Efficiency First California

What Were They Thinking?! A Home Performance Game Show
2025-06-26 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online
Get ready for a first-ever game show-style webinar that’s equal parts shocking, educational, and just a little hilarious. Join The LEARN Program and our panel as we reveal real-life examples of poor workmanship, shortcuts, and head-scratching installation fails that’ll have you saying, “What were they thinking?!” We’ll laugh (a little), learn (a lot), and dig into the real consequences of cutting corners in the field – and how these seemingly small mistakes undermine our energy efficiency goals. This webinar will serve as a great reminder as to why we do what we do and what happens when you make strikingly obvious mistakes in a customer’s home. We’re excited to bring the first-ever gameshow-style webinar to BPI and hope to see you there!

Smart Thermostats for Builders
2025-06-30 12:00 - 13:00 | Online
This webinar covers the Smart Thermostat’s value and features it brings to the homeowner, such as its intuitive display and programmable scheduling. In addition, the Smart Thermostat’s technical capability is shown by stepping through the installation process and connecting it to the Home App. Connection to the Service Tech App and the Connected Portal is also discussed.
Learning Objectives:

Understand what Smart Thermostats offer for the Dealer
Understand the benefits that Smart Thermostats offer for the Homeowner
Learn about Installation & commissioning
Discover details about the Service Tech App and Home App

16th Annual California & Climate Collaborative Forum
2025-07-09 - 2025-07-10 | Signia by Hilton, 170 S Market St., San Jose, CA
Our 16th Annual Forum will be held in-person in San Jose, CA, on Wednesday, July 9th, and Thursday, July 10th. Offered at no cost to local governments, you’ll have the opportunity to network with climate and energy practitioners from throughout the state, learn about innovative projects and funding opportunities, and hear from key state agencies and climate leaders. So join us, and take your climate work to the next level.
Our forum offers 2 plenary sessions, 20 breakout sessions, and several special events throughout the 2-day forum.

Electrification & Home Performance Series: 4 - All About Quality Insulation Installation
2025-07-09 10:00 - 12:00 | Online
Description:
Building electrification replaces fossil fuel systems with electric alternatives. As California shifts to all-electric homes, understanding home performance is essential. Key factors like energy efficiency, air-sealing, and insulation reduce energy use, improve air quality, and increase comfort. High performance homes use less energy, making electrification smoother and more sustainable.
This class is the fourth in a series on Electrification & Home Performance and covers the requirements and concepts behind QII testing.
Enhance your knowledge with a single class or complete the series for a thorough understanding of the relationship between home performance and electrification.
Learning Outcomes:
As a result of attending this class you can expect to learn the following

The principles of 6-sided insulation installation
How gaps, voids and compression impact home performance
An understanding of thermal by-pass and air barrier placement

AI-Powered Business Tools for Contractors: Inside Look at Eli and Sealed
2025-07-09 17:00 - 18:00 | Online
Join us for the next session in our AI webinar series, where we spotlight two groundbreaking platforms revolutionizing the way contractors work: Eli and Sealed.
Eli goes far beyond rebate support, offering a powerful platform that helps contractors stack incentives, verify income for equity programs, and integrate financing options, all in one seamless workflow.
Sealed partners directly with contractors to streamline rebate processing, offer guaranteed rebate amounts upfront, and handle the paperwork, making it easier to close deals and get paid faster.
Discover how these tools are being used in the field today, and hear directly from the innovators behind them on how AI is reducing administrative work and helping contractors grow their business.

IHACI - System Performance Module Part 1 (In-Person)
2025-07-09 18:00 - 21:00 | Energy Resource Center, 9240 Firestone Blvd., Downey, CA, 90241-5388, United States
This four-part webinar starts with the fundamentals and theory behind residential and light commercial HVAC system performance with an overview as applied to the California market. This module introduces and details the “whole-house” concept, outlines the instruments and field techniques required to measure HVAC system performance, and problem-solves any issues discovered. Participants will learn the broad skill sets required to understand and evaluate the whole HVAC system and provide the client with an HVAC system that will be safe and reliable and operate at the highest capacity and energy-efficiency possible.

