Energy Standards

The California Energy Code is designed to aid the design/construction of energy-efficient buildings. Its standards are intended to be used as a reference to reduce wasteful and unnecessary energy consumption in newly constructed and existing buildings, which results in energy cost reductions, increases reliability and availability of electricity, improves building occupant comfort, and reduces impacts on the environment.

As part of the permitting process, Title 24 energy requirements are first implemented during the design phase of the project when the design team will determine whether to use a Performance or Prescriptive approach and incorporate the appropriate CF1R forms in the construction documents for review.

The general contractor and/or all sub-contractor(s) shall complete the CF2Rs forms during construction. Once completed, if HERS verification is required for any component, the CF2R forms will be required to be registered with the HERS Provider used for the initial energy compliance documentation.

Once the CF2R forms are registered, the HERS rater can perform their work and proceed to register their documentation (CF3R forms). Prior to the inspection, the field inspector will verify that all forms have been completed and registered.

A copy of all of the registered energy compliance documentation (CF1Rs, CF2Rs, CF3Rs) along with instructions for operating and maintaining the energy features of the building efficiently shall be included in the homeowner manual.

Read the Residential Compliance Manual for the 2022 Building Energy Efficiency Standards.

All forms are located within Appendix A of the Energy Compliance Manual. View the 2022 Building Energy Efficiency Standards page for a list of the CF1Rs, CF2Rs, and CF3Rs documents and their descriptions. Contact your energy consultant or access all the compliance documents for the 2022 energy Standards.

For alterations and additions to existing residential buildings that do not require HERS field verification and registration, the California Energy Commission has simplified the permitting process by creating new compliance and installation forms with no "watermark". Access the 2022 Non-HERS Verified Forms. For the dynamic and fillable versions, please visit the Energy Code Ace website.

Please note: All new and replacement FAU and AC units with ducting require duct testing to be completed by HERS Rater as well.

View a Summary of Significant Changes in the 2022 Building Energy Efficient Standards.