Efficiency First California

TECH & ESMAC Heat Pump Water Heater Education
2023-08-07 07:00 - 09:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | CA
Manufacturers Heat Pump Water Heating (HPWH) Education session focused on technology features and benefits, appropriate applications, energy efficiency compared to other water heater types, installation techniques, and best practices, service support and warranty, proper maintenance, troubleshooting, and selling strategies.

BPA: Webinar 3: IRA Guidelines 101
2023-08-03 10:30 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | CA
Thursday, August 3 at 10:30 a.m. ET , 90 Minutes
Get ready for the webinar you’ve been eagerly anticipating ever since the IRA was officially enacted. In this comprehensive 90-minute session, we’ll delve into the guidelines set by the Department of Energy, offering invaluable insights from our panel of experts. Keep an eye out for further updates on this exciting event.
Note: This webinar is available to all paid BPA members or for purchase with our package. A playback will be available for BPA members only.

Electrification of the Built Environment Part 2
2023-08-03 09:00 - 11:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | CA
This class presents an overview of building electrification in residential and commercial settings. Attendees will explore various avenues that work toward electrification goals including heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, and electrification. Challenges to electrification and ways to overcome them will also be examined.

Electrification 101: Electrical Panel Optimization
2023-08-02 11:30 - 12:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | CA
Whole-home electrification is possible with a 100-Amp electric panel. Home-owners can save thousands of dollars and, in some cases, months of time waiting for a new service line to be installed. In this webinar we will explore the electric code, methods of electrifying without upsizing, and important pitfalls to avoid. As motivated decarbonizers, Tom Kabat and Josie Gaillard will share their techniques for code compliance, project design, equipment selection, and electrification plans that save time and money.

Electrification of the Built Environment Part 1
2023-08-01 09:00 - 11:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | CA

Commercial Heat Pump Water Heaters for Multi-Family Settings
2023-07-27 09:00 - 11:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | CA
This course provides a foundation for implementing commercial heat pump water heaters in multifamily settings. In addition to discussing the codes and policies pushing the implementation of this technology, this course also explores different commercial system configurations, system components, equipment sizing, and available products. It explores case studies of successful system implementations as well as lessons learned from the field.

TECH Webinar: Enabling Quicker Heat Pump Installations Part 2
2023-07-26 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | CA
Our Quick Start Grant recipients — Barnett Plumbing and New Buildings Institute — share their findings in Part 2 of our webinar series.
Barnett Plumbing will share how they overcame barriers to heat pump adoption with their gas loaner program, delivering the immediate need for hot water with a temporary gas loaner water heater until the right electrical work could be completed in the home to install a heat pump water heater. Visit our website to learn more about the Barnett Plumbing Quick Start Grant.
Next, New Buildings Institute (NBI) will discuss lessons learned with some of the newest technology on the market – 120-volt plug-in heat pump water heater. This lower voltage technology used in residential spaces could solve a big barrier to adoption because this technology can plug into an existing wall plug. Visit our website to learn more about the NBI Quick Start Grant.
Find out more details about these quick start programs by attending the webinar on Wednesday, July 26, from 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. PT.

Assembling the Zero-Carbon Home
2023-07-25 09:00 - 12:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | CA
Zero-carbon homes are on the fast track to mitigate climate change. Using less energy for space conditioning and hot water production throughout the year than conventional duel-fuel systems, zero-carbon homes are more thermally comfortable than traditional buildings. Zero-carbon homes are not very different than what we are building today. In this class we will learn the jargon, building materials, and the technical expectations needed to retrofit or new-build an energy efficient and thermally comfortable zero-carbon home. We will also learn how to examine the building materials we select to get the lowest carbon footprint options and explore the latest rebates there are for converting your existing home to a zero-carbon home.

