3C-REN

3C-REN Contractor Connection Hub at USA Air
2025-04-30 08:00 - 12:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | USA Air Oxnard, 550 Del Norte Blvd, Oxnard, CA, 93030, United States
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Event Description
Join 3C-REN on April 30th at USA Air in Oxnard for an exciting opportunity to connect and grow! The 3C-REN team will be on-site to share workforce development opportunities, exclusive incentives tailored to contractors in the region and provide answers to Energy Code questions.
Learning Objectives

Discover how you can enhance your skills and grow your business with the support of our programs.
Learn about air leakage and blower door testing with our installation and presentation!
Learn about exclusive incentives available to participating contractors.
Stop by and say hello! We’ll be thrilled to share more details and answer your questions.
Plus, don’t miss out on some fantastic free goodies waiting for you!

Instructor
Javier Saucedo

Building for the Future: Preparing for the 2025 Energy Code
2025-04-30 09:00 - 11:00
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Event Description
The California Energy Commission has adopted the 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards, effective on January 1, 2026. This virtual Regional Forum offers an opportunity to delve into the latest updates to the Code and its impact on upcoming projects. Join us to gain valuable insights into the key changes, how it aligns with California’s energy efficiency goals, and practical strategies to prepare for its implementation. Expert speakers will highlight significant code revisions and provide essential resources designed specifically for industry professionals navigating these updates.
Learning Objectives

Anticipate the impact of the next energy code cycle on their projects.
Develop effective strategies to adapt and ensure compliance with updated requirements.
Explore the benefits of working with and/or becoming a Certified Energy Analyst (CEA).
Plan for the upcoming changes to the Energy Code Compliance (ECC) Program, formerly the Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Program.
Identify available training opportunities and resources to seek support for understanding the energy code.

Learning Units
2.0 AIA HSW LUs approved for this course
0.20 ICC CEUs approved for this course
Speakers

Amie Brousseau, California Energy Commission
RJ Wichert, California Energy Commission
Jennifer Rennick, In Balance Green Consulting
Mauricio Morales, CHEERS
Paul Dunn, Central Coast Energy Compliance
Gina Rodda, Energy Code Ace/Gabel Energy

Practical Ways to Address Embodied Carbon
2025-05-01 09:30 - 11:00
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Event Description
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 CALGreen requirements for embodied carbon that took effect July 2024 and will be expanded in the 2025 code update.
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

Learning Units
1.5 AIA HSW LUs approved for this course
0.15 ICC CEUs pending for this course
Instructor
Michelle Zimney, In Balance Green Consulting
Tatiana Soglin, In Balance Green Consulting

AES Program Launch Webinar
2025-05-06 10:00 - 11:00
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Join the Tri-County Regional Energy Network (3C-REN) for the official launch of the Agriculture Energy Solutions (AES) program—a free technical assistance program designed specifically for farmers and agricultural producers in Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and Ventura counties.
This one-hour informational webinar will provide an overview of how AES can help you reduce your energy usage, lower costs, and identify opportunities for energy efficiency upgrades tailored to your operation.
During the webinar, we’ll introduce the three core technical assistance services offered through AES:

Utility Bill Analysis – Understand your energy consumption patterns.
Facility Assessment – Identify energy-saving opportunities across your site.
Benchmarking – Compare your energy performance to similar operations.

You’ll also hear directly from Seinergy, the program implementer, who will explain the types of reports, insights, and personalized recommendations included in each service. They’ll share how some farmers are able to save on their energy costs simply by getting onto an optimized utility rate, without any capital investment.
Plus, representatives from Ensave and TRC will share details on available incentives from Southern California Edison (SCE), SoCal Gas, and Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E), and other funding opportunities for farmers ready to take the next step and implement recommended equipment upgrades.
Don’t miss this opportunity to get expert insights, connect with program partners, and learn how AES can support your agricultural operation’s energy goals—all at no cost to you.
Share the webinar flyer with your network!

