Efficiency First California

TECH & ESMAC Heat Pump Water Heater Education
2024-06-26 07:00 - 09:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online
The TECH & ESMAC (ENERGY STAR Heat Pump Water Heater Manufacturer Action Council) Heat Pump Water Heater Education includes a TECH overview, ENERGY STAR® overview, and a manufacturers heat pump water heater (HPWH) education session focused on technology features and benefits, appropriate applications, energy efficiency comparison to other water heater types, installation techniques and best practices, service support and warranty, proper maintenance, troubleshooting, and selling strategies.
Attending the TECH & ESMAC training is required for upcoming HPWH funds.
• For onboarding purposes, at least one individual from your organization must attend and complete the post-training survey.
• All installers working on a project submitted to the program must also take either this training, or a program approved manufacturer training.

Multifamily Electrification 101
2024-06-26 09:00 - 10:30 | Online
Building electrification is advancing quickly with over 40 California jurisdictions adopting reach codes to advance electrification, which is critical to meet our local and state goals. In this class, we will discuss the benefits of electrification and the current policy and code considerations, provide an overview of what should be considered in an all-electric multifamily project (both new and retrofit), and explore technologies for electrification for all end uses, as well as the role of solar PV and electric vehicles. Come learn about what it takes to have a successful retrofit or new construction multifamily electrification project.

Choosing a low carbon, high performing insulation
2024-06-26 12:00 - 13:00 | Online
Hempitecture CEO, Matthew Mead, provides an overview of the natural fiber insulation market that is rapidly developing to support low embodied carbon construction. Reviewing different products and strategies, this session will discuss how to achieve the lowest total carbon footprint for a project after accounting for both embodied carbon and operational carbon in the building.
Learning Objectives:

Discover low embodied carbon insulations.
Learn about natural fiber insulation product forms (batt, loose-fill, board).
Understand how to measure in-wall performance (R-value + thermal mass + air penetration + vapor permeability).
Demonstrate installing to maximize reported performance.

The Changing World of Residential Refrigerants on World Refrigeration Day
2024-06-27 10:00 - 11:30 | Online
What are the new and evolving norms and rules concerning refrigerants that can make it a challenge to stay up-to-date on current trends and cause uncertainty? What is the impact on equipment cost and efficiency and more? What are the options for transitioning to low-global warming potential (GWP) alternatives and their impacts? Get an overview of the refrigerants landscape and bring your questions to this Better Buildings Residential Network peer exchange call.

Energy Storage Basics (Webinar)
2024-06-28 10:00 - 12:00 | Online
Course Description:
Energy Storage Systems (ESS) are the key to increasing the amount of renewables on the grid. This class will cover the basics of ESS terminology and common ESS battery chemistries, such as lithium-ion and lead-acid. We will introduce you to the many ways that ESSs can pay off, lower utility bills and how this helps the grid. The class will cover different ESS configurations, such as dc-coupling and ac-coupling. We will dive into the basics of relevant codes and standards and how this affects permitting. The future may very well include a lot of 4-wheeled energy storage systems, also known as V2G (vehicle to grid), since most batteries are going into cars.
Taught by Sean White, this class is geared towards anyone buying, selling or installing ESSs and provides attendees with a basic technical level of understanding of ESSs. This class will also provide prerequisite and continuing education credit for NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners) certifications.
Instructor Information:
Sean White
Sean White teaches customized solar PV courses for NABCEP credit globally. He is a NABCEP Associate Provider and a NABCEP Registered Continuing Education provider. Sean has authored 8 Solar PV and Energy Storage books and is always working on more. He teaches course for various entities. Sean teaches NEC workshops at SPI and Intersolar. Sean was the 2014 IREC Trainer of the year and the SNEC Online Trainer of the Decade in 2020.
Agenda:

Energy Storage Basic Terminology
Lithium-Ion vs. Lead-Acid Batteries
How Energy Storage Can Lower a Utility Bill
How Energy Storage Helps the Grid
AC-Coupling and DC-Coupling Storage with Solar PV
Other Energy Storage and Why Lithium-Ion Batteries are Winning
Comparing Different Systems
ESS Codes and Standards, Where to Find the Rules (NEC, IRC, IBC, IFC, UL)
Locations for ESS, Walls, Garages, Inside and Outside
SolSmart ESS Simplified Permit Process
The Future of Energy Storage-Batteries on Wheels (EVs)

Learning Outcomes:

Explain many reasons why energy storage is such important infrastructure in helping more renewables become integrated into the energy mix.
Discuss how energy storage systems are designed and installed.

