3C-REN

Energy Code Implementation: Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
2024-05-08 09:30 - 11:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
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Energy Code Implementation: Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
Since the energy code update took effect in January 2023, the industry is adjusting to design, detailing and construction to meet compliance. In this series, we’ll review the code requirements with a focus on what to include in construction documents to streamline the permitting process and tips for construction to ease signoffs and occupancy.

Energy Code Implementation: Single Family New Construction
Energy Code Implementation: Single Family Additions and Alterations
Energy Code Implementation: ADUs (this course!)
Energy Code Implementation: Multi-Family
Energy Code Implementation: Non-Residential

Learning objectives

Understand the current metrics and standards used in the energy code for evaluating energy performance and indoor air quality, and how choices for electric or gas equipment may impact compliance with those standards.
Within each building type, review key mandatory measures related to energy performance, ventilation, refrigerants and insulation and review potential challenges for integration into design and construction.
Review the prescriptive “recipe card” approach versus a building performance approach and discuss when to use each strategy to best incorporate energy efficiency and healthy interior environments into the specific project design.
Recognize where barriers or stumbling blocks may occur within permitting and construction and tips for documentation to smooth out the process, ultimately increasing the energy efficiency, health and safety of our buildings.

Learning Units
1.5 AIA HSW LU approved for this course0.15 ICC CEU approved for this course
Instructors
Jennifer Rennick, In Balance Green ConsultingGrant Murphy, In Balance Green Consulting

Detailing for High Performance Roofs and Walls
2024-05-03 09:45 - 10:45 | AIA Santa Barbara Chapter House, 229 E Victoria Street, Santa Barbara, CA, 93101, United States
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This is part 2 of a 2-part event on 5/3

Detailing for High Performance Roofs and Walls
We know the concepts behind providing a great building envelope – air tight and well-insulated– but how, exactly, do we do that? In this course, we’ll provide ‘sketch-level’ details of high-performance wall and roof assemblies that designers and builders can use as an outline to develop their own project-specific details.
Learning Objectives

Review how building science for heat transfer and condensation can help with selecting envelope components
Be able to identify common strategies for incorporating continuous exterior insulation
Understand options for insulation and membrane products, best applications, and local availability
Learn resources for ‘standard’ details and what to watch for in specific applications

AIA Continuing Education Units Available: 1 LU
Instructors: Jennifer Rennick and Andy Pease, In Balance Green Consulting

High Performance Envelope + Balanced Ventilation
2024-05-03 08:15 - 09:30 | AIA Santa Barbara Chapter House, 229 E Victoria Street, Santa Barbara, CA, 93101, United States
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This is part 1 of a 2-part event on 5/3. Please arrive at 8:15am for complimentary coffee and pastries.

Higher-Performance Envelope + Balanced Ventilation
Energy performance is increasingly dependent on buildings that limit air infiltration, but that is just one piece of higher performance roof and wall assembly. In this 3rd installment of our Higher-Performance series, we will look at cost-effective strategies to make tight envelopes standard practice, with special emphasis on thermal continuity and managing moisture. We will finish up with the partner to a tight envelope: balanced ventilation.
Learning objectives:

Learn the building science behind thermal bridging and air movement, and the impacts on energy performance, health, and comfort
Learn the application and benefits of rain screens in the central coast climate
Understand options for Insulation and air and vapor barriers and best practices for each
Identify balanced ventilation strategies and the costs and benefits of each.

AIA Continuing Education Units Available: 1 LU|HSW

Heat Pump Fundamentals: Space Conditioning and Water Heating - Class 4: High Performance Fundamentals Series
2024-04-25 15:00 - 17:00 | Zoom link provided upon registration
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This is class 4 of 6 in 3C-REN’s High Performance Fundamentals Certificate series. Earn a 3C-REN certificate of completion after finishing the series and passing short quizzes at the end of each class. This series will be hosted twice throughout 2023.

