Energy Code – Nonresidential Significant Changes

Date: September 15, 2026
Time: 1:15 PM – 2:15 PM
Ballroom A

This 1-hour presentation provides an overview of major changes to the 2025 Energy Code requirements for nonresidential buildings that went into effect on January 1, 2026. Topics discussed include changes to requirements for building envelope (insulation, roofing, fenestration), HVAC (controls, system type, ventilation, fans), water heating, lighting, covered processes, solar PV, battery energy storage systems (BESSes), compliance software, and forms. Information is provided on the 2025 compliance manuals, forms, and compliance software, along with 2025 Energy Code resources. The 2025 California Energy Code forms part of the building standards laws of the State of California, and plays an integral part in the state’s national leadership in energy efficiency, and its greenhouse gas emissions reductions plans. Thus, it is critical that interested parties from enforcement agencies to contractors, designers, engineers, architects, and energy consultants keep up to date on the changes made in relation to the 2022 Energy Code.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

• Acquire a basic understanding of the Energy Code, including the compliance pathways and the types of requirements
• Acquire a high-level knowledge of the nonresidential changes in the 2025 Energy Code
• Understand key points needed for plan review and field inspections 
• Learn about educational resources and upcoming trainings available from the CEC, Energy Code Ace, and Regional Energy Networks

Speaker:
Allen Wong, Energy Commission Specialist II, California Energy Commission