Menu Toggle Software
Future Cycle

Nonresidential Controlled Environment Horticulture

Nonresidential
Covered Processes
Mechanical

Measure Description

The Statewide CASE Team proposes to evaluate indoor horticulture measures for inclusion in the 2022 update cycle of Title 24, Part 6, Building Energy Efficiency Standards. The proposed measures aim to save energy and water, while maintaining product quality and production volume for crops grown in non-stacked and stacked indoor farms. The Statewide CASE Team will consider the plant growth requirements for the following crops in the evaluation of the proposed measures:cannabis, microgreens, vegetable transplants,basil (representing herbs category),lettuce (representing leafy greens category),tomatoes (representing vine plants category), and roses.

Controlled environment horticulture is best categorized as a covered process. The targeted sections of Title 24, Part 6 for the proposed measures include:

  • 120.6 Mandatory Requirements for Covered Processes and
  • 141.1 Requirements for Covered Processes in Additions, Alterations to Existing Nonresidential, High-Rise Residential, and Hotel/Motel Buildings.

After initial research, including interviews with stakeholders, the Statewide CASE Team determined that the submeasures below did not meet the Energy Commission’s requirements for market readiness, technical feasibility, cost-effectiveness, or enforceability at the time they were considered. The nonresidential controlled environment horticulture submeasures that are included in the 2022 Code Cycle can be seen here: Nonresidential Controlled Environment Horticulture

Environmental and Irrigation Controls

The Environmental and Irrigation Controls measure proposes mandatory lighting, temperature, humidity, and irrigation controls in indoor horticulture as well as an acceptance test for those controls. Vapor pressure deficit will be evaluated as a possible control parameter. The Statewide CASE Team will consider simple controls such as thermostats, switches, time clocks, irrigation timers, irrigation controllers, pressure sensors for irrigation lines as well as more complex controls that use computerized equipment. Interactions of lighting and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems will be considered.

Circulation Fan Minimum Performance Specifications

The Circulation Fan Minimum Performance Specifications measure sets minimum performance specifications in cubic feet per minute per Watt (cfm/W) for circulation systems in indoor horticulture. The Statewide CASE Team will refer to Bioenvironmental and Structural Systems (BESS) Laboratory ratings for agricultural circulation fans.

Relevant Documents

Measure proposals, supporting documents, and other outside references will be made public as they become available.

Round One Utility-Sponsored Stakeholder Meeting Materials

Give Us Your Feedback

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.

  • Use the form above to provide feedback on this measure.