Having gained a solid understanding of high-performance building enclosures from classes 1 through 3 in 3C-REN’s High Performance Fundamentals series, participants are well-prepared for this class, which will provide a foundation in the use of heat pumps for both space conditioning (heating and cooling) and water heating. The class will cover what a heat pump is and explain why heat pumps are essential elements of high performance buildings. Special attention will be paid to refrigerants: how heat pumps use them, how to avoid leaks through proper installation, and why it’s important to avoid leaks due to the damage they can cause to contractor profitability and the planet. An overview will be provided to aid in selecting, sizing, installing, and commissioning heat pump equipment, so that it performs as intended.
Learning Objectives
After attending this class, participants will be able to:

Describe in lay language what a heat pump is, its benefits, and how it works;
Describe the environmental consequence of releasing small quantities of refrigerant to the atmosphere;
Define heat pump performance metrics and variables that differentiate different models;
Explain the process of sizing and selecting a heat pump;
List, in order, the steps for installing and commissioning a heat pump.

1.5 AIA|HSW LU’s available for this course
Instructors:

Dan Perunko, Balance Point Home Performance

Building With Hemp - Green Building Speaker Series
2024-04-23 16:30 - 19:00 | Zoom link provided upon registration
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This seminar covers the processes that are required to utilize hemp as a building material, and the processing and vetting of the plant to get it to a standard fit for building. We will also discuss design considerations, building techniques, and cover permitting and planning division requirements.

Learning Objectives:

Understanding building and safety procedures
Examine hemp design and architecture
Understand the material processing steps and requirements for different applications

Agenda:
Chris Velasco – Urban Development, Permitting, and Rural Benefits
Alex Sexsmith – Contemporary Natural Building with Hempcrete
Ashley Stallworth – Processing and R&D

2 AIA LU’s available for this course
.2 ICC CEU’s available for this course

In partnership with:

¿Es un calentador de agua eléctrico la mejor opcion para mí?
2024-04-17 18:00 - 19:00
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¡Bienvenidos residentes de los condados de San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, y Ventura, interesados en los calentadoras de agua con compresores eléctricos! Únase a nosotros para discutir los beneficios y los desventajas contras de los calentadores de agua eléctricos con el experto Louie Barba y residentes locales que usan calentadores de agua eléctricos.
Vamos a responder a preguntas como estas:

¿Sera un calentador de agua con compresor eléctrico adecuado para mi casa?
¿Son realmente mucho mejores que los calentadores de agua de gas?
¿Debo esperar hasta que mi calentador de agua de gas no funcione para remplazarlo?
¿Necesitaré electricista para este trabajo?
¿Cuánto cuesta para instalar y cómo cambiará mi factura de luz y gas?
¿Son realmente más baratos que los calentadores de gas?
¿Quién puede instalar estos calentadores de agua eléctricos?
¿Me quedaré sin suficiente agua caliente?

Nuestro instructor es Louie Barba, un experto en calentadores de agua con el objetivo de avanzar el conocimiento y las normas dentro del sector de la plomería, calefacción y refrigeración. Tiene experiencia en el sector de servicios de contratistas, capacitación y ventas en Signature Sales, Inc. con sede en Corona, California, con especialización en calentadores de agua Bradford White. Louie también forma parte de la junta directiva de ORSB de la Asociación de Contratistas de Fontanería, Calefacción y Refrigeración (PHCC) y desempeña un papel fundamental en su Comité de Educación.

Code Compliance for Tiny Homes and ADUs
2024-04-17 11:00 - 12:00 | Waterman Village, 466 Dana Street, San Luis Obispo, CA, 93401, United States
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Come learn about policies and policy changes around small housing, accessory dwelling units (ADUs), tiny homes on wheels (THOWs) and all electric homes; Zoning codes, building codes, fire codes and energy efficiency codes; Energy code compliance for an all-electric tiny home or ADU. Get a walk through on how this all-electric tiny 176 square foot home meets and doesn’t meet energy code compliance, and what code compliance you should keep in mind for other tiny home or ADU projects in the tri-county region.
Learning Objectives:

Learn how computer simulated energy modeling calculations work vs. prescriptive code compliance.
Understand inputs of plan modeling, including window type/sizes, water heating, insulation, vents, etc.
Recognize how window size and placement can add high value to small home spaces and also create challenges with code compliance.
Identify resources to right-size on-site renewable energy and energy storage systems.
Consider code compliant and practical water heating alternatives for small living spaces.
Explore other areas where code compliance may be challenging and confusing for small houses and where code exceptions may be needed to recognize inherent efficiency of small homes.

