Proposal Description

Background

Solar thermal harnesses the sun’s energy to generate heat for commercial and residential applications such as space heating, air conditioning, water heating, industrial process heat, drying, distillation and desalination, and even electrical power generation. There are several types of collectors that can be used for solar thermal systems, such as unglazed, transpired, flat-plate, evacuated tubes or concentrating collectors. In the case of swimming pool heating, unglazed collectors are often used due to their efficiency and affordability.

As one of the simplest and least expensive forms of solar thermal technology, unglazed collectors do not have a glass covering or “glazing” on the collector box and often use black plastic panels of aligned water tubes mounted on a roof or other support structure to absorb sunlight. A water pump circulates pool water directly through the water tubes, transferring energy to the water. The pump returns the water to the pool at a higher temperature, between 95 °F and 100 °F. Although primarily for pool heating, collectors can also preheat large volumes of water for other commercial and industrial applications.

Proposed Code Change

The proposed code change would require solar thermal pool and spa (except portable electric spas) heating systems, HPPH with certain COP, sizing and controls criteria, or on-site renewable energy or site recovered energy in nonresidential, multifamily, and newly constructed single-family buildings with heated swimming pools and spas. The surface area of the solar collectors installed would be equal to or greater than 65 percent of the surface area of the pool for residential pools and 60 percent of the surface area of the pool for multifamily and nonresidential pools. At least 60 percent of the annual heating energy would be required to come from on-site renewable energy or site recovered energy as an option.

This proposed measure would apply to newly constructed pools and existing pools installing a new gas or electric heater. Single family residential pools with an existing pool heater can replace with the same technology. Acceptance testing would not be required for this measure.

While we are modifying the requirements for pools and spas, the Statewide CASE Team will also explore opportunities to update language as needed based on advances in technology and standard design practices, and existing federal and state regulations applicable to pool heating products. The Statewide CASE Team is also proposing a cleanup of section 150.0(p) to harmonize Title 24, Part 6, with provisions in the federal regulations on dedicated-purpose pool pumps.

The CASE Report report focuses on analysis and cost effectiveness of the solar thermal option for compliance. This report does not include analysis on the recovered energy option as it is an existing provision within Section 110.4(a)4 under the exception for prohibiting electric resistance heating.

Relevant Documents

CASE Report

The Results Report explains the revisions that occurred to the proposed code changes between the submittal of the Final CASE Report to the CEC and the CEC’s adoption of the 2025 Title 24, Part 6 Standards on September 11, 2024.  The Final CASE Reports are included in Appendix 2 of the Results Report.

• Swimming Pool & Sap Heating Results Report
• Final CASE Report – Swimming Pool & Spa Heating (UPDATE: CASE Report was revised October 2023)
• Draft CASE Report – Swimming Pool & Spa Heating

Round Two Utility-Sponsored Stakeholder Meeting Materials

• Swimming Pool & Spa Heating – Proposal Summary (May 16, 2023)
• Swimming Pool & Spa Heating – Presentation (May 18, 2023)
• May 18, 2023 Meeting Notes

Round One Utility-Sponsored Stakeholder Meeting Materials

• Stakeholder Meetings Introduction
• Swimming Pool & Spa Heating – Proposal Summary (Jan. 26, 2023)
• Swimming Pool and Spa Heating – Presentation (Feb. 1, 2023)
• February 1, 2023 Meeting Notes

Proposal Description

This proposal outlines a recommendation for the CEC to adopt specific efficiencies for different evaporator applications, types, and refrigerants. If adopted, this measure would save 0.872 MWh of electricity in the first year and reduce peak electrical demand by 85.569 kW during the same timeframe.

The Statewide CASE Team recommended the same change for the 2022 code cycle, but the CEC did not adopt the proposed requirements for the 2022 code cycle due to resource constraints. Therefore, the Statewide CASE Team is proposing again for the 2025 code cycle.

A minimum specific efficiency is proposed for all non-process cooling/freezing evaporators used in refrigerated warehouses. Evaporator specific efficiency is defined as cooling capacity of the evaporator (Btu/hour) divided by the power input (watts) required for the fan motors at rated temperature conditions at 100 percent fan speed. The efficiency parameter is specified in units of BTUh/watt. BTUh/watt is defined as and understood to be “BTU/(hour x watt)” by the refrigeration industry. The rated capacity is defined at 10°F of temperature difference between the incoming air temperature and the saturated evaporating temperature of the refrigerant, assuming a dry coil.

