CEA Recognized by Integrated Lighting Campaign

Image from: DOE’s Integrated Lighting Campaign

“The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Integrated Lighting Campaign (ILC) recognized 14 organizations for leading the adoption of advanced lighting controls and integration of lighting with other building systems. This campaign is part of the Better Buildings Initiative and worked with these partners, as well as 18 recognized last year, to demonstrate that integrated lighting systems are enabling deeper energy savings in buildings and creating an enhanced user and occupant experience. Partners were recognized at the Illumination Engineering Society (IES) annual conference on August 5th, 2023.”  

Recognized Supporters 

“These organizations are recognized for their exemplary support and advocacy of the use of advanced lighting controls and technologies that facilitate integration of lighting with other building systems to improve efficiency and performance.  

The California Energy Alliance (CEA) in Sacramento, CA is a nonprofit organization advocating for energy productivity and various aspects of energy efficiency, including lighting technologies. They are being recognized as an Exemplary Supporter. CEA collaborates with business, government, and NGO leaders to achieve economic growth, environmental justice, energy security, affordability, and resilience. CEA has worked to promote the ILC since early 2022 through emails and announcements included in monthly newsletters. CEA invited ILC team to speak on their Member Meetings, which resulted in connections with CEA members and raised awareness for the campaign. CEA also invited ILC to participate in structured member discussions during LightFair 2022, connecting the campaign with other members and stakeholders.”

Read more about the 2023 Recognitions here.

For information on CEA membership, initiatives, and history, contact josh.dean@caenergyalliance.org.

CEA Releases 2022 - 2027 Strategic Plan

SACRAMENTO, California, May 3, 2022 - The purpose of this Strategic Plan is to refocus the Alliance into a more aligned, relevant coalition as it grows in the coming years. Through the development of this Plan, CEA set out to refresh and strengthen its Vision and Mission and identify the key activities to improve California’s energy future.

This Plan highlights CEA’s revised Vision & Mission statements, core values, current and future initiatives, key performance indicators, and work plans that will drive the Alliance towards its Vision over the next (6) years.

Read the Strategic Plan Two-Pager.

About CEA
Founded in 2016, CEA is a nonprofit, non-partisan alliance of business, government, environmental and NGO leaders advocating for energy productivity to achieve economic growth, environmental justice, energy security, affordability, and resilience. CEA’s work focuses on advocacy, outreach, and evolution of codes, standards, and policy.

For information on CEA membership, initiatives, and history, contact josh.dean@caenergyalliance.org.

CEA Announces 2022 Board of Directors

SACRAMENTO, California, January 10, 2022—The California Energy Alliance (CEA), California’s leading energy stakeholder advocacy organization, today announced the 2022 Board of Directors and newly appointed Officers.

The Board of Directors is comprised of Christopher Ruch, National Energy Management Institute, President & Board Chair; Bernie Kotlier, California Labor Management Cooperation Committee, Vice President; Bernadette Boudreaux, Design Lights Consortium, Treasurer; John Busch, Leviton; Pekka Hakkarainen, Lutron; Cori Jackson, California Lighting Technology Center; Craig Ochoa, Dynalectric; Kelly Seeger, Signify; and Randy Young, Sheet Metal Workers Local 104.

“We’re starting 2022 with work on several important initiatives, developing topics for the 2025 code cycle, and increasing energy policy activity. The 2022 Board of Directors and Board of Senior Advisors will play a critical role in advancing our research and development activities around cost-effectiveness metrics, outcome-based approaches, and healthy existing buildings. We’re excited to have this Board leadership to guide us through the next phase of the organization and execute on the goals of our strategic plan.” said Josh Dean, CEA Executive Director.

About CEA

Founded in 2016, CEA is a nonprofit, non-partisan alliance of business, government, environmental and NGO leaders advocating for energy productivity to achieve economic growth, environmental justice, energy security, affordability, and resilience. CEA’s work focuses on advocacy, outreach, and evolution of codes, standards, and policy.

For information on CEA membership, initiatives, and history, see https://caenergyalliance.org/or contact josh.dean@caenergyalliance.org. 

