A new guidebook developed by the California Lighting Technology Center at UC Davis will help homebuilders come up to speed on major changes to the state's 2005 Title 24 residential energy code that goes into effect Oct. 1.

The "Residential Lighting Design Guide: Best practices and lighting designs to help builders comply with California's 2005 Title 24 energy code" is intended to help homebuilders comply with the new code in a manner that balances energy efficiency, lighting quality and cost effectiveness.

The guide reviews the changes to the code, provides essential background information on the new lighting technologies and provides builders with examples of compliant designs for various applications in the home.

"This year, the main changes to the residential energy code are in lighting," explained Erik Page, director of engineering at the UC Davis center. "In fact, despite the fact that lighting uses only 15 percent of energy in California homes, the state expects about two-thirds of the savings from the new code to come from these changes in the residential lighting regulations."

The new codes encourage three main technologies: fluorescent lighting, occupancy sensors and dimmers.

For instance, the new code says that 50 percent of lighting wattage installed in new or remodeled home kitchens must be energy-efficient.

That essentially means fluorescent lamps, Page said, though LED (light emitting diode) technology continues to advance rapidly and may soon qualify as "energy-efficient."

The UC Davis research center, which collaborates with builders, manufacturers and the state to save energy, has developed a number of innovative ideas that the California Energy Commission has incorporated into the updated code. That code is updated every three years.

For example, UC Davis researchers have developed a new energy-efficient fixture for kitchens that utilizes 26-watt compact fluorescent lamps that are much more efficient and brighter than the standard 13-watt compact fluorescent bulb.

These lights also throw off more light than a 65-watt incandescent bulb. This allows builders the benefit of installing fewer systems while homeowners are rewarded with significant energy savings. A number of manufacturers have adopted this new fluorescent technology, and their products are now available to builders, Page said.

The UC Davis research center also has been focused on studying occupancy sensors in various applications.

One of those studies conducted in hotel bathrooms led to UC Davis developing a "smart" vanity lighting system that incorporates an occupancy sensor. The Sacramento Municipal Utility District estimates the new system will save as much as 50 percent in energy consumption over standard bathroom vanity lighting systems.

"Our goal throughout this process has been to work with the homebuilder community to understand their needs while also working with the lighting industry to develop new energy efficiency products that address these needs," Page said. "This guidebook will play an important role in helping homebuilders better identify effective ways to utilize energy efficient lighting technologies."

Development and production of the guide was supported by the California Energy Commission, Pacific Gas and Electric Co., Sacramento Municipal Utility District, Sempra Energy Utilities, Southern California Edison and the Environmental Protection Agency's Energy Star program.

The guidebook can be obtained on the Web at http://cltc.ucdavis.edu/ or by calling Page at (530) 757-3492.