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Planning commission undertaking first top-to-bottom revision in six decades, streamlining and speeding up land-use.

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Click here for full article

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Starting January 1, 2010 California began enforcing the ASHRAE 62.2 Indoor Ventilation Code as part of the new Title-24 Building Efficiency Standards.  Many architects, contractors, and building departments have been struggling to understand and implement the requirements as they wade thru the fairly complex and dense language of the ASHRAE 62.2-2007 code book and the references contained in the 2008 Title-24 Building Efficiency Standards and the Residential Manual.

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The California Energy Commission has promised and delivered a very helpful users guide that is now available for download.  Entitled: “Guide to the Indoor Ventilation Requirements of the 2008 Building Energy Efficiency Standards (ASHRAE 62.2).

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The guide contains, in a checklist format, the requirements for showing compliance with an exhaust-only ventilation approach including a very helpful appendix that contains the much anticipated sample note blocks that can be placed on the building plans for plancheck without the need to complete the actual CF-6R-MECH-5 Certificate of Installation which is not required to be produced until inspection.  This allows the designer to specify on the plans submitted to plancheck the requirements for ventilation airflow, the rooms where the whole-building and local ventilation exhaust fans will be located, and the duct sizing for the whole-building and local ventilation.

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These sample noteblocks can now be used and place on the plans to meet the requirements for submittal of the ventilation system specifications for plancheck.

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Click here to download

The California Public Utilities Commission issued a new Assigned Commissioner Ruling (ACR) on July 29, 2010 lifting a temporary hold on the issuance of confirmed reservations for Performance Based Incentive (PBI) and government/non-profit projects established by a July 9th ACR.

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The July 29th Ruling directs the CSI Program Administrators to resume processing and issuing confirmed reservations for all applications, including those impacted by the temporary postponement and held in queue in the order received, subject to the existing rules and processes of the program.

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The Commission will continue to consider the three modifications proposed in the July 9th Ruling (see below), which are 1) removal of the 8% discount rate embedded in the calculation of performance based incentive (PBI) payments; 2) reduction in the incentive rate offered for government and non-profit applicants; and 3) shifting of $20 million from the program administration budget to the incentive budget.

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If the Commission adopts either of the proposed incentive modifications, it is intended that such changes would apply only on a going forward basis, applicable to new applications seeking incentives after the date of any such decision.

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To read the July 29, 2010 CPUC Ruling canceling the temporary hold on certain application processing, click here.

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The City of Santa Monica is hosting a free training session on how to properly install insulation.

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Mark Madison, certified HERS rater, will show you how to install insulation correctly in order to comply with the Title-24 HERS QII (Quality Insulation Installation)

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Santa Monica is considering a requirement that all low-rise residential projects have a HERS verified QII inspection.

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If you are an insulation contractor this is a great opportunity to bring your entire crew to an actual construction site and get hands on training on how to comply with the strict QII requirements.

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If you are an architect or general contractor this will provide a useful education on what to look for and expect from your insulation contractor on your next project.

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Click here to register

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We’ve received numerous calls from HVAC contractors about the new HERS Refrigerant Charge Test procedures for new residential HVAC installations and change-outs.  There is a lot of confusion about when these tests are required and what steps the HVAC installer needs to take prior to the HERS rater arriving at the jobsite to perform the refrigerant charge verification test.  The rules are pretty straightforward but will require the HVAC installer to have a system and procedures in place so the the process goes smoothly without causing delays.

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Title-24 HERS Refrigerant Charge Verification is required prescriptively in most of the California Climate zones.  However in the coastal climate zones it is not required prescriptively but can be used as a compliance credit in the Title-24 compliance run.  Either way the HVAC contractor will know that the refrigerant charge verification test is required if it is documented on the Title-24 compliance report Certificate of Compliance (CF-1R)

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Here is a basic overview of the steps.

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Step 1: Properly charge the system with refrigerant.  HVAC installers are required to properly charge the system and detail the results on the new Title-24 CF-6R certificate of installation.

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Step 2: Provide access holes in the return and supply plenum for the HERS rater to perform the adequate airflow and  and the non-intrusive temperature split and static pressure measurements (see diagram below for access hole locations)

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Step 3: Provide the the HERS rater the detailed HVAC equipment specs including specs for the air handling unit.  This information will be documented on the same CF-6R form that was used to document that the proper refrigerant charge was installed.

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Step 4: Coordinate with the HERS rater.  The HERS rater will need your completed and signed CF-6R form prior to coming out for the refrigerant charge test.  They will also verify which diagnostic method you would prefer; the intrusive method (pressure gauges installed on the system) or the non-intrusive (STMS sensors and access holes for readings using temperature probes).  If the non-intrusive method is preferred then the HVAC installer is also required to install and have available STMS (Saturation Temperature Measurement Sensors) either factory installed or field installed according to the manufacturers specifications.

