Building Electrification Fundamentals 3 - Intro to BE Technologies
2025-01-22 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online
Course Description: The clean energy economy is upon us but what does that mean to you? Learn about the technologies utilized to turn your building into an efficient, clean and healthy space to live and work. This period of transition will utilize many different products and you will learn about how these technologies can transform your space while still receiving all the same, or more benefits. This class will cover the carbon and bill savings opportunities for: solar photovoltaics, energy storage, heat pump water and space heating, transportation electrification, and electric food service technology including induction cooking. The workshop will discuss the steps to prepare for the transformation of your building to a clean, efficient, all-electric building that is embracing the clean energy economy.
Instructor Information: Scott Blunk
Scott is a Strategic Planner of Electrification and Energy Efficiency where he creates utility wide electrification strategies. He is an Adjunct Professor of Building Science at Cosumnes River College where he has taught courses on the energy codes and mechanical codes, energy auditing and energy modeling.
Scott received a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue University and an MBA from Marquette University. Scott has worked in the field of green building and energy efficiency for 20 years in many different rolls including: building contractor, energy consultant, new construction residential program administrator, existing building program manager, mechanical engineer, energy rater, trainer, and real estate broker.
Learning Outcomes:
At the conclusion of this class participants will be able to:

Understand the roll of solar electric and batteries building operation
Learn the basics of how heat pumps and induction operate
Understanding creating resiliency in your building during the transformation
Appreciate the benefits of electric vehicles at your building
Find out the relative carbon benefits of each technology involved in the transition

Target Audience:

General Audience
Homeowners
Residential Installers
Designers

Learning Units:

N/A

Learning Level:
Basic Class: Content is introductory in nature and requires no prerequisite knowledge or experience to grasp the concepts or participate in exercises. Basic educational activities and materials are meant to establish a foundation of knowledge and competence that will be expanded upon in practice or in higher level seminars and workshops.
Special Instructions:
This is a Webinar class and internet access is required. Customers will receive a link the Friday prior to the event.

Ventilation and HRV – Part 4: All-Electric Design and Construction Series
2025-01-23 12:00 - 13:00 | Online
Event Description
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.

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.

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

Learning Units
1.0 AIA HSW LU approved for this course

How the Energy Code Treats Electrification
2025-01-29 09:00 - 10:30 | Online
This class will focus on the energy code and green building code while touching on other parts of the building code and as related to different electrification technologies.

Novel Heat Pump Applications for New Construction and Retrofits
2025-01-29 10:00 - 11:00 | Online
Join us for a webinar in which we discuss groundbreaking ways to approach heat pumps that can significantly reduce the carbon footprint of retrofits and new construction. Traditional approaches, like Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) systems and 1-to-1 mini splits, have drawbacks like high embodied carbon, or face challenges with new refrigerant requirements, central system complexities, or space limitations with existing buildings. This webinar explores a series of novel heat pump solutions—large geothermal, window saddle units, packaged terminal heat pumps, and air-to-water hydronic systems—that offer more variable electrification options. Join us to learn how these applications can transform the way we think about heat pumps, and to explore how applications of these technologies differ in climate zones, building typologies, and construction markets.

Building Electrification Fundamentals 4 - Financial Costs and Benefits of the BE/FS Transition
2025-01-29 10:00 - 12:00 | Online
Course Description:
Interested in transforming your building to a clean, safe, and healthy all-electric structure but hesitant due to the cost? What are the costs to install and operate this equipment? Are there incentives available to aid in this transition? What are the benefits both financial and non-financial? Do you need a new electric panel? This workshop will address all those questions covering the general cost of equipment, how to think incrementally as you transition and the benefits of planning out your transition regardless of where you are in the process, utility rates and rebates available to help pay for the changes.
Instructor Information: Scott Blunk
Scott is a Strategic Planner of Electrification and Energy Efficiency where he creates utility wide electrification strategies. He is an Adjunct Professor of Building Science at Cosumnes River College where he has taught courses on the energy codes and mechanical codes, energy auditing and energy modeling.
Scott received a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue University and an MBA from Marquette University. Scott has worked in the field of green building and energy efficiency for 20 years in many different rolls including: building contractor, energy consultant, new construction residential program administrator, existing building program manager, mechanical engineer, energy rater, trainer, and real estate broker.
Learning Outcomes:
At the conclusion of this class participants will be able to:

How to plan out your electrification project(s)
Learn about the costs you can expect to pay for each project
Understand utility rates and changes to your energy bills
Find out about SCE and statewide rebates

Target Audience:

General Audience
Homeowners
Residential Installers
Designers

Learning Units:

This class will also provide prerequisite and continuing education credit for NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners) certifications.

