The California Energy Commission (CEC) has adopted emergency standards for energy efficiency in new buildings that will cut the state’s energy use by 200 megawatts annually—enough electricity to power two hundred thousand average-sized California homes.
The updated standards have several requirements, including: increased emphasis on preventing leaks in air conditioning and heating ducts; radiant barriers that reflect heat from the sun in attic spaces; improved window requirements that will reduce the amount of solar heat that radiates into a home and adds to the air conditioning load; and the use of devices such as thermostatic expansion valves that improve the efficiency of air conditioning units.
The changes, most of which go into effect on June 1, 2001, have the support of utilities, window manufacturers, the California Building Industry Association, and the Natural Resources Defense Council. CEC will work closely with building officials, builders, and utilities to provide new standards training. For more information, visit the California Energy Commission Web site.
