Menlo Park, CA April 02, 2024. ID360, a leading sustainability consulting company, announced today support for the Solar App Plus program for the City of El Cerrito. 

The goal of this work is to provide technical support to the City of El Cerrito’s Solar App Plus program implementation. The top priority is to ensure the program will achieve long-term goals and ultimately result in new construction and existing building development achieving energy efficiency

“Solar App Plus is an innovative and forward-thinking program for cities,” said Melanie Jacobson, Principal and Founder of ID360. “El Cerrito is committed to environmental stewardship and its effort to reduce its carbon footprint. Our work with the city will promote renewable energy adoption and sustainability within the local community of El Cerrito.”

Solar App Plus is a web-based platform that automates solar permitting for local governments and other authorities having jurisdiction. The Department of Energy Solar Energy Technologies Office funded the initial development and commercialization of the tool in 2019.  Solar App Plus makes rooftop solar adoption easier for local governments to quickly and safely approve standardized rooftop projects.

For the City of El Cerrito, the adoption of the Solar App Plus Program is a testament to its dedication to fostering a clean and sustainable future for its residents. ID360 will assist city staff in developing and implementing this program to meet the City’s sustainability goals. 

For more information about Solar App Plus or ID360’s work visit www.id360.green.

Introduction

As we gear up for the California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen) update set to take effect on July 1, 2024, the spotlight is on electric vehicle (EV) requirements and the subsequent changes in EV infrastructure. At the forefront of this transformation is ID360, an industry leader in sustainable building practices. In this blog, we will explore the upcoming CALGreen update and the heightened EV requirements.

The CALGreen Building Code Update

Scheduled to go into effect July 1, 2024, the updated CALGreen building code marks a significant shift in the state’s commitment to sustainability, with a particular focus on electric vehicles. One of the key areas experiencing a revamp is the EV requirements for buildings, leading to a greater emphasis on EV-ready spaces and expanded EV infrastructure.

As we move forward, the updated CALGreen code will impose more stringent requirements on the inclusion of electric vehicle infrastructure in new construction. With the increasing popularity and importance of electric vehicles in reducing carbon footprints, the state is taking proactive measures to ensure that the necessary infrastructure is in place to support this transition.

ID360’s Role in Adapting to the Changes

At the forefront of sustainable building practices, ID360 has been instrumental in adopting and implementing reach codes, paving the way for the state’s ambitious sustainability goals. With the impending changes in CALGreen, ID360 is once again leading the charge, helping clients navigate the intricacies of the updated code and ensuring compliance with the enhanced EV requirements.

As the deadline for compliance approaches, one of the most frequently asked questions from clients revolves around the calculation of required EV spaces. Understanding the intricacies of this calculation is crucial for developers, architects, and building owners. ID360 recognizes this concern and is actively engaged in providing comprehensive guidance on determining the number of required EV spaces for a given project.

Beyond the question of how many EV spaces are needed, clients are also seeking clarity on the appropriate level of EV infrastructure for their spaces. The CALGreen update introduces nuanced requirements for different types of buildings, and ID360 is well-equipped to assist clients in deciphering these specifications. Whether it’s a residential development, commercial space, or mixed-use project, ID360 ensures that the right level of EV infrastructure is incorporated, aligning with the updated building code.

Impact on Reach Codes and Existing Policies

The changes introduced in the CALGreen update extend beyond the immediate requirements for EV infrastructure. The state’s decision to revamp the building code reflects a broader effort to align with and surpass existing reach codes. ID360 has been a key player in implementing these reach codes, and the company is poised to adapt to the evolving landscape, supporting clients in implementing changes that go above and beyond current policies.

As California continues to be a trailblazer in sustainability, the updated CALGreen building code signifies the state’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of green building standards. The changes not only reflect the growing importance of electric vehicles in reducing greenhouse gas emissions but also underscore the need for a comprehensive and forward-thinking approach to building design and construction.

Amid California’s evolving building codes, ID360 stands as a beacon of expertise and guidance. Navigating the complexities of the upcoming CALGreen update requires a partner with a deep understanding of sustainable practices and a commitment to staying ahead of the curve. Connect with us for specific questions and concerns. 

