California’s Title 24 regulations are some of the most rigorous in the country when it comes to energy efficiency. The standards, which are updated every three years, govern everything from building envelope insulation to HVAC efficiency to lighting controls. Title 24 has been instrumental in pushing the state towards a more sustainable future, and its current iteration has set a goal of roughly halving energy use in new buildings compared to the 2013 standards. But what changes can we expect to see when Title 24 is updated in 2022?
One area that is likely to see major updates is lighting. In order to meet the state’s ambitious energy goals, Title 24 has historically placed strict requirements on lighting efficiency, and the next round of updates is unlikely to deviate from that trend. While the specific changes that will be made to lighting standards are not yet set in stone, it’s likely that they will continue to focus on increasing efficiency, reducing waste, and promoting safer lighting practices.
One of the main areas of focus for lighting updates in Title 24 is expected to be controls. In many cases, wasted energy in buildings is the result of lights being left on in empty rooms, or being used at unnecessary times. To mitigate this, the 2022 Title 24 regulations are expected to include stricter controls for lighting, in order to ensure that lights are only in use when they’re needed.
Another area of concern for lighting in Title 24 is the use of LEDs (light emitting diodes). While LEDs are generally a very efficient and long-lasting lighting option, they can also have unexpected environmental consequences. For instance, the blue light emitted by many LEDs can disrupt sleep patterns, and some studies suggest that it can even be harmful to wildlife. As such, Title 24 is likely to include guidelines for LED lighting to take these concerns into account. For example, requirements may be put in place that mandate warmer colors for outdoor lighting, or that limit the emission of blue light.
Finally, Title 24 lighting standards are also expected to increase the focus on renewable energy sources. While Title 24 has long promoted the use of energy-efficient lighting, the next iteration is likely to go further and actively encourage the use of solar panels, wind turbines, and other renewable energy sources for lighting. This could take many forms – for example, incentives may be created that encourage building owners to install solar panels on their roofs or install energy storage systems that allow excess energy to be used during peak demand times.
Of course, there will likely be many other changes to Title 24 in addition to those specific to lighting. However, the continued emphasis on energy efficiency and the adoption of renewable energy sources suggest that the state of California is committed to a sustainable future. By following the lead of Title 24, California homeowners and businesses can do their part to build a greener, more sustainable world.