Speakers

Victor Briones, Agriculture Energy Solutions Program Manager, 3C-REN
Ian Knisely, Program Manager, Seinergy
Andrew Gustafson, Program Manager, TRC Companies
Kyle Clark, Vice President, Business Development, EnSave
Ted Fitzgerald, Program Manager, EnSave

Course Location
Zoom link provided upon registration

Electrification Products for the Central Coast Climate
2025-05-06 16:00 - 17:30
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Event Description
Homeowners around the world are beginning to embrace electrification (the switch from gas-fired to electric-powered appliances). In this webinar, EMH will introduce and provide an overview of central-coast appropriate home electrification products to aid in the transition away from gas. This includes at least two electric options for each common gas appliance (e.g., HVAC, water heating, cooking, clothes drying, and fireplaces) as well as advanced electrical products that solve challenging load capacity issues.
Learning Objectives

Name at least two electric options for each typical gas appliance in a home
Identify two types of heat pumps
Describe a scenario where a split heat pump water heater is advantageous
Explain how a circuit splitter can help avoid costly panel upgrades

Learning Units
1.5 AIA HSW LUs approved for this course
0.15 ICC CEUs approved for this course
Instructor
Larry Waters, Electrify My Home

Everything You Always Wanted to Know About EVs * (*But Were Afraid to Ask)
2025-05-08 09:30 - 11:00
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Event Description
Taught by Robert Fortunato and Nick Brown EV early adopters who have owned 9 EV’s in the last 14 years. They test drove most others on the market, installed solar panels and chargers on their NZE/Zero Carbon case study homes, and have helped hundreds of other people with their EV and decarbonization decisions.
This class will cover everything you need to know to feel confident with your EV buying and driving decisions.
Learning Objectives

What CALGreen requires projects to provide for EV charging now and in the future.
How to use an EV as a tool for a better, safer, healthier and more resilient lifestyle.
Overcoming the challenges of selecting and operating a different kind of vehicle.
The best ways to optimize an EV as a mobile power station.
Hidden benefits of EV ownership for you and your family!

Learning Units
1.5 AIA HSW LUs approved for this course
0.15 ICC CEUs approved for this course
Instructors
Nick Brown, Build Smart Group
Robert Fortunato, ForStrategy Consulting, Inc.

National Association of REALTORS Green Designation | San Luis Obispo County
2025-05-12 09:00 - 2025-05-13 17:00 | Pismo Beach Coastal Association of Realtors, 1126 E Grand Ave, Arroyo Grande, CA, 93420, United States
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Event Description
NAR Green Day 1: The Resource-Efficient Home – Retrofits, Remodels, Renovations, and New Home Construction
Monday, May 12 | 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, May 13 | 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
There will be no DRE credits available for this training.
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

This event is held in partnership with Pismo Coast Association of REALTORS. Open to Non-Members.

Single Family Additions and Alterations: Energy Code Implementation Series, with 2025 Code Updates
2025-05-14 09:30 - 11:00
Register
Event Description
As the 2022 energy code wraps up its final year, and the 2025 code emerges, we see the trends of building electrification, healthier indoor air quality and improved resiliency continue to permeate the code’s evolution. This series focuses on current best practices for implementation of energy strategies, as well as what’s around the corner with the new code that will take effect Jan. 1, 2026. With particular focus on the Central Coast region, we’ll discuss on what to include in construction documents to streamline the permitting process and tips for construction to ease signoffs and occupancy for each building type.