The following values are proposed for different evaporator applications, types, and refrigerants. All evaporator sizes for the refrigerated warehouse building cooler and freezer application would have requirements.

Evaporator Application	Liquid Feed Type	Refrigerant Type	Minimum Efficiency
Freezer	Direct Expansion	Halocarbon	40 Btuh/watt
Freezer	Direct Expansion	Ammonia	25 Btuh/watt
Freezer	Flooded/ Recirculated Liquid	Ammonia	45 Btuh/watt
Freezer	Direct Expansion	CO2	25 Btuh/watt
Freezer	Flooded/ Recirculated Liquid	CO2	45 Btuh/watt
Cooler	Direct Expansion	Halocarbon	45 Btuh/watt
Cooler	Direct Expansion	Ammonia	35 Btuh/watt
Cooler	Flooded/ Recirculated Liquid	Ammonia	50 Btuh/watt
Cooler	Direct Expansion	CO2	35 Btuh/watt
Cooler	Flooded/ Recirculated Liquid	CO2	50 Btuh/watt

 

Relevant Documents

Reports

The Results Report explains the revisions that occurred to the proposed code changes between the submittal of the Final CASE Report to the CEC and the CEC’s adoption of the 2025 Title 24, Part 6 Standards on September 11, 2024.  The Final CASE Reports are included in Appendix 2 of the Results Report.

• Refrigeration Results Report 
• Final Refrigeration Addendum to 2022 Refrigeration CASE Report
• Draft Refrigeration  Addendum to 2022 Refrigeration CASE Report

Round One Utility-Sponsored Stakeholder Meeting Materials

• Stakeholder Meetings Introduction
• Refrigeration – Proposal Summary
• Refrigeration – Presentation
• January 31, 2023 Meeting Notes

Proposal Description

Increasing efficiency for new construction is important, but the number of existing buildings dwarfs new construction; to meet statewide emissions reduction goals, the efficiency of existing buildings must be improved. The Statewide CASE Team recognizes this and aims to address existing buildings as part of the 2025 code cycle. Different exceptions have been added throughout the code over multiple code cycles for various reasons. Some of those exceptions are no longer appropriate and simply limit possible energy savings. This proposal addresses one primary exception; all other exceptions were reviewed and reserved for the next code cycle.

Aligning with requirements in ASHRAE 90.1, this proposal would impose a commissioning requirement for both additions and alterations. Whole building commissioning for new construction is already identified in the code; this measure would expand this requirement to existing buildings, but only system-wide commissioning for mechanical, plumbing and electrical systems, and envelope when more than 50% of the roof or wall assembly is altered.

Data Needs/Stakeholder Information Requests

The Statewide CASE Team would appreciate information and data from stakeholders on the following topics:

• Technical Feasibility
  1. Are there issues with adding system commissioning requirements for alterations or additions
  2. What potential non-compliance measures are common in CA?
  3. Do you have any resources, or can you provide reliable savings information to prescreen the non-compliance measures?
  4. Are there any technical difficulties in implementing current code new construction compliant technologies in existing buildings?
• Market Readiness
  1. Is system commissioning new to the market?
  2. How can we leverage the existing building commissioning process (such as retro-commissioning, re-commissioning, monitor-based commissioning, ongoing commissioning) to this proposal?
• Non-energy Benefits
  1. Do you know of any studies or data on improved health benefits of this measure (in terms of improved air quality, removed health hazards, increased productivity, enhanced thermal comfort, reduced water consumption etc)?
  2. Do you know of any resources on increased revenue (direct or indirect) due to enhanced performance?
• Costs
  1. What is the prevailing cost/sq.ft. for each type of existing building commissioning process?
  2. What are the key factors that impact the commissioning cost (building size, system type, capacity and size, controls, interaction between the systems, replacement of existing outdated technologies, training the facility personnel, hiring Cx agents, project management costs)?

Data may be provided anonymously. To participate or provide information, please email Maureen Guttman, mguttman@energy-solution.com, directly and CC info@title24stakeholders.com.

Relevant Documents

CASE Report

• Draft CASE Report – Existing Buildings

Round Two Utility-Sponsored Stakeholder Meeting Materials

• Existing Buildings – Proposal Summary (May 9, 2023)
• Existing Buildings – Presentation (May 22, 2023)
• May 22, 2023 Meeting Notes

Round One Utility-Sponsored Stakeholder Meeting Materials

• Stakeholder Meetings Introduction
• Existing Buildings – Presentation (Feb. 24, 2023)
• Existing Buildings – Proposal Summary (Feb. 22, 2023)
• February 24, 2023 Meeting Notes

Proposal Description

Measure Overview

This measure would modify and add to Section 120.6(f) in Title 24, Part 6 to incorporate additional mandatory performance requirements for elevators. The new code language would require all elevators with a rise of 33 and greater to be a traction elevator with regenerative motors.