TECH & ESMAC HEAT PUMP WATER HEATER EDUCATION
2024-07-01 07:00 - 09:00, 2024-07-17 07:00 - 09:00 | Online
Manufacturers Heat Pump Water Heating (HPWH) Education session focused on technology features and benefits, appropriate applications, energy efficiency comparison to other water heater types, installation techniques, and best practices, service support and warranty, proper maintenance, troubleshooting, and selling strategies

Next Generation Refrigerants: Taking a Closer Look at A2L Solutions
2024-07-02 09:00 - 11:00 | Online
A new generation of refrigerants are coming to comfort cooling applications, specifically in residential and light commercial systems. These new refrigerants, commonly identified by their low-global warming potential (low-GWP), often come with different characteristics than the prior generation of refrigerants (such as R-410a). This session will cover the reasons for the changes in refrigerants, characteristics of some of the next generation refrigerants, and the changes the industry faces as a result, including building codes, safety standards, application and installation, operation and maintenance differences, and changes to the tools used with these new refrigerants.

EN Webinar: Electric Yard Care – Ditch the Gas
2024-07-02 12:00 - 13:00 | Online
Electrifying your home means switching out everything that burns fossil fuels, including your yard equipment. It’s easier than ever to take this affordable step towards home electrification with the efficient electric options for mowing, leaf blowing, trimming and edging on the market today. Battery-powered tools are much quieter to operate and require no messy filling with fuels and oil and virtually no maintenance. They start at the push of a button and produce zero carbon emissions or air pollution. Modern battery systems make them easy to recharge and all your tools can share the same batteries.
Join us for a 30-minute webinar in which we’ll discuss the advantages of battery powered electric equipment and answer any questions you may have about switching to this superior solution for yard care:

Why the noise, air pollution, carbon pollution and solid waste from gas powered tools have a surprisingly high negative impact on our environment, and how electric power tools eliminate those problems.
How the latest generation of battery electric tools rival or surpass the performance of gas power tools and require virtually no maintenance.
How electric tools compare on cost of operation compared to gas models, especially as fuel prices continue to rise and battery technology continues to improve.
How the power tool industry is moving in the direction of battery electric just like the automotive industry.
How to choose a reliable system of tools that best meets your needs and reduces equipment costs.
Tips for how to use batteries and maintain their maximum lifespan.

Don’t miss this opportunity to make a positive impact on your yard and the environment! Join us to learn how to electrify your home and embrace a cleaner, quieter, and healthier outdoor space.
RSVP
This webinar is part of the Electrify Now “Go Electric!” series developed in partnership with LEARN. Find more Go Electric! webinars with information and tips on other important electrification topics here.
LEARN is a San Diego based workforce education and training program that has partnered with Electrify Now to offer free energy efficiency and electrification webinars. Please visit the LEARN website for more information.

Residential Heat Pump Water Heaters: Technology, Sales and Installation Challenges - Part 1 (Webinar)
2024-07-06 08:30 - 12:30 | Online
Description:
The case for building All-Electric is stronger than ever. All-Electric homes are cheaper to build and operate, healthier and more comfortable to live in, and have GHG emissions roughly half that of mixed fuel homes. The 2022 California energy code will accelerate adoption of All-Electric building and this class will show why electric homes facilitate easier energy code compliance. Taught by two instructors who have built all-electric homes for themselves and are experts in the field, you’ll get an insider view of how to design and build electric, with examples from their professional work, how to overcome common objections and obstacles, and lessons learned from the field. Attendees will gain a better understanding of the technologies that enable All-Electric homes, including heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, induction cooking, and heat pump clothes dryers.