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Step 5: HERS rater verifies the proper refrigerant charge and airflow over the coil and documents the results by uploading to the CHEERS (California Home Energy Efficiency Rating System) website and generates a certified CF-4R which is provided to the HVAC installer, building department and homeowner.

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Some HVAC installers have expressed reluctance in having a HERS rater attach their own pressure gauges to the HVAC equipment for the test.  An alternative is to coordinate with the HERS rater so they are present during the initial refrigerant charge performed by the HVAC installer and can simply observe the pressure gauge readings and verify that they are in compliance with the Title-24 RA3.3-2 tables.   If the refrigerant charge meets these target numbers in the tables the HERS rater simply documents this on the CF-4R form.  However the HVAC installer will still be required to complete and sign their CF-6R certificate of installation and submit this to the HERS rater.

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double click diagram below to enlarge

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One of the most frustrating and problematic Title-24 issues for building officials is planchecking Title-24 energy code submittals for additions, remodels and alterations.

The rules and guidelines published by the California Energy Commission can be confusing and contridictory.  In addition the prescriptive and performance compliance approaches differ significantly and generate unique compliance forms.

Title-24, Title-24

Learn from Energy Code Works’ Mark Madison, one of the leading experts in Title-24 energy code compliance.  This new 3 1/2 hour webinar is designed specifically for building officials, plancheckers, and field inspectors and will examine in detail all the new 2008 Title-24 compliance submittal forms, proper modeling methods and demonstrate the best approach for efficient planchecking of Title-24 compliance documentation and plans.

Title-24, Title-24

Friday, December 18th,

8:30 a.m. to 12 noon

Title-24, Title-24

Cost: $125

To register click here

We’ve received a number of suggestions for our Title-24 training seminars including the suggestion to have a Saturday webinar for building officials, plancheckers, inspectors who are usually unavailable during the week.  We’ve scheduled our first Saturday afternoon webinar for November 28th from 1pm to 4pm.

This on-line Webinar class addresses the two most significant new changes to the residential Title-24 lighting & ventilation code.  As some of you are aware of the new 2008 Title-24 Building Efficiency Standards have been adopted in California and take effect January 1, 2010.  Two of the most sweeping changes involve residential indoor and outdoor lighting requirements, particularly kitchen lighting and the new adoption of ASHRAE 62.2, the requirement for residential mechanical ventilation for new construction and additions.

Title-24 Title-24

Residential Lighting requirements:
New restrictions, control requirements, high efficacy fixture requirements and incandescent allowances, and interior lighting worksheets will add an additional layer of complexity to residential lighting design.  This class will bring you up to speed on the new changes and address the underlying principles, calculation methods, strategies to assist you in complying with the new code changes and take you step by step thru the new WS-6R lighting certificate of compliance which must be filled out before the final certificate of occupancy will be issued. You will also understand which fixtures will comply as high efficacy (not all LED fixtures are certified as high efficacy), the new lighting control requirements for each room type and the new fixture and control requirements for residential outdoor lighting.

Title-24, Title-24

Residential mechanical ventilation requirements:
California has now adopted the requirements of ASHRAE Standard 62.2-2007 which means that starting January 1, 2010 all low-rise residential buildings are required to have whole house ventilation and satisfy other requirements to achieve acceptable indoor air quality.  You will learn the acceptable methods for satisfying outdoor fresh air requirements, and how to fill out the new certificates of installation forms.

Title-24 Title-24

Learn from Mark Madison, one of the leading experts in California’s Title-24 Building Efficiency Standards, a state certified Energy Plans Examiner, Certified Energy Analyst, HERS rater, HERS PV rater, Greepoint rater with over 25 years experience with building energy code compliance.

Title-24, Title-24

Who should attend?
Building officials, plancheckers, inspectors

To register click here

Title-24, Title 24

More upcoming webinars

The California Energy Commission adopted new Title 24 standards in 2008 that will go into effect on January 1, 2010.  Mark Madison from Energy Code Works, Inc. will lead this workshop that will provide an overview of Title 24 code changes and help you understand how to comply with these regulations. Please join us to get the latest information, ask questions, and find out more about how these rules affect residential and commercial buildings.

Location: Family Service Center,  14305 Morgan St. (Behind Morgan Street),  Baldwin Park, Ca. 91706

When: Thursday, October 29th, 2009.

Time: 8:30 a.m. – 11: 30 a.m.