Building Peace of Mind and Longer Lasting Energy Efficiency - “Right Sizing Supply and Demand Side- Solar/Batt/HP-Inverter”
2025-07-10 10:00 - 11:00 | Online
This session will discuss the highly efficient, but practical methods for building with energy production (Solar), storage (Battery) and inverter heat pump systems.
Learning Objectives:

Applying the concept (go beyond NZE ready) and be prepared to offer levels of resilience.
Sizing goals to allow for future expansion based on budget.
Expressing the best environmental conditions for homeowners.
Showing the On and Off grid advantages of the system.

IHACI - System Performance Module Part 2 (In-Person)
2025-07-10 18:00 - 21:00 | Energy Resource Center, 9240 Firestone Blvd., Downey, CA, 90241-5388, United States

Unitary versus Split Heat Pump Water Heating Systems
2025-07-14 09:00 - 11:00 | Online
Event Description
This one-hour course introduces the key differences between unitary and split heat pump water heater systems, with a focus on what they are, what they do, and how they can be used in new or retrofit building applications. Participants will gain a practical understanding of the advantages, challenges, and considerations for selecting the right system in residential and light commercial projects. The session will also cover installation factors, energy efficiency impacts, and maintenance requirements, helping professionals make informed decisions when specifying or recommending heat pump water heating solutions.
Learning Objectives

Describe the fundamental differences between unitary and split heat pump water heater systems.
Identify the advantages and limitations of unitary and split systems in terms of performance, installation requirements, and maintenance.
Evaluate the impact of system type on energy efficiency, climate zone suitability, and customer needs.
Apply best practices for selecting the appropriate system type for specific project scenarios, considering factors such as space constraints, noise levels, and refrigerant management.

Passive House Strategies in Warm, Hot, and Humid Climates (presented by EMU)
2025-07-15 12:00 - 13:30 | Online
This presentation explores the unique challenges and effective solutions for applying Passive House principles in warm, hot, and humid climates. It covers climate-specific design strategies, including optimized ventilation, moisture control, solar shading, and energy-efficient envelope design. Through case studies and performance data, attendees will gain insight into how Passive House standards can be successfully adapted to achieve comfort, durability, and energy efficiency in some of the most demanding environmental conditions.
Learning Objectives

Identify the key challenges of designing high-performance buildings in warm, hot, and humid climates, including moisture control, overheating, and indoor air quality concerns.
Explain how Passive House principles—such as thermal insulation, airtightness, and balanced ventilation—can be adapted to promote occupant comfort and energy efficiency in these climates.
Evaluate climate-appropriate building envelope strategies, including shading, material selection, and window performance, to enhance durability and reduce thermal gains.
Apply lessons learned from case studies to inform the design of resilient, low-energy buildings that meet Passive House certification standards in hot and humid regions.

2025 Summer Study on Energy Efficiency in Industry
2025-07-16 - 2025-07-18 | UNC Charlotte Marriott Hotel and Conference Center, 9041 Robert D Snyder Road, Charlotte, North Carolina
THEME: INDUSTRIAL COMPETITIVENESS, DECARBONIZATION, AND THE ENERGY TRANSITION
The industrial sector accounts for one third of the U.S. primary energy use, so the energy transition presents enormous opportunities and risks for this sector. Industrial competitiveness is going to depend on continued investments in innovation, efficiency, and decarbonization.

Research and development have always been a national strength. The transition also requires innovation in business models across the energy spectrum.
Lawrence Berkeley National Lab estimates that only 50% of industrial energy is used productively – leading to an enormous waste of resources. Cost reduction through efficiency is a proven pathway to profitability.
Our trading partners are creating low-carbon standards, while continuing their own journeys of electrification combined with reductions in embodied carbon.