TECH Webinar: Enabling Faster Heat Pump Installations Part 1
2023-07-24 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | CA
Join us for part one of our Quick Start Grant webinars and learn how new heat pump technologies can overcome barriers to heat pump adoption. These new technologies address issues using new quality assurance technologies while expanding remote workforce capabilities and assisting California in achieving its ambitious goals for heat pump installation.
Our Quick Start Grant recipients — Institute of Heating and Air Conditioning Installers and Small Planet Supply — share their findings in Part 1 of our webinar series.
Institute of Heating and Air Conditioning Installers (IHACI) will share how they overcame a critical HVAC technician shortage by developing a new diagnostic software tool called Visual Service (VS). that stands in the way of California achieving its ambitious goals for heat pump installation. The VS tool aims to expand the capacity of existing HVAC technicians and reduce the time to train new technicians in the field. Visit our website to learn more about the IHACI Quick Start Grant.
Next, Small Planet Supply will discuss their plan to scale decarbonization through the installation of central heat pump water heaters (CHPWHs) by developing a standardized, modular, pre-packaged CHPWH to minimize the design requirement, installation cost, and challenges inherent to the existing practice. The standardized CHPWH product doesn’t require any customization and is ready for purchase and installation like any other off-the-shelf product. Visit our website to learn more about the Small Planet Supply Quick Start Grant.
Find out more details about these quick start programs by attending the webinar on Monday, July 24, from 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. PT.

Residential Heat Pump Water Heater Technology - Sales and Installation Challenges Part 2
2023-07-19 13:00 - 15:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | CA
This course establishes a clear value proposition for residential heat pump water heater scenarios, while addressing key barriers to their adoption. It also provides targeted sales training to identify customers and opportunities for client-facing staff and stakeholders while delving into key installation considerations including space limitations, noise, condensate management, sizing, operational modes, and error codes.

Building Electrification Fundamentals 2 - An Overview of BE
2023-07-19 10:30 - 12:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | CA
Have Energy Efficiency (EE), Building Electrification (BE), Transportation Electrification (TE), and Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) got you feeling like you’re in over your head? If so, we look forward to you joining us for an Overview of Building Electrification! This class, the second in a BE series, being offered by the Energy Education Centers (EECs) will expand upon topics introduced in ‘Building Electrification and Me’.
Taught by Kavita Rodrigues from the EECs, this class will provide attendees with an expanded understanding of what BE is and how it will help California to achieve its ambitious climate goals. Participants will learn about the common misconceptions that are frequently held about electrification technologies, their applications, and how they can realize the overall benefits of electrification.

Residential Heat Pump Water Heater Technology - Sales and Installation Challenges Part 1
2023-07-17 09:00 - 11:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | CA

The Case for Practical Home Performance Electrification
2023-07-14 08:00 - 10:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | CA
The best outcomes for heat pumps and home electrification come through careful planning and incorporation of multiple facets of a building. Understanding the intersection of energy efficiency and performance is critical to ensuring comfort, low operational costs, and avoidance of major grid infrastructure upgrades. This webinar will focus on the interdependence of building systems and how addressing multiple components of a home through phased or integrated upgrades is optimal and easily achievable.

Breaking Barriers – Energy Friendly Permitting (Regional Forum)
2023-07-13 14:00 - 16:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | CA
Energy efficiency and electrification projects have become a focus across the state. Permitting is a necessary step to ensure we are meeting our goals, but is also a significant barrier. In this virtual forum, we will have speakers share best practices and strategies for permitting processes, which may include transitioning to online permitting, virtual inspection, energy friendly permit programs, and more. Speakers will also address common challenges to permitting for electrification, e.g. setbacks, noise levels, panel sizing/utility pushback. Join 3C-REN in identifying obstacles, solutions, and resources for our region through facilitated discussion.

BDC Presents: Revalue.io
2023-07-13 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | CA
Experiences and lessons learned from early building electrification market and community development. Since 2015, Revalue.io has been preparing communities for the transition to clean energy through energy-saving building improvements (including insulation, heat pumps, etc.) and removing home health hazards such as lead, mold, pests, etc. Working with local, minority contractors and utility program administrators, Revalue.io provides a full-service custom “No Wrong Door” service for property owners, tenants, and local contractors to access resources such as rebates, grants, and other incentives that enable us to eliminate upfront costs for our customers. Join us for a discussion with Revalue.io founder, Mark Hall and Director of Market Transformation Aaron Clay.

