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Nonresidential Industrial Pipe Insulation & Verification

Proposal Description

This CASE Report presents justifications for code changes to expand existing mandatory pipe insulation requirements to include pipes used in covered processes. Covered processes application can be very energy intensive, so ensuring adequate levels of insulation is critical to maintain high levels of energy efficiency and performance. The proposal highlights the importance of insulating pipes used for covered processes to the same insulation levels required for service water heating, space heating, and space cooling to minimize heat loss and conserve energy.

The proposed code change would expand the existing mandatory pipe insulation requirements to pipes used for covered processes. With the proposed change, all pipes a half inch and greater in diameter that are used for process heating or cooling, including pipes for chilled water, hot water, and steam, would have to comply with the minimum insulation requirements in Table 120.3-A. The proposal does not recommend revisions to the minimum insulation requirements in Table 120.3-A; rather the proposal would apply the existing minimum insulation requirements to process pipes. The minimum insulation requirements vary depending on whether the pipe is used to deliver heating or cooling, nominal pipe diameter, and the fluid operating temperature range. The proposed requirements would apply to new construction, additions, and alterations. Insulation would be verified with a site inspection.

Currently, Title 24 Part 6 includes insulation requirements for space heating, space cooling, and service water heating covered in Table 120.3-A. This code proposal expands Table 120.3-A to include covered processes applications.

Statewide, the proposed measure is expected to save 2.68 GWh of electricity, and 5.46 million therms of natural gas in the first year. In addition, 30,008 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions (metric tons CO2e) of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions would be avoided in year one from reduced energy use.

Relevant Documents

CASE Report

Round One Utility-Sponsored Stakeholder Meeting Materials

Provide Feedback

Submit feedback and view the Energy Commission's proceedings and available proposed code language by visiting their 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards page.

This measure page will be updated as the 2025 code cycle progresses. For questions or suggestions, email [email protected]. Please include the measure name in the subject line.

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The Statewide CASE Team values input from all stakeholders engaged in the Title 24, Part 6 code change process. We encourage the open exchange of code change comments and concerns.

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