# 1 Introduction

This compliance 'manual is intended to help plans examiners, inspectors, owners, designers, builders, and energy consultants comply with and enforce California’s 2019 Building Energy Efficiency Standards (Energy ‘Standards) for low-rise residential buildings. The lighting, domestic hot water, and indoor air quality requirements in this compliance 'manual also apply to high-rise residential buildings. The 'manual is written as a reference and an instructional guide and can be helpful for anyone that is directly or indirectly involved in the design and construction of energy-efficient low-rise residential buildings.

The compliance 'manual has nine chapters:

Chapter 1 introduces the Energy Standards and discusses the application and scope of the standards for low-rise residences.

Chapter 2 analyzes the compliance and enforcement process, including design and preparation of compliance documentation through field verification and diagnostic testing.

Chapter 3 details the building envelope.

Chapter 4 discusses heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.

Chapter 5 outlines water heating systems requirements, including the requirements for swimming pool systems.

Chapter 6 looks at the requirements for hardwired interior lighting and for outdoor lighting permanently attached to the building.

Chapter 7 examines photovoltaics, battery storage systems, and shared solar electric systems or community-shared battery system compliance option and solar-ready requirements for low-rise residential buildings.

Chapter 8 outlines the performance approach to compliance.

Chapter 9 goes over additions, alterations, and repairs.

Additional Topics:

1.1 Related Documents

1.2 The Technical Chapters

1.3 Why California Needs Building Energy Efficiency Standards

1.4 What’s New for 2019

1.5 Scope and Application

1.6 Compliance Approaches and Mandatory Measures

1.7 Climate Zones

1.8 Conditioned Floor Area

1.9 Where to Get Help