Data Needs/Stakeholder Information Requests

• Costs: The cost-effectiveness analysis was performed using very conservative (high) maintenance costs and modernization costs for our elevators. If you feel that our costs are still not representative for the proposed traction elevator types, please let us know.
• Code Changes: We provided an exception to the regenerative drive requirement if it interferes with the building load; please let us know if the code language is ambiguous or challenging to interpret.
• Life Cycle: The elevators were assumed to require an overhaul / modernization every 25 years, with standard maintenance needed yearly. If your maintenance or modernization timelines are different, please let us know.

Data may be provided anonymously. To participate or provide information, please email DJ Joh, DJoh@energy-solution.com, directly and CC info@title24stakeholders.com.

Relevant Documents

Round Two Utility-Sponsored Stakeholder Meeting Materials

• Elevators – Proposal Summary (May 12, 2023)
• Elevators – Presentation (May 22, 2023)
• May 23, 2023 Meeting Notes

Round One Utility-Sponsored Stakeholder Meeting Materials

• Stakeholder Meetings Introduction
• Elevators – Presentation (Jan. 31, 2023)
• January 31, 2023 Meeting Notes

Proposal Description

This code change would revise the automatic daylighting controls exceptions. The measure adjusts the wattage thresholds that apply to skylit zones as well as both the Primary Sidelit Daylit Zones (PSDZs) and Secondary Sidelit Daylit Zones (SSDZs). The change rewrites the daylighting controls requirements in Section 130.1(d) and Section 160.5(b)4D. This action would transform the threshold wattage from an exception into a requirement and reduce the threshold for requiring automatic daylighting controls from 120 watts to 75 watts per space by daylit zone type. An exception is provided for the SSDZs when the corresponding PSDZs are not required to implement automatic daylighting controls; in such cases, the threshold for the SSDZs is 85 watts. This revision reflects the appropriate threshold wattage based on the cost of current daylight responsive controls cost of dimming LED (light emitting diode) light sources.

The 120-watt threshold for requiring automatic daylighting controls has been in place for multiple code cycles. It remained unchanged when the basis for indoor lighting power densities was changed to Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) in the 2019 code cycle. This means the 120-watt threshold now represents significantly a larger daylit area is needed to trigger the requirement for photocontrols. The cost of daylighting controls has dropped, but the primary cost reduction is due to LED general lighting luminaires capable of dimming to 10 percent having no or negligible added costs.

Relevant Documents

CASE Report

The Results Report explains the revisions that occurred to the proposed code changes between the submittal of the Final CASE Report to the CEC and the CEC’s adoption of the 2025 Title 24, Part 6 Standards on September 11, 2024.  The Final CASE Reports are included in Appendix 2 of the Results Report.

• Nonresidential Daylighting Results Report
• Final CASE Report – Nonresidential Daylighting
• Draft CASE Report – Nonresidential Daylighting

Round Two Utility-Sponsored Stakeholder Meeting Materials

• Nonresidential Daylighting – Presentation (May 16, 2023)
• Nonresidential Daylighting – Proposal Summary
• Meeting Notes – May 16, 2023

Round One Utility-Sponsored Stakeholder Meeting Materials

• Stakeholder Meetings Introduction
• Nonresidential Daylighting – Presentation (February 24, 2023)
• Nonresidential Daylighting – Proposal Summary
• February 24, 2023 Meeting Notes

Proposal Description

This proposal presents three cost-effective code changes that would improve the envelope performance in nonresidential buildings: opaque assemblies, vestibules, and windows. The CASE Report linked below contains pertinent information supporting the measures.

Opaque Assemblies

The opaque assemblies of the building envelope are all those that are not transparent. This proposal would make the prescriptive U-factors more stringent for new wall and roof/ceiling assemblies, by climate zone. All assemblies would be affected except metal-framed walls, for which the U-factors were revised during the 2022 Title 24, Part 6 code cycle. This proposal would not apply to alterations. It would not add or modify field verification or acceptance tests or require any technology not previously regulated.

