California’s Real Estate Energy Compliance FAQs: The Steps to Compliance

energy efficiency planning, energy planning in California, energy planning guidance in California, energy planning consultants California, Energy Consulting Services.

One of the most frequently asked questions that we get from developers regarding energy planning and compliance is ‘what exactly do we have to do?’ While the exact process is a little too lengthy for a single article (feel free to give us a call if you want the full list), we can offer here the basic process involved with assuring energy compliance.

In this article, we will show our general recommended process to energy compliance, as well as the reasons that these steps should take place in order to mitigate all associated risks and streamline the development process.

This is the third post in our ongoing series on frequently asked questions about energy compliance in development projects throughout California. In this series, we cover the three most frequently asked questions in development projects and our answers to each. If you have found this post of use, you may want to check out the rest of this series.

Follow the links:

Part 1 ‒ The Top 3 FAQs About Energy Compliance in California’s Development Projects

Part 2 ‒ California’s Real Estate Energy Compliance FAQs: Why Is It Necessary?

Part 3 ‒ California’s Real Estate Energy Compliance FAQs: The Steps to Compliance

Part 4 ‒ California’s Real Estate Energy Compliance FAQs: How Much Does Compliance Cost?

Part 5 ‒ The Risks of Not Passing California’s Real Estate Energy Codes

 


 

Review the construction documents

A review of energy systems is the best way to catch any potential problems with the installation of energy systems. It is in the best interest for both the budget and the schedule of the project to get a professional to review the construction documents early in the process.

There are many cases in which the systems look perfect in the plans, but when it comes time to implement them, there are certain unforeseen problems that create onsite changes with little to no oversight. This is one of the most common reasons behind costly rebuilds, so ensuring that the implementation of the systems is actually feasible is the best course to mitigate risks regarding energy systems.

 

Materials and practices

Once the plans are approved, the next step is to ensure that the construction materials and practices are up to code. This is the second most common reason behind costly rebuilds and halts in schedule – if the materials used in a flawless construction do not pass inspection, then that is money and time lost over a slight, albeit very common, oversight.

The best way to ensure that the construction materials and practices are up to code is to have an energy consultant take a look at the materials and train the correct construction practices depending on the project.

 

Pre-inspection

Before the inspection is to happen, have a professional come in and ensure that the installation and construction has been completed as planned. If the previous steps have been completed properly then this should not be an issue, but it is best to take advantage of the full extent of an energy consultant’s services.

So, in short – what a developer has to do to reach energy compliance is to:

  • Understand the energy code depending on the project
  • Review the construction documents to see if they meet code
  • Review the construction documents to see if their implementation is feasible while retaining to code
  • Ensure that the materials meet code
  • Ensure that the building practices meet code
  • Time inspections correctly
  • Have a pre-inspection review
  • Ensure that all of the paperwork is completed

 

Feel free to join us in our next article in this series on the costs of energy compliance in a real-estate project.

 

Next –> California’s Real Estate Energy Compliance FAQs: How Much Does Compliance Cost?

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Villa Garcia Apartments

Villa Garcia Apartments is an affordable housing complex in Thousand Oaks, CA that completed a sustainability and energy efficiency renovation in 2017.

E3 California was contracted to complete the CTCAC Sustainable Building Methods (workbook) for the Application and Placed In Service phases, to coordinate with the SoCalREN incentive program, and to field verify the installation of all required energy efficiency measures for CTCAC and SoCalREN.

Originally built in 1964, Villa Garcia completed its first renovation in 2000. Renovations in 2017 include new energy efficient windows, new HVAC heating and cooling units, and lighting within tenant units upgraded to LED.

Project Name: Villa Garcia Apartments
Location: Thousand Oaks, CA
Client: Many Mansions
Green Building Program(s):  CTCAC, SoCalREN Program
Buildings/Units/Stories: Twenty (20) 2-story buildings with 80 tenant units

Villa Del Comanche

E3 California was contracted to complete the CTCAC Sustainable Building Methods (workbook) for the Application and Placed In Service phases, to coordinate with the PG&E MUP incentive program administratively, perform the test-in site assessment, and to field verify the installation of all required energy efficiency measures for the program and CTCAC.