Learning Level:
Basic Class: Content is introductory in nature and requires no prerequisite knowledge or experience to grasp the concepts or participate in exercises. Basic educational activities and materials are meant to establish a foundation of knowledge and competence that will be expanded upon in practice or in higher level seminars and workshops.
Special Instructions:
This is a Webinar class and internet access is required. Customers will receive a link the Friday prior to the event.

Appliances and Energy Storage – Part 5: All-Electric Design and Construction Series
2025-01-30 12:00 - 13:00 | Online

An Introduction to Electric Construction Equipment (Webinar)
2025-02-04 10:00 - 12:00 | Online
Course Description:
This class is an introduction to electric construction equipment. The goal is to inform contractors and policy makers about the wide range of available electric bulldozers, backhoes, bobcats, cranes, forklifts, solar+battery generators, jackhammers, pressure washers, work trucks and more.
We will discuss the equipment’s practical features, costs, benefits and limitations.
Instructor Information: Sean Armstrong
Sean Armstrong was raised on a Wisconsin farm, has been part of seven farming businesses, co-owns a working ranch, and consults nationally on all-electric buildings and equipment. Sean co-authored eight practical design guides since 2016 for all-electric design and equipment, helps manufacturers invent new electric products, and designed half of the all-electric new construction in California between 2010-2020.
Agenda:

Introduction
Discussion of benefits of electric equipment—lower maintenance costs, less noise complaints, longer operating windows
Large Equipment: bulldozers, backhoes, cranes
Medium Equipment: trucks, bobcats, forklifts
Small Equipment: jackhammers, pressure washers, heat guns blower

Learning Outcomes:
By the end of the class attendees will be able to:

Explain the benefits of electric construction equipment
Describe the different large, medium and small electrified products available
Discuss the costs, benefits and features of different equipment available

Target Audience:

General contractors
Rental equipment owners
Policy makers

Learning Units:

None

Learning Level:
Basic Class: Content is introductory in nature and requires no prerequisite knowledge or experience to grasp the concepts or participate in exercises. Basic educational activities and materials are meant to establish a foundation of knowledge and competence that will be expanded upon in practice or in higher level seminars and workshops.
Special Instructions:
This is a Webinar class and internet access is required. Customers will receive a link the Friday prior to the event.

IHACI - Electrical Module Part 2 (Virtual)
2025-02-04 18:00 - 20:00 | Online
This four-part series provides practical fundamentals and theory behind basic electricity, as well as knowledge of electrical symbols, components, wiring diagrams, electronics, and electrical systems. Get the comprehensive skill sets you need to properly install, commission, maintain, service and diagnose electrical systems. Learn how to verify when electrical systems are safe, reliable, and operate at the correct settings for the highest energy efficiency possible.
Part 2 – Essential HVAC/R System Motor Theory for the Field Technician:

Interaction of electrical components in an electric system.
Introduction to schematic, component and field wiring diagrams, power wiring and control wiring, thermostats, electronics, motors, proper field installation, and electrical tools.

Home Electrification Contractor Boot Camp
2025-02-06 08:00 - 2025-02-07 16:30 | America’s Job Center Oxnard, 2901 N. Ventura Road, Oxnard, California
Two-Day Course Description
This two-day course provides a robust introduction into residential building electrification. It is designed for construction trade personnel of all levels; including owners, sales managers, salespeople, installers, service technicians, and office support staff (primarily Day 1 for support staff). A key distinction of this training is its design and delivery by Electrify My Home, a pioneering HVAC electrification company with real field experience navigating the ins and outs of this exciting new pathway.
Learning Objectives in the Context of Home Electrification

Understand driving forces, changing technologies, and shifting consumer preferences in the home electrification movement
Explore “Install Small” and “Good Electrification” concepts
Acquire soft skills in electrification sales to pivot from traditional gas heating to modern electric heat pumps without negatively affecting a company’s bottom line
Understand heat transfer mechanisms, functionality, and benefits of heat pumps for residential electrification

Course Content
Day 1—Electrification Basics
1a) Environment, Policy, and Culture
1b) The Clean Electric Home Solution
1c) “Install Small”
1d) Envelope 101
Day 2—Soft Skills in Electrification Sales
2a) Timing & Opportunity
2b) Converting Your Customer
2c) Electrification Products and Panels
2d) Project Planning
Event Dates
This is a two-day course:

Feb 6, 2025: 8:00am to 4:30pm
Feb 7, 2025: 8:00am to 4:30pm

Lodging
Discounted room rates are available at the Staybridge Suites in Oxnard, conveniently located 1.8 miles from the Boot Camp venue. See below for link to reserve a room at a discounted rate:
https://www.staybridge.com/redirect?path=hd&brandCode=SB&localeCode=en&regionCode=1&hotelCode=OXRVA&_PMID=99801505&GPC=TCR&cn=no&viewfullsite=true
An overnight lodging stipend is available for contractors in the tri-county region, located 65+ miles from course location, who will attend both days. Available upon registration on a first-come basis.
Please register for eligibility.
Credits
NATE (16 CEHs)
Instructors
Larry Waters, Electrify My Home

Navigating the Energy Code
2025-02-06 09:00 - 10:30 | Online
This course will review the context of the Energy Code and provide an overview of its structure, important supporting references and manuals, and how it addresses different types of buildings and projects, as well as mandatory measures and performance and prescriptive approaches.

TECH & ESMAC Heat Pump Water Heater Education
2025-02-10 07:00 - 09:00, 2025-02-26 08:00 - 17:00 | 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.

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

IHACI - Electrical Module Part 3 (Virtual)
2025-02-10 18:00 - 20:00 | Online
This four-part series provides practical fundamentals and theory behind basic electricity, as well as knowledge of electrical symbols, components, wiring diagrams, electronics, and electrical systems. Get the comprehensive skill sets you need to properly install, commission, maintain, service and diagnose electrical systems. Learn how to verify when electrical systems are safe, reliable, and operate at the correct settings for the highest energy efficiency possible.
Part 3 – Different Electrical Components Found in the HVAC/R Industry:

Quality Maintenance of electrical systems as they apply to the California market (CAQM) including proper system maintenance after installation, component replacements and field instruments used for measuring voltage, amperage, resistance, capacitance, and watts.

Introduction to Heat Pumps - Part 1 (Webinar)
2025-02-11 10:00 - 12:00 | Online
Course Description:
This is part 1 of a 2 part class.
Heat Pumps are the most efficient method to not only heat and cool spaces, but to provide domestic water heating in both multifamily and commercial applications. This course explores the composition, operation, and application of heat pumps in building settings. Specifically, this course examines the evolution and versatility of heat pump technology in comfort heating/cooling and domestic hot water applications, successful implementation examples, and essential lessons learned. Furthermore, learners will explore the value of heat pumps, including decarbonization, energy efficiency, and grid stability opportunities.
Learning Outcomes:

Understand the history of heat pumps and their versatility in building applications
Explore the components, operation, and system configurations of heat pumps in commercial and multifamily applications
Analyze efficiency opportunities, grid impact, and the value proposition of implementing heat pumps
Review applicable codes/policies and the market landscape

Managing Multicultural Teams
2025-02-11 12:00 - 13:00 | Online
Understand how cultural differences within your team can affect their needs and impact the bottom line! At this seminar you’ll learn how to adapt your managerial style to the needs of your diverse group. Discover how to communicate, motivate, and manage conflict across cultural boundaries. Get proven techniques to help you function as a true team so that your differences are opportunities for increased creativity and productivity.
This course is a don’t-miss for managers that oversee employees of diverse cultural backgrounds and want to leverage the strengths of a multicultural workforce to maximize performance.
Learning Objectives
After attending this session learners will be able to:

Name strategies to build trust and unity within a diverse team
Describe how culture influences everyday business interactions
List 10 ways to improve rapport with employees who are culturally different from you
Give examples of how leadership, conflict, and authority may be perceived differently based on cultural background.

IHACI - Electrical Module Part 4 (Virtual)
2025-02-11 18:00 - 20:00 | Online
This four-part series provides practical fundamentals and theory behind basic electricity, as well as knowledge of electrical symbols, components, wiring diagrams, electronics, and electrical systems. Get the comprehensive skill sets you need to properly install, commission, maintain, service and diagnose electrical systems. Learn how to verify when electrical systems are safe, reliable, and operate at the correct settings for the highest energy efficiency possible.

Part 4 – Electrical Schematics: A Roadmap to Diagnosing an HVAC/R System:

Review of information in the previous sessions to provide Quality Service of electrical systems as they apply to the California market (CAQS) including proper service methodology, system diagnostic techniques and verification of system performance.

