Beneficial Electrification
Guest Author—Amy Dryden, Association for Energy Affordability
Using clean electricity to power our homes is a safer, cheaper and smarter way to meet our energy needs and California’s carbon neutrality goals.
Improving the energy efficiency of our buildings is critical to address the State’s global warming challenges. 25% of California’s GHG emissions come from buildings, and 2/3 of these building emissions are from fossil fuel-burning appliances: water and space heating, cooking, and fireplaces. All of these can be replaced by high-efficiency electric alternatives powered by cleaner fuel.
The electric appliance market is rapidly expanding and evolving: from heat pump water heaters serving homes and ADUs to large central systems for multifamily projects; to mini-splits and inverter packaged terminal heat pumps providing heating and cooling; efficient and safe induction cooktops, burners and ranges for any kitchen; and aesthetically-pleasing and electric fireplaces that warm us with infrared technology.
What are the benefits of going electric?
- Lowered bills due to higher efficiency equipment, increased gas rates, favorable electric rates paired with PV to offset use.
- Reduced GHG emissions.
- Improved indoor air quality and increased safety through elimination of combustion byproducts.
- Enabled flexibility, stability and demand response at home and on the grid.
When moving to all-electric consider: (1) Impact of current and future rates on cost. Can PV be installed to reduce bills? (2) These are newer products. Learn more about products to increase familiarity–don’t make assumptions. (3) What contractors have experience with products? This is growing!) (4) Increased project costs to upgrade electrical infrastructure (5) Potential higher products cost can be offset by incentives, such as those offered by 3C-REN, and lower operating costs.
Not only are policies and codes moving in this direction, but so are programs investing in the market and replacement of fossil fuel appliances. Intrigued? You should be.
2020 in Review
2020 was a tough year for everybody. However, despite the challenges we faced, 3C-REN was able to continue our mission to train design, construction and real estate professionals in the tri-county area. As the energy code becomes increasingly complex, and as consumers expect buildings that deliver excellent energy-saving performance, 3C-REN events help workers adapt to new changes while reinforcing the fundamentals.
In 2020, 3C-REN held over 50 events engaging over 900 attendees. The Energy Code Connect program offered 16 courses dedicated to topics such as HERS features, energy modeling, QII and commissioning. 3C-REN’s Building Performance Training program held 33 events on topics such as the building envelope, Passive House, business development skills, and Green Designation for realtors.
We hope to see you in a course in 2021!
Get Active with Passive House Design
Passive House is the global standard for high-performance buildings. Careful planning and construction provide users with superb comfort, health, and energy efficiency.
This spring, 3C-REN events will help you apply Passive House design and construction to your projects.
Events are for beginners and experts, and will lead to a FREE “Certified Passive House Designer/Consultant”
Code Coach Corner
Join us next Wednesday, February 10th, for Code Coach “Office Hours”! Come with your energy and green building code questions and learn from fellow building professionals. This interactive session starts with a discussion of the new solar PV requirements under the 2019 energy code and includes a live Q&A.
All events are recorded—let us know if you can’t make it and we’ll send you a recording.
Upcoming Events
Residential Additions and the Energy Code
Tues, Feb. 9, 9 am-10:30 am
Register Here
Energy Code Coach: Office Hours
Weds, Feb. 10, 10:30 am-12 pm
Register Here
Green Real Estate Marketing
Mon, Feb. 15, 9 am-11 am
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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