Overcoming Installation Challenges with Heat Pumps
2024-04-16 09:30 - 11:00
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Heat Pumps are a big part of the solution to meeting California’s climate goals in buildings. In plain terms, they’re reversible air conditioners and have been around for over 100 years. This session is designed for HVAC contractors, builders, and others who want to understand how to install heat pumps right. We will cover how heat pumps can add value to your business, how heat pumps work and various configurations, and how to overcome common installation hurdles. Hurdles covered include dealing with existing ductwork, filtration requirements, cold weather, sizing, and electrical requirements. We will also discuss first costs, operating costs, and incentives.
Learning Outcomes:

Understand how focusing on heat pumps can add value to your business
Learn what energy code requirements apply to heat pumps and how variable capacity heat pumps (VCHPs) qualify for a significant compliance credit
Study various installation hurdles and how to overcome them
Learn typical first costs and operating costs, as compared to gas furnace split systems

Learning Units:
1.5 AIA LU approved for this course
0.15 ICC CEU approved for this course
Instructors:
Nick Brown, Build Smart Group
Bobby Hahn, Pacific Systems Group – Bobby is the principal at Pacific System Group with 32 years in the HVACR Industry. His experience includes VRF, Ductless, DX Systems, Chilled Water, Air Quality, Filtration and Controls. Bobby is a member of the CABEC, IHACI, ASHRAE, ACCA, MANNA and was a past board member of the Institute of Heating and Air Conditioning Industry.

Crafting High Performance Enclosures: Roofs, Walls, and Floors - Class 3 High Performance Fundamentals Series
2024-04-11 15:00 - 17:00 | Zoom link provided upon registration
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This is class 3 of 6 in 3C-REN’s High Performance Fundamentals Certificate series. Earn a 3C-REN certificate of completion after finishing the series and passing short quizzes at the end of each class.

Building enclosures – the roof, walls, and floor – are the first line of defense between nature and people. Enclosure performance is optimized when air sealing and insulation – two underappreciated and typically underperforming features – are done to high-performance standards rather than the status quo. The preceding class in our High Performance Fundamentals program (How Buildings Work; Science and Buildings and Science in Buildings) covered the scientific principles needed to effectively design high-performance buildings. This class covers installation — the practical application of those principles on the job site – the hands-on activities that differentiate ‘business-as-usual’ from high-performance construction. These include best practices for air sealing, insulation installation, and window installation, along with the tools and methods (e.g., blower door testing) used to measure the quality of work, and the metrics against which the work can be evaluated.

Learning Objectives
After attending this class, participants will be able to:

Describe preferred methods and materials used for air sealing different types of building openings, and how to test the results;
Explain the difference between conventional insulation practices and “Quality Insulation Installation (QII)” methods, and how QII is verified;
Identify five common building enclosure installation flaws and how to avoid them.
Quantify the magnitude of the gap between minimum energy code compliance and high performance, where all energy features are confirmed with building performance test methods.

Instructors:

Judy Rachel, Home Performance Pro

Is a Heat Pump Water Heater Right for Me?
2024-04-11 12:00 - 13:00
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Disponible en español aquí.
Welcome heat-pump-curious residents of the Central Coast! Join us to discuss the pros and cons of heat pump water heaters with expert Gregory Holladay and local residents that live with heat pump water heaters.
We will answer questions like:

Is a heat pump water heater appropriate for my home?
Are they really that much better than gas water heaters?
Should I wait until my gas water heater burns out to upgrade?
Will I need electrical work done?
How much do they cost to install—and how will my bills change?
Are they really more affordable than gas water heaters?
Who can install heat pump water heaters?
Will I run out of hot water?

Our guest speaker is Gregg Holladay, an expert on heat pump water heaters who spent 32 years with General Electric (GE), where he introduced the first Energy Star electric heat pump water heater to the US market. Currently a Business Development Manager for Specialty Markets for Bradford White Water Heaters, Gregg works to educate utilities, architects, builders, engineers and the plumbing/HVAC trade on the benefits of Energy Star heat pump water heaters and currently serves as a member of the Energy Star Manufacturers Action Council.