As we navigate the complexities of the modern built environment, crucial organizations lead the charge in shaping the future of green building. In this blog, we delve into the significant contributions of key industry players such as the International Code Council (ICC), the American Institute of Architects (AIA), and the United States Green Building Council (USGBC). Let’s explore their roles, recent achievements, and commitment to advancing green building practices.

International Code Council (ICC)

The ICC plays a pivotal role in setting international building codes, providing a foundation for sustainable construction practices worldwide. With a focus on collaboration, the ICC engages a diverse audience, including builders, architects, and policymakers. Recent achievements include noteworthy advancements in international code standards, ensuring that the built environment aligns with global sustainability targets. By fostering collaborations that promote sustainable construction, the ICC stands as a cornerstone in the evolution of green building practices.

United States Green Building Council (USGBC)

At the forefront of the green building movement, the USGBC continues to set benchmarks and redefine industry standards. Surpassing 10,000 LEED project registrations globally and achieving an all-time high in total commercial project certifications, USGBC’s recent successes highlight its commitment to excellence by providing tools and resources to make green building practices commonplace. Beyond accolades, the release of the 2024–2026 Strategic Plan positions USGBC to evolve beyond past achievements, addressing urgent challenges and opportunities in the ever-changing landscape of green building.

USGBC’s commitment extends beyond project certifications, delving into advocacy and policy initiatives. With a focus on reducing embodied carbon, USGBC collaborates with federal agencies, legislators, and stakeholders to drive legislative changes. The passage of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) marks a significant step forward, directing federal procurements for low-carbon building materials and supporting initiatives to label and account for life cycle impacts.

Embodied carbon, often overlooked, contributes significantly to global emissions. USGBC addresses this by launching a pilot credit for LEED, encouraging developers to prioritize lower-carbon building materials. The EPA reports that homes and buildings account for over 30% of U.S. emissions, reducing embodied carbon a critical step in mitigating climate change. The IRA provisions allocate funding to label materials with low embodied carbon, standardize environmental product declarations (EPDs), and procure materials with low embodied carbon.

American Institute of Architects (AIA)

Architects shape the physical landscape, and the AIA stands as a driving force behind sustainable and eco-friendly architectural designs. Serving as an influential advocate for architects, AIA’s recent achievements showcase a commitment to pushing the boundaries of green building. Through collaborations with industry leaders, AIA contributes to the promotion and implementation of sustainable practices, emphasizing the critical role architects play in reshaping the world we live in.

In conclusion, the collaborative efforts of industry leaders like ICC, AIA, and USGBC underscore the transformative power of green building. As we celebrate their recent achievements and strategic plans for the future, it’s evident that these organizations play a crucial role in redefining the trajectory of sustainable construction. With a focus on advocacy, policy changes, and reducing embodied carbon, they pave the way for a more resilient, healthier, and equitable built environment. The collective commitment to innovation and progress ensures that the green building movement continues to flourish, setting the stage for a sustainable and thriving future.

2023 was a momentous year for decarbonization and sustainable design from the release of the White House’s definition of NetZero to monumental commitments at COP28. What will 2024 bring? We dive into our predictions and top industry trends to watch. 

What Follows A National Definition of Net Zero?

When the Biden Administration announced a forthcoming national definition of zero-emissions buildings for non-federally owned properties many were excited and concerned. In 2024, in anticipation of that definition, green building practices, and the ability to speak with confidence about green building practices, will become more commonplace within the construction and real estate industry. There will be increased awareness and transparency surrounding improved efficiencies and the ability of practices to lower carbon emissions. 

There will also be an increased interest in low-carbon buildings that exceed the baseline code. For more than a decade, ID360 has played a critical role in helping municipalities design codes as well as support architects and builders who are responsible for implementing concepts that meet or exceed these standards. These collaborations will be critical to ensure everyone is successful.

COP28 Success. Now what?

