The major effort to see this bill come to life and cross the finish line came from Robert Haw of Climate Action California. Passive House California and Passive House Network along with many supporters provided assistance to campaign for the passing of this bill.
“Existing law requires the State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission to prescribe, by regulation, lighting, insulation, climate control system, and other building design and construction standards, and energy and water conservation design standards, for new residential and new nonresidential buildings to reduce the wasteful, uneconomic, inefficient, or unnecessary consumption of energy, as specified.
This bill would require the commission to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of passive house energy efficiency standards by California climate zone, using commission-adopted metrics such as long-term system cost. The bill would require the commission to evaluate the use of the 2 passive house energy models currently required for passive house certification in its analysis and the cost-effectiveness of passive house construction compared to existing construction, as specified. The bill would require the commission, on or before July 1, 2028, to submit a report to the Legislature documenting its findings and recommendations.”
Governor Newsom issues legislative update 10.1.25 [LINK]
A note form Robert Haw with the Climate Action California:
Good news: Governor Newsom signed California Assembly Bill 368 into law on October 1! This is the first step toward making the Passive House standard an alternate compliance pathway to Title 24, and a necessary one that would not have been possible without our coalition. On behalf of our team, we want to extend our deepest gratitude for your commitment, advocacy, and belief in the importance of this legislation. Each coalition member was essential to its success.
AB 368 directs the California Energy Commission (CEC) to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of Passive House energy efficiency standards by climate zone, no later than 1st July, 2028, comparing them against existing Title 24 building energy standards. If those standards, or elements thereof, are found to be viable, they may be subsequently incorporated into Title 24, or indeed the entire Passive House standard may be offered as an alternative compliance pathway for builders to adopt (e.g. three states with similar Passive House laws already enacted: Washington, Massachusetts, Colorado). Which means developers and owners could elect to follow all Passive House methods for new construction and not be subject to extra fees and documentation costs.
Thanks to your dedication, advocacy, and willingness to stand with us, AB 368 is now poised to bring meaningful change for Californians and for our built environment. It’s happening slower than we would wish, but this remains a victory not only for the present but also for the future, and we are proud to share it with you.
We’re excited to continue building momentum together and ensuring that the work doesn’t stop here. Thank you again for your steadfast support and for helping make this progress possible.
