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.
In partnership with In Balance Green Consulting and Cairn Collaborative Design Build, 3C-REN supported a day of programming focused on green construction that included an introduction to sustainable building from In Balance, followed by a hands-on insulation and wall-assembly tutorial led by Cairn Collaborative’s Mike Horgan. Campers got their hands dirty (in the best way!) installing denim batt, loose fill, and cellulose insulation and applying house wrap.
“The camp is a fantastic platform for us to show how good design, quality materials, and proper installation all contribute to energy-efficient buildings.” – Lisa Eklund, 3C-REN Industry Liaison
3C-REN is proud to support young women as they explore the world of sustainable construction and start building a future that’s smart, strong, and green.
Small Properties, Big Impact: 3C-REN Helps “Mom-and-Pop” Buildings Go Electric
Over 60% of 3C-REN’s Multifamily Home Energy Savings projects have involved properties with 25 units or fewer—often referred to as “mom-and-pop” properties. These multifamily property owners are often overlooked by traditional rebate programs due to their property size and limited resources. But thanks to 3C-REN’s local focus and hands-on technical support, underserved properties are now getting the upgrades they need!
So far in 2025, six small multifamily projects upgraded to high-efficiency electric heat pumps for either HVAC or water heating. These include:
- A central heat pump water heater for a 19-unit property in San Luis Obispo
- Mini-split heat pump HVAC units for a 4-unit property in Ventura
- A full-electrification retrofit at a 12-unit property in Santa Barbara
The Santa Barbara project is a standout example of what’s possible. With more than $140,000 in combined rebates from 3C-REN and TECH—covering 88% of total project costs—the property was able to complete a comprehensive energy retrofit:
- Replacing gas wall heaters with through-wall heat pump HVAC units
- Installing a central heat pump water heating system
- Adding R-38 fiberglass batt insulation to uninsulated attics
- Swapping gas stoves with Frigidaire induction ranges
- Upgrading the main electrical service and running new feeder wires to each unit
Looking for incentives? Rebates are still available for multifamily properties. This year, 3C-REN’s single-family and commercial incentives went quickly, with tremendous growth in serving hard-to-reach communities! New incentive funding will be available in January 2026. In the meantime, residents can use the Switch Is On incentive finder tool to explore current rebate opportunities in their area.
What's New?
- The summer calendar is here! Sign up for FREE online and in-person classes on passive solar, CalGreen code, hot water distribution and more.
- TECH Clean California rebates are back! Save up to $5,700 on heat pump water heaters and $4,000 on HVAC. Act fast before funds run out!
- Farmers! We have technical assistance to help reduce your energy usage, lower energy costs, and identify opportunities for equipment upgrades and available incentives. Get in touch today.
Code Coach Corner
Passive Design/Build Boot Camp
3C-REN is bringing Emu’s Passive Design/Build Boot Camp to Ventura September 29 – October 3. It’s completely FREE for tradespeople who live in San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, or Ventura County! Whether you’re a builder, architect, or just a super committed homeowner, this training gives unique hands-on experience with Passive House standards and networking with other professionals. Register today!
Upcoming Events
CALGreen Code – 2025 Update
August 13 @ 9:30 am – 11:00 am
Virtual
Register Here
Best Practices for Hot Water Distribution
August 20 @ 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Virtual
Register Here
Next Generation Passive Solar
September 23 @ 9:30 am – 11:00 am
Virtual
Register Here
All 3C-REN programs and services are free to participants in the tri-county region.
3C-REN offers ICC CEUs and AIA LUs for many of our educational events.
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