Homeowner looking for a Contractor? Check out the Clean Energy Connection

the resource for clean energy contractors

about efficiency first california

Who We Are

And Why It Matters

Efficiency First California (EFCA) is a non-profit trade organization that represents and promotes clean energy contractors in California. For over 20 years, we have helped contractors like you succeed. 

EFCA is directly involved in state policy discussions. One of our core responsibilities, as a trade organization, is to help contractors be aware and involved in state energy policy. 

Policymakers on the local, state, and federal levels often reach out to us directly to better understand the contractor’s perspective. The contractor’s perspective is crucial in policy discussions. We listen to and advocate for you, the contractor.  

We partner with industry stakeholders who share our common goals. Working collaboratively, we have been able to influence policy on a large scale.

We want to help you grow your business. Our monthly blog and advocacy update help you make well-informed decisions about the future of your business. We represent your best interests for sustainable, fair, and unbiased business models. We have an extensive list of industry contacts. If you need help, reach out and we can likely help you with whatever issues you’re experiencing.

training & events for clean energy & energy efficiency

30 Jul

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) and the California Energy Code (Webinar)

9:00 am - 11:00 am

Course Description: Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) are becoming an important form of housing in California but designing and building these units to comply with the 2019 Energy Code can be challenging. This course covers the prescriptive requirements that apply to new ADUs and discusses both minimum requirements and design options for compliance.

Find out more
04 Aug

2024 Summer Study on Energy Efficiency in Buildings

August 4 - August 9

The 2024 Summer Study on Energy Efficiency in Buildings is the 23rd biennial event. Summer Study will bring together professionals from around the globe to the Asilomar Conference Grounds to collaborate, debate and advance the technologies, practices and research necessary to equitably decarbonize the building sector in a manner that addresses the urgency of the climate crisis. The 2024 theme is Equity and Climate Action: Time to Deliver. In August 2022, Congress passed the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), an unprecedented investment to transform our

Find out more
12 Aug

2022 Title 24, Part 6 Essentials — Single-family Standards: Envelope

9:00 am - 12:00 pm

If you design, specify, construct, install or inspect the envelope components of Single-family building projects, this course is for you! In it, you’ll learn what ceiling/attic, wall and floor insulation is required by California’s 2022 Energy Code. You’ll also find out how fenestration products are certified and the effect of shading on fenestration efficiency. Also explore the envelope component requirements for an Accessory Dwelling Unit conversion. Upcoming Classes: Date: December 9, 2024 Time: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm PST Instructor: Luke Morton

Find out more
14 Aug

Embodied Carbon + Electrification – Full Path to Decarbonization

10:00 am - 11:00 am

A focal point of our discussion will be retrofitting existing buildings and the imperative to reuse materials and structures. We’ll address the necessity of developing new systems and methodologies to facilitate this transition, emphasizing both environmental benefits and economic returns. Our panelists will share their insights on integrating heat pumps and optimizing building envelopes to minimize energy consumption while effectively reusing existing infrastructure, thereby reducing overall carbon footprints. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain a comprehensive overview of embodied carbon

Find out more

California Contractor Advocacy

Building a clean energy future for all

Efficiency First California is actively engaged in California policy. We monitor communications from the California Energy Commission and the California Public Utilities Commission. When needed, we provide feedback to ensure regulations and policies consider the contractor’s role and the implications proposed regulations may have on contractors. 

Your feedback as a contractor is critical for our efforts. We encourage your participation in policy discussions. We feel it is our role to represent your perspectives.

Monthly Newsletter

Sign up to get the information you need

Every month you can get details regarding important news and updates on clean energy, energy efficiency, trade shows, and the latest policy developments.  

Check out our blog where you can get the information that matters to you and your business.

Resources

House calculations graphic

Calculators

Book graphic

Industry-Specific Education

Reading graphic

Industry Acronyms

our projects

Clean Energy Connection

Free leads for contractors. Free referrals for homeowners.

We built the Clean Energy Connection to provide free leads to contractors and promote the growth of the industry as a whole.

EFCA’s Clean Energy Connection contractor directory helps homeowners connect with local, vetted contractors with proven expertise on clean energy and electrification projects. 

It’s reliable, free, and it helps to grow and support our state’s clean energy workforce.

our commitments

Program Administrator for Sacramento Municipal Utility District

EFCA leads the way in rebate program management

We have been a key player in providing utility support services to different entities like TECH, SGIP, and PG&E, particularly as a program implementer for Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) incentive programs.

Our success has made EFCA a valuable resource for rebate program designers and implementers. We openly share our processes with others so they can also create successful programs, with the ultimate goal of making things easier for contractors (and homeowners).

We Support Building Decarbonization Coalition

The Switch Is On Directory

EFCA, in partnership with the BDC, has played an important role in supporting the Switch is On campaign in California since 2019. We’ve supplied our white-label directory to improve the rebate program, making it more efficient and contributing to contractors’ success.

Our Partners

sponsorship opportunities

Become a sponsor for EFCA’s upcoming events and open doors to connect, engage, and inspire both Clean Energy Connection (CEC) & Efficiency First California (EFCA) members.

For inquiries and more information, please reach out to our sponsorship team by clicking here.