CEA Releases 2020 Annual Report

SACRAMENTO, California, August 13, 2021 - The California Energy Alliance (CEA), California’s leading energy stakeholder advocacy organization, today released its 2020 Annual Report. During the past year, while we have been unable to come together in-person, CEA members and staff continued to create and support a collection of critical energy initiatives that are sure to improve our workspaces, neighborhoods and businesses for years to come. Here are some of the highlights:

• CEA authored its second code change proposal that included improved, simplified requirements for automated demand response technologies, including demand-responsive controlled receptacles. CEA’s recommendations will become part of California’s 2022 Building Energy Efficiency Standards.

• CEA was selected to lead a $1M initiative focused on development of building and appliance energy standards for plug load devices such as residential networking hardware and laboratory equipment.

Read the full 2020 Annual Report.

About CEA
Founded in 2016, CEA is a nonprofit, non-partisan alliance of business, government, environmental and NGO leaders advocating for energy productivity to achieve economic growth, environmental justice, energy security, affordability, and resilience. CEA’s work focuses on advocacy, outreach, and evolution of codes, standards, and policy.

For information on CEA membership, initiatives, and history, contact josh.dean@caenergyalliance.org.

CEA Awarded GFO Grant from California Energy Commission for Advanced Plug Load Research

SACRAMENTO, California, February 16, 2021 — The California Energy Alliance (CEA), California’s leading energy stakeholder advocacy organization, today announced that they were awarded EPIC funding for the California Energy Commission (CEC) solicitation GFO-20-303 for applied research and development and technology demonstration and deployment projects that advance innovative technologies for controlling plug load and exterior lighting energy use.

The objectives of the research are to reduce electricity use of active and standby modes for residential and commercial plug load devices and provide information that may inform future updates to codes and standards.  

CEA will partner with the University of California, Davis (California Lighting Technology Center) and University of California, Irvine (CALPLUG) in the project. The project is expected to span three years, and work is expected to start in March 2021. The total funding allocated for this part of the opportunity is $997,000.

“This research is important because plug loads are one of the fastest growing categories of energy use in residential and commercial buildings in California and are not currently widely monitored or controlled. Results from the research will ultimately have a tangible impact on how we implement future demand management and grid modernization strategies in California. This project is also a prime example of how CEA leverages the rich diversity of collaborative expertise in its member base to identify and deliver vital research and development to meet the demands of evolving California’s energy future. We look forward to working with our partners and the California Energy Commission on this exciting project,” said Josh Dean, CEA Executive Director.”

The CEC received eleven proposals by the due date, October 5, 2020. Each proposal was screened, reviewed, evaluated, and scored using the solicitation criteria. All eleven proposals passed the stage one application screening.

The project was approved at a publicly noticed CEC business meeting on February 10, 2021. For information on the meeting see: https://www.energy.ca.gov/event/meeting/2021-02/energy-commission-business-meeting

For more information on GFO-20-303 and the Notice of Proposed Awards, see:
https://www.energy.ca.gov/solicitations/2020-07/gfo-20-303-advanced-plug-load-and-smart-exterior-lighting-systems  and   https://www.energy.ca.gov/media/4693

About the California Energy Commission

The California Energy Commission is leading the state to a 100 percent clean energy future. It has seven core responsibilities: developing renewable energy, transforming transportation, increasing energy efficiency, investing in energy innovation, advancing state energy policy, certifying thermal power plants, and preparing for energy emergencies.

About CEA
Founded in 2016, CEA is a nonprofit, non-partisan alliance of business, government, environmental and NGO leaders advocating for energy productivity to achieve economic growth, environmental justice, energy security, affordability, and resilience. CEA’s work focuses on advocacy, outreach, and evolution of codes, standards, and policy.

For information on CEA membership, initiatives, and history, see https://caenergyalliance.org/  or contact clifton.lemon@caenergyalliance.org.

CEA Announces New Board of Directors, Technical Advisory Council

SACRAMENTO, California, January 8, 2021 - The California Energy Alliance (CEA), California’s leading energy stakeholder advocacy organization, today announced the formation of a new Board of Directors and a Technical Advisory Council.

The Board of Directors is comprised of Cori Jackson, California Lighting Technology Center, President and Board Chair; Bernie Kotlier, California Labor Management Cooperation Committee, Vice President; John Martin, Treasurer; Doug Avery, Avery Energy Enterprises; Bernadette Boudreaux, Design Lights Consortium; John Busch, Leviton; Pekka Hakkarainen, Lutron; Kelly Seeger, Signify; and Randy Young, Sheet Metal Workers Local 104. 

