Building energy efficiency in California: 10 tips to know

What is building energy efficiency?

Building energy efficiency is the practice of using less energy to operate a building while maintaining comfort, safety, and performance. For low-rises, high-rises, and community associations, building energy efficiency in California may involve lighting, HVAC, insulation, windows, appliances, controls, solar readiness, water heating, and long-term maintenance decisions that reduce waste and operating costs.
 

Energy incentives in California

California offers several government and utility-supported programs that may help multifamily communities, affordable housing properties, and community associations offset energy upgrade costs. Incentives change often, but board-relevant programs may include:

• HEEHRA rebates: Provides electrification rebates for income-eligible households and multifamily properties, with multifamily properties potentially qualifying for rebates up to $14,000 per unit. New applications may be paused or limited depending on funding and demand.
   
• BUILD Program: Supports eligible new low-income, all-electric multifamily housing with technical assistance and incentives.
   
• SoCalREN Multifamily Program: Provides technical assistance and incentives for multifamily energy-efficiency upgrades in participating Southern California communities.

Boards should confirm eligibility, funding status, and program requirements before including an incentive in the budget.
 

New building energy efficiency standards

California’s Building Energy Efficiency Standards are found in Title 24, Part 6, also called the California Energy Code.

Key points include:

• Effective date: The 2025 Energy Code applies to covered building projects with permit applications submitted on or after January 1, 2026.
   
• Heat pumps and electric readiness: The 2025 Energy Code adds new heat pump water heater and heat pump water heater-ready requirements for multifamily buildings, including requirements related to ventilation, pipe insulation, and central water heating system options.
   
• Solar and battery requirements: Newly constructed high-rise multifamily buildings that are required to install solar PV generally have battery energy storage requirements. Newly constructed low-rise multifamily buildings generally have solar PV requirements, with battery storage available as a compliance credit in certain cases.
   
• Benchmarking: Multifamily buildings over 50,000 square feet with 17 or more residential utility accounts generally must report annual energy use.
   
• Climate zones: California standards vary by climate zone, so the same project may have different compliance requirements depending on location.

10 building energy efficiency tips and best practices to benefit the environment

1. Reduce waste

   Waste reduction can include purchasing fewer items, purchasing items that include less wasteful packaging, or purchasing items that are manufactured with elements that are less toxic. Communities have also seen success with a “pay as you throw” program, wherein homeowners pay for each can or bag of trash they dispose of, rather than paying a flat fee for the service.
    

2. Reuse items before replacing them

   Beyond reducing and recycling, you can explore ways to reuse items rather than disposing of them. Use glasses and mugs instead of disposable cups. Donate used equipment instead of throwing it out. Encourage residents to use reusable grocery bags. Pursue other sources such as CalRecycle and local city or county recycling agencies that offer practical ideas to help you reduce waste in your community.
    

3. Improve water efficiency

   Water conservation is important, especially for those who live in California. Check the records and see how your community’s water usage has been trending over time.
   
   By seeing where your community stacks up, you can know how aggressively you should pursue water efficiency plans like faucet and toilet repairs or the replacement of traditional showerheads and flushers with more water-smart models.
   
   In your common areas, consider replacing turf with drought-tolerant plants, and check your irrigation system at least monthly. Replacing older, faulty spray heads will yield considerable savings.
    

4. Switch to LED lighting

   Replacing incandescent or older fluorescent lighting with LED bulbs can reduce energy use. ENERGY STAR-certified LEDs produce light up to 90% more efficiently than incandescent bulbs and last much longer.
    

5. Look for ENERGY STAR

   Washers, dishwashers, refrigerators, and air conditioners with ENERGY STAR certifications will perform more efficiently. There’s a full list of ENERGY STAR-certified items at www.energystar.gov.
    

6. Use natural light

   You can reduce the amount of electricity you use in your offices and homes by placing workstations near windows, reducing the need for artificial light. Have your cleaning crew come during the day so they can take advantage of the natural sunlight, and confirm that they’re turning lights off as they leave a room. You can even install a daylight or photo sensor that controls your lighting automatically, increasing efficiency.
    

7. Unplug devices, or plug in something different

   Unplug small household appliances when you’re not using them. If you have the option to use a laptop or a desktop computer, opt for the laptop; it draws less power (up to 80% less). When you’re cooking, choose the microwave instead of the oven whenever possible. Not only is it faster, but it reduces carbon dioxide emissions to the tune of about one pound for every meal.
    

8. Add insulation where needed

   Homes lose significant efficiency through the attic. Install insulation without covering vents. Knee walls, those that have attic space behind them, usually require additional insulation as well. You can also insulate around your water heater (if its specs allow) to maximize efficiency.
    

9. Adjust your water heater

   For many residential water heaters, 120 degrees is a common energy-saving setting. At this temperature, you can reduce carbon emissions by 1,200 pounds annually for electric units, and 880 pounds a year for gas heaters. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and applicable safety requirements.
    

10. Think outside the power company

    For some communities, pursuing sources of alternative energy can yield considerable savings. A renewable source such as solar can be a welcome addition to your energy mix. You’ll want to check that the initial capital outlay is offset by enough savings over time, and that the installation of any equipment doesn’t violate your community rules.

Being green is good for your community — and for the planet. Start with these 10 simple strategies and you’ll find that being Earth-friendly is easier than you think.

For more information on how a great community association management company can assist with your green efforts, contact FirstService Residential, North America’s leading property management company, today.

This information is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute, and should not be relied upon as, legal, regulatory, financial, or operational advice, or as a representation or guarantee of any specific services, capabilities, or outcomes. Property management needs, regulatory requirements, market conditions, and available services vary by jurisdiction, property type, and community. FirstService Residential provides services through locally based affiliates and associates, and services and results may vary by community, region, contractual terms, and applicable law.