SACRAMENTO, CA -- Lighting in garages, baths, laundry rooms and much more will be impacted with California's updated energy code, the 2013 Building Energy Efficiency Standards (Title 24), which took effect July 1.

The new standard is expected to lead to 25 percent less energy consumption for residential buildings and 30 percent savings for nonresidential buildings.

"These new Title 24 standards will help California buildings function beautifully and economically," said Commissioner Andrew McAllister who oversees the California Energy Commission's energy efficiency division. "Standards are a foundational part of California's long-term goals for meeting our energy needs, conserving resources and protecting the environment."

Updates for residential lighting include (from the California Lighting Technology Center, UC Davis, Residential Lighting Guide):

LED Lights: must be designed and manufactured for residential use and indoor lighting must also provide accurate color rendering

Bathrooms: at least one high-efficacy luminaire is required. All others can be low efficacy and controlled by a vacancy sensor

Garages, Laundry Rooms and Utility rooms: all luminaires must be high efficacy and controlled by vacancy sensors

Other rooms -- closets greater than 72 square feet, bedrooms, living rooms, dining rooms (where switched separately from the kitchen): low efficacy lighting paired with vacancy sensors can be used instead of high efficacy lighting

Learn more about the new standards at energy.ca.gov.