New Construction Basics

Welcome to our guide for new construction basics. Here's an overview of what this article will cover:

State building code cycle

California updates the State Building Code, including the Energy Code, on a regular three year cycle. Each code cycle has its own compliance software, cost-effectiveness studies, and reach-code resources. For current code-cycle timing and available resources, see Current Reach Code Timing and Study Updates.

Complying with the energy code

There are two options for complying with the energy code. The prescriptive option is a detailed recipe for constructing a building in practice. While this method is simpler, it offers little flexibility, thus most new construction projects comply using the performance method. The performance option sets minimum energy performance requirements and allows applicants flexibility to select and trade measures to achieve the minimum performance required for compliance. Applicants demonstrate this by using state-certified energy modeling software, either:

Local government requirements

Local governments can require additional energy performance by mandating that new buildings exceed state energy code requirements by a specified amount, also known as a compliance margin. In addition to other requirements, local governments must document that the more stringent requirements are cost effective. There is no specific methodology for this set by the state, it's up to the local government. In practice, local governments may conduct their own analyses or leveraging results from cost-effectiveness studies completed by the Reach Codes program.

Fuel choice

Buildings are powered by one or two fuels. All-electric buildings are powered only by electricity. Mixed-fuel buildings are powered by both natural gas and electricity.