The Systems Approach is a simplified method to optimize efficiency choices. It is straightforward and the design team may find it more appropriate for their project.

• Daylighting Systems
• Interior Lighting Systems
• Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Systems
• Service Hot Water Systems
• Other Systems

Eligibility requirements:

• For sidelighting, glazing must have a minimum Performance Index of 1.28
• For toplighting, glazing must have a minimum Performance Index of 0.80
• For toplighting, skylights must comprise at least 2% of the roof area above spaces to be daylit
• Photocontrols must regulate primary luminaires in the daylit area(s) as defined by Title 24
• Photosensor controls must be capable of automatically adjusting illuminance levels, and must have both deadband and time delay features as defined byTitle 24

Incentives for daylighting systems are calculated using $.04 per annualized kWh savings.

Daylighting Options

INTERIOR LIGHTING SYSTEMS

Interior lighting is a major component of any building's energy use. Thoughtful attention to illumination requirements within the building, along with thorough specifications for efficient components and appropriate controls, can substantially minimize energy usage while enhancing the functionality of interior spaces.

To qualify for owner incentives, projects need to achieve at least a 10% reduction in the building's lighting power density (LPD). The system must still provide adequate light levels as recommended by the Illuminating Engineering Society.

At least two of the following lighting measures must be included in an efficient lighting system design to qualify for incentives:

• High-efficiency lamps
• Efficient ballasts
• Occupancy sensors
• Photoelectric dimming controls
• Improved lighting design

Required lighting documentation may include Title 24 LTG Forms 1 through 4, plus a complete lighting layout. Lighting controls that are necessary to achieve compliance with Title 24 standards are not considered in the LPD reduction calculation.

Incentives for interior lighting systems are calculated using $.06 per annualized kWh savings.

Lighting Guidelines (PDF)

HEATING, VENTILATION, AND AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEMS

The design of high-performance HVAC systems includes specification of high-efficiency equipment and controls that regulate the system to allow operation only when it is needed. Thoughtful consideration of the interactions of all system elements can substantially increase comfort for building occupants while cutting costs for the building owner.

An optimized HVAC system will typically include at least two of the following measures:

• High-efficiency packaged units
• High-efficiency heat pumps
• High-efficiency water-cooled chillers
• High-efficiency boilers
• Variable-speed motor drives on system fans and pumps
• Demand-controlled ventilation
• Premium-efficiency motors
• Low solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) glazing
• Cool roofs

Incentives for HVAC systems are calculated using $.12 per annualized kWh savings or $.34 per annualized therm savings.

HVAC Guidelines (PDF)

SERVICE HOT WATER SYSTEMS

The use of high efficiency natural gas hot water heaters can help to round out an overall approach to energy savings in the building design. Systems which use large amounts of hot water can see substantial savings when a high efficiency unit is used. Hot water used in process loads are calculated separately from the Systems Approach.

Incentives for service hot water systems are calculated using $.60 per annualized therm savings.

OTHER SYSTEMS & PROCESSES

For industrial and agricultural customers, process and other systems not covered under California's title 24 energy code can account for a significant portion of total energy use. Savings By Design offers energy efficiency design assistance and financial incentives to help optimize these systems. Program representatives will work with your design team early in the design process to evaluate and integrate energy-efficient strategies into your facility.

Project Eligibility

Any nonresidential new construction or renovation/remodel project with substantial process loads that is located within a service area of a participating utility is eligible.

Facilities with significant process loads include, but are not limited to:

• Manufacturing plants
• Refrigerated warehouses
• Semiconductor and biotech facilities
  
• Laboratories & cleanrooms
  
• Hospitals & clinics
  
• Dairies
  
• Food processing facilities
  
• Wineries & distilleries
  
• Wastewater treatment plants
  
• Refineries
  

Baselines

Current industry practice will be explored to establish a reference point from which estimated energy savings are determined. Wherever possible, standard practice, existing regulation, or industry protocols will be relied upon to set baselines. These may include:

• Legislated mandates such as EPAct motor efficiency minimums
• Industry guidelines such as NEMA standards
• Design protocols such as ASHRAE application guidelines
• Other commonly accepted industry practices

In instances where such baselines do not exist, the utilities may develop baselines, if appropriate.

Participation Procedures

Incentives or processes or other systems are available in the Savings By Design program regardless of program approach taken. Utility representatives working with project engineers will determine savings estimates. Program participants should follow these steps:

• Together with your New Construction Representative, determine if your processes are good candidates for energy efficiency enhancements.
• Work with utility specialists and your project design team to determine which efficiencies strategies and program approach are most appropriate.
• Submit documentation to establish operating conditions, to help determine baselines, and to meet program requirements.
• Sign an incentive agreement, offered by the utility’s New Construction Representative, to reserve funds for your project.
• Assure the energy efficiency elements are included in the completed project.
• Notify your New Construction Representative, upon completion of your project, to schedule an on-site verification of the energy efficiency features.
• Receive your incentive check, and enjoy the ongoing benefits of an energy-efficient facility.
  

Eligible Processes and Other Systems

A variety of process systems and controls can be considered for the Savings By Design program. These include, but are not limited to:

• Ventilation systems, such as those found in laboratories, clean rooms, and hospitals.
• Pumping systems, for example those found in waste water treatment plants, dairy processes, and petroleum transport.
• Refrigeration for food processing plants, distribution centers, and warehouses.
• Drive power systems including conveying, transporting, and manufacturing systems.
• Compressed air for aeration, pneumatic tools, and control or transport systems.
• Process cooling and heating associated with paint drying, paper manufacturing, and plastics extrusion.
• Heat recovery / rejection as found in ice rinks, swimming pools, or laundries.
• Other manufacturing processes, such as injection molding, food preparation equipment, and milling equipment.
  

Incentive Rates

For manufacturing process projects participating in the Systems Approach, incentives will be calculated using a rate of $.08/kWh and $.60/therm for estimated annualized savings. Incentives begin when process equipment’s performance exceeds industry standard baseline by approximately 10%.

For projects qualifying for the Whole Building Approach, incentive rates and estimated annualized savings will be developed with the guidance of the utility specialists.

Be sure to check the Participant Handbook for details regarding incentive maximums and program caps. Documentation of added costs for system enhancements will be required.

Contact your New Construction Representative today for further details.