Blower Door Basics and Beyond
2024-04-09 09:00 - 11:00
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Set-up of home and blower door; Identify the building enclosure; Depressurization versus pressurization; Interpreting basic test results; Blower Door best practices e.g. minimizing wind effect, hose placement, identify intentional holes and when to forego any blower door testing. Converting Blower Door test results into meaningful metrics.
Instructor: Judy Rachel, Home Performance Pro

National Association of REALTORS Green Designation | Ventura County
2024-04-08 09:00 - 2024-04-09 17:00 | Conejo Simi Moorpark Association of REALTORS, 463 Pennsfield Pl Suite 101, Thousand Oaks, CA, 91360, United States
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NAR Green Day 1: The Resource-Efficient Home – Retrofits, Remodels, Renovations, and New Home Construction
Monday, April 8 | 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
The session looks at why consumer demand for these homes is increasing and how both the homes and consumer expectations impact the market. The course prepares real estate professionals to provide advice and sources of information to help homeowners improve the resource efficiency of their homes from low-cost fixes and DIY projects to retrofitting and replacing systems to big -budget remodeling projects. The course also looks at constructing a new, resource-efficient home and the value that real estate professionals can bring to the design and build team.
NAR Green Day 2: Representing Buyers and Sellers of Resource Efficient Homes
Tuesday, April 9 | 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
This session focuses on applying your knowledge of resource-efficient, smart, and certified homes and adapting your core real estate skills to build business success in the niche market for resource-efficient homes. More homebuyers are demanding green and energy-saving features in their next homes. Are you prepared to assist them? Gain a competitive advantage and learn how to become your clients’ go-to resource for buying or selling a more efficient, money-saving, healthy home.
Join us for a two-day training to learn green real estate concepts, principles, practices and benefits from the ground up in a way that makes sense to you and your clients. You’ll stand out from the crowd by earning the only green designation for real estate agents conferred by the National Association of REALTORS®.

Don’t sign up because others are underwriting the cost. Sign up because it will help you be more successful.
Did you know that 94% of home buyers rate energy efficiency as an important part of their home buying decision? Are you prepared to have that discussion?
What elements of a home are potentially poisoning the occupants and what can you do about it?
Do you really understand how a home functions?
Would you and your clients like to save hundreds of dollars a year by learning how to use resources more efficiently?

Earning NAR’s Green Designation:

Upon completion of the two-day required courses, you will have achieved GREEN candidate status, a one-year period during which you must fulfill the educational and experiential requirements to earn NAR’s Green Designation awarded by the Green REsource Council.

Continuing Education Units approved by the Department of Real Estate:

Upon completion of the two-day required courses and successfully passing each exam with 75%, you will receive 16 Continuing Education Units approved by the Department of Real Estate.

Prerequisites:

Must be a licensed Realtor in the State of California in order to receive DRE Credit for attending these courses.

Fees and Registration:

Waived – Thanks to the generous support of 3C-REN.

Requirements for the NAR Green Designation certification
Attendance – Participants must attend all two (2) training days.
We will submit your member application for NAR’s Green Designation.
Maintain active and good membership status with the Green REsource Council and the National Association of REALTORS®
Instructor:
John Shipman, Franklin Energy
Offered in partnership with Conejo Simi Moorpark Association of REALTORS

Why Energy Consultants Should Learn to do Residential HVAC Design
2024-04-04 09:00 - 22:30
Register Today!
HVAC contractors are simply not doing proper load calculations for a variety of reasons. Not the least of which are lack of knowledge and lack of time. Energy Consultants are the perfect candidates to step in and fill this role, either as a service to HVAC contractors or directly to homeowners and builders. The information needed for a good load calculation is basically exactly the same as the information needed for an energy model. Energy Consultants know their way around this type of software and it really should be easy for them to learn.
Learning Objectives:

Understand how energy consultants can easily add load calculations to their services.
Understand what codes require residential HVAC design.
Understand what ACCA is and why their design manuals are so important.
Understand the importance and benefits of good HVAC design.
Understand the basic steps in the design process and take the mystery out of HVAC design.
Be introduced to new HVAC design software.

