Multiple units are allowed to 
meet this requirement with an input capacity -weighted average of at least 90 percent.  
Exception  1 to Section 170.2(d) Bi3A: Individual gas water heaters with input capacity at or 
below 100,000 Btu/h shall not be included in the calculations of the total system input or 
total system efficiency.  
Exception  2 to Section 170. 2(d)Bi3A: If 25 percent of the annual water -heating 
requirement is provided by site -solar energy or site -recovered energy.  
B. A recirculation system.  
Exception  to Section 170.2(d)3B:  Buildings with eight or fewer dwelling units.   
iiC. A solar water -heating system meeting the installation criteria specified in Reference 
Residential Appendix RA4 and with a minimum solar savings fraction of either i or ii below:  
i. A minimum solar savings fraction of 0.20 in Climate Zones 1 through 9 or a minimum 
solar savings fraction of 0.35 in Climate Zones 10 through 16; or  
ii. A minimum solar savings fraction of 0.15 in Climate Zones 1 through 9 or a minimum 
solar savings fraction of 0.30 in Climate Zones 10 through 16. In addition, a drain water 
heat recovery system that is field verified as specified in the Reference Appen dix 
RA3.6.9.  Page 634                                                                        2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 170.2 – PRESCRIPTIVE APPROACH  4C.  All hot water distribution piping shall be sized in accordance with the California 
Plumbing Code Appendix M.  
D. The central system shall have a recirculation system  with mechanical or digital thermo static 
master mixing valve  on each distribution supply and return loop , and meet the requirements 
specified in the Residential Reference Appendix RA4.4.20.  
Exception to Section 170.2(d) 2D: Buildings with eight or fewer dwelling units.  
E. A water -heating system serving multiple dwelling units determined by the Executive Director to 
use no more energy than the one specified in Subsection 1, 2 or 3 A or B  above.  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards                                                     Page 635 
SECTION 170.2 – PRESCRIPTIVE APPROACH  TABLE 170.2 -K MECHANICAL COMPONENT PACKAGE – Multifamily Standard Building Design  
Component  CZ 1 CZ 2 CZ 3 CZ 4 CZ 5 CZ 6 CZ 7 CZ 8 CZ 9 CZ 10 CZ 11 CZ 12 CZ 13 CZ 14 CZ 15 CZ 16 
Unitary4 – Balanced Ventilation System1 
HRV/ERV Sensible Recovery Efficiency  0.67  0.67  NR NR 
0.67  NR NR NR NR NR NR 0.67  0.67  0.67  0.67  0.67 NR 0.67  
Unitary4 – Balanced Ventilation System1 
HRV/ERV Fan Efficacy (W/cfm)  0.6 0.6 1.0 1.0 0.6 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.6 1.0 0.6 
Unitary4 – Balanced Ventilation System1 
Non -HRV/ERV Fan Efficacy (W/cfm)  NR NR NR 0.4 NR 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 NR NR NR NR NR 0.4 NR 
Unitary4 – Heat Pump, HSPF2/HSPF22 MIN  MIN  MIN  MIN  MIN  MIN  MIN  MIN  MIN  MIN  MIN  MIN  MIN  MIN  MIN  MIN  
Unitary4 – Dual -Fuel Heat Pump, AFUE  MIN  NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA MIN  
Unitary4 – Refrigerant Charge Verification 
or Fault Indicator Display  NR REQ  NR NR NR NR NR REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  NR 
Unitary4 – SEER/ SEER2  MIN  MIN  MIN  MIN  MIN  MIN  MIN  MIN  MIN  MIN  MIN  MIN  MIN  MIN  MIN  MIN  
Central5 - Balanced Ventilation Systems1 
Sensible Recovery Efficiency or 
Effectiveness  0.67  0.67  NR NR 
0.67  NR NR NR NR NR NR 0.67  0.67  0.67  0.67  0.67  
NR 0.67  
Central5 - Balanced Ventilation Systems1 
Bypass Function  REQ  REQ  NR NR 
REQ  NR NR NR NR NR NR REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ NR REQ  
Central5 – Central Fan Integrated 
Ventilation System Fan Efficacy  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  
Duct Insulation in Unconditioned Space  R 8 R 8 R 6 R 8 R 6 R 6 R 6 R 8 R 8 R 8 R 8 R 8 R 8 R 8 R 8 R 8 
Water Heating - All Buildings  
System Shall meet Section 170.2(d)  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  REQ  
Footnotes to TABLE 170.2 -K: 
1. Requirements only apply when using Balanced Ventilation to meet 160.2(b)2Aivb.  
2. HSPF 2 means "heating seasonal performance factor."  
3. A supplemental heating unit may be installed in a space served directly or indirectly by a primary heating system, provided t hat the unit thermal capacity does 
not exceed 2 kilowatts or 7,000 Btu/hr and is controlled by a time -limiting device not exceeding  30 minutes.  
4. Unitary system serving one dwelling unit  
5. Central system serving multiple dwelling units  
 
 Page 636                                                                        2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 170.2 – PRESCRIPTIVE APPROACH  (e) Lighting. Dwelling unit lighting shall meet the applicable mandatory requirements of Section 
160.5(a). Common use area lighting shall meet the following requirements:   
Exception  to Section 170.2(e): Common use areas providing shared provisions for living, 
eating, cooking or sanitation to dwelling units that would otherwise lack these provisions 
may instead comply with Section 160.5(a).  
1. Interior common use area lighting.  A building complies with Section 170.2(e)1 if:  
A. The calculation of adjusted indoor lighting power of all proposed building areas 
combined, calculated under Subsection 170.2(e)2, is no greater than the calculation 
of allowed indoor lighting power, specific methodologies calculated under 
Subsection 170 .2(e)4; and  
B. The calculation of allowed indoor lighting power, general rules  comply with 
Subsection 170.2(e)3.  
The prescriptive limits on indoor lighting power are the smaller of the actual and allowed 
indoor lighting power values determined in accordance with Item i.  
2. Calculation of Adjusted Indoor Lighting Power.  The Adjusted Indoor Lighting Power of 
all proposed building areas is the total watts of all planned permanent and portable 
lighting systems in all areas of the proposed building; subject to the applicable 
adjustments under Subdivisions A through D of this  subsection.  
A. Two interlocked lighting systems : No more than two lighting systems may be used 
for an area, and if there are two they must be interlocked. Where there are two 
interlocked lighting systems, the watts of the lower wattage system may be excluded 
from the Adjusted Indoor Lighting Power if:  
 i. An installation certificate detailing compliance with Section 170.2(e)1A is 
submitted in accordance with Section 10 -103 and Section 160.5(e); and  
ii. The area (or areas) served by the interlocking systems is an auditorium, a 
conference room, a multipurpose room or a theater; and  
iii. The two lighting systems are interlocked with a nonprogrammable double -throw 
switch to prevent simultaneous operation of both systems.  
For compliance with Part 6, a nonprogrammable double -throw switch is an electrical 
switch commonly called a “single pole double throw” or “three -way” switch that is 
wired as a selector switch allowing one of two loads to be enabled. It can be a line 
voltag e switch or a low voltage switch selecting between two relays. It cannot be 
overridden or changed in any manner that would permit both loads to operate 
simultaneously.  
B. Reduction of wattage through controls. In calculating Adjusted Indoor Lighting 
Power, the installed watts of a luminaire providing general lighting in an area listed in 
Table 170.2 -L may be reduced by the product of (i) the number of watts controlled as 
described in Table 170.2 -L, times (ii) the applicable power adjustment factor (PAF), if 
all of the following conditions are met:   2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards                                                     Page 637 
SECTION 170.2 – PRESCRIPTIVE APPROACH  i. An installation certificate is submitted in accordance with Section 160.5(e)2; and  
ii. Luminaires and controls meet the applicable requirements of Section 110.9 and 
Sections 160.5(b) through 160.6; and  
iii. The controlled lighting is permanently installed general lighting systems and the 
controls are permanently installed nonresidential -rated lighting controls.  
When used for determining PAFs for general lighting in offices, furniture 
mounted luminaires that comply with all of the following conditions shall qualify 
as permanently installed general lighting systems:  
a. The furniture mounted luminaires shall be permanently installed no later 
than the time of building permit inspection; and  
b. The furniture mounted luminaires shall be permanently hardwired; and  
c. The furniture mounted lighting system shall be designed to provide indirect 
general lighting; and  
d. Before multiplying the installed watts of the furniture mounted luminaire by 
the applicable PAF, 0.3 watts per square foot of the area illuminated by the 
furniture mounted luminaires shall be subtracted from installed watts of the 
furniture mounted lumi naires; and  
e. The lighting control for the furniture mounted luminaire complies with all 
other applicable requirements in Section 170.2(e)1Aii.  
iv. At least 50 percent of the light output of the controlled luminaire is within the 
applicable area listed in Table 170.2 -L. Luminaires on lighting tracks shall be 
within the applicable area in order to qualify for a PAF.  
v. Only one PAF from Table 170.2 -L may be used for each qualifying luminaire. PAFs 
shall not be added together unless allowed in Table 170.2 -L.  
vi. Only lighting wattage directly controlled in accordance with Section 170.2(e)1Aii 
shall be used to reduce the installed watts as allowed by Section 170.2(e)1Aii for 
calculating the Adjusted Indoor Lighting Power. If only a portion of the wattage in 
a luminaire is controlled in accordance with Section 170.2(e)1Aii, then only that 
portion of controlled wattage may be reduced in calculating Adjusted Indoor 
Lighting Power.  
vii. Lighting controls used to qualify for a PAF shall be designed and installed in 
addition to manual, multilevel and automatic lighting controls required in Section 
160.5(b)4, and in addition to any other lighting controls required by any provision 
of Pa rt 6. PAFs shall not be available for lighting controls required by Part 6.  
viii. To qualify for the PAF for daylight continuous dimming plus OFF control, the 
daylight control and controlled luminaires shall comply with Sections 160.5(b)4D, 
160.5(e)1C and 160.5(e)1G, and the controls shall be continuous dimming and 
shall additiona lly turn lights completely OFF when the daylight available in the 
daylit zone is greater than 150 percent of the illuminance received from the Page 638                                                                        2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 170.2 – PRESCRIPTIVE APPROACH  general lighting system at full power. The PAF shall apply to the luminaires in the 
primary sidelit daylit zone, secondary sidelit daylit zone and skylit daylit zone.  
ix. To qualify for the PAF for an occupant sensing control controlling the general 
lighting in open plan large -office areas above workstations, in accordance with 
Table 170.2 -L, the following requirements shall be met:  
a. The open plan office area shall be greater than 250 square feet; and  
b. This PAF shall be available only in office areas that contain workstations; and  
c. Controlled luminaires shall only be those that provide general lighting directly 
above the controlled area, or furniture mounted luminaires that comply with 
Section 170.2(e)1Aii and provide general lighting directly above the 
controlled area; and  
d. Qualifying luminaires shall be controlled by occupant sensing controls that 
meet all of the following requirements, as applicable:  
I. Infrared sensors shall be equipped by the manufacturer, or fitted in the 
field by the installer, with lenses or shrouds to prevent them from being 
triggered by movement outside of the controlled area.  
II. Ultrasonic sensors shall be tuned to reduce their sensitivity to prevent 
them from being triggered by movements outside of the controlled area.  
III. All other sensors shall be installed and adjusted as necessary to prevent 
them from being triggered by movements outside of the controlled area.  
e. Occupant sensing  control zones, in offices greater than 250 square feet, shall 
be shown on the plans.   
 
x. To qualify for the PAF for an Institutional Tuning in Table 170.2 -L, the tuned 
lighting system shall comply with all of the following requirements:  
a. The lighting controls shall limit the maximum output or maximum power 
draw of the controlled lighting to 85 percent or less of full light output or full 
power draw; and  
b. The means of setting the limit is accessible only to authorized personnel; and  
c. The setting of the limit is verified by the acceptance test required by Section 
160.5(e)1G; and  
d. The construction documents specify which lighting systems shall have their 
maximum light output or maximum power draw set to no greater than 85 
percent of full light output or full power draw.  
xi. To qualify for the PAF for a demand responsive control in Table 170.2 -L, the 
general lighting wattage receiving the PAF shall not be within the scope of 
Section 110.12(c) and a demand responsive control shall meet all of the following 
requirements:  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards                                                     Page 639 
SECTION 170.2 – PRESCRIPTIVE APPROACH  a. The controlled lighting shall be capable of being automatically reduced in 
response to a demand response signal; and  
b. General lighting shall be reduced in a manner consistent with uniform level of 
illumination requirements in Table 160.5 -Bthe illuminance uniformity 
requirements of Section 160.5(b)4B .  
xii. To qualify for the PAFs for clerestory fenestration, horizontal slats or light shelves 
in Table 170.2 -L, the daylighting design shall meet the requirements in Section 
140.3(d) 170.2(b) . The PAFs shall only apply to lighting in a primary or secondary 
sidelit daylit zone where continuous dimming daylighting controls meeting the 
requirements of Section 160.5(b)4D are installed.  
TABLE 170.2 -L LIGHTING POWER ADJUSTMENT FACTORS (PAF)  
TYPE OF CONTROL  TYPE OF AREA  FACTOR  
1. Daylight Continuous Dimming 
plus OFF Control  Luminaires  in skylit daylit zone or primary sidelit daylit zone  0.10  
2. Occupant Sensing Controls in 
Office Spaces larger  than 250 
square feet In open plan offices > 250 square feet: One sensor controlling an 
area that is:  
No larger than 125 square feet   0.30  
 In open plan offices > 250 square feet: One sensor controlling an 
area that is:  
From 126 to 250 square feet  0.20  
3.Institutional Tuning  Luminaires in non -daylit areas.  
Luminaires that qualify for other PAFs in this table may also 
qualify for this tuning PAF.  0.10  
 Luminaires in daylit areas.  
Luminaires that qualify for other PAFs in this table may also 
qualify for this tuning PAF.  0.05  
4. Demand Responsive Control   General lighting luminaires not in the scope of Section 110.12(c). 
If DR controls are required of Section 110.12(c), this PAF is not 
available for any lighting in the project . Luminaires that qualify 
for other PAFs in this table may also qualify for this demand 
responsive control PAF  0.05  
5. Clerestory Fenestration  Luminaires  in daylit areas adjacent to the clerestory. Luminaires 
that qualify for daylight dimming plus OFF control may also 
qualify for this PAF.  0.05  
6. Horizontal Slats   Luminaires  in daylit areas adjacent to vertical fenestration with 
interior or exterior horizontal slats. Luminaires that qualify for 
daylight dimming plus OFF control may also qualify for this PAF.  0.05  
7.Light Shelves   Luminaires in daylit areas adjacent to clerestory fenestration 
with interior or exterior light shelves. This PAF may be combined 
with the PAF for clerestory fenestration. Luminaires that qualify 
for daylight dimming plus OFF control may also qualify for this 
PAF 0.10  
 
C. Lighting wattage excluded. The watts of the following indoor lighting applications 
may be excluded from Adjusted Indoor Lighting Power:  Page 640                                                                        2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 170.2 – PRESCRIPTIVE APPROACH   i. Lighting installed by the manufacturer in walk -in coolers or freezers, vending 
machines and food preparation equipment.  
ii. Lighting that is required for exit signs subject to the CBC. Exit signs shall meet the 
requirements of the Appliance Efficiency Regulations.  
iii. Exit way or egress illumination that is normally off and that is subject to the CBC.  
iv. Temporary lighting systems.  
v. Lighting systems in qualified historic buildings, as defined in the California 
Historical Building Code (Title 24, Part 8), are exempt from the lighting power 
density allowances if they consist solely of historic lighting components or 
replicas of histo ric lighting components. If lighting systems in qualified buildings 
contain some historic lighting components or replicas of historic components, 
combined with other lighting components, only those historic or historic replica 
components are exempt. All ot her lighting systems in qualified historic buildings 
shall comply with the lighting power density allowances.  
vi. Lighting for signs shall comply with Section 170.2(e)7.  
vii. Lighting in elevators where the lighting meets the requirements in Section 
120.6(f).  
viii. Lighting connected to a Life Safety Branch or Critical Branch, as specified in 
Section 517 of the California Electrical Code.  
D. Luminaire classification  and power adjustment.  
i. Luminaire classification and power shall be determined in accordance with 
Section 160.5(b)1.  
ii. Small Aperture Tunable -White and Dim -to-Warm Luminaires Lighting Power 
Adjustment. For qualifying small aperture tunable -white and dim -to-warm LED 
luminaires, the adjusted indoor lighting power of these luminaires shall be 
calculated by multiplying the ir maximum rated wattage by 0.75. Qualifying 
luminaires shall meet all of the following:  
a. Small aperture. Qualifying luminaires with a luminaire aperture length longer 
than 18 inches shall have a luminaire aperture no wider than four inches. 
Qualifying luminaires with a luminaire aperture length of 18 inches or less 
shall have a luminaire ap erture no wider than 8 inches.  
b. Color changing. Qualifying tunable -white luminaires shall be capable of a 
color change greater than or equal to 2000 Kelvin correlated color 
temperature (CCT). Qualifying dim -to-warm luminaires shall be capable of 
color change greater than or equal to 5 00 Kelvin CCT.  
c. Controls. Qualifying luminaires shall be connected to controls that allow color 
changing of the luminaires.  
iii. Tailored Method Display Lighting Mounting Height Lighting Power Adjustment. 
For wall display luminaires or floor display luminaires meeting the Tailored 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards                                                     Page 641 
SECTION 170.2 – PRESCRIPTIVE APPROACH  Method described in Sections 170.2(e)1Ciig and h and where the bottom of 
luminaires are 10 feet 7 inches and greater above the finished floor, the adjusted 
indoor lighting power of these luminaires shall be calculated by multiplying their 
maximum rated wat tage and the appropriate mounting height adjustment factor 
from Table 170.2 -O. Luminaire mounting height is the distance from the finished 
floor to the bottom of the luminaire. General lighting shall not qualify for a 
mounting height multiplier.  
3. Calculation of allowed indoor lighting power: general rules.   
A. The allowed indoor lighting power allotment for conditioned areas shall be 
calculated separately from the allowed lighting power allotment for unconditioned 
areas. Each allotment is applicable solely to the area to which it applies, and there 
shall be n o trade -offs between conditioned and unconditioned area allotments.  
B. The allowed indoor lighting power allotment shall be calculated separately from the 
allowed outdoor lighting power allotment. Each allotment is applicable solely to the 
area to which it applies, and there shall be no trade -offs between the separate 
indo or and outdoor allotments.  
C. The allowed indoor lighting power allotment for general lighting shall be calculated 
as follows:  
i. The Area Category Method, as described in Section 170.2(e) 1Ci4A, shall be used 
either by itself for all common use areas in the building , or when some areas in 
the building use the Tailored Method described in Section 170.2(e)1Cii . Under 
the Area Category Method (either by itself or in conjunction with the Tailored 
Method), as described more fully in Section 170.2(e) 1Ci4A, and subject to the 
adjustments listed there, the allowed indoor lighting power allotment for general 
lighting shall be calculated for  each area in the building as follows:  
a. For conditioned areas, by multiplying the conditioned square feet of the area 
times the applicable allotment of watts per square foot for the area shown in 
Table 170.2 -M (or Table 170.2 -N if the Tailored Method is used for that area) .  
b. For unconditioned areas, by multiplying the unconditioned square feet of the 
area times the applicable allotment of watts per square foot for the area 
shown in Table 170.2 -M (or Table 170.2 -N if the Tailored Method is used for 
that area) .  
The allowed indoor lighting power allotment for general lighting for one area for 
which the Area Category Method was used may be increased up to the amount 
that the allowed indoor lighting power allotment for general lighting for another 
area using the Area Category Method  or Tailored Method is decreased , except 
that such increases and decreases shall not be made between conditioned and 
unconditioned space.  
D. Additional lighting power allowances  other than general lighting power allowance s 
shall be restricted when using the Area Category Method . Additional lighting power 
allowances  for display; decorative , wall display , floor display , or task, may not be Page 642                                                                        2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 170.2 – PRESCRIPTIVE APPROACH  increased as a result of, or otherwise traded off against, decreasing any other 
allotment.  
 
