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The aspect of "green building" that is of greatest relevance to
AB32's goals is the reliably long-term minimization of energy use
in the building. Energy use in California buildings is about
evenly divided between residential and commercial buildings, with
each around 20% of the state's total. Reducing that consumption is
a crucial aspect of an effective AB32 strategy. 
Particularly in the residential sector, traditional construction,
remodeling, and repairs tend to be undertaken without adequate
consideration of the building's design and operation as an
integrated system. The design or modification of one component,
such as the insulation, can have unanticipated effects on other
components, such as the optimal sizing of the space conditioning
equipment...with long-term consequences for energy efficiency and
consumption in addition to comfort, health, safety, and the
building's operating costs and value. 
We therefore suggest that AB32 should support the widespread use 
of "whole-building" approaches to assure maximum long-term energy
savings in construction, remodeling, and major repairs. This
recommendation is included in the recent California Energy
Efficiency Strategic Plan. This approach goes well beyond the
latest version of the state's Title 24 energy code and can deliver
far deeper reliable energy savings per home than any conventional
approach. It is embodied in the federal "Home Performance with
Energy Star" program sponsored by DOE and EPA but is still small
both nationally and in California. In this state, initial
implementation programs are delivered primarily through the
California Building Performance Contractors Association (an Energy
Star Partner) and are being sponsored by the major electric and gas
utilities. 
In coming years, greater emphasis on such innovative efficiency
program strategies will be needed but are currently hampered by
the CPUC's narrow interpretation of cost-effectiveness. Greater
recognition of the full range of benefits will be essential.

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Date and Time Comment Was Submitted: 2008-06-26 16:12:35