Instructor: Russ King, Coded Energy Inc.

Why Energy Consultants Should Learn to do Residential HVAC Design
2024-04-04 09:00 - 10:30
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HVAC contractors are simply not doing proper load calculations for a variety of reasons. Not the least of which are lack of knowledge and lack of time. Energy Consultants are the perfect candidates to step in and fill this role, either as a service to HVAC contractors or directly to homeowners and builders. The information needed for a good load calculation is basically exactly the same as the information needed for an energy model. Energy Consultants know their way around this type of software and it really should be easy for them to learn.
Learning Objectives:

Understand how energy consultants can easily add load calculations to their services.
Understand what codes require residential HVAC design.
Understand what ACCA is and why their design manuals are so important.
Understand the importance and benefits of good HVAC design.
Understand the basic steps in the design process and take the mystery out of HVAC design.
Be introduced to new HVAC design software.

Instructor: Russ King, Coded Energy Inc.

Introduction to Passive House Standard
2024-04-02 09:30 - 11:30
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Course Description
Passive House goals and methodology change the way architects and builders think and work, making the architectural design itself a driver of climate, health, and social solutions. This is a 2-hour course that dives into the basic principles, history, certification, and the new frontiers of Passive House design as it continues to challenge and change industry expectations. All theory is then illustrated through case studies outlining specific Passive House principles.
Learning Objectives

Outline the five fundamental principles of Passive House design and how each principle contributes to the health, safety, and welfare of occupants

Describe why and how hygienic ventilation is an essential defining component of Passive House design and operation. And outline how the Passive House design focuses on outstanding energy efficiency, which results inside benefits like great occupant thermal and acoustic comfort, improved occupant health outcomes, and economic affordability

Outline the significant Passive House tools: PHPP, DesignPH, and Therm, and provide an overview of the tools correlating with data-driven design

Describe common adjustments to the design and construction process to ensure Passive House standards are met through applicable case studies

Learning Units
2 AIA LU/HSW approved credits for this course
Instructor
Steve Mann, The Passive House Network and Home Energy Services

Multi-Family Domestic Hot Water
2024-03-28 09:00 - 11:00
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Moving from fossil-fuel boilers to other forms of domestic hot water heating can be challenging, but it’s definitely doable. This training offers experience and strategies for providing DHW in multifamily projects. As a result of this training, learners will be able to:

Identify the design considerations which should be included in a new or retrofit DHW system design
Demonstrate understanding of the differences in capacity design between a boiler based and heat pump DHW system
Utilize information from lessons learned in the field with new system designs to make confident decisions in design direction

Instructors: Albert Rook and Eva Rooks, Small Planet Supply

Hemp Beginnings - Green Building Speaker Series
2024-03-26 16:30 - 19:00 | Zoom link provided upon registration
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This seminar covers the beginning stages of hemp as a plant, as a material, and it’s uses in the built environment. We will cover hemp history in society and government, and where we are today. We will then speak to all the potential hemp brings to our community and how it can be the solution to many of the world’s problems.

Learning Objectives:

Gain a basic understanding of the hemp plant & its uses
Discover the best uses for hemp in buildings
Discuss political acceptance of hemp-based solutions

Agenda:
Wayne Richman – Policy and Political climate
Amanda Martin – Farm and Community driven Development
Rachel Berry – Plant Cycle, Uses, & Why?

