We checked in with HGA Architects and Engineers' Melissa Pesci in S.F., who dished out a few tips on reducing potential upfront costs of implementing Title 24 renovations. First off, think ahead; when looking at potential expansion or relocation space, try to pick ones that have a configuration that generally meets the area arrangement you need. If you renovate an area completely, all of the lighting within that area will need to change as well. Stay tuned for more advice this week from Melissa, who played two Division I sports in college (freshman year she played ice hockey against team Russia).

The new standards for Title 24 will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2017, and will set minimum energy-saving requirements for new buildings and buildings going through renovations. S.F. is one of the first cities in the state to enforce the implementation of these standards and is looking to work towards reducing energy consumption by at least 30% across the board with the new regulations.