Energy Code Implementation: Non-Residential
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

Learning Objectives

Understand the current and upcoming 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 LUs approved for this course
0.15 ICC CEUs approved for this course

Instructors
Jennifer Rennick, In Balance Green Consulting
Grant Murphy, In Balance Green Consulting

All Electric ADUs
2025-05-16 16:00 - 17:30 | CEC’s Environmental Hub, 1219 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA, 93101, United States
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Enjoy food, drinks, and great company at the first event in our High-Performance Happy Hour Series! Whether you’re a homeowner, architect, or simply curious about electrification, join us to explore how all-electric ADUs are shaping the future of housing in Santa Barbara.
Event Description
ADUs are an important source of housing development all over California. They are especially well suited to all-electric design. This class will cover the key systems in an all-electric ADU and draw on the ADU recently built by the instructor out of Structural Insulated Panel System (SIPS), but other building envelopes will also be covered, including more traditional wood-framed structures and modular ADUs. We will use energy modeling to contrast utility bills and Greenhouse Gas Emissions of mixed fuel and all-electric homes, as well as actual data from the real-life operation of the ADU, which is currently being monitored circuit by circuit. The financials will be prominently featured as well, so that attendees considering building an ADU can make an informed decision and see how attractive the economics typically are.
Learning Objectives

Learn why All-Electric ADUs make sense most of the time
Understand key systems in an All-Electric home and design options
Compare utility costs and GHG emissions of mixed fuel and All-Electric ADUs
See how the California energy code encourages All-Electric ADUs

Learning Units
1.5 AIA HSW LUs approved for this course
0.15 ICC CEUs approved for this course
Instructor
Nick Brown, Build Smart Group

This event is held in partnership with AIA Santa Barbara. Attendance is open to all.

Interested in attending more in-person events? Check out the rest of the events in our High-Performance Happy Hour Series!

Green Building Construction Tour: Santa Barbara (6/3)
Next Generation Passive Solar (8/12)
Renewable Energy, Energy Storage and Resiliency (10/28)

A Builder’s Perspective on Zero Net Energy
2025-05-20 11:30 - 13:00
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Event Description
For the contractors and trades involved in residential and small commercial projects, Zero Net Energy (ZNE), or near-ZNE, is on the rise, to meet the energy code as well as client expectations. Mike Horgan, owner of Cairn Collaborative has been building comfortable, efficient, ZNE projects for 20 years. In this introductory course, Mike will be joined by architect and CEA Jennifer Rennick to review critical components of ZNE, including simple best practices to reduce energy loads, increase comfort and indoor health and easily integrate electric equipment and appliances. Contractors, builders and others in the trades won’t want to miss this course, so next time a client asks for ZNE, your answer is, sure we can do that!
Learning Objectives

Understand the drivers for ZNE and the related lingo including building electrification, zero-carbon, offsets, true-ups and mixed-fuel.
Learn the role of heat pumps for ZNE and tips for selection and installation of all-electric equipment for heating, cooling and hot water
Be able to help clients navigate all-electric choices for appliances including ventless dryers and induction cooktops.
Understand options and best practices for incorporating renewable energy and battery storage.

Learning Units
1.5 AIA LUs approved for this course
Instructors
Jennifer Rennick, In Balance Green Consulting
Mike Horgan, Cairn Collaborative

Intro to Residential HVAC Systems
2025-05-29 15:00 - 17:00
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Event Description
This class is for folks who need to “speak HVAC” but may not have much background with HVAC. This could be homeowners who are shopping for a new system, utility employees dealing with HVAC programs, people who are brand new to the HVAC industry or HERS testing, general contractors who need to be able to talk to HVAC contracts, etc. Basically, people who need to work around HVAC systems, but not necessarily work on them. We will cover the basics such as types of systems, parts of systems, how systems are designed, how systems are tested, etc. It will even cover supply register types. Extra time will be spent on heat pumps. Based on the book, “HVAC 1.0 – Introduction to Residential HVAC Systems” by Russell King, ME, the presenter.
Learning Objectives

Become more comfortable speaking with HVAC contractors who use a lot of jargon.
Understand the wide variety of HVAC and duct system types.
Be able to identify the various parts of an HVAC system, such as plenums, condensers, t-wyes, TXVs, etc.
Understand the difference between electric space heating and gas space heating.
Understand what it takes for an HVAC system to perform well and why so many don’t.
Understand how air moves through ducts and why it is important.