The Technical Advisory Council comprised of: Dick Lord, Carrier; Craig Ochoa, Dynalectric; and Dan Salinas, Salinas Lighting Consult. 

“We’re starting 2021 with a new strategic plan, work on several important new initiatives, and successful funding and new membership activity. The formation of our new Board of Directors and Technical Advisory Council is part of this effort and helps us to clarify our focus and execute on our core mission.” said Josh Dean, CEA Executive Director. 

About CEA
Founded in 2016, CEA is a nonprofit, non-partisan alliance of business, government, environmental and NGO leaders advocating for energy productivity to achieve economic growth, environmental justice, energy security, affordability, and resilience. CEA’s work focuses on advocacy, outreach, and evolution of codes, standards, and policy.

For information on CEA membership, initiatives, and history, contact clifton.lemon@caenergyalliance.org.

CEA Appoints Josh Dean as Executive Director

SACRAMENTO, California, September 11, 2020—The California Energy Alliance (CEA), California’s leading energy stakeholder advocacy organization, today announced the appointment of Josh Dean as Executive Director. Mr. Dean joins CEA in a period of sustained membership growth and expansion for the organization, a continuing focus on its core initiatives – Building Energy Efficiency Standards; Outcome-Based Code; Code Compliance Improvement; Cost Effectiveness Metrics; and Outreach and Education – and a new focus on emerging initiatives and fundamental research.

Mr. Dean was formerly the Executive Director for the San Diego Green Building Council, a CEA member organization, and brings over a decade of experience in the sustainability, construction, and real estate industries with projects ranging from energy retrofits and LEED O+M Certification to supervising commercial new construction and residential development. He also has extensive experience working with multiple government agencies, businesses, and nonprofits to deliver projects and education around sustainability. He recently earned a Master of Science in Energy Policy and Climate from Johns Hopkins University where his thesis work was focused on Developing a Policy Framework for an Outcome-Based Energy Code in California.

“Josh brings a skillset to the Alliance that is particularly well suited to our current needs and our evolution as an organization: his experience managing a nonprofit NGO well aligned with CEA’s mission; a deep understanding of green building, and energy efficiency; and a solid working knowledge of the needs and interrelationships of California municipalities, utilities, state government, the building industry, and energy policy and technology players,” said Doug Avery, CEA Co-Chair.

For information on CEA membership, initiatives, and history, contact clifton.lemon@caenergyalliance.org.

Comment Now on 2022 Proposals to California Energy Commission

The California Energy Alliance (CEA) has developed three proposals to help improve California's Building Energy Efficiency Standards. Codes and standards are better when stakeholders get involved - we need your input!  

The proposals were developed to support the 2022 Energy Standards update and address: 

1. Automated demand responsive control systems for 120-V receptacles

2. A new design option that uses measured building performance as the primary method for verifying code compliance

3. Development of a new data registry and repository for energy compliance forms and information

Comments are welcome through September 24, 2020 and may be submitted to CEA by email to comments@caenergyalliance.org. Before providing comments, please read each proposal carefully. Focused comments that refer to sections, pages, or specific components of each proposal are most helpful and will be prioritized.

CEA is the only energy advocacy organization to have its code change proposals adopted as part of recent California Energy Standards updates. CEA's proposals are self-funded and developed by members in collaboration with interested public participants, industry experts, and the people working every day in California buildings.

CEA Holds Quarterly Meeting in June 2020

California Energy Alliance held its second Quarterly Member Meeting of 2020 last week on June 10, in its first all-virtual format. Fifty attendees from CEA’s diverse membership participated in the sessions, which included presentations by Josh Dean, Executive Director of San Diego Green Building Council, and Chris Ruch, Director of Training for the National Energy Management Institute. The meeting included breakout sessions on different CEA committee initiatives: Outcome-Based Code; Cost-Effectiveness Metrics; Code Compliance Improvement and the Central Nonresidential Data Repository proposal; and Indoor Environmental Quality. 

