3C-REN’s Regional Forums provide a unique opportunity to gain firsthand knowledge about the critical energy issues facing our industry. Each forum takes a fresh look at an emerging topic and features a panel of experts with real-world experience who are ready to answer your questions.
Connect with fellow professionals to swap ideas and build your network! Regional forums are always free, and many offer continuing education credits.
Our most recent forum:
What is the Big Deal About Heat Pumps and Electrification?
March 30, 2022 @ 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm
Calling all homeowners and renters in the tri-county! Learn how you can implement affordable energy efficiency and electrification upgrades for a healthier, climate-friendly home. In this community webinar, attendees will learn about the value of electrification for their homes and how new technologies can help improve home health and comfort.
There will be special focus on heating and cooling systems that utilize heat-pump technologies. Speakers will highlight the challenges and opportunities created by energy efficiency and electrification through case studies, testimonials, and state incentives.
Past forums:
Exploring Energy Efficiency’s Role In Densification and Affordability
November 4, 2021 @ 9:00 am to 11:30 am
The tri-county region has begun addressing the increasing need for livable space by constructing accessory dwelling units (ADUs), tiny homes, prefabricated homes, and other nontraditional housing elements to accommodate housing needs and affordability.
How will area building professionals handle the growing need for energy efficiency in these dynamic housing types?
The current energy code and future iterations provide streamlined compliance for housing project development. In this forum, attendees will learn about energy code requirements, zoning, and permitting for nontraditional housing projects. Speakers will highlight housing market impacts and strategies for improving comfort and efficiency in various building types.
Continue the conversation with a virtual speaker meet and greet from 11:30 am to 12:00 pm.
Improving Indoor Air Quality Through Better Buildings
June 15, 2021 @ 9:00 am to 11:30 am
With threats to indoor air quality from wildfires, viruses, and greenhouse gas emissions, the demand for health-focused building retrofits is greater than ever before. Energy efficiency can act as a tool to decrease indoor air pollution related to combustion, leaky windows, and poor ventilation.
During this event, attendees will hear from public health and energy experts about harnessing the nexus between healthy indoor air quality and building better buildings. 3C-REN will provide an overview of energy code requirements, access to funding, and resources, and opportunities for training for building professionals. Forum attendees will also hear about health-focused indoor air quality in practice, highlighting how local projects in the tri-county region have minimized the effects of poor indoor air quality.
Entering the Electrification Frontier: The Tri-County Market for Heat Pump Water Heaters
March 11, 2021 @ 9:00 am to 11:30 am
California is investing $400 million dollars in the electrification market with the expectation for substantial market demand for electrifying water heating with heat pump water heaters (HPWHs) over the next 5 years.
In the tri-county residential sector, water heating is the largest user of natural gas and HPWHs present a huge market opportunity for building professionals – especially contractors, distributors, and manufacturers.
During this event, attendees will gain real-world understanding of how HPWHs work, their benefits, energy code requirements, market barriers, and the funding and resources available for electrification. Attendees will also hear case studies and learn about installation best practices in the region.
Taking the High Road: Preparing our Region’s Workforce for Quality Jobs in Energy Efficiency
November 13, 2020 @ 9:00 am to 11:30 am
California has proven that it is possible to improve our economy and the environment at the same time. However, we also understand that it is critical that our transition to a carbon neutral economy benefits all communities—especially those that have been traditionally underserved. That’s where the High Road comes in.
The “High Road” is a new way of looking at jobs. It’s an economic strategy that emphasizes high-quality jobs, environmental sustainability, and greater economic opportunities for Tri-County workers and businesses. Simply put, the High Road focuses on equity, climate, and jobs (as described by the California Workforce Development Board).
Building Regional Economic Resilience
June 25, 2020 @ 9:00 am to 11:30 am
This webinar will explore how the tri-county region can position the building industry as a driver and beneficiary of the economic recovery. Speakers will discuss resources available and needed in the tri-county area that can facilitate a healthy and resilient recovery. Finally, we will discuss the importance and benefits of high-performance buildings that meet and exceed code requirements, in support of climate and workforce goals.
Navigating Stay at Home Orders: Construction During a Crisis
May 21, 2020 @ 8:30 am to 10:00 am
This webinar will feature local, real-world leaders sharing their approach to adapting business protocols to meet project timelines, including health and safety, permitting and communicating with clients. It will also include an overview of local public health guidance on the latest recommendations to keep employees and the public safe.
Optimizing the Virtual Building Department
April 30, 2020 @ 8:30 am to 10:00 am
Building departments are transitioning to electronic permit applications, plan submittals, and virtual inspections to continue operations during the COVID-19 pandemic. This webinar will feature code officials presenting on safe permitting and inspections services in support of construction projects, including housing projects, recognized as “essential” under California’s Stay-at-Home order.
Achieving Resilience in Wildfire Areas Through Energy Codes
March 12, 2020 @ 8:30 am to 12:00 pm
California has entered a new era of increased wildfire and power outage risks – but our homes and businesses still need to adapt to become more resilient. How can Central Coast buildings offer continued safety and power reliability in the face of these challenges? This event will explore the intersection between these phenomena, energy code and regional resilience – with a focus on designing, building, and operating more resilient and responsive buildings.
2019 Energy Code: Changes and Opportunities for the Building Industry
August 22, 2019 @ 12:30 pm to 4:30 pm
This regional forum demystifies the significant changes in the 2019 Title 24 Part 6 Energy Code and the rationale behind them, highlights recent trends and pathways for building electrification, and provides attendees an opportunity to learn how various industry groups and leaders are preparing for the changes ahead.