Introduction to Passive House Retrofits: The EnerPHit Standard
2024-07-09 09:00 - 11:30 | Online
Achieving the Passive House Standard in refurbishments of existing buildings is not always a realistic goal, and for such buildings, the Passive House Institute has developed the EnerPHit standard for certified energy retrofits with Passive House Components. In this webinar, trainers from the Passive House Network will discuss how the EnerPHit standard can accommodate the realities of existing old buildings, where foundations, party lines, historic preservation, cost, and other factors make a typical Passive House certification impossible. Learn how existing structures can benefit from retrofits to move a structure from a low to high-performance building. Applying the passive house standard to existing structures has its unique challenges. Through case studies of successful retrofits, see how to upgrade a building with respect to airtightness, insulation, thermal bridge reductions, high-performance windows, and ventilation, plus learn about the EnerPHit standards and process.

Title 24 Compliance Modeling & Decarbonization with IESVE Software
2024-07-16 09:00 - 16:00 | Online
Integrated Environmental Solutions (IES) Ltd will provide a one-day software training course using IESVE software for Title 24 Compliance modeling of new nonresidential buildings, and will include modeling of various decarbonization strategies for above-code programs in all-electric jurisdictions. The agenda will include an introduction and overview, 3D model architecture, loads optimization, decarbonization analysis and simulation (see agenda for more details).
Trainees will be required to follow along with the software and will be provided with free IESVE software for these trainings, which will be setup on the trainee’s computers prior to the training. Hardware, software and license requirements are available HERE.
Each training course will be a limited to approximately 30-35 attendees and will be hosted by two IES trainers using CEC certified software IESVE for new Title 24-2022 nonresidential buildings. Participants will benefit if they have some background on California Title 24 Building Energy Standards. See California Energy Commission.

California Policy Call!
2024-07-16 10:00 - 11:00 | Online
Join the CA Team as we dive into California Policy Updates!

Effective Coaching and Mentoring
2024-07-16 12:00 - 13:30 | Online
Coaching and mentoring staff are two important ways to retain top talent and build a leadership pipeline. But many people don’t even know that they are two different things!
Coaching focuses on enhancing current job performance. Mentorships are supportive relationships that can reduce and reframe personal, structural and cultural barriers that hold emerging leaders back from achieving their full potential. Both are important.
Why should you make time to coach and mentor employees? Not only will it empower your staff and enhance company effectiveness; it also changes how others think of you. People who mentor and advocate for others are perceived as more effective leaders.
Even your most talented employees will benefit from supportive coaching and mentoring. Don’t leave top performers to languish while you work with staff who struggle!
Great leaders need to be mentored, and great leaders need to mentor. Join us to learn how with Chris DeVany, global business coach with Pinnacle Peak Performance.
Learning Objectives
In this session you’ll learn to:
• Understand the Coaching Strategy Spectrum and how to make it work for your team
• Coach effectively, using relating, strategizing, and implementing
• Practice the stages of a coaching relationship, including giving constructive feedback
• Understand and use the essentials of mentorship
• Know the challenges of coaching and mentoring experienced staff and how to succeed
Chris DeVany is the founder and president of Pinnacle Performance Improvement Worldwide, a firm which focuses on management and organization development. Pinnacle’s clients include government agencies from the United States, the Royal Government of Saudi Arabia, Canada, Cayman Islands, global organizations such as Visa International, Cadence Design Systems, Coca Cola, Sprint, Microsoft, Aviva Insurance, Schlumberger and over 500 other organizations in 22 countries. His book 90 Days to a High-Performance Team, published by McGraw Hill, is helping thousands of executives, managers and team leaders improve performance.
Chris has assisted in mergers and acquisitions, developing project management, sales, customer service and marketing strategies, organizing inbound and outbound call center programs, training and development of management and new hires, and fostering corporate growth through creative change and innovation initiatives.