CEA Announcements

• CEA’s 2020 membership drive has resulted in 15 new members between February and May 

• CEA proposals and recommendations submitted in April to the California Energy Commission (CEC) for the 2022 code cycle for Title 24 Part 6 include: 

  • A proposal for an Exceptional Designs compliance mechanism to include novel compliance approaches for non-residential new buildings that don’t align with the existing performance or prescriptive approaches

  • Recommendations for a Central Nonresidential Data Registry/Repository (CNDR) to support improved compliance and enforcement of California's Building Energy Efficiency Standards 

  • Recommendations on enhancement to Title 24 on Demand Management, in collaboration with the Codes and Standards Enhancement team

• CEA recently published a whitepaper titled “Legislation Needed to Modernize and Harmonize Energy-Related Program Cost-Effectiveness Metrics and Methodologies” 

Presentations
Josh Dean’s presentation summarized his paper, “Developing a Policy Framework for an Outcome-Based Energy Code in California, and Its implications.” The paper, an important piece of groundwork for CEA’s Outcome-Based Code initiative, identifies legislative and regulatory pathways in California which allow nonresidential building energy codes to establish compliance and enforcement mechanisms extending past a building's design, construction, and issuance of certificate of occupancy phases.

Chris Ruch’s presentation focused on the role of ventilation, and especially carbon dioxide levels, in overall indoor environmental quality and building health. The COVID-19 pandemic has in a short time drawn attention to the widespread deficiencies of many installed ventilation systems and the need for increased outside air, better maintenance, and revised codes and standards 

Breakout Sessions
Outcome-Based Code -This session discussed CEA’s upcoming research project that will look at modeled vs measured energy use in California buildings

Cost Effectiveness Metrics - This session focused on revisions to the recent cost-effective metrics whitepaper, and on next steps for this important initiative

Code Compliance Improvement - This session discussed the recent CNDR proposal to the CEC; the need to document code issues of complexity and irrelevance, and to identify new topics, audiences, opportunities for CEA involvement in code compliance improvement, education and outreach.

Indoor Environmental Quality - The primary subject of this breakout session was to consider the formation of a subcommittee focused on all aspects of indoor environmental quality: lighting and health, including UVC/germicidal lighting; ventilation. It was decided that such a subcommittee was indeed worth pursuing, pending identifying committed members and specific objectives

Summary
CEA continues to grow and to provide an unprecedented level of access to the process of making codes, standards and policy that benefit California energy stakeholders and set the best course for California’s energy future.

“We were very pleased that participation in our first all virtual quarterly meeting was so high, and that we were able to accomplish everything we typically do at our in-person meetings. We welcomed many new members for the first time and will greatly from their fresh perspective and the additional resources they bring to CEA. We were also particularly happy to see that the presentations, ensuing discussions, and the breakout sessions resulted in the very high level of cross-disciplinary exposure to ideas and problem solving approaches that CEA was founded to achieve,” said CEA Co-Chair Doug Avery. 

CEA Appoints Clifton Stanley Lemon as Development Consultant, Announces Membership Drive

SACRAMENTO, California, January 21, 2020—The California Energy Alliance (CEA), a stakeholder advocacy organization committed to smart, sustainable energy use in the built environment, today announced the appointment of Clifton Stanley Lemon as Development Consultant. Mr. Lemon will lead the effort to expand CEA membership to represent an even wider range of California energy and resource stakeholder interests. For a list of CEA members see https://caenergyalliance.org/members.

“Since our inception in 2016, we’ve had substantial success in helping to modernize California energy codes, by giving our members a real voice in the regulatory process, and by helping regulators understand the needs and behaviors of the market. As we enter a new phase of growth in 2020, we’re poised to expand our reach and our role in fulfilling our core mission. With experience spanning the worlds of green building, consulting engineering, manufacturing, and non-profit organizations, Clifton brings to this effort passion for energy, behavior, and the built environment; an unusually well-rounded skillset; and a deep and diverse network,” said Doug Avery, CEA Co-Chair. 

“CEA serves as a crucial bridge between regulators and the market, and offers a unique way for a broad coalition of stakeholders – manufacturers, NGOs, consulting firms, trade organizations, and individual practitioners – to clarify their understanding of initiatives as well as to give vital input to the regulatory process. Our organization and unique approach allow us to accomplish this much more efficiently than traditional methods, largely because of the collective dedication and expertise of our members. We’re looking for new members across many different industries who are passionate about energy and building and are committed to working for positive change to address the considerable challenges we face in California’s future,” said Cori Jackson, CEA Co-Chair.  

