Title 24 was created to position California as a global leader in energy efficiency, and to reduce state power requirements and greenhouse gas emissions. Some of these regulations have occurred so swiftly, though, that many architects and designers in California are having difficulty keeping up with them.
However, Title 24 compliance is easier than you think, provided you have the right strategies in place.
Over the years we’ve developed strategies to help our clients overcome the challenge without having to throw more money at a project or giving up on good design.
While these strategies aren’t necessarily the only solutions to meeting Title 24, they’re just some of the answers that continue to work for our clients here at E3 California.
Here are four of them:
Embrace innovation
The recent update to Title 24 further refines the energy code for lighting and lighting controls. Compliance requires micro-zone automation, continuous dimming, and lighting uniformity. It’s impossible to achieve these features without an advanced lighting control system. Rather than resist these profound changes, a forward-thinking perspective allows architects and architecture firms to more fully accept the effect of Title 24 and maximize its outcomes.
Understand the interdependence of the building envelope, mechanical and lighting systems
Non-residential Title 24 energy compliance is divided between three distinct areas: Building Envelope, Lighting, and Mechanical Systems. A thorough understanding of these three systems, and how they impact on energy consumption is a must. You want to minimize overall design and construction costs across all three areas, not within each individual area treated separately.
Know how Title 24 is enforced
In theory, you cannot get a building permit for a project covered by Title 24 until a signed energy compliance report has been deemed correct by a planchecker. Again, in theory, field inspector(s) will check your Title 24 report against your construction at each inspection. Some energy saving measures require third party HERS inspection.
You could complete all the energy compliance documentation yourself; however, in nearly all cases, you would experience a huge learning curve, because the Code is quite complicated.
Rely on an energy consultant’s expertise
Title 24 compliance is a low level formality that you should be able to meet without difficulty while making the most of your design.
We offer Residential & Commercial Title 24 Energy Calculation Services to homeowners, architects, designers, and builders. After reviewing your facility’s design, we ensure that energy calculations are taken accurately and efficiently to ensure compliance to energy standards.