Learning Units
2.0 AIA HSW LUs approved for this course
0.2 ICC CEUs approved for this course
Instructor
Russ King, Coded Energy

Green Building Construction Tour: Santa Barbara
2025-06-03 16:00 - 17:30
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Event Description
Here’s an opportunity to visit a green building project in person, to learn more about the process and see the implementation of energy efficiency and building electrification in practice. As we tour an active construction site, the builder will provide first-hand information on implementation, lessons learned and best practices. Project location in Santa Barbara will be provided to registered participants.
Learning Objectives

Learn about installation requirements and options for heat pump mechanical systems
Discuss water heater options, including heat pump water heaters, and learn the space and location requirements and potential pitfalls to avoid for each system
Discuss ventilation and indoor air quality and different options appropriate for retrofits versus new construction
Review wall, floor and roof assemblies for both insulation and air sealing best practices

Learning Units
1.5 AIA LUs approved for this course
Instructor
Andy Pease, In Balance Green Consulting

This event is held in partnership with AIA Santa Barbara. Attendance is open to all.

Interested in attending more in-person events? Check out the rest of the events in our High-Performance Happy Hour Series!

Next Generation Passive Solar (8/12)
Renewable Energy, Energy Storage and Resiliency (10/28)

Understanding HERS Registries for Building Departments
2025-06-05 09:30 - 11:00
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The HERS Registry is an online data base that creates and tracks the numerous compliance documents needed for compliance with California’s Title 24 Part 6 energy code. This class will cover what building departments need to know about the HERS Registry and why it is called the single most important tool for Energy Code Compliance.
Learning Objectives

Understand how to get building department login credentials for the HERS Registries
Understand how to search for a registered project.
Understand the importance of using the HERS registry.
Understand how to read the Project Status Report for a project.
Understand how energy code compliance is a three-step process facilitated by the three types of forms CF1R, CF2R, and CF3R.

Learning Units
1.5 AIA LUs approved for this course
1.5 ICC CEUs approved for this course
Instructor
Russ King, Coded Energy

Natural Insulation Options for Low-Carbon Construction
2025-06-13 12:00 - 13:30
Register
Event Description
Natural insulation has many benefits for builders and occupants but not everyone is familiar with these products. Discover how natural insulation products can be the perfect solution for you. Our natural insulation training is perfect for architects, builders, and anyone interested in sustainable solutions. Eric Fenno will explain the latest in natural insulation, share real-world examples, and give practical tips on how to use these eco-friendly materials to save energy and create healthier spaces.
Learning Objectives
As a result of attending the trainings, participants will be able to:

Articulate the benefits of using natural insulation in a single-family or multi-family project
Distinguish the benefits of using cork or wool insulation
Identify the best situations for using these products and other natural products in a build.

Don’t miss this chance to learn about the newest trends in green building. Whether you want to reduce your carbon footprint, improve indoor air quality, or just stay updated on sustainable construction, this webinar is for you. Register now to secure your spot and start transforming your projects with natural insulation that’s good for both the planet and your health.
Learning Units
1.5 AIA HSW LUs pending for this course
Instructor
Eric Fenno, Small Planet Supply

Optimizing Heat Pump Zoning for Maximum Comfort and Efficiency
2025-06-17 16:00 - 17:30
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Event Description
This course explores best practices for zoning with heat pumps, covering both ducted and ductless multi-zone strategies. Participants will learn about common challenges, static pressure issues, system inefficiencies, and real-world solutions to improve performance. A field-monitored case study will provide insight into zoning of a fully communicating ducted heat pump system. Attendees will come away prepared to avoid pitfalls of poorly designed zoning solutions and also ready to impress their residential clients with best-in-class comfort.
Learning Objectives

Define zoning and explain why it’s used for heat pump applications.
Describe why energy consumption may increase in some zoned configurations.
Understand why fully communicating ducted heat pumps require manufacturer-compatible zoning solutions.

