CABEC Annual Conference Presentation: Policy Landscape Update
A panel discussion at the 40th annual CABEC Conference focused on the changing policy landscape for reach code development, adoption and implementation. The panel, comprised of Kelly Cunningham, Codes & Standards Program for PG&E, Crystal Najera, Sustainability Manager for the City of Encinitas and Coleen Wisniewski, Sustainability Manager for the City of Chula Vista, provided both statewide and local perspectives on current achievements as well as approaches going forward.
Cunningham provided the statewide perspective by reviewing the role of the Local Energy Codes program in providing technical support to local jurisdictions before exploring opportunities for operational energy savings and GHG emissions reductions both from efficient design and from information disclosure and performance improvement. She also reviewed emerging reach code pathways, such as 2025 residential reach codes under AB130 exceptions, non-residential explorations, and alternative policy strategies such as Building Performance Standards.
Najera presented the work undertaken by the City of Encinitas over the past ten years under the objectives defined in its Climate Action Plan. The most recent reach codes, adopted in 2025 include Electric Readiness, energy efficiency retrofits, Graywater systems and EV charging requirements for new single family homes, additions and alterations (both residential and nonresidential over $50,000, and all new buildings and additions/alterations over $500,000). She also shared insights into the City's compliance program.
Wisniewski shared a look at the City of Chula Vista's Building Energy Saving Ordinance, which leverages and goes beyond AB802, which established the state benchmarking program. In Chula Vista, the ordinance lowered the square footage threshold to 20,000 square feet (the state mandate is 50,000 ft2) , which targeted approximately 400 additional buildings. The local program is exempted from the statewide mandate and enables provides local staff the ability to work with owners and tenants on improvements that help businesses and residential tenants.
To request a copy of the presentation, email info@localenergycodes.com.
