California Title 24, also known as the *California Code of Regulations (CCR) Title 24*, plays a crucial role in the state’s commitment to energy efficiency and sustainability. These regulations cover a wide range of building codes, ensuring that new and existing buildings meet strict energy conservation standards. Title 24 has been a key tool for reducing energy consumption in the state, helping businesses save on energy costs while minimizing environmental impacts. In this blog post, we’ll explore what Title 24 is, its significance, and the key areas it covers.
What is California Title 24?
California Title 24 is part of the state’s building code regulations that govern energy efficiency standards for buildings. It’s designed to improve the energy performance of both residential and non-residential buildings, from single-family homes to large commercial structures. Title 24 sets out requirements for building design, construction, and systems to ensure they minimize energy use, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and improve overall energy efficiency.
The title is divided into multiple parts, each addressing different aspects of building construction and energy systems. The most significant parts to be aware of are:
Part 1: California Administrative Code
This part is a general overview of building standards and covers structural, mechanical, plumbing, and electrical systems.
Part 6: California Energy Code
This is the most well-known section and the one that deals specifically with energy efficiency standards for buildings.
Part 11: California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen)
This focuses on the sustainability aspects of construction, such as water efficiency, waste reduction, and the overall environmental impact of building materials.
Why is Title 24 Important?
California has long been a leader in the fight against climate change, and energy efficiency is one of the most effective ways to reduce carbon footprints. Title 24 plays a crucial role in achieving the state’s ambitious environmental goals by regulating energy use in buildings. By ensuring that homes and businesses are built to higher efficiency standards, Title 24 helps California reduce its overall energy demand, which is essential for both the state’s economy and the environment.
In addition to environmental benefits, Title 24 provides financial incentives for building owners. By meeting or exceeding energy efficiency standards, property owners can reduce operating costs by saving on heating, cooling, lighting, and other energy expenses. Over time, these savings can significantly outweigh the upfront costs of implementing the standards.
Key Areas Covered by Title 24
Title 24 addresses several areas related to building energy use. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most important elements:
1. Building Envelope
The building envelope includes the walls, roof, windows, and doors. Title 24 requires that buildings have insulation and air sealing that meets specific R-values (which measure thermal resistance) to reduce heat loss or gain. This helps maintain comfortable indoor temperatures and reduces the need for heating and cooling.
2. Lighting
Title 24 includes strict regulations for both indoor and outdoor lighting. For example, it mandates the use of energy-efficient lighting systems, such as LEDs. It requires that lighting controls, such as occupancy sensors or dimmers be installed to reduce energy consumption when lights are not needed.
3. HVAC Systems
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are a major energy consumer in any building. Title 24 sets performance standards for HVAC equipment, ensuring that it operates efficiently and doesn’t waste energy. It also promotes the use of smart thermostats and zoning systems to optimize comfort while minimizing energy use.
4. Water Heating
Efficient water heating is another key component of Title 24. The regulations mandate the use of high-efficiency water heaters, such as tankless or condensing water heaters, and require specific insulation for water pipes to prevent heat loss. These measures help to reduce energy use associated with hot water consumption.
5. Solar and Battery (PV / ESS)
As part of the state’s transition to renewable energy, Title 24 mandates that most new non-residential buildings and high-rise multifamily must install solar panels. With requirement for solar panels, this means that battery storage is also required unless exception applies.
6. Energy Performance Modeling
For larger projects, Title 24 allows for the use of energy performance modeling to demonstrate compliance with energy efficiency standards. This modeling helps developers optimize building systems for maximum energy savings while ensuring they meet regulatory requirements.
Updates, Effective Dates and Compliance
California updates Title 24 every three years to stay current with technological advancements, climate goals, and evolving building practices. The 2022 Energy Code had been in force since 2023and includes stricter energy efficiency requirements, particularly for new buildings. For example, there’s an increased emphasis on reducing carbon emissions by promoting all-electric systems and encouraging the integration of renewable energy sources.
Compliance with Title 24 is mandatory, and failure to adhere to the regulations can result in penalties, delays in project approval, or additional costs to meet standards retroactively. Building designers, architects, and contractors must stay up to date with Title 24 to ensure their projects comply and pass inspections.
The 2025 Energy Code is already adopted and will take effect Jan 1, 2026. If you’re submitting for permit before that date, you’ll use the 2022 rules; after that, you’ll use 2025. Always confirm with your local building department
How Global Power Supply Supports Title 24 Compliance and Beyond
Meeting California Title 24 standards often requires more than just energy-efficient design. It demands reliable, compliant power systems that support critical operations without sacrificing sustainability goals. As a trusted advisor in backup and prime power solutions, Global Power Supply helps builders, facility managers, and engineers navigate the complexities of energy regulations while ensuring uninterrupted operations.
From high-efficiency standby generators to renewable-ready microgrid solutions, our team sources, engineers, and delivers systems that meet or exceed Title 24 requirements for energy performance, emissions, and operational reliability. We also help customers plan for future resiliency, whether that’s integrating solar-ready infrastructure, ensuring code-compliant load management, or reducing greenhouse gas emissions through advanced fuel and control technologies.
With deep experience in California’s regulatory environment and an extensive in-stock inventory, Global Power Supply can respond quickly, keeping projects on schedule while helping you achieve compliance and long-term cost savings. Our role goes beyond supplying equipment; we partner with you to design solutions that align with your operational needs, budget, and sustainability goals.
Conclusion
California Title 24 is a critical part of the state’s commitment to sustainability, energy efficiency, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. By implementing energy-saving measures in building design and construction, Title 24 helps California reduce its overall energy consumption, saving money for businesses while also protecting the environment. Whether you’re a builder, architect, or homeowner, understanding and complying with Title 24 ensures that your buildings are energy-efficient, cost-effective, and aligned with California’s environmental goals.
For more information on how Global Power Supply can help your business meet Title 24 standards and achieve power resilience, please contact us today.