2 AIA LU’s available for this course
.2 ICC CEU’s available for this course

In partnership with:

Detailing for High Performance Roofs and Walls
2024-03-21 10:00 - 11:00
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We know the concepts behind providing a great building envelope – air tight and well-insulated– but how, exactly, do we do that? In this course, we’ll provide ‘sketch-level’ details of high-performance wall and roof assemblies that designers and builders can use as an outline to develop their own project-specific details.
Learning Objectives
• Review how building science for heat transfer and condensation can help with selecting envelope components
• Be able to identify common strategies for incorporating continuous exterior insulation
• Understand options for insulation and membrane products, best applications, and local availability
• Learn resources for ‘standard’ details and what to watch for in specific applications
Instructors: Jennifer Rennick and Andy Pease, In Balance Green Consulting

Energy Code Compliance: Using HERS Measures (Part 2)
2024-03-20 09:30 - 11:00
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Third-party verification through HERS measures is a great way to improve energy performance and, more to the point, meet the Title 24 Energy code. In this two-part course, we’ll cover what architects and builders need to know to successfully integrate HERS measures into design and construction. Part 2 will address HERS measures relating to HVAC and indoor air quality.
Learning Objectives:

Review key roles and identify integration strategies for HERS measures related to mechanical systems
Learn HERS measures related to heat pumps, refrigerant charge, and air handlers and which are the best fit for specific projects
Understand HERS measures related to domestic hot water (DHW), including compact plumbing and pipe insulation
Discuss ducted systems and options for improving performance and compliance through verification.

Learning Units:
1.5 AIA HSW LU approved for this course0.15 ICC CEU approved for this course
Instructors:
Jennifer Rennick, In Balance Green ConsultingPaul Dunn, Central Coast Energy Compliance

Tiny Homes and ADUs for Homeowners
2024-03-19 11:00 - 12:00 | Waterman Village, 466 Dana Street, San Luis Obispo, CA, 93401, United States
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Hands on Learning in an All-Electric Home
Come see a tiny, fully equipped all-electric home. Learn about and test some of the equipment you might use in your home construction or retrofit. Get hands on with–induction cooking; combi-ventless wash/dry; mini-split heating/cooling, solar panels and battery storage, etc…. and review example pricing, availability and associated benefits & potential issues (e.g. noise of appliances in small space; venting necessary in small space, peak loads use if off grid; etc.) American homes are responsible for 21% of American energy consumption, and with enhanced knowledge about embedded energy, operational, locational and disposal energy costs from housing, it is possible to reduce this footprint and create much needed, more affordable homes.
Learning objectives:

Test functionality of all electric, energy efficient appliances in a small energy efficient home
Learn from homeowners who have constructed ADUs and placed tiny homes on wheels (THOWs) in their yards: what went to plan; what went sideways; why they built; what inspired them; what they wish they could have done differently
Connect with additional resources, such as codes, appliance credits and code assistance
Understand Basic homes energy inputs and how these can be reduced

Using Building Science to Design and Build High Performance Homes - Class 2: High Performance Fundamentals Series
2024-03-14 15:00 - 17:00 | Zoom link provided upon registration
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This is class 2 of 6 in 3C-REN’s High Performance Fundamentals Certificate series. Earn a 3C-REN certificate of completion after finishing the series and passing short quizzes at the end of each class.

Most of us either have or would like to forget our high school biology, chemistry, and physical science. But believe it or not, it’s spot on to translate that science into how buildings actually work. This course applies essential building science principles to the design and construction of climate-tuned, resilient, top-value homes that are better for owners, better for the environment, and better for your work as building professionals.
What’s “better value” for owners, the environment, and you? Using science to integrate energy efficiency, thermal comfort, moisture management, durability, and resilience.

Learning Objectives
After attending this class, participants will be able to:

Explain how high school-level physical, chemical, and biological principles are expressed in buildings.
Provide at least two basic examples of building science in action in a typical home or office.
Convey how building science influences building performance with at least two basic examples.
Assess the level of building performance of a student’s own home or office using class resources.

1.5 AIA|HSW LU’s available for this course

Instuctor:
Peter Yost, Building – Wright

Energy Code Implementation: Single Family Additions and Alterations
2024-03-13 09:30 - 11:00
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Energy Code Implementation Series
Since the energy code update took effect in January 2023, the industry is adjusting to design, detailing and construction to meet compliance. In this series, we’ll review the code requirements with a focus on what to include in construction documents to streamline the permitting process and tips for construction to ease sign-offs and occupancy.

