In order to abide by the Title 24 Energy Standards there are two methods in which you are able to take, the prescriptive approach and the performance approach. The prescriptive approach is the simplest approach, which takes each and every component of the building that must meet a prescribed minimum energy requirement. This method is simple because an applicant only needs to show that the building follows each minimum and maximum level in the set of requirements included in the package. The prescriptive approach can be applied to a building design of a building envelope (insulation and fenestration), mechanical system, indoor lighting, outdoor lighting and service water heating. The performance approach is the most flexible and accurate way in calculating the use of energy, which is done by Energy Commission-approved computer methods. The computer software that is used in this method calculates and compares standard buildings with similar set entities, which follow the guidelines for Title 24. These fixed entities include designs, climate zones, occupancies, devices and construction materials. The computer software that is used automatically calculates the benefits of the energy for the space.

With both the perspective and performance approaches there are mandatory measures that are required. These measures require a minimum ceiling, wall and raised floor insulation, minimum HVAC (heating, ventilating and air conditioning), water heating, equipment efficiencies, and other requirements as well. A large amount of these mandatory measures concern lightning control and other require minimum insulation levels and equipment efficiency.