Vestibules

The proposed code change would establish a new mandatory requirement for vestibules in nonresidential buildings with high-traffic main entrances. The affected building types would be assembly, business, education, institutional, and mercantile. The vestibule requirement would be applicable to main entrances in new construction and additions. It would not apply to alterations. Exceptions to the requirement would parallel those identified in ASHRAE 90.1 and in IECC, including the option of using a revolving door or air curtain in some applications.

Windows

This proposal would set a new mandatory requirement establishing U-factor values for vertical fenestration assemblies for alterations, additions, and new construction. The proposed mandatory requirements would apply to all vertical fenestration including fixed windows, curtainwall or storefront, and operable windows.

Currently, Title 24, Part 6 includes prescriptive U-factor and RSHGC requirements for exterior vertical fenestration, but these values can be traded away for higher efficiency HVAC equipment or other building systems when a designer uses the performance path to achieve code compliance. This measure, by establishing maximum mandatory U-factor for vertical fenestration, would ensure that there is a minimum level of window efficiency that cannot be replaced by a non-envelope system that typically has a much shorter lifespan.

Proposal Description

This CASE Report presents code change proposals and associated justifications for laboratory HVAC requirements. These proposed code changes address the challenges commercial buildings face in electrifying and will continue to drive increases in efficiency in the following areas:

• Reducing air changes per hour during unoccupied times.
• Providing a new compliance option by way of a simplified fan control.
• Making heat recovery mandatory.
• Limiting reheats for large systems with multiple zones.

Each proposal is described in more detail below.

Unoccupied Setback

The proposed code change would extend the existing laboratory variable air volume (VAV) requirement in Section 140.9(c)1 to clarify that labs must have the ability to reduce airflows when occupied, and that they would need to further reduce airflows when unoccupied. With this change, variable airflow systems will save energy at all required occupied. It would also modify existing requirements so they would apply to all laboratory spaces instead of just applying to spaces with minimum circulation air changes per hour (ACH) and spaces with 10 ACH rates or less.

Heat Recovery

The proposed code change would add a requirement for heat recovery for laboratory exhaust systems. Specifically, it would add a new requirement in Section 140.9(c)6 (Prescriptive Requirements for Laboratories and Factories) requiring exhaust air heat recovery for some labs.

Exhaust Fan Control

Currently the energy code allows a relatively low design fan power of 0.65 W/cfm unfiltered exhaust or 0.85 W/cfm for filtered exhaust or there is no limitation on fan power if the fans are controlled in response to wind speed or contaminant concentration in the exhaust system plenum. This proposal increases the flexibility of the fan control options by allowing all three of the exhaust fan controls specified by ANSI Z9.5-2022. Thus, the simplified turn-down fan control, based on lab exhaust airflow is allowed, in addition to the wind-responsive and contaminant-monitored control. This proposal would limit the allowed design exhaust fan power to 1.3 W/cfm controlled by these three control systems. These controlled systems would be designed with variable speed control and with the capability of safely decreasing exhaust stack flow by at least 40 percent (reduce to 60 percent of design flow) in response to one of the three control inputs (zone flow, wind speed and direction or contaminant concentration). At the minimum flow rate for the system, the fan shall reduce fan power to 40 percent of its design power.

The simplified turndown control does not rely on the maintained accuracy of windspeed or contaminant sensors but rather the inherent modelled design of stack height, minimum velocity of exhaust flow and the dispersion characteristics of the site.

This proposed change would add an additional design fan power and control combination to the prescriptive requirements in Section 140.9(c)3 for laboratory exhaust fan system power consumption. These requirements would apply to all laboratory fan exhaust systems with a design flow rate greater than 10,000 cubic feet per minute (cfm). The laboratory occupancies covered are occupancy classes B (business), L (laboratory) and H (hazardous). This requirement would also apply to replaced laboratory ventilation systems.

Reheat Limitation (4-Pipe VAV)

The proposed code change would add a new requirement in section 140.9 (prescriptive requirements for laboratories) that would eliminate reheat in most labs. The proposed change will not prevent any labs from meeting any special pressurization or cross contamination or humidity control or high exhaust requirements.