For information on CEA membership, initiatives, and history, contact clifton.lemon@caenergyalliance.org.

CEA Announces New Co-Chair and Office Location

SACRAMENTO, Calif. October 8, 2019—The California Energy Alliance (CEA), a member-based organization committed to smart, sustainable energy use within the built environment, is pleased to announce that Cori Jackson will succeed John Martin as the organization’s Co-Chair, alongside existing Co-Chair Doug Avery. In addition, the organization has opened a full-time office location in Sacramento to better serve its members and contribute toward energy policy development.

“I am humbled and excited to assume this new role,” notes Cori Jackson, CEA Co-Chair. “Under John’s founding leadership, CEA accomplished significant achievements in helping drive consensus-based, pragmatic developments to California’s energy codes, particularly Title 24-2019. I look forward to continuing this work to spearhead new initiatives and developments in the next cycles of the state’s energy policies.”

The organization’s new Sacramento office is located at 836 57th Street, Suite #420, Sacramento, CA 95819.

About California Energy Alliance (CEA) 

Cori_jackson_closeuip.jpg
Founded in late 2016, the California Energy Alliance (CEA) unites representatives of a broad range of organizations concerned about energy and the built environment. As a member-based organization, CEA works to improve California’s energy future and the migration toward a carbon-free energy horizon. CEA focuses on the promotion and realization of deep energy savings, sustainable energy generation, and integration. The Alliance actively participates in the development and implementation of pragmatic, environmentally and economically sound building energy standards and other initiatives. More information about CEA can be found at https://caenergyalliance.org

California Energy Alliance and Energy Management Association Announce Upcoming Collaboration

NOVATO, Calif. August 15, 2019—The California Energy Alliance (CEA), a member-based organization committed to smart, sustainable energy use within the built environment, is pleased to announce it will be collaborating with the Energy Management Association (EMA) on important activities, including a Title 24 Code Roundtable at the EMA’s CxEnergy Conference April 6-9, 2020 in San Diego. The collaboration will enable both organizations to leverage common interests related to the continuous optimization of building energy performance.

“CEA is excited to collaborate with the EMA in the upcoming several months, as EMA members bring an important, building owner/operator perspective to the CEA work in developing energy policy,” notes Doug Avery, CEA Co-Chair.

“We are delighted to welcome the California Energy Alliance as a Supporting Organization at CxEnergy and as a partner with EMA. We also look forward to the presentation they will provide on California energy codes and standards. CEA’s impressive depth on issues and diversity of membership will help ensure that CxEnergy has topical educational content for local attendees,” said Rusty Ross a member of EMA and president of its affiliated AABC Commissioning Group.

 About California Energy Alliance (CEA) 
Founded in late 2016, the California Energy Alliance (CEA) unites representatives of a broad range of organizations concerned about energy and the built environment. As a member-based organization, CEA works to improve California’s energy future and the migration toward a carbon-free energy horizon. CEA focuses on the promotion and realization of deep energy savings, sustainable energy generation, and integration. The Alliance actively participates in the development and implementation of pragmatic, environmentally and economically sound building energy standards and other initiatives. More information about CEA can be found at https://caenergyalliance.org

About the Energy Management Association (EMA)

EMA is dedicated to advancing the quality of energy management products and services for the benefit of the building owner and serves as an advocate for energy efficiency policies in Washington. EMA developed and manages the DOE Better Buildings® Workforce-recognized Energy Management Professional Certification program, which features a commissioning-based energy management system that emphasizes both energy savings and building optimization. EMA conducts a wide variety of training programs through seminars, webinars and the annual CxEnergy Conference & Expo. More information about EMA can be found at https://www.energymgmt.org/.

CEA Earns GuideStar Bronze Seal of Transparency

NOVATO, Calif. July 23, 2019—The California Energy Alliance (CEA), a member-based organization committed to smart, sustainable energy use within the built environment, has achieved the Bronze Seal of Transparency from GuideStar, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing information and resources to charitable organizations, donors, and peer organizations. The Bronze Seal of Transparency represents the CEA’s commitment to providing objective, verifiable information about its organization, goals and program progress to members and potential donors.

