Title 24 Local Energy Ordinances

In the state of California, local governments have the ability to adopt energy standards that go beyond the requirements of the statewide Title 24 energy standards. This flexibility allows municipalities to enforce even stricter energy conservation measures, ensuring that their communities are at the forefront of energy efficiency.

Key Advantages of Local Energy Ordinances

Local governments can leverage the Title 24 California framework to:

1. Adopt and Enforce Advanced Energy Standards: Local jurisdictions can implement energy standards ahead of the effective date of the statewide Title 24 standards, ensuring that their buildings are more energy-efficient from the outset.
2. Require Additional Energy Conservation Measures: Municipalities can mandate extra measures that go beyond what is required at the state level, further reducing energy consumption and improving environmental sustainability.
3. Set More Stringent Energy Budgets: Local governments have the authority to impose stricter energy budgets, ensuring that buildings within their jurisdiction use less energy than the minimum required by the statewide standards.

Process for Approval of Local Energy Ordinances

To adopt these more stringent local standards, governments must apply to the California Energy Commission. The application process includes:

• Supporting Analysis: Local governments must document how their proposed standards will save more energy than the current statewide Title 24 energy standards. This analysis serves as the foundation for their request.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Local governments must also demonstrate that their standards are cost-effective. This means that the energy savings achieved will justify any additional costs incurred by implementing the stricter standards.
• Verification and Approval: Once the Energy Commission staff verifies that the local standards will not require buildings to use more energy than the current statewide standards, the application is brought before the full Energy Commission for approval. Only those local ordinances that have been approved by the Energy Commission are legally enforceable.

Why 5 Star Energy?

At 5 Star Energy, we understand the complexities of Title 24 compliance and local energy ordinances. Our team is here to help you navigate these regulations, ensuring that your projects meet both state and local standards. Whether you’re working with statewide or more stringent local standards, we provide the expertise and support needed to ensure your building is as energy-efficient as possible.