Space is limited.  Click here for more information and to register

Want to get a first hand glimpse of a net-zero energy home that generates all its necessary power from renewable energy? You may get a chance if you live in one of the areas that the Living Zero Home Tour is traveling through. Starting just a week ago in Chicago, the Living Zero Home Tour is showcasing a net-zero energy home featuring energy efficient appliances and building technologies. The home will continue to travel through November so you can experience and see for yourself how energy efficient technologies are integrated and how they can easily lower monthly utility bills as well as your reduce environmental impact.

A number of sponsors have gotten together to build and promote the house including, All American Homes, Planet Green, GE, Engenuity Systems, State Water Heaters, Wyndham Hotel Group and Insignia Electronics by Best Buy. They have built a Zero Energy Home (ZEH), which has been designed and constructed to produce more energy than it consumes on an annual basis. Typically ZEHs are grid-connected and feed power into the grid when it is producing more energy than it is consuming. Contrariwise, the home takes from the grid when it needs more power than it can make. But over a year’s time, the home will produce more energy than it consumes.

This particular home generates all of its power from photovoltaic panels on the roof made by GE Brilliance Solar Power. Only with the help of all the other energy efficient technologies and appliances can the home be net zero though. The modular home was built in a factory to minimize construction waste and also includes a Smart Living System that monitors energy as well as other systems to help alert the homeowner to any potential problems like a leak, clogged filters, excessive energy use, or malfunctions.

All the kitchen and home appliances are Energy Star Rated and supplied by GE. The counters are by EcoTop Counter Surfaces and are made of FSC certified fibers made of a 50/50 blend of bamboo. All the electronics were provided by Insignia, which is the exclusive brand from Best Buy and are Energy Star Rated. Windows and doors are high performance fiberglass made by Pella and Therma-Tru. Other energy efficient products include Icynene foam insulation, Sea Gull Compact Flourescent Lighting, Solatube Daylighting Systems, and a Comfort-Aire Heat Pump. Hot water heating is provided by a tankless and on demand State Water Heater, along with water efficient faucets and shower heads by Delta. And lastly the home was painted with Sherwin Williams zero VOCs Harmony line of paint.

The tour will travel through 16 cities in the United States and concludes in Denver, CO in late November. Click here for exact cities and dates. Let us know if you get a chance to see it as it travels the country. Also if you go visit the home on it’s tour, you enter the Living Zero Home Tour Sweepstakes for you chance to win a 42? Insignia flat screen LCD Energy Star Rated Television, a GE Energy Star Rated Refrigerator or a GE Profile Energy Star Rated Dishwasher.

October 9-11th, Fontana Auto Club Speedway:

All parking at Auto Club Speedway is FREE.  Every vehicle entering the property on NASCAR Sundays must have a color-coded parking pass that corresponds with a designated access gate.  Parking gates open approximately one (1) hour before the admission gates. Parking permits are assigned at the time of ticket purchase and are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
	Auto Club Speedway 9300 Cherry Avenue Fontana, CA 92335
Download Map .pdf version

September 30, 2009

California Accelerates its Pursuit of Clean Energy

The nation’s first commercial solar power tower is located in California, in part because of the state’s aggressive renewable energy mandates. Credit: eSolar

California’s commitment to renewable energy and energy efficiency got two major boosts recently. For renewable energy, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed an executive order on September 15, requiring the state’s utilities to get a third of their electricity from renewable energy sources by 2020. The state currently has a 20% renewable power requirement by 2010 for investor-owned utilities only, but the executive order extends and increases that mandate, while also expanding it to include public power utilities and other electricity providers. The governor’s directive calls for the California Air Resources Board to adopt new regulations to implement the renewable mandate by July 31, 2010. Three years ago, Governor Schwarzenegger signed a bill to achieve a 25% cut in statewide greenhouse gas emissions by 2020, and the new renewable energy requirement will help to meet that goal. See the governor’s press release.

While making a substantial commitment to renewable energy, the state has also launched the largest investment in energy efficiency ever made by a state., On September 24, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) approved a $3.1 billion slate of ratepayer-supported energy efficiency programs for 2010-2012. The effort will be administered by California’s investor-owned utilities, including Southern California Edison, Pacific Gas and Electric Company, San Diego Gas and Electric Company, and the Southern California Gas Company. One benefit cited by CPUC is the launching of the nation’s largest home retrofit program. Under the California Statewide Program for Residential Energy Efficiency, the state aims to achieve a 20% energy savings for up to 130,000 homes over a three-year span.

The CPUC will also provide $175 million to encourage the construction of net zero energy homes and commercial buildings. That portion of the funding will help with design assistance, incentives for new buildings that exceed the state’s energy code, and research and demonstration of new energy technologies. In addition, the CPUC program sets aside $260 million in funds for 64 cities, counties, and regional agencies, targeting retrofits of public buildings as well as leading-edge energy efficiency opportunities. See the CPUC press release and the related fact sheet (PDF 30 KB). Download Adobe Reader.