Energy Code Implementation: Single Family New Construction
Energy Code Implementation: Single Family Additions and Alterations (this course!)
Energy Code Implementation: ADUs
Energy Code Implementation: Multi-Family
Energy Code Implementation: Non-Residential

Learning Objectives:

Understand the current metrics used in the energy code for evaluating compliance, and how choices for electric or gas equipment may impact that compliance.
Within each building type, review key mandatory measures, the prescriptive “recipe card” approach, and the options for using the building performance approach.
Recognize where barriers or stumbling blocks may occur within permitting and construction and tips for documentation to smooth out the process.
How to access resources for energy code compliance

Learning Units:
1.5 AIA HSW LU approved for this course0.15 ICC CEU approved for this course
Instructors:
Jennifer Rennick, In Balance Green ConsultingGrant Murphy, In Balance Green Consulting

High Performance Buildings & Careers - Class 1: High Performance Fundamentals Series
2024-03-07 15:00 - 17:00 | Zoom link provided upon registration
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This is class 1 of 6 in 3C-REN’s High Performance Fundamentals Certificate series. Earn a 3C-REN certificate of completion after finishing the series and passing short quizzes at the end of each class.

Code compliance is a minimum standard for building performance; by contrast, “high performance” refers to buildings that are designed, built, and commissioned to exceed the performance of conventional buildings in energy efficiency, durability, comfort, safety, and indoor air quality. The magnitude of the opportunity to fill this gap cannot be over-emphasized. For example, field research found that a single-day high-performance retrofit can improve HVAC system performance in new homes by an average of 25%. While the mainstream building industry strives for code compliance, a small fraction of those in the industry adopt high-performance practices and produce homes and commercial facilities with lower energy use, greater resilience, exceptional durability, outstanding comfort, and low to zero onsite emissions. These individuals are consistently in demand, command higher wages, win awards, and have the satisfaction of building a better world for themselves, their families, and communities. The secret sauce? Setting quantitative goals, measuring performance, and marketing the superior outcomes.

This class – the first of six in 3C-REN’s High Performance Fundamentals Program – is an introduction to the opportunities presented by working in the realm of high-performance buildings, and how to create a place for yourself within that realm.

Learning Objectives
After attending this class, participants will be able to:

Explain the concept of high performance building and the roles of ‘building as a system,’ building science, and quantitative assessment in achieving high performance
Understand the connections between high performance building, human health, resiliency, climate change mitigation, and State energy and climate regulatory trends
Enumerate the benefits of high-performance building design, construction, and commissioning, including providing quantitative examples of improvements that can be achieved by adopting a high-performance approach
Begin transitioning to high-performance building practices

1.5 AIA|HSW LU’s available for this course
Instructors:

Ann Edminster, Design AVEnues LLC

Real Estate Professionals Community Mentoring Sessions
2024-03-06 09:00 - 10:30
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Sessions will provide ongoing support for real estate agents and appraisers on the topics of
Efficient, Healthy, Clean-energy Homes.

Participants are invited to bring questions, share experiences, and continue to build their expertise.

Instructor: Debra Little, Home Performance and Valuation Specialist, AjO

Recovery Ventilators: Energy Savings and Compliance Credit in the 2022 Energy Code
2024-03-05 09:30 - 11:00
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Improved health and cognitive performance. Easier Title 24 compliance. Utility bill savings. These are the reasons to consider incorporating Heat Recovery Ventilators & Energy Recovery Ventilators (collectively Recovery Ventilators or RVs) into your next high-performance home project.
Nick Brown, the instructor installed his first RV in his home during COVID, when his daughter and two friends did their schoolwork from the office together. CO2 levels spiked in the early afternoon in that room, because only Title 24 minimum mechanical ventilation was designed into the house. He solved the problem by installing a Heat Recovery Ventilator and has advocated for these systems ever since. The new All-electric ADU he built has one, as well, and we will draw on these experiences and data gathered from these units to better understand these mechanical ventilation systems and their benefits.
We will also go over how to add an RV to a Title 24 compliance energy model and the change in energy use that results. We’ll present various configurations of RVs, including through-the-wall paired units, packaged HRVs and packaged ERVs, and various ducting options.
Learning Outcomes:

Understand the basics of how Recovery Ventilators (RVs) work to improve indoor air quality in homes and reduce heating and cooling energy use
Learn the energy code requirements for mechanical ventilation and how RVs produce a Title 24 compliance credit
Model a case study home using RVs and examine the energy use in various configurations
Hear best practices for specifying and installing RVs

Learning Units:
1.5 AIA HSW LU approved for this course
0.15 ICC CEU approved for this course
Instructor:
Nick Brown, Build Smart Group

ADU Planning and Best Practice
2024-03-05 09:00 - 12:00 | Zoom link provided upon registration
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In an effort to alleviate the States housing crisis, California passed a series of laws to allow homeowners to utilize their lots for building accessory dwelling units. This session aims to provide guidance on the building code, resources and best practices.
Learning Objectives:

What is the difference between an ADU and JADU?
Is your property ADU ready?
How will an ADU be valuated and what are some of the tax implications?
Energy efficiency and an all-electric design
Resources to help your clients plan for their ADU

We have subject matter experts to provide valuable insight into the many aspects of building an ADU. This segment is rapidly growing. Please join us in learning about the process and resources available.
Instructor:
John Shipman, Franklin Energy

DIY-Energy Savings Toolkit Workshop
2024-02-29 14:00 - 15:00 | Goleta Valley Library, United States
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Do you know how much energy is used in your home? Want to learn how saving energy can affect you, your home, and our climate?
The Tri-County Regional Energy Network (3C-REN) has partnered with local libraries to provide Home Energy Savings DIY Toolkits and portable Induction Cooktops for your use!
Join us at Goleta Valley Library on Thursday, February 29th, at 2:00 PM for the DIY Energy Savings Toolkit Workshop. We will cover the tools and equipment, as well as walk you through some of the easy ways to save energy and increase the comfort of your home. The kit has FREE items (Yes, we said it, “FREE!”) for you to install in your home and tools to conduct your home energy assessment and return after use. Additionally, the presentation will cover how 3C-REN and the interactive website ClimateResilientSBC.org can help you take more climate friendly actions and reduce your home’s energy use.
Light refreshments will be provided.

3C-REN Single Family Program 2024 Updates
2024-02-29 09:00 - 10:00 | Zoom link provided upon registration
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3C-REN’s Single Family Home Energy Savings Program has three notable changes to the program design in 2024.
Program changes include:

No new gas equipment can be submitted into the program as a primary or secondary measure beginning June 1st, 2024.
Homes with solar installed within the previous 12 months of the project will be eligible for incentives starting March 1, 2024
Customers in Ventura County that meet two of the following criteria will be eligible for the higher “HTR” incentives starting March 1, 2024:

Customer lives in a mobile or manufactured home
Customer doesn’t speak English as their primary language
Customer’s home is located in a designated “Disadvantaged Community”
Customer is on a discounted utility rate (CARE/FERA)

Join this webinar to discuss how these changes will impact your business and participation in the program.

Residential Load Calculation and Duct Design for Building Departments
2024-02-27 09:00 - 10:30
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Proper residential HVAC design has been required by code for many years, but has been poorly enforced. With the new emphasis on heat pumps, proper design is more important than ever. This class will help building departments understand what to ask for and how to check residential HVAC designs to make sure that they meet the code requirements.
Learning Objectives:

Understand what codes require residential HVAC design.
Understand what ACCA is and why their design manuals are so important.
Understand the importance and benefits of good HVAC design.
Understand what to require in a submittal package.
Understand how to check the design and calculations to ensure compliance with code.

Instructor: Russ King, Coded Energy Inc.

Practical Ways to Address Embodied Carbon
2024-02-20 10:00 - 11:00
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Embodied Carbon, the term that identifies the collective impacts of extracting, manufacturing and transporting building materials, is appearing on everything from requests for proposals to the next round of the building code. In this course we’ll provide practical approaches to reducing embodied carbon in residential and commercial projects.
Learning objectives:
• Understand new Cal Green requirements for embodied carbon taking effect July 2024
• Be able to categorize common building materials for their likely carbon impacts
• Identify simple tools and resources to streamline carbon comparisons
• Understand related material considerations including global warming potential and carbon sequestration
Instructors: Michelle Zimney and Tatiana Soglin, In Balance Green Consulting
