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about efficiency first california

Who We Are

And Why It Matters

Efficiency First California (EFCA) is a non-profit trade organization that represents and promotes clean energy contractors in California. For over 20 years, we have helped contractors like you succeed. 

EFCA is directly involved in state policy discussions. One of our core responsibilities, as a trade organization, is to help contractors be aware and involved in state energy policy. 

Policymakers on the local, state, and federal levels often reach out to us directly to better understand the contractor’s perspective. The contractor’s perspective is crucial in policy discussions. We listen to and advocate for you, the contractor.  

We partner with industry stakeholders who share our common goals. Working collaboratively, we have been able to influence policy on a large scale.

We want to help you grow your business. Our monthly blog and advocacy update help you make well-informed decisions about the future of your business. We represent your best interests for sustainable, fair, and unbiased business models. We have an extensive list of industry contacts. If you need help, reach out and we can likely help you with whatever issues you’re experiencing.

training & events for clean energy & energy efficiency

20 Jul

2025 Title 24, Part 6 Essentials — Nonresidential Standards: What Is Acceptance Testing?

9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Date: July 20, 2026 Time: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm PDT Type: Virtual Classroom Location: Online CEUs: ICC:0.3; AIA:3; CABEC:3 Instructor: Kyle Dunn What is Acceptance Testing? How does it compare to Commissioning? What Nonresidential HVAC systems require a certified Acceptance Test Technician under the 2025 California Energy Code? Who’s involved and how is it documented? This three-hour online live class addresses these questions and more, with an overview of Energy Code Acceptance Testing requirements for a variety of systems, and a

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22 Jul

Passive House Enclosures

9:00 am - 11:30 am

Part 8 of 9  This course dives deep into the focus of building enclosure design and construction looking at a range of enclosure construction types, and climates. The course will look at topics of designing, detailing, sequencing, building, inspection, reporting, and testing of critical Passive House components and enclosure systems: insulation, thermal bridge free connections, airtightness, windows and more. Agenda: Introduction and safety message Context of Passive House The work of enclosures Efficient design and high quality Details Execution The

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22 Jul

Next Generation Passive Solar & Passive House

9:30 am - 11:00 am

Event Description We all learned the principles of passive solar design in school – south facing orientation, strategic windows, thermal mass, etc., but the old rules don’t apply in the same way. In the meantime, Passive House building principles are folding into every-day construction. Modern buildings should still incorporate a range of passive strategies, but they need a new spin on the implementation to account for improved insulation, prevalence of high-performance glazing, and efficient HVAC systems and lighting. Learning Units

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24 Jul

Troubleshooting Lighting Controls (Webinar)

9:00 am - 1:00 pm

Description: This course teaches attendees how to diagnose and resolve common lighting controls issues in commercial buildings.  Participants will learn a structured troubleshooting process for systems that may include occupancy sensors, daylighting controls, wall stations, dimming zones, networked lighting controls, relays, emergency lighting interfaces, time schedules and integration with building automation systems. This course focuses on practical field scenarios and participants will leave with a repeatable method for identifying whether an issue is caused by wiring, device configuration, programming, documentation,

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California Contractor Advocacy

Building a clean energy future for all

Efficiency First California is actively engaged in California policy. We monitor communications from the California Energy Commission and the California Public Utilities Commission. When needed, we provide feedback to ensure regulations and policies consider the contractor’s role and the implications proposed regulations may have on contractors. 

Your feedback as a contractor is critical for our efforts. We encourage your participation in policy discussions. We feel it is our role to represent your perspectives.

Monthly Newsletter

Sign up to get the information you need

Every month you can get details regarding important news and updates on clean energy, energy efficiency, trade shows, and the latest policy developments.  

Check out our blog where you can get the information that matters to you and your business.

Resources

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Calculators

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Industry-Specific Education

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Industry Acronyms

our projects

Clean Energy Connection

Free leads for contractors. Free referrals for homeowners.

EFCA’s Clean Energy Connection contractor directory helps homeowners connect with local, vetted contractors with proven expertise on clean energy and electrification projects. 

We built the Clean Energy Connection to provide free leads to contractors and promote the growth of the industry as a whole.

It’s reliable, free, and it helps to grow and support our state’s clean energy workforce.

our commitments

Program Administrator for Sacramento Municipal Utility District

EFCA leads the way in rebate program management

We have been a key player in providing utility support services to different entities like TECH, SGIP, and PG&E, particularly as a program implementer for Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) incentive programs.

Our success has made EFCA a valuable resource for rebate program designers and implementers. We openly share our processes with others so they can also create successful programs, with the ultimate goal of making things easier for contractors (and homeowners).

Our Partners

sponsorship opportunities

Become a sponsor for EFCA’s upcoming events and open doors to connect, engage, and inspire both Clean Energy Connection (CEC) & Efficiency First California (EFCA) members.

For inquiries and more information, please reach out to our sponsorship team by clicking here.