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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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.
Commissioning Requirements During Construction

In our last blog, we noted gaps in compliance with building commissioning (Cx) requirements, both for CALGreen and Energy Code, and we reviewed the Cx requirements as part of the building permit process. In this issue, we’ll provide an update on the construction phase requirements.
Checking for Compliance with Title 24 Commissioning Requirements

Commissioning is a systematic process of ensuring that building systems are designed, installed, tested, and capable of being operated and maintained according to the owner’s operational needs.