“We are proud to demonstrate our commitment to transparency as we continue to work toward achieving our goals,” notes John Martin, CEA Co-Chair. “Our members and donors can place their trust in our dedication, not only to our program goals, but to the best practices of nonprofit governance.”

About California Energy Alliance (CEA) 
Founded in late 2016, the California Energy Alliance (CEA) unites representatives of a broad range of organizations concerned about energy and the built environment. As a member-based organization, CEA works to improve California’s energy future and the migration toward a carbon-free energy horizon. CEA focuses on the promotion and realization of deep energy savings, sustainable energy generation, and integration. The Alliance actively participates in the development and implementation of pragmatic, environmentally and economically sound building energy standards and other initiatives.

CEA Conducts Workshop on HVAC Industry Modernization and Code Compliance Initiatives

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Photo by chuttersnap on Unsplash

WILDOMAR, Calif. March 5, 2019—The California Energy Alliance (CEA), a member-based organization committed to smart, sustainable energy use within the built environment, conducted a workshop focused on its recent HVAC Modernization Initiative in mid-February. Sponsored by industry member greenNet IoT, the workshop gathered 20 senior-level stakeholders from across the state and nation including former FERC Chairman, Jon Wellinghoff, former PG&E Program Manager, Charles Segerstrom, Bill Spohn of TrueTech Tools, and Michael Singer representing DLL Financial. Also represented were design professionals, labor unions, the California Energy Commission, HERS Raters, and energy consulting organizations. The intensive two-day workshop was held at a UC Davis facility in Davis, California on February 13-14, 2019.

Charles Segerstrom, Co-Chair, CEA Mechanical Committee observed, “Currently, CEA is focused on initiatives designed to help California meet its challenging permitting compliance improvement goals mandated under Senate Bill 1414 (Statues of 2016). This calls for the California Energy Commission and California Public Utilities Commission to adopt programs to increase compliance with state laws regarding the installation of air conditioning and heat pump systems from what is now estimated to be between 5% and 10% to 90% by 2020.”

Eric Taylor, Co-Chair of the CEA Compliance Committee added, “The state is not going to achieve these goals by doing more of the same. This calls for innovative ideas and assertive leadership from California’s regulators and industry. California, once again, has the opportunity to take a leadership role in the nation.”

Noted John Martin, CEA Co-Chair, “The CEA is emphasizing that improving compliance and modernizing the HVAC industry offers benefits to the state’s ratepayers, home and building owners, and industry participants.”

The workshop helped focus the organization on identifying the simplest, least expensive, and most effective options for achieving compliance, while setting the stage for a private-market energy efficiency industry and a smart grid.

More information on CEA and its HVAC modernization initiative may be found at www.caenergyalliance.org

California Energy Alliance Receives Significant Member Contribution for Outcome-Based Code Initiative

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Photo by Sasha • Stories on Unsplash

WILDOMAR, Calif. Feb. 12, 2019—The California Energy Alliance (CEA), a member-based organization committed to smart, sustainable energy use within the built environment, is pleased to announce it has received significant funding from the California Labor Management Cooperation Committee (LMCC), already a current member, for CEA’s recently-announced Outcome-Based Code (OBC) initiative. The LMCC, an organization devoted to representing the interests of the electrical industry from both labor and management perspectives, works closely with both the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA).

The OBC initiative, kicked off by the CEA in late 2018, focuses on developing and implementing energy performance standards that rely on actual energy use measured in real time instead of load forecast calculations, or modeling. Currently, California Title 24 provides for only two compliance paths: a prescriptive path most often used for retrofit and small new construction projects and a performance-based path most often used for large new construction and major renovation projects. The prescriptive path is complex and unable to keep up with technological advances, and the performance-based path is expensive. Neither approach accurately captures actual building energy performance and efficiency. An outcome-based code framework allows building professionals increased latitude to use systems and designs that meet the functional and aesthetic goals for a building.  Most importantly, OBC provides actual energy use data to give Californians confidence that their energy efficiency dollars are spent in the most effective way.                                                                         

"The work CEA is undertaking toward advancing a pragmatic, sustainable framework for outcome-based energy codes represents a unique opportunity for the electrical industry to participate in policy development that will impact today’s and tomorrow’s electrical professionals, and maximize ratepayer’s return on investment,” notes Bernie Kotlier, Executive Director of the LMCC. “We are very excited about participating in this work and look forward to fruitful collaboration amongst all the stakeholders involved.”