D. The Tailored Method, as described in Section 170.2(e)1Cii, shall be used either by 
itself for all areas in the building, or when some areas in the building use the Area 
Category Method described in Section 170.2(e)1Ci. Under the Tailored Method 
(either by itself or in conjunction with the Area Category Method) as described more 
fully in Section 170.2(e)1Cii, and subject to the adjustments listed there, allowed 
indoor lighting power allotment for general lighting shall be calculated for each area 
in the b uilding as follows:  
i. For conditioned areas, by multiplying the conditioned square feet of the area 
times the applicable allotment of watts per square foot for the area shown in 
Table 170.2 -N (or Table 170.2 -M if the Area Category Method is used for that 
area);  
ii. For unconditioned areas, by multiplying the unconditioned square feet of the 
area times the applicable allotment of watts per square foot for the area shown 
in Table 170.2 -L (or Table 170.2 -M if the Area Category Method is used for that 
area).  
E. The allowed indoor lighting power allotment for general lighting for one area for 
which the Tailored Method was used may be increased up to the amount that the 
allowed indoor lighting power for general lighting for another area is decreased, but 
only if  the Tailored Method or Area Category Method was used for the other area, 
except that such increases and decreases shall not be made between conditioned 
and unconditioned space.  
F. If the Area Category Method is used for an area, the Tailored Method may not be 
used for that area. If the Tailored Method is used for an area, the Area Category 
Method may not be used for that area.  
4. Calculation of allowed indoor lighting power: specific methodologies.  The allowed 
indoor lighting power for each common use primary function area shall be calculated 
using using only one of the following method s in Subsection i, ii or iii below as 
applicable .  
A. Area Category Method. Requirements for using the Area Category Method include all 
of the following:  
i. The Area Category Method shall be used only for primary function areas, as 
defined in Section 100.1, that are listed in Table 170.2 -M. For primary function 
areas not listed, selection of a reasonably equivalent type shall be permitted.  
ii. For purposes of compliance with Section 170.2(e) 1Ci4A, an “area” shall be 
defined as all contiguous areas that accommodate or are associated with a single 
primary function area listed in Table 170.2 -M.  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards                                                     Page 643 
SECTION 170.2 – PRESCRIPTIVE APPROACH  iii. Where areas are bounded or separated by interior partitions, the floor area 
occupied by those interior partitions may be included in a primary function area.  
iv. The allowed indoor lighting power for each primary function area is the Lighting 
Power Density value in Table 170.2 -M times the square feet of the primary 
function area. The total allowed indoor lighting power for the building is the sum 
of all allowed  indoor lighting power for all areas in the building.  
v. In addition to the allowed indoor lighting power calculated according to Sections 
170.2(e) 1Cia 4Ai through fiv, the building may add additional lighting power 
allowances for qualifying lighting systems as specified in the Qualifying Lighting 
Systems column in Table 170.2 -M under the following conditions:  
a. Only primary function areas having a lighting system as specified in the 
Qualifying Lighting Systems column in Table 170.2 -M and in accordance with 
the corresponding footnote of the table shall qualify for the additional 
lighting power allowances; and  
b. The additional lighting power allowances shall be used only if the plans 
clearly identify all applicable task areas and the lighting equipment designed 
to illuminate these tasks; and  
c. Tasks that are performed less than two hours per day or poor quality tasks 
that can be improved are not eligible for the additional lighting power 
allowances; and  
d. The additional lighting power allowances shall not utilize any type of 
luminaires that are used for general lighting in the building; and  
e. The additional lighting power allowances shall not be used when using the 
Complete Building Method, or when the Tailored Method is used for any area 
in the building RESERVED ; and  
f. The additional lighting power allowed is the smaller of:  
I. the lighting power density listed in the “Allowed Additional Lighting LPD” 
column in Table 170.2 -M, times the square feet of the primary function, 
or  
II. the adjusted indoor lighting power of the applicable lighting; and  
g. Floor displays shall not qualify for wall display allowances.  
h. Qualifying wall lighting shall:  
I. Be mounted within 10 feet of the wall having the wall display. When track 
lighting is used for wall display, and where portions of that lighting track 
are more than 10 feet from the wall and other portions are within 10 feet 
of the wall, portions of tra ck more than 10 feet from the wall shall not be 
used for the wall display allowance; and  
II. Be a lighting system type appropriate for wall lighting. Lighting systems 
appropriate for wall lighting are lighting track adjacent to the wall, wall -Page 644                                                                        2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 170.2 – PRESCRIPTIVE APPROACH  washer luminaires, luminaires behind a wall valance or wall cove, or 
accent light. (Accent luminaires are adjustable or fixed luminaires 
providing directional display light.) . 
i. Mounting height shall be the luminaire mounting height measured from the 
finished floor to the bottom of the luminaire. If luminaires are mounted at 
different mounting height within the same space, the average mounting 
height of the luminaires qualified for the additional lighting power allowances 
in Table 170.2 -M can be used to establish the mounting height of the 
qualified luminaires for calculations of the additional lighting power 
allowances of the qualified luminaires .  
B. Tailored Method. Requirements for using the Tailored Method include all of the 
following:  
i. The Tailored Method shall be used only for primary function areas listed in Table 
170.2 -N as defined in Section 100.1.  
ii. Allowed indoor lighting power allotments for general lighting shall be determined 
according to Section 170.2(e)1Ciif, as applicable.  
iii. For compliance with Section 170.2(e)1Cii, an “area” shall be defined as all 
contiguous areas that accommodate or are associated with a single primary 
function area listed in Table 170.2 -N.  
iv. Where areas are bounded or separated by interior partitions, the floor area 
occupied by those interior partitions may be included in a primary function area.  
v. In addition to the allowed indoor lighting power allotments for general lighting 
calculated according to Section 170.2(e)1Ciif, as applicable, the building may add 
additional lighting power allowances for wall display lighting, task lighting and 
decorat ive/special effects lighting, according to Sections 170.20(e)1Ciig through j.  
vi. Determine allowed indoor lighting power allotments for general lighting for 
primary function areas listed in Table 170.2 -N as follows:  
a. Use the general illumination level (lux) listed in column 2 of Table 170.2 -N to 
determine the allowed general lighting power density allotments for the area.  
b. Determine the room cavity ratio (RCR) for the area. The RCR shall be 
calculated according to the applicable equation in Table 170.2 -P.  
c. Find the allowed general lighting power density allotment in Table 170.2 -Q 
that is applicable to the general illuminance level (lux) from column 2 of Table 
170.2 -N (as described in Item i) and the RCR determined in accordance with 
Table 170.2 -P (as desc ribed in Item ii).  
d. Determine the square feet of the area in accordance with Sections 
170.2(e)1Ciic and d.  
e. Multiply the allowed lighting power density allotment, as determined in 
accordance with Item iii by the square feet of each primary function area, as 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards                                                     Page 645 
SECTION 170.2 – PRESCRIPTIVE APPROACH  determined in accordance with Item iv. The product is the allowed indoor 
lighting power allotment for general lighting for the area.  
vii. Determine additional allowed power for wall display lighting according to column 
3 of Table 170.2 -N for each primary function area as follows:  
a. Qualifying wall lighting shall:  
I. Be mounted within 10 feet of the wall having the wall display. When track 
lighting is used for wall display, and where portions of that lighting track 
are more than 10 feet from the wall and other portions are within 10 feet 
of the wall, portions of tra ck more than 10 feet from the wall shall not be 
used for the wall display allowance.  
II. Be a lighting system type appropriate for wall lighting. Lighting systems 
appropriate for wall lighting are lighting track adjacent to the wall, wall -
washer luminaires, luminaires  behind a wall valance or wall cove, or 
accent light. (Accent luminaires are adjustable or  fixed luminaires with 
PAR, R, MR or AR, or luminaires providing directional display light.)  
b. Additional allowed power for wall display lighting is available only for lighting 
that illuminates walls having wall displays. The length of display walls shall 
include the length of the perimeter walls, including but not limited to closable 
openings an d permanent full height interior partitions. Permanent full height 
interior partitions are those that (I) extend from the floor to within two feet 
of the ceiling or are taller than ten feet and (II) are permanently anchored to 
the floor.  
c. For wall display lighting where the bottom of the luminaire is greater than 10 
feet 6 inches above the finished floor, the mounting height adjustment factor 
from Table 170.2 -O can be used to adjust the installed luminaire wattage as 
specified in Section 17 0.2(e)1Aivc.  
d. The allowed power for wall display lighting shall be the smaller of:  
I. the “wall display lighting power density” determined in accordance with 
Table 170.2 -N, multiplied by the wall display lengths determined in 
accordance with Item iii; and  
II. The Adjusted Indoor Lighting Power used for the wall display lighting 
systems.  
e. Lighting internal to display cases that are attached to a wall or directly 
adjacent to a wall are counted as wall display lighting as specified in Section 
170.2(e)1Ciig. All other lighting internal to display cases is counted as floor 
display lighting.  
viii. Determine additional allowed power allotment for task lighting according to 
column 4 of Table 170.2 -N for each primary function area as follows:  
a. Additional allowed power for task lighting may be used by qualifying task 
lighting systems. For floor areas qualifying for task lighting power allowances, Page 646                                                                        2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 170.2 – PRESCRIPTIVE APPROACH  the additional allowed power shall be used only once for the same floor area, 
so that the allowance shall not be additive.  
b. Qualifying task lighting shall:  
 I. Be located immediately adjacent to and capable of illuminating the task 
for which it is installed.  
II. Be of a type different from the general lighting system.  
III. Be separately switched from the general lighting system.  
c. The square footage of task areas shall be determined in accordance with 
Sections 170.2(e)1ciic and d, except that any floor area designed to not have 
tasks, such as floor areas designated as a path of egress, shall not be included 
for the task lighting allowance.  
d. The allowed power for task lighting for each applicable area shall be the 
smaller of:  
I. The allowed task lighting power determined in accordance with Section 
170.2(e)1ciih multiplied by the floor square footage determined in 
accordance with Section 170.2(e)1ciihIII; and  
II. The adjusted indoor lighting power used for the task lighting systems.  
ix. Determine additional allowed power for decorative/special effects lighting for 
each primary function area as follows:  
a. Qualifying decorative/special effects lighting includes luminaires such as 
chandeliers, sconces, lanterns, neon and cold cathode, light emitting diodes, 
theatrical projectors, moving lights and light color panels when any of those 
lights are used in a d ecorative manner that does not serve as display lighting 
or general lighting.  
b. Additional lighting power for decorative/special effects lighting shall be used 
only if allowed by column 5 of Table 170.2 -N. 
c. Additional lighting power for decorative/special effects lighting shall be used 
only in areas having decorative/special effects lighting. The square footage of 
the floor area shall be determined in accordance with Sections 170.2(e)1Ciic 
and d, and it sh all not include floor areas not having decorative/special 
effects lighting.  
d. The additional allowed power for decorative/special effects lighting for each 
applicable area shall be the smaller of:  
I. The product of the “allowed decorative/special effects lighting power” 
determined in accordance with Section 170.2(e)1CiikII, multiplied by the 
floor square footage determined in accordance with Section 
170.2(e)1CiikIII; and  
II. The adjusted indoor lighting power  of allowed ornamental/special effects 
lighting.   2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards                                                     Page 647 
SECTION 170.2 – PRESCRIPTIVE APPROACH  LIGHTING POWER ADJUSTMENT FACTORS (PAF)  
TYPE OF CONTROL  TYPE OF AREA  FACTOR  
1. Daylight Continuous Dimming plus OFF 
Control  Luminaires  in skylit daylit zone or primary sidelit daylit zone  0.10  
2. Occupant Sensing Controls in Office 
Spaces larger  than 250 square feet In open plan offices > 250 square feet: One sensor controlling an area that is:  
No larger than 125 square feet   0.30  
 In open plan offices > 250 square feet: One sensor controlling an area that is:  
From 126 to 250 square feet  0.20  
3.Institutional Tuning  Luminaires in non -daylit areas.  
Luminaires that qualify for other PAFs in this table may also qualify for this tuning 
PAF.  0.10  
 Luminaires in daylit areas.  
Luminaires that qualify for other PAFs in this table may also qualify for this tuning 
PAF.  0.05  
4. Demand Responsive Control   General lighting luminaires not in the scope of Section 110.12(c). Luminaires that 
qualify for other PAFs in this table may also qualify for this demand responsive 
control PAF  0.05  
5. Clerestory Fenestration  Luminaires  in daylit areas adjacent to the clerestory. Luminaires that qualify for 
daylight dimming plus OFF control may also qualify for this PAF.  0.05  
6. Horizontal Slats   Luminaires  in daylit areas adjacent to vertical fenestration with interior or 
exterior horizontal slats. Luminaires that qualify for daylight dimming plus OFF 
control may also qualify for this PAF.  0.05  
7.Light Shelves   Luminaires in daylit areas adjacent to clerestory fenestration with interior or 
exterior light shelves. This PAF may be combined with the PAF for clerestory 
fenestration. Luminaires that qualify for daylight dimming plus OFF control may 
also qualify for this PAF  0.10  
Footnote to TABLE 170.2 -L: 
a. To qualify for any of the Power Adjustment Factors in this table, the installation shall comply with the applicable 
requirements in Section 170.2(e)1 Aii 
b. Only one PAF may be used for each qualifying luminaire unless combined below.  
c. Lighting controls that are required for compliance with Part 6 shall not be eligible for a PAF   Page 648                                                                        2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 170.2 – PRESCRIPTIVE APPROACH  TABLE 170.2 -M AREA CATEGORY METHOD - LIGHTING POWER DENSITY VALUES (WATTS/FT²)  
Primary Function Area  Allowed Lighting Power 
Density for General 
Lighting (W/ft2) Additional Lighting Power  
Qualified Lighting 
Systems  Additional Lighting Power  
Additional Allowance (W/ft², 
unless noted otherwise)  
Storage  0.45 0.4 NA NA 
Conference, Multipurpose and 
Meeting Area  0.75  Display /Decorative  0.30 0.25 
Conference, Multipurpose and 
Meeting Area  NA Wall Display MH <= 10’6”  2 W/ft  
Conference, Multipurpose and 
Meeting Area  NA Wall Display MH 10’7” - 
14’ 2.35 W/ft  
Conference, Multipurpose and 
Meeting Area  NA Wall Display MH > 14’  2.66 W/ft  
Conference, Multipurpose and 
Meeting Area  NA Floor Display & Task MH 
<= 10’6”  0.30  
Conference, Multipurpose and 
Meeting Area  NA Floor Display & Task MH 
10’7” - 14’ 0.35  
Conference, Multipurpose and 
Meeting Area  NA Floor Display & Task MH > 
14’ 0.40  
Copy Room  0.50  NA NA 
Corridor Area  0.40  Decorative/Display  0.25  
Dining Area  
Bar/Lounge and Fine Dining  0.45  Display /Decorative  0.35  
Dining Area  
Bar/Lounge and Fine Dining  NA Wall Display MH <= 10’6”  1.25 W/ft  
Dining Area  
Bar/Lounge and Fine Dining  NA Wall Display MH 10’7” - 
14’ 1.5 W/ft  
Dining Area  
Bar/Lounge and Fine Dining  NA Wall Display MH > 14’  1.7 W/ft  
Dining Area  
Bar/Lounge and Fine Dining  NA Floor Display & Task MH 
<= 10’6”  0.45  
Dining Area  
Bar/Lounge and Fine Dining  NA Floor Display & Task MH 
10’7” - 14’ 0.52  
Dining Area  
Bar/Lounge and Fine Dining  NA Floor Display & Task MH > 
14’ 0.60  
Dining Area  
Bar/Lounge and Fine Dining  NA General Lighting in the 
enclosed space of ceiling 
height > 10’  0.25  
Dining Area  
Cafeteria/Fast Food   0.45  Display/Decorative  0.25 
Dining Area  
Family and Leisure   0.40  Display/Decorative  0.25  
Health Care / Assisted Living  
Nurse’s Station   0.75  0.85  Tunable white or dim -to-
warm8 0.10  
  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards                                                     Page 649 
SECTION 170.2 – PRESCRIPTIVE APPROACH  TABLE 170.2 -M AREA CATEGORY METHOD - LIGHTING POWER DENSITY VALUES (WATTS/FT²) (Continue)  
Primary Function Area  Allowed Lighting 
Power Density for 
General Lighting 
(W/ft2) Additional Lighting Power  
Qualified Lighting Systems  Additional Lighting Power  
Additional Allowance 
(W/ft², unless noted 
otherwise)  
Health Care / Assisted Living  
Physical Therapy Room   0.85  0.75 Tunable white or dim -to-
warm8 0.10  
Kitchen/Food Preparation Area  0.95  NA NA 
Electrical, Mechanical, 
Telephone Rooms  0.40  Detailed Task Work1 0.20  
Exercise/Fitness Center and 
Gymnasium Area  0.50  NA NA 
Lobby, Main Entry  0.70  Display /Decorative  0.25  
Lobby, Main Entry  NA Wall Display MH <= 10’6”  3 W/ft  
Lobby, Main Entry  NA Wall Display MH 10’7” - 14’ 3.5 W/ft  
Lobby, Main Entry  NA Wall Display MH > 14’  4 W/ft  
Locker Room  0.45  NA NA 
Lounge, Breakroom, or Waiting 
Area  0.55  Display/Decorative  0.25  
Concourse and Atria Area  0.60  Display/Decorative  0.25  
Office Area  
> 250 square feet  0.60 Decorative /Display  and 
Portable lighting for office 
areas5 0.20  
Office Area  
≤ 250 square feet  0.65 Decorative /Display  and 
Portable lighting for office 
areas5 0.20  
Parking Garage Area  
Parking Zone and Ramps  0.10  First ATM or Ticket Machine  100 W  
Parking Garage Area  
Parking Zone and Ramps  0.10  Additional ATM or Ticket 
machine  50 W each  
Parking Garage Area  
Daylight Adaptation Zones3 1.00  - - 
Laundry Area  0.45  - - 
Restrooms  0.65  Decorative / Display  0.35  
Stairwell  0.60  Decorative / Display  0.35  
All other  0.40  - - 
Aging Eye/Low -vision6 
Lobby, Main Entry  0.85  Display/Decorative  0.30  
Aging Eye/Low -vision6 
Lobby, Main Entry  0.85  Transition Lighting OFF at 
night7 0.95  
Aging Eye/Low -vision6 
Stairwell  0.80  Display/Decorative  0.30  
Aging Eye/Low -vision6 
Corridor Area  0.70  Display/Decorative  0.30  
Aging Eye/Low -vision6 
Lounge/Waiting Area  0.80  Display/Decorative  0.30  
Aging Eye/Low -vision6 
Multipurpose Room  0.85  Display/Decorative  0.30  
Aging Eye/Low -vision6 
Dining  0.80  Display/Decorative  0.30  
Aging Eye/Low -vision6 
Restroom  1.00  Display/Decorative  0.20  
  Page 650                                                                        2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 170.2 – PRESCRIPTIVE APPROACH  Footnotes for this table are listed below.  
1. Detailed task work – Lighting provides high level of visual acuity required for activities with close attention 
to small elements and/or extreme close up work.  
2. MH denotes  the luminaire mounting height  of the qualified lighting systems .RESERVED  
3. Daylight Adaptation Zones shall be no longer than 66 feet from the entrance to the parking garage.  
4. RESERVED  
5. Portable lighting in office areas includes under shelf or furniture -mounted supplemental task lighting 
qualifies when controlled by a time clock or an occupancy sensor.  
6. Aging Eye/Low -vision areas can be documented as being designed to comply with the light levels in 
ANSI/IES RP -28 and are or will be licensed by local or state authorities for either senior long -term care, 
adult day care, senior support, and/or people with special visual needs.  
7. Transition lighting OFF at night. Lighting power controlled by astronomical time clock or other control to 
shut off lighting at night. Additional LPD only applies to area within 30 feet of an exit. Not applicable to 
lighting in daylit zones.  
8. Tunable whi te luminaires capable of color change greater than or equal to 2000K CCT, or dim -to-warm 
luminaires capable of color change greater than or equal to 500K CCT, connected to controls that allows 
color changing of the luminaires.  
TABLE 170.2 -N  TAILORED METHOD LIGHTING POWER ALLOWANCES  
1 2 3  5 
Primary Function Area  General 
Illumination 
Level (Lux)  Wall Lighting 
Power 
Density 
(W/ft)  Task Lighting 
Power Density 
(W/ft)  Allowed Decorative/ Special 
Effect Lighting  
Power Density (W/ft²)  
Conference, Multipurpose, and Meeting 
Center Areas  300 2.00  0.25  0.35  
Dining Areas  200 1.25  0.25  0.35  
Lobby, Main Entry  200 3.50  0.25  0.35  
 
TABLE 170.2 -O  TAILORED WALL AND FLOOR DISPLAY MOUNTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT 
FACTORSFACTORS  
Height in feet above finished floor and bottom of 
luminaire(s)  Wall Display Mounting Height Adjustment Factor  
 < 10’ -7” 1.00  
10’-7” to 14’ -0”  0.85  
>14’ -0” to 18’ -0” 0.75  
> 18’-0” 0.70  
 
Table 170.2 -P ROOM CAVITY RATIO (RCR) EQUATIONS  
Determine the Room Cavity Ratio for Table 170.2 -Q using one of the following equations.  
Room cavity ratio for rectangular rooms  
𝑅𝐶𝑅 =5×𝐻×(𝐿+𝑊)
𝐿×𝑊 
Room cavity ratio for irregular -shaped rooms  
𝑅𝐶𝑅 =2.5×𝐻×𝑃
𝐴 
Where: L =Length of room; W = Width of room; H =Vertical distance from the work plane to the centerline of the lighting fixtu re; P = 
Perimeter of room, and A = Area of room  
 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards                                                     Page 651 
SECTION 170.2 – PRESCRIPTIVE APPROACH  TABLE 170.2 -Q TAILORED METHOD GENERAL LIGHTING POWER ALLOWED – BY ILLUMINANCE  AND ROOM 
CAVITY RATIO  
General Lighting Power Density (W/ft²) for the following RCR valuesb 
General Illuminance 
Level  
(lux)a RCR ≤ 2.0  RCR > 2.0 and ≤ 3.5  RCR > 3.5 and ≤ 7.0  RCR > 7.0  
150 0.35  0.40   0.50   0.65  
200 0.40   0.50   0.65   0.85  
300  0.55  0.70  0.85  1.20  
400  0.65   0.80   1.05   1.25  
500 0.80  0.90  1.25  1.55  
600 0.90   1.05   1.40   2.00  
Footnotes to TABLE 170.2 -Q 
a Illuminance values from Column 2 of TABLE 170.2 -N. 
b RCR values are calculated using applicable equations in TABLE 170.2 -P. 
 