GoldStar Webinars are free to GoldStar Contractors, their candidates and employees, Test Centers, and their proctors and employees. To register using BPI Perks provide your Organization/Company name, GoldStar ID# or Test Center ID, and Candidate ID#. Then close out the registration page without making payment. A BPI representative will review your registration and contact you if additional details are needed.
The cost is $50 for all others. BPI Certified Professionals can earn 1.5 BPI CEUs from attendance.

Extreme Weather Events and Building Resilience in Home Electrification and Decarbonization
2024-07-17 11:00 - 12:00 | Online
Climate change is driving a rise in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, such as heatwaves, cold snaps, floods, hurricanes, etc., significantly impacting the stability and reliability of buildings’ energy systems and infrastructure. This seminar will delve into the intersection of extreme weather events and resilience strategies associated with reducing emissions from homes. Key topics include identifying the vulnerabilities of current home electrification systems to extreme weather events and highlighting the critical need for home resilient design and technologies. The seminar will present innovative solutions and best practices to enhance the durability and adaptability of home energy systems, during and after severe weather events. Through expert presentations and case studies, attendees will acquire a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities in building resilient home electrification systems capable of withstanding extreme weather events.

Speakers: Heather Rosenberg (ARUP) Max Wei (LBNL) Josh Quinnell (CEE)

DUCTED HEAT PUMPS – PART 2: ALL-ELECTRIC IN DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION SERIES
2024-07-18 09:30 - 11:00 | Online
All-Electric in Design & Construction Series
Incorporating all-electric systems into residential and small commercial projects can be a bumpy road, but understanding the nuts and bolts of specific systems helps smooth out the process. By identifying and reviewing specific products and manufacturers, we’ll provide architects, builders and owners with the tools to easily go from design and permitting to construction and operation.
This is a five-part series to pick-and-choose, or take all five:
Part 1: Ductless Heat Pumps will address ductless heat pumps for heating and cooling. They are generally visible in the room (wall or ceiling mount or recessed).
Part 2: Ducted Heat Pumps will address ducted or semi-ducted heat pumps for heating and cooling.

The Multi-State Plan to Power a Surge in Heat Pump Adoption
2024-07-18 10:00 - 11:00 | Online
Earlier this year, nine states plus Washington, DC, signed an agreement to meet ambitious heat pump targets and reduce emissions from buildings. Hear from Emily Levin of the Northeast States for Coordinated Air Use Management (NESCAUM), who drafted the agreement, on how it came to be and what the states are now doing to meet the commitment. Also hear from Zach Berzolla of the Maryland Department of the Environment about the specific steps his state is taking to accelerate heat pump deployment and decarbonize buildings.

ZONING FOR HEAT PUMPS – STRATEGIES FOR BEST OUTCOMES
2024-07-19 08:00 - 09:30 | Online
Zone control is a popular strategy for addressing different climate zones in a home. Many customers and contractors newer to heat pumps are drawn to multi-split systems that utilize a single outdoor unit to run multiple air handlers, but there can be unintended comfort sacrifices if not done carefully. In this webinar we will focus on various approaches to zone control for efficient and comfortable outcomes. We will compare traditional zoning with zone control, multi-split systems, multiple 1-to-1 systems, and combinations of these solutions.

Learning Objectives:

Name one downside of installing a single multi-split outdoor unit instead of multiple outdoor units
Explain why many mini split brands do not work well with traditional zone control
Describe one scenario where installing a multi-split unit makes sense

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) and the California Energy Code (Webinar)
2024-07-30 09:00 - 11:00 | Online
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.

2024 Summer Study on Energy Efficiency in Buildings
2024-08-04 - 2024-08-09 | Asilomar Conference Grounds, 800 Asilomar Avenue, Pacific Grove, California
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 built environment and electricity sector to be safer and healthier, reducing carbon emissions and prioritizing the needs of underserved communities. At the same time, climate crisis is now a reality and is becoming more urgent and critical by the day. The Rhodium Group estimates that greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the US increased by 1.3% in 2022. While emissions from the electric power sector decreased in 2022, outside of the power sector, emissions increased slightly. The most significant increase was seen in direct emissions from buildings, which rose by 6% and was the only sector to rebound to pre-pandemic levels. This is our opportunity to right the ship, take advantage of this critical moment in history and identify the innovations that will deliver climate justice through deep emissions reductions in our buildings.

