- CEC updated the energy code to provide $1.5 billion in environmental benefits over the next 30 years.
- This update includes solar and storage systems as the performance standards baseline.
The California 2022 Energy Code for newly constructed and renovated buildings blazes a trail for states and local governments seeking to decarbonize the building sector aggressively, feasibly, and cost-effectively.
The updated code, adopted by the California Energy Commission (CEC) in August 2022, encourages electric heat pumps, establishes electric-ready requirements for new homes, and strengthens ventilation standards. In addition, this update, for the first time in the nation, includes solar and storage systems as the performance standards baseline for select nonresidential building types.
Over the next 30 years, this code will provide the state with $1.5 billion in environmental benefits. The development of this code was a multiyear effort led by the California Energy Commission through a robust public process and with support from an expansive network of key market partners such as California’s largest utilities, the building community, and environmental advocates.