2006 Participant Handbook

Policies and procedures for participating in the statewide Savings By Design program.

Download handbook in Acrobat PDF format (220 Kbytes)

  You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view these files.

1. What kind of design assistance does Savings By Design offer to optimize building performance?

Under the Whole Building Approach, design assistance may involve support in developing a building energy simulation model, preparing a report for the owner on recommended design modifications, and facilitating the integration of any modifications into the final building design. For a design team to receive an incentive, the design team must perform the energy simulation modeling.

Under the Systems Approach, design assistance may include existing plan review, recommendations for efficient equipment, and consultation on enhanced design strategies.

2. What's the best way to maximize the incentive potential of a project?

Include your utility early in the design process. Let your New Construction Representative explain the program opportunities, coordinate design assistance services, and guide the application process.

3. Are there other benefits besides incentives and design assistance?

Yes. In addition to offsetting the cost of energy-efficiency investments, the Savings By Design program can provide project owners with several ongoing benefits: reduced operating expenses, greater occupant comfort, higher productivity, and increased property value. The public also reaps an environmental benefit of energy conservation: cleaner air due to the avoidance of emissions associated with power generation.

4. Where do qualifying projects need to be located?

To qualify for Savings By Design incentives and design assistance, projects must be located in the service area of Pacific Gas and Electric Company, San Diego Gas & Electric, Southern California Edison or the Southern California Gas Company.

5. How can design teams qualify for incentives?

The overall energy efficiency of the project must be at least 15% better than the statewide 2001 Energy Efficiency Standards for Nonresidential Buildings–otherwise known as the Title 24 standards–which took effect on 06-01-2001. Design team incentives are available only for the Whole Building Approach, when computer simulation analysis is used. To receive an incentive the design team must work closely to integrate all of a building's energy systems (the building envelope, lighting systems, and heating, ventilating, and air conditioning systems) and maximize energy efficiency.

The earlier the utility is contacted, the better its representatives can help the design team take full advantage of program opportunities.

6. How much can a design team earn?

Design team incentives range from $.03 - .06 / kWh plus $.15 - .27/ therm annualized savings, up to $50,000 per project. As the project's energy efficiency increases, so does the incentive level. To receive an incentive, the design team is required to: (1) produce computer simulation modeling to evaluate the building's overall efficiency compared to the Title 24 baseline; (2) present the high-efficiency options to the project's decision makers or owner's representative; (3) document and specify the enhanced design; and (4) ensure that the energy-efficiency elements remain part of the project through the construction phase. Design team incentives are paid upon building completion and are determined by the efficiency of the as-built project.

7. How can project owners qualify for incentives?

Owner incentives are available for projects through either the Whole Building Approach (and are in addition to design team incentives) or the Systems Approach. The Systems Approach offers owner incentives for projects that include enhanced lighting, mechanical or envelope elements. These owner incentives are calculated based on annualized kWh savings, with a maximum incentive of $75,000 per free-standing building or individual meter.

8. How much can owners earn?

Under the Whole Building Approach, the maximum owner incentive is $150,000 per free-standing building or individual meter. Under the Systems Approach, a New Construction Representative calculates energy savings and incentives. These owner incentives are based on annualized kWh savings, with a maximum incentive of $75,000 per free-standing building or individual meter.