The Importance of Smart Energy Planning for California Development Projects

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

Being a developer isn’t easy. The vision, implementation, construction, and closeout are all up to you. While the bulk of these phases would be too much to cover in a single series, we decided to tackle one commonly overlooked element in state regulations: energy codes. In this article, we cover the importance of including smart energy planning in your proforma, and how it can drive a better yield from your project

This is the first post in our continuing series dedicated to energy planning in development projects in California. We hope to shed light on a few valuable points that will drive a healthy ROI while complying with every aspect of the provisions that help make California a sustainable state. 

Follow the shortcuts to read more about this key topic:

Part 1 – The Importance of Smart Energy Planning for California Development Projects

Part 2 – The Impact of California Energy Code on Your Development Project’s Budget

Part 3 – 10 Features Developers Need to Know About California Energy Code

Part 4 – Can High-Performance Design Improve ROI on Commercial Developments in California?

Part 5 – Best Practices for Sustainable Development Projects in California

Part 6 – Boosting the Value of Mixed-Use Developments with Proper Energy Planning

 

Product yield and development strategy

In its simplest form, there are two basic yields from a development project: the time-honored built to sell, and income properties. If someone else is going to be managing your property, as in the former yield, then you have your demographic-driven expectations and brand recognition to consider when choosing the right energy plan for your project. If the end product will remain in your hands as a long-term asset, then energy ought to be something you consider quite seriously to optimize your economic model five, ten, or twenty years down the line.

 

Energy plan parameters

There is quite a bit of space between implementing the barebone framework of efficient energy systems in order to skim under state regulations and creating a value-oriented, cutting-edge structure. Allowing for integrated systems that control heating, cooling, water, and electrical systems are great methods to increase efficiency and value without breaking the bank. Their implementation will most likely raise one-time hard costs, but lower recurring maintenance and repair fees for good. Decide on which method suits your development mission the best.

The impact of energy planning on your vision

Take into consideration your ideal return strategy and create an energy plan including the most cost and value efficient energy solutions available. Identify the associated energy certification requirements and balance this with your current economic model. This will not only save time in creating an effective roadmap, it will also save money in the long run. 

Energy planning should be incorporated from the very beginning. That is to say, the initial drawings, drafts and sketches cannot be done without taking into consideration energy usage and sustainability options; this is a requirement established by the state of California. In order to optimize your vision from the very start, these concepts need to be decided upon during the pre-design phase as to avoid costly redesigns. This has a direct impact on both your hard and soft costs. 

Additionally, if your project is long-term, management becomes exponentially more efficient when there is a plan from the very start. In this case, your ROI needs to include the operation costs, and you want to keep that number relatively low and steady for a long time.

 

Mapping out your energy plan

The best way to ensure that the energy planning is efficient and cost-effective is to include it in your development roadmap – that is, the succession of steps and activities that are required to complete the project, and in the case of management, the daily, monthly and annual tasks required for operation.

A good roadmap will identify all necessary approvals and permits and the optimal path to overcome every hurdle – in this case, that means energy related issues. Knowing the order in which you will get your permits, the requirements for each of them, and the order of implementation will save your schedule several months down the line. Losing time because you have to go back and forth between county, state and federal agencies is a problem to be avoided at all costs, and may affect your bottom line.

 

In conclusion

Energy cost and management impacts your project’s ROI. A well thought out energy plan is an opportunity to strengthen the feasibility of each project you develop, so investing time and resources early on is in your best interest.  

Next on this blog series –> The Impact of California Energy Code on Your Development Project’s Budget

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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