3C-REN’s Regional Forums provide a unique opportunity to gain firsthand knowledge about the critical energy issues facing our industry. Each forum takes a fresh look at an emerging topic and features a panel of experts with real-world experience who are ready to answer your questions.
Connect with fellow professionals to swap ideas and build your network! Regional forums are always free, and many offer continuing education credits.
Our next forum:
SMVCA’s Inaugural Cornhole Tournament
October 25 @ 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Contractors and other interested building professionals are invited to join 3C-REN at the Santa Maria Valley Contractor Association’s Cornhole Tournament on October 25, 2024! 3C-REN is proud to co-sponsor this event to provide attendees an opportunity to network, build business connections, and learn about 2025 Energy Code updates. 3C-REN will be hosting a speaker session during the event and run a booth with informational resources about programs contractors can take advantage of. Check-in begins at 9AM at the Santa Maria Country Club, and the cornhole tournament will kick off at 10AM.
Past forums:
The Past, Present, and Future of HERS Raters
May 15, 2024 @ 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
The 2025 code cycle will see large revisions to the HERS (Home Energy Rating System) Rating program. To prepare attendees to understand these changes, this virtual forum will first introduce the history of HERS Rating, what the program has accomplished, and why HERS Rating is important for code compliance. With this knowledge, attendees will be ready to learn what changes are anticipated for the 2025 code cycle and how it will impact their work.
After attending this forum, participants will be able to summarize the history of the HERS Rating Program in California, identify how and why HERS Raters are important for home energy efficiency and code compliance, and explain the coming changes to the HERS Rating Program in the 2025 code cycle.
Breaking Barriers – Energy Friendly Permitting
August 9, 2023 @ 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Energy efficiency and electrification projects have become a focus across the state. Permitting is a necessary step to ensure we are meeting our goals, but is also a significant barrier.
In this virtual forum, we will have speakers share best practices and strategies for permitting processes, which may include transitioning to online permitting, virtual inspection, energy friendly permit programs, and more. Speakers will also address common challenges to permitting for electrification, e.g. setbacks, noise levels, panel sizing/utility pushback.
Join 3C-REN in identifying obstacles, solutions, and resources for our region through facilitated discussion.
Shifts in Power: Ensuring the IRA, 2022 Energy Code, and California’s Climate Policies Benefit the Tri-county Region!
November 9, 2022 @ 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Landmark Federal and State economic policies and record amounts of climate funding are revolutionizing the California energy and building sectors. To be at the forefront of this shift, 3C-REN is convening local energy efficiency and green building advocates to ensure that the region is prepared to benefit from these opportunities and address any challenges.
In this Forum, participants will explore how California’s climate funding and the new energy code will change the way buildings are constructed throughout the state. Attendees will establish a foundation for strategic coordination and partnership to successfully capture the financial incentives and resources provided through the Inflation Reduction Act and other opportunities.
Join us in-person at The Monday Club (1815 Monterey St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401). Refreshments and a full lunch will be served. We hope to see you there!
2022 California Energy Code: Reaching Towards Higher Efficiency Standards
July 21, 2022 @ 10:00 am to 1:30 pm
The California Energy Commission has set a precedence for decarbonization through the 2022 Title 24, Part 6 Energy Code. To reach higher energy efficiency standards, California is promoting all-electric new homes, expanding solar and storage standards, encouraging heat pump installations, implementing new building segments, and more!
In this Forum, participants will have the opportunity to learn how industry groups and experts are preparing for the changes ahead for commercial, residential, and multifamily buildings and developing their own sets of codes. Join us and discover how the new energy code will influence your upcoming projects.
This in-person event will be hosted in Ventura County. More details about the venue, along with the event speakers and presentations will be announced shortly. Refreshments will be served.
What is the Big Deal About Heat Pumps and Electrification?
March 30, 2022 @ 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm
Calling all homeowners and renters in the tri-county! Learn how you can implement affordable energy efficiency and electrification upgrades for a healthier, climate-friendly home. In this community webinar, attendees will learn about the value of electrification for their homes and how new technologies can help improve home health and comfort.
There will be special focus on heating and cooling systems that utilize heat-pump technologies. Speakers will highlight the challenges and opportunities created by energy efficiency and electrification through case studies, testimonials, and state incentives.
Exploring Energy Efficiency’s Role In Densification and Affordability
November 4, 2021 @ 9:00 am to 11:30 am
The tri-county region has begun addressing the increasing need for livable space by constructing accessory dwelling units (ADUs), tiny homes, prefabricated homes, and other nontraditional housing elements to accommodate housing needs and affordability.