TECH & ESMAC Heat Pump Water Heater Education
2024-08-05 07:00 - 09:00 | Online
Overview
The TECH & ESMAC (ENERGY STAR Heat Pump Water Heater Manufacturer Action Council) Heat Pump Water Heater Education includes a TECH overview, ENERGY STAR® overview, and a manufacturers heat pump water heater(HPWH) education session focused on technology features and benefits, appropriate applications, energy efficiency comparison to other water heater types, installation techniques and best practices, service support and warranty, proper maintenance, troubleshooting, and selling strategies.
Attending the TECH & ESMAC training is required for upcoming HPWH funds.

For onboarding purposes, at least one individual from your organization must attend and complete the post-training survey.
All installers working on a project submitted to the program must also take either this training, or a program approved manufacturer training.

BayREN C&S Training: Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) - offered in partnership with Energy Code Ace
2024-08-07 09:00 - 10:30 | Online
This virtual course focuses on requirements in the 2022 Energy Code (Title 24, Part 6) for accessory dwelling units (ADU) in an event supported by Energy Code Ace and BayREN. We will discuss how to identify the ADU type and its impact on Energy Code requirements for envelope, mechanical, photovoltaics (PV), battery storage or battery ready and HERS measures. We will also review how the compliance metrics differ depending on ADU type, including the new EDR source energy metrics for new construction ADUs.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:

Establish if an ADU design is considered an alteration, addition, or a new residential building per the Energy Code.
Discuss the envelope (roof, walls, floors, fenestration) requirements associated with the ADU type (alteration, addition, new construction) under the 2022 Energy Code.
Recognize the renewable energy requirements of ADU type including photovoltaics (PV), battery storage, and battery ready.
Determine mechanical equipment requirements, including any HERS verification measure options that provide ADU design flexibility, and how utility source energy metric may impact those choices.

Available CEUs: AIA (1.5 LU), ICC (0.10 CEU) and CABEC (1.5 LU)

Heat Pumps for Heating and Cooling – Part 2: All-Electric Design and Construction Series
2024-08-08 09:30 - 11:00 | Online
All-Electric Design & Construction Series
On the path to Zero Net Carbon Design, building electrification is the key to reducing operational carbon. In this course, we’ll share the nuts and bolts of incorporating all-electric systems into residential and small commercial projects, including tips for implementation as well as client communication. We’ll provide straight-forward information on current systems and technologies plus a look ahead at what’s emerging in the market.
Part 1: Carbon Reduction through Building Electrification will address California’s targets for carbon reduction, status of the clean power grid, the role of energy storage and emerging options for refrigerants.
Part 2: Heat Pumps for Heating and Cooling, will address ducted and ductless heat pumps for thermal comfort.
Part 3: Domestic Hot Water, will focus on integrated and split-system Heat Pump Water Heaters, as well as combination systems and point-of-use electric resistance water heaters
Part 4: Ventilation and HRV, will look at exhaust fans, ducted ventilation and heat recovery ventilators that support energy efficiency and healthy interiors
Part 5: Appliances & Energy Storage, looks at electric options for cooktops, dryers and other appliances as well as current and emerging battery technologies for energy storage.
Learning Objectives

Learn the ‘why’ behind California’s shift to building electrification and the link to Zero Net Carbon Design
Learn the pros and cons of various products to help in selecting appropriate systems that meet electrification and carbon-reduction goals
Learn critical installation details such as dimensions and venting to call out in plans and/or identify early in construction
Understand the local market for specific all-electric/ZNCD equipment, including cost, availability and lead times

Instructors: Jennifer Rennick and Grant Murphy, In Balance Green Consulting
This series has been developed to fulfill the California requirement for five hours of ZNCD education as part of architecture license renewal. Although created with architects in mind, the content is broadly applicable across the building industry.
Zero Net Carbon Design CEUs Available, 1 HSW|LU per class, 5 HSW|LUs in total.