Learning Units
1.5 AIA LUs approved for this course
0.15 ICC CEUs approved for this course
Instructor
Larry Waters, Electrify My Home

3C-REN Contractor Connection Hub at Frank's Paint and Hardware
2025-06-25 08:00 - 13:00 | Frank’s Paint and Hardware, 1026 East Main Street, Santa Paula, CA, 93060, United States
Register
Join 3C-REN on June 25th at Frank’s Paint and Hardware in Santa Paula for an enlightening session on workforce development opportunities and incentives tailored for contractors in the area.

Discover how you can enhance your skills and grow your business with the support of our programs.
Learn about exclusive incentives available to participating contractors.
Stop by and say hello! We’ll be thrilled to share more details and answer your questions.
Plus, don’t miss out on some fantastic free goodies waiting for you!

Mark your calendar and come meet us on June 25th from 8 AM to 1 PM at 1026 E. Main Street in Santa Paula, CA! Let’s take your career to the next level together!

ADU: Energy Code Implementation Series, with 2025 Code Updates
2025-06-25 09:30 - 11:00
Register
Event Description
As the 2022 energy code wraps up its final year, and the 2025 code emerges, we see the trends of building electrification, healthier indoor air quality and improved resiliency continue to permeate the code’s evolution. This series focuses on current best practices for implementation of energy strategies, as well as what’s around the corner with the new code that will take effect Jan. 1, 2026. With particular focus on the Central Coast region, we’ll discuss on what to include in construction documents to streamline the permitting process and tips for construction to ease signoffs and occupancy for each building type.

Energy Code Implementation: Non-Residential
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

Learning Objectives

Understand the current and upcoming 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 LUs approved for this course
0.15 ICC CEUs approved for this course

Instructors
Jennifer Rennick, In Balance Green Consulting
Grant Murphy, In Balance Green Consulting

Mechanical Systems in Detail
2025-06-26 12:00 - 14:00
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Event Description
This course dives deep into the focus of building mechanical systems with a particular focus on ventilation and hot water systems. Looking at the design and construction of a range of system types, the course will examine ventilation, heating, cooling, and hot water topics of performance specifications, coordination, sequencing, inspection, testing, and reporting.
Learning Objectives

Describe Passive House goals and methodology as they translate to mechanical systems.
Outline typical Passive House heating, cooling, ventilation and hot water systems, focusing on the pros and cons of choices.
Describe Passive House ventilation and hot water installation considerations and the process to hit Passive House goals.
Outline quality assurance and quality control measures used to verify mechanical systems’ performance and reach certification.

Learning Units
2.0 AIA LUs approved for this course
Instructor
Ken Levenson, Passive House Network

Ask the Experts: Heat Pump Water Heater Installations
2025-06-27 12:00 - 13:00
Register
Event Description
This will be an open discussion about Heat Pump Water Heater installations with plumbers, builders, architects, and energy consultants. We will ask participants to share or send in pictures of good, bad, and ugly jobs, so that we can talk through the issues that they had and how they resolved them. We can also share results – how the units are working for the clients.
We will also cover the latest research on condensation risk on surfaces and how to avoid problems.
Learning Objectives

Ask the experts about real-world challenges with installing HPWHs
Learn from others in the field about common hurdles in installing HPWHs
Learn how to analyze installs for condensation risk and how to avoid problem

