Building Energy codes and standards play a key role in helping reduce energy consumption and improve performance in today’s buildings. These codes and standards provide mandatory requirements for new construction as well as major renovations. If you’re looking for increased efficiency and performance, numerous green building rating systems also exist in addition to the mandatory codes and standards.
ASHRAE 90.1 Lutron Resources
The resources listed below provide suggested, code compliant solutions based on total installed cost, simplicity of design, and basic functional needs for the space. The solutions provided below represent one of multiple compliant options to meeting lighting and receptacle control requirements. These solutions are based on Lutron’s interpretation of the energy code and are not meant to replace your state’s, province’s or local jurisdiction’s official energy code.
ANSI/ASHRAE/IES Standard 90.1
The American National Standards Institute (ANSI), American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers Inc. (ASHRAE) and the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA) jointly sponsor the ASHRAE/ IESNA Standard 90.1, “Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings." An updated version of ASHRAE 90.1 is released every three years. Lutron actively participates in the development of this standard by not only advocating for increased energy efficiency, but also voicing the opinions and concerns of our customers.
IECC Lutron Resources
The resources listed below provide suggested, code compliant solutions based on total installed cost, simplicity of design, and basic functional needs for the space. The solutions provided below represent one of multiple compliant options to meeting lighting and receptacle control requirements. These solutions are based on Lutron’s interpretation of the energy code and are not meant to replace your state’s, province’s or local jurisdiction’s official energy code.
International Energy Conservation Code
The International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) is part of the “I-Codes” produced by the International Code Council (ICC). An updated version of the IECC is released every three years.. Lutron actively participates in the development of this standard by not only advocating for increased energy efficiency, but also voicing the opinions and concerns of our customers.
California Title 24 Overview
Since 1978, all new and altered buildings in California are required to meet the minimum efficiency standards defined in California Title 24, Part 6, of the California Energy Commission energy efficiency code.
These standards, which are regarded as the most stringent of all energy codes, were adopted in response to a legislative mandate to reduce California's energy consumption. They help conserve electricity and natural gas and prevent the state from having to build more power plants. In fact, Title 24 has saved Californians more than $74 billion in reduced electricity bills since 1978. California's per capita electricity usage has stayed largely flat since the mid-70s, largely due to the Title 24 energy efficiency standard, while the average American's went up by 50%.
The 2022 version of the standard became effective on January 1, 2023. All newly constructed or altered commercial and residential buildings in the state of California must comply with the 2022 standard, including all the mandatory lighting control requirements.
What are the new lighting requirements in the Title 24 2022 Standard?
The biggest changes in the commercial lighting arena are:
- Demand responsive lighting controls required when more than 4,000 watts of installed lighting power is installed (used to be for buildings more than 10,000 sq. ft.).
- Automatically controlled receptacles must also be capable of responding to a demand response signal.
- Partial-off or full-off lighting in open office zones.
- Secondary zone for daylight responsive controls now mandatory for all projects, not only those pursuing prescriptive compliance path.
- Lower lighting power allowances (i.e., LPDs).
- New sections for multifamily projects.
The biggest changes in the residential lighting arena are:
- Life testing has been removed from the Joint Appendix 8 requirements for high efficacy light sources.
- Walk-in closets need an occupancy or vacancy sensor. Plus, no longer need to initially configure occupancy sensors to vacancy mode.
- Lighting in opaque drawers/cabinets shall have controls that turn off lights when drawer/door is closed.
- Habitable spaces (living rooms, dining rooms, kitchens, bedrooms…) require dimmers.
- Separate control of ceiling lighting from under-cabinet lighting.
- New section for multifamily projects.
For Additional Information
Call the California Energy Commission (CEC):
Inside California +1.800.772.3300
Outside California +1.916.654.5106
Visit the CEC website at
www.energy.ca.gov/title24
Disclaimer: This website summarizes the CA Title 24 2022 lighting control requirements for residential and commercial buildings. It is for information purposes only. For complete and precise details refer to the California Title 24 2022 Building Energy Efficacy Standards.
Source of Rosenfeld Curve diagram: Saundry, Peter. (2019). Review of the United States energy system in transition. Energy, Sustainability and Society. 9. 10.1186/s13705-018-0178-8.
NECB Lutron resources
The resources listed below provide suggested, code compliant solutions based on total installed cost, simplicity of design, and basic functional needs for the space. The solutions provided below represent one of multiple compliant options to meeting lighting and receptacle control requirements. These solutions are based on Lutron’s interpretation of the energy code and are not meant to replace your state’s, province’s or local jurisdiction’s official energy code.
NYCECC Lutron resources
New York City's energy code is the 2020 New York City Energy Conservation Code. ASHRAE 90.1 or IECC with NYC Amendments can also be followed as alternate compliance options. Please note that the same energy code must be used across an entire project if multiple compliance options are available.
For more information go to:
https://www1.nyc.gov/site/buildings/codes/energy-conservation-code.page