How do you take advantage of the opportunity and minimize the risk? How does your network support you? The 2025 Summer Study on Energy Efficiency in Industry brings together professionals from around the globe to Charlotte, North Carolina – ground zero for recent industrial investment, accompanied by a statewide commitment to carbon neutrality in the electricity sector by the year 2050. We will look at policies, funding, operations, and technology to sustain industrial competitiveness, for individual firms and the sector at large. We’ll ask how public-private partnerships can act now to develop the workforce we need for success. We’ll compare national and state policy to look for immediate advantage and long-term leverage.
You’ll leave the Summer Study with an expanded network and an action plan to meet your goals.

Enclosure in Detail
2025-07-16 09:00 - 11:30 | Online
Event Description
Passive House is an enclosure-ﬁrst approach that empowers architectural design to drive comfort, resilience, health, and efﬁciency outcomes. The Passive House enclosure is fundamental to overall building performance optimization. We’ll look at the elements of high-performance enclosure design and construction, the order of priorities, the strategies, systems, components, and details required. From cold to hot and humid climates, and across different construction types and building scales, we’ll look at how to deliver predictable results.
Learning Objectives

Outline the priorities of enclosure performance.
Describe major principles in enclosure design and optimization.
Outline the systems, components, details, and strategies for successful Passive House enclosures.
Describe strategies and steps to ensure the ﬁnal built enclosure is successful.

Heat Illness, California Regulations and the Kitchen of the Future
2025-07-16 10:00 - 11:30 | Online
Course description

This is an ONLINE class being offered via GoTo Webinar.
If you would like to attend this class IN-PERSON at the Food Service Technology Center in Pleasanton, CA click HERE.
By enrolling in this course, you agree to receive text message course reminders. Upon receiving your first message you will have the option to opt out by replying “STOP”.
This class covers two different commercial kitchen challenges: high heat environments and the many kitchen water wasters that can be readily fixed. The first half explains the newly adopted CalOSHA Indoor Heat Illness regulations. These regulations are meant to protect kitchen workers but they also apply to equipment service professionals who might be working in those kitchens. Learn the details of these new regulations, how to help operators lower kitchen temperatures, and how to come into compliance with these laws. Likewise, new California laws require that all water utilities follow strict conservation guidelines in both dry and wet years – which could impact water costs. The second half of the class provides training on how to spot and mitigate common water-wasting leaks and wasteful operating practices in kitchens and dish rooms.

Career Pathways for Home Energy Professionals
2025-07-18 11:00 - 13:00 | Online
Description:
The home energy industry is rapidly expanding, offering numerous career opportunities in energy efficiency, solar energy, green building performance, and electrification. Whether you are a newcomer, a student, or an experienced professional, understanding available careers is crucial.
This class provides an overview of diverse roles, from entry-level to advanced positions. It focuses on essential certifications, skills, and responsibilities for each role. Participants will learn about key tools and technologies like energy auditing, solar installation, HVAC systems, and building performance analysis.
The course also highlights industry trends and growth areas, helping participants align their skills with market demands. With guidance on certification and practical tools, participants can create a personalized career plan that meets their professional goals and industry needs.
Learning Outcomes:
As a result of attending this class you can expect to learn the following

Details of career pathways in the home energy industry and the skills and certifications needed for each
Methods for identifying which certifications align with skills and responsibilities needed for different roles
The essential tools and technologies available to enhance your performance in these roles
How to develop a career plan within the home energy industry

Multifamily: Energy Code Implementation Series, with 2025 Code Updates
2025-07-23 09:30 - 11:00 | Online
Event Description
As the 2022 energy code wraps up its final year, and the 2025 code emerges, we see the trends of building electrification, healthier indoor air quality and improved resiliency continue to permeate the code’s evolution. This series focuses on current best practices for implementation of energy strategies, as well as what’s around the corner with the new code that will take effect Jan. 1, 2026. With particular focus on the Central Coast region, we’ll discuss on what to include in construction documents to streamline the permitting process and tips for construction to ease signoffs and occupancy for each building type.

Energy Code Implementation: Non-Residential
Energy Code Implementation: Single Family New Construction
Energy Code Implementation: Single Family Additions and Alterations (this course!)
Energy Code Implementation: ADUs
Energy Code Implementation: Multi-Family (this course!)