5. RESERVED.  
6. Outdoor lighting.  
A. A multifamily or mixed occupancy outdoor lighting installation complies with this 
section if it meets the requirements in Subsections 170.2(e)6B and C, and the actual 
outdoor lighting power installed is no greater than the allowed outdoor lighting 
power  calculated under Subsection 170.2(e)6D. The allowed outdoor lighting shall be 
calculated according to outdoor lighting zone  in Title 24, Part 1, Section 10 -114.   
Exceptions  to Section 170.2(e)6A:  When more than 50 percent of the light from a 
luminaire falls within one or more of the following applications, the lighting power 
for that luminaire shall be exempt from not be required to comply with  Section 
170.2(e)6:  
i. Temporary outdoor lighting.  
ii. Lighting required and regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration and the 
Coast Guard.  
iii. Lighting for public streets, roadways, highways and traffic signage lighting, 
including lighting for driveway entrances occurring in the public right -of-way 
owned or maintained by a local municipality or utility.  
iv. Lighting for sports and athletic fields, and children’s playgrounds.  
v. Reserved.  
vi. Lighting of public monuments.  
vii. Lighting of signs complying with the requirements of Sections 160.5(d) and 
170.2(e)7.  
viii. Lighting of stairs, wheelchair elevator lifts for American with Disabilities Act 
(ADA) compliance, and ramps that are other than parking garage ramps.  
ix. Landscape lighting.  Page 652                                                                        2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 170.2 – PRESCRIPTIVE APPROACH  x. Reserved.  
xi. Lighting for outdoor theatrical and other outdoor live performances, provided 
that these lighting systems are additions to area lighting systems and are 
controlled by a multi -scene or theatrical cross -fade control station accessible only 
to authorized operators.  
xii. Outdoor lighting systems for qualified historic buildings, as defined in the 
California Historic Building Code (Title 24, Part 8), if they consist solely of historic 
lighting components or replicas of historic lighting components. If lighting 
systems for qualified historic buildings contain some historic lighting components 
or replicas of historic components, combined with other lighting components, 
only those  historic or historic replica components are exempt. All other outdoor 
lighting systems for qualified historic buildings shall comply with Section 
170.2(e)6.   
B. Outdoor lighting power trade -offs.  Outdoor lighting power trade -offs shall be 
determined as follows:  
i. Allowed lighting power determined according to Section 170.2(e)6Di for general 
hardscape lighting allowance may be traded to specific applications in Section 
170.2(e)6Dii, provided the hardscape area from which the lighting power is traded 
continues to be illuminated in accordance with Section 170.2(e)6Dia.  
ii. Allowed lighting power determined according to Section 170.2(e)2Dii for additional 
lighting power allowances for specific applications shall not be traded between 
specific applications, or to hardscape lighting in Section 170.2(e)6Di.  
iii. Trading off lighting power allowances between outdoor and indoor areas shall not be 
permitted.  
C. Calculation of actual lighting power.  The wattage of outdoor luminaires shall be 
determined in accordance with Section 160.5(b)1.  
D. Calculation of allowed lighting power . The allowed lighting power shall be the 
combined total of the sum of the general hardscape lighting allowance determined in 
accordance with Section 170.2(e)2Di, and the sum of the additional lighting power 
allowance for specific applications determined in  accordance with Section 170.2(e)6Dii.  
i. General hardscape lighting allowance . Determine the general hardscape lighting 
power allowances as follows:  
a. The general hardscape area of a site shall include parking lot(s), roadway(s), 
driveway(s), sidewalk(s), walkway(s), bikeway(s), plaza(s), bridge(s), tunnel(s) 
and other improved area(s) that are illuminated. Public roadway(s) that are 
illuminated by a lighting system owned or maintained by the local 
municipality or utility shall not be included in the area calculations. In plan 
view of the site, determine the illuminated hardscape area, which is defined 
as any hardscape area that is within a square patt ern around each luminaire 
or pole that is ten times the luminaire mounting height with the luminaire in 
the middle of the pattern, less any areas that are within a building, beyond 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards                                                     Page 653 
SECTION 170.2 – PRESCRIPTIVE APPROACH  the hardscape area, beyond property lines or obstructed by a structure. The 
illuminated hardscape area shall include portions of planters and landscaped 
areas that are within the lighting application and are less than or equal to 10 
feet wide in the short dimensions and are enclosed by hardscape or other 
improvement on at least three sides. Multiply the illuminated hardscape area 
by the Area Wattage Allowance (AWA) from Table 170.2 -R for the 
appropriate lighting zone.  
b. Determine the Initial Wattage Allowance (IWA) for general hardscape lighting 
from Table 170.2 -R for the appropriate lighting zone. The hardscape area 
shall be permitted one IWA per site.  
c. The general hardscape lighting allowance shall be the sum of the allowed 
watts determined from a and b above.  
ii. Additional lighting power allowance  for specific applications . Additional lighting 
power for specific applications shall be the smaller of the additional lighting 
allowances for specific applications determined in accordance with Table 170.2 -S 
for the appropriate lighting zone, or the actual installed lighting power m eeting 
the requirements for the allowance.   
TABLE 170.2 -R GENERAL HARDSCAPE MULTIFAMILY LIGHTING POWER ALLOWANCE  
Type of 
Power 
Allowance  Lighting Zone 02 Lighting Zone 12 Lighting Zone 22 Lighting Zone 32 Lighting Zone 42 
Area Wattage 
Allowance 
(AWA)  No allowance1 0.026 W/ft²   0.030 W/ft²   0.038 W/ft²   0.055 W/ft²   
Initial 
Wattage 
Allowance 
(IWA)  No allowance1 300 W   350 W   400 W   450 W   
Footnotes to TABLE 170.2 -R: 
1. Continuous lighting is explicitly prohibited in Lighting Zone 0. A single luminaire of 15 Watts or less may be 
installed at an entrance to a parking area, trail head, fee payment kiosk, outhouse, or toilet facility, as 
required to provide safe navigation of the site infrastructure. Luminaires installed shall meet the maximum 
zonal lumen limits as specified in Secti on 160.5(c)1.  
2. Narrow band spectrum light sources with a dominant peak wavelength greater than 580 nm – as 
mandated by local, state, or federal agencies to minimize the impact on local, active professional 
astronomy or nocturnal habitat of specific local fauna – shall be  allowed a 2.0 lighting power allowance 
multiplier . 
 Page 654                                                                        2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 170.2 – PRESCRIPTIVE APPROACH  TABLE 170.2 -S ADDITIONAL MULTIFAMILY LIGHTING POWER ALLOWANCE FOR SPECIFIC APPLICATIONS  
All area and distance measurements in plan view unless otherwise noted.  
PER APPLICATION: WATTAGE ALLOWANCE PER APPLICATION. Use all that apply as appropriate.  
Lighting Application  Lighting 
Zone 0  Lighting 
Zone 1  Lighting 
Zone 2  Lighting 
Zone 3  Lighting 
Zone 4  
Building Entrances or Exits.  Allowance per door. 
Luminaires qualifying for this allowance shall be 
within 20 feet of the door.  Not 
applicable  9  
watts  15  
watts  19  
watts  21  
watts  
Primary Entrances to Senior Care Facilities Allowance 
per primary entrance(s) only. Primary entrances shall 
provide access for the general public and shall not be 
used exclusively for staff or service personnel. This 
allowance shall be in addition to the building 
entrance or exit allowance above. Lu minaires 
qualifying for this allowance shall be within 100 feet 
of the primary entrance.  Not 
applicable  20  
watts  40  
watts  57  
watts  60  
watts  
ATM Machine Lighting. Allowance per ATM  
machine . Luminaires qualifying for this allowance 
shall be within 50 feet of the dispenser.  
Not 
applicable  100 watts for 
first ATM  
machine , 35 
watts for 
each 
additional 
ATM  
machine . 100 watts for 
first ATM  
machine , 35 
watts for 
each 
additional 
ATM  
machine  100 watts for 
first ATM  
machine , 35 
watts for 
each 
additional 
ATM  
machine  100 watts for 
first ATM  
machine , 35 
watts for 
each 
additional 
ATM  
machine  
 
TABLE 170.2 -S ADDITIONAL MULTIFAMILY LIGHTING POWER ALLOWANCE FOR SPECIFIC APPLICATIONS (continued)  
All area and distance measurements in plan view unless otherwise noted.  
PER APPLICATION: WATTAGE ALLOWANCE PER HARDSCAPE AREA (W/ft²). May be used for any illuminated 
hardscape area on the site.  
Lighting Application  Lighting 
Zone 0  Lighting 
Zone 1  Lighting 
Zone 2  Lighting 
Zone 3  Lighting 
Zone 4  
Hardscape Ornamental Lighting.  Allowance for the 
total site illuminated hardscape area. Luminaires 
qualifying for this allowance shall be rated for 5 0 
watts or less as determined in accordance with 
Section 160.5(b)1 and shall be post -top luminaires, 
lanterns, pendant luminaires, or chandeliers.  Not 
applicable  No 
Allowance  0.007  
W/ft²  0.013  
W/ft²  0.019  
W/ft²  
 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards                                                     Page 655 
SECTION 170.2 – PRESCRIPTIVE APPROACH  TABLE 170.2 -S ADDITIONAL MULTIFAMILY LIGHTING POWER ALLOWANCE FOR SPECIFIC APPLICATIONS (continued)  
All area and distance measurements in plan  view unless otherwise noted.  
PER APPLICATION: WATTAGE ALLOWANCE PER SPECIFIC AREA (W/ft²). Use as appropriate provided that none of 
the following specific applications shall be used for the same area.  
Lighting Application  Lighting 
Zone 0  Lighting 
Zone 1  Lighting 
Zone 2  Lighting 
Zone 3  Lighting 
Zone 4  
Building Facades.  Only areas of building façade that 
are illuminated shall qualify for this allowance. 
Luminaires qualifying for this allowance shall be 
aimed at the façade and shall be capable of 
illuminating it without obstruction or interference by 
permanent building fe atures or other objects.  This 
allowance calculation shall not include portions of the 
building facades within 20 feet of residence bedroom 
windows.  Not 
applicable  No 
Allowance  0.100  
W/ft²  0.170  
W/ft²  0.225  
W/ft²  
Canopies and Tunnels.  Allowance for the total area 
within the drip line of the canopy or inside the 
tunnel. Luminaires qualifying for this allowance shall 
be located under the canopy or tunnel.  Not 
applicable  0.057  
W/ft²  0.137  
W/ft²  0.270 W/ft²  0.370  
W/ft²  
Student Pick -up/Drop -off zone.  Allowance for the 
area of the student pick -up/drop -off zone, with or 
without canopy, for preschool through 12th grade 
school campuses. A student pick -up/drop off zone is a 
curbside, controlled traffic area on a school campus 
where students are picked -up a nd dropped off from 
vehicles. The allowed area shall be the smaller of the 
actual width or 25 feet, times the smaller of the 
actual length or 250 feet. Qualifying luminaires shall 
be within 2 mounting heights of the student pi ck-
up/drop -off zone.  Not 
applicable  No 
Allowance  0.056 W/ft²  0.200 W/ft²  No 
Allowance  
Outdoor Dining.  Allowance for the total illuminated 
hardscape of outdoor dining. Outdoor dining areas 
are hardscape areas used to serve and consume food 
and beverages. Qualifying luminaires shall be within 2 
mounting heights of the hardscape area of outdoor 
dining.  Not 
applicable  0.004 W/ft²  0.030  
W/ft²  0.050  
W/ft²  0.075 W/ft²  
 
TABLE 170.2 -S ADDITIONAL MULTIFAMILY LIGHTING POWER ALLOWANCE FOR SPECIFIC APPLICATIONS (continued)  
All area and distance measurements in plan  view unless otherwise noted.  
PER SITE: WATTAGE ALLOWANCE PER HARDSCAPE AREA (W/ft²). May be used as additional allowance for 
applicable illuminated hardscape area on the site.  
Lighting Application  Lighting 
Zone 0  Lighting 
Zone 1  Lighting 
Zone 2  Lighting 
Zone 3  Lighting 
Zone 4  
Special Security Lighting for Retail Parking and 
Pedestrian Hardscape.  This additional allowance is 
for illuminated retail parking and pedestrian 
hardscape identified as having special security needs. 
This allowance shall be in addition to the building 
entrance or exit allowance.  Not 
applicable  0.004 W/ft²  0.005 W/ft²  0.010 W/ft²  No 
Allowance  
 Page 656                                                                        2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 170.2 – PRESCRIPTIVE APPROACH  TABLE 170.2 -S ADDITIONAL MULTIFAMILY LIGHTING POWER ALLOWANCE FOR SPECIFIC APPLICATIONS (continued)  
All area and distance measurements in plan view unless otherwise noted.  
PER SITE: WATTAGE ALLOWANCE PER HARDSCAPE AREA (W/ft²). May be used as additional allowance for 
applicable illuminated hardscape area on the site.  
Lighting Application  Lighting 
Zone 0  Lighting 
Zone 1  Lighting 
Zone 2  Lighting 
Zone 3  Lighting 
Zone 4  
Security Camera.  This additional allowance is for the 
illuminated general hardscape area. This allowance 
shall apply when a security camera is installed within 
2 mounting heights of the general hardscape area 
and mounted more than 10 feet away from a 
building.  Not 
applicable  No 
Allowance  0.018 W/ft²   0.018 W/ft²   0.018 W/ft²   
 
7. Requirements for signs . Section 170.2(e)7 applies to all internally illuminated and 
externally illuminated signs, unfiltered light emitting diodes (LEDs), and unfiltered neon, 
both indoor and outdoor. Each sign shall comply with either Subsection A or B, as 
applicable.   
A. Maximum allowed lighting power.  
i. For internally illuminated signs, the maximum allowed lighting power shall not 
exceed the product of the illuminated sign area and 12 watts per square foot. For 
double -faced signs, only the area of a single face shall be used to determine the 
allowed light ing power.  
ii. For externally illuminated signs, the maximum allowed lighting power shall not 
exceed the product of the illuminated sign area and 2.3 watts per square foot. 
Only areas of an externally lighted sign that are illuminated without obstruction 
or interfere nce, by one or more luminaires, shall be used.  
iii. Lighting for unfiltered light emitting diodes (LEDs) and unfiltered neon shall 
comply with Section 170.2(e)7B.  
B. Alternate lighting sources. The sign shall be  equipped with one or more of the 
following light sources:   
i. High pressure sodium lamps; or Reserved   
ii. Metal halide lamps that are:  
a. Pulse start or ceramic served by a ballast that has a minimum efficiency of 88 
percent or greater; or  
b. Pulse start that are 320 watts or smaller, are not 250 watt or 175 watt lamps, 
and are served by a ballast that has a minimum efficiency of 80 percent.  
Ballast efficiency is the reference lamp power divided by the ballast input power 
when tested according to ANSI C82.6 -2015. Reserved   
iii. Neon or cold cathode lamps with transformer or power supply efficiency greater 
than or equal to the following:  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards                                                     Page 657 
SECTION 170.2 – PRESCRIPTIVE APPROACH  a. A minimum efficiency of 75 percent when the transformer or power supply 
rated output current is less than 50 mA; or  
b. A minimum efficiency of 68 percent when the transformer or power supply 
rated output current is 50 mA or greater.  
The ratio of the output wattage to the input wattage is at 100 percent tubing load.  
iv. Fluorescent lighting systems meeting one of the following requirements:  
a. Use only lamps with a minimum color rendering index (CRI) of 80; or  
b. Use only electronic ballasts with a fundamental output frequency not less than 
20 kHz. Reserved   
v. Light emitting diodes (LEDs) with a power supply having an efficiency of 80 percent 
or greater; or  
Exception  to Section 170.2(e)7Bv:  Single voltage external power supplies that 
are designed to convert 120 volt AC input into lower voltage DC or AC output, 
and have a nameplate output power less than or equal to 250 watts, shall comply 
with the applicable requirements of the Appliance Effi ciency Regulations (Title 
20).  
vi. Compact fluorescent lamps that do not contain a medium screw base socket 
(E24/E26).  
Exception  1 to Section 170.2(e)7:  Unfiltered incandescent lamps that are not 
part of an electronic message center (EMC), an internally illuminated sign or an 
externally illuminated sign.  
Exception  2 to Section 170.2(e)7:  Exit signs. Exit signs shall meet the 
requirements of the Appliance Efficiency Regulations.  
Exception 3 to Section 170.2(e)7: Traffic  signs  that  meet the requirements of the 
Appliance Efficiency Regulations , Sections  1601(m), 1602, 1602.1, 1603, 1 604(m), 
1605, 1605.1(m) , 1605.2(m), 1605.3(m), 1606, 1607, 1608, and 1609 . 170.2 -V 
(f) Photovoltaic requirements —three habitable stories  or fewer . All multifamily buildings up 
to three habitable stories shall have a newly installed photovoltaic (PV) system or newly 
installed PV modules meeting the minimum qualification requirements specified in Joint 
Appendix JA11. The annual electrical output of t he PV system shall be no less than the 
smaller of a PV system size determined using Equation 170.2 -C, , building’s SARA (Solar 
Access Roof Area) multiplied by 18 for steep -sloped roofs or SARA multiplied by 14 for low -
sloped roofs.   or the maximum PV syste m size that can be installed on the building’s solar 
access roof area  (SARA) . 
A. SARA includes the area of the building’s roof space capable of structurally supporting a 
PV system, and the area of all roof space on covered parking areas, carports, and all 
other newly constructed structures on the site that are compatible with supporting a PV 
system per Title 24, Part 2, Section 1511.2.  
B. SARA does NOT include:  Page 658                                                                        2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 170.2 – PRESCRIPTIVE APPROACH  i. Any roof area that has less than 70 percent annual solar access. Annual solar access 
is determined by dividing the total annual solar insolation, accounting for shading 
obstructions, by the total annual solar insolation if the same areas were unshaded by 
obstructions. For steep -sloped  roofs , only shading from existing permanent natural 
or manmade obstructions that are external to the dwelling, including but not limited 
to trees, hills and adjacent structures, shall be considered for annual solar access 
calculations. For low slope roofs, all obstructions including those that are external to 
the dwelling unit, and obstructions that are part of the building design and elevation 
features , shall be considered for the annual solar access calculations.   
ii. Occupied roof areas as specified by CBC S ection 503.1.4.  
iii. Roof area that is otherwise not available due to compliance with other state building 
code requirements , and local building code requirements if local building code 
requirements are confirmed by the Executive Director Roof area that is otherwise not 
available due to compliance with other building code requirements if confirmed by 
the Executive Director .  
EQUATION 170.2 -C ANNUAL PHOTOVOLTAIC ELECTRICAL OUTPUT  
kW PV = (CFA × A)/1000 + (N DU × B) 
kW pv=CFA × A
1000+𝑁𝐷𝑈× B −CFA ×C ×EER2 Adj
1000 
where:  
kW PV = kW dc size of the PV system . 
CFA = Conditioned floor area . 
NDU = Number of dwelling units . 
A = CFA adjustment factor from Table 170.2 -T. 
B = Dwelling unit adjustment factor from Table 170.2 -T 
C     =      EER2 adjustment factor coefficient from Table 170.2 -T 
EER2Adj = EER2 adjustment factor = (EER2  – 7); or 
EER2 adjustment factor =  4.7 if (EER2 – 7) > 4.7 
. 
Exception  1 to Section 170.2(f):  For steep slope roofs, SARA shall not consider roof areas 
with a northerly azimuth that lies between 300 degrees and 90 degrees from true north. No 
PV system is required if the SARA is less than 80 contiguous square feet.   
Exception  2 to Section 170.2(f):  No PV system is required when the minimum PV system size 
specified by Section  170.2(f) is less than  1.8 4 kW dc.  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards                                                     Page 659 
SECTION 170.2 – PRESCRIPTIVE APPROACH  Exception  3 to Section 170.2(f):  Buildings with enforcement -authority -approved roof 
designs, where the enforcement authority determines it is not possible for the PV system, 
including panels, modules and components and supports and attachments to the roof 
structure, to meet the requireme nts of American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE ) Standard 
7-16, Chapter 7, Snow Loads.   
Exception  4 to Section 170.2(f):  For buildings that are approved by the local planning 
department prior to January 1, 2020 , with mandatory conditions of approval:   
a. Shading from roof designs and configurations for steep slope roofs shall be considered 
for the annual solar access calculations; and  
b. Roof areas that are not allowed to have PVs by the mandatory conditions of approval 
shall not be considered in determining the SARA.  
Exception  5 to Section 170.2(f):  PV system sizes determined using Equation 170.2 -C may be 
reduced by 25 percent if installed in conjunction with a battery storage system BESS. The 
battery storage system BESS shall meet the qualification requirements specified in Joint 
Appendix JA12 and have a minimum usable cycling capacity of 7.5 kWh  as defined in Joint 
Appendix JA12 .  Page 660                                                                        2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 170.2 – PRESCRIPTIVE APPROACH  TABLE  170.2 -T CFA AND DWELLING UNIT ADJUSTMENT FACTORS  
Climate Zone  Factor A - CFA Factor B - CFA Constant Adder C  
1 0.793  1.27  0 
2 0.62 8 1.220  0.002  
3 0.62 9 1.12  0 
4 0.629 1.21  0.00 9 
5 0.58 7 1.060  0 
6 0.59 6 1.230  0 
7 0.57 5 1.150  0.00 1 
8 0.612 1.370  0.00 5 
9 0.645 1.360  0.00 7 
10 0.696 1.410  0.01 5 
11 0.965 1.440  0.027 
12 0.668 1.400  0.012 
13 1.029 1.510  0.029 
14 0.833 1.260  0.02 0 
15 1.892  1.470  0.071 
16 0.59 1 1.220  0 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards                                                     Page 661 
SECTION 170.2 – PRESCRIPTIVE APPROACH  CLIMATE 
ZONE Climate 
Zone   Facto r 
A—CFA Factor B—
DWELLING 
UNITS Dwelling 
Unit  
1  0.793   1.27  
2  0.621   1.22  
3  0.628   1.12  
4  0.586   1.21  
5  0.585   1.06  
6  0.594   1.23  
7  0.572   1.15  
8  0.586   1.37  
9  0.613   1.36  
10  0.627   1.41  
11  0.836   1.44  
12  0.613   1.40  
13  0.894   1.51  
14  0.741   1.26  
15  1.56  1.47  
16  0.59  1.22  
 
