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The BPA National Conference – How Was Nashville?

By Charley Cormany | April 29, 2022
Nashville sign

In April 2022, the Building Performance Association held its annual National Conference. For the past few years, the planners had to build a contingency for providing the content virtually due to travel restrictions and the global pandemic. This year was no exception, as travel restrictions threatened to make this yet another online event. The good news is this year, the conference was held in person for the first time since 2019.

We attended the conference in Nashville, our first in-person industry gathering, in quite some time. The following blog provides a perspective on attendance, the conference and educational sessions, and Nashville.

We attended the conference in Nashville, our first in-person industry gathering, in quite some time. The following blog provides a perspective on attendance, the conference and educational sessions, and Nashville.

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Spend a Bit More Now to Save Loads Later

By Charley Cormany | November 30, 2021
goal action plan sign

Heating and cooling replacements are often done upon failure. When this happens, the primary concern is to restore service, leading to decisions that have long-term impacts.

Here are a couple of things you should ask yourself.
1. Are you sacrificing long-term benefits for short-term results?
2. Is my contractor reacting to the situation or providing the best solution?
3. If contractors were responsible for paying your energy bills, would their suggestions be the same?

Creating a plan that accounts for the age of your equipment and its eventual failure might be the smartest thing you ever do.

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Is There A Silver Lining To The Stay At Home Order?

By Charley Cormany | May 1, 2020

Is There A Silver Lining To The Stay At Home Order? These are difficult times. While we all might hope that things can get back to “normal” soon, it’s likely that some things will change for good. Like a lot of businesses, contractors are suffering, as customers put off renovations and upgrades. If there’s a silver lining…

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Did You Know Your House Has A Tailpipe Too?

By Charley Cormany | July 31, 2019
Houses Have Tailpipes Too

Recently, there has been a noticeable shift in California energy efficiency policy. For years the focus has been on the overall reduction in energy use. Today, the goals are much more complicated, with aggressive state mandates specifically targeting greenhouse gas emissions. As a result, when energy savings occur has become a factor, often superseding total…

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I believe in electrification. So why did I just install a new furnace?

By Gabe Lieb | June 27, 2019

Our executive director Charley Cormany works with the Building Decarbonization Coalition and National Resources Defense Council (NRDC) to bring a contractor’s perspective to residential decarbonization and electrification policy in California.  Efficiency First California (EFCA) manages the SMUD Home Performance Program, which last year started incentivizing electrification with hefty rebates. I subscribe to MCE’s 100% renewable…

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How To Hide The BS In Your Work

By Charley Cormany | May 31, 2019
ACE

Building Science (BS) is pretty powerful stuff. Home performance contractors have been providing data and improving building science techniques for well over 30 years now. But while there is no question building retrofits have many benefits, selling the concept to homeowners and property managers is no small feat. While early adopters and others who have…

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Efficiency First is Now Part of the Building Performance Association

By Charley Cormany | April 25, 2019

Two years ago at the Home Performance Coalition conference in Nashville, a few folks had an after-hours conversation discussing the state of the efficiency industry and the players involved. At the time, Efficiency First National was struggling financially and with membership growth. From the conversation, it became evident that several organizations were replicating each other’s…

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Will PG&E’s Bankruptcy Filing Help Or Hurt The Industry?

By Charley Cormany | January 23, 2019
PG&EBankruptcy

The Grid Is Changing The recent fires in California have had tragic consequences. Thousands of people have lost their homes. Many have lost loved ones too. In many cases, the fires were caused by downed or damaged power lines or failed electrical distribution equipment, and the utility, PG&E, has been blamed. If PG&E is found…

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2018 IHACI Trade Show- What You Missed

By Charley Cormany | December 10, 2018

Recently, I attended the 39th annual Institute of Heating and Air Conditioning Industries (IHACI) trade show in Pasadena, California, in the hopes of learning about some exciting new products and maybe a couple new technologies for the heating and cooling industries (HVACR).  It’s been about four years since I was actively involved as a contractor/installer,…

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Home Performance In California Is Changing

By Charley Cormany | October 24, 2018
High voltage power lines

Home performance hasn’t changed much over the past 30 years. Recently though, a few big things have started to change in the world of energy. Contractors need to be aware of what’s happening and why, in order to prepare, adapt, and take advantage of new opportunities.

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