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Energy codes for US and Canada

Building Energy codes and standards play a key role in helping reduce energy consumption and improve performance in today’s buildings. These codes and standards provide mandatory requirements for new construction as well as major renovations. If you’re looking for increased efficiency and performance, numerous green building rating systems also exist in addition to the mandatory codes and standards.

ASHRAE 90.1

ASHRAE 90.1 Lutron Resources

The resources listed below provide suggested, code compliant solutions based on total installed cost, simplicity of design, and basic functional needs for the space. The solutions provided below represent one of multiple compliant options to meeting lighting and receptacle control requirements. These solutions are based on Lutron’s interpretation of the energy code and are not meant to replace your state’s, province’s or local jurisdiction’s official energy code.

ASHRAE 90.1–2022: Application Summary

ASHRAE 90.1–2019: Application Summary

ASHRAE 90.1–2016: Application Summary

ASHRAE 90.1–2013: Application Summary

ASHRAE 90.1–2010: Application Summary

ASHRAE 90.1–2007: Application Summary
ANSI/ASHRAE/IES 90.1–2019 Application Guide

ANSI/ASHRAE/IES 90.1 2016 Application Guide

ANSI/ASHRAE/IES 90.1 2013 Application Guide

ANSI/ASHRAE/IES 90.1 2010 Application Guide

 

ANSI/ASHRAE/IES Standard 90.1

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI), American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers Inc. (ASHRAE) and the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA) jointly sponsor the ASHRAE/ IESNA Standard 90.1, “Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings." An updated version of ASHRAE 90.1 is released every three years. Lutron actively participates in the development of this standard by not only advocating for increased energy efficiency, but also voicing the opinions and concerns of our customers.

IECC

IECC Lutron Resources

The resources listed below provide suggested, code compliant solutions based on total installed cost, simplicity of design, and basic functional needs for the space. The solutions provided below represent one of multiple compliant options to meeting lighting and receptacle control requirements. These solutions are based on Lutron’s interpretation of the energy code and are not meant to replace your state’s, province’s or local jurisdiction’s official energy code.

International Energy Conservation Code

The International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) is part of the “I-Codes” produced by the International Code Council (ICC). An updated version of the IECC is released every three years.. Lutron actively participates in the development of this standard by not only advocating for increased energy efficiency, but also voicing the opinions and concerns of our customers.

Title 24

California Title 24 Overview

Since 1978, all new and altered buildings in California are required to meet the minimum efficiency standards defined in California Title 24, Part 6, of the California Energy Commission energy efficiency code.

These standards, which are regarded as the most stringent of all energy codes, were adopted in response to a legislative mandate to reduce California's energy consumption. They help conserve electricity and natural gas and prevent the state from having to build more power plants. In fact, Title 24 has saved Californians more than $74 billion in reduced electricity bills since 1978. California's per capita electricity usage has stayed largely flat since the mid-70s, largely due to the Title 24 energy efficiency standard, while the average American's went up by 50%.

The 2025 version of the standard became effective on January 1, 2026. All newly constructed or altered commercial and residential buildings in the state of California must comply with the 2025 standard, including all the mandatory lighting control requirements.

What are the new lighting requirements in the Title 24 2022 Standard?

The biggest changes in the commercial lighting arena are:

  • Editorial clean ups.
  • Demand responsive controls – added OpenADR 3.0.
  • Multilevel lighting – continuous dimming to 100% to 10%, classroom exception and table of control steps removed.
  • Lower wattage threshold before daylight responsive controls are required – was 120 W, now 75 W.
  • Continuous daylight dimming required.


The biggest changes in the residential lighting arena are:

  • Editorial clean ups.
  • All luminaires and light sources must comply with JA8 – Qualification Requirements for High Luminous Efficacy Light Sources.
  • Lighting in kitchen range hoods and bathroom exhaust fans exempt from dimming controls.

     

Residential Summary

CA Title 24 Residential Lighting Requirements Summary

Starting January 1, 2026, California Title 24 will require the following in all new residential construction and renovation requiring a permit:

  • All lighting (with few exceptions) shall be high efficacy and comply with JA8 (Joint Appendix 8).1
  • An occupancy sensor must be installed to control lights in bathrooms, garages, laundry rooms, walk-in closets, and utility rooms.
  • Lighting in habitable spaces, including but not limited to living rooms, dining rooms, kitchens, and bedrooms, shall have readily accessible wall-mounted dimming controls with an exception for luminaires connected to a circuit with controlled lighting power less than 20 watts or controlled by an occupancy2

     

1 Title 24 Joint Appendix 8 (JA8) Qualification Requirements for High Luminous Efficacy Light Sources not only ensures high efficacy lights but also excellent color rendering, 10% dimming, quick start time, and low levels of audible noise and flicker.

2 Dimmers and LED lighting must comply with NEMA SSL 7A which ensures the dimmer and LED light work together. Click here to see the Lutron NEMA SSL 7A Dimmer Compliance List.

Commercial Summary

California Title 24 - Commercial

California was among the first states to adopt building standards as a way to regulate energy consumption, in the form of Title 24.

Since its inception, the scope of this code's standards has increased. The latest version of these standards, Title 24 2025, will become effective on January 1, 2026, and apply to all newly constructed or altered buildings.

Title 24 2025 Quick Reference Guide

Lutron offers several solutions to help comply with the new standards' lighting control requirements. From stand-alone vacancy sensors to an entire building control system, Lutron has a solution for any size project and budget.

 

For Additional Information

Call the California Energy Commission (CEC):
Inside California +1.800.772.3300
Outside California +1.916.654.5106

Visit the CEC website at
www.energy.ca.gov/title24

Disclaimer: This website summarizes the CA Title 24 2025 lighting control requirements for residential and commercial buildings. It is for information purposes only. For complete and precise details refer to the California Title 24 2025 Building Energy Efficacy Standards.

NECB

NECB Lutron resources

The resources listed below provide suggested, code compliant solutions based on total installed cost, simplicity of design, and basic functional needs for the space. The solutions provided below represent one of multiple compliant options to meeting lighting and receptacle control requirements. These solutions are based on Lutron’s interpretation of the energy code and are not meant to replace your state’s, province’s or local jurisdiction’s official energy code.

NECB 2020: Application Summary

NECB 2017: Application Summary

NECB 2015: Application Summary 

NECB 2011: Application Summary

Ontario SB-10 NECB PATH

Ontario SB-10 ASHRAE PATH
NECB 2015 Application Guide
NYCECC

NYCECC Lutron resources

New York City's energy code is the 2025 New York City Energy Conservation Code. ASHRAE 90.1 or IECC with NYC Amendments can also be followed as alternate compliance options. Please note that the same energy code must be used across an entire project if multiple compliance options are available.