Reach Codes Corner: A Look at the New Compliance Metrics for New Construction in the 2022 Code

This column is a monthly feature focusing on specific topics of interest to newcomers to the reach code development community.

This month, we’re looking at some of the new aspects of the 2022 Building Energy Code that reach code professionals will need to keep in mind as they move forward with planning local jurisdiction amendments. One of the most impactful developments in this cycle is the move to three compliance metrics for new construction. A design must satisfy all three, which are computed in the State-approved compliance software and are reported in the compliance documents.

For single-family new construction, these metrics are expressed as Energy Design Ratings (EDRs), an abstract scale wherein lower values represent lower energy consumption. There are three different EDR metrics in the new 2022 State Energy Code:

• Energy Design Rating 1 (EDR1) represents total Source Energy, and is a proxy for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions
• Efficiency Energy Design Rating 2 (EDR2-eff) represents time-dependent valuation (TDV) Energy (a valuation developed by the Energy Commission to reflect the time dependent value of energy, including long-term projected costs of energy and other societal costs), excluding self-generation but including battery storage
• Total Energy Design Rating EDR2 (EDR2-total) represents TDV Energy, including both self-generation and battery storage

For multi-family and nonresidential new construction, the three metrics are expressed as:

• Efficiency TDV Compliance Margin, which accounts for all compliant end-uses but does not include the impacts of PV and battery storage
• Total TDV Compliance Margin, which includes compliant end-uses accounting for PV and battery storage contributions
• Source Energy Margin is evaluated based on fuel used for power generation, assuming utilities meet all RPS goals and other obligations projected over 30-year lifecycle

As local jurisdictions explore different reach code approaches, these requirements may impact the choices each jurisdiction makes. For instance, an approach that amends the California Energy Code (Title 24, Part 6) would need to meet a cost-effectiveness assessment to become legally enforceable and these compliance metrics would also be in play for new construction projects. A different approach, such as a measure amending a municipal health and safety code, would not trigger the use of these compliance margins or the cost-effectiveness requirement. A third alternative, adopting specific aspects of the California Green Building Code, Title 24, CALGreen, would require new construction projects to meet a different energy performance margin and install specific prerequisite measures from a prescribed list of measures.

The statewide Reach Codes Program is available with a wide range of resources and technical assistance to work with local teams to help identify the best approach for that community. Visit localenergycodes.com or email info@localenergycodes.com for specific assistance.

CCEC Forum Session Focuses on Accelerating and Demystifying the Reach Codes Process

A statewide panel of reach code professionals joined on Thursday, September 22, 2022 for a lively discussion of reach code issues at the 13th Annual California Climate and Energy Collaborative (CCEC) Forum.

Moderator Misti Bruceri led a highly interactive conversation that ranged from statewide to local perspectives, looking at the reach code development and adoption process with an eye toward sharing insights that would enable attendees to accelerate their own processes.

Statewide perspectives were provided by Danuta Drozdowicz, Energy Specialist with the Efficiency Division of the California Energy Commission, who is responsible for coordinating approval process of local reach code measures by the Commission, and Lawrence Garber, Program Associate with the Building Decarbonization Coalition, who shared valuable insights from the annual survey conducted statewide for jurisdictions implementing reach codes.

Local perspectives came from three professionals with jurisdictions across the state, each of whom spoke to a specific stage in the process. Cora Panturad, Sustainable Infrastructure Analyst with the County of Monterey, shared her team’s experience with the beginning stages of the process, focusing on outreach and identifying and developing reach code language. Crystal Najera, Sustainability Manager for the City of Encinitas, shared insights about her community’s experience with the development and adoption of its reach code. Demian Hardman-Saldana, Senior Planner, Sustainability & Energy for Contra Costa County, spoke about implementation aspects of adopted reach codes. The free-flowing conversation included insights from attendees as well as numerous questions.

Some of the panel's tips and takeaways included:

• In the early stages of development and adoption, have as detailed an understanding of the thinking of City Council or Board of Supervisors as possible. This will help local staff be prepared for guiding the process through development and adoption

• In the mid stages, know where the resources exist to help the local team streamline the process--whether it be a regional REN, the statewide team, other regional jurisdictions, or Commission staff

• It's critical to begin well in advance of the effective date of the ordinance and work closely with the other local departments needed for successful implementation, such as the planning and building inspection departments

• Utilize the Commission staff to identify as early as possible whether Commission approval will be needed. Drozdowicz welcomes jurisdictions reaching out to provide draft ordinances to make an early determination that Commission approval is not needed as well as furnishing a letter regarding this to local counsel.

The session materials will remain available on the Whova platform for Forum attendees.

The statewide reach codes program also staffed a table at the Forum to chat with attendees and provide an overview of available resources.