Building Energy Efficiency and Electrification

Project Contact: Alyssa Way | alyssa.way1@sdcounty.ca.gov | (619) 972-1176

Overview

Individuals planning energy efficient features for home

The Triennial Building Energy Code and Incentive Program Update project seeks to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from building energy use—which made up approximately 20% of emissions in the unincorporated area in 2019. The project ultimately supports key requirements outlined in the 2024 Climate Action Plan (CAP).

Projects

Triennial Building Energy Code Update

As part of the State’s 2025 triennial code update cycle, the County of San Diego (County) is updating its Building Standards Code, including the Energy Code (Title 24, Part 6), to ensure homes and buildings are designed and constructed to be healthy, safe, sustainable, and energy efficient. This triennial code update would be brought forward to the Board for their consideration and proposed adoption in early 2026. A future reach code to implement the 2024 CAP’s requirement to amend the County’s Code of Regulatory Ordinances to require cost effective renewable energy, electrification, energy efficiency, and water efficiency measures will be brought forward by the end of 2026.

Green Building Incentive Program Update

The County’s Green Building Incentive Program is a voluntary County program that offers streamlined permitting and reduced permit fees for green building practices that exceed state code requirements for resource and water conservation and energy efficiency. As directed by the 2024 CAP, the program will be updated to encourage additional green building measures, adding new compliance options and opening eligibility criteria for energy efficiency and electrification improvements.

Timeline

The County is currently conducting outreach and engagement ahead of bringing the Triennial Building Energy Code and Incentive Program Update to the County Board of Supervisors in early 2026.

Provide Input

We want to hear from you! As part of this project, the County will offer virtual meetings to inform and engage stakeholders and highlight available incentives that support sustainable building practices. Public meetings will provide an opportunity to learn more about the adoption process, ask questions, and share comments about the building code updates and incentive programs.

To provide feedback and submit comments on the County’s energy efficiency and electrification projects, please contact Project Manager, Alyssa Way via email at alyssa.way1@sdcounty.ca.gov or by phone at (619) 972-1176.

For past outreach materials, including presentation PDFs, please visit the CAP page under the Project Documents and Technical Reports section.

Subscribe to Project Updates

You can receive updates on the project and other County sustainability initiatives by signing up for email updates.