Built in 1979-80, the upgraded energy measures at the property included new HVAC systems rated at 95% AFUE, 14 SEER/11 EER; new vinyl windows with an average U-factor 0.28/ SHGC 0.24; new Shingle Cool Roofing; and Energy Star refrigerators. The calculated percent improvement from existing conditions as determined by the PG&E Multifamily Upgrade program (MUP) was 24%.

Project Name: Villa Del Comanche
Location: Arvin, CA
Client: Highland Property Development, Inc.
Green Building Program(s): CTCAC, PG&E Multifamily Upgrade Program
Buildings/Units/Stories: 7 Buildings; 57 units; 2 stories

Fun Facts: This community development has created quality, affordable housing for hundreds of families in Paso Robles. It received the 2019 Beautification of the Year Award by the Paso Robles Chamber of Commerce.

The HIVE

The Hive is a mixed-use community in uptown Oakland combining existing buildings, historical renovations, and newly constructed buildings. It is a combination of commercial spaces and residential units.

Energy building measures at the property include field verified Quality Insulation Installation (QII), high performance windows and patio doors, a solar water heating system and CRRC cool roofing products. Green building measures include 100% ENERGY STAR appliances in the residential units, 60% drought tolerant landscape, high levels of access to several local amenities and local transportation within ½ mile of the community, promoting community connectivity.

Project Name: The HIVE – 24th Street Flats
Location: Oakland, CA
Client: Stok
Green Building Program(s):  LEED for Homes
Certification Level:  Silver
Buildings/Units/Stories: 3 stories, 33 new residential apartments over a parking structure

Fun Facts: This three story residential building achieved LEED Silver Certification in the Summer of 2016 which contributed to the overall project achieving the LEED for Neighborhood Development certification.

Sierra Vista

E3 administered the completion of the low-income housing tax credit program requirements, California energy code compliance (Title 24 Part 6), California Utility Allowance Calculator (CUAC) for monthly tenant utility estimates, eligibility criteria for incentives and rating standards to qualify for solar incentives, and third-party verification to meet trusted environmental standards for a sustainable, efficient, and healthier home.

Project Name: Sierra Vista I & II
Location: Stockton, CA
Client: Affordable Housing Development Corporation 
Green Building Program(s):  Title 24, HERS, CTCAC/CDLAC, CUAC, and NSHP
Buildings/Units/Stories: 22 Buildings, 215 Units; 2 Stories

Fun Facts: There were 400 original units that were demolished allowing 215 new efficient units to be built.

Schillo Garden Apartments

E3 California was contracted to coordinate with the SoCalREN incentive program, complete the CTCAC Sustainable Building Methods (workbook) for the Application and Placed In Service phases, and to field verify the installation of all required energy efficiency measures for CTCAC and SoCalREN.

Originally built in 1988, the renovations in 2017 include new energy efficient windows, new HVAC heating and cooling units, and lighting within tenant units upgraded to LED.

Project Name: Schillo Gardens Apartments
Location: Thousand Oaks, CA
Client: Many Mansions
Green Building Program(s):  CTCAC, Southern California Regional Energy Network (SoCalREN) incentive program
Buildings/Units/Stories: Four (4) buildings, 29 tenant units, 2-stories

Oak Park Apartments

E3 administered the completion of the low-income housing tax credit program requirements, California energy code compliance (Title 24 Part 6), California Utility Allowance Calculator (CUAC) for monthly tenant utility estimates, eligibility criteria for incentives and rating standards to qualify for solar incentives, and third-party verification to meet trusted environmental standards for a sustainable, efficient, and healthier home.

Project Name: Oak Park 3 & 4 
Location: Paso Robles, CA
Client: Affordable Housing Development Corporation 
Green Building Program(s):  Title 24, HERS, CTCAC/CDLAC, CUAC, and NSHP
Buildings/Units/Stories: 18 Buildings; 151 Units; 2-3 Stories

Fun Facts: This community development has created quality, affordable housing for hundreds of families in Paso Robles. It received the 2019 Beautification of the Year Award by the Paso Robles Chamber of Commerce.

