The California Energy Commission has a number of proposals for the 2016 Energy Code as it chases the eventual goal of getting the state of California to “zero energy” by 2020.

Michael Hodgson, ConSol founder, spoke at the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) 2014 Fall Conference Tuesday to discuss how California’s energy policy is driving the market to time-of-use energy pricing, incentivizing ways to reduce peak load and detailing how the policy impacts energy choices in buildings.

Michael Hodgson, ConSol founder, spoke at AAMA 2014 Fall Conference about how California’s energy policy is driving the market to time-of-use energy pricing.

In his presentation, “California Regulatory Proceedings Impacting the Nation,” Hodgson pointed out that time-dependent value energy is more expensive at different times of day, such as between 5-7 p.m. in the summer after residents get home and turn on air conditioning in the West and South zones.

According to Hodgson, the trend toward larger homes on smaller lots is resulting in HVAC units being placed within the attic space. Hodgson says this is problematic, since the typical attic in that early evening timeframe reaches 140 degrees. High-performance attics feature above or below roof-deck insulation and vented attic design to combat extreme temperatures. High-performance walls, which may prompt changes to window installation instructions or frame design to accommodate the necessary 1-inch stucco and 2-inch exterior foam sheathing, have also been proposed.
He adds that performance-based codes are also critical.

“There is still time to participate [in rule-making proceedings],” says Hodgson, stressing that now is an important time to get involved.