Learning Objectives

Understand the current and upcoming metrics and standards used in the energy code for evaluating energy performance and indoor air quality, and how choices for electric or gas equipment may impact compliance with those standards.
Within each building type, review key mandatory measures related to energy performance, ventilation, refrigerants and insulation and review potential challenges for integration into design and construction.
Review the prescriptive “recipe card” approach versus a building performance approach, and discuss when to use each strategy to best incorporate energy efficiency and healthy interior environments into the specific project design.
Recognize where barriers or stumbling blocks may occur within permitting and construction and tips for documentation to smooth out the process, ultimately increasing the energy efficiency, health and safety of our buildings.

Electrification & Home Performance Series: 5 - How Tight is Too Tight? (Webinar)
2025-07-23 10:00 - 12:00 | Online
Description:
Building electrification replaces fossil fuel systems with electric alternatives. As California shifts to all-electric homes, understanding home performance is essential. Key factors like energy efficiency, air-sealing, and insulation reduce energy use, improve air quality, and increase comfort. High performance homes use less energy, making electrification smoother and more sustainable.
This class is the fifth in a series on Electrification & Home Performance and covers the relationship between leaky buildings and energy efficiency.
Enhance your knowledge with a single class or complete the series for a thorough understanding of the relationship between home performance and electrification.

The Business Opportunity of Electrification
2025-07-24 11:00 - 13:00 | Online
Description:
The accelerating electrification market is creating new opportunities for companies in the residential energy sector. As homeowners transition from fossil fuel powered systems to electric alternatives, the need for knowledgeable professionals to assist them is increasing. This course aims to provide consultants and contractors with the insights and strategies needed to succeed in this expanding market.
Participants will examine the drivers of electrification including policy changes, consumer preferences, and technological advancements. This class will address how to effectively present electrification services as a value-added proposition to clients along with exploring various approaches and business models.
By understanding the range of opportunities offered by home electrification, participants will be able to build a more robust business model, all while proving an impactful offering to homeowners.
Learning Outcomes:
As a result of attending this class you can expect to learn the following

How to identify and leverage rebates and incentives available for electrification projects
Strategies for integrating multiple home energy upgrades into a cohesive electrification offering
Methods for calculating the energy bill impact of electrification upgrades to provide clients with a comprehensive understanding of potential savings and ROI
How to position your business strategically within the electrification industry, adopt new business models and arm yourself with the tools to capture emerging opportunities and stay ahead of market trends.

2025 Title 24, Part 6 Essentials — Residential Standards: What’s New
2025-07-30 08:30 - 11:00 | Online
This online live event summarizes the new and revised requirements in the 2025 California Building Energy Efficiency Standards (Title 24, Part 6 or Energy Code) for single-family and multifamily buildings, and directs participants to informational resources and training that provide more in-depth information on the Energy Code. Join us to begin learning what the 2025 code means to you and your customers.

Combination Heat Pump Washer Dryers in Multifamily Buildings
2025-07-30 10:00 - 11:00 | Online
Standard clothes washers and dryers account for anywhere from 8-10% of the energy used in our homes and a significant amount of our water used. Heat pump dryers are the most efficient dryers on the market, using roughly 75% less energy than a typical electric resistance or gas dryer. Manufacturers have recently released combo washer + heat pump dryers that wash and dry a complete load of laundry in the same machine.
Join us on Wednesday, July 30, for an overview of this innovative technology and how it is impacting multifamily building design. These all-in-one units are a game changer for multifamily buildings because of their space and energy efficiency. They’re ventless and plug into a standard outlet, removing the complexity around electrical wiring and dryer venting . All-in-one washer and heat pump dryers are plug-and-play providing the opportunity for speedier multifamily construction.
Panelists:
Chris Naber, Senior Director of Product Management at GE Appliances, a Haier Company
Chris is Senior Director of Product Management for the GE Profile UltraFast Combo with Ventless Heat Pump Technology. He has worked in product development, research and development, and cost of quality with many years of engineering and technical team lead experience at GE Appliances and FirstBuild.
Steve Kemp | P.Eng., M.A.Sc., LEED® Fellow, Principal, Senior Energy & Climate Specialist, RDH Building Science
Steve Kemp, is a Principal, Senior Energy and Sustainability Specialist at RDH Building Science Inc. He specializes in the design of low energy buildings, including Passive House, Net Zero Energy, and Zero Carbon Building projects. He volunteers on steering committees and task groups shaping the future of building energy codes and standards in Toronto and across Canada. In 2014, Steve was presented with the CAGBC Green Building Champion Leadership Award, in 2017 he was awarded with his LEED® Fellow designation, and in 2025 he received the CAGBC Volunteer Leadership Award.
Anders Meyer, Vice President, Ethos Development
Anders began his career building custom homes with a focus on energy-efficient design, gaining hands-on experience with Passive House techniques and construction detailing. He later explored the relationship between multifamily housing, nature, and materials through design and fabrication. In real estate development, he has focused on food and beverage retail and mixed-use projects, including managing pre-development for a mass-timber Bio/Life Science center and an apartment complex on an environmentally sensitive site. At Ethos, Anders brings a passion for vibrant urban communities, combining construction knowledge and creative problem-solving to deliver projects that support human and environmental well-being.

