California Energy Code requirements for horti lighting

In the September 2022 issue of LEDs Magazine, representatives from Energy Code Ace outlined the ways in which lighting designers could optimize general illumination projects to meet California energy code compliance while achieving the required project deliverables for clients. In this article, we explain the value of energy code requirements designed with controlled environment horticulture (CEH) or controlled environment agriculture (CEA) applications in mind. We will address building type definitions, lighting requirements for CEA facilities, and additional resources available for project planning and education.

2022 California Energy Code breakthrough

Horticultural lighting has been subject to California's Building Energy Efficiency Standards — also known as Title 24, Part 6 or Energy Code — for many years through requirements that apply to a broad range of building types and applications. However, the 2022 Energy Code, which becomes effective Jan. 1, 2023, introduces new standards that specifically address the lighting needs of horticultural applications. These requirements establish distinct photosynthetic photon efficacy (PPE) ratings, as well as time-switch and multilevel lighting controls, which ensure adequate light to support indoor growing without wasting energy when natural light is readily available or when electric lighting isn't required, for example.

Continue reading.

Image by serhii_bobyk on Freepik

Source: LEDs Magazine