Building Electrification Fundamentals 1 - BE & Me
2023-07-12 10:00 - 11:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | CA
Have you ever wondered how electric technologies may impact you, your home, or your workplace? Or wondered what impacts they may have on your energy consumption, costs, or even the environment? If so, you are not alone and you won’t want to miss out on this class. This class, taught by Robert Hagstrom from SCEs Engineering team, will lightly cover a variety of topics related to Climate and Sustainability Goals, the value of electric technologies, and how to make sure you’re ready to future proof your home or business, and more. In addition to the topics covered attendees will have the opportunity to participate in an open forum where they can have their general electrification questions addressed by our experts. Be sure to join us for this basic overview of Building Electrification concepts, and the impacts on SCE customers.

Practical Guide to All-Electric Residential Buildings (Irvine City Hall)
2023-07-11 08:30 - 11:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | CA
THIS IS AN IN-PERSON CLASS AT IRVINE CITY HALL. The case for building All-Electric is stronger than ever. All-Electric homes are cheaper to build and operate, healthier and more comfortable to live in, and have GHG emissions roughly half that of mixed fuel homes. The 2022 California energy code will accelerate adoption of All-Electric building and this class will show why electric homes facilitate easier energy code compliance. Taught by instructors who have built all-electric homes for themselves and are experts in the field, you’ll get an insider view of how to design and build electric, with examples from their professional work, how to overcome common objections and obstacles, and lessons learned from the field. Attendees will gain a better understanding of the technologies that enable All-Electric homes, including heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, induction cooking, and heat pump clothes dryers.

ACEEE: 2023 Industry Summer Study
2023-07-11 - 2023-07-13 | MGM Grand Hotel, 1777 Third St., Detroit, MI, 48226, United States
THEME: DECARBONIZATION – TURNING GOALS INTO ACHIEVABLE ACTION PLANS The industrial sector accounts for a large portion—more than 25%—of total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. Decarbonizing industry will be critical not only for meeting our climate goals but also for boosting U.S. competitiveness and jobs. Momentum is building: the ambitious decarbonization goals set by the Biden administration have helped spur the manufacturing sector to begin seriously exploring how to reduce its emissions. Multiple industry associations and the Department of Energy have developed roadmaps identifying pathways to decarbonization, and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Inflation Reduction Act are set to inject significant funding into industrial decarbonization projects.

The Ask Sean Show: Electrify Your Home!
2023-07-10 17:30 - 18:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | CA
Bring your own electrification questions and Ask Sean how to electrify your home! We have teamed up with Sean Armstrong of Redwood Energy, so we can all learn more about how affordable and doable it is to electrify your home. We will share “how to” case studies, electrification tips including solar, rebate info, eco-friendly ideas for a healthier home, and answer to questions on how to get started! Register at: bit.ly/TheAskSeanShow

Understanding Demand Response Part 2
2023-06-29 09:00 - 11:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | CA
This course defines demand side management strategies with deep dive exploration of all things demand response. Students will examine the application of both demand side management strategies and the implementation of demand response in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. Furthermore, this course unpacks the communication, configuration and platforms of automated demand response and will identify typical virtual node load configurations for ADR strategy implementation.

Introduction to Heat Pump Water Heater Education 2023 ONLINE TRAININGS PRESENTED BY TECH CLEAN CALIFORNIA & ESMAC
2023-06-28 07:00 - 09:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | CA
Join TECH Clean California and ENERGY STAR® HPWH Manufacturer Action Council for a live webinar session focused on HPWH 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. For more info and to register.

Understanding Demand Response Part 1
2023-06-27 09:00 - 11:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | CA

Inspecting Photovoltaic (PV) & Energy Storage Systems (ESS) for Code Compliance
2023-06-26 09:00 - 12:30 UTC | CA
In this advanced class, the instructors will cover all the issues pertaining to inspecting and permitting of photovoltaic grid-tied systems (PV) and energy storage systems (ESS) in commercial, industrial, small business, multifamily, and residential sectors. This workshop is designed for building inspectors, plan checkers, fire officials, PV installers, designers, engineers, and architects who wish to stay current on the latest code compliance issues to help facilitate safe and long-lasting PV systems. The primary focus is on the National Electrical Code (NEC), including the recent updates to the NEC with a permit and inspection guideline. The course will also focus on relevant code sections and plans for permit submissions in residential, commercial and utility scale systems. Please note that we will not cover the basics of photovoltaics in this class. NABCEP Continuing Education Credits are available.