More Than One Brand In The Hand: Application Specific HPWH Design
2025-07-31 08:00 - 09:30 | Online
Event Description
More details coming soon!

More Than One Brand In The Hand: Application Specific HPWH Design
2025-07-31 08:00 - 09:30 | Online
Event Description
As California accelerates its push toward electrification, heat pump water heaters (HPWHs) are playing a critical role in driving efficient and clean water heating solutions. However, not all HPWHs are created equal—and not every brand is suited for every home.
This webinar equips participants with the knowledge to make smart, scenario-specific choices when selecting HPWHs. We’ll begin with a brief overview of why HPWH deployment is a state priority, then explore the key factors that differentiate products—such as noise levels, ducting requirements, physical location constraints, electrical panel capacity, and more.
The session concludes with an exercise exploring real-world installation scenarios—including garages, basements, indoor closets, outdoor closets, outdoor tankless replacements, and attics. Attendees will learn to identify which HPWH models are best suited to each condition, reinforcing the need for a multi-brand approach to successful system design.
Learning Objectives

Understand California’s policy drivers for HPWH adoption.
Identify key features that distinguish HPWH products across manufacturers.
Apply scenario-based reasoning to select optimal HPWHs for various home installation conditions.

Residential HVAC Sizing and Duct Design
2025-08-05 12:30 - 14:00 | Online
This course will review residential HVAC design basics and equipment selection, as well as explain how to process, check, and verify residential load calculations and duct designs that are required by the Mechanical Code and the Energy Code (e.g., ACCA Manual J and Manual D).

Providing Great Customer Service... In the Trenches
2025-08-05 15:00 - 16:00 | Online
House Characterization (HC) was developed to reduce efforts and maximize efficiency in Customers are the heart of our business—without them, we simply wouldn’t be here. That’s why mastering exceptional customer service isn’t optional—it’s essential. Too often, it’s the small oversights that leave a big, negative impression. In this impactful session, we’ll focus on the little things that actually matter most. Learn how to elevate every interaction, strengthen relationships, and create the kind of customer experiences that keep people coming back.
Learning Objectives:
1. Define the key principles of great customer service
2. Explore your “Why”
3. Dig into the importance of proper listening and body language
About the Instructor
Bill Kinnard is the President of Grandy and Associates. He has over 30 years of experience in Business Training, HVAC Sales, Service Management, Sales Management and Customer Service. He has worked with companies both large and small and has a unique ability to connect with people. He is an individual with a real passion for teaching contractors to better understand their businesses and help their employees become superior performers.

