Shedding Light on Solar Commissioning (Cx): How Quality Assurance for Renewable Energy Systems Keeps Your Project’s Future Bright
Commissioning new nonresidential buildings and spaces is now common practice, but as renewable energy becomes increasingly prevalent, commissioning solar photovoltaic (PV) systems and thermal systems for preheating water will prove just as important. The top three...
Virtual LEED, HERS & Cx Inspections – Direct Cost & Safety Benefits for Modern Construction
Over the last two years, COVID-19 safety protocols have stressed our ability to travel and have impacted our availability to visit construction sites. With the right mindset, challenges like these can be turned into opportunities. Within months of the onset of the...
The New Prescriptive Multifamily 2022 California Energy Code Fenestration Reference Standard: What is NAFS?
For more than a decade now, the California Energy Commission (CEC) has utilized the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) as its prescriptive standard for new fenestration products. You may have seen these standards referenced on newly installed windows through...
2022 Energy Code: Multifamily Buildings
With a new code cycle around the corner, it’s worth looking into some surprises that await us before the rubber hits the road. The 2022 California Energy Code (Takes effect January 1, 2023) contains several significant changes worth considering as early in the project...
Persistence of Energy Savings after an Energy Assessment
A third party Energy Assessment for an existing building is a proven method to identify and implement Energy Conservation Measures (ECM’s) to effectively reduce energy consumption and costs. An Energy Assessment conducted by VCA Green for Shift Apartments located in...
Getting Your HVAC and Lighting Systems Ready for Summer
As seasons change, building equipment functions also need to adapt. Ignoring changes to weather often causes building owners to suffer higher utility costs and causes occupant discomfort and complaints. If seasonal settings are addressed correctly, the Department of...
Top 3 Ways to Extend the Lifespan of Your Water Heater
Water heaters are a home appliance that doesn’t receive much attention throughout the course of a year. If hot water is being delivered, people are happy with the result; however, a domestic hot water system requires regular maintenance if you want to save money and...
Photovoltaic Panels + Storage Provide Resiliency and Contribute to LEED Point Potentials
Energy storage systems can support sustainability initiatives and provide energy cost reduction and resiliency solutions. Particular benefits include: providing a source of backup power; peak shaving and load shifting for participation in incentivized utility...