Improving energy efficiency in California buildings is a hot topic, and the state is now pushing the issue by requiring disclosure of energy ratings during lease, lending, and sale transactions for non-residential buildings.
In 2007, section 25402.10 was added to the California Public Resources Code to create a system for measuring the energy consumption of Nonresidential buildings. The goal? A 20 percent increase in energy efficiency by 2015. The statute outlines a simple, two-part benchmarking and disclosure process.
This 2010 article addresses and summarizes the new regulations.