The Chapter’s newest Sustaining Partner, the Energy Design Assistance program (CEDA), is excited to offer architects and engineers throughout the state of California a new way to meet energy efficiency goals for new construction and major alterations. CEDA replaced the Savings by Design program and offers complimentary energy design assistance, which lays out potential energy savings options and potential incentives.
California has set the goal to completely decarbonize by 2045 through SB100 and other legislation. New buildings provide a unique opportunity to advance the state’s goal while delivering long-term energy savings along with healthy, comfortable buildings.
In 2021, the California Energy Design Assistance (CEDA) program replaced the Savings by Design (SBD) program to further new construction energy efficiency (EE). The program serves new construction and major alternations in Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas®), San Diego Gas & Electric Company (SDG&E®), Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E®), and Southern California Edison Company (SCE®) areas.
Energy goals and savings have been a design issue for a long time, as there is no set blueprint that architects and engineers can use to achieve success. Architects and engineers understand that the design and function of a building varies greatly based on the use, climate, square footage, budget, and building codes. Creating an energy-efficient building takes into consideration all these factors, as well.
Energy consultants assist architects and engineers in creating energy-efficient buildings, so they can focus on design. CEDA provides a standardized approach, while navigating California Public Utility Commission (CPUC) requirements for technical assistance and cash incentives. Savings claims must comply with all applicable CPUC guidance and are subject to review and contingent on approval. The program uses the CPUC’s Standard Practice Baseline instead of Title 24 consistent with CPUC Resolution E-4939 published in 2018. The program provides the technical assistance to complete the compliant energy calculations, and this provides eligibility for cash incentive to offset the costs of EE measures.
Willdan’s team of energy consultants and CPUC policy experts provide complimentary energy modeling to calculate energy savings and potential financial incentives, which saves designers time on paperwork and researching options. In as little as two meetings Willdan can provide a whole building analysis tailored to specific budget and project goals. Different measures will be presented, to make it easy to choose the best options to pursue. To maximize benefits from the program, it is recommended to get involved early in the design process.
CEDA serves commercial, public, high-rise multifamily (4 stories+), industrial, and agricultural projects in participating areas that pay or will pay the Public Purpose Program surcharge. CEDA is available for new construction and major alteration projects including institutional partnerships that meet the following criteria:
- Must be in the design phase or be willing to modify design to improve EE
- Must exceed standard practice, code, and current design
- Must pay / will pay the Public Purpose Program surcharge on the account where the EE measures will be installed
- Must sign online application with Terms and Conditions
- Cannot double dip with other CPUC-funded EE programs
Major alteration projects must meet the following criteria:
- Changes in space function (building or space occupancy type change) OR
- Substantial changes (≥30%) in design occupancy (square feet per person) OR
- Increase (≥10%) in conditioned floor area OR
- Any expansion or addition of substantial process or conditioning load to an existing facility
After discussing project initiatives, Willdan will provide all necessary details to help customers decide if CEDA is right for the project.
If an architect or engineer is already working with an energy consultant for technical assistance, modeling, and program paperwork, they can still participate in CEDA Lite and be eligible for owner incentives. CEDA Lite project teams must complete all program documentation requirements, adhere to program modeling protocols, calculate energy savings using the CPUC Standard Practice Baseline (this is not CEC Title 24 modeling), and receive approval for the modeling approach and software tool.
In the ever-changing EE landscape, Willdan is a trusted partner that provides intelligent energy modeling through the CEDA program. Enrollment is easy through our online application that can be accessed here. To talk to someone on our CEDA team please reach out via email or via phone (855) 502-3914. Stay in the loop for program updates by visiting CaliforniaEDA.com and sign up for our mailing list.
CEDA is funded by California utility customers and administered by Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) and supported by the state’s other investor-owned utilities, (IOUs), under the auspices of the California Public Utilities Commission. Program funds, including any funds utilized for rebates or incentives, will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis until such funds are no longer available. This program may be modified or terminated without prior notice. Customers who choose to participate in this program are not obligated to purchase any additional goods or services offered by Willdan or any other third party. The selection, purchase, and ownership of goods and/or services are the sole responsibility of customer. None of the IOUs make any warranty, whether express or implied, including the warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose, of goods or services selected by customer. None of the IOUs endorse, qualify, or guarantee the work of Willdan or any other third party. Eligibility requirements apply; see the program conditions for details