How will area building professionals handle the growing need for energy efficiency in these dynamic housing types?
The current energy code and future iterations provide streamlined compliance for housing project development. In this forum, attendees will learn about energy code requirements, zoning, and permitting for nontraditional housing projects. Speakers will highlight housing market impacts and strategies for improving comfort and efficiency in various building types.
Continue the conversation with a virtual speaker meet and greet from 11:30 am to 12:00 pm.
Improving Indoor Air Quality Through Better Buildings
June 15, 2021 @ 9:00 am to 11:30 am
With threats to indoor air quality from wildfires, viruses, and greenhouse gas emissions, the demand for health-focused building retrofits is greater than ever before. Energy efficiency can act as a tool to decrease indoor air pollution related to combustion, leaky windows, and poor ventilation.
During this event, attendees will hear from public health and energy experts about harnessing the nexus between healthy indoor air quality and building better buildings. 3C-REN will provide an overview of energy code requirements, access to funding, and resources, and opportunities for training for building professionals. Forum attendees will also hear about health-focused indoor air quality in practice, highlighting how local projects in the tri-county region have minimized the effects of poor indoor air quality.
Entering the Electrification Frontier: The Tri-County Market for Heat Pump Water Heaters
March 11, 2021 @ 9:00 am to 11:30 am
California is investing $400 million dollars in the electrification market with the expectation for substantial market demand for electrifying water heating with heat pump water heaters (HPWHs) over the next 5 years.
In the tri-county residential sector, water heating is the largest user of natural gas and HPWHs present a huge market opportunity for building professionals – especially contractors, distributors, and manufacturers.
During this event, attendees will gain real-world understanding of how HPWHs work, their benefits, energy code requirements, market barriers, and the funding and resources available for electrification. Attendees will also hear case studies and learn about installation best practices in the region.
Taking the High Road: Preparing our Region’s Workforce for Quality Jobs in Energy Efficiency
November 13, 2020 @ 9:00 am to 11:30 am
California has proven that it is possible to improve our economy and the environment at the same time. However, we also understand that it is critical that our transition to a carbon neutral economy benefits all communities—especially those that have been traditionally underserved. That’s where the High Road comes in.
The “High Road” is a new way of looking at jobs. It’s an economic strategy that emphasizes high-quality jobs, environmental sustainability, and greater economic opportunities for Tri-County workers and businesses. Simply put, the High Road focuses on equity, climate, and jobs (as described by the California Workforce Development Board).
Building Regional Economic Resilience
June 25, 2020 @ 9:00 am to 11:30 am
This webinar will explore how the tri-county region can position the building industry as a driver and beneficiary of the economic recovery. Speakers will discuss resources available and needed in the tri-county area that can facilitate a healthy and resilient recovery. Finally, we will discuss the importance and benefits of high-performance buildings that meet and exceed code requirements, in support of climate and workforce goals.
Navigating Stay at Home Orders: Construction During a Crisis
May 21, 2020 @ 8:30 am to 10:00 am
This webinar will feature local, real-world leaders sharing their approach to adapting business protocols to meet project timelines, including health and safety, permitting and communicating with clients. It will also include an overview of local public health guidance on the latest recommendations to keep employees and the public safe.
Optimizing the Virtual Building Department
April 30, 2020 @ 8:30 am to 10:00 am
Building departments are transitioning to electronic permit applications, plan submittals, and virtual inspections to continue operations during the COVID-19 pandemic. This webinar will feature code officials presenting on safe permitting and inspections services in support of construction projects, including housing projects, recognized as “essential” under California’s Stay-at-Home order.
Achieving Resilience in Wildfire Areas Through Energy Codes
March 12, 2020 @ 8:30 am to 12:00 pm
California has entered a new era of increased wildfire and power outage risks – but our homes and businesses still need to adapt to become more resilient. How can Central Coast buildings offer continued safety and power reliability in the face of these challenges? This event will explore the intersection between these phenomena, energy code and regional resilience – with a focus on designing, building, and operating more resilient and responsive buildings.
2019 Energy Code: Changes and Opportunities for the Building Industry
August 22, 2019 @ 12:30 pm to 4:30 pm
This regional forum demystifies the significant changes in the 2019 Title 24 Part 6 Energy Code and the rationale behind them, highlights recent trends and pathways for building electrification, and provides attendees an opportunity to learn how various industry groups and leaders are preparing for the changes ahead.
