Energy Code Ace Conference: Reach Codes Pathways Session Recap
The Reach Codes Pathways session at the 2026 Energy Code Ace Conference provided an overview of how local jurisdictions across California are pushing beyond statewide building standards to advance climate and energy goals.
The presentation – featuring Peter Roquemore (Sustainability Analyst, City of Santa Monica), Christine Shen (Senior Planner, City of West Hollywood), and Bo White (Principal Project Engineer, NegaWatt Consulting) – highlighted how jurisdictions are advancing climate goals through both established and emerging policy pathways.
Session Overview
The session outlined how jurisdictions are navigating an increasingly complex and shifting policy landscape. Opportunities to adopt reach codes have been impacted by updates to the 2025 state codes, which have narrowed the gap between baseline requirements and local amendments. Recent legislation, including California AB 130, adds further nuance – particularly with provisions that may limit or reshape residential reach code adoption while leaving nonresidential ordinances untouched. Together, these dynamics are pushing jurisdictions to think more strategically about how to structure and implement local climate policies.
The speakers highlighted key “standard pathways” for reach codes, including air conditioning to heat pump (AC to HP) requirements, FlexPath options, energy performance standards, electric vehicle infrastructure, cool roofs, and embodied carbon reductions. These approaches provide flexible frameworks for reducing emissions in new and existing buildings while aligning with statewide goals.
In parallel, “alternative pathways” are gaining traction. These include building performance standards (BPS), air quality ordinances, and enforcement of regional air district rules. BPS policies continue to be adopted across the U.S., supported by an expanding set of tools and resources that help jurisdictions design and implement effective programs.
Case Studies
Case studies outlined by Peter Roquemore and Christine Shen illustrated some of these strategies in practice. In Santa Monica, the city’s Low Carbon Concrete Reach Code aligns its requirements with CALGreen Tier 2 compliance limits and applies to nonresidential buildings over 100,000 square feet and schools over 50,000 square feet. With over 150 projects subject to the policy, it offers a straightforward approach with significant emissions reductions compared to standard concrete, though implementation challenges remain.
In West Hollywood, the city’s recently adopted Equitable Building Performance Standards target buildings over 20,000 square feet – just 6% of the city’s building stock, but a large share of emissions – as part of a broader goal to electrify 80% of the city’s buildings by 2035. The policy includes an alternative compliance pathway through Building Performance Action Plans and emphasizes equity through improved indoor conditions and tenant protections.
