If you’re getting ready to submit a new medical office remodel project in the state of California, then you’d better hurry. By July 1, 2014, all current and new medical construction projects will be obligated to comply with the new 2013 CA Title 24. To build under the less-complicated 2008 guidelines for energy requirements, all healthcare administrators beginning or continuing a renovation or new hospital construction must make the deadline.
Medical office remodel deadline
Beginning July 1, 2014, the new California Energy Commission 2013 CA Title 24 for energy requirements will go into effect. If you have current medical office remodel projects, you should submit those before the deadline, in order to continue construction using the previous (and simpler) 2008 version. Otherwise, 2013 CA Title 24 will be enforced on all building projects, even medical office remodel projects that are already in progress. You will have to submit building projects using the California Energy Commission’s 2013 Public Domain Compliance Software. Remember, 2013 CA Title 24 is more complicated than 2008 version, so get on the ball with this one before it’s too late!What changes will take effect?
Here are just a few changes you can expect with the new medical office remodel and hospital guidelines, which will drive up the cost of construction:- Adaptive lighting will become the standard for all new hospitals, ASC’s, and other medical buildings in California, as requirements include photosensors, occupancy sensors, and multi-level lighting controls in all outdoor and indoor areas. Also, incandescent lights are officially banned.
- Minimum air conditioner unit cooling efficiency standards will be raised from SEER 13 to SEER 14.
- For medical office exterior wall insulation, R-19 will become mandatory, requiring a costly 2×6 stud and more expensive framing.