Energy codes are increasingly complex and the expertise necessary to author compliance documentation and verify compliance is expanding

Authorities having jurisdiction (ahjs) in california and across the united states (U.S.) lack the technical expertise and resources required to accurately implement energy codes within local permitting processes. This project intends to scale a support program throughout california to credential those who prepare california energy code (energy code) permit documentation and plans examiners who verify compliance during plan check. Using credentialed experts will increase the accuracy of compliance documentation and plans and help these communities realize the intended benefits of the energy code. Project objectives include: • encourage AHJ participation to expand local energy code verification capacity and support implementation of local resolutions/ordinances to establish a network of credentialed energy code experts in their communities (budget periods 1-2) • scale associate energy analyst (AEA)/certified energy analyst (CEA) credentialing program to proliferate experts across the state and support a robust quality assurance program (budget periods 1-2) • scale regional energy network (REN) code coach program to provide expert support for ahjs within their region on an on-call basis (budget periods 1-2) • fund credentialed third-party experts to provide plan checks for projects within disadvantaged communities (dacs) to enable local benefits (budget periods 1-2) • conduct direct outreach and education using expert regulatory staff to provide energy code support to ahjs across the state (budget periods 1-2) • develop program that has been vetted and can be implemented in other states and ahjs struggling with the same resource-constraints and expertise deficit (budget periods 1-2)