Code Clean-Up Including Scope of Laboratory Requirements

This proposal specifically includes L occupancies in the scope of Title 24, Part 6. In section 100(a)1, the current scope includes “all buildings that are Occupancy Group A, B, E, F, H, I, M, R, S, or U…” These are all the Occupancy Group types in the International Building Code (IBC). The scope does not include Group L (laboratory) occupancy classification special occupancy classification developed for the California Building Code (CBC). The CBC is the IBC with the California amendments such as the definition of the Group L classification. Title 24, Part 6 regulates the mechanical and lighting systems of labs, and it currently regulates buildings with lower quantities of hazardous materials Occupancy Group B (business) as well as those with higher amounts of hazardous materials Occupancy Group H (high hazard). Occupancy Group L is an evolution of Occupancy Group H8, and should have been added under the list of covered buildings when Group L became a part of the Occupancy types.

This proposal adds to the definitions section a definition of laboratory as “A room, building or area where the use and storage of hazardous materials are utilized for testing, analysis, instruction, research or developmental activities.” This definition is a direct quote of the definition of laboratory in the California Building Code. For completeness, this proposal updated the definition of nonresidential buildings to include Occupancy Group L so there is no ambiguity whether a laboratory building or laboratory space is considered a nonresidential building.

In the current code, the exhaust fan power requirements are based on units of watts per cfm. However, it was not fully clear what the cfm refers to. As shown in Figure 5 laboratory exhaust systems there are three different airflow rates associated with the same fan system:

• The exhaust flow from all spaces served by the exhaust system.
• The flowrate of air entering the exhaust fans including the exhaust air from the lab spaces served by the exhaust system and the bypass air entering the fans.
• The flowrate leaving the exhaust stack. This includes the flowrate of the air entering the exhaust fans plus any entrained air by an induction fan system.

It was clear that the cfm did not include entrained air such as one might have in an induction fan, but it was not clear if the airflow rate included bypass air or not. Strictly speaking the bypass air is not exhaust air but rather outside air that is mixed with exhaust air to increase the velocity of stack velocity without increasing the use of conditioned indoor air. The new update clarifies in Section 140.9(c)3 that “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.”

Relevant Documents

CASE Report

The Results Report explains the revisions that occurred to the proposed code changes between the submittal of the Final CASE Report to the CEC and the CEC’s adoption of the 2025 Title 24, Part 6 Standards on September 11, 2024.  The Final CASE Reports are included in Appendix 2 of the Results Report.

• Laboratories Results Report
• Final CASE Report – Laboratories
• Draft CASE Report – Laboratories

Round Two Utility-Sponsored Stakeholder Meeting Materials

• Stakeholder Meetings, Round 2 Introduction
• Laboratory Airflow – Proposal Summary
• Laboratory Airflow – Presentation (May 10, 2023)
• May 10, 2023 Meeting Notes

Round One Utility-Sponsored Stakeholder Meeting Materials

• Stakeholder Meetings Introduction
• Laboratory Airflow – Proposal Summary
• Laboratory Airflow – Presentation (Jan. 31, 2023)
• January 31, 2023 Meeting Notes

Proposal Description

This CASE Report presents justifications for code changes to cooling towers and blowdown controls that refine and build on prior code changes to Title 24, Part 6 approved by the CEC. The proposed code changes would apply to nonresidential and multifamily new construction, new systems serving additions, alterations (except for existing buildings), and both open-circuit and closed-circuit cooling towers 150 tons and larger.

Cooling Tower Efficiency

This measure proposes an increase of the prescriptive requirement for efficiency of axial fan, open-circuit cooling towers in condenser water systems of 900 gallons per minute (GPM) or greater established in 140.4(h)5 and 170.2(c)4Fv. This measure would apply to nonresidential and multifamily new construction and new systems serving additions. This measure also impacts alterations, except where the equipment is being mounted to an existing building.

The current 2022 Title 24, Part 6 Standards’ prescriptive minimum efficiency for axial fan cooling towers is 60 gallons per minute per horsepower (GPM/HP) (except for Climate Zones 1 and 16, which are exempted and subject to the mandatory minimum of 42.1 GPM/HP). The intent of this proposal is to update the prescriptive efficiency requirement from the statewide minimum of 60 GPM/HP in Climate Zones 2 through 15to climate zone specific values, increasing the requirement where cost effective. The code change would be implemented by introducing a table that establishes climate zone specific minimum efficiencies based on cost effectiveness, ranging from the current mandatory efficiency of 42.1 GPM/HP for Climate Zones 1 and 16, to 90 GPM/HP for Climate Zones 8, 10, and 15. The proposed code change applies to cooling towers in condenser water systems serving condenser water loops of 900 GPM or greater. The proposed code change does not recommend modifications to the existing mandatory minimum efficiency requirements.

