
2025 Code Breaker: Single-family Overview of Energy Code Changes | Energy Code Ace
We will review the 2025 Energy Code Mandatory and Prescriptive requirements for single-family envelope, mechanical, photovoltaic, and heated pool and spa requirements. In addition, we will review the new electric-ready and performance compliance metrics introduced in the 2025 Energy Code.
Learning objectives:
- State (or identify) when the 2025 Energy Code requirements go into effect
- Describe the 2025 Energy Code changes to single-family Mandatory and Prescriptive envelope, mechanical, and renewable measures
- Identify major 2025 Energy Code updates to the single-family heated pool and spa requirements
- Be aware of additional tools, training and resources available
Presenter:
Nick Brown is President of Build Smart, an independent energy consultancy specializing in California energy modeling, energy code, and building performance that supports builders and architects in designing energy-efficient buildings. Nick is a Certified Energy Analyst (CEA) for residential and an Associate Energy Analyst (AEA) for nonresidential construction by the California Association of Building Energy Consultants (CABEC). He is a Subject Matter Expert on the Energy Code Ace statewide education team and teaches classes for Southern California Edison on Net Zero Design, All-electric Homes, Heat Pumps, and Selling Clean Energy Homes. As part of a CalSEED team, Nick is currently researching phase change material applications in HVAC systems. Nick was elected to the Board of Directors of CABEC beginning in 2018. He holds a BA in Economics from Princeton University and an MBA in Manufacturing from the University of Michigan. He remodeled his own home in 2014 in a deep energy retrofit and has written and presented extensively on Net Zero buildings, high-performance walls, and energy efficient building. Prior to starting Build Smart, he served as President of Merlex Stucco for 15 years, a $15 million Southern California stucco manufacturer.



