In a historic move, all nations formally agreed to transition away from fossil fuels during COP28. Now that negotiators have returned home, how do countries translate this global consensus into domestic policy and implementation?  

To achieve global net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 there must be substantive change in how the U.S. utilizes energy. We anticipate this leading to a greater focus on the built environment in 2024. The construction and design industries will be called upon to advance these objectives.  

Electrifying Progress: A Look Ahead at EV

EV had a big year in 2023 and we anticipate that to continue into 2024 as much infrastructure is under construction or still needs to be built. Effective January 1, here in California, the Air Resources Board’s Advance Clean Fleet Rule will also impact commercial EV charging sites. Although we don’t anticipate an influx of EV-related federal funding like in previous years, municipalities will be working to build the necessary infrastructure for compliance.

Education Remains Paramount

Like in previous years, the green building and decarbonization industries continue to change and evolve. Staying current can be challenging, especially in the state of California as codes and policies vary from city to city. Whether you work in construction, design, or local government, knowledge of policies and codes is vital to your day-to-day. ID360 remains committed to providing resources and tools to support our colleagues. From online, on-demand coursework through our ID360 Academy to quarterly newsletters highlighting policies we are watching, we strive to keep our industry informed.

The outlook for 2024 is bright. On every level (global, national, and local), individuals and organizations are working to implement policies and changes that will contribute to a better, more sustainable built environment. We are excited to be a part of this journey and leverage our expertise to support innovative change.

It’s no secret California has been dealing with serious energy and air quality issues for a long time. California actually started regulating emissions before the EPA! One major way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is through electrification. Let’s talk about what exactly electrification is and how local energy and EV reach codes get us closer to a clean energy future.

electrification

What is Electrification?

Electrification is the process of converting fossil fuel-operated appliances like oil furnaces, gas water heaters, and wood stoves to electricity. In California, Title 24 of the Code of Regulations sets the building code standards for all authorities.

DYK heating and cooling of buildings accounts for about 13 percent of US emissions?

These standards regulate building energy efficiency, including:

  • Lighting
  • Cooling and heating systems
  • Building insulation

The current California standards apply to projects with permit applications submitted on or after January 1, 2020. At the time of the writing of this article, we are about halfway through the current code cycle with the upcoming standards set to be effective on January 1, 2023.

What are Reach Codes?

The Building Energy Efficiency Standards regulate building energy efficiency throughout the state of California, however, local jurisdictions can adopt more strict requirements known as “energy reach codes”. Through the development and implementation of these codes, local governments can impose stricter energy efficiency requirements.

In addition to meeting the baseline statewide standards, a reach code must meet the following requirements:

  • Reach codes must be cost-effective. The funds saved from reduced energy costs should be able to cover initial cost increases.
  • The California Energy Commission must approve all reach codes.
  • The codes must be re-approved and reviewed every three years. The next code cycle change will go into into effect on January 1, 2023.

How do reach codes further electrification?

Electrification begins with local goals – what is the community trying to achieve and by when? At ID360 we work with local government teams to understand their sustainability goals and help develop bold policies around green building, climate change, and energy efficiency. We work side-by-side with city staff to implement the goals of the city council and community members. Check out our recent project with the City of South San Francisco. We are working with the city on their unique characteristics surrounding their reach codes in support of building electrification and electric vehicle charging infrastructure goals. 

All California cities that have adopted an Energy Reach Code during the current 2019 code cycle will be required to update or archive their local code by next year. ID360 has provided advisory, policy development, and program design and implementation services to many other local jurisdictions. Read our other case studies or contact us to talk about your policy design needs.

As our team continues to closely monitor the outbreak of COVID-19, our thoughts go out to all the families that have been impacted. At ID360, we have clear priorities to meet the moment. Our first priority is protecting the health of our employees and community. Our second priority is continuing to provide our clients with the highest quality green building consulting services.

Our team of green building specialists have been operating in a remote structure for many years prior to the COVID-19 crisis and we have developed an organizational structure to support the remote work environment. Since working from home has been part of our culture for many years, there has been no disruption in our availability to provide clients the best green building consulting support.

