"It Isn't Easy Being Green": Title 24 Energy Requirements

With apologies to Kermit the Frog, "It isn't easy being green"--especially if you live in California and are building a new home. The "Title 24" energy requirements are putting a crimp in our budget and lighting choices. Only certain types of lighting are permitted in a new home and the choices are limited--and UGLY! One thing we really wanted in our log cabin was lighting that reflected a rustic feeling; however, there aren't rustic lighting choices that are Title 24 compliant--at least we haven't been able to find any. So, we had to settle for some pretty boring lights. The following picture shows the "Cloud" ceiling fixtures that we can use. These were the cheapest ones we could find that were compliant with the Title 24 requirements. We will have to use the "cloud" lights in our bedrooms, hallways, bathrooms, dining room, living room (piano/library room), and the great room. YUCK!

The past couple of weeks, Gary has been working on running the electrical wire throughout the house. This means he is crawling up and down ladders as he strings the wire along. He just finished installing the "recessed can lighting" in the kitchen area and has temporarily hooked electricity to it so that we can get an idea of how bright the kitchen will be. The hanging lanterns are just temporary, but we plan to purchase something similar to those hanging over the kitchen island. The ones we want to buy have a "down light" so that there will be good lighting on the island area where the kitchen sink will be. There is a regulation that no more than 50% of the total Title 24 lighting installed in the kitchen can be incandescent, so the lantern-type lighting will be approved. Here is a picture of the lighting in the kitchen area:

So, when you first visit our new home (once it's finished) and you see our lighting, don't think we've lost our designer's touch because "it isn't easy being green"!