BayREN PROP Final Report

Introduction for BayREN PROP Report

Intro by Joseph Oldham

I first learned of the BayREN PROP report in April, 2015.  After reading it, I was impressed at how well the BayREN team uncovered one of the most significant challenges facing California efforts to improve the energy efficiency of new and existing buildings.  In my opinion, this report is a “must read” for all stakeholders engaged in improving the energy performance of California building stock.  The Bay Area Regional Energy Network (BayREN) is a collaboration of the nine counties in the San Francisco Bay Area that implements effective energy saving programs on a regional scale.  BayREN PROP is an innovative codes and standards program designed to assist local government building departments improve building code enforcement and building performance rates within their jurisdictional boundaries.  Why is the report so important?  Because it documents what many that have been working in the building energy efficiency space have suspected for many years; that local government building departments face major challenges in completing high quality and consistent energy code inspections on building renovations and new construction.  These challenges range from lack of funding from outdated permit fee structures to keeping staff properly trained in Title 24 energy code updates that occur every three years. The report uncovers the issues and then goes on to make solid recommendations on how to the correct them.  It also points out the value correcting these issues will bring to achieving State goals in terms of increased energy savings.

To read the full report, go to this link: BayREN CS PROP Final Report