ID360’s unique business model well positions us to provide organizations with green building expertise during these difficult times.  As a sustainability consulting firm with extensive experience leveraging innovative building design solutions to support human health, our team is ready to support your policy and building design solutions to create healthy buildings for people to live and work.

If your organization needs assistance with reviewing building plans and specifications to incorporate healthy, sustainable design solutions and practices, get in touch with us today.  We can help your team develop appropriate solutions to help your project maintain healthy building practices using best industry practices.

Be well and stay safe!

ID360 Team

The 2015 Paris Climate Conference, also known as COP 21, was a big, news-making event, with the world’s attention mostly focused on global leaders’ plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and the use of fossil fuels. But for the first time in the UNFCC’s conference history, green building had its day at the conference, too.

Why talk about buildings at a conference about climate change? According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), buildings are responsible for more than 30% of greenhouse gas emissions, and if growth continues unchecked, emissions could double by 2050. The buildings sector has to reduce emissions by eighty-four gigatons, the emissions equivalent of 22,000 coal powered plants, by the year 2050 to do it’s part to keep the earth from warming to two degrees Celsius.

The buildings sector also offers one of the most cost-effective ways to reduce energy use and emissions, and many paths to success already exist but need to be refined or implemented on a larger scale. This makes green building one of the best ways for countries to achieve their Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDC’s), and forty countries have already specifically cited green building as one of the ways they can meet their INDC’s. Buildings also last a long time, and a new construction project will become the housing stock of the future. Building environmentally unfriendly today locks in problematic housing for tomorrow.

As part of the conference, the US Green Building Council (USGBC) announced that it plans to scale up to support the certification of more than five billion square feet of green building over the next five years with LEED and EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies), a green building certification program for developing countries. The USGBC also committed to expanding worldwide educational resources for green building and to double non-English offerings.

All seventy-four national Green Building Councils support the commitment to achieve Net Zero carbon building and energy-efficient refurbishment of existing housing stock by 2050. Twenty-five Green Building councils made the commitment to register, renovate, or certify 1.25 billion square meters of green building by 2020. And three national green building councils made the commitment to introduce Net Zero certification.

With the construction of every new building comes a big pile of construction and demolition waste. On an annual basis, the construction and demolition industry creates more waste than any other industry in the United States. The average new construction project creates 3.9 pounds of waste per square foot, and the average demolition project creates 155 pounds of waste per square foot. Construction and demolition waste is a major environmental concern, but fortunately, construction professionals have a wide range of strategies to eliminate, reduce, and reuse construction and demolition debris, helping the environment and hopefully saving some money along the way.

Most construction waste ends up in landfills, but an increasing amount of construction waste is being removed from the waste stream in a process called diversion. Diverted materials are sorted for recycling and reuse. Metal, cardboard, paper, plastics, carpeting, and many other materials can be recycled and reused, often to the builder’s financial benefit.

As with any waste-related problem, the first step is simply to create less waste. Moving away from temporary support systems and structures as much as possible is an incredibly important way to eliminate waste in the construction process, as these temporary supports usually cannot be salvaged and get thrown away at the end of a project. For example, a modular metal form system used during concrete construction can be easily unmounted and reused for another project, avoiding wood waste from the use of plywood and lumber formwork.

While most construction waste cannot be completely eliminated, it can be reduced in both the planning and construction phases. For example, designing a building to fit standard material sizes helps reduce material waste. Builders can work with material suppliers to select material that uses minimal packaging, or even set-up an agreement to buy back any unused materials. On the job, construction professionals can choose to salvage materials from demolition projects, limit the use of adhesives wherever possible, and chip branches and trees cleared from the site for use as mulch.

Deconstruction provides a greener alternative to demolition. Selective deconstruction, also known as soft-stripping, involves going into a building before demolition and removing high-value materials such as lighting fixtures, hardwood flooring, and solid interior doors. Whole house deconstruction includes soft-stripping but goes a step further in salvaging the materials that make up the structure of the building itself, such as bricks and framing lumber. Deconstruction requires more labor and may take longer to complete than demolition, but due to the fact that most deconstruction is run by non-profits, the tax-deductible value of the donated materials can make deconstruction cost-competitive with demolition.