Air Sealing and Insulating Existing Homes: Interpreting and Prioritizing Infrared and Blower Door Results (Part 1 of 3)
2025-02-12 09:00 - 11:00 | Online
Course description

Part 1 of 3 – February 12, 2025 (9am – 11am)
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.
To attend the entire Air Sealing and Insulating Homes 3 Part Series register HERE.
Agenda:

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

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

Describe the operation of diagnostic tools like the blower door and infrared camera
List additional enhancements for commissioning work
Identify areas to prioritize air sealing opportunities in homes
Discuss the ways to manage combustion safety appliance considerations

Introduction to Heat Pumps - Part 2 (Webinar)
2025-02-12 10:00 - 12:00 | Online
Course Description:
This is part 2 of a 2 part class.
Heat Pumps are the most efficient method to not only heat and cool spaces, but to provide domestic water heating in both multifamily and commercial applications. This course explores the composition, operation, and application of heat pumps in building settings. Specifically, this course examines the evolution and versatility of heat pump technology in comfort heating/cooling and domestic hot water applications, successful implementation examples, and essential lessons learned. Furthermore, learners will explore the value of heat pumps, including decarbonization, energy efficiency, and grid stability opportunities.
Learning Outcomes:

Understand the history of heat pumps and their versatility in building applications
Explore the components, operation, and system configurations of heat pumps in commercial and multifamily applications
Analyze efficiency opportunities, grid impact, and the value proposition of implementing heat pumps
Review applicable codes/policies and the market landscape

Air Sealing and Insulating Existing Homes: Addressing Common Hazards During Energy Upgrades (Part 2 of 3)
2025-02-19 09:00 - 11:00 | Online
Part 2 of 3 – February 19, 2025 (9am – 11am)
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:

Introduction and safety message
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

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

Identify three or more common hazards that may be uncovered during energy upgrades
List two or more repairs to mitigate common electrical hazards that are uncovered during energy upgrades
Identify the difference between fixtures which can be safely sealed with conventional air sealing material, and those that require high temperature sealant or treatments
Learn one or more key differences between combustion appliances that have single wall metal, double wall metal and plastic vent systems

Geothermal Heat Pumps
2025-02-19 12:00 - 13:00 | Online
Join us on February 19th as we explore the world of Geothermal Heat Pumps (GHPs), a technology that harnesses the constant temperature of the shallow earth to provide heating and cooling. Because the ground can absorb excess heat during the summer and act as a heat source during the winter, GHPs are extremely efficient—reducing energy consumption up to 44% compared to air source heat pumps and 72% compared to standard HVAC systems. While more costly to install, GHPs offer greater longevity and stability than air source heat pumps, and the additional costs may be returned in energy savings in just 5-10 years. We’ll discuss which climates and conditions are optimal for GHPs, and how to decide if your property is a good fit. Our panelists will share the basics of geothermal heat pumps along with their many advantages—high efficiency and extreme climate performance to name a few. Join us for a 45-minute webinar in which we’ll discuss: What is a geothermal heat pump and how does it work? How efficient is a geothermal heat pump, as compared to other types of heating and cooling? What are the benefits of using geothermal energy? Why would someone invest in geothermal versus an air source heat pump? What is the cost to install a GHP (and how does the energy savings impact payback time)? Are there incentives available? What is the lifespan of a GHP system? What are the ideal climates for GHPs? How can geothermal energy help the grid? How do I decide if my property is a good candidate for a GHP? What about larger buildings or multifamily buildings? What are the different types of GHPs available? How can I find someone to install a GHP at my home?

Strategic Partnerships to Grow Your Business
2025-02-19 17:00 - 18:00 | Online
Join us for an insightful webinar that explores the transformative power of strategic partnerships and how they can propel your business to new heights. Discover why cultivating strong, meaningful relationships is key to achieving sustainable growth and long-term success—because no one can do it all alone.
Whether you’re a business owner, contractor, or entrepreneur, this session will provide you with actionable strategies to build your network, enhance collaboration, and elevate your business.
Guest Speakers:
Cecily Jackson-Zapata
Cecily is an attorney and nonprofit governance leader specializing in nonprofits, CDFIs, social enterprises, and small businesses. She serves as Secretary of Social and Environmental Entrepreneurs (SEE) and Executive Director of Social Innovatus, a SEE project. A member of the California Lawyers Association Nonprofit Organizations Committee, Cecily has practiced law with Public Counsel and major firms like Latham & Watkins. She co-founded Sustainable Law Group P.C., recognized as a B Corp of the Year, and has held leadership roles with L.A. Kitchen and the Social Enterprise Alliance. Cecily is an alumna of Stanford Law School and USC.
Seth Anderson
Seth Anderson is the Founder and CEO of Anderson Heating & Air. A small family owned and operated company in the Sacramento Valley that focuses on educating customers on the benefits of electrification and inverter technology. Seth’s career has spanned the entire spectrum, from starting out as a maintenance technician to managing and directing one of the largest HVAC companies in Northern California. His desire to get back to in-depth customer education and affordability led to him leaving his corporate position, returning to his technical roots, and becoming a contractor. Seth has become a trusted industry source by local contractors, distributors, state/city officials, and his customers.
Moderator:

Charley Cormany
Executive Director of EFCA with over a decade of experience as a home performance contractor. Charley now leads policy efforts, manages the Clean Energy Connection contractor directory, and supports contractor success through programs like SMUD rebates.
Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and connect with like-minded professionals!

TECH & ESMAC Heat Pump Water Heater Educatio
2025-02-21 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.

Introduction to Eliminating Main Panel Upgrades
2025-02-25 11:00 - 12:00 | Online
This introductory webinar sets the stage for a transformative six-part series. This webinar demystifies the main electrical panel and explains the flow of electricity in the home. Participants will gain a clear understanding of how electrical systems manage energy demand (loads, such as appliances and electronics) and energy supply (generation, like solar panels and batteries). The course provides actionable strategies to add new loads, integrate distributed energy resources (DERs) like solar and batteries, and optimize existing systems—all while eliminating the need for expensive and time-intensive main panel upgrades, which can often delay projects. By the end, participants will feel confident with the tools and resources to navigate home electrical concepts and implement smart solutions to support electrification and distributed energy projects from a wholistic perspective.
Learning Objectives:
1. Describe why main panel upgrades are a significant concern in electrification projects, including costs, timelines, and grid impact.
2. Gain foundational knowledge of how electricity flows in a home, including how main panels manage both loads and supply.
3. Analyze two approaches for calculating main panel capacity: one for adding electrical loads and another for determining backfeed from solar and storage systems.
4. Explore innovative technologies and strategies to balance energy demand and supply within the constraints of existing main panel capacities, effectively preventing the need for upgrades.

Building a Balanced Organization
2025-02-25 12:00 - 13:00 | Online
We all want a positive, productive workplace where teammates work together to achieve common goals. Let’s find out how to achieve it with home performance legend John Tooley!
A harmonious workplace includes work-life balance, emotional well-being, and healthy interpersonal dynamics. A workplace without these things leads to stress, burnout, dissatisfied employees, and high turnover.
In this session, you’ll find practical insight drawn from decades of research and get actionable strategies to create a harmonious workplace that will enhance productivity, increase the bottom line, and create a thriving company culture.
Learning Objectives:

Contrast balance and harmony
List practical strategies create balance and harmony in your company
Describe the benefits and positive outcomes that result from a culture that is balanced and in harmony

Building a Balanced Workplace
2025-02-25 15:00 - 17:00 | Online

Single-family Standards: Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) - offered in partnership with Energy Code Ace
2025-02-26 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)

Air Sealing and Insulating Existing Homes: Developing a Work Scope for Attic Efficiency Upgrades (Part 3 of 3)
2025-02-26 09:00 - 11:00 | Online
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.
To attend the entire Air Sealing and Insulating Homes 3 Part Series register HERE.
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

