On January 1, 2026, California’s 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards (Title 24, Part 6 or Energy Code) goes into effect. Included in this code cycle are new and updated lighting requirements for residential projects. If you design this critical scope of work, you’ll want to be aware of these changes so any projects you submit for permits in 2026 are compliant and can begin installation without complication. To help, Energy Code Ace has a handful of offerings to help architects keep their designs Energy Code compliant.
Lighting Resources
Fact sheets are available to help architects and designers with Energy Code compliance for residential projects. These resources are available at no cost and can be downloaded at your convenience.
Residential Indoor and Outdoor Lighting 2025
This fact sheet covers residential indoor and outdoor lighting technologies that are regulated by the 2025 Energy Code and includes high-efficacy luminaires, recessed can light specifications, vacancy or occupancy sensors, dimming, and on/off switching control requirements. Click here to download the fact sheet.
Both California’s Appliance Efficiency Regulations (Title 20) and Building Energy Efficiency Standards include requirements for lamps and luminaires (light fixtures), including the performance requirements outlined in Title 24, Part 6 Joint Reference Appendix JA8. This fact sheet is intended to clarify where these two standards overlap, where they are different, and when each is applicable. Click here to download the fact sheet.
Training
If you prefer to learn from our instructors, Energy Code Ace offers a course dedicated to residential lighting requirements:
2025 Title 24, Part 6 Essentials — Residential Standards: Lighting
This course is for designers responsible for lighting installations in new and remodeled residences. It covers an overview of current lighting technologies, such as high-efficacy luminaires and controls options, and how these products must meet the certification requirements of Title 20 (Appliance Standards) and JA8 (high-efficacy light source Energy Code requirements). View the course on our website to learn more and see when the next available date is.
Connect With Us
Of course, every project is unique and faces its own set of challenges. If you’re unsure about an Energy Code requirement or if your project is compliant, you can reach out to a member of the Energy Code Ace team. Submit a question to us and a subject matter expert can answer your question within 48 hours.
Energy Code Ace offers a wide variety of tools, training, and resources dedicated to helping architects and designers with Energy Code compliance. Create a free account today to access all of our offerings!