Blowdown Controls

This measure would update the mandatory language in Section 110.2(e) which currently requires all open- and closed-circuit cooling towers 150 tons and larger to:

• Be equipped with either conductivity or flow-based controls that automate system bleed and chemical feed in order to maximize cycles of concentration and reduce cooling tower blowdown.
• Be equipped with a makeup water flow meter and overflow alarm that alerts to a makeup water valve failure.
• Have efficient drift eliminators installed.
• Document the maximum achievable cycles of concentration achievable given local water quality conditions and a Langelier Saturation Index (LSI) of 2.5 or less.

The proposed measure would revise Section 110.2(e) and associated cycles of concentration compliance document as follows:

• Require the use of conductivity-based controls (eliminate the option to use flow-based controls).
• Require the designer to document target maximum cycles of concentration in the NRCC-MCH-E compliance document based on the recirculating water properties established in ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 189.1-2020.
• Require that controls be programmed to not allow blowdown until one or more of the recirculating water parameter limits set in ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 189.1-2020 is met.
• Add an acceptance test to verify installation and programming of controls to achieve documented cycles of concentration and overflow alarms.

Cooling towers in nonresidential and multifamily buildings represent a significant opportunity to reduce energy and water use in California. Cooling towers account for an estimated 20 to 40 percent of water demand in buildings that include water-cooled chillers. In recent years, water consumption has come to the forefront of concerns in the state of California. According to the State of California Water Year 2021 report, the water year ending on September 30, 2021 was the second driest year on record based on statewide runoff, following 2020 which was the fifth driest year. As such, methods for achieving water savings in California are of prime importance.

Title 24 Part 6 has included updated requirements for cooling towers previously in 2005, 2013, and 2019. The measures under consideration in this CASE Report build upon and update these current requirements.

Relevant Documents

CASE Report

The Results Report explains the revisions that occurred to the proposed code changes between the submittal of the Final CASE Report to the CEC and the CEC’s adoption of the 2025 Title 24, Part 6 Standards on September 11, 2024.  The Final CASE Reports are included in Appendix 2 of the Results Report.

• Cooling Tower Efficiency Results Report
• Final CASE Report – Cooling Tower Efficiency (UPDATE: CASE Report was revised October 2023)
• Draft CASE Report – Cooling Tower Efficiency

Round One Utility-Sponsored Stakeholder Meeting Materials

• Stakeholder Meetings Introduction
• Cooling Towers – Presentation (Feb. 13, 2023)
• Cooling Towers – Proposal Summary
• February 13, 2023 Meeting Notes

Proposal Description

This CASE measure would add requirements for the use of control sequences from ASHRAE Guideline 36. The purpose of Guideline 36 is to provide detailed, uniform sequences of operation for HVAC systems that are intended to maximize energy efficiency and performance, provide control stability, and allow for real-time fault detection and diagnostics. Where there are existing prescriptive HVAC control requirements in the California Energy Code for direct digital control (DDC) systems, this measure would further require that the associated control sequences to be in accordance with Guideline 36. This measure would include a prescriptive requirement that controls programming for DDC systems using control logic from an CEC-certified Guideline 36 programming library, based on certification requirements in a new joint appendix.

This measure would apply to all nonresidential building types, including new and replacement systems or alterations, with the exception of health care occupancies. The proposal would include updates to acceptance tests, and the intent is to include compliance credits for the performance approach for projects that use certified Guideline 36 programming libraries.

This change would streamline the delivery of HVAC control systems and reduce the level of effort in design, construction, and commissioning. Guideline 36 saves energy, time, and effort, and it improves compliance with existing code requirements.

Relevant Documents

CASE Report

The Results Report explains the revisions that occurred to the proposed code changes between the submittal of the Final CASE Report to the CEC and the CEC’s adoption of the 2025 Title 24, Part 6 Standards on September 11, 2024.  The Final CASE Reports are included in Appendix 2 of the Results Report.

• Nonresidential HVAC Controls Results Report
• Final CASE Report – Nonresidential HVAC Controls (ASHRAE Guideline 36)
• Draft CASE Report – Nonresidential HVAC Controls (ASHRAE Guideline 36)

Round One Utility-Sponsored Stakeholder Meeting Materials

• Stakeholder Meetings Introduction
• Nonresidential HVAC Controls (ASHRAE Guideline 36) – Presentation
• Nonresidential HVAC Controls (ASHRAE Guideline 36) – Proposal Summary
• February 27, 2023 Meeting Notes