Ensuring Access to Heat Pump Water Heater Filters
Heat Pump Water Heaters (HPWH) continue to be a hot topic, and one installation issue that keeps showing up in the field is blocked access to the heat pump air filter.
February 2026 Newsletter
2025 By the Numbers In 2025, 3C-REN continued to offer training, incentive programs, and technical assistance to support a more energy-efficient and resilient Central Coast. Here are our preliminary 2025 achievements. Building Performance Training 1,959 participants at 113 events Energy Code Connect 817 participants at 23 events Home Energy Savings $1.5M in incentives granted to […]
Heads Up on Organizational and Language Changes in the 2025 Energy Code
The 2025 California Energy Code is here! While many of the updates follow familiar patterns—like more stringent building envelope requirements, expanded solar and battery provisions, and continued push toward all-electric buildings—this cycle also introduces several key organizational and language changes.
Sorting Through Requirements for EV Charging in Multifamily Construction
As California works to expand access to electric vehicles for more residents, the 2025 California Green Building Code (CALGreen) increases requirements for multi-family EV charging infrastructure under Section 4.106.4, Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging for New Construction.
2025 Updates: Clarifying ventilation for HPWH’s
Installation requirements for heat pump water heaters (HPWHs) remain a hot topic, and the 2025 code provides important clarifications and updates in this area.
2025 Updates: Hot Water in Mixed Fuel Projects
The 2025 Energy Code will continue to allow both gas and electric water heating systems; however, it now includes updated requirements designed to support a future transition to heat pump water heaters (HPWH’s).
November 2025 Newsletter
Falling in Love with Upgrades at Valentine Rd 3C-REN is proud to be involved in Valentine Road Apartments, a supportive housing project that is converting a former 142-room hotel into 134 all-electric, energy-efficient studio apartments for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Led by the Housing Authority of the City of San Buenaventura (HACSB), […]
Point of Use Plumbing Gets a Closer Look
The 2025 code, effective January 1, 2026, expands electric hot water options for homes 500 square foot or smaller. It prescriptively allows not only instantaneous electric systems but also electric tank systems, as long as point-of-use distribution is used.
August 2025 Newsletter
Building the Future with Girls Build Summer Academy 3C-REN was thrilled to once again collaborate on Cal Poly San Luis Obispo’s Girls Build Summer Academy, a week-long camp that empowers young women to explore careers in construction. Girls Build is organized by Stacy Kolegraff from Cal Poly Construction Management and sponsored by local industry professionals. […]
AB 130: Pushing “Pause” on the Residential Building Code Cycle
Proposed State legislation to pause updates to the residential building code has drawn mixed reactions. Assembly Bill (AB) 306 worked its way through several amendments in the legislature and was finally adopted and signed into law on June 30 as part of a broader housing bill, AB 130. Learn what it means for residential buildings in our latest blog.