Energy: building standards: passive house standards.

Assembly Member Ward's proposal directs the State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission to evaluate passive house energy efficiency standards across California's climate zones, examining their cost-effectiveness compared to current building practices. The Commission must analyze two existing passive house energy models currently required for certification, using metrics such as long-term system costs to assess their economic viability against conventional construction methods outlined in state building codes.

The evaluation process requires the Commission to submit detailed findings and recommendations to the Legislature by December 31, 2026. This report will document cost-effectiveness analyses across different climate regions and compare passive house construction approaches with existing building standards. The reporting requirement expires on January 1, 2029, per state administrative procedures.