At MVN Engineering, we believe that every code update is more than a regulatory change. It’s an opportunity to innovate, optimize, and build a more sustainable future.
As California prepares to implement the 2025 Building Code Cycle, new standards under the California Energy Code (Title 24, Part 6) will redefine how mechanical systems are designed, installed, and maintained across residential, commercial, and industrial spaces. These updates aim to enhance energy efficiency, reduce carbon footprints, and ensure healthier indoor environments, reshaping the landscape of mechanical design for years to come.
A Step Toward Smarter, Cleaner Design
California’s 2025 code cycle aligns with the state’s broader climate goals: reducing greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning toward all-electric, high-performance buildings. For mechanical engineers, this means embracing innovation in HVAC systems, smart controls, and data-driven design that balances efficiency with comfort.
At MVN Engineering, we see this change not as a challenge but as an evolution. Our design philosophy has always centered around efficiency, precision, and adaptability—principles that perfectly align with the upcoming standards.
Key Impacts on Mechanical Design
1. Energy-Efficient HVAC Systems
One of the most significant shifts in the 2025 code cycle involves stricter efficiency requirements for heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems. Equipment must meet higher SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) and EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio) ratings, while also improving part-load performance.
Mechanical engineers will now need to consider:
- More accurate load calculations to prevent oversizing and reduce energy waste.
- Integration with renewable energy systems such as solar-assisted HVAC.
- Use of low-GWP (Global Warming Potential) refrigerants to minimize environmental impact.
At MVN Engineering, we are proactively adapting our HVAC design methodologies to incorporate these changes, ensuring every system we design delivers maximum comfort with minimum energy consumption.
2. Advanced Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality
Post-pandemic, indoor air quality has become a top priority. The new code cycle introduces stronger ventilation standards to improve occupant health and comfort.
Designers will be expected to include:
- Demand-controlled ventilation (DCV) using CO₂ and occupancy sensors.
- High-efficiency filtration systems to enhance air purity.
- Accurate airflow modelling through advanced simulation tools.
MVN Engineering’s mechanical team already applies these best practices, leveraging BIM-based modelling and CFD simulations to ensure effective airflow and compliance with California’s new air quality benchmarks.
3. Integration of Smart Controls and Automation
The 2025 updates encourage smart building technologies that monitor, analyse, and optimize energy use in real time.
Through Building Management Systems (BMS) and IoT-enabled controls, mechanical systems will now interact dynamically with lighting, electrical, and structural systems.
This integration leads to:
- Improved operational efficiency.
- Predictive maintenance and reduced downtime.
- Long-term energy savings for building owners.
At MVN Engineering, we integrate smart control logic and data-driven design into every project, ensuring mechanical systems not only meet compliance but deliver sustainable performance year after year.
Preparing for Compliance: The MVN Approach
Navigating new code cycles requires foresight and planning. MVN Engineering is already aligning our internal standards with the 2025 requirements through:
- Regular code review sessions and technical training for our mechanical team.
- Updating design checklists and documentation templates to reflect new efficiency benchmarks.
- Collaborative design coordination with electrical, plumbing, and architectural teams to ensure early-stage compliance.
We also partner with clients to evaluate existing systems, assess retrofit opportunities, and design forward-compatible solutions that reduce operational costs and meet future energy goals.
Looking Ahead: Building for a Sustainable Future
The 2025 Code Cycle represents a pivotal moment for California’s construction industry. It challenges us to rethink traditional design approaches and embrace solutions that are both technically advanced and environmentally responsible.
For clients, these changes mean lower energy bills, longer equipment life, and better air quality. For engineers, they present an opportunity to innovate, design smarter, and lead the shift toward a net-zero carbon future.
At MVN Engineering, we are proud to stand at the forefront of this transformation, combining technical expertise, modern tools, and sustainable design thinking to deliver mechanical systems that meet today’s standards and tomorrow’s expectations.
MVN Engineering – Engineering Efficiency, Building the Future.