(g) Photovoltaic requirements —more than three habitable stories . All newly constructed  
building types specified in Table 170.2 -U, or mixed occupancy buildings where one or more 
of these building types constitute at least 80 percent of the floor area of the building, shall 
have a newly installed photovoltaic (PV) system meeting the minimum q ualification 
requirements of Reference Joint Appendix JA11. The PV capacity in kW dc shall be not less 
than the smaller of the PV minimum rated PV system capacity determined by Equation 
170.2 -D, or the total of all available Solar Access Roof Areas (SARA) m ultiplied by 18 for 
steep -sloped roofs or  multiplied by 14 for low -sloped roofs. .size in kW dc shall be not less 
than the smaller of the PV system size determined by Equation 170.2 -D, or .the total of all 
available Solar Access Roof Areas  (SARA) multiplied by 14 W/ft². In mixed occupancy Page 662                                                                        2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 170.2 – PRESCRIPTIVE APPROACH  buildings, the minimum rated PV system capacity for the building shall be determined by 
applying Equation 1 70.2 -D to the conditioned floor area of each of the listed building types 
and summing the capacities determined for each.  
1. SARA include the area of the building’s roof space capable of structurally supporting a PV 
system, and the area of all roof space on covered parking areas, carports and all other 
newly constructed structures on the site that are compatible with supporting a PV 
system per Title 24, Part 2, Section 1511.2.   
2. SARA does not include:   
A. Any area that has less than 70 percent annual solar access. Annual solar access is 
determined by dividing the total annual solar insolation (accounting for shading 
obstructions) by the total annual solar insolation if the same areas were unshaded by 
those obstructions. For all roofs, all obstructions includ ing those that are external to 
the building, and obstructions that are part of the building design and elevation 
features , may be considered for the annual solar access calculations.   
B. Occupied roofs as specified by CBC S ection 503.1.4.  
C. Roof area that is otherwise not available due to compliance with other state building 
code requirements and local building code requirements if the local building code 
requirements are  confirmed by the Executive Director  Roof space that is otherwise 
not available due to compliance with other building code requirements if confirmed 
by the Executive Director .  
EQUATION 170.2 -D PHOTOVOLTAIC DIRECT CURRENT SIZE  
kW PVdc, min kW PVdc = (CFA × A)/1000   
where:  
kW PVdc, min kW PVdc  = Minimum rated PV system capacity in kW Size of the PV 
system in kW . 
CFA = Conditioned floor area in square feet . 
A = PV capacity factor in W/square foot as  specified in  Table 170.2 -U for the 
building type . 
Where the building includes more than one of the space types listed in Table 170.2 -U, the 
total PV system capacity for the building shall be determined by applying Equation 170.2 -D 
to each of the listed space types and summing the capacities determined for  each.  
Exception  1 to Section 170.2(g ): No PV system is required where the total of all available 
SARA is less than 3 percent of the conditioned floor area.   
Exception  2 to Section 170.2(g ): No PV system is required where the required PV system 
size is less than 4 kW dc.  
Exception  3 to Section 170.2(g ): No PV system is required if the SARA contains less than 80 
contiguous square feet.   2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards                                                     Page 663 
SECTION 170.2 – PRESCRIPTIVE APPROACH  Exception  4 to Section 170.2(g ): Buildings with enforcement -authority -approved roof 
designs, where the enforcement authority determines it is not possible for the PV system, 
including panels, modules, components, supports and attachments to the roof structure, to 
meet ASCE 7 -16, Chapter 7 , Snow Loads.   
Exception  5 to Section 170.2(g ): Multi -tenant High-rise multifamily buildings in areas where 
a load serving entity does not provide either a Virtual Net Metering (VNEM) program where 
PV generation is compensated through virtual energy bill credits  or community solar 
program . This exception does not apply where the Commission has approved a community 
solar program for showing compliance as specified in Title 24, Part 1, Section 10 -115, or 
where a load -serving entity provides a program where PV generation is compensated 
through virtual energy bill credits fo r occupants of nonresidential and hotel/motel tenant 
spaces to receive energy bill benefits from netting of energy generation and consumption.  
  Page 664                                                                        2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 170.2 – PRESCRIPTIVE APPROACH  Table 170.2 -U – PV Capacity Factors  (W/ft² of conditioned floor area)  
 
 Building  Type  CZ 1 CZ 2 CZ 3 CZ 4 CZ 5 CZ 6 CZ 7 CZ 8 CZ 9 CZ 10 CZ 11 CZ 12 CZ 13 CZ 14 CZ 15 CZ 16 
Events & Exhibits  3.48  4.28  3.66  4.32  3.77  4.05  4.28  4.83  4.63  4.80  5.04  4.44  4.95  4.36  5.48  3.38  
Library  0.39  3.23  2.59  3.25  2.48  2.74  3.04  3.49  3.32  3.69  3.79  3.32  3.79  3.37  4.49  2.84  
Hotel/Motel  1.69  1.90  1.66  1.97  1.69  1.87  1.94  2.22  2.09  2.20  2.30  2.05  2.30  2.02  2.72  1.73  
Office, Financial 
Institution, Unleased 
Tenant Space  2.59  3.13  2.59  3.13  2.59  3.13  3.13  3.13  3.13  3.13  3.13  3.13  3.13  3.13  3.80  2.59  
Restaurants  8.55  9.32  8.16  9.65  8.21  8.73  9.11  10.18  9.75  10.28  10.85  9.73  10.69  9.73  12.25  8.47  
Retail, Grocery  3.14  3.49  3.01  3.61  3.05  3.27  3.45  3.83  3.65  3.81  4.09  3.64  3.99  3.71  4.60  3.21  
School  1.27  1.63  1.27  1.63  1.27  1.63  1.63  1.63  1.63  1.63  1.63  1.63  1.63  1.63  2.46  1.27  
Warehouse  0.39  0.44  0.39  0.44  0.39  0.44  0.44  0.44  0.44  0.44  0.44  0.44  0.44  0.44  0.58  0.39  
Religious Worship  4.25  4.65  3.49  4.52  3.72  4.29  4.64  5.89  5.30  5.67  5.89  4.99  5.78  4.63  7.57  3.90  
Sports & Recreation  2.47  1.97  1.54  2.03  1.60  1.84  1.98  2.63  2.47  2.60  2.75  2.20  2.72  2.15  4.03  1.81  
Multifamily > 3 
stories  1.82  2.21  1.82  2.21  1.82  2.21  2.21  2.21  2.21  2.21  2.21  2.21  2.21  2.21  2.77  1.82  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards                                                     Page 665 
SECTION 170.2 – PRESCRIPTIVE APPROACH  Building Type  Factor A – 
Minimum PV 
Capacity 
(W/ft² of 
conditioned 
floor area)  
Climate 
Zones  
1, 3, 5, 16  Factor A – 
Minimum PV 
Capacity 
(W/ft² of 
conditioned 
floor area)  
Climate 
Zones  
2, 4, 6 -14 Factor A – 
Minimum 
PV Capacity 
(W/ft² of 
conditioned 
floor area)  
Climate 
Zone  
15 
Grocery  2.62  2.91  3.53  
High -Rise Multifamily  1.82  2.21  2.77  
Office, Financial Institutions, Unleased Tenant Space  2.59  3.13  3.80  
Retail  2.62  2.91  3.53  
School  1.27  1.63  2.46  
Warehouse  0.39  0.44  0.58  
Auditorium, Convention Center, Hotel/Motel, Library, 
Medical Office Building/Clinic, Restaurant, Theater  0.39  0.44  0.58  
 
(h) Battery Energy sStorage Ssystem  (BESS) requirements —more than three habitable stories . 
All buildings that are required by Section 170.2(g) to have a PV system shall also have a 
battery storage system BESS meeting the minimum qualification requirements of Reference 
Joint Appendix JA12. The rated energy capacity shall be not less than the Minimum Rated 
Useable Energy Capacity determined by Equation 170.2 -E, or by Equation 170.2 -F if SARA 
was used to determine the PV capacity in Section 170.2 -D. and the rated power capacity 
shall be not less than the Minimum Power Capacity  determined by Equation 170.2 -G.  . The 
rated energy capacity and the rated power capacity shall be not less than the values 
determined by Equation 170.2 -E and Equation 170.2 -F. Where the building includes more 
than one of the space types listed in Table 170.2 -V, the total battery system cap acity for the 
building shall be determined by applying Equations 170.2 -E and 170.2 -F to each of the listed 
space types and summing the capacit ies determined for each space type and equation . In 
mixed occupancy buildings, the total battery system capacity for the building shall be 
determined by applying the Minimum Rated Usable Energy Capacity to each of the listed 
building types and summing the capacities determined for each.  
EQUATION 170.2 -E BATTERY ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM RATED ENERGY CAPACITY   Page 666                                                                        2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 170.2 – PRESCRIPTIVE APPROACH  kWh batt = ((CFA x B)/(1000 x CD0.5))kWh batt = kW PVdc × B / D0.5  
EQUATION 1 70.2-F - BATTERY ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM RATED ENERGY CAPACITY, SARA -
ADJUSTED  
kWh batt = ((CFA x B)/(1000 x C0.5)) x (kW PVdc,SARA /kW PVdc)   
WHERE:  
kWh batt, kWh batt = Minimum Rated Uusable Eenergy Ccapacity  of the battery 
storage system ESS in kWh . 
kW PVdc  = Minimum Rated PV System Capacity in kW from Equation 140.10 -A  
kW PVdc, SARA   = Minimum Rated PV System Capacity in kW from the SARA 
calculation.    
PV system capacity required by Section  170.2(g) in kWdc . 
CFA = Conditioned floor area  that is subject to the PV system requirements of 
Section 170.2(g)  in square feet.  
B = Battery energy Energy Storage BESS  Ccapacity Ffactor in Wh/square foot as  
specified in Table 170.2 -V for the building type . 
DC = Rated single charge -discharge cycle AC to AC (round -trip) efficiency of the 
battery storage system BESS. 
EQUATION 170.2 -F G BATTERY  ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM RATED POWER CAPACITY  
kW batt = kWh batt,  / 4kW PVdc × C 
WHERE:  
kW batt   = Minimum Rated Power Capacity of the BESS in kWdc  
kWh batt  =  Minimum Rated Useable Energy Capacity of the BESS in kWh  
kW PVdc  = PV system capacity required by Section  170.2(g) in kWdc . 
C = Battery power capacity factor specified in Table 170.2 -V for the building type . 
Exception  1 to Section 170.2(h ): No battery storage system BESS is required if the installed 
PV system size is less than 15 percent of the size determined by Equation 170.2 -D.  
Exception  2 to Section 170.2(h ): No battery storage system BESS is required in buildings 
with b attery storage system BESS requirements with less than 10 kWh rated capacity.  
 
 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards                                                     Page 667 
SECTION 170.2 – PRESCRIPTIVE APPROACH  TABLE  170.2 -V – BESS Capacity Factors (Wh/ft² of conditioned floor area)  
Building Type  CZ 1 CZ 2 CZ 3 CZ 4 CZ 5 CZ 6 CZ 7 CZ 8 CZ 9 CZ 10 CZ 11 CZ 12 CZ 13 CZ 14 CZ 15 CZ 16 
Events & Exhibits  1.82  1.95  1.74  2.12  1.91  2.13  2.24  2.30  2.36  2.47  2.62  2.16  2.64  2.68  3.22  1.89  
Library  0.37  7.17  5.97  6.75  5.64  6.08  6.19  7.13  7.18  7.56  7.17  6.93  6.88  6.81  7.93  6.40  
Hotel/Motel  0.86  0.84  0.77  0.92  0.81  0.89  0.90  1.01  1.00  1.11  1.14  0.96  1.18  1.18  1.49  0.85  
Office, Financial 
Institution, Unleased 
Tenant Space  NR 5.26  4.35  5.26  4.35  5.26  5.26  5.26  5.26  5.26  5.26  5.26  5.26  5.26  6.39  4.35  
Restaurants  4.36  4.11  3.78  4.37  3.89  4.02  4.11  4.49  4.47  4.82  5.05  4.43  5.05  5.24  6.23  4.11  
Retail, Grocery  1.89  1.82  1.71  1.82  1.72  1.80  1.76  1.92  1.97  2.05  2.22  1.95  2.16  2.29  2.66  1.91  
School  NR 3.05  2.38  3.05  2.38  3.05  3.05  3.05  3.05  3.05  3.05  3.05  3.05  3.05  4.60  2.38  
Warehouse  0.37  0.41  0.37  0.41  0.37  0.41  0.41  0.41  0.41  0.41  0.41  0.41  0.41  0.41  0.54  0.37  
Religious Worship  2.21  2.25  1.74  2.42  2.08  2.75  2.94  3.37  3.17  3.37  3.58  2.72  3.62  3.21  4.89  2.37  
Sports & Recreation  1.26  0.98  0.76  1.14  0.86  1.20  1.23  1.57  1.53  1.65  1.83  1.27  1.86  1.57  3.02  1.13  
Multifamily > 3 stories  1.88  2.27  1.88  2.27  1.88  2.27  2.27  2.27  2.27  2.27  2.27  2.27  2.27  2.27  2.85  1.88  
 
 Page 668 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
Section 170.2 – Prescriptive Approach   
Note:  Authority: Sections 25213, 25218, 25218.5, 25402 and 25402.1, Public Resources Code. Reference: Sections 
25007, 25008, 25218.5, 25310, 25402, 25402.1, 25402.4, 25402.8, and 25943, Public Resources Code.
 
  Factor B – Energy 
Capacity  Factor C – Power 
Capacity  
Storage -to-PV Ratio  Wh/W  W/W  
Grocery  1.03  0.26  
High -Rise Multifamily  1.03  0.26  
Office, Financial Institutions, Unleased Tenant Space  1.68  0.42  
Retail  1.03  0.26  
School  1.87  0.46  
Warehouse  0.93  0.23  
Auditorium, Convention Center, Hotel/Motel, Library, 
Medical Office Building/Clinic, Restaurant, Theater  0.93  0.23  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 669 
SECTION 180. 0 – GENERAL  
 SUBCHAPTER 12  
MULTIFAMILY BUILDINGS  - ADDITIONS, ALTERATIONS, AND 
REPAIRS TO EXISTING MULTIFAMILY BUILDINGS  
SECTION 180.0 – GENERAL  
Additions, alterations and repairs to existing attached dwelling units and common use areas in 
multifamily buildings, existing outdoor lighting for these occupancies, and internally and 
externally illuminated signs shall meet the requirements specified in S ections 100.0 through 
110.10, 160.1, and 160.3 through 170.2 that are applicable to the building project, and either 
the performance compliance approach (energy budgets) in Section 180.1(b) (for additions) or 
180.2(c) (for alterations), or the prescriptive  compliance approach in Section 180.1(a) (for 
additions) or 180.2(b) (for alterations), for the climate zone in which the building is located. 
Climate zones are shown in Figure 100.1 -A.  
Covered process requirements for additions, alterations and repairs to existing multifamily 
buildings are specified in Section 141.1.  
Nonresidential occupancies in mixed occupancy buildings shall comply with nonresidential 
requirements in Sections 120.0 through 141.1.  
NOTE:  For alterations that change the occupancy classification of the building, the requirements 
specified in Section 180.2 apply to the occupancy after the alterations.  
NOTE:  Authority: Sections 25213, 25218, 25218.5, 25402 and 25402.1, Public Resources Code. 
Reference: Sections 25007, 25008, 25218.5, 25310, 25402, 25402.1, 25402.4, 25402.5, 25402.8 
and 25943, Public Resources Code.  Page 670                                                                2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 180. 1 – ADDITIONS  SECTION 180.1 – ADDITIONS  
Additions to existing multifamily buildings shall meet the applicable requirements of Sections 
110.0 through 110.9 ; Sections 160.0, 160.1, and 160.2(c) and (d ); Sections  160.3 through 160.7 ; 
and either Section 180.1(a) or 180.1(b).   
Exception  2 to Section 180.1:  Additions of 300 square feet or less are  not required to comply 
with exempt  from the roofing product requirements of Section 170.2(a)1A.   
Exception  3 to Section 180.1: Existing inaccessible piping shall not require insulation as defined 
under  Section  160.4(f)2 Aiii.  
Exception  4 to Section 180.1:  Space -conditioning system. When heating or cooling will be 
extended to an addition from the existing system(s), the existing heating and cooling equipment 
need not comply with Part 6. The heating system capacity must be adequate to meet the 
minimum requirements of CBC Section 1204.1 .  
Exception  5 to Section 180.1:  Space -conditioning system ducts. When any length of duct is 
extended from an existing duct system to serve the addition, the existing duct system and the 
extended duct shall meet the applicable requirements specified in  Sections  180.2(b)2Ai and 
180.2(b)2Aii.  
Exception  6 to Section 180.1:  Photovoltaic  and battery energy storage systems BESS , as 
specified in Sections  170.2(f) through 170.2(h), are not required for additions.   
Exception  7 to Section 180.1 : Dwelling unit space heating system . New or replacement space 
heating systems serving an addition may be a heat pump or gas heating system.   
(a) Prescriptive approach. The envelope and lighting of the addition; any newly installed space -
conditioning or ventilation system, electrical power distribution system, or water -heating 
system; any addition to an outdoor lighting system; and any new sign installed in 
conjunction wi th an indoor or outdoor addition shall meet the applicable requirements of 
Sections 110.0 through 110.12 ; 160.0, 160.1,  and 160.2(c) and (d); and 160.3 through 170.2.   
1. Envelope.  
A. Additions that are greater than 700 square feet shall meet the requirements of 
Section 170.2(a), with the following modifications:  
i. Framed walls extension. Extensions of existing wood -framed walls may retain the 
dimensions of the existing walls and shall install cavity insulation of R -15 in a 2x4 
framing and R -21 in a 2x6 framing.  
ii. The maximum allowed fenestration area shall be the greater of 175 square feet 
or 20 percent of the addition floor area.  
iii. When existing siding of a wood -framed wall is not being removed or replaced, 
cavity insulation of R -15 in a 2x4 framing and R -21 in a 2x6 framing shall be 
installed and continuous insulation is not required.  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 671 
SECTION 180. 1 – ADDITIONS  iv. Additions that consist of the conversion of existing spaces from unconditioned to 
conditioned space shall not be required to perform the air sealing part of QII 
when the existing air barrier is not being removed or replaced.  
B. Additions that are 700 square feet or less shall meet the requirements of Section 
170.2(a), with the following modifications.  
i. Roof and ceiling insulation in a ventilated attic shall meet one of the following 
requirements:  
a. In Climate Zones 1, 2, 4, and 8 through 16, achieve an overall assembly U -
factor not exceeding 0.025. In wood framed assemblies, compliance with U -
factors may be demonstrated by installing insulation with an R -value of R -38 
or greater.  
b. In Climate Zones 3 and 5 through 7, achieve an overall assembly U -factor not 
exceeding 0.031. In wood framed assemblies, compliance with U -factors may 
be demonstrated by installing insulation with an R -value of R -30 or greater.  
ii. Radiant barrier. For buildings three habitable stories or less, radiant barriers shall 
be installed in attics with exposed attic deck undersides in Climate Zones 2 –15.  
iii. Extensions of existing wood -framed walls may retain the dimensions of the 
existing walls and shall install cavity insulation of R -15 in a 2x4 framing and R -21 
in a 2x6 framing; and  
iv. Fenestration products must meet the U -factor, RSGHC and VT requirements of 
Table 180.2 -B. 
v. Quality Insulation Installation (QII) requirements of Section 170.2(a)6 do not 
apply.  
Exception to Section 180.1(a)1B:  Insulation in an enclosed rafter ceiling shall meet 
the requirements of Section 160.1(a).  
Exception to Section 180.1(a)1:  Additions that increase the area of the roof by 2,000 
square feet or less are exempt from not required to comply with  the solar ready 
requirements of Section 160.8.  
2. Mechanical ventilation for indoor air quality. Additions to existing buildings shall 
comply with Section 160.2 subject to the requirements specified in Subsections A and B 
below. When HERS field verification and diagnostic testing are required by Section 
180.1(a)2, buildings with three habitable stories or less shall use the applicable 
procedures in the Residential Appendices, and buildings with four or more habitable 
stories shall use the a pplicable procedures in Nonresidential Appendices NA1 and NA2.  
Exception to Section 180.1(a)2:  A dwelling unit air leakage test is not required for 
additions.  
A. Whole -dwelling unit mechanical ventilation .  Page 672                                                                2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 180. 1 – ADDITIONS  i. Dwelling units that meet the conditions in Subsection a or b below shall not be 
required to comply with the whole -dwelling unit ventilation airflow specified in 
Section 160.2(b)2Aiv or 160.2(b)2Av.  
a. Additions to an existing dwelling unit that increase the conditioned floor area 
of the existing dwelling unit by less than or equal to 1000 square feet.  
b. Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADU) that are additions to an existing 
building.  
ii. Additions to an existing dwelling unit that increase conditioned floor area by 
more than 1,000 square feet shall have mechanical ventilation airflow in 
accordance with Section 160.2(b)2Aiv or 160.2(b)2Av, as applicable. The 
mechanical ventilation airfl ow rate shall be based on the conditioned floor area 
of the entire dwelling unit comprising the existing dwelling unit conditioned floor 
area plus the addition conditioned floor area.  
Exception to Section 180.1(a)2Aii : Mechanical ventilation systems in additions 
shall be supply, balanced or the existing ventilation type.     
iii. New  dwelling units that are additions to an existing building shall have 
mechanical ventilation airflow provided in accordance with Section 160.2(b)2Aiv 
or 160.2(b)2Av as applicable. The mechanical ventilation airflow rate shall be 
based on the conditioned fl oor area of the new dwelling unit.  
B. Local mechanical exhaust . Additions to existing buildings shall comply with all 
applicable requirements specified in Sections 160.2(b)2Avi and 160.2(b)2B.  
3. Water heater. When additional water -heating equipment is installed to serve a dwelling 
unit as part of the addition, one of the following types of water heaters shall be installed:  
A. A water -heating system that meets the requirements of Section 170.2(d); or  
B. A water -heating system determined by the Executive Director to use no more energy 
than the one specified in Item A above.  
(b) Performance approach. Performance calculations shall meet the requirements of Sections  
170.0 through 170.2(a), pursuant to the applicable requirements in Items 1, 2 and 3 below.   
1. For additions alone.  The addition complies if the addition alone meets the energy 
budgets expressed in terms of Long -Term System Cost (LSC) energy. as specified in 
Section 170.1.  
2. Existing plus alteration plus addition. The standard design for existing plus alteration 
plus addition energy use is the combination of the existing building’s unaltered 
components to remain; existing building altered components that are the more efficient, 
in TDV LSC energy, of either the existing conditions or the requirements of Section 
180.2(c); plus the proposed addition’s energy use meeting the requirements of Section 
180.1(a). The proposed design energy use is the combination of the existing building’s 
unaltered components to remain and th e altered components’ energy features, plus the 
proposed energy features of the addition.  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 673 
SECTION 180. 1 – ADDITIONS  Exception  to Section 180 .1(b)2: Existing structures with a minimum R -11 insulation in 
framed walls showing compliance with Section 180.1(b) are exempt from showing not 
required to show  compliance with Section 160.1(b).  
3. Mechanical ventilation for indoor air quality . Additions to existing buildings shall 
comply with Section 160.2 subject to the requirements specified in Subsections A and B 
below. When HERS field verification and diagnostic testing are required by Section 
180.1(b)3, buildings with three habitable stories or less shall use the applicable 
procedures in the Residential Appendices, and buildings with four or more habitable 
stories shall use the a pplicable procedures in Nonresidential Appendices NA1 and NA2.  
A. Whole -dwelling unit mechanical ventilation .  
i. Dwelling units that meet the conditions in Subsection a or b below shall not be 
required to comply with the whole -dwelling unit ventilation airflow specified in 
Section 160.2(b)2Aiv or 160.2(b)2Av.  
a. Additions to an existing dwelling unit that increase the conditioned floor area 
of the existing dwelling unit by less than or equal to 1 ,000 square feet.  
b. Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADU) that are additions to an existing 
building.  
ii. Additions to an existing dwelling unit that increase the conditioned floor area of 
the existing dwelling unit by more than 1,000 square feet shall have mechanical 
ventilation airflow in accordance with Section 160.2(b)2Aiv or 160.2(b)2Av as 
applicable. The mechanical ventilation airflow rate shall be based on the 
conditioned floor area of the entire dwelling unit comprised of the existing 
dwelling unit conditioned floor area plus the addition conditioned floor a rea. 
iii. New dwelling units that are additions to an existing building shall have 
mechanical ventilation airflow provided in accordance with Section 160.2(b)2Aiv 
or 160.2(b)2Av as applicable. The mechanical ventilation airflow rate shall be 
based on the condit ioned floor area of the new dwelling unit.  
B. Local Mechanical Exhaust . Additions to existing buildings shall comply with all 
applicable requirements specified in 160.2(b)2Avi and 160.2(b)2B.  
NOTE:  Authority: Sections 25213, 25218, 25218.5, 25402 and 25402.1, Public Resources Code. 
Reference: Sections 25007, 25008, 25218.5, 25310, 25402, 25402.1, 25402.4, 25402.5, 25402.8, 
and 25943, Public Resources Code.  
  Page 674                                                                2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 180. 2 – ALTERATIONS  SECTION 180.2 – ALTERATIONS  
Alterations to components of existing multifamily buildings, including alterations made in 
conjunction with a change in building occupancy to a multifamily occupancy, shall meet Item 
(a), and either Item (b) or (c) below:  
Exception  1 to Section 180.2:  When heating, cooling or service water heating for an alteration is 
provided by expanding existing systems, the existing systems and equipment need not comply 
with Sections 110.0 through 110.10; Sections 160.0 through 160.7; and Section 170.2(c) or 
170.2( d).  
Exception  2 to Section 180.2:  When existing heating, cooling or service water -heating systems 
or components are moved within a building, the existing systems or components need not 
comply with Sections 110.0 through 110.10; Sections 160.0 through 160.7; and Section 170.2(c) 
or 170.2(d ).  
Exception  3 to Section 180.2:  Where an existing system with electric reheat is expanded when 
adding variable air volume (VAV) boxes to serve an alteration, total electric reheat capacity may 
be expanded not to exceed 20 percent of the existing installed electric capacity in any one 
permit and the system need not comply with Section 170.2(b)4E. Additional electric reheat 
capacity in excess of 20 percent may be added subject to the requirements of Section 
170.2(b)4E.  
Exception 4 to Section 180.2:  The requirements of Section 160.3(a)2H shall not apply to 
alterations of space -conditioning systems or components.  
(a) Mandatory requirements . Altered components in a multifamily building shall meet the 
minimum requirements in this section.   
1. Roof/ ceiling insulation . The opaque portions of the roof/ceiling that separate 
conditioned spaces from unconditioned spaces or ambient air shall meet the 
requirements of Section 180.2(b)1B.  
2. Wall insulation . For the altered opaque portion of walls separating conditioned spaces 
from unconditioned spaces or ambient air shall meet the applicable requirements of 
Items A through D below:  
A. Metal building . A minimum of R -13 insulation between framing members, or the 
area -weighted average U -factor of the wall assembly shall not exceed U -0.113.  
B. Metal framed . A minimum of R -13 insulation between framing members, or the 
area -weighted average U -factor of the wall assembly shall not exceed U -0.217.  
C. Wood framed  and others . A minimum of R -11 insulation between framing members, 
or the area -weighted average U -factor of the wall assembly shall not exceed U -0.110.  
D. Spandrel panels  and curtain walls . A minimum of R -4, or the area -weighted average 
U-factor of the wall assembly shall not exceed U -0.280.   
Exception  to Section 180.2(a)2: Light and heavy mass walls.  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 675 
SECTION 180. 2 – ALTERATIONS  3. Floor insulation . For the altered portion of raised floors that separate conditioned 
spaces from unconditioned spaces or ambient air shall meet the applicable requirements 
of Items A through B below:  
A. Raised framed floors.  A minimum of R -11 insulation between framing members, or 
the area -weighted average U -factor of the floor assembly shall not exceed U -0.071.  
B. Raised mass floors.  A minimum of R -6 insulation, or the area -weighted average U -
factor of the floor assembly shall not exceed U -0.111.  
(b) Prescriptive approach. The altered component and any newly installed equipment serving 
the alteration shall meet the applicable requirements of Sections 110.0 through 110.9 and 
all applicable requirements of Sections 160.0, 160.1, 160.2(c) and (d), 160.3(a) through 
160.3(b)5J, 1 60.3(b)6, 160.3(c ) and 160.5; and  
 