“We are very pleased to receive this additional focused financial support from the LMCC,” said John Martin, CEA Co-Chair. “We recognize that this kind of contribution demonstrates the trust our members have in our organization to drive collaboration among a diverse set of stakeholders to achieve true energy policy improvements for California’s future.”

More information on CEA and its initiatives may be found at www.caenergyalliance.org.

CEA Launches Workshop Series on Outcome-Based Energy Standards

Photo by All Bong on Unsplash

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WILDOMAR, Calif. Jan. 16, 2019—The California Energy Alliance (CEA), a member-based organization committed to smart, sustainable energy use within the built environment, kicked off a major initiative to spur gains in building energy efficiency through the development and deployment of an outcome-based energy code compliance strategy with its first focused workshop in mid-December 2018. The daylong event, held in San Diego, California, gathered more than 40 policy leaders from across the state and nation, representing industry, academia, labor, environmental organizations, design professionals, and National Laboratories.

Outcome-based codes (OBC) rely on energy budgets measured in real time instead of connected load metrics or modeling. This allows designers increased latitude to use systems and designs that meet the functional and aesthetic goals for a building.  Notes CEA Co-Chair Doug Avery, “Currently, there are only two paths for Title 24 compliance: a prescriptive path most often used for retrofit and small new construction projects and a performance-based path most often used for large new construction and major renovation projects. The prescriptive path is complex and unable to keep up with technological advances, and the performance-based path is expensive. Neither approach accurately captures actual building energy performance. To continue to progress toward optimal energy performance, the outcome-based code framework is most promising.”

Workshop participants reviewed adoption, compliance and enforcement challenges as well as a deep-dive into defining the framework of an effective OBC. Through facilitated group and breakout sessions, participants established an initial roadmap toward next steps, including necessary research, further outreach and collaboration with stakeholder organizations, engagement with jurisdictions already experienced in OBC, and identifying the pathways toward marketplace consensus necessary for ultimate adoption and implementation.

John Martin, fellow CEA Co-Chair, observed, “Often, energy code workshops reflect a sense of frustration and discouragement due to the challenges around development and implementation. The CEA OBC workshop radiated enthusiasm and recognition that OBC represents an incredible opportunity both to simplify energy codes and take a quantum leap toward realizing California’s strategic energy goals. The CEA is grateful to all participants, members and funders who are collaborating toward this important goal.”

More information on CEA and its initiatives may be found at www.caenergyalliance.org.

CEA Hosts Statewide Convening to Support 2022 Energy Standards

WILDOMAR, Calif. Dec. 6, 2018 — The California Energy Alliance (CEA), a member-based organization committed to smart, sustainable energy use within the built environment, conducted a statewide convening Thursday, November 29, 2018, in Davis, California. The invitation-only, daylong event gathered a disparate group of stakeholders and policy advisers to explore policy directions for California’s 2022 Building Energy Efficiency Standards (Title 24-2022) to continue the state’s momentum toward decarbonization and greater energy efficiency.

Led by a professional facilitator, participants included members of academia, utilities, environmental organizations, members of the California Energy Commission and staff, representatives of the state’s Independent System Operator (ISO), industry, labor organizations, and national laboratories.

“The Alliance has been committed to creating a collaborative approach to policy development by encouraging diverse viewpoints and perspectives,” notes John Martin, CEA Co-Chair and Convening participant, “With the ambitious strategic vision set forth by the state to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 40% below 1990 levels by 2030, this type of collaborative effort will spur the emergence of pragmatic, yet effective, code-based initiatives.”

The group reviewed the current status of the state’s progress toward these goals before breaking into working groups tasked with generating concepts and proposals to “future proof” Title 24 while creating a structure to incentivize decarbonization and grid stability activities across the built environment.

