Unless the context otherwise requires, the definitions in this article govern the construction of this chapter.
Energy SystemsDefinitions
Section § 25487
This section means that the meanings of words or terms defined in this article apply throughout the whole chapter, unless it's clear they mean something else in a specific context.
definitions construction of chapter context requirements
Section § 25488
The term "Title 24 Standards" is used to describe building standards for nonresidential buildings created by a specific commission.
“Title 24 Standards” refers to the nonresidential building standards developed by the commission.
Title 24 Standards nonresidential building standards building codes
Section § 25488.5
This section defines the term "building standard" as a specific type of code related to the construction and safety of buildings. It refers to the definition given in another part of the laws, specifically Section 18909 of the Health and Safety Code, and indicates that it must be one adopted by the commission involved.
“Building standard” means a building standard as defined in Section 18909 of the Health and Safety Code which is adopted by the commission.
building standard construction regulations safety code
Section § 25489
This section defines 'lifecycle cost' as the overall estimated expenses involved in acquiring, running, maintaining, and building an energy system for a building throughout its entire lifespan. This includes costs for fuel, materials, equipment, labor, and repairs.
“Lifecycle cost” means an estimate of the total cost of acquisition, operation, maintenance, and construction of any energy system within or related to a structure over the design life of the structure. “Life cycle cost” includes, but is not limited to, the cost of fuel, materials, machinery, ancillary devices, labor, service, replacement, and repairs.
lifecycle cost energy system total cost estimate
Section § 25491
This section defines what is meant by a "governmental agency" for legal purposes. It includes any public agency associated with the state, counties, cities, districts, associations of governments, or joint power agencies.
“Governmental agency” means any public agency, including any agency of the state, each county, city, district, association of governments, and joint power agency.
governmental agency public agency state agency
Section § 25492
This law defines a "structure" as a building that's over 10,000 square feet and has systems for heating, cooling, water heating, or lighting that operate for more than 1,000 hours each year. Essentially, it's aimed at larger buildings with active systems for maintaining the interior environment.
“Structure” means any building which has more than 10,000 square feet of floor area and which has a heating, cooling, water heating, or lighting system which is designed to provide lighting and space conditioning more than 1,000 hours per year.
building definition large buildings floor area
Section § 25493
This law states that starting from January 1, 1979, any new building that a government agency plans to construct must meet the requirements set out in Title 24 Standards.
On or after January 1, 1979, no governmental agency shall commence construction on any new structure unless the new structure complies with Title 24 Standards.
Title 24 Standards government construction new structure compliance
Section § 25493.5
Starting January 1, 1980, any government agency cannot begin building new structures unless they follow all relevant building standards outlined in the State Building Standards Code.
On and after January 1, 1980, no governmental agency shall commence construction on any new structure unless the new structure complies with all applicable building standards, as defined in Section 25488.5 and published in the State Building Standards Code.
government construction new structures building standards
Section § 25494
By July 31, 1978, a commission is required to create a guide for how government agencies and the public can compare the long-term costs of different building designs. This guide will help evaluate a building's costs based on its location and utility service area.
Not later than July 31, 1978, the commission shall prepare a manual outlining a methodology by which governmental agencies and the general public may at their option compare the lifecycle costs of various building design alternatives. This manual will provide the information and procedures necessary to evaluate a building’s lifecycle costs in the microclimate and utility service area where it is to be built.
building lifecycle costs government agencies public comparison
Section § 25495
By July 31, 1978, a commission must create guidelines for new buildings that promote energy conservation. These guidelines cover options like using natural daylight, improving heating and cooling systems, enhancing natural ventilation, controlling solar heat gains, and incorporating alternative energy sources like solar power. These guidelines, along with related cost analyses, can be used by government agencies when deciding on building designs in competitive bidding.
No later than July 31, 1978, the commission shall develop design guidelines for new construction which include energy conserving options, including, but not limited to, the use of daylighting, heating ventilation and air conditioning economizer cycles, natural ventilation, building envelope solar heat gain control mechanisms, and alternative energy systems such as solar energy for space heating and water heating and load management strategies. These guidelines and the cost analysis done pursuant to Section 25494 may be considered by government agencies at their option for ultimate selection of a building design in the competitive bidding process.
energy conservation design guidelines daylighting
Section § 25496
This law required that by July 1, 1978, a commission had to create optional lighting standards for existing buildings. These standards included details on lighting levels for different tasks and areas, light switching and control systems, and energy budgets related to lighting. The commission could also advise the public and governmental agencies on these standards.
No later than July 1, 1978, the commission shall develop and make available to government agencies and the general public to be utilized at their option lighting standards for existing buildings. These standards shall address, but not be limited to, task and general area lighting levels, light switching and control mechanisms, and lighting energy budgets. The commission may provide advice and recommendations to the public or any governmental agency as to the standards.
lighting standards existing buildings task lighting
Section § 25498
This law mandates that all new state-owned buildings in California must have a solar water heating system, unless it's not financially or physically possible to do so. The State Architect can grant exemptions based on these feasibility issues.
In addition to any other requirements applicable to such structure, no new state-owned structure shall be constructed which is not equipped with a supplementary solar water heating system, unless such structure is specifically exempted from this requirement by the State Architect for reasons of economic or physical infeasibility.
state-owned buildings solar water heating supplementary solar system