A team at the University of Nottingham has developed an innovative test to measure the airtightness of buildings. The PULSE test determines the infiltration rate of cold air and the loss of heated air through gaps and cracks in a building, making it possible to create targeted strategies for eliminating drafts which in turn leads to greater energy efficiency and reduced heating bills. The PULSE test also illustrates when a building is too airtight, as too little ventilation can lead to poor indoor air quality.

The PULSE test has been in development at the University of Nottingham for fourteen years and is now being commercialized as a more accurate and convenient alternative to the industry standard “blower door” technique. The PULSE test creates a low-pressure pulse throughout an entire building by releasing a short burst of air. The test takes a few seconds and creates minimal disruption for building occupants and construction workers. The PULSE test is also quick and easy enough for construction workers to perform several times before a building is complete.

In contrast, the “blower door” test takes fifteen to thirty minutes and is usually only used at the completion stage, making it difficult to implement any significant change based on the results of the test.

In a blower door test, a powerful fan mounted into the frame of an exterior door pulls air out of a building. This temporarily lowers the air pressure inside, leading to higher outside air pressure flowing in through all unsealed cracks and openings.

The blower door originated as a research tool in the early 1970’s, simultaneously invented by two groups independently studying the contribution of air leakage to heat loss in residential buildings. The first commercial blower door unit hit the market in 1980.

Regardless of which test is used, determining the airtightness of a building is a crucial step in any energy audit. For homeowners without access to professional equipment, it is possible to at least find leaks, if not measure them, by using a powerful box fan or even a fog machine.

The solar power industry in Nevada experienced something of a rollercoaster this past December. The federal government, despite fears to the contrary, maintained the federal solar investment tax credit at 30 percent. Yet despite this vote of confidence in solar power from the federal government, the federal tax credit did not solve the regulatory battle over residential rooftop solar in the state of Nevada.

Rooftop solar has been growing rapidly across the US, but particularly in Nevada, due to favorable geographical (lots of sun) and economic (favorable net metering policies) conditions. Nevada stood out as a particularly bright spot in a recent study of rooftop solar installations, with the number of installations quadrupling in Q2 of 2015. A 2014 state report found that net metering would save the state utilities 36 million dollars, and that Nevada solar users were, if anything, under compensated for the energy they returned to the grid.

And yet, Nevada recently made it much more expensive to be a residential rooftop solar power consumer. The Public Utilities Commission (PUC) raised the monthly charge for solar users from $12.75 a month to $17.90/month, with subsequent increases every three years for the next twelve years. The PUC also approved a two cent reduction in net-metering compensation, effectively requiring Nevada solar power users to put more money into the system and get less out of it.

Solar energy companies are fleeing the state. Immediately after the PUC’s decision, Solar City announced that they would completely cease operations in the state of Nevada, and a few weeks later, announced that they would eliminate 550 jobs, although some employees might get transferred to “business-friendly” states. Vivint and Sunrun are also leaving the state.

All of this, happening in a sunny state with incredible potential for solar energy, begs the question: why? A large utility in Arizona, another state with significant potential for solar power, is seeking permission to hike rates and reduce net metering credits. Across the country, utilities are fighting a coordinated battle against solar power.

The utilities are threatened, but going after solar is shortsighted. Instead of choosing to integrate renewable energy into the grid, Nevada Power and other utilities are choosing a path that makes it more cost effective for consumers to generate their own energy or at least fulfill most of their household energy needs through “behind the meter” resources, increasing costs for everyone on the grid. The utility rates are going up, but solar power and battery systems are getting cheaper.

Renewable energy, and rooftop solar in particular, is putting pressure on utilities. It is absolutely true that rooftop solar threatens the current business model, but the energy business is changing. Fighting against innovation isn’t going to help anyone.

