The CA Energy Code was intended to allow prescriptive measures similar to the Residential Code. What that means (for construction) is if you stay within the provisions of the code then you don't need an architect/engineer to stamp your design. Subchapter 8 of the Energy Code (150.1) offers two paths to compliance.
The performance standards (150.1(b)) approach says your building complies if "the energy consumption calculated...is no greater than the energy budget...using Commission-certified software..." This is where the "energy report" comes from, which 'round here folks call "title 24."
The prescriptive standards/component packages (150.1(c)) approach offers compliance by use of climate zone tables, prescriptive packages, and minimum standards. It's a thick read.
I'm still relatively new at this but I have never seen anybody use the prescriptive approach. It's easier to pay for the energy report. Literally the only person I've ever met who even knew what the prescriptive approach was is one of the local energy consultants who does the energy reports.