California

Since 1974, California has held its per capita energy consumption constant while the rest of the countries individual consumption has increased by 50% (Mufson, p1). With advocates like Freeman, Lovins and Rosenfeld who powered the movement, federal regulation provided the framework, and the California Energy Commission lead conservation and efficiency efforts in buildings and appliances that set the bar for the rest of the country. A legislative mandate issued in 1978, called the Commission to reduce California energy consumption and Title 24 of the California Energy Code was implemented. Title 24 created strict energy efficiency standards for all new commercial and residential buildings. Periodically updated and revised to account for new technology and development, the latest version speaks directly to “greening” California buildings and responding to global warming.