1. Envelope.  
A. Roof alterations . Existing roofs being replaced, recovered or recoated of a 
multifamily building shall meet the requirements of Section 110.8(i). For roofs with 
more than 50 percent of the roof area or more than 2,000 square feet of roof, 
whichever is less, being altered,  the requirements of i and through iii below apply:  
i. Low-sloped roofs in Climate Zones 2, 4, and 6 through 15 shall have a minimum 
aged solar reflectance of 0.63 and a minimum thermal emittance of 0.75, or a 
minimum SRI of 75.  
Exception to Section 180.2(b)1Ai : The aged solar reflectance requirement can be 
met by using insulation at the roof deck specified in Table  180.2 -A.  
 
Table 180.2 -A Roof/Ceiling Insulation Tradeoff for  Low-Sloped  Aged Solar Reflectance   
Minimum Aged Solar 
Reflectance  Roof Deck Continuous 
Insulation R -value (Climate 
Zones 6 -7) Roof Deck Continuous Insulation R -
value (Climate Zones 2, 4, 8 -15) 
0.60   2  16  
0.55   4  18  
0.50   6  20  
0.45   8  22  
No requirement   10  24  
 
ii. Steep -sloped roofs in Climate Zones 4 and 8 through 15 shall have a minimum 
aged solar reflectance of 0.20 and a minimum thermal emittance of 0.75, or a 
minimum SRI of 16.  
Exception to Section 180.2(b)1Aii: The following shall be considered equivalent 
to Subsection ii:  Page 676                                                                2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 180. 2 – ALTERATIONS  a. Buildings with ceiling assemblies with a U -factor lower than or equal to 0.025 
or that are insulated with at least R -38 ceiling insulation in an attic; or  
b. Buildings with a radiant barrier in the attic, where the radiant barrier is not 
installed directly above spaced sheathing, meeting the requirements of 
Section 170.2(a)1C; or  
c. Buildings that have no ducts in the attic in Climate Zones 2, 4, 9, 10, 12 and 
14; or  
d. Buildings with R -2 or greater continuous insulation above or below the roof 
deck.  
Exception 1 to Sections 180.2(b)1Ai and ii : Roof area covered by building 
integrated photovoltaic panels and building integrated solar thermal panels is not 
required to meet the minimum requirements for solar reflectance, thermal 
emittance or SRI.  
Exception 2 to Sections 180.2(b)1Ai and ii : Roof constructions with a weight of at 
least 25 lb/ft² are not required to meet the minimum requirements for solar 
reflectance, thermal emittance or SRI.  
iii. For low -sloped roofs, the area of the roof recover or roof replacement shall be 
insulated to R -14 continuous insulation or a U -factor of 0.039 in Climate Zones 1, 
2, 4, and 8 through 16.  
Exception  1 to Section 180.2(b)1Aiii:  Roof recovers with new R -10 insulation 
added above deck do not need to be insulated to meet R -14.  
Exception  2 to Section 180.2(b)1Aiii: When existing mechanical equipment  
located on the roof will not be disconnected and lifted, insulation added may be 
limited to the greater of R -10 or the maximum installed thickness that will allow 
the distance between the height of the roof membrane surface to the top of the 
base flashing to remain in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.  
Exception  3 to Section 180.2(b)1Aiii: At the drains and other low points, tapered 
insulation with a thermal resistance less than R -14 may be used, provided that 
insulation thickness is increased at the high points of the roof so that the average 
thermal resistance equals or exceeds R -14.  
Exception  4 to Section 180. 2(b)1Aiii: The area of the roof recoat is not required 
to be insulated.  
B. Roof/ceiling insulation .  
i. Attic roof . Vented attics shall meet the following:  
a. In Climate Zones 1 through 4 and 8 through 16, insulation shall be installed to 
achieve a weighted U -factor of 0.020 or insulation installed at the ceiling level 
shall result in an installed thermal resistance of R -49 or greater for the 
insulation alone; a nd  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 677 
SECTION 180. 2 – ALTERATIONS  Exception to Section 180.2(b)1Bia:  In Climate Zones 1, 3, 4 and 9,  dwelling 
units with at least R -19 existing insulation installed at the ceiling level . 
b. In Climate Zones 2 and 11 through 16, air seal all accessible areas of the 
ceiling plane between the attic and the conditioned space in accordance with 
Section 110.7; and  
Exception 1 to Section 180.2(b)1Bib:  Dwelling units with at least R -19 existing 
insulation installed at the ceiling level.  
Exception 2 to Section 180.2(b)1Bib : Dwelling units with atmospherically 
vented space heating or water -heating combustion appliances located inside 
the pressure boundary of the dwelling unit.  
c. In Climate Zones 1 through 4 and 8 through 16, recessed downlight 
luminaires in the ceiling shall be covered with insulation to the same depth as 
the rest of the ceiling. Luminaires not rated for insulation contact must be 
replaced or fitted with a fire proof cover that allows for insulation to be 
installed directly over the cover; and  
Exception to Section 180.2(b)1Bic: In Climate Zones 1 through 4 and 8 
through 10,  dwelling units with at least R -19 existing insulation installed at 
the ceiling level.  
d. Attic ventilation shall comply with the California Building Code requirements.  
Exception 1 to Section 180.2(b)1Bi:  Dwelling units with at least R -38 existing 
insulation installed at the ceiling level.  
Exception 2 to Section 180.2(b)1Bi: Dwelling units where the alteration 
would directly cause the disturbance of asbestos unless the alteration is 
made in conjunction with asbestos abatement.  
Exception 3 to Section 180.2(b)1Bi: Dwelling units with knob and tube wiring 
located in the vented attic.  
Exception 4 to Section 180.2(b)1Bi:  Where the accessible space in the attic is 
not large enough to accommodate the required R -value, the entire accessible 
space shall be filled with insulation, provided such installation does not 
violate Section 806.3 of Title 24, Part 2.5.  
Exception 5 to Section 180.2(b)1Bi:  Where the attic space above the altered 
dwelling unit is shared with other dwelling units and the requirements of 
Section 180.2(b)1Bi are not triggered for the other dwelling units.  
C. Fenestration alterations other than repair shall meet the requirements below:  
Note:  Glass replaced in an existing sash and frame or sashes replaced in an existing 
frame are considered repairs. In these cases, Section 180.2(b) requires that the 
replacement be at least equivalent to the original in performance.  
i. Fenestration products installed to replace existing fenestration products of the 
same total area shall meet either a or b:  Page 678                                                                2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 180. 2 – ALTERATIONS  a. The maximum U -factor, RSHGC and VT requirements of Table 180.2 -B, or  
b. The area -weighted U -factor and RSHGC of Table 170.2 -A.  
Exception 1 to Section 180.2(b)1Ci:  In an alteration, where 150 square feet or 
less of the entire building's vertical fenestration is replaced, RSHGC and VT 
requirements of Table 180.2 -B shall not apply.  
ii. Alterations that add fenestration and skylight area shall meet the total 
fenestration area requirements of Section 170.2(a) and the U -factor, RSHGC and 
VT requirements of Table 180.2 -B.  
Exception  1 to Section 180.2(b)1Cii: Alterations that add fenestration area of up 
to 50 square feet shall not be required to meet the total fenestration area 
requirements of Sections 170.2(a), nor the U -factor, RSHGC and VT requirements 
of Table 180.2 -B.  
Exception  2 to Section 180.2(b)1Cii: Alterations that add up to 16 square feet of 
new skylight area per dwelling unit with a maximum U -factor of 0.55 and a 
maximum RSHGC of 0.30 shall not be required to meet the total fenestration 
area requirements of Section 170.2(a)3.  
D. Exterior doors. Alterations that add exterior door area shall meet the U -factor 
requirement of Section 170.2(a)4.   2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards       
     
 Page 679 
 
SECTION 180. 2 – ALTERATIONS  Table 180.2 -B Altered Fenestration Maximum U -Factor and Maximum RSHGC I  
 
  Building Type  Feature  CZ 1 CZ 2 CZ 3 CZ 4 CZ 5 CZ 6 CZ 7 CZ 8 CZ 9 CZ 10 CZ 11 CZ 12 CZ 13 CZ 14  CZ 15  CZ 16 
Curtainwall / Storefront / Window 
Wall  and Glazed Doors1 U-factor  0.38 0.41 0.41 0.41 0.41 0.41 0.41 0.41 0.41 0.41 0.41 0.41 0.41 0.41 0.41 0.38 
Curtainwall / Storefront / Window 
Wall  and Glazed Doors1 RSHGC  0.35  
NR 0.26 0.26  
NR 0.26 0.26  
NR 0.26 0.26 0.26 0.26  0.26 0.26  0.26  0.26  0.26  0.26  0.25 
NR 
Curtainwall / Storefront / Window 
Wall  and Glazed Doors1 VT2 0.46  0.46  0.46  0.46  0.46  0.46  0.46  0.46  0.46  0.46  0.46  0.46  0.46  0.46  0.46  0.46  
NAFS  2017 Performance Class AW 
Window – Fixed1 U-factor  0.38  0.38  0.38  0.38  0.38  0.47  0.47  0.41 0.41 0.38  0.38  0.38  0.38  0.38  0.38  0.38  
NAFS 2017 Performance Class AW 
Window – Fixed1 RSHGC  0.35  
NR 0.25 0.25 
NR 0.25 0.25 
NR 0.31  0.31  0.26 0.26 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 
NR 
NAFS 2017 Performance Class AW 
Window – Fixed1 VT2 0.37  0.37  0.37  0.37  0.37  0.37  0.37  0.37  0.37  0.37  0.37  0.37  0.37  0.37  0.37  0.37  
NAFS 2017 Performance Class AW 
Window – Operable1 U-factor  0.43 0.43 0.43 0.43 0.43 0.47  0.47  0.43 0.43 0.43 0.43 0.43 0.43 0.43 0.43 0.43 
NAFS 2017 Performance Class AW 
Window – Operable1 RSHGC  0.35  
NR 0.24  0.24  
NR 0.24  0.24  
NR 0.31  0.31  0.24  0.24  0.24  0.24  0.24  0.24  0.24  0.24  0.24  
NR 
NAFS 2017 Performance Class AW 
Window – Operable1 VT2 0.37  0.37  0.37  0.37  0.37  0.37  0.37  0.37  0.37  0.37  0.37  0.37  0.37  0.37  0.37  0.37  
All Other Windows and Glazed 
Doors1 U-factor  0.30 
0.28 0.30  0.30 
0.28 0.30 
0.28 0.30 
0.28 0.30  0.34  0.30  0.30  0.30  0.30 
0.28 0.30  0.30 
0.28 0.30 
0.28 0.30 
0.28 0.30 
0.28 
All Other Windows and Glazed 
Doors1 RSHGC  0.35 
NR 0.23  0.23  
NR 0.23  0.23  
NR 0.23  0.23  0.23  0.23  0.23  0.23  0.23  0.23  0.23  0.23  0.23  
NR 
Skylights, 3 habitable  stories and 
fewer  U-factor  0.30  0.30  0.30  0.30  0.30  0.30  0.30  0.30  0.30  0.30  0.30  0.30  0.30  0.30  0.30  0.30  
Skylights, 3 habitable  stories and 
fewer  RSHGC  NA 0.23  NA 0.23  NA 0.30  0.30  0.30  0.30  0.30  0.30  0.30  0.30  0.30  0.30  NA Page 680                                                     2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 180. 2 – ALTERATIONS  Table 180.2 -B Altered Fenestration Maximum U -Factor and Maximum RSHGC (Continue)  
Footnotes to TABLE 180.2 -B: 
1. For fenestration installed in buildings with three or fewer habitable stories, there is no SHGC requirement in Climate Zones 1, 3, 5, and 16. Requirements apply 
to glazed doors included in the Curtainwall/Storefront construction assembly.  
2. Minimum VT requirements for fen estration other than Skylights do to not apply to multifamily buildings 3 habitable stories or less.  
 
 
 
 
 Building Type  Feature  CZ 1  CZ 2  CZ 3  CZ 4  CZ 5  CZ 6  CZ 7  CZ 8  CZ 9  CZ 10  CZ 11  CZ 12  CZ 13  CZ 14  
Skylights, 4 habitable stories and greater  U-factor  0.46  0.46  0.46  0.46  0.46  0.46  0.46  0.46  0.46  0.46  0.46  0.46  0.46  0.46  
Skylights,  4 habitable stories and greater  RSHGC  0.35 
NA 0.25  0.25 
NA 0.25  0.25 
NA 0.25  0.25  0.25  0.25  0.25  0.25  0.25  0.25  0.25  
Skylights,  4 habitable stories and greater  Serving Common Areas  VT2 0.49  0.49  0.49  0.49  0.49  0.49  0.49  0.49  0.49  0.49  0.49  0.49  0.49  0.49  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 681 
SECTION 180. 2 – ALTERATIONS  2. Space -conditioning systems .  
A. Space -conditioning systems serving dwelling units.  
i. Entirely new or complete replacement space -conditioning systems  installed as 
part of an alteration shall include all the system heating or cooling equipment, 
including but not limited to: condensing unit, cooling or heating coil, and air 
handler for split systems; or complete replacement of a packaged unit; plus 
entirely new or  replacement duct system [Section 180.2(b)2Aiib]. Entirely new or 
complete replacement space -conditioning systems shall meet the requirements 
of Sections 160.2(a)1, 160.3(a)1, 160.3(b)1 through 3, 160.3(b)5, 160.3(b)6, 
160.3(c)1, 170.2(c) 3B, 180.2(b)2Av,  and Table 180.2 -C.  
ii. Altered duct systems —duct sealing : In all climate zones, when more than 25 feet 
of new or replacement space -conditioning system ducts are installed, the ducts 
shall comply with the applicable requirements of Subsections a and b below. New 
ducts located in unconditioned space shall meet th e applicable requirements of 
Sections 160.3(b)5A through J and the duct insulation requirements of Table 
180.2 -C, and  
a. The altered duct system, regardless of location, shall be sealed as confirmed 
through field verification and diagnostic testing in accordance with all 
applicable procedures for duct sealing of altered existing duct systems as 
specified in Reference Residen tial Appendix RA3.1, utilizing the leakage 
compliance criteria specified in Subsection  I or II below.   
TABLE 180.2 -C DUCT INSULATION R -VALUE  
Climate Zones 3, 5 through 7  Climate Zones 1, 2, 4, 8 through 16  
R-6 R-8 
 
