Efficiency First California

TECH & ESMAC Heat Pump Water Heater Education
2024-09-25 07:00 - 08:00, 2024-09-09 07:00 - 08:00, 2024-08-21 07:00 - 09:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | 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.

Topics Covered:
• Key differences between standard gas and electric water heaters and heat pump water heaters
• Benefits and value propositions of HPWHs
• Installation best practices
• Location options, space needs and considerations
• How to size appropriately
• Programming/operating modes
• Time-of-use and demand response capabilities
• Electrical requirements, electric panel considerations
• Condensate management and drainage
• Thermostatic mixing valves, recirculation pumps
• Noise/vibration considerations
• Guidance and best practices for warranty, service support, and maintenance
• Customer education – how to use, what to expect, addressing common concerns
• How to get further regional training and support

Learning Objectives:
• Identify the key difference between standard water heaters and heat pump water heaters
• Explain the features and benefits of heat pump water heaters
• Identify dwelling and customer types that benefit the most from HPWH
• Calculate appropriate tank size based on dwelling and occupancy
• Describe installation best practices
• Describe service and maintenance best practices
• Demonstrate selling techniques and overcoming customer objections

Best Practices of Project Management
2024-09-24 12:00 - 13:00
Need a prescription for your project management headaches? This GoldStar webinar will provide the
tools, techniques, and best practices to manage your projects on time and on budget.
The right processes and documents can help manage your initiatives with less time and pain.
We’ll also address meeting project goals, developing the project business case, effective project planning
with the team, five stages of team development, driving decision making from stakeholders and facilitating
effective team meetings.
You’ll take away project management skills to make your work more organized, cost-effective, and impactful.
Learning Objectives
In this webinar we will learn to:

Make and use project scope statements
Develop the business case for your projects
Develop the project plan, including work structure and activity list
Make and use a communications plan
Manage risk and document your efforts
Deal with changes to the project
Drive timely decisions from the team and stakeholders

How to Recruit Employees and Students
2024-09-19 12:00 - 13:00
Do you need to recruit students and employees into your home performance training program, business, or agency? Do you want more talented and skilled employees who are excited to join in your work?

This interactive webinar will introduce free new materials, strategies, and resources for recruitment into home performance and HVAC careers. The new resources were funded by Pacific Northwest National Laboratory’s Residential Workforce Program, and developed through market research reviews, advisory and pilot groups, and input from industry experts.

After this webinar, your organization will be empowered to improve recruitment using the new tools. Join Larry Zarker, Nancy Kaplan and Kelly Carey from the Building Performance Institute and Debra Rowe, Angela N. Son, and Sarah Hill from the US Partnership for Education for Sustainable Development on June 20, 2024 to learn about the new materials and how they can advance your organization’s recruiting capacity.

Debra Rowe is President of the US Partnership. She taught energy efficiency and renewable energies for forty-two years and works with over 100 countries on clean energy workforce development. She is co-author of these materials. Sarah Hill and Angela N. Son are Climate Fellows with the US Partnership.

Larry Zarker is CEO, Nancy Kaplan is Director of Workforce Development, and Kelly Carey is Marketing and Communications Specialist at the Building Performance Institute. Nancy and Kelly are co-authors of these materials.

Retrofitting Homes for Electrification and Decarbonization
2024-09-19 09:00 - 13:00
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 PSPS events.

