— About CABEC —
The California Association of Building Energy Consultants (CABEC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing up-to-date, reliable information about the California Title 24, Part 6 Energy Standards and related building energy efficiency topics, as well as helping energy consultants stay on the cutting edge of building energy efficiency. This includes a voluntary Certified Energy Analyst (CEA) program, a quarterly web-based newsletter, website, conferences and educational energy training, both in person and by webinar. These activities have been developed to assure a professional level of training, experience and qualification for individuals in energy efficiency, energy conservation, and related fields.
Education & Training
CABEC shall improve the practice of energy consulting by encouraging its members to participate in a continuing program of professional development regarding the State of California’s building energy regulations, building energy analysis, energy conservation technologies, ethics, compliance documentation, and any matters that will contribute to the professional standards of those engaged in energy consulting.
Certification
CABEC shall offer a Certified Energy Analyst program in which members shall demonstrate their knowledge via certification qualifications. Certified Energy Analysts shall be held to the highest standard of competence.
Information Network
CABEC shall provide its members with an information forum for development and exchange of ideas relating to code issues, computer modeling, energy conservation, and other issues through a continuing program of professional development.
Ethics
CABEC shall require that all members subscribe to a code of ethics. The premise of the CABEC code of ethics is that members shall demonstrate a consistent pattern of reasonable care and competence in their work.
— Mission Statement —
The purpose of CABEC is to further technical expertise and ethics through certification; to foster professional development through training, information, and peer exchange/networking; to represent and enhance the stature of its members to the California Energy Commission and other political entities; and to encourage energy efficiency and regulatory compliance throughout the energy consulting industry.
— A Short History of CABEC —
The first organizing meeting of the California Association of Building Energy Consultants (CABEC) occurred in Oakland in September 1985. An informal group of representatives from the building industry, the utility companies, energy consultants and compliance software vendors met to discuss the need to clarify how energy consultants should correctly interpret and implement the Building Energy Efficiency Standards; and the lack of certification among individuals preparing performance calculations and compliance documentation. This led to the creation of CABEC as a 501(c) nonprofit professional association in March 1986. CABEC was an active participant in the development of the 1988 Standards.
In 1987, the California Energy Commission contracted with CALBO, through Connerly Associates, to establish a Certified Energy Plans Examiner (CEPE) examination for enforcement personnel. Residential and Nonresidential CEPE exams were in place in July 1988 for the start of that set of Standards. In 1990, CABEC created its own Certified Energy Analyst (CEA) program, which required individuals to first pass the CEPE exam and also meet other professional requirements including a minimum amount of experience preparing Title 24 Part 6 energy reports, continuing education credits, completion of a Professional Practices Workshop and the signing of a professional ethics statement. In 1998, the Energy Commission discontinued funding the CEPE program and CALBO declined to keep the CEPE certification going. The CEC informally asked CABEC if would assume the administration and support of the CEPE trainings, exam and certification. With the assistance of Douglas Beaman Associates, and limited financial support from the IOUs, CABEC took over as administrator of the CEPE program. The CEPE and CEA programs have continued since in the same form up to and including the 2008 Standards.
In late 2010, the IOUs Codes and Standards team, led by PG&E, assembled a team of Subject Matter Experts and certification testing experts to develop an entirely new CEA exam tailored to energy analysts. Unlike the CEPE exam for plans examiners, the new CEA exam tests five core competencies of what energy analysts must be able to do in analyzing, modeling and documenting a building for compliance with the Standards. New CEA exams are created for each code cycle.
Several CABEC members have worked in important advisory capacities to Energy Commission Staff in the development and implementation of Building Energy Efficiency Standards since 1988. In addition to the CEA program, CABEC has provided special and advanced trainings on the Standards for energy consultants since 1987. A more comprehensive and targeted training program is being developed in