I. Entirely new or complete replacement duct system.  If the new ducts 
form an entirely new or complete replacement duct system directly 
connected to the air handler, the duct system shall meet one of the 
following requirements:  
A. The total leakage of the duct system shall not exceed 12 percent of 
the air handler airflow as determined utilizing the procedures in 
Reference Residential Appendix Section RA3.1.4.3.1, or  
B. The duct system leakage to outside shall not exceed 6 percent of the 
air handler airflow as determined utilizing the procedures in 
Reference Residential Appendix Section RA3.1.4.3.4.  
Entirely new or complete replacement duct systems installed as part of an 
alteration are constructed of at least 75 percent new duct material, and 
up to 25 percent may consist of reused parts from the dwelling unit's 
existing duct system, including but not  limited to registers, grilles, boots, 
air handler, coil, plenums and duct material, if the reused parts are 
accessible and can be sealed to prevent leakage.  Page 682                                             2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 180. 23 – ALTERATIONS REPAIRS  Entirely new or complete replacement duct systems shall also conform to 
the requirements of Sections 160.2(a)1 and 160.3(b)5L.  If the air handler 
and ducts are located within a vented attic , the requirements of Section 
180.2(b)1Bi shall also be met.  
II. Extension of an existing duct system.  If the new ducts are an extension of 
an existing duct system serving multifamily dwellings, the combined new 
and existing duct system shall meet one of the following requirements:  
A. The measured duct leakage shall be equal to or less than 15 percent of 
air handler airflow as confirmed by field verification and diagnostic 
testing utilizing the procedures in Reference Residential Appendix 
Section RA3.1.4.3.1; or   
B. The measured duct leakage to outside shall be equal to or less than 10 
percent of air handler airflow as confirmed by field verification and 
diagnostic testing utilizing the procedures in Reference Residential 
Appendix Section RA3.1.4.3.4; or  
C. If it is not possible to meet the duct sealing requirements of either 
Section 180.2(b)2AiicI or II then all accessible leaks shall be sealed and 
verified through a visual inspection and a smoke test by a certified 
HERS ECC-Rater utilizing the methods specified in Reference 
Residential Appendix RA3.1.4.3.5.  
Exception  to Section 180.2(b) 2AiiaII: duct sealing . Existing duct systems that 
are extended, which are constructed, insulated or sealed with asbestos.   
Exception  1 to 180.2(b)2Aii: The HERS Rater field verification and HERS ECC-
Provider data registry requirements of Reference Residential Appendix RA2 and 
RA3 are not required for multifamily dwelling units in buildings four stories and 
greater. The installer shall certify that diagnostic testing was performed in 
accordance with th e applicable procedures.  
iii. Altered space -conditioning system —duct sealing.  In all climate zones, when a 
space -conditioning system serving a multifamily dwelling is altered by the installation 
or replacement of space -conditioning system equipment, including replacement of 
the air handler, outdoor condensing unit of a split system air conditioner or heat 
pump, or cooling or heating coil, the duct system that is connected to the altered 
space -conditioning system equipment shall be sealed, as confirmed through field 
verification and  diagnostic testing in accordance with the applicable procedures for 
duct sealing of altered existing duct systems as specified in Reference Residential 
Appendix RA3.1 and the leakage compliance criteria specified in Subsection a, b or c 
below.  
A. The measured duct leakage shall be equal to or less than 15 percent of air 
handler airflow as determined utilizing the procedures in Reference Residential 
Appendix Section RA3.1.4.3.1; or  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 683 
SECTION 180. 2 – ALTERATIONS  b. The measured duct leakage to outside shall be equal to or less than 10 percent of 
air handler airflow as determined utilizing the procedures in Reference 
Residential Appendix Section RA3.1.4.3.4; or  
c. If it is not possible to meet the duct sealing requirements of either Section 
180.2(b)2Aiiia or b, then all accessible leaks shall be sealed and verified through a 
visual inspection and a smoke test by a certified HERS ECC-Rater utilizing the 
methods specified in Reference Residential Appendix RA3.1.4.3.5.  
Exception  1 to Section 180.2(b)2Aiii : duct sealing. Duct systems that are 
documented to have been previously sealed as confirmed through field verification 
and diagnostic testing in accordance with procedures in Reference Residential 
Appendix RA3.1.  
Exception  2 to Section 180.2(b)2Aiii : duct sealing. Duct systems with less than 40 
linear feet as determined by visual inspection.  
Exception  3 to Section 180.2(b)2Aiii : duct sealing . Existing duct systems constructed, 
insulated or sealed with asbestos.  
Exception  4 to Section 180.2(b)2Aiii: The HERS Rater field verification and HERS ECC-
Provider data registry requirements of Reference Residential Appendix RA2 and RA3 
are not required for multifamily dwelling units in buildings four stories and greater. 
The installer shall certify that diagnostic testing was performed in accordance with 
the applicable procedures.  
iv. Altered space -conditioning system mechanical cooling. When a space -conditioning 
system is an air conditioner or heat pump that is altered by the installation or 
replacement of refrigerant -containing system components such as the compressor, 
condensing coil, evaporator coil, refrigerant metering device or refr igerant piping, 
the altered system shall comply with the following requirements:  
a. All thermostats associated with the system shall be replaced with setback 
thermostats meeting the requirements of Section 110.2(c).  
b. In Climate Zones 2, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15, air -cooled air conditioners and 
air-source heat pumps, including but not limited to ducted split systems, ducted 
package systems, small duct high velocity air systems, and minisplit systems, shall 
com ply with Subsections I and II, unless the system is of a type that cannot be 
verified using the specified procedures. Systems that cannot comply with the 
requirements of Section 180.2(b)2Aivb shall comply with Section 180.2(b)2Aivc.  
Exception  to Section 180.2(b)2Aivb:  Entirely new or complete replacement 
packaged systems for which the manufacturer has verified correct system 
refrigerant charge prior to shipment from the factory are not required to have 
refrigerant charge confirmed through field verification and diagnos tic testing. 
The installer of these packaged systems shall certify that the packaged system 
was pre -charged at the factory and has not been altered in a way that would 
affect the charge. Ducted systems shall comply with  the minimum system airflow 
rate requirement in Section 180.2(b)2AivbI, provided that the system is of a type Page 684                                             2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 180. 23 – ALTERATIONS REPAIRS  that can be verified using the procedure specified in RA3.3 or an approved 
alternative in RA1.   
I. The minimum system airflow rate shall comply with the applicable Subsection 
A or B below as confirmed through field verification and diagnostic testing in 
accordance with the procedures specified in Reference Residential Appendix 
Section RA3.3 or an app roved alternative procedure as specified in Section 
RA1.  
A. Small duct high velocity systems shall demonstrate a minimum system 
airflow rate greater than or equal to 250 cfm per ton of nominal cooling 
capacity; or  
B. All other air -cooled air conditioner or air -source heat pump systems shall 
demonstrate a minimum system airflow rate greater than or equal to 300 
cfm per ton of nominal cooling capacity.  
Exception 1 to Section 180.2(b)2AivbI : Systems unable to comply with the 
minimum airflow rate requirement shall demonstrate compliance using the 
procedures in Section RA3.3.3.1.5, and the system's thermostat shall conform 
to the specifications in Section 110.12.  
Exception 2 to Section 180.2(b)2AivbI: Entirely new or complete replacement 
space -conditioning systems, as specified by Section 180.2(b)2Ai, without 
zoning dampers may comply with the minimum airflow rate by meeting the 
applicable requirements in Table 160.3 -A or 160.3 -B as confirmed by field 
verification and diagnostic testing in accordance with the procedures in 
Reference Residential Appendix Sections RA3.1.4.4 and RA3.1.4.5. The design 
clean -filter pressure drop requirements of Section 160.2(a)1C for the  system 
air filter device(s) shall conform to the requirements given in Tables 160.3 -A 
and 160.3 -B.  
II. The installer shall charge the system according to manufacturer’s 
specifications. Refrigerant charge shall be verified according to one of the 
following options, as applicable.  
A. The installer and rater shall perform the standard charge verification 
procedure as specified in Reference Residential Appendix Section RA3.2.2, 
or an approved alternative procedure as specified in Section RA1; or  
B. The system shall be equipped with a fault indicator display (FID) device 
that meets the specifications of Reference Joint Appendix JA6. The 
installer shall verify the refrigerant charge and FID device in accordance 
with the procedures in Reference Resid ential Appendix Section RA3.4.2. 
The HERS ECC-Rater shall verify FID device in accordance with the 
procedures in Section RA3.4.2; or  
BC. The installer shall perform the weigh -in charging procedure as specified 
by Reference Residential Appendix Section RA3.2.3.1, provided the 
system is of a type that can be verified using the RA3.2.2 standard charge 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 685 
SECTION 180. 2 – ALTERATIONS  verification procedure and RA3.3 airflow rate verification procedure or 
approved alternatives in RA1. The HERS ECC-Rater shall verify the charge 
using RA3.2.2 and RA3.3 or approved alternatives in RA1.  
Exception  1 to Section 180.2(b)2AivbII : When the outdoor temperature is 
less than 55 degrees F and the installer utilizes the weigh -in charging 
procedure in Reference Residential Appendix Section RA3.2.3. 1 to 
demonstrate compliance, the installer may elect to utilize the HERS Rater 
verification procedure in Reference Residential Appendix Section RA3.2.3.2. If 
the HERS Rater verification procedure in Section RA3.2.3.2 is used for 
compliance, the system's thermostat shall conform to the specifications in 
Section 110.12. Ducted systems shall compl y with the minimum system 
airflow rate requirements in Section 180.2(b)2AivbI.  
EXCEPTION 2 to Section 180.2(b)2Aivb: The HERS Rater field verification and 
HERS ECC-Provider data registry requirements of Reference Residential Appendix 
RA2 and RA3 are not required for multifamily dwelling units in buildings four 
stories and greater. The installer shall certify that diagnostic testing was 
performed in accordance with th e applicable procedures.  
v. Altered Space -Heating System. Altered or replacement space -heating systems shall 
not use electric resistance as the primary heat source.  
EXCEPTION 1 to Section 180.2(b)2Av:  Non -ducted electric resistance space heating 
systems if the existing space heating system is electric resistance.  
EXCEPTION 2 to Section 180.2(b)2Av:  Ducted electric resistance space heating 
systems if the existing space heating system is electric resistance and a ducted space 
cooling system is not being replaced or installed.  
EXCEPTION 3 to Section 180.2(b)2Av:  Electric resistance space heating systems, if 
the existing space heating system is electric resistance in Climate Zones 6, 7, 8, or 15.  
B. Common Use Area Space Conditioning Systems  
i. New or Replacement Space -Conditioning Systems or Components other than 
new or replacement space -conditioning system ducts shall meet the 
requirements of Sections 170.2(c)1, 2, and 4, applicable to the systems or 
components being altered. For compliance with Section 170.2(c)4A, additional 
fan power adjustment credits are available as specified in TABLE 180.2 -D.  
  Page 686                                             2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 180. 23 – ALTERATIONS REPAIRS   
TABLE 180.2 -D Fan Power Limitation Pressure Drop Adjustment  
Airflow  Multi -Zone 
VAV Systems1 
≤5,000 cfm  Multi -Zone 
VAV Systems1 
>5,000 and 
≤10,000 cfm  Multi -Zone 
VAV Systems1 
>10,000 cfm  All Other Fan 
Systems 
≤5,000 cfm  All Other Fan 
Systems 
>5,000 and 
≤10,000 cfm  All Other Fan 
Systems 
>10,000 cfm  
Supply Fan 
System Additional 
Allowance  0.135  0.114  0.105  0.139  0.12  0.107  
Supply Fan 
System Additional 
Allowance In Unit 
with Adapter 
Curb  0.033  0.033  0.043  0.000  0.000  0.000  
Exhaust/ Relief/ 
Return/ Transfer 
Fan System 
Additional 
Allowance  0.07  0.061  0.054  0.07  0.062  0.055  
Exhaust/ Relief/ 
Return/ Transfer 
Fan System 
Additional 
Allowance In Unit 
with Adapter 
Curb  0.016  0.017  0.022  0.000  0.000  0.000  
Footnotes to Table 180.2 -D: 
1. See FAN SYSTEM, MULTI -ZONE VARIABLE AIR VOLUME (VAV) for the definition of a Multi -Zone VAV 
System.  
 
Exception  1 to Section 180.2(b)2Bi.  Section 180.2(b)2Av does not apply to 
replacement of electric reheat of equivalent or lower capacity electric resistance 
space heaters when natural gas is not available.  
Exception  2 to Section 180.2(b)2Bi : Operable wall or roof openings that have 
been previously installed without interlock controls are exempt from complying 
with Section 170.2(c)4L Section  170.2(c)4L is not applicable to new or 
replacement space -conditioning systems.  
Exception 3 to Section 180.2(b)2Bi:  Section 170.2(c)4Ci is applicable to systems, 
other than single package air -cooled commercial unitary air conditioners and 
heat pumps, with cooling capacity less than 54,000 Btu/h. Section 170.2(c)4 Ci is 
not applicable to systems that meet both of the following:  
1. The system is  a single package air -cooled commercial 
unitary air conditioner or heat pump ; and  
2. The cooling  capacity of the system is  less than 54,000 Btu/h  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 687 
SECTION 180. 2 – ALTERATIONS  ii.  Altered duct systems. When new or replacement space -conditioning system 
ducts are installed to serve an existing building, the new ducts shall meet the 
requirements of Section 160.3(c)2 and meet a or b below:  
a. Reserved.  
b. Entirely new or replacement duct systems installed as part of an alteration 
shall be leakage -tested in accordance with Section 160.2(c)2H. Entirely new 
or replacement duct systems installed as part of an alteration shall be 
constructed of at least 75 pe rcent new duct material, and up to 25 percent 
may consist of reused parts from the building's existing duct system, including 
registers, grilles, boots, air handlers, coils, plenums, and ducts, if the reused 
parts are accessible and can be sealed to preven t leakage.  
EXCEPTION 1 to Section 180.2(b)2Biib : When it is not possible to achieve the 
duct leakage criteria in Section 180.2(b)2Biib, all accessible leaks shall be 
sealed and verified through a visual inspection and a smoke test performed 
by a certified HERS ECC-Rater mechanical acceptance test technician utilizing 
the methods specified in Reference Nonresidential Appendix 
NA2.1.4.2.2a 7.5.3 . 
EXCEPTION 2 to Section 180.2(b)2Biib:  Duct Sealing. Existing duct systems 
that are extended, which are constructed, insulated or sealed with asbestos 
are exempt from the requirements not required to comply with  of subsection 
180.2(b)2Biib.  
c. If the new ducts are an extension of an existing duct system, the combined 
new and existing duct system meets the criteria in Subsections I, II, and III 
below. The duct system shall be sealed to a leakage rate not to exceed 15 
percent of the nominal air ha ndler airflow rate as confirmed through field 
verification and diagnostic acceptance testing, in accordance with the 
applicable procedures in Reference Nonresidential Appendi xces NA1 and 
NA2 NA7.5.3 : 
I. The duct system provides conditioned air to an occupiable space for a 
constant volume, single zone, space -conditioning system; and  
II. The space conditioning system serves less than 5,000 square feet of 
conditioned floor area; and  
III. The combined surface area of the ducts located in the following spaces is 
more than 25 percent of the total surface area of the entire duct system:  
A. Outdoors;  
B. In a space directly under a roof that  
C. Has a U -factor greater than the U -factor of the ceiling, or if the roof 
does not meet the requirements of Section 170.2(a)1B, or  
D. Has fixed vents or openings to the outside or unconditioned spaces; or  
E. In an unconditioned crawl space; or  Page 688                                             2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 180. 23 – ALTERATIONS REPAIRS  F. In other unconditioned spaces.  
iii. Altered space -conditioning systems . When a space -conditioning system is altered 
by the installation or replacement of space -conditioning system equipment 
(including replacement of the air handler, outdoor condensing unit of a split 
system air conditioner or heat pump, or cooling or heating c oil:  
a. For all altered units where the existing thermostat does not comply with the 
requirements for demand responsive controls specified in Section 110.12, the 
existing thermostat shall be replaced with a demand responsive thermostat 
that complies with Sectio n 110.12. All newly installed space -conditioning 
systems requiring a thermostat shall be equipped with a demand responsive 
thermostat that complies with Section 110.12; and  
b. The duct system that is connected to the new or replaced space -conditioning 
system equipment shall be sealed, if the duct system meets the criteria of  
Section 170.2(c)4Ji  Section 120.4(g) , as confirmed through field verification 
and diagnostic acceptance  testing, in accordance with the applicable 
procedures for duct sealing of altered existing duct systems as specified in 
Reference Nonresidential Appendix NA 27.5.3 , and conforming to the 
applicable leakage compliance criteria in Section 180.2(b)2Bii.  
Exception  1 to Section 180.2(b)2Biiib: duct sealing. Buildings altered so that 
the duct system no longer meets the criteria of Section 170.2(c)4Ji are 
exempt from the requirements of not required to comply with  Subsection 
180.2(b)2Biiib.  
Exception  2 to Section 180.2(b)2Biiib: duct sealing. Duct systems that are 
documented to have been previously sealed as confirmed through field 
verification and diagnostic acceptance  testing in accordance with procedures 
in the Reference Nonresidential Appendix NA 27.5.3  are exempt from the 
requirements of not required to comply with Subsection 180.2(b)2Biiib.  
Exception  3 to Section 180.2(b)2Biiib:  duct sealing.  Existing duct systems 
constructed, insulated or sealed with asbestos are exempt from not required 
to comply with  the requirements of Subsection 180.2(b)2Biiib.  
3. Hot water systems . Altered or replacement water -heating systems or components 
serving individual dwelling units shall meet the applicable requirements below:  
A. Pipe insulation.  For newly installed piping and existing accessible piping, the 
insulation requirements of Section 160.4(f) shall be met.  
B. Distribution system.  For recirculation distribution system serving individual dwelling 
units, only demand recirculation systems with manual on/off control as specified in 
Reference Appendix RA4.4.9 shall be installed.  
C. Water -heating system.  The water -heating system shall meet one of the following:  
i. A natural gas or propane water -heating system; or  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 689 
SECTION 180. 2 – ALTERATIONS  ii. A single heat pump water heater. The storage tank shall not be located outdoors 
and shall be placed on an incompressible, rigid insulated surface with a minimum 
thermal resistance of R -10. The water heater shall be installed with a 
communication interf ace that either meets the requirements of Section 
110.12(a) or has an ANSI/CTA -2045 -B communication  port ; or  
iii. A single heat pump water heater that meets the requirements of NEEA Advanced 
Water Heater Specification Tier 3 or higher; or  
iv. If the existing water heater is an electric resistance water heater, a consumer 
electric water heater.  
v. A water -heating system determined by the Executive Director to use no more 
energy than the one specified in Sections 180.2(b)3Ci through iii above; or if no 
natural gas is connected to the existing water heater location, a water -heating 
system determine d by the Executive Director to use no more energy than the 
one specified in Section 180.2(b)3Civ above.  
4. Lighting . 
A. Dwelling unit lighting. The altered lighting system shall meet the lighting 
requirements of Section 160.5(a). The altered luminaires shall meet the luminaire 
efficacy requirements of Section 160.5(a)  and Table 160.5 -A. Where existing screw 
base sockets are present in ceiling -recessed luminaires, removal of these sockets is 
not required, provided that new JA8 compliant trim kits or lamps designed for use 
with recessed downlights or luminaires are installed.  
B. Common use area —lighting, sign lighting, and electrical power distribution 
systems .  
i. Spaces with lighting systems installed for the first time shall meet the applicable 
requirements of Sections 110.9, 160.5(b)1, 160.5(b)2, 160.5(b)3, 160.5(b)4, 
160.5(c), 160.5(e), 170.2(b), and 170.2(e)1 through 170.2(e)6.  
ii. When the requirements of Section 160.5(b)4D are triggered by the addition of 
skylights to an existing building and the lighting system is not recircuited, the 
daylighting control need not meet the multi -level requirements in Section 
160.5(b)4D.  
iii. New internally and externally illuminated signs shall meet the requirements of 
Sections 110.9, 160.5(d) and 170.2(e)7.  
iv. Altered indoor lighting systems. Alterations to indoor lighting systems that 
include 10% or more of the luminaires serving an enclosed space shall meet the 
requirements of a, b or c below:  
a. The alteration shall comply with the indoor lighting power requirements 
specified in Sections 170.2(e)1 through 4 and the lighting control 
requirements specified in Table 180.2 -E; or  Page 690                                             2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 180. 23 – ALTERATIONS REPAIRS  b. The alteration shall not exceed 80% of the indoor lighting power 
requirements specified in Section 170.2(e)1 through 4, and shall comply with 
the lighting control requirements specified in Table 180.2 -E; or  
c. The alteration shall be a one -for-one luminaire alteration within a building or 
tenant space of 5,000 square feet or less, the total wattage of the altered 
luminaires shall be at least 40% lower compared to their total pre -alteration 
wattage and the alt eration shall comply with the lighting control 
requirements specified in Table 180.2 -E.  
 Alterations to indoor lighting systems shall not prevent the operation of 
existing, unaltered controls, and shall not alter controls to remove functions 
specified in Section 160.5(b)4.  
 Alterations to lighting wiring are considered alterations to the lighting 
system. Alterations to indoor lighting systems are not required to separate 
existing general, floor, wall, display or decorative lighting on shared circuits or 
controls. New or comp letely replaced lighting circuits shall comply with the 
control separation requirements of Sections 160.5(b)4Aiv and 160.5(b)4Cid.  
Exception 1 to Section 180.2(b)4Biv:  Alteration of portable luminaires, luminaires 
affixed to moveable partitions, or lighting excluded as specified in Section 
170.2(e)2C.  
Exception 2 to Section 180.2(b)4Biv:  Any enclosed space with only one luminaire.  
Exception 3 to Section 180.2(b)4Biv:  Any alteration that would directly cause the 
disturbance of asbestos unless the alteration is made in conjunction with asbestos 
abatement.  
Exception 4 to Section 180.2(b)4Biv:  Acceptance testing requirements of Section 
160.5(e) are not required for alterations where lighting controls are added to control 
20 or fewer luminaires.  
Exception 5 to Section 180.2(b)4Biv:  Any alteration limited to adding lighting 
controls or replacing lamps, ballasts or drivers.  
Exception 6 to Section 180.2(b)4Biv:  One-for-one luminaire alteration of up to 50 
luminaires either per complete floor of the building or per complete tenant space, 
per annum.  
v. Alterations to existing outdoor lighting systems in a lighting application listed in 
Table 170.2 -R or 170.2 -S shall meet the applicable requirements of Sections 
160.5(b)1, 160.5(b)2, 160.5(b)3, 160.5(c)1 and 160.5(e), and:  
a. In alterations that increase the connected lighting load, the added or altered 
luminaires shall meet the applicable requirements of Section 160.5(c)2 and the 
requirements of Section 170.2(e)6 for general hardscape lighting or for the 
specific lighting a pplications containing the alterations; and  
b. In alterations that do not increase the connected lighting load, where 10 percent 
or more of the existing luminaires are replaced in a general hardscape or a 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 691 
SECTION 180. 2 – ALTERATIONS  specific lighting application, the alterations shall meet the following 
requirements:  
I. In parking lots and outdoor sales lots where the bottom of the luminaire is 
mounted 24 feet or less above the ground, the replacement luminaires shall 
comply with Section 160.5(c)2A and Section  160.5(c)2C;  
II. For parking lots and outdoor sales lots where the bottom of the luminaire is 
mounted greater than 24 feet above the ground and for all other lighting 
applications, the replacement luminaires shall comply with Section 
160.5(c)2A and either comply with S ection 160.5(c)2B or be controlled by 
lighting control systems, including motion sensors, that automatically reduce 
lighting power by at least 40 percent in response to the area being vacated of 
occupants; and  
Exception to Section 180.2(b)4Bvb:  Alterations where less than 5 existing 
luminaires are replaced.  
c. In alterations that do not increase the connected lighting load, where 50 percent 
or more of the existing luminaires are replaced in general hardscape or a specific 
application, the replacement luminaires shall meet the requirements of 
Subsection b abov e and the requirements of Section 170.2(e)6 for general 
hardscape lighting or specific lighting applications containing the alterations.  
Exception 1 to  Section  180.2(b) 4Bvc: Alterations where the replacement luminaires 
have at least 40 percent lower power consumption compared to the original 
luminaires are not required to comply with the lighting power allowances of Section 
170.2(e)6.  
 
