Energy Standards

Non-Residential projects consisting of new building(s) and/or alterations to existing non-residential spaces (including Tenant Improvements) will require documentation reflecting "Prescriptive" or "Performance" compliance approach to be provided as part of permit application plan documentation to demonstrate compliance with the Non-Residential portions of the 2022 California Energy Efficiency Standards.

Notice: Tenant Improvement permits which propose to alter the lighting, and/or where the tenant improvement changes the area of the enclosed space, or the space type, or increases the lighting power in the enclosed space shall comply with the Non-residential Prescriptive Lighting or Performance Method requirements of the Standards. A copy of code sections, forms, and procedures from the energy standards as needed to determine the requirements and demonstrate lighting compliance Prescriptively can be located by viewing the 2013 Building Energy Efficiency Standards (PDF). In addition, blank copies of the energy compliance forms can be located in the form name category of Table 10-1.

Lighting within nonresidential buildings requires Acceptance Testing to assure the installation, quality, and proper functioning of controls and equipment. This testing shall be performed by an Acceptance Test Technician (ATT). An ATT is a building specialist, trained and certified by Acceptance Test Technician Certification Providers (ATTCPs). 

Notice: A lighting ATT employer and technician for your project can be located by viewing the CALCTP.org - Acceptance Test Employer and Technicians page. Prior to receiving final occupancy approval for an issued non-residential permit with lighting revisions, the appropriate documentation shall be provided. The applicant is responsible for obtaining the testing as required. (Once thresholds for training the industry have been met, acceptance testing of mechanical systems will also be required)

• The Lighting Control Installation Requirements can be located in the Nonresidential Appendices NA7.7 (PDF).
• The Lighting Control Acceptance Requirements can be located in the Nonresidential Appendices NA7.6 (PDF).

The form(s) required to be completed during construction to demonstrate the energy features are installed and meet the acceptance requirements of the standards will be referenced within the energy documentation.

The Certificates of Compliance (NRCC), Certificates of Acceptance (NRCA), and Certificates of Installation (NRCI) for compliance with the 2013 Energy Standards can be located at the following links.

• NRCC (Non-Residential Certificate of Compliance)
• NRCA (Non-Residential Certificate of Acceptance)
• NRCI (Non-Residential Certificate of Installation)

2010 Energy Standards

• (Effective for projects submitted January 1, 2011 through June 30, 2014)
• (Table 10-1 - Acceptance Forms (Duplicated from 2008 Nonresidential Compliance Manual)
• The following table references the acceptance requirements to be followed in the completion of the acceptance forms.