ALL-ELECTRIC ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS (ADUS)
2024-09-12 14:00 - 16:00
Event Description
All-electric homes are becoming more and more common in California. Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are also becoming a common way to house people in California. This program is a unique opportunity to tour a new 1-bedroom all-electric ADU built above an existing garage in Long Beach, and to see the systems required to build all-electric: heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, induction ranges, and heat pump clothes dryers. Plus, this ADU was built using Structural Insulated Panel System (SIPS) and went up in 7 days; the ADU tested at Passivhaus airtightness as a result of the owner’s focus on the building envelope. Also incorporated into this ADU build is a Heat Recovery Ventilator and a 12-panel PV system. Nick Brown, President of Build Smart Group, is the owner and will speak about the need to electrify homes to meet California’s climate goals.
Learning Objectives

Identify and describe the all-electric systems necessary to build all-electric ADUs
Virtually tour the project and see first-hand the functionality of heat pump water heaters, SIPs panels, and Heat Recovery Ventilators.
Define the difference between Net Zero Energy and Net Zero Carbon
Detail the energy-saving benefits of a high-performance all-electric ADU

Heat Pump Water Heater (HPWH) Installs for Plumbers & HVAC Technicians
2024-09-11 15:30 - 17:00
Event Description
Heat pump water heaters are where California is headed, and this workforce education aims to smooth that transition. Learn from experts how to install heat pump water heaters so they provide reliable and efficient hot water on your projects. Designed for plumbers and HVAC technicians with hands-on material, this training will be useful to all audiences.
Learning Objectives

Understand why we need HPWHs
Distinguish how HPWHs are different from typical water heaters
Acquire practical skills through a hands-on demonstration on installing a HPWH in a closet
Understand the importance of Air Flow
Explore the do’s and don’ts of installation based on real-life examples

Induction Cooking: The High-Performance Way to Cook
2024-09-10 12:00 - 13:00
Induction is now entering the mainstream. As more and more people discover the benefits of cooking with induction, the myth of the superiority of gas cooking is going up in flames. Induction cooking offers clear benefits for the environment and our health and safety, but it also provides a better cooking experience. With more control, faster heating, and easy cleaning, this technology is poised to transform the way we cook.
Join Electrify Now as we explore why and how to make the switch to induction. Our guest chef Rachelle Boucher will provide an interactive exploration and demonstration of induction cooking, including the performance advantages of induction, the pros and cons of cooktops versus ranges, what features and options to consider and what you need to know to have one installed in your home. We’ll even cover tips on how to cook with induction to get the best results.
This webinar will answer the following questions and more:

What is an induction stove and why do they offer a superior cooking performance?
Why is natural gas dangerous to use for cooking in your home?
What brands are currently available?
What are the features to look for in an induction range?
How much do induction stoves cost?
What about the cookware?
What are some tips for installing and using an induction stove?

RSVP

Refrigerant-Side Performance - Online – September 10-11 & 17-18
2024-09-10 10:00 - 2024-09-18 14:00
Learn to improve heat pump refrigeration cycle performance through both air and refrigerant-side diagnostic approaches. This National Comfort Institute four-day advanced certification class provides you with real-world lessons and hands-on training. It’s based on proven techniques on how to best approach refrigeration-side issues.
This FREE training is open to contractors and technicians in the state of California who are enrolled in TECH Clean California. Not enrolled yet? Click here (opens in new window) to learn more about the program and enroll.
Online, 4-day certification training.
Training Schedule:
September 10: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
September 11: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
September 17: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
September 18: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Introduction to Passive House Trades
2024-09-10 09:00 - 11:30
The Introduction to Passive House Trades course will broadly cover the following topics: Passive House (PH) basics, review 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. It can also help prepare those interested in the Certified Passive House Tradesperson training.

Building the Future: Electrification Strategies for Plumbers
2024-09-06 08:00 - 09:30
Electrification is taking form in California – gas water heaters are being based out in the Bay Area by 2027 and over 70 municipalities have policies phasing out gas appliances. The massive transition from gas to electric will “spark” giant demand for all trades, including plumbers. In this session, Electrify My Home will introduce unique business opportunities for plumbers with a focus on heat pump water heaters, strategies for collaborating with other trades (e.g., electricians), and the importance of comprehensive electrification planning.
Learning Objectives:

Describe one feature of gas water heaters that’s lead to their phase-out.
What is the percentage of California homes with a gas water heater?
Explain why heat pump water heaters can be helpful for the electrical grid

