Valley builders prepare for new state energy-efficiency codes next year

California is raising the bar next year on energy efficiency in new homes and commercial buildings.

Developers will have to ensure roofs can support solar panels, install windows that let in sunlight while reducing heat gain, and add whole-house fans under the more stringent building codes.

The improvements could add a couple thousand dollars to the cost of a home, but could save homeowners nearly three times that in energy bills over 30 years, the state estimates.

The goal by 2020 is for new buildings to use no more energy during the year than they can generate through the use of energy-saving features and solar panels.

Most homebuilders in Fresno already meet or exceed current energy standards and they continue to upgrade the energy-saving features of their homes in anticipation of the 2020 goal.

Meeting next year's code won't be difficult for most Valley homebuilders. For many it's about logistics and planning, not redesigning their homes.

"The code is always in the back of our mind," said Brandon De Young, vice president of operations at De Young Properties. "We're already exceeding current code so clearly we're not in it to just meet code. We want to try and get to the future ahead of time and be comfortable with it already."

Standards hit delay

The California Energy Commission first implemented energy-efficiency standards in 1978 to make buildings more comfortable, to lower energy costs and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The standards are updated every few years to allow for new technology and construction methods to be considered in the design of new buildings.

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Valley builders prepare for new state energy-efficiency codes next year