Course Offerings
Upcoming Courses
Energy Codes for ADU’s
September 16th, 2025, 10:30am - 12pm
Accessory Dwelling Units, or ADU’s, are popping up throughout the CCR REN region, creating great new housing but also some head-scratching for those figuring out energy code compliance. In this course, we’ll cover different types of ADU’s such as new construction, addition or garage conversion and how the energy code treats each one. We’ll share requirements and best practices for insulation, mechanical systems and hot water, with specific variations for the CCR-REN climate zones.
Learning Objectives:
Understand how the energy code differentiates between various ADU and JADU construction types (new, addition, alteration) and how the designation impacts energy performance and code compliance.
Review key measures related to HVAC systems, refrigerants and insulation in the current code and changes in the upcoming 2025 code, with the goal of increasing energy efficiency, health and safety of the project.
Review the prescriptive “recipe card” approach versus a building performance approach and discuss when to use each strategy.
Review heat pump and domestic hot water options for ADU’s specific to efficiency, fuel type and indoor health.
Instructor: Jennifer Rennick, AIA, CEA, with Grant Murphy, CEA, CPHT, CBCP
1.5 AIA LU
0.15 ICC CEUs
Leveraging the Energy Code for Home Hardening
October 7th, 2025, 9:30am - 11am
With increasing fire intensity throughout the state and more areas designated with high fire severity zones, our region is naturally interested in building construction that decreases fire risk. Fortunately, there is an overlap of strategies that reduce fire risk while also improving energy performance and indoor occupant health. This course walks through the intersection of the California energy code with building fire safety and home hardening.
Learning Objectives:
Learn the historical context and background of fire-resistant construction, understanding what principles still apply and what has changed as building codes and technology have improved.
Review code requirements and key strategies for hardening the building envelope\through air sealing and strategic window choices.
Discuss impacts and opportunities for PV panels and battery storage systems, including size, placement and chemistry.
Explore how the energy code and fire code overlap and where there are exceptions to meet shared goals for California construction.
Instructor: Jennifer Rennick, AIA, CEA, with Grant Murphy, CEA, CPHT, CBCP
1.5 AIA HSW LU
0.15 ICC CEUs
Introduction to Zero Net Carbon Design
October 21st, 2025, 9:30am - 11am
As the building industry continues to evolve, the focus is shifting from “zero net energy” to true Zero Net Carbon Design (ZNCD). This course offers a foundational overview of carbon’s impact in the built environment and explores strategies to reduce both embodied and operational carbon in buildings.
Topics include:
Understanding carbon’s role in building performance
Key policy and market drivers behind carbon reduction goals
Methods for evaluating and addressing embodied vs. operational carbon
A framework for incorporating carbon considerations into design decisions
This training is ZNCD-compliant for architecture licensure and is intended for architects, engineers, energy consultants, and other building professionals interested in low-carbon design practices.
Heat Pump Water Heaters in the Current and Upcoming Energy Code
November 5th, 2025, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
The use of heat pump water heaters (HPWH’s) is on the rise, due to energy efficiency as well as energy code compliance. Learn which project types and climate zones favor HPWH’s, what’s changing in the 2025 code and best practices for meeting code requirements and achieving a successful installation.
Learning Objectives:
Learn the parts and pieces of HPWH’s and different types of equipment available in the market, and what components are addressed in the energy code.
Understand the successes and shortcoming of HPWH installation over the past decade and how those influenced changes to the 2025 energy code cycle.
Understand best practices for installation of HPWH, including placement, air volume and access to controls and filters
Highlight opportunities for HPWH best practices that can be incorporated into construction documents for permitted plans.
Instructor: Jennifer Rennick, AIA, CEA, with Grant Murphy, CEA, CPHT, CBCP
1.5 AIA HSW LU
0.15 ICC CEUs
Past Courses
Introduction to the Energy Code
Wednesday, June 11, 9:30am - 11:00am
This course provides an overview of the California Energy Code, Title 24 Part 6, including the historic context, organization, resources and overall goals for this current code cycle. Serving as an optional refresher for code officials, architects and builders who will be participating in 2025 energy code classes, or as an introduction for those entering the building industry, this course will provide a strong foundation for design, permitting and compliance.
The recording of this training and the slides can be accessed by clicking the buttons below.
Overview of HERS/ECC Compliance
Tuesday, June 24, 10:00am - 11:30am
This session provides a practical overview of HERS (Home Energy Rating System) verification requirements—where they originate, how they’re defined in code, and what steps are involved in meeting them. We'll discuss: The foundations and goals of the HERS program, types of verifications that may be triggered, the process for compliance, as well as preview of changes in the 2025 code, set to take effect January 1, 2026. This training is intended for building professionals, energy consultants, and code compliance officers seeking clarity on HERS requirements and upcoming regulatory updates.
The recording of this training and the slides can be accessed by clicking the buttons below.
Introduction to the CALGreen Code
Tuesday, July 22, 1:30pm - 3:00pm
This session offers a practical introduction to Title 24, Part 11—the California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen). We’ll cover the purpose and scope of the code, how it's applied in the field, and what changes are coming with the 2025 code update, which takes effect January 1, 2026.
Topics include:
Origins and goals of CALGreen
Implementation logistics for jurisdictions and project teams
Requirements for both residential and non-residential construction
Key updates in the 2025 code cycle
This training is intended for building professionals, inspectors, plan reviewers, and compliance officers looking to better understand CALGreen and prepare for the upcoming code changes.
The recording of this training and the slides can be accessed by clicking the buttons below.
Have a question about our programs?
If you have a question, comment, or just want to learn more about our programs, please reach out and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible. Your message is important to us and we’re here to help.