Lavender Courtyard

Lavender Courtyard Apartments is a new construction affordable housing complex in Sacramento, CA that completed in May 2022. E3 administered the completion of the low-income housing tax credit program requirements, California Utility Allowance Calculator (CUAC) for monthly tenant utility estimates, above-code benchmarks while meeting GreenPoint Rated Platinum certification, and third-party verification to meet trusted environmental standards for a sustainable, efficient, and healthier home.

Project Name: Lavender Courtyard
Location: Sacramento, CA
Client: Mutual Housing California
Green Building Program(s): CTCAC/CDLAC, CUAC, GreenPoint Rated, and HERS Third-Party Testing
Buildings/Units/Stories: 1 Building; 53 Units; 4 Stories

Fun Facts: This property offers affordable apartments serving seniors age 62 and over. Mutual Housing California partnered with Sacramento LGBTQ community leaders to offer an affirming community for a diversity of people including Sacramento’s LGBTQ seniors.

Our Services

CTCAC/CDLAC Application and Placed in Service

E3 California has Certified Energy Analysts who provide energy efficiency and renewable energy components of the application and final placed-in-service phase for tax credit programs. Lavender CourtyardOak Park 3 & 4Schillo Gardens ApartmentsSierra Vista I & II, Villa Del ComancheVilla Garcia Apartments

Title 24

Develop compliance calculations and reports that establishes that the building meets or exceeds the energy requirements of the California Building Code. E3 California has Certified Energy Analysts who provide expert and cost-efficient Title 24 solutions. Oak Park 3 & 4Sierra Vista I & II,

HERS Verification (Home Energy Rating System)

HERS Verification (also known as Field Verification and Diagnostic Testing) is a way to ensure that the various features of a home meet the California Building Energy Efficiency Standards. If work requires HERS testing, E3 California has certified HERS Raters who perform field verification and diagnostic testing on the appropriate features to receive the Certificate of Occupancy. Lavender CourtyardOak Park 3 & 4

California Utility Allowance Calculator (CUAC)

The California Utility Allowance Calculator (CUAC) is a California energy use model for calculating utility estimates. The tool provides an estimate of what tenants will pay for utilities and is typically more accurate than a public housing authority utility allowance schedule. E3 California offers a team of certified experts who can provide efficient and accurate utility allowance calculator results. Lavender Courtyard, Oak Park 3 & 4Sierra Vista I & II

HUD Utility Schedule Model (HUSM)

Public Housing Authorities are required to maintain a utility allowance schedule for tenant-paid utilities, tenant supplied refrigerators and ranges, and other tenant-paid housing services. The allowance is used in determining family’s share and the housing authority subsidy. E3 California offers an expert team who can provide utility allowance results.

GreenPoint Rated

GreenPoint Rated is an approved third-party rating system for compliance with California tax incentive programs and is required by several California cities to comply with their green building ordinances. E3 has GreenPoint Raters who are experienced building professionals with specialized backgrounds and training. Our team offers top-level GreenPoint Rater services for all building types.  Lavender Courtyard

LEED for Homes

LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is the most widely used green building rating system in the world. LEED certification allows developers to attract tenants and investors to meet Energy, Sustainability and Governance (ESG) goals. E3 California offers a team of certified experts to get your project through the LEED certification process. The HIVE

45L

45L is a federal tax credit program to offset the costs associated with building energy efficient single family or multifamily properties. The credit provides a dollar for dollar offset against taxes owed or paid in the tax year in which the property is sold or leased.  Our team provides valuable support to maneuver program requirements and to help generate 45L certificate documentation to meet your project tax credit goals.

Energy Consulting

E3 California can provide guidance on implementing strategies or tactics to achieve greater energy efficiency in order to comply with building codes or funding requirements. These strategies and tactics can also lead to improved building operations and healthier environments for tenants. Our goal is to provide high quality analysis to meet your project goals and cost-effective solutions.

Utility Incentive Programs

E3 California provides services for utility incentive programs that require a Certified Energy Analyst (CEA). We work collaboratively with each program with responsiveness and efficiency to achieve project completion. Our team offers support to navigate program requirements and meet project incentive goals. Oak Park 3 & 4Schillo Gardens ApartmentsSierra Vista I & IIVilla Del CamancheVilla Garcia Apartments