The 2008 Title 24 standards include new requirements for lighting, windows, skylights, swimming pool and spa equipment, HVAC equipment and controls, the New Solar Homes Partnership, and “cool roofs,” such as the one found here on the Solano County Government Center (Photo: California Energy Commission)

Last week, the California Energy Commission (CEC) approved dozens of changes to the state’s building energy efficiency standards for new construction, commonly known as Title 24. The updated rules are expected to cut California’s peak energy demand by 129 megawatts (MW) in just their first year in effect, according to the CEC. Among the updates for new homes, are requirements for better insulated, heat-reflecting windows and “cool roofs” that, by staying up to 40 degrees cooler than a normal roof under the hot afternoon sun, reduce air conditioner demand and can cut a homeowner’s electricity consumption by as much as 20%. A significant change for businesses is a requirement that warehouses starting at 8,000 square feet — down from 25,000 square feet under existing rules — must install skylights to take advantage of daylighting and cut electricity consumption. Noah Horowitz, a senior scientist with the Natural Resources Defense Council, estimates that by 2013 the 2008 Title 24 standards will save as much as 500 MW, equivalent to the output from a large coal or natural gas power plant.

• Read background and complete information on the 2008 Building Energy Efficiency Standards
• Read more: “SMUD Launches Residential ‘Cool Roof’ Rebates Program” (e-Newswire, 5/16/07)
• Read more: “‘Cool-Colored’ Roofs Helping Two Sacramento-Area Homeowners Save Energy and Money” (e-Newswire, 8/23/06)
• Energy- and money-saving tips