What is Title 24?

Title 24 refers to the Building Energy Efficiency Standards established by the California Energy Commission (CEC). These standards are part of the California Code of Regulations and were first implemented in 1978. The purpose of Title 24 is to reduce energy consumption in new and existing buildings across California, thus promoting energy efficiency and sustainability.

The standards under Title 24 are updated every three years to reflect advancements in energy-efficient technologies and to address the state’s energy and environmental goals. The most recent update was in 2022, with new regulations that became effective on January 1, 2023.

To learn more about Title 24 and access the latest updates, you can visit the California Energy Commission’s website.

Where is Title 24 Applicable?

Title 24 applies to all new construction, as well as alterations and additions to existing buildings in California. It impacts both residential and non-residential buildings. Although Title 24 is specific to California, other states have adopted similar energy efficiency regulations, such as New York's Energy Conservation Construction Code (ECCCNYS) and Washington’s State Energy Code (WSEC). However, California's Title 24 is among the most stringent in the country.

For more information on energy efficiency regulations in other states, you can explore resources on the U.S. Department of Energy's Building Energy Codes Program.

Energy Efficiency Requirements for Light Fixtures Under Title 24

To comply with Title 24, light fixtures must meet specific energy efficiency standards, which are primarily measured by their efficacy (lumens per watt) and controllability.

1. Efficacy (Lumens per Watt):

   • For residential lighting, light fixtures generally need to achieve a minimum efficacy of 45 lumens per watt (lm/W). Certain high-efficacy light sources, particularly those listed in the Joint Appendix 8 (JA8), must meet or exceed an efficacy of 50-65 lumens per watt, depending on the type of fixture.

2. Control Requirements:

   • Light fixtures must be equipped with controls such as dimmers, occupancy sensors, or daylighting controls to reduce energy consumption when full illumination is not required. These controls help ensure that lighting is used efficiently, adjusting automatically based on occupancy or available natural light.

3. Lighting Power Density (LPD):

   • Title 24 sets limits on the amount of power (watts) that lighting systems can use per square foot of floor space. These limits vary depending on the building type and the specific area being lit, ensuring that lighting systems are designed to be energy-efficient.

Certifications and Compliance for Title 24

While certification is not strictly required for a fixture to be Title 24 compliant, there are specific certifications that can help verify compliance:

1. JA8 Certification (Joint Appendix 8):

   • What It Is: JA8 certification indicates that a light source meets high-efficacy standards set by Title 24. JA8-compliant fixtures must meet criteria related to color rendering index (CRI), power factor, start time, dimming compatibility, and flicker.
   • Labeling: Look for the “JA8-2019” or similar label on fixtures, indicating the year of compliance and that they have been tested and certified according to the Joint Appendix 8 standards.

2. ENERGY STAR Certification:

   • What It Is: ENERGY STAR is a certification that signifies a product meets energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
   • Relevance to Title 24: Although ENERGY STAR certification is not mandatory for Title 24, it often aligns with Title 24’s requirements, making ENERGY STAR-certified fixtures a good choice for compliant lighting solutions.

3. California Appliance Efficiency Database (MAEDBS) Listing:

   • What It Is: The California Energy Commission’s Modernized Appliance Efficiency Database System (MAEDBS) lists products that comply with California’s energy efficiency standards.
   • Requirement: Fixtures listed in the MAEDBS are recognized as Title 24 compliant, serving as proof that they meet the necessary energy efficiency criteria.

4. DLC (DesignLights Consortium) Certification:

   • What It Is: DLC certification focuses on high-efficiency commercial lighting products, including those used in exterior and industrial settings.
   • Relevance to Title 24: While not specifically required, DLC certification often indicates that a product meets or exceeds Title 24 requirements, especially for non-residential applications.

Steps to Ensure Compliance with Title 24

1. Conduct an Energy Analysis:

   • Before beginning a project, perform an energy analysis to determine the lighting requirements and identify areas where energy savings can be achieved.

2. Select Compliant Fixtures:

   • Choose light fixtures that meet Title 24 requirements for efficiency and control. Look for fixtures that are JA8 certified or listed in the MAEDBS, as well as those with ENERGY STAR or DLC certifications for added assurance. You can explore a variety of compliant lighting options in categories such as LED lighting, outdoor lighting, and more.

3. Integrate Control Systems:

   • Incorporate control systems like occupancy sensors, daylighting controls, and dimmers into your lighting design to meet Title 24’s automatic control requirements.

4. Work with Certified Energy Professionals:

   • Collaborate with certified energy consultants or lighting designers who are familiar with Title 24. They can help you navigate the regulations and ensure your project is fully compliant.

5. Stay Updated with Code Changes:

   • Title 24 is updated every three years, so it’s important to stay informed about the latest changes. This ensures that your projects remain compliant with current standards.

Conclusion

Title 24 is a comprehensive set of standards that play a vital role in energy efficiency for buildings in California. By understanding and adhering to these regulations, building owners and contractors can ensure that their projects not only comply with the law but also contribute to the state’s environmental goals. Proper selection and installation of lighting fixtures, along with ensuring they meet the necessary efficacy and control requirements, are key components of Title 24 compliance.

For more information on Title 24-compliant lighting options, explore our selection of energy-efficient fixtures.