Learning Units

1.0 AIA LUs approved for this course
0.1 ICC CEUs approved for this course

Instructors

Nick Brown, Build Smart Group
Gary Klein, Gary Klein & Associates

Course Location
Zoom link provided upon registration

Certified Passive House Designer/Consultant (CPHD) Pacific Summer Hybrid Cohort
2025-07-01
Apply Here
3C-REN is pleased to offer The Passive House Network’s (PHN’s) Certified Passive House Designer/ Consultant hybrid cohort. This training is available at no cost to residents and those who work in the counties of Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo. The CPHD course is the premier Passive House professional training for architects, engineers, and building professionals and is supported by the 31-year history of global technical leadership of the Passive House Institute.
The upcoming online Summer Cohort starts on July 1st with an exam scheduled on September 18th. For more information on the training, check out the training brochure and schedule or visit Pacific Summer 2025 Cohort – The Passive House Network. The hybrid cohort schedule is approximately 8 weeks from kick-off to completion, followed by 4 to 5 weeks of exam prep.
Complete the interest form ASAP to confirm your eligibility for the cohort. Space is limited. Registration is first come, first serve with limited equal spaces per Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo Counties. Confirmed registrants will be sent a link and an enrollment code to register with PHN’s training portal.
By registering for the Pacific Cohort, you commit 3C-REN to pay the training and exam fee on your behalf, valued at $2,295.
Course Overview
The course is structured to be flexible in timing yet get you to the exam date prepared for the test and ready for designing and building.
The CPHD/C training is a specially designed for professionals in the U.S. construction industry. It features Passive House calculations in Imperial units, and has a variety of case studies, with both U.S. and international examples. Regardless, of what type of projects you design – residential, commercial, institutional projects, or with new and retrofit construction – the Passive House standard can be applied.
Eligibility
This training is available at no cost to residents and those who work in the counties of Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo ONLY.
Who Should Attend
The Certified Passive House Designer / Consultant course was developed for a wide range of student profiles include architects, MEP and structural engineers, façade, energy and sustainability consultants, contractors, developers, policymakers, regulators, and more.

Why Attend this Course

Gain a strong foundation in Passive House principles, and their application, that can influence all your building projects, including single-family, multi-family, mixed-use, commercial, and industrial.
Learn Passive House standards and calculations using Imperial units rather than metric.
Develop the skills needed to calculate for high-performance buildings.
Explore case studies of passive house buildings from a variety of projects and learn best practices and design tips for different conditions.
Learn the core requirements for all certified Passive House designers and consultants so that you can take the certification exam.
Once you pass the certification exam, you’ll possess an internationally regarded professional credential demonstrating leadership in high-performance, low-energy building design.

This training is accredited by the AIA for up to 59 LU/HSWs (CPHD + PHPP).

Unitary versus Split Heat Pump Water Heating Systems
2025-07-14 09:00 - 11:00
Register
Event Description
This course introduces the key differences between unitary and split heat pump water heater systems, with a focus on what they are, what they do, and how they can be used in new or retrofit building applications. Participants will gain a practical understanding of the advantages, challenges, and considerations for selecting the right system in residential and light commercial projects. The session will also cover installation factors, energy efficiency impacts, and maintenance requirements, helping professionals make informed decisions when specifying or recommending heat pump water heating solutions.
Learning Objectives

Describe the fundamental differences between unitary and split heat pump water heater systems.
Identify the advantages and limitations of unitary and split systems in terms of performance, installation requirements, and maintenance.
Evaluate the impact of system type on energy efficiency, climate zone suitability, and customer needs.
Apply best practices for selecting the appropriate system type for specific project scenarios, considering factors such as space constraints, noise levels, and refrigerant management.

Learning Units
1.5 AIA HSW LUs pending for this course
Instructor
Eric Fenno, Small Planet Supply
Course Location
Zoom link provided upon registration

Enclosure in Detail
2025-07-16 09:00 - 11:30
Register
Event Description
Passive House is an enclosure-ﬁrst approach that empowers architectural design to drive comfort, resilience, health, and efﬁciency outcomes. The Passive House enclosure is fundamental to overall building performance optimization. We’ll look at the elements of high-performance enclosure design and construction, the order of priorities, the strategies, systems, components, and details required. From cold to hot and humid climates, and across different construction types and building scales, we’ll look at how to deliver predictable results.
Learning Objectives

Outline the priorities of enclosure performance.
Describe major principles in enclosure design and optimization.
Outline the systems, components, details, and strategies for successful Passive House enclosures.
Describe strategies and steps to ensure the ﬁnal built enclosure is successful.