There is no doubt that, in the green building industry, LEED sets the standard, but with the emergence of WELL, LEED is not the only four-letter certification available to green builders. The WELL Building Standard (WELL) is a performance-based system for measuring a building’s impact on human health and well-being. WELL is the first certification of its kind to focus entirely on the health and wellness of building occupants. Like LEED, there are different levels of WELL certification: Silver, Gold, and Platinum.

WELL sets performance requirements in seven categories relevant to occupant health:

Air: Poor air quality can lead to asthma, allergies, and other upper respiratory illnesses, as well as Sick Building Syndrome (SBS), which is often characterized by headache and fatigue. WELL provides strategies to limit pollutant and contaminant concentrations. This is an area of significant overlap with LEED, which sets high standards for ventilation and indoor air quality.

Water: Clean drinking water is extremely important for human health. Over-reliance on bottled water is definitely bad for the environment, and most likely bad for human health. WELL mandates proper filtration technique and regular testing.

Nourishment: WELL provides design strategies to promote access to healthy food and to empower occupants to make healthy food choices.

Light: The circadian system regulates the physiological processes that control sleep, alertness, and digestion, and indoor lighting can have an extremely disruptive effect on the circadian system. WELL promotes indoor lighting that facilitates vision with minimal disruption to the circadian system.

Fitness: Lack of physical activity is a significant threat to human health, and WELL looks at factors in the built environment that encourage physical activity such as stair accessibility, neighborhood walkability, and another notable overlap with LEED, access to mass transit.

Comfort: WELL seeks to eliminate stressful distractions such as noise and olfactory pollution, while promoting acoustic, ergonomic, and thermal comfort to prevent stress and injury.

Mind: WELL promotes design strategies and workplace policies that contribute to occupants’ good mental health, from opportunities for altruism to providing a beautiful, pleasing environment.

WELL assesses the benefit of each WELL feature on the cardiovascular, digestive, endocrine, immune, integumentary, muscular, nervous, reproductive, respiratory, skeletal, and urinary systems. For example, stress, unhealthy diets, a lack of exercise and environmental pollutants can negatively affect cardiovascular health. Comfort features, such as sound-masking and optimal ergonomics, help reduce stress. Healthy diets, exercise, and elimination of environmental air pollutants also benefit cardiovascular health.

The Green Business Certification Organization (GBCI) provides third-party certification for both LEED and the WELL building standard, a collaboration between the Well Institute and GBCI to streamline the overlap between WELL and LEED and to further develop the connection between human health and wellness and sustainable design.

The California Energy Commission (CEC) updates the Building Energy Efficiency Standards every three years, and 2016 is such a year, with all changes going into effect January 1, 2017. These standards are designed to achieve energy efficiency and improve indoor and outdoor air quality. The Building Energy Efficiency Standards cover new construction and construction on existing commercial and residential buildings in the state except for hospitals, nursing homes, and correctional facilities.

These code updates are required by law and driven by new green building technologies and materials that continue to raise the bar for energy efficiency. The CEC updates and implements the building codes, which are then enforced by local city and county agencies. These standards must be cost-effective for homeowners in the long-term, and not just provide short-term energy savings. California is a huge, geographically diverse state, and the CEC recognizes that what is cost-effective in San Diego may not be in the Central Valley. The CEC divides California into sixteen climate zones, and the standards vary from zone to zone.

The updated standards will make it roughly $2,700 more expensive to build a new home, but these upfront costs are projected to generate an average of $7,400 in energy and maintenance costs over a thirty-year period. Compared to those built to the 2013 standards, single-family homes built to the 2016 standards will use 28% less energy.

The updated standards will not get California to it’s ultimate zero net energy goals, but it will bring the state significantly closer. In 2007, the CEC and Public Utilities Commission (PUC) publicly committed to the goal that all new residential construction will be zero net energy by 2020, and all new commercial construction will be zero net energy by 2030. The 2019 building standards, then, should be the final step in achieving zero net energy for residential construction in California.

The CEC’s Building Standards date back to 1977, and since then, have saved Californians over $74 billion in energy costs and are at least partially responsible for the state’s per capita electricity use staying flat over the last forty years, in stark contrast to much of the rest of the country.