Zero Net Energy Pilot for Local Educational Agencies and Community Colleges

This IOU Pilot/ET Project had three main goals:

1. Demonstrate the technical feasibility of ZNE retrofits in public K-14 schools statewide through 13-18 geographically and demographically diverse projects.
2. Disseminate lessons learned regarding the technical design process and the implementation process broadly throughout the state through training events, recognition awards, and publications.
3. Explore the feasibility of a larger-scale Program for future years.

Goal #3 envisioned coordination with the Codes and Standards (C&S) and Emerging Technologies (ET) teams for the purpose of developing a scaled-up production program. However, it was determined that this was not feasible due to the shift to third party programs per Decision 18-01-004 issued in 2018, as well as the challenges meeting cost effectiveness through energy savings alone as described within this report.

This report summarizes all the implementation processes and results (at time of posting) at twelve sites addressed in goal #1. The report also summarizes the case studies, training, outreach and recognition efforts developed in goal #2 to provide insight into the costs, design and construction approaches, and operational needs to successfully achieve ZNE in schools through new construction and whole building retrofits. Importantly, addressing goal #3, this report also identifies challenges and provides valuable lessons learned and recommendations for achieving cost effective implementations based on savings alone for development of a full-scale program.