Learning Units
2.0 AIA LUs approved for this course
Instructor
Ken Levenson, Passive House Network
Course Location
Zoom link provided upon registration

Regenerative Design in Practice
2025-07-17 09:30 - 11:00
Register
Event Description
California’s carbon reduction goals reach beyond energy performance to include equity, natural solutions for carbon sequestration, and conservation of resources. Using the Living Building Challenge and local examples, we’ll explore the exciting potential for regenerative design.
Learning Objectives

Be able to differentiate regenerative vs. sustainable, in standards and certifications
Understand net positive energy, water and materials through the Living Building Challenge framework
Build awareness of Equity in design and construction practices
Identify strategies for natural sequestration and biophilic design elements

Learning Units

1 AIA LUs approved for this course
1 hour of ZNCD Continuing Education units for CAB

Instructors
Andy Pease, In Balance Green Consulting
Course Location
Zoom link provided upon registration

Multifamily: Energy Code Implementation Series, with 2025 Code Updates
2025-07-23 09:30 - 11:00
Register
Event Description
As the 2022 energy code wraps up its final year, and the 2025 code emerges, we see the trends of building electrification, healthier indoor air quality and improved resiliency continue to permeate the code’s evolution. This series focuses on current best practices for implementation of energy strategies, as well as what’s around the corner with the new code that will take effect Jan. 1, 2026. With particular focus on the Central Coast region, we’ll discuss on what to include in construction documents to streamline the permitting process and tips for construction to ease signoffs and occupancy for each building type.

Energy Code Implementation: Non-Residential
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 (this course!)

Learning Objectives

Understand the current and upcoming 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 LUs approved for this course
0.15 ICC CEUs approved for this course

Instructors
Jennifer Rennick, In Balance Green Consulting
Grant Murphy, In Balance Green Consulting

What Energy Consultants Need to Know About QII
2025-07-29 09:30 - 11:00
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Event Description
This course will cover what Energy Consultants need to know about Quality Insulation Installation (QII) to best help their clients meet the Title 24 Energy Code. QII is much more than just doing a good job installing insulation. It requires pre-planning and a lot of coordination between multiple trades. This class will discuss the important things to look for and how to use the compliance documents (CF2R forms) as invaluable checklists.
Learning Objectives

Understand the requirements of QII
Understand who is involved in making QII pass
Understand the importance of coordination and logistics with QII
Understand where QII is most likely to fail and how to avoid it.

Learning Units
1.5 AIA LUs approved for this course
0.15 ICC CEUs approved for this course
Instructors
Russ King, Coded Energy
Course Location
Zoom link provided upon registration

More Than One Brand In The Hand: Application Specific HPWH Design
2025-07-31 08:00 - 09:30
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Event Description
As California accelerates its push toward electrification, heat pump water heaters (HPWHs) are playing a critical role in driving efficient and clean water heating solutions. However, not all HPWHs are created equal—and not every brand is suited for every home.
This webinar equips participants with the knowledge to make smart, scenario-specific choices when selecting HPWHs. We’ll begin with a brief overview of why HPWH deployment is a state priority, then explore the key factors that differentiate products—such as noise levels, ducting requirements, physical location constraints, electrical panel capacity, and more.
The session concludes with an exercise exploring real-world installation scenarios—including garages, basements, indoor closets, outdoor closets, outdoor tankless replacements, and attics. Attendees will learn to identify which HPWH models are best suited to each condition, reinforcing the need for a multi-brand approach to successful system design.
Learning Objectives

Understand California’s policy drivers for HPWH adoption.
Identify key features that distinguish HPWH products across manufacturers.
Apply scenario-based reasoning to select optimal HPWHs for various home installation conditions.

Learning Units

1.5 AIA LUs approved for this course
0.15 ICC LUs approved for this course

Instructor
Larry Waters, Electrify My Home
Course Location
Zoom link provided upon registration

Emu Passive Info Session
2025-08-07 15:00 - 16:00
Join Now
Are you working on a project and are wondering if Passive House is the right fit to meet your goals and your budget?
Are you looking for training, and need to figure out what is the right way forward for you?
Have you found so much information online that you just don’t know where to start, and who to listen to?
Join Emu’s Free Info Session and learn how Emu can help you meet your goals! No registration needed! Save this in your calendar and join in on this Zoom link.