Electrification & Home Performance Series: 6 - Testing Residential Building Pressure (Webinar)
2025-08-06 10:00 - 12:00 | Online
Description:
Building electrification replaces fossil fuel systems with electric alternatives. As California shifts to all-electric homes, understanding home performance is essential. Key factors like energy efficiency, air-sealing, and insulation reduce energy use, improve air quality, and increase comfort. High performance homes use less energy, making electrification smoother and more sustainable.
This class is the sixth in a series on Electrification & Home Performance and covers the effect building pressure differences can have on the cost of heating and cooling.
Enhance your knowledge with a single class or complete the series for a thorough understanding of the relationship between home performance and electrification.
Learning Outcomes:
As a result of attending this class you can expect to learn the following

The terms and procedures for testing building pressure
How to compare the cost of energy in a typical home with the costs of a high-performing home for heating and cooling
What health benefits a tight home has over a home that has many air changes

IHACI - System Performance Module Part 3 (In-Person)
2025-08-06 18:00 - 21:00 | Energy Resource Center, 9240 Firestone Blvd., Downey, CA, 90241-5388, United States

IHACI - System Performance Module Part 4 (In-Person)
2025-08-07 18:00 - 21:00 | Energy Resource Center, 9240 Firestone Blvd., Downey, CA, 90241-5388, United States

Retrofitting Homes for Electrification and Decarbonization
2025-08-12 09:00 - 13:00 | Online
From alignment with California’s decarbonization goals and local ordinances prohibiting new gas installs, Dan Perunko of Balance Point Home Performance will outline the necessary steps to electrify an existing single-family home and how to manage whole house strategies for successful electrification retrofits. Case studies demonstrating successful electrification projects will highlight the opportunities to overcome challenges presented by existing infrastructure and planning for backup power during Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) events.

EV Tax Credits Are Ending: What You Need to Know and What Comes Next
2025-08-12 11:00 - 12:30 | Online
With the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, many of the most impactful federal tax credits for electric vehicles and charging infrastructure, like 30D, 30C, and 45W, are now set to phase out on an accelerated timeline. What does this mean for fleets, cities, and others working to accelerate transportation electrification? Join us for a timely webinar to: – Understand what’s changing: We’ll break down the latest guidance on the EV and charging tax credits being phased out, including deadlines and how to take advantage of these incentives while they last. – Explore what’s next: Learn about emerging issues, the upcoming federal surface transportation reauthorization, and state and local opportunities. – Stay engaged and energized: This moment may be challenging, but there’s still powerful momentum to build on. We’ll share examples of leadership at the state and local level and how implementers can shape the next wave of progress. This conversation is essential for public officials, fleet managers, and industry partners navigating a rapidly evolving policy landscape and looking to chart the next chapter of the EV transition.

CALGreen Code – 2025 Update
2025-08-13 09:30 - 11:00 | Online
Event Description
This course focuses on Title 24, Part 11, the California Green Building Standards, incorporating the 2025 code changes that take effect January 1, 2026. We’ll review background of the code, the logistics of implementation and the specific requirements for residential and non-residential construction.
Learning Objectives

Understand CAL Green compliance process for residential and nonresidential projects, highlighting changes in the 2025 code.
Become familiar with CAL Green mandatory measures and green building benefits of each
Understand Tier 1 and Tier 2 options.
Learn tools and best practices for submitting and reviewing compliance documentation

Intro to Passive House Trades
2025-08-14 09:00 - 11:30 | Online
Event Description
PHN’s Introduction to Passive House Trades course will broadly cover the following topics: Passive House basics, review of typical construction types, windows and installation, air barriers and insulation, and new, innovative PH products. It is crucial when working on Passive House buildings to properly install components, understand how to correctly implement design details and assess and plan for the current and future performance of the building. This live online course is accompanied by mini video tutorials for various PH product installations, plus incorporates actual building of Passive House details relevant to the US construction industry.
Learning Objectives

Describe the five key principles of Passive House projects
Summarize typical materials and methods used for insulation and air barriers on Passive House projects
Explain challenging details seen on wood and steel framed construction projects and propose solutions on how these can be overcome
Describe the common approaches for air barrier application and insulation installation on residential and commercial projects
Explain systems that can be used to provide space conditioning and ventilation on Passive House projects
Describe how lighting selections and lighting controls impact electrical energy usage on a project
Summarize the difference between quality control vs. quality assurance, along with attributes of each concept
Describe the documentation requirements needed for passive house certification and identify how it overlaps with the overall quality assurance process