2022 Title 24, Part 6 Essentials — Single-family Standards: Envelope
2024-08-12 09:00 - 12:00 | Online
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

Registration link coming soon!

Energy Codes are Getting Complicated! It’s time for a simpler approach
2024-08-13 12:00 - 13:30 | Online
In the 2006 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), the primary residential provisions of the code (Chapter 4) consisted of four pages. That same chapter in the 2021 IECC is 21 pages long! Mandatory, prescriptive, performance, energy rating index, additional efficiency packages and UA trade-offs all combine to make IECC compliance complicated.
Prescriptive compliance is increasingly more expensive and complicated to use, and the performance compliance option doesn’t allow consideration for high efficiency equipment. The energy rating index path provides a whole-house performance approach but has aggressive targets that are complicated with amendments for ventilation requirements and no requirements for quality assurance oversight of third parties.
If the energy code’s primary purpose is to reduce energy consumption, why can’t we set performance goals and let builders figure out how to achieve it?
One recent example of this approach is in Texas. Texas House Bill 3215 updated the state’s universal energy code compliance pathway to allow builders to use the energy rating index for energy code compliance across the state, in lieu of the state energy code or any stretch code adopted by municipalities. The legislation ratchets down target ERI scores to improve efficiency through 2028, allowing builders to plan for future efficiency requirements.
Attend this webinar to learn how a simpler approach to energy code compliance can work, how it can be used to set a path to net-zero energy and how to implement it in your state.

Learning Objectives:

Learn about the changes and complexities of the IECC over time.
Understand how the energy code can be simplified.
Be able to describe how a simplified performance-based approach has worked in other states.
Learn how a performance-based energy code approach can be used to get builders to net-zero homes more quickly.

What to Know Before Adding Heat Pump Installation to Your Service Mix
2024-08-13 15:00 - 16:30 | Online
More and more envelope-focused home contractors are expanding their offerings beyond insulation and into mechanical services—primarily heat pump installation.
Is this the right pathway for your business and your market? And if so, how can you make the transition a success?
This Goldstar Webinar is hosted by Peter Troast, founder and CEO of Energy Circle, a marketing company exclusively for high performance contractors and the organizations that support them.
During this presentation, he’ll review the many logistical, investment, staffing, and training considerations a business owner should be making before taking the leap to heat pumps. We’ll also review best marketing practices for how to announce and promote your new services for maximum impact, from your website to email and advertising campaigns and more.
Learning objectives:

Learn more about the market conditions and reasons why envelope contractors are adding heat pump services
Explore different strategies for how you can expand your service mix, from subcontracting to hiring an in-house team
Review a detailed timeline that illustrates the journey from envelope-only to envelope + heat pump services, from early research and market evaluation to actual services rollout
Discover marketing tactics and advice to target existing customers and attract new ones

Embodied Carbon + Electrification – Full Path to Decarbonization
2024-08-14 10:00 - 11:00 | Online
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 and electrification, including the importance of building performance standards in achieving operational carbon reduction goals.
Panelists:
Jennifer Taranto – Vice President of Sustainability at STO Building Group
Jennifer, with over 25 years in commercial real estate and construction, is the vice president of sustainability at STO Building Group. Passionate about minimizing environmental impact, she shapes client goals and guides project teams to achieve corporate responsibility milestones, reducing operating costs and emissions.
A founder of Built Environment Plus, Jennifer is a sustainable construction leader, recognized with WELL AP (2018), WELL Faculty (2019-2021), and LEED Fellow (2023) awards. A speaker on the subject, she holds a BSc in Construction Engineering from North Carolina State University.
Aurora Jensen – Embodied Carbon Lead with Brightworks Sustainability in New York City
Aurora is the Embodied Carbon Lead with Brightworks Sustainability in New York City with a focus on materials and carbon, and a part-time faculty member at the Parsons School of Design. With her work she seeks to engage multiple scales of social and environmental concerns—from microscale heat flows to macroscale supply chains—by linking passive, active, and materials design decisions to climate. She uses her experience in high performance energy modelling and whole building life cycle assessment (WBLCA) to drive down the operational and embodied carbon of projects. She sits on the ILFI Energy and Carbon TAG, and co-leads the NYC chapter of the Carbon Leadership Forum. Aurora received her Masters in Design Studies in Energy and Environment with distinction from the Graduate School of Design at Harvard University.