Can’t get enough Passive House?
Apply for the 3C-REN & Emu Passive Design/Build Boot Camp this Fall in Ventura!
More info and application form here.

Instructor
Enrico Bonilauri

Next Generation Passive Solar
2025-08-12 16:00 - 17:30 | CEC’s Environmental Hub, 1219 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA, 93101, United States
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Enjoy food, drinks, and great company at the third event in our High-Performance Happy Hour Series! Whether you’re a homeowner, architect, or simply curious about high-performance design, join us to dive into the next generation of passive solar design principles.
Event Description
We all learned the principles of passive solar design in school – south facing orientation, strategic windows, thermal mass, etc., but the old rules don’t apply in the same way. Modern buildings should still incorporate passive strategies, including daylight and ventilation, but they need a new spin on the implementation to account for improved insulation, prevalence of high-performance glazing, and efficient HVAC systems and lighting.
Learning Objectives

Review passive thermal design strategies including basic climate analysis and guidelines for orientation, fenestration and thermal mass.
Understand current science relating to the impacts of daylight and views on occupant health and learn best practices for right-sizing windows and skylights, managing glare and selecting appropriate visible light transmittance.
Learn strategies to develop an integrated system for ventilation, optimizing passive systems (operable windows and skylights, stack effect, cross ventilation) with mechanical systems
Review a case study to integrate passive thermal design with a high-performance envelope.

Learning Units

1 AIA HSW LUs approved for this course
1 hour of ZNCD Continuing Education units for CAB

Instructor
Jennifer Rennick, In Balance Green Consulting
Andy Pease, In Balance Green Consulting

This event is held in partnership with AIA Santa Barbara. Attendance is open to all.

Interested in attending more in-person events? Make sure to check out the last event in our High-Performance Happy Hour Series!

Renewable Energy, Energy Storage and Resiliency (10/28)

CALGreen Code – 2025 Update
2025-08-13 09:30 - 11:00
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Event Description
This course focuses on Title 24, Part 11, the California Green Building Standards, incorporating the 2025 code changes that take effect January 1, 2026. We’ll review background of the code, the logistics of implementation and the specific requirements for residential and non-residential construction.
Learning Objectives

Understand CALGreen compliance process for residential and nonresidential projects, highlighting changes in the 2025 code.
Become familiar with CALGreen mandatory measures and green building benefits of each
Understand Tier 1 and Tier 2 options.
Learn tools and best practices for submitting and reviewing compliance documentation

Learning Units

1.5 AIA HSW LUs approved for this course
0.15 ICC CEUs approved for this course

Instructors
Andy Pease, In Balance Green Consulting

Intro to Passive House Trades
2025-08-14 09:00 - 11:30
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Event Description
PHN’s Introduction to Passive House Trades course will broadly cover the following topics: Passive House basics, review of typical construction types, windows and installation, air barriers and insulation, and new, innovative PH products. It is crucial when working on Passive House buildings to properly install components, understand how to correctly implement design details and assess and plan for the current and future performance of the building. This live online course is accompanied by mini video tutorials for various PH product installations, plus incorporates actual building of Passive House details relevant to the US construction industry.
Learning Objectives

Describe the five key principles of Passive House projects
Summarize typical materials and methods used for insulation and air barriers on Passive House projects
Explain challenging details seen on wood and steel framed construction projects and propose solutions on how these can be overcome
Describe the common approaches for air barrier application and insulation installation on residential and commercial projects
Explain systems that can be used to provide space conditioning and ventilation on Passive House projects
Describe how lighting selections and lighting controls impact electrical energy usage on a project
Summarize the difference between quality control vs. quality assurance, along with attributes of each concept
Describe the documentation requirements needed for passive house certification and identify how it overlaps with the overall quality assurance process.

Learning Units
2.0 AIA HSW LUs approved for this course
Instructor
Ken Levenson, Passive House Network
Course Location
Zoom link provided upon registration