Exception 2 to Section 180.2(b)4Bvc:  Alterations where less than 5 existing 
luminaires are replaced.  
Exception 3 to  Section 180 .2(b) 4Bv: Acceptance testing requirements of Section 
160.5(e) are not required for alterations where controls are added to 20 or fewer 
luminaires.  
vi. Alterations to existing internally and externally illuminated signs that increase the 
connected lighting load, replace and rewire more than 50 percent of the ballasts, or 
relocate the sign to a different location on the same site or on a different site  shall 
meet the requirements of Section 170.2(e)7.  
Exception to  Section  180.2(b)4Bvi : Replacement of parts of an existing sign, 
including replacing lamps, the sign face or ballasts, that do not require rewiring or 
that are done at a time other than when the sign is relocated, is not an alteration 
subject to the requirements of Section 180. 2(b)4Bvi.  
vii. Alterations to existing electrical power distribution systems shall meet the applicable 
requirements of the following sections:  Page 692                                             2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 180. 23 – ALTERATIONS REPAIRS  a. Service electrical metering. New or replacement electrical service equipment 
shall meet the requirements of Section 160.6(a) applicable to the electrical 
power distribution system altered; and  
b. Separation of electrical circuits for electrical energy monitoring. For entirely new 
or complete replacement of electrical power distribution systems, the entire 
system shall meet the applicable requirements of Section 160.6(b); and  
c. Voltage drop. For alterations of feeders and branch circuits where the alteration 
includes addition, modification or replacement of both feeders and branch 
circuits, the altered circuits shall meet the requirements of Section 160.6(c); and  
Exception to Section 180.2(b) 4Bviic: Voltage drop permitted by California 
Electrical Code Sections 647.4, 695.6 and 695.7.  
d. Circuit controls for 120 -volt receptacles and controlled receptacles. For entirely 
new or complete replacement of electrical power distribution systems, the entire 
system shall meet the applicable requirements of Section 160.6(d).  
  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 693 
SECTION 180. 2 – ALTERATIONS  TABLE 180.2 -E Control Requirements for Indoor Lighting System Alterations for Common Use 
Areas  
Control Specifications  Projects complying 
with Section 
180.2(b)4Biva  Projects complying with 
Sections 180.2(b)4Bivb or 
180.2(b)4Bivc  
Manual Area Controls  
160.5(b)4Ai  Required  Required  
Manual Area Controls  
160.5(b)4Aii  Required  Required  
Manual Area Controls  
160.5(b)4Aii i Only required for new 
or completely 
replaced circuits  Only required for new or 
completely replaced 
circuits  
Multi -Llevel Controls  
160.5(b)4B  Required  Not Required  
Automatic Shut Off Controls  
160.5( cb)4Ci  Required ; 
160.5(b)4Cid only 
required for new or 
completely replaced 
circuits  Required ; 160.5(b)4Cid 
only required for new or 
completely replaced 
circuits  
Automatic Shut Off Controls  
160.5( cb)4Cii  Required  Required  
Automatic Shut Off Controls  
160.5( cb)4Cii i Required  Required  
Automatic Shut Off Controls  
160.5( cb)4Civ  Required  Required  
Automatic Shut Off Controls  
160.5(b)4Cv  Required  Required  
Automatic Shut Off Controls  
160.5(b)4Cvi  Required  Required ; except for 
160.5(b)4Cvib  
Automatic Shut Off 
Controls  
160.5(b)4Cvii  Required  Required  
Daylighting Controls  
160.5(b)4D  Required  Not Required  
Demand Responsive 
Controls  
110.12(a) and 
1110.12(b) 160.5(b)4E  Required  Not Required  
 
5. Mechanical ventilation and indoor air quality for dwelling units.  Alterations to existing 
buildings shall comply with Subsections A and B below as applicable. When HERS field 
verification and diagnostic testing are required by Section 180.2(b)5, buildings with three 
habitable stories or less shall use the applicable procedures in the Residential 
Appendices, and buildings with four or more habitable stories shall use the a pplicable 
procedures in Nonresidential Appendices NA1 and NA2.  Page 694                                             2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 180. 23 – ALTERATIONS REPAIRS  Exception  to Section 180.2(b)5 : A dwelling unit air leakage test is not required for 
alterations.  
A. A. Entirely new  or complete replacement ventilation systems . Entirely new or 
complete replacement ventilation systems shall comply with all applicable 
requirements in Section 160.2(b)2. An entirely new or complete replacement 
ventilation system includes a new ventilation fan component and an entirely new 
duct syste m. An entirely new or complete replacement duct system is constructed of 
at least 75 percent new duct material, and up to 25 percent may consist of reused 
parts from the dwelling unit's existing d uct system, including but not limited to 
registers, grilles, boots, air filtration devices and duct material, if the reused parts are 
accessible and can be sealed to prevent leakage.  
Exception:  to Section 180.2(b)5A: The new or replacement ventilation type shall be 
supply, balanced , or the existing ventilation type being replaced.  
B. Altered ventilation systems . Altered ventilation system components or newly 
installed ventilation equipment serving the alteration shall comply with Section  
160.2(b)2 as applicable subject to the requirements specified in Subsections  i and ii 
below.   
i. Whole -dwelling unit mechanical ventilation .  
a. Whole -dwelling unit ventilation strategy . The altered  ventilation system shall 
be supply, balanced, or the existing  ventilation type  being altered.  
ab. Whole -dwelling unit airflow . If the whole -dwelling ventilation fan is altered 
or replaced, then one of the following Subsections  1 or 2 shall be used for 
compliance as applicable.   
1.  Dwellings that were required by a previous building permit to comply 
with the whole -dwelling unit airflow requirements in Section 160.2(b)2, 
120.1(b ) or 150.0(o) shall meet or exceed the whole -dwelling unit 
mechanical ventilation airflow specified in Section  160.2(b)2Aiv or 
160.2(b)2Av as confirmed through HERS field verification and diagnostic 
testing in accordance with the applicable procedures specified in 
Reference Appendix RA3.7 or NA2.2.   
2. Dwellings that were not required by a previous building permit to have a 
whole -dwelling unit ventilation system to comply with Section 160.2(b)2, 
120.1(b ) or 150.0(o) shall not be required to comply with the whole -
dwelling unit ventilation airflow specified in Section  160.2(b)2Aiv or 
160.2(b)2Av.   
bc. Replacement ventilation fans . Whole -dwelling unit replacement ventilation 
fans shall be rated for airflow and sound in accordance with the requirements 
of ASHRAE 62.2 Sections 7.1 and 7.2. Additionally, when conformance to a 
specified whole -dwelling unit airflow rate is required for c ompliance, the 
replacement fans shall be rated at no less than the airflow rate required for 
compliance.   2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 695 
SECTION 180. 2 – ALTERATIONS  cd. Air filters . If the air filtration device for a whole -dwelling unit ventilation 
system is altered or replaced, then one of the following Subsections  1 or 2 
shall be used for compliance.   
1. Dwellings that were required by a previous building permit to comply 
with the ventilation system air filtration requirements in Section 
160.2(b)1, 120.1(b)1 or 150.0(m)12 shall comply with the air filtration 
requirements in Section 160.2(b)1.   
2. Dwellings that were not required by a previous building permit to comply 
with the ventilation system air filtration requirements in Section 
160.2(b)1, 120.1(b)1 or 150.0(m)12 shall not be required to comply with 
the air filtration requirements specified in  Section 160.2(b)1.   
ii. Local mechanical exhaust . 
a. Bathroom local mechanical exhaust . Altered bathroom local mechanical 
exhaust systems shall comply with the applicable requirements specified in 
Section 160.0(b)2Avi.  
b. Kitchen local mechanical exhaust . If the kitchen local ventilation fan is 
altered or replaced, then one of the following Subsections  1, 2 or 3 shall be 
used for compliance.   
1. Dwellings that were required by a previous building permit to comply 
with the kitchen local exhaust requirements in Section 160.0(b)2Avi, 
120.1(b)2vi or 150.0(o)1G shall meet or exceed the applicable airflow or 
capture efficiency requirements in Section 160.0(b)2Avi.  
2. Dwellings that were required by a previous building permit to install a 
vented kitchen range hood or other kitchen exhaust fan shall install a 
replacement fan that meets or exceeds the airflow required by the 
previous building permit, or 100 cfm, whichever  is greater.   
3. Dwellings that were not required to have a kitchen local ventilation 
exhaust system according to the conditions in either Subsection  1 or 2 
above shall not be required to comply with the requirements of Section 
160.0(b)2Avi.   
c. Replacement ventilation fans . New or replacement local mechanical exhaust 
fans shall be rated for airflow and sound in accordance with the requirements 
of ASHRAE 62.2 Section 7.1 and Title 24, Part 6 , Section 160.0(b)2Avif. 
Additionally, when compliance with a specified exhaust airflow rate is 
required, the replacement fan shall be rated at no less than the airflow rate 
required for compliance.   
(c) Performance approach. The altered component(s) and any newly installed equipment 
serving the alteration shall meet the applicable requirements of  Subsections 1, 2 and 3 
below.  The energy budget for alterations is expressed in terms of Long -Term System Cost 
(LSC) energy.  Page 696                                             2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
SECTION 180. 23 – ALTERATIONS REPAIRS  1. The altered components shall meet the applicable requirements of Sections 110.0 
through 110.9, 160.0, 160.1, 160.2(c) and (d), 160.3(a) through 160.3(b)5J, 160.3(b)6, 
160.3(c), and 160.5. Entirely new or complete replacement mechanical ventilation 
syste ms as these terms are used in Section 180.2(b)5A shall comply with the 
requirements in Section 180.2(b)5A. Altered mechanical ventilation systems shall comply 
with the requirements of Sections 180.2(b)5B. Entirely new or complete replacement 
space -conditio ning systems, and entirely new or complete replacement duct systems, as 
these terms are used in Sections 180.2(b)2Ai and 180.2(b)2Aiia, shall comply with the 
requirements of Sections 160.2(a)1 and  160.3(b)5L.  
2. The standard design for an altered component shall be the higher efficiency of existing 
conditions or the requirements of Section 180.2(b). For components not being altered, 
the standard design shall be based on the unaltered existing conditions such th at the 
standard and proposed designs for these components are identical. When the third -
party verification option is specified, all components proposed for alteration for which 
the additional credit is taken shall be verified by a qualified third party. The Executive 
Director shall determine the qualifications required by the third party inspector.  
3. The proposed design shall be based on the actual values of the altered components.  
NOTES TO SECTION 180.2(c):  
1. If an existing component must be replaced with a new component, that component is 
considered an altered component for the purpose of determining the standard design 
altered component energy budget and must meet the requirements of Section 
180.2(c)2.  
2. The standard design shall assume the same geometry and orientation as the proposed 
design.  
3. The “existing efficiency level” modeling rules, including situations where nameplate 
data is not available, are described in the applicable Residential or Nonresidential ACM 
Approval Manual.  
EXCEPTION 1 to Section 180.2(c):  Any dual -glazed greenhouse or garden window installed 
as part of an alteration complies with the U -factor requirements in Section 170.2.  
EXCEPTION 2 to Section 180.2(c) : Where the space in the attic or rafter area is not large 
enough to accommodate the required R -value, the entire space shall be filled with insulation 
provided such installation does not violate Section 1203.2 of Title 24, Part 2.  
Note:  Authority: Sections 25213, 25218, 25218.5, 25402 and 25402.1, Public Resources Code. 
Reference: Sections 25007, 25008, 25218.5, 25310, 25402, 25402.1, 25402.4, 25402.5, 25402.8, 
and 25943, Public Resources Code.  
 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 697 
SECTION 180. 3 – REPAIRS  SECTION 180.3 – REPAIRS  
Repairs shall not increase the preexisting energy consumption of the repaired component, 
system or equipment.   
NOTE:  Authority: Sections 25213, 25218, 25218.5, 25402 and 25402.1, Public Resources Code. 
Reference: Sections 25007, 25008, 25218.5, 25310, 25402, 25402.1, 25402.4, 25402.5, 25402.8 
and 25943, Public Resources Code.   Page 698 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
Section 180.4 – Repairs  SECTION 180.4 – WHOLE BUILDING  
Any addition or alteration may comply with the requirements of Title 24, Part 6 by meeting the 
requirements for the entire building.   
NOTE:  Authority: Sections 25213, 25218, 25218.5, 25402 and 25402.1, Public Resources Code. 
Reference: Sections 25007, 25008, 25218.5, 25310, 25402, 25402.1, 25402.4, 25402.5, 25402.8, 
and 25943, Public Resources Code.  Page 700 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
APPENDIX 1 -A  
STANDARDS AND DOCUMENTS REFERENCED IN THE ENERGY CODE  APPENDIX 1 -A  
STANDARDS AND DOCUMENTS REFERENCE D IN THE ENERGY CODE  
The following documents are incorporated by reference to the extent they are referenced in the 
Energy Code.  
AIR-CONDITIONING, HEATING AND REFRIGERATION INSTITUTE  
AHRI Standard 210/240  - 2017 2023 (2020)  Performance Rating of Unitary Air -Conditioning and 
Air-Source Heat Pump Equipment (2008 2017 W/Addendum 
1) 
AHRI 310/380  - 2017  Packaged Terminal Air -Conditioners and Heat Pumps (2017)  
AHRI Standard  340/360 - (I-P)-2019 2022  (I-P)  
Performance Rating of Commercial and Industrial Unitary 
Air-Conditioning and Heat Pump Equipment (2019)  
ANSI/AHRI 365 (I -P) - 2009  Performance Rating of Commercial and Industrial Unitary 
Air-Conditioning Condensing Units (2009)  
ANSI/AHRI 390 -2003 2021  (I-P) Performance Rating of Single Package Vertical Air 
Conditioners and Heat Pumps (2003)  
ANSI/AHRI 400 (I -P) - 2015  Performance Rating of Liquid to Liquid Heat Exchangers 
(2015)  
AHRI Standard  420-2023  (I-P) 2023 Standard for Performance Rating of Forced Circulation 
Free -Delivery Unit Coolers  (2023)  
AHRI Standard 430-2020  (I-P)-2020  Performance Rating of Central Station Air -handling Unit 
Supply Fans (2020)  
AHRI 440 (I -P)-2019  Performance Rating of Fan -coil Units (2019)  
ANSI/AHRI 460 -2005  Performance Rating of Remote Mechanical -Draft Air -Cooled 
Refrigerant Condensers (2005)  
ANSI/ AHRI Standard 550/590 -2023 (I-P)-2020  Performance Rating of Water -chilling and 
Heat Pump Water -heating Packages Using the Vapor 
Compression Cycle (2020)  
AHRI Standard 560-2023 (I -P)2000  Performance Rating of Water -cooled Lithium Bromide 
Absorption Water -chilling and Water -heating Packages 
Absorption Water Chilling and Water Heating Packages 
(2000)  
AHRI Standard 680 (I -P) - 2017  Performance Rating of Residential Air Filter Equipment 
(2017)  
AHRI Standard 920 (I -P)  
with Addendum 1  - 2020  Performance Rating of Direct Expansion -Dedicated Outdoor 
Air System Units (2020)  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 701 
APPENDIX 1 -A  
STANDARDS AND DOCUMENTS REFERENCED IN THE ENERGY CODE  AHRI Standard 1060 -2023  (I-P)-2018  Performance Rating of Air -to-Air Exchangers for Energy 
Recovery Ventilation Equipment (2018)  
AHRI Standard 1230  (I-P) - 2021 2014   Performance Rating of Variable Refrigerant Flow 
(VRF) Multi -Split Air -Conditioning and Heat Pump Equipment 
(w/Addendum 1)  
AHRI Standard 1240 -2017 (R2023) (I -P) 2017 (R2023) Standard for Performance Rating of 
Active Chilled Beams (R2023)  
AHRI Standard  1360 -2022  (I-P)-2017   Performance Rating of Computer and Data 
Processing Room Air Conditioners (2017)  
 
Available from:  Air-Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute  
2311 Wilson Blvd, Suite 400  
Arlington, VA 22203  
(703) 524 -8800  
ASSOCIATION OF HOME APPLIANCE MANUFACTURERS  
AHAM HRH -2-2020  Residential Kitchen Range Hood Performance Test 
Procedures (2020)  
AHAM RKRH -CPPG -2020 2022  Residential Kitchen Range Hood Certification Program 
Procedural Guide (2020)  Version 3.0  
 
Available from:  Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers  
  1111 19th Street, NW, Suite 402  
  Washington, DC 20036  
 (202) 872 -5955  
  www.aham.org  
 
AIR-CONDITIONING CONTRACTORS OF AMERICA  
ANSI/ACCA 2 Manual J -2016 2016   Manual J - Residential Load Calculation, Eighth Edition (2016 ) 
ANSI/ACCA 2 Manual S 2023  Manual S - Residential Equipment Selection, Third  Edition  
 
Available from:  Air-Conditioning Contractors of America, Inc.  
2800 Shirlington Road, Suite 300  
Arlington, VA 22206  
(703) 575 -4477  
www.acca.org  
AMERICAN ARCHITECTURAL MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION   
CANADIAN STANDARDS ASSOCIATION  
WINDOW AND DOOR MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION  Page 702 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
APPENDIX 1 -A  
STANDARDS AND DOCUMENTS REFERENCED IN THE ENERGY CODE  AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.2/A440 -1722  
North American Fenestration Standard/Specification for 
Windows, Doors, and Skylights (2017)  
 
Available from:  
 AAMA  
1827 Walden Office Square, Suite 550  
Schaumburg, IL 60173 -4268  
(847) 303-5664  
www.aamanet.org  
 CSA 
5060 Spectrum Way, Suite 100  
Mississauga, ON, Canada L4W 5N6  
(800) 463 -6727  
www.csagroup.org  
 WDMA  
2025 M Street, NW, Suite 800  
Washington, DC 20036 -3309  
(202) 367 -1157  
www.wdma.com  
AMERICAN CONFERENCE OF GOVERNMENTAL INDUSTRIAL HYGENISTS  
2021 2023 TLVs and BEIs Threshold Limit Values for Chemical Substances and Physical 
Agents and Biological Exposure Indices  
 
Available from:  
 ACGIH  
1330 Kemper Meadow Drive  
Cincinnati, Ohio 45240  
(513) 742 -2020  
www.acgih.org  
AMERICAN NATIONAL STANDARDS INSTITUTE  
ANSI/AMCA 208 -18 Calculation of the Fan Energy Index (2018)  
ANSI/AMCA 210 -16 Laboratory Methods of Testing Fans for Certified 
Aerodynamic Performance Rating (2016)  
ANSI/AMCA 220 -21 Laboratory Methods of Testing Air Curtain Units for 
Aerodynamic Performance Rating (2021)  
ANSI/AMCA Standard 500-D-18 Laboratory Methods Of Testing Dampers For Rating (2018)  
ANSI/ASABE S640 JUL2017 JUL2017 (R2022 ) Quantities and Units of Electromagnetic Radiation 
for Plants (Photosynthetic Organisms)  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 703 
APPENDIX 1 -A  
STANDARDS AND DOCUMENTS REFERENCED IN THE ENERGY CODE  ANSI/ASSP Z9.5 -20212  Laboratory Ventilation (201 22) 
ANSI/CTA -2045 -B-2021  Modular Communications Interface for Energy Management 
(2018)  
ANSI C82.6 -2015 (R2020)  American National Standard for Lamp Ballasts - Ballasts for 
High -Intensity Discharge Lamps -Methods of Measurement 
(2020)  
ANSI/NEMA WD 6 -2016 2021  American National Standard for Wiring Devices - Dimensional 
Specifications (2016)  
ANSI Z21.40.4a -1998  (R2017 R2022 )/CGA 2.94a -M98 ( R2017 R2022 )  
  
 Performance Testing and Rating of Gas -Fired, Air -
Conditioning and Heat Pump Appliances (2017)  
ANSI Z21.47 -2021/CSA 2.3:21  
 Gas-Fired Central Furnaces (2021)  
ANSI Z83.8 -2016/CSA 2.6 -2016 (R2021)  
 Gas Unit Heaters, Gas Packaged Heaters, Gas Utility Heaters 
and Gas -Fired Duct Furnaces  (2016)  
 
Available from:   
 American National Standards Institute  
25 West 43rd Street, 4th floor  
New York, NY 10036  
(212) 642 -4900  
 