Room Heat Pumps - Cooling and Heating in a Small Package
2024-08-14 12:00 - 13:00 | Online
As summers continue to get hotter, more and more people need air conditioning to beat the heat. Room heat pumps are low cost, easy to install products that deliver powerful cooling, and have the added advantage of providing supplemental heating when the temperatures fall. In heating mode these products are twice as energy efficient as resistance heaters. They come in several configurations – conventional window-mounted, saddle back window mounted, or portable roller style with hoses that connect to outside air. They’re a great way to increase comfort all year long and reduce your reliance on gas or expensive electric baseboard heating. Because they are a DIY installation, they can be a great solution for renters. These units are lower cost than full home heat pumps and are powered by a standard 120V outlet. The models available today typically cost $500-800. They provide energy efficient heating and cooling ideal for apartments or single rooms in larger homes. Existing models have been designed to work in mild climates, but more powerful and more expensive, cold climate versions are expected to become available soon. Join us as we dive into the world of room heat pumps with our expert panelist. We will answer the following questions and more: What are the configurations available and how do they compare? How are they different from ductless and whole house heat pumps? How are they different from window air conditioners? How do you install and use them? What are the ideal use cases for room heat pumps? What should you know before shopping for a room heat pump? What are some of the top models available? Are rebates and incentives available to help lower the cost? When will the cold climate versions be available and how much will they cost? We’ll see you on August 14th as we dive into this exciting product area to help you determine if a room heat pump would work for you. This webinar is part of the Electrify Now “Go Electric!” series.

Air Sealing and Insulating Existing Homes: Interpreting and Prioritizing Infrared and Blower Door Results
2024-08-15 08:00 - 17:00 | Online
Testing your work is imperative to meet or exceed performance targets and to ensure a feedback loop is in place for continual process improvements. Instructor Dan Perunko of Balance Point Home Performance will highlight two key home performance diagnostic tools, the blower door and infrared camera. The two hour session unpacks important testing metrics and ways to address opportunities that have positive interactive effects on the home’s performance and occupant comfort.
Agenda:

Diagnostic testing for home performance
Blower door and infrared camera basics
Typical opportunities for thermal performance improvement
Safety Considerations

Central Heat Pump Water Heater Advanced Design and Installation
2024-08-15 09:00 - 12:00 | Online
The heat pump market in the US is evolving and new technologies are being brought in to expand options and applications. Come take a deeper dive into some existing water heating systems, sizing calculations, design options and load shifting.
This training will take a deeper dive into CHPWH systems, design, sizing, and installation. Targeting contractors, MEPs and installers, the training will cover the content outlined below. The class will include hot water demand calculations to support system sizing and energy consumption modeling to support photovoltaic system sizing to offset usage. Learn about emerging technologies, new applications of existing technologies and controls to support all-electric water heating in multifamily buildings. Participants will work through an exercise using tools to size a system and consider equipment selection.
• CHPWH piping
• Design Considerations
• Factors that impact sizing
• Sizing system and sizing considerations
• Load shifting
• Equipment selection
• Installation Best practices
• Operation and maintenance
• Energy consumption, modeling, and photovoltaic panels
• Practice Exercise
Training Objectives:
• Learn about different systems and the considerations for design and sizing and system selection based on site conditions
• Understand Sizing calculation methodologies and approaches
• Understand equipment selection based on sizing results and site considerations
• Understand how to incorporate PV systems to reduce operational costs
• Understand start up process and maintenance considerations for system type
