California has historically been a leader in energy conservation in the United States, with the California Code of Regulations instituting energy efficiency standards with which non-residential and home lighting must comply. With the peak demand for energy rising, conservation standards aim to evade blackouts, decrease peak demand and avoid the need for additional energy creation. Unprecedented reform in 2005 of Title 24 of The Energy Efficiency Standards for Residential and Nonresidential Buildings requires developers to adhere to stricter energy conservation requirements, with major changes affecting the implementation of indoor and outdoor lighting.



The 2005 modification of Title 24 imposes innovative regulations on indoor lighting, including day lighting specifications and dimming control requirements, as well as adding provisions for outdoor lighting. New code also adds conventions for residential lighting and electronic signs and removes the exemption for unconditioned space.

One major change to Title 24 involves the basis for calculating the value of saved energy. Previously, energy standards hinged on the use of a flat kilowatt value, with the same value applicable regardless of the time the energy was used. The more advanced time-dependent valuation formula accounts for the fluctuation of energy value throughout a time period, assigning hour by hour values to energy consumption. As a result, energy use during peak demand time is now weighted more heavily than use during non-peak times, giving a more accurate calculation of consumption and an incentive to reduce peak demand.

With new residential lighting requirements enacted, major changes in home building are imminent. High efficiency lighting, such as fluorescent lighting, is now required in all permanent fixtures in residential buildings. High efficacy lighting is required in kitchens, and may be combined with motion sensor or dimming capable lighting in bathrooms, garages, laundry and utility rooms. Provisions also mandate efficient or motion sensor lighting outdoors, with additional residential restrictions applying to pipe and duct insulation, sealant and windows.

Further mandates incorporate a balanced use of natural daylight in low rise buildings that meet specific square footage and lighting density requirements. For qualifying buildings, at least half of the floor space must be lighted by skylights that utilize diffusers to ensure even natural lighting. These skylights are required to include controls that turn off electric lighting when adequate natural lighting is available.

For outdoor lighting, power limits are assigned based on four newly defined lighting zones, with zone one designating “dark" areas such as parks and wildlife preserves, zone two indicating low light such as rural areas, zone three specifying medium lighting like urban areas, and zone four being highly illuminated areas. New provisions also outline outdoor lighting restrictions for parking areas, lighted walkways, entryways, service stations, covered lots (sales or non-sales), and decorative lighting.

A new inspection requirement accompanies the 2005 modifications to Title 24. Detailed information about energy standards as related to Title 24 can be found on the California Energy Commission website.

About the Author: John Billington is the president and CEO of Five Rivers Inc., a leading online provider of home lighting, bathroom lighting and decor. For more information, please visit www.fiverivers.com.