HomeMy WebLinkAbout3D - Public CommentRemarks to Palm Springs City Council on Energy Code adoption
Good evening, Mayor Middleton, Mayor Pro Tem Garner and Councilmembers. My name is David
Freedman. I’m speaking to you on item 3D, adoption of the California Building Standards Codes, in my
capacity as a member of the Sustainability Commission as well as Program Manager at CVAG for Desert
Community Energy and the new Inland Regional Energy Network, or I-REN.
Following up on the climate action discussion at last week’s Council meeting, I want to call your attention
to the 2022 California Energy Code, one of the Building Codes proposed for adoption. The Energy Code is
a core component of the state’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in buildings, which account for
nearly 40% of the estimated GHG emissions in Palm Springs.
For new residential buildings, the 2022 Code has pre-wiring requirements for electric space heating,
cooking, and clothes dryers when gas equipment is installed, and water heating equipment must be an
electric heat pump. The 2022 Code also revises and updates the solar PV language first introduced in the
2019 Code.
For new non-residential buildings, the 2022 Code adds requirements for PV and battery storage systems
for specific building types, including warehouses. There are also new mandatory requirements for controlled
environment horticulture systems such as cannabis cultivation regarding dehumidification, lighting,
electrical power distribution, building envelope, and space conditioning.
While the Energy Code sets minimum statewide standards, jurisdictions may establish stricter rules. As
Sustainability Director LP McCloy mentioned to you last week, the Sustainability Commission has prepared
for your consideration following stakeholder outreach ordinances that will help bring existing residential
buildings up to the 2022 Code requirements and have cannabis cultivation facilities be even more energy
and water efficient.
Finally, I-REN will soon be launching training and education programs for building department staff and the
building industry to support, understand, and effectively implement the new Energy Code.
Thank you for your consideration.
12/05/2022
Public Comment
Item 3D