The Grid: What is it and Should it Shape Policy for All-Electric Buildings?
2023-06-21 09:00 - 12:00 UTC | Bay Area Metro Center, 375 Beale St., San Francisco, CA, 94105, United States
Hybrid (Online and In-Person) Yerba Buena Room (Bay Area Metro Center) 375 Beale Street San Francisco, CA 94105 Questions about the electric grid’s capacity and reliability are coming up as local governments consider policies related to building energy use and electrification. Join us to explore these questions, starting with how the grid works. Speakers will also discuss California’s plans to ensure a reliable and affordable grid powered with renewable energy, the role of utilities, and how local governments are navigating the issues. This Forum is free and open to all and will be in a hybrid format with options to attend in person or virtually.

Cost-Effective Approaches for Energy Efficient Remodels
2023-06-20 09:00 - 11:30 UTC | CA
There are 82 million detached single-family homes in the US, and according to the US Energy Information Administration, there are 6.8 million in California. The average cost of energy in US households is about $2,060 per year according to Energy Star with nearly half of that money going to heating and cooling. The average home also adds 7.5 tons of greenhouse gasses each year. Steve Easley will draw upon his building science consulting experience to illustrate the most cost-effective, best practices measures to reduce energy use in the home. Steve prioritizes the energy-saving decisions and explains the best products and practices for insulation, windows, water heating, lighting, and HVAC system.

Climate Smart Webinar: Home Electrification Service Upgrades
2023-06-19 18:00 - 19:00 UTC | CA
Presented by EFCA Treasurer Sean Armstrong of Redwood Energy: The City of San José, in partnership with Redwood Energy, is holding a series of webinars to educate residents, contractors, developers, property owners and managers on a variety of electrification topics. This is Webinar 5: Home Electrification Service Upgrades. Home electrification can sometimes trigger an electric utility service upgrade, which can cost $2,500 – $30,000 and take 2 – 18 months to complete. Come learn what types of properties may need a service upgrade and what is involved in an upgrade. We’ll also discuss how to avoid an upgrade with energy efficiency, 120V appliances, clipping solar inverters, and load balancing “smart” plugs, subpanels, and whole house panels. With a little planning you can save a great deal of time and money.

Introduction to Heat Pump Water Heater Education 2023 ONLINE TRAININGS PRESENTED BY TECH CLEAN CALIFORNIA & ESMAC
2023-06-12 07:00 - 09:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | CA
Join TECH Clean California and ENERGY STAR® HPWH Manufacturer Action Council for a live webinar session focused on HPWH 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.For more info and to register.

Decarbonizing the Built Environment P3
2023-06-08 08:30 - 11:30 UTC | CA
Part 3 Mechanical Design Considerations for Low-Carbon Operations This session will focus on low-carbon, all-electric mechanical designs for multifamily residential and commercial buildings. More time will be dedicated to large commercial buildings and high-rise residential and their specific challenges. We’ll look at basic principals of low-carbon mechanical design and through case studies we will learn about different design options, technologies and challenges specific to different building types. Domestic hot water will also be discussed but will not be the main focus of the class.

Multifamily Electrification 101
2023-06-07 10:00 - 11:30 UTC | CA
Building electrification is advancing quickly with over 40 California jurisdictions adopting reach codes to advance electrification, which is critical to meet our local and state goals. In this class, we will discuss the benefits of electrification and the current policy and code considerations, provide an overview of what should be considered in an all-electric multifamily project (both new and retrofit), and explore technologies for electrification for all end uses, as well as the role of solar PV and electric vehicles. Come learn about what it takes to have a successful retrofit or new construction multifamily electrification project.

Introduction to Variable Capacity Heat Pumps, Improved Comfort and Energy Efficiency
2023-06-07 09:00 - 11:00 UTC | CA
This content offers an introduction to variable capacity heat pumps (VCHP) for contractors who are not yet familiar with this type of HVAC equipment. It begins by defining the type and continues by describing the intended benefits of VCHPs compared to earlier models of heat pumps. Participants take away important knowledge about VCHPs as well as an understanding of where to take their HVAC learning next. They will learn a simple classification strategy to help select the type of VCHP to use on their projects.