Doug Avery, fellow CEA Co-Chair reflects,

“The day was extremely productive with concepts encompassing continuous commissioning, onsite energy storage capacity, building electrification, grid integration, electric vehicles and associated EV charging infrastructure, outcome-based energy performance metrics, and alternatives to time-dependent valuation methods. We’re confident this effort will continue to move forward to provide Californians with innovative and effective policies for Title 24-2022. The CEA would like to thank all the participants, members and sponsors who made this vital step possible.”

For a copy of the press release, click here.

More information on CEA and its initiatives may be found at www.caenergyalliance.org.

Energy Foundation partners with CEA to Advance Solutions for California's Energy Challenges

WILDOMAR, Calif. Oct. 2, 2018—The California Energy Alliance (CEA), a member-based organization committed to smart, sustainable energy use within the built environment, is pleased to announce it has received a grant from the Energy Foundation, an organization dedicated to building a prosperous and healthy future powered by clean, reliable, and secure sources of energy.

"CEA represents a diverse and effective set of voices calling for straightforward building energy efficiency standards,” said Jose Carmona, program director, California Campaigns at Energy Foundation. “We look forward to partnering with them to advance cutting-edge technological solutions in the built environment that will generate good-paying jobs, spur local economies, and protect our natural resources. CEA is an effective and knowledgeable leader and we’re confident in their ability to inform the conversation as we seek to build a healthier, more equitable future."

 “We are proud and humbled to receive this support from the Energy Foundation,” said Doug Avery, CEA Co-Chair. “The recognition that our organization is making an important contribution to California energy policy is rewarding, and the grant itself will make possible activities such as early-stage stakeholder engagement and code change proposals for California’s 2022 Building Energy Efficiency Standards that will help accelerate our ability to drive consensus-based policy developments.”

For a copy of the press release, click here.

More information on CEA and its initiatives may be found at www.caenergyalliance.org.

CEA Publishes HVAC Industry Modernization Plan to Support California SB1414

The California Energy Alliance (CEA) has published a comprehensive HVAC industry modernization plan in support of California Senate Bill 1414 that shows how today’s technology can be leveraged to quickly meet the bill’s important mandates. SB 1414 calls for the California Energy Commission to adopt a plan by January 2019 to improve compliance in the installation of air conditioning and heat pump systems.

 The CEA plan outlines four key initiatives that will, if enacted as a cohesive, targeted program, modernize and push the industry towards increased use of embedded energy monitoring and verification, demand response, equipment registration and online permitting technologies. These technologies are available today on the open market. The plan calls for the Energy Commission to manage development of specifications to facilitate these technologies and create a public-private partnership, similar to California’s Home Energy Rating System, that will encourage entrepreneurs to invest in California’s compliance goals. The plan advocates for a reasonable, near term solution to California’s HVAC compliance issues and avoids creating more slow-moving, state-run programs funded at the taxpayer’s expense. CEA members are already working with organizations to implement these initiatives in the marketplace.

 The plan, published through the Energy Commission’s public docket process, is also available from the CEA. To learn more about this important topic and download a copy of CEA’s plan, please visit the Alliance’s website at https://caenergyalliance.org/mechanical-systems/.

CEA Announces Two New Members, Set to Expand Mechanical Initiatives

The California Energy Alliance is pleased to  announce its two newest members, Enalasys Corporation and the Joint Committee on Energy and Environmental Policy. Eric Taylor, founder and CEO of Enalasys Corporation, and David Diaz of the Sheet Metal Workers Local 104 and Joint Committee on Energy and Environmental Policy, will work together to expand the mechanical branch of the Alliance. 

Reflecting on the addition of this segment of stakeholders, Co-Chair John Martin notes, “The potential for improving energy efficiency in existing buildings and homes represents one of the largest and most cost-effective distributed energy resources (DER) currently available to California. In most homes, the HVAC system is the single largest energy consumer. CEA recognizes the critical need to address mechanical systems, including HVAC, as a means to improve California’s energy landscape.”

Given CEA’s mission to participate in the development and implementation of pragmatic, environmentally and economically sound building energy standards, CEA welcomes these new members who will provide an expanded presence in the HVAC building space.

Enalasys is a California-based verification service provider (VSP) and developer of innovative energy efficiency products and services for the HVAC industry. The Joint Committee on Energy and Environmental Policy is a joint Task Force charged with the responsibility to monitor and influence energy and environmental policy in the State of California as it pertains to and impacts the heating, ventilating & air conditioning industry.