California Building Code Takes Step Toward Net Zero Energy

Have you ever imagined living in a new home or apartment with a dramatically reduced energy-bill? Well, this could very soon be a reality, so don’t stop dreaming!

In May 2018, the board for the California Energy Commission (CEC) adopted new building energy codes to the California Title 24, which governs regulations for new residential and commercial construction building in the state. This proposal, the first of its kind in the US, will combine rooftop solar panels with enough energy efficiency for single-family homes and apartments to use net zero energy. This means the mandatory addition of solar power could eliminate all electrical uses such as cooling, plug-ins, and lighting in single-family homes and apartments on an annual basis.

These massive changes planned to take effect January 1st, 2020, are expected to save more than $1.7 billion dollars in energy savings over the next 30 years and see carbon pollution reduced by 1.4 million metric tons.

“Net zero energy has been a vision for California for nearly 10 years,” says California Public Utilities Commissioner Carla Peterman.

In 2008, California set energy-use reduction goals to hit net zero energy use in all new residential construction by 2020 and commercial construction by 2030. In the next few years, California building trends are forecasted to grow. ‘Multi-family’ units top residential construction while ‘offices & warehouses’ lead the commercial side. Kodiak Roofing & Waterproofing is helping builders stay ahead of the curve by providing energy efficient roofing solutions and structural supports for rooftop solar arrays. Currently, Kodiak Roofing is partnering with building contractors to provide top quality roofing systems and solar system mounts to meet the new California building codes.     

Energy use in California homes & buildings is responsible for one-fourth of the greenhouse gas emissions in the state, and currently, only 15-20 percent of new single-family homes have solar panels. With the addition of the new Title 24 building codes, California homes and buildings are one step closer to achieving net zero energy and lowering emissions over the next few decades.

Kodiak Roofing and Waterproofing is a full-service commercial roofing contractor. Our innovative roofing services and national certifications are part of what makes Kodiak an award-winning roofing company.

Contact us today for your commercial roofing maintenance, repairs, and solutions.