ANSI/APSP/ICC  5-2011  American National Standard For Residential Inground 
Swimming Pools (2011 w/Addendum A)  
Available from:  Association of Pool & Spa Professionals  
2111 Eisenhower Ave.  
Alexandria, VA 22314  
(703) 838 -0083 
 
AMERICAN SOCIETY OF HEATING, REFRIGERATING AND AIR -CONDITIONING ENGINEERS 
(NATIONAL PUBLICATIONS)  
ASHRAE GUIDELINE 36 -2021   High -Performance Sequences of Operation for HVAC 
Systems  
ANSI/ASHRAE STANDARD 52.2 -2017   Method of Testing General Ventilation Air -Cleaning 
Devices for Removal Efficiency by Particle Size (2017)  Page 704 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
APPENDIX 1 -A  
STANDARDS AND DOCUMENTS REFERENCED IN THE ENERGY CODE  ANSI/ASHRAE STANDARD 55 -2020 2023   Thermal Environment Conditions for Human 
Occupancy (2020)  
ANSI/ASHRAE STANDARD 62.1 -2019 2022  Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality (2019)  
ANSI/ASHRAE STANDARD 62.2 -202219 Ventilation and Acceptable Indoor Air Quality in 
Residential Buildings (202219) 
ANSI/ASHRAE STANDARD 84 -2020   Method of Testing Air -to-Air Heat/Energy Exchangers 
(2020)  
ANSI/ASHRAE/IES STANDARDS 90.1 -2019 2022    Energy Standards for Buildings Except Low -
Rise Residential Buildings (2019)  
ANSI/ASHRAE STANDARD 154 -2016 2022  Ventilation For Commercial Cooking Operations 
(2016)  
ANSI/ASHRAE 193 -2010 (RA  2014)  Method of Test for Determining the Airtightness of HVAC 
Equipment (RA2014)  
ASHRAE Handbooks  
2023 ASHRAE Handbook - HVAC Applications (I -P) (2019 2023 ) 
2020 ASHRAE Handbook - HVAC Systems and Equipment (I -P) (2020)  
2021 ASHRAE Handbook - Fundamentals (I -P) (2017 2021 ) 
 
Available from:  American Society of Heating,  
Refrigerating and Air -Conditioning Engineers  
(ASHRAE)  
1791 Tullie Circle N.E.  
Atlanta, GA 30329  
www.ashrae.org  
AMERICAN SOCIETY OF HEATING, REFRIGERATING AND AIR -CONDITIONING ENGINEERS 
(REGIONAL PUBLICATION)  
ASHRAE Climatic Data for Region × Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, Publication SPCDX, 1982, 
ISBN #20002196 and Supplement, 1994, ISBN #20002596  
 
Available from:  Order Desk  
Building News  
10801 National Boulevard  
Los Angeles, CA 90064  
(800) 873 -6397 or (310) 474 -7771  
www.bnibooks.com/  
 
AMERICAN SOCIETY OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERS  
ASME A17.1 -2019/CSA B44: 1922 Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators (2019)  
ASME A112.18.1 -2018/CSA B125.1 -18 Plumbing Supply Fittings  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 705 
APPENDIX 1 -A  
STANDARDS AND DOCUMENTS REFERENCED IN THE ENERGY CODE   
Available from:  ASME  
Two Park Avenue  
New York, NY 10016 -5990  
(800) 843-2763  
http://www.asme.org/  
AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR TESTING AND MATERIALS  / ASTM INTERNATIONAL  
ASTM C55 -1722 Standard Specification for Concrete Building Brick (2017)  
ASTM C177 -19el Standard Test Method for Steady -State Heat Flux 
Measurements and Thermal Transmission Properties by 
Means of the Guarded - Hot- Plate Apparatus (2019)  
ASTM C272/C272M -18 Standard Test Method for Water Absorption of Core 
Materials for Structural Sandwich Constructions (2018)  
ASTM C335/C335M -1723 Standard Test Method for Steady -State Heat Transfer 
Properties of Horizontal Pipe Insulation (2017)  
ASTM C518 -1721 Standard Test Method for Steady -State Thermal 
Transmission Properties by Means of the Heat Flow Meter 
Apparatus (2017)  
ASTM C731 -15(2022)  Standard Test Method for Extrudability, After Package Aging, 
of Latex Sealants (2015)  
ASTM C732 -1722 Standard Test Method for Aging Effects of Artificial 
Weathering on Latex Sealants (2017)  
ASTM C836/C836M -18(2022)  Standard Specification for High Solids Content, Cold Liquid -
Applied Elastomeric Waterproofing Membrane for Use with 
Separate Wearing Course (2018)  
ASTM C1167 -11(2017) 22 Standard Specification for Clay Roof Tiles (2017)  
ASTM C1371 -15 Standard Test Method for Determination of Emittance of 
Materials Near Room Temperature Using Portable 
Emissometers (2015)  
ASTM C1492 -03(2016) 22 Standard Specification for Concrete Roof Tile (2016)  
ASTM C1549 -16(2022)  Standard Test Method for Determination of Solar 
Reflectance Near Ambient Temperature Using a Portable 
Solar Reflectometer (2016)  
ASTM C1583/C1583M -20 Standard Test Method for Tensile Strength of Concrete 
Surfaces and the Bond Strength or Tensile Strength of 
Concrete Repair and Overlay Materials by Direct Tension 
(Pull -off Method) (2020)  
ASTM D448 -12(2017 2022 ) Standard Classification for Sizes of Aggregate for Road and 
Bridge Construction (2017)  Page 706 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
APPENDIX 1 -A  
STANDARDS AND DOCUMENTS REFERENCED IN THE ENERGY CODE  ASTM D522/D522M -17(2021 ) Standard Test Methods for Mandrel Bend Test of Attached 
Organic Coatings (2017)  
ASTM D822/D822M -13(2018)  Standard Practice for Filtered Open -Flame Carbon -Arc 
Exposures of Paint and Related Coatings (2018)  
ASTM D1003 -21 Standard Test Method for Haze and Luminous Transmittance 
of Transparent Plastics (2021)  
ASTM D1653 -2113(2021)  Standard Test Methods for Water Vapor Transmission of 
Organic Coating Films (2021)  
ASTM D1863/D1863M -05(2018)  Standard Specification for Mineral Aggregate Used on Built -
Up Roofs (2018)  
ASTM D2202 -00(2019 2023 ) Standard Test Method for Slump of Sealants (2019)  
ASTM D2370 -16(2021)  Standard Test Method for Tensile Properties of Organic 
Coatings (2016)  
ASTM D2824/D2824M -18 Standard Specification for Aluminum -Pigmented Asphalt 
Roof Coatings, Nonfibered, and Fibered without Asbestos 
(2018)  
ASTM D3468/D3468M -99(2020)  
 Standard Specification for Liquid -Applied Neoprene and 
Chlorosulfonated Polyethylene Used in Roofing and 
Waterproofing (2020)  
ASTM D3805/D3805M -16(2023)  Standard Guide for Application of Aluminum -Pigmented 
Asphalt Roof Coatings (2016)  
ASTM D4798/D4798M -11(2021)  Standard Practice for Accelerated Weathering Test 
Conditions and Procedures for Bituminous Materials (Xenon -
Arc Method) (2021)  
 
ASTM D5870 -1622 Standard Practice for Calculating Property Retention Index of 
Plastics (2016)  
ASTM D6083/D6083M -21 Standard Specification for Liquid - Applied Acrylic Coating 
Used in Roofing (2021)  
ASTM D6694/D6694M -15(2023)  Standard Specification for Liquid - Applied Silicone Coating 
Used in Spray Polyurethane Foam Roofing Systems (2015)  
ASTM E96/E96M -1622ae1  Standard Test Methods for Water Vapor Transmission of 
Materials (2016)  
ASTM E283/E283M -19 Standard Test Method for Determining Rate of Air Leakage 
Through Exterior Windows, Skylights, Curtain Walls, and 
Doors Under Specified Pressure Differences Across the 
Specimen (2019)  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 707 
APPENDIX 1 -A  
STANDARDS AND DOCUMENTS REFERENCED IN THE ENERGY CODE  ASTM E408 -13(2019)  Standard Test Methods for Total Normal Emittance of 
Surfaces Using Inspection -Meter  
 Techniques (2019)  
ASTM E779 -19 Standard Test Method for Determining Air Leakage Rate by 
Fan Pressurization (2019)  
ASTM E903 -20 Standard Test Method for Solar Absorptance, Reflectance, 
and Transmittance of Materials Using Integrating 
Spheres (2020)  
ASTM E972 -96(2021)  Standard Test Method for Solar Photometric Transmittance 
of Sheet Materials Using Sunlight (2021)  
ASTM E1175 -87(2015 2022 )  Standard Test Method for Determining Solar or Photopic 
Reflectance, Transmittance, and Absorptance of Materials 
Using a Large Diameter Integrating Sphere (2015)  
ASTM E1677 -1923 Standard Specification for Air Barrier (AB) Material or 
Assemblies for Low -Rise Framed Building Walls (2019)  
ASTM E1680 -16(2022)  Standard Test Method for Rate of Air Leakage through 
Exterior Metal Roof Panel Systems (2016)  
ASTM E1918 -1621 Standard Test Method for Measuring Solar Reflectance of 
Horizontal and Low -Sloped Surfaces in the Field (2016)  
ASTM E1980 -11(2019)  Standard Practice for Calculating Solar Reflectance Index of 
Horizontal and Low -Sloped Opaque Surfaces (2019)  
ASTM E2178 -21a Standard Test Method for Determining Air Leakage Rate and 
Calculation of Air Permeance of Building Materials (2021)  
ASTM E2357 -1823a Standard Test Method for Determining Air Leakage Rate of 
Air Barrier Assemblies (2018)  
ASTM E3087 -18 Standard Test Method for Measuring Capture Efficiency of 
Domestic Range Hoods (2018)  
 
Available from:  ASTM International  
100 Barr Harbor Drive West  
Conshohocken, PA 19428 -2959  
(800) 262 -1373 or (610) 832 -9500  
 
CALIFORNIA HISTORICAL BUILDING CODE  
2025  California Building Code   
2025  California Electrical Code   
2025  California Fire Code  
2025  California Mechanical Code   Page 708 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
APPENDIX 1 -A  
STANDARDS AND DOCUMENTS REFERENCED IN THE ENERGY CODE  2025  California Plumbing Code   
 
Available from:  California Building Standards Commission  
2525 Natomas Park Drive, Suite 130  
Sacramento, CA 95833 -2936  
(916) 263 -0916  
www.bsc.ca.gov  
CALIFORNIA ENERGY COMMISSION  
Appliance Efficiency Regulations  
Alternative Calculation Method (ACM) Manual  
 
Available from:  California Energy Commission  
1516 715 Ninth P Street  
Sacramento, CA 95814  
(916) 654 -5106 or  
(800) 772 -3300 (in California)  
www.energy.ca.gov/title24  
CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS  
Standards for Insulating Material  
Available from:  California Department of Consumer Affairs  
Bureau of Household Goods and Services  
4244 South Market Court, Suite D  
Sacramento, California 95834 -1243  
(916) 999 -2041  
CERTIFYING ORGANIZATION  
CIE 13.3 -1995   Method of Measuring and Specifying Color Rendering 
Properties of Light Sources (1995)  
CIE 015 -2018  Technical Report: Colorimetry  (2018)  
 
COOLING TECHNOLOGY INSTITUTE  
CTI ATC-105(19)  Acceptance Test Code for Cooling Towers (2019)  
CTI ATC -105DS (18)  Acceptance Test Code for Dry Fluid Coolers (2018)  
CTI ATC -105S (11)   Acceptance Test Code for Closed -Circuit Cooling Towers 
(2011)  
CTI ATC -106 (11)  Acceptance Test Code for Mechanical Draft Evaporative 
Vapor Condensers (2011)  
CTI STD -201-RS (17)  Standard for the Certification of Water Cooling Tower 
Thermal Performance (2017)  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 709 
APPENDIX 1 -A  
STANDARDS AND DOCUMENTS REFERENCED IN THE ENERGY CODE   
Available from:  Cooling Technology Institute  
2611 FM 1960 West, Suite A101  
Houston, Texas 77068 -3730  
PO Box 73383  
Houston, TX 77273 -3383  
(281) 583 -4087  
COOL ROOF RATING COUNCIL  
CRRC -1 (2023)     Product Rating Program Manual (2021)  
 
Available from:  Cool Roof Rating Council  
2435 N. Lombard Street  
Portland, OR 97217  
(866) 465 -2523 (503) 606 -8448  
www.coolroofs.org  
HOME VENTILATING INSTITUE  
HVI Publication 915 -2020   HVI Loudness Testing and Rating Procedure (2020)  
HVI Publication 916 -2020   HVI Airflow Test Procedure (2020)  
HVI Publication 920 -2020   HVI Product Performance Certification Procedure Including 
Verification And Challenge (2020)  
Available from:  Home Ventilating Institute  
1740 Dell Range Blvd., Suite H, PMB 450  
Cheyenne, WY 82009  
(855) 484 -8368  
www.hvi.org  
 
ILLUMINATING ENGINEERING SOCIETY  
The IES Lighting LibraryTM LibraryTM  
ANSI/IES LM -51-20 Approved Method: Electrical and Photometric Measurement 
of High Intensity Discharge Lamps (2020)  
ANSI/IES LM -66-20 (R2023)  Approved Method: Electrical and Photometric 
Measurements of Single -Based Fluorescent Lamps  (2020)  
ANSI/IES LM -79-19 Approved Method: Optical and Electrical Measurements of 
Solid - State Lighting Products (2019)  
ANSI/IES LS -1-20 Lighting Science: Nomenclature and Definitions for 
Illuminating Engineering (2020)  
ANSI/IES TM -15-20 Technical Memorandum: Luminaire Classification System for 
Outdoor Luminaires (2020)  
 Page 710 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
APPENDIX 1 -A  
STANDARDS AND DOCUMENTS REFERENCED IN THE ENERGY CODE  Available from:  Illuminating Engineering Society  
120 Wall Street, 17th Floor  
New York, NY 10005 -4026  
(212) 248 -5000  
www.ies.org  
 
INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF PLUMBING AND MECHANICAL OFFICIALS  
California Mechanical Code  
Available from:  International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical 
Officials  
4755 E. Philadelphia St.  
Ontario, CA 91761  
(800) 85 -IAPMO (854 -2766)  
www.iapmo.org  
INTERNATIONAL CODE COUNCIL  
California Building Code  
Available from:  International Code Council  
Western Regional Office  
3060 Saturn St.  
Brea, CA 92821  
(888) 422 -7233  
www.iccsafe.org  
INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATION FOR STANDARDIZATION  
ISO 5801:2017  Fans - Performance testing using standardized airways ( 2017)  
ISO 13256 -1:1998 (RA 2012)  Water -Source Heat Pumps -Testing and Rating for 
Performance -Part 1: Water -to-Air and Brine -to-Air Heat 
Pumps (2012)  
ISO 13256 -2:1998 (RA2012)  Water -Source Heat pumps -Testing and rating for 
Performance -Part 2: Water -to-Water and Brine -to-Water 
Heat Pumps (2012)  
ISO/IEC 17025:2017  General Criteria for the Competence of Testing and 
Calibration Laboratories (2017)  
 
Available from:  ISO 
Chemin de Blandonnet 8  
CP 401  
1214 Vernier  
Geneva, Switzerland  
INTERNATIONAL WINDOW FILM ASSOCIATION  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 711 
APPENDIX 1 -A  
STANDARDS AND DOCUMENTS REFERENCED IN THE ENERGY CODE  Architectural Visual Inspection Standard Window Film (reindorsed 2018)  
Available from:  International Window Film Association  
P.O. Box 3871 1103 A Brookdale St.  
Martinsville, VA 24115 -3871 24112  
276-666-4932  
NATIONAL ELECTRICAL MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION  
NEMA LSD 57 -2018 2023  Polyurethane Foam Application: Lighting Equipment (2018)  
NEMA SSL 7A -2015  (R2021)  Phase Cut Dimming for Solid State Lighting: Basic 
Compatibility  (2015)  
 
Available from:  1300 North 17th Street, Suite 1752  
Rosslyn, VA 22209  
708-841-3200  
www.nema.org  
NATIONAL FENESTRATION RATING COUNCIL  
ANSI/NFRC 100 -2020 2023  Procedure for Determining Fenestration Product U -factors 
(2020)  
ANSI/NFRC 200 -2020 2023  Procedure for Determining Fenestration Product Solar Heat 
Gain Coefficients and Visible Transmittance at Normal 
Incidence (2020)  
ANSI/NFRC 202 -2020 2023  Procedure for Determining Translucent Fenestration Product 
Visible Transmittance at Normal Incidence (2020)  
ANSI/NFRC 203 -2020  (R2023)  Procedure for Determining Visible Transmittance of Tubular 
Daylighting Devices (2020)  
 
ANSI/NFRC 400 -2020 2023  Procedure for Determining Fenestration Product Air Leakage 
(2020)  
 
Available from:  National Fenestration Rating Council  
6035 Ivy Lane, Suite 140  
Greenbelt, MD 20770  
(301) 589 -1776  
www.NFRC.org  
Email: info@nfrc.org  
NSF INTERNATIONAL (FORMERLY NATIONAL SANITATION FOUNDATION)  
NSF/ANSI/CAN 50 -2020 2023 e Equipment and Chemicals for Swimming Pools, Spas, Hot 
Tubs, and Other Recreational Water Facilities (22020)  Page 712 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
APPENDIX 1 -A  
STANDARDS AND DOCUMENTS REFERENCED IN THE ENERGY CODE  Available from:  NSF International  
PO Box 130140  
Ann Arbor, MI 48113  
(735) 769 -8010  
RESIDENTIAL ENERGY SERVICES NETWORK  
ANSI/RESNET/ICC 380 -2019   
Standard for Testing Airtightness of Building Enclosures, 
Dwelling Unit, and Sleeping Unit Enclosures, Airtightness of 
Heating and Cooling Air Distribution Systems; and Airflow of 
Mechanical Ventilation Systems (2019)  
 
Available from:  Residential Energy Services Network, Inc. (RESNET)  
P.O. Box 4561  
Oceanside, CA 92052 -4561  
https://www.resnet.us/  
SAE INTERNATIONAL  
SAE J1772_201710  SAE Electric Vehicle and Plug in Hybrid Electric Vehicle 
Conductive Charge Coupler (2017)  
SHEET METAL AND AIR -CONDITIONING CONTRACTORS’ NATIONAL ASSOCIATION  
Residential Comfort System Installation Standards Manual, Eighth Edition (2016)  
ANSI/SMACNA 006 -2006   HVAC Duct Construction Standards - Metal and Flexible , 
3rd Edition  (2006)  
 
Available from:  Sheet Metal and Air -Conditioning Contractors’ National 
Association (SMACNA)  
4201 Lafayette Center Drive  
Chantilly, VA 20151 -1209  
(703) 803 -2980  
www.smacna.org  
UNDERWRITERS LABORATORIES  / UL  
UL 181-2013 (R2021)  Standard for Safety for Factory -made Air Ducts and 
Connectors (2017)  
UL 181A -2013 (R2021)  Standard for Safety for Closure Systems for Use with Rigid Air 
Ducts (2017)  
UL 181B -2013 (R2021)  Standard for Safety for Closure Systems for Use with Flexible 
Air Ducts and Air Connectors (2017)  
UL 723 -2018 (R2023)  Standard for Safety for Test for Surface Burning 
Characteristics of Building Materials (2018)  2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  Page 713 
APPENDIX 1 -A  
STANDARDS AND DOCUMENTS REFERENCED IN THE ENERGY CODE  UL 727 -2018  Standard for Safety for Oil-Fired Central Furnaces (2018)  
UL 731 -2018 (R2021)  Standard for Safety for Oil-Fired Unit Heaters (2018)  
UL 1077 -2015 (R2021)  Standard for Safety for Supplementary Protectors for Use in 
Electrical Equipment (2016)  
UL 1574 -2004 (R2023)  Standard for Safety for Track Lighting Systems (2020)  
UL 1598 -2021  Standard for Safety for Luminaires (2021)  
UL 1741 -2021  Standard for Safety for Inverters, Converters, Controllers and 
Interconnection System Equipment for Safety for Use With 
Distributed Energy Resources (2021)  
UL 1973 -2022  Standard for Safety for Batteries for Use in Stationary, 
Vehicle Auxiliary Power and Light Electric Rail (LER) 
Applications (2018)  
UL 2108 -2015 (R2023)  Standard for Safety for Low Voltage Lighting Systems (2019)  
UL 8750 -2015 (R2022)  Standard for Safety for Light Emitting Diode (LED) Equipment 
for Use in Lighting Products (2021)  
UL 9540 -2023  Standard for Safety for Energy Storage Systems and 
Equipment (2021)  
 
Available from:  UL LLC  
333 Pfingsten Road  
Northbrook, IL 60062 -2096  
(847) 272 -8800  
  Page 714 2025  Building Energy Efficiency Standards  
APPENDIX 1 -B  
ENERGY COMMISSION DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE IN THEIR ENTIRETY  APPENDIX 1 -B  
ENERGY COMMISSION DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE  IN THEIR 
ENTIRETY  
 
The following documents published by the California Energy Commission are incorporated by 
reference in their entirety into the Energy Code:  
Referenced appendices for the Building Energy Efficiency Standards for Residential and 
Nonresidential Buildings, including the Joint Appendices (JA), the Residential Appendices (RA), 
and Nonresidential Appendices (NA)  
Alternative Calculation Method (ACM) Approval Manual  
 
Available from:  California Energy Commission/Publications  
1516 715 P Ninth  Street  
Sacramento, CA 95814  
(916) 654 -5200  
 (800) 772 -3300 (in California)  
www.energy.ca.gov/title24