Cutting Edge Ventilation to Improve IAQ Even With Tight Air Sealing
2024-09-05 12:00 - 13:00
A home today must not only be high performing, resilient and built using sustainable methods, the home must provide the individuals living within it a healthy environment. There are many factors that contribute to the overall healthy environment we provide our homeowners, but one of the most critical is the quality of the air they breathe. This webinar will briefly cover some ventilation basics before delving into the pros and cons of the various system types. Particular focus will be placed on the efficiency and indoor air quality advantages of balanced ventilation systems with recovery (HRVs/ERVs) and how indoor air quality automation will shape the future.
Learning Objectives:
1. Understand why tighter homes without good ventilation can be problematic for indoor air quality
2. Understand the basics of quality ventilation including product certification and airflow optimization and verification
3. Understand the options for whole home ventilation along with the pros and cons of each
4. Understand in particular the health and efficiency benefits and installation options of balanced ventilation with recovery (HRVs and ERVs).

How to Reduce Labor Costs in Air Sealing Projects
2024-09-04 12:00 - 13:00
Description:
Join EFCA for a discussion on strategies to optimize labor costs in air-sealing projects. This first webinar will explore practical approaches to enhancing efficiency, reducing expenses, and maintaining high-quality standards in air sealing operations.
Our expert guests, Tom DiCandia and Michael D’Esposito, bring decades of experience in the industry and will share proven methods for streamlining workflows, improving team productivity, and implementing cost-effective solutions.
Whether you’re a contractor, project manager, or business owner, you’ll gain valuable insights to help you drive profitability and success in your projects.
Guests:

Tom DiCandia:

Tom DiCandia has over 35 years of management experience, focusing on quality, productivity, and profitability across various industries. Since the 1990s, Tom has specialized in energy conservation and alternative energy within commercial property management. He brings a robust technical background in electronics, electrical systems, and home performance, with training from the California Building Performance Contractors Association, Pacific Energy Center, and others. Tom continues to advance his expertise in building science, performance testing, and environmental impact awareness.

Michael D’Esposito:

Michael D’Esposito is a seasoned senior manager with expertise in business development and market analysis within the building and construction industry. He excels in strategic communication with business leaders and driving customer base expansion. Michael’s notable achievements include pioneering the Aeroseal Envelope distribution network, establishing Goettl’s HVAC Accessory division, and leading Owens Corning’s ProCat® line to a multi-million-dollar business.
Moderator:

Kevin Beck

Kevin Beck is a seasoned expert with over four decades of experience in residential construction and home performance. As the Director of Education for Efficiency First California, he has dedicated his career to advancing energy-efficient, healthy homes and making building science accessible to everyone.
Certified in Green Building, BPI Building Analysis, and LEED Rating, Kevin is not just a knowledgeable Contractor and Instructor—he’s a passionate advocate for better living through smarter building practices. Whether he’s moderating a discussion, leading a training session, or consulting on a project, Kevin’s goal is always the same: to inspire and equip others to create comfortable, more energy-efficient homes.

Don’t miss this opportunity to start the final quarter of the year strong with EFCA’s webinars.
Join us for this impactful session and make the most of the remaining months of 2024!

Airflow Testing & Diagnostics – Online
2024-09-03 10:00 - 2024-09-04 14:00
Learn the basics of static pressure and airflow and prepare yourself for more advanced training in the NCI TECH training series with NCI’s simple Air Upgrade approach. This class provides technical training on performing static pressure testing, how to properly install static pressure test ports, and how to measure and interpret static pressures.
Open to contractors and technicians in the state of California who are enrolled in TECH Clean California. Not enrolled yet? Click here (opens in new window) to learn more about the program and enroll.

DOMESTIC HOT WATER – PART 3: ALL-ELECTRIC DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION SERIES
2024-08-29 09:30 - 11:00
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 Michelle Zimney, 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.

Air Sealing and Insulating Existing Homes: Developing a Work Scope for Attic Efficiency Upgrades
2024-08-29 09:00 - 11:00
Effective work scopes help contractors and customers achieve specific performance goals in a home’s attic efficiency upgrade. Developing a comprehensive, goal-oriented work scope can help contractors sell more jobs, differentiate their work from other contractors bidding on the job, and enables customers to prioritize their home upgrades within their budget, allowing for the possibility of future improvements. In this session, Dan Perunko of Balance Point Home Performance will draw upon his contractor experience to discuss how he approaches attic efficiency work scopes, from demolition, material selection and installation, to commissioning.
Agenda:

Introduction and safety message
How is high-performance a different business model
Setting your company standards
How to define cost-effective
Identify the outcomes the customer would like to achieve
Defining outcomes in the work scope
Developing costs for specific outcomes
Using options to define good, better, best
Using notes to clarify limits of what work accomplishes
Negotiating the outcomes in the work scope

The objective of this course is that at the conclusion, participants will be able to:

Specify at least three or more performance outcomes the work scope helps define
Explain one or more ways that a high-performance work scope is different from an industry standard sale process
Synthesize the home performance outcomes the customer would like to achieve
Describe one or more examples of how to Itemize the work scope to facilitate a better understanding of cost segregation

The Emotionally Intelligent Manager
2024-08-27 15:00 - 16:00
To manage effectively, you must engage your emotional intelligence as much as your mind. Our employees and colleagues are whole people, not just brains! We must approach them the same way, with both our brain and our gut, or emotions.
If you’d like to understand why people don’t always behave the way you expect, and learn to elicit the responses and behaviors you want, join the next GoldStar Webinar by global business coach, Chris DeVany.
Learning Objectives

What is emotional intelligence?
Discover YOUR emotional intelligence with a short 10-item questionnaire
Learn why it’s so important to use emotional intelligence
The Four Clusters of Emotional Intelligence
Emotional intelligence techniques to manage even more effectively

INTRODUCTION TO PASSIVE HOUSE TRADES
2024-08-27 09:00 - 11:00
Course Description
PHN’s Introduction to Passive House Trades course will broadly cover the following topics: Passive House basics, review 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 asses 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.

Learning Units
2 AIA LU credits, pending for this course
Instructor(s)
Steve Mann, The Passive House Network and Home Energy Services

Building Electrification: Lessons from the Field (Part 2 of 2)
2024-08-23 09:00 - 12:30
California is going through one of its most seismic shifts in building energy policy and design. The move towards full decarbonization of the building stock has started and the policy, technical and financial implications are being developed under our feet. We will share how heat pumps and other forms of electric heating can displace our long time carbon sources of heat. These systems are already available and many are cost effective today. Come discuss this shift and how it will impact your building or construction project with one of the industry’s leading experts.
This seminar will include details of how heat pump systems work and how to design residential and commercial buildings to take advantage of currently available heat pump systems. We will include case studies of heat pump systems and how they can fit into low energy buildings. We will also cover how to recognize opportunities for application of heat pump systems.
Instructor Bios:
Avril Levasseur
Avril is a Senior Associate at Point Energy Innovations, an MEP consulting firm specializing in highly cost-effective net-zero energy and sustainable buildings. She is a registered Professional Engineer who completed her graduate education at Stanford University. She strives to enable more efficient buildings through creative design and rigorous analysis. As the Program Manager for the Stanford Building Decarbonization Accelerator, she employs her passion for teaching to promote decarbonization education. She has collaborated in teaching several courses and is the co-author of multiple papers on the topic. In 2023, Avril was named the Association of Energy Engineers Young Energy Professional of the Year for the Western US.
Rami Moussa, P.E.
Rami Moussa, P.E. is a Managing Principal at Point Energy Innovations, an industry leading MEP consulting firm that specializes in the design of low cost high performance buildings for design-build project delivery. Rami is passionate about working with architects, building owners, contractors, facility engineers, and end users to create tailored solutions that are low energy, low carbon, and provide the best value. His pioneering work includes the design of the zero embodied and operational carbon AIA HQ renovation in Washington, D.C., and the fast-tracked developer-led zero operating carbon office headquarters of Exelixis in Alameda, CA. Decarbonization of the country’s real estate is Rami’s primary motivator. In 2022 he led decarbonization assessments for an existing real estate portfolio of over five million square feet across 30 buildings.
The objective of this course is that at the conclusion, participants will be able to:

Identify heat pump components and system types
Recognize appropriate heat pump applications and constraints in both new construction and existing building projects
Acknowledge how heat pump applications in buildings are beneficial in the California regulatory context
Apply lessons learned from recently-completed decarbonized projects that leverage heat pumps and other forms of electric heating

BUILDING THE FUTURE: ELECTRIFICATION STRATEGIES FOR CONTRACTORS AND ARCHITECTS
2024-08-23 08:00 - 09:30
Electrification is now the leading option for new buildings and major retrofit projects in California. 70+ municipalities have policies to phase out gas appliances and the state aims to have 6 million heat pumps installed by 2030. This will require a major paradigm shift in the way builders, architects, and related professionals approach the market. It also presents a giant opportunity to frame yourself or your business as an electrification expert. In this session, Electrify My Home will discuss this transition and the related business opportunity for specifying and installing well-designed all-electric buildings.

Learning Objectives:

Explain the importance of comprehensive electrification planning.
List one reason why commissioning is important for HVAC systems.
Describe the benefit of keeping ductwork within the building enclosure.

Building Electrification: Lessons from the Field (Part 1 of 2)
2024-08-22 09:00 - 12:30

Air Sealing and Insulating Existing Homes: Addressing Common Hazards During Energy Upgrades
2024-08-22 09:00 - 11:00
Upgrading the thermal and air leakage performance of existing homes exposes a variety of hazards that many professionals either do not know how to address or how to communicate the importance of the issue to the customer. Estimators and installers, including DIY homeowners, take on additional liability when they fail to identify and remediate existing hazards during upgrade projects. In this two-hour class, instructor Dan Perunko of Balance Point Home Performance will cover the most common hazards that are regularly uncovered during energy upgrades and provide some practical strategies for resolving those issues.
To attend the entire Air Sealing and Insulating Homes 3 Part Series register HERE.
Agenda:

What hazards are exposed in typical efficiency upgrades.
What is the risk management plan for addressing these hazards?
Asbestos insulation
Electrical system faults
Combustion appliance vents and clearance to combustible materials
Combustion appliance vents that do not effectively remove pollutants from the building
Non-IC rated recessed fixtures
Vents that re-entrain gases or moisture in the building
Biological growth on building surfaces
Impact of realigning the air barrier or thermal boundary

A Guide to HERS Testing and the Responsibilities of a Contractor
2024-08-15 10:00 - 11:00
Live webinar covering the basics of the California Energy Code, required compliance documentation and contractor/installer responsibilities.
Have questions? Stay for a live Q&A following the webinar!
If you have any questions regarding the webinar or have problems signing up, please send an email to Training@ConSol.org for assistance.

Central Heat Pump Water Heater Advanced Design and Installation
2024-08-15 09:00 - 12:00
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

Air Sealing and Insulating Existing Homes: Interpreting and Prioritizing Infrared and Blower Door Results
2024-08-15 08:00 - 17:00
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

Room Heat Pumps - Cooling and Heating in a Small Package
2024-08-14 12:00 - 13:00
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.

Embodied Carbon + Electrification – Full Path to Decarbonization
2024-08-14 10:00 - 11:00
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.

What to Know Before Adding Heat Pump Installation to Your Service Mix
2024-08-13 15:00 - 16:30
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