Multifamily Electrification: Retrofit Applications and Electrical
2025-02-26 09:00 - 11:00 | Online
Course Overview
As we start turning our attention to the existing building stock, electrification retrofits are becoming increasingly important to achieve our emission goals and have healthier homes. Come explore how to approach an electrification retrofit, what the constraints and opportunities are for multifamily buildings with different configurations, and how it is shaped by electrical infrastructure and available technology. Gain an understanding of what an electrification retrofit looks like by working through example project(s) in class.
Instructors:
Amy Dryden is Director of Strategic Innovations at the Association for Energy Affordability, Inc. specializing in strategic initiatives, codes and standards, program design, training, and research and development projects. She brings more than 20 years of experience in residential green building design and construction, consulting, and planning, and works to advance the industry to deliver sustainable and healthy housing. Amy has developed training and delivered in-person, in field, and distance learning trainings to design professional, consultants, contractors, builders, building inspectors, and plan reviewers. She has contributed to national, state, and local auditing and green building standards, for DOE, California Low Income Housing Tax Credit Programs, GreenPoint Rated and Building Performance Institute. Amy works with diverse set of stakeholders to provide healthy affordable housing in a decarbonized future. On the side she has the pleasure of driving an all-electric 1946 Ford pick-up.
Jack Aitchison has been at AEA since 2017 and is dedicated to reducing energy, carbon and hazardous indoor air quality issues in existing multifamily buildings. As a technical assistance (TA) provider for the Bay Area Multifamily Building Enhancement (BAMBE) program, Jack project manages energy upgrades across numerous multifamily buildings. Jack continues to manage the development of tools to support new technical aspects of energy efficiency programs AEA administers, including: energy savings, equipment sizing, eligibility, and rebate calculations for new or updated program elements. Jack also has also been instrumental in assisting companies bringing new technologies to the CA market such as retrofit heat pump HVAC systems and load shedding/sharing systems to make electrification projects more feasible. Jack holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Resources Engineering from Humboldt State University. Jack is a certified Engineer in Training (EIT), BPI Building Analyst (BA), and Certified Passive House Consultant (NAPHN).

New Refrigerants and Building Design
2025-02-26 10:00 - 11:00 | Online
Join us on February 26 to learn about the recent regulatory changes impacting the allowable Global Warming Potential (GWP) of refrigerants, and how this is impacting how refrigerant-based systems are handled and installed. We’ll discuss the complications, opportunities and emerging best practices for equipment selection, architectural and mechanical design, and more.

Recent regulatory changes came into effect in 2025 impacting the allowable Global Warming Potential (GWP) of refrigerants. These changes come with new requirements for how refrigerant-based systems are handled and installed, leading to complications, opportunities, and emerging best practices for equipment selection, architectural and mechanical design, and electrification solutions. This panel will feature manufacturers, consultants, and design professionals discussing how these changes are already rippling out through the design and construction markets and what we may expect to see in emerging design and electrification trends as a result.
Panelists include:
Helen Walter-Terrinoni – Helen is the Director of Global Climate Policy at Trane
Prior to this, she worked as Vice President Regulatory Affairs at The Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute. Helen has also worked in Regulatory Affairs at The Chemours Company and Sourcing Planner at DuPont. Helen holds a Master’s Degree in chemical engineering, with a concentration in environmental engineering, from Syracuse University.
John Milkint- John is West Coast Territory Manager at Chemour
Passage of the AIM Act by the federal government has led the EPA to put into place regulations to phase down HFC refrigerants, and John will be sharing his expertise on the future landscape of HVACR refrigerants.
Moderator:
Tristan Grant, Associate Director, Codes & Policy, New Buildings Institute
Tristan brings over a decade of experience in the renewable energy and high-performance design and construction industries. In this work, he has provided oversight of teams providing design consultation, energy modeling, site inspections, testing and verification for new construction, and gut rehabilitation for residential multifamily projects throughout the Northeast region. In addition to managing the technical oversight of project deliverables, he has worked with clients on the scoping and development of comprehensive and strategic approaches to decarbonization, sustainability, and resilience at the portfolio level. Tristan has an educational background in building science with a Master of Design Studies in sustainable design from the Boston Architectural College. This deep education is complemented by practical field experience with inspections, testing and verification, and building performance diagnostics as a HERS Rater and PHIUS Verifier.

2025 Hot Water & Hot Air Forums
2025-03-04 - 2025-03-06 | Hyatt Regency Portland at the Oregon Convention Center, 375 NE Holladay Street, Portland, Oregon
Overview
Hyatt Regency Portland at the Oregon Convention Center
ACEEE’s Hot Air and Hot Water Forums are the nation’s premier policy and technical conferences devoted to improving efficiency and decarbonizing space and water heating. The Forums bring together seasoned experts and new voices each year to discuss strategies for transforming the two biggest uses of energy in buildings.
Join us in 2025 for discussions exploring efficiently producing, distributing, and using hot water and decarbonizing space heating in buildings of all kinds through heat pumps. Both Forums will explore how these industries can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and energy bills, improve grid resilience, and center equity.
Previous gatherings have attracted diverse attendees, including equipment and component manufacturers; water, gas, and electric utility professionals; and local, state, and federal agency representatives. Energy efficiency program planners, operators, evaluators, electricians, plumbers, installers, policymakers, representatives from NGOs, engineers, consultants, and other experts have found value in the sessions and great networking at the events.
Click here to see a list of organizations that participated in the 2024 Hot Air and Hot Water Forums.
