Who Is Responsible for Title 24 Calculations—The Architect or Energy Consultant?
If you’re preparing for a construction project in California, chances are you’ve come across the need for a Title 24 energy compliance report. But this leads to a common question among property owners and even some professionals in the industry: Who is responsible for Title 24 calculations—the architect or energy consultant?
The answer? While architects design the structure and specify the materials, it is typically the energy consultant who is responsible for performing the official Title 24 calculations and generating the required compliance documentation. These two professionals often collaborate closely, but they have distinct roles in the process.
At Title24Energy.com, we specialize in handling all aspects of the energy compliance report so that architects and builders can focus on what they do best—bringing your vision to life. Let’s break down each party’s responsibility and how our team simplifies the process for everyone involved.
The Architect’s Role in Energy Compliance
Architects play an essential role in the design of a building’s envelope—walls, windows, roofs, and insulation—as well as specifying HVAC systems and lighting. These components greatly influence a project’s energy performance, and therefore impact the Title 24 report.
However, architects are not required to complete the Title 24 energy calculations themselves. Instead, they typically work with a professional energy consultant who translates the design into a technical energy model using approved software like CBECC-Res or EnergyPro.
The architect’s job is to:
- Provide finalized floor plans and building specifications
- Clarify building materials and energy systems being used
- Make design adjustments based on the energy consultant’s recommendations, if necessary
The Energy Consultant’s Responsibility
The energy consultant is the one who conducts the formal analysis and prepares the Title 24 compliance documentation required by California’s Building Energy Efficiency Standards. This includes running simulations, inputting project data into modeling software, and determining whether the building design meets or exceeds current energy code requirements.
At Title24Energy.com, we take care of all these calculations on your behalf. Our certified consultants ensure that your report is:
- Accurate and compliant with the latest 2022 energy standards
- Formatted and signed for permit submittal
- Delivered in as little as 1–3 business days
We work with hundreds of architects, contractors, and property owners across California—offering streamlined, flat-rate service that takes the stress out of compliance.
Why This Division of Responsibility Matters
Having a dedicated energy consultant handle your Title 24 calculations ensures accuracy, speed, and up-to-date knowledge of code changes. Energy standards in California evolve every three years, and staying current requires time and training that most architects simply don’t have the bandwidth for.
Plus, with our experience in dealing with plan checkers and building departments across the state, we know exactly what documentation cities require—and how to avoid costly delays or resubmittals.
In this partnership, the architect focuses on aesthetics, layout, and design function, while the energy consultant ensures those design choices meet or exceed energy efficiency standards. It’s a smart collaboration that helps your project stay on time and on budget.
What Happens If a Report Fails?
If your initial building design doesn’t pass the energy model, it’s the energy consultant’s job to recommend minor modifications that will bring it into compliance. This may include suggestions like:
- Increasing insulation levels
- Upgrading window glazing
- Switching to a higher-efficiency HVAC system
- Adding solar panels (if required)
Our team will communicate these recommendations with the architect and client directly—allowing the project to move forward without unnecessary revisions or guesswork.
Need Fast, Affordable Title 24 Reports?
Whether you’re an architect, homeowner, builder, or developer, you don’t have to figure out energy compliance alone. Title24Energy.com is your trusted partner for fast, affordable, and fully permit-ready Title 24 reports.
We make it easy to upload your plans, get your report, and move on to the next phase of construction with confidence.
Call us today at (626) 365-1518 or visit https://title24energy.com to get started.
With flat-rate pricing, quick turnarounds, and a 100% approval success rate, we take the guesswork out of energy code compliance—so you can focus on building.
Frequently Asked Questions – Who Is Responsible for Title 24 Calculations?
Who prepares the official Title 24 compliance report?
A certified energy consultant is responsible for preparing the Title 24 compliance report using approved modeling software.
Can an architect do the Title 24 calculations?
While architects provide essential building data, Title 24 calculations are typically completed by energy consultants.
What role does the architect play in energy compliance?
Architects design the building and provide plans, materials, and energy-related specifications used in the energy model.
What software is used for Title 24 calculations?
Energy consultants use California-approved software such as EnergyPro or CBECC-Res to perform Title 24 calculations.
Are energy consultants licensed?
Yes. Title 24 reports must be signed by certified energy consultants who meet state qualifications and standards.
Does the architect sign the CF-1R form?
No. The CF-1R must be signed by the energy consultant who created the energy model and verified its compliance.
What happens if the building doesn’t comply?
The energy consultant provides design recommendations—like better insulation or window upgrades—to meet code requirements.
Is it common for architects to outsource Title 24 reports?
Yes. Most architects and designers rely on third-party energy consultants to handle Title 24 documentation.
What documents does the energy consultant need?
They need architectural plans, floor plans, elevations, window specs, HVAC details, and lighting information.
Can I prepare the Title 24 report myself?
Unless you’re certified in California’s Title 24 energy modeling, it’s best to leave it to a professional consultant.
What if the project changes after the report is created?
The energy consultant will update the report to reflect any material or design changes before construction begins.
How fast can a Title 24 report be completed?
At Title24Energy.com, we typically complete most reports within 1–3 business days.
Are there penalties for non-compliance?
Yes. Failure to meet Title 24 standards can delay permits and even lead to rework or resubmittals.
Who is responsible for submitting the Title 24 report to the city?
It’s usually submitted by the project manager, architect, or permit technician along with the full construction plans.
How can I verify if a consultant is qualified?
Look for experience, proper certification, and a strong reputation for passing building department review.
What’s the benefit of hiring a consultant early?
Early involvement helps prevent costly redesigns and ensures energy code compliance from the start.
Are commercial and residential calculations the same?
No. Each building type has different forms, standards, and modeling approaches under Title 24.
Do all cities in California require Title 24 reports?
Yes. Title 24 is a statewide code that applies to all permitted construction in California.
Can an energy consultant help during inspections?
Yes. Consultants may assist with questions during inspection or help prepare follow-up documentation like CF-2Rs or CF-3Rs.
Where can I get help from a professional energy consultant?
Contact Title24Energy.com or call (626) 365-1518 to get expert assistance today.