California Building Codes Title 24
California is widely recognized as America's leader in terms of energy efficiency standards and environmental protection. This is reflected in Title 24 of its building codes, which in addition to standard language, has strict energy efficiency requirements and so-called "green" building standards.
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Features
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California Building Codes Title 24 has twelve parts. These sections regulate building administration, electrical, mechanical, plumbing and energy standards, fire and elevator safety, historical buildings and reference standards. Part eleven is reserved for green building codes that seek to reduce emissions of greenhouse gasses.
Function
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Historically, the purpose of building codes was to ensure public safety and lighten the load on emergency services in times of disaster by reducing structural failures. In time, they were forced to address the issue of historical buildings, often in poor condition and unable to be occupied safely. Though regulating energy efficiency in buildings is not unique to California, the Golden State's standards are as much as 21 percent more efficient than the guidelines put forth by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers. The move to mandate reduction of greenhouse gasses establishes California as a leader in this area.
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Identification
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California's energy efficiency standards are set forth in Title 24, Part 6. Tighter regulations were approved in 2008 with an effective date of August 2009. Part 6 continues to be updated periodically to incorporate new energy efficiency technology and methods to streamline energy consumption in agriculture, manufacturing, water systems, schools, hospitals and local government. The state maintains a toll-free hotline at (800) 772-3300 to answer questions about Title 24 compliance.
Significance
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Building codes evolve over time to suit the particular needs of a given location. In California, the possibility of major earthquakes--and the inevitability of many minor ones--has led to a building code that, while stringent, saves lives and money in the long run. California's lead role in energy efficiency is no different. It's estimated that the state's building efficiency standards have saved more than $56 billion in electricity and natural gas costs since 1978, and will save an additional $23 billion by 2013.
Potential
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As of 2009, the new green building standards set forth in Title 24, Part 11 were voluntary. The California Energy Commission has stated its goal to draft a set of mandatory standards in the 2010 edition of the code, but it's far from certain that such standards will continue to enjoy the support of centrists like Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, who commended the adoption of the voluntary standards.
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Resources
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