California

Empowering insights to support statewide zero net energy goals  

California has a Zero Net Energy (ZNE) mandate for all new residential construction by 2020 and new commercial construction by 2030. However, there has been much to learn about the building market to successfully achieve these goals. With this in mind, Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) selected TRC to conduct two studies ZNE market studies that could provide key findings to frame and inform statewide ZNE planning discussions among regulatory agencies and utilities. 

  • Client: Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E)
  • Project Location: California

Through the studies on residential and nonresidential buildings, TRC interviewed hundreds of market actors for barriers and drivers; assessed market size, location, and characteristics of ZNE​; and compared perceived with actual costs​. TRC summarized ZNE market findings and provided recommendations for decision-makers to help meet ZNE goals, such as:  

  • Providing incentives, education, training and other support to the industry 
  • Expanding support for Near-ZNE construction due to limited incremental cost​; 
  • Transitioning to a single, integrate program to drive greater energy efficiency and distributed energy​; and 
  • Connecting interested ZNE builders to lenders who can help finance their projects. 

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Sharing Our Perspectives

Our practitioners share their insights and perspectives on the trends and challenges shaping the market.

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Resources

3D Visualizations

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3D visualizations can improve communication with stakeholders, illustrate approaches and establish confidence in a proposed strategy.

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System Design to Site Closure: Enhanced Anaerobic Biodegradation

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Enhanced anaerobic biodegradation (EAB) can be utilized for the remediation of petroleum, chlorinated solvents and hydrocarbons.

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Carbon Sequestration

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Advanced NAPL Site Characterization Tools

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Advanced NAPL site characterization tools can improve site understanding and remediation performance.

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Modeling: Convincing Visualizations Are Key to Successful Projects

December 5, 2022

This presentation provides guidance on steps and methods to utilize 3D and other visualization software to present complex sites and illustrate solutions to complex problems, such as remedial solutions and future site development. These methods involve 3 key concepts: data management coordination, conceptual site modeling and visual clarity. TRC’s experts also breakdown the different types of visualization software and their applications to specific scenarios.

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TRC and Slipstream partner with the Minnesota Department of Commerce to launch energy conservation R&D project

June 24, 2021

TRC, Slipstream, and the University of Minnesota are working with controls system manufacturers and contractors to develop such a standardized and streamlined building control retrofit process leveraging ASHRAE Guideline 36

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Transforming Commercial New Construction

March 3, 2020

Commercial buildings today represent about 16% of energy use (30% of electricity) and a key source of GHG emissions across the US.

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Tackling the Advanced Energy Frontier with TRC at ACEEE Summer Study

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What will the grid of the future look like? Where are scientists and engineers breaking new ground to push energy efficiency even further? Join TRC at ACEEE Summer Study to find out.

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Resources

3D Visualizations

January 9, 2023

3D visualizations can improve communication with stakeholders, illustrate approaches and establish confidence in a proposed strategy.

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Resources

System Design to Site Closure: Enhanced Anaerobic Biodegradation

January 9, 2023

Enhanced anaerobic biodegradation (EAB) can be utilized for the remediation of petroleum, chlorinated solvents and hydrocarbons.

modeling
Resources

Modeling: Convincing Visualizations Are Key to Successful Projects

December 5, 2022

This presentation provides guidance on steps and methods to utilize 3D and other visualization software to present complex sites and illustrate solutions to complex problems, such as remedial solutions and future site development. These methods involve 3 key concepts: data management coordination, conceptual site modeling and visual clarity. TRC’s experts also breakdown the different types of visualization software and their applications to specific scenarios.

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TRC Companies Welcomes New Power Sector President Ed Myszka

September 2, 2020

Myszka brings over 30 years of innovation, market development and operations experience to TRC.

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Insights

Transforming Commercial New Construction

March 3, 2020

Commercial buildings today represent about 16% of energy use (30% of electricity) and a key source of GHG emissions across the US.

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INGAA Foundation Elects TRC’s Lauren O’Donnell as Chair

February 5, 2020

The board of directors of the INGAA Foundation elected Lauren O’Donnell as its chair for a one-year term.

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Insights

Tackling the Advanced Energy Frontier with TRC at ACEEE Summer Study

July 24, 2018

What will the grid of the future look like? Where are scientists and engineers breaking new ground to push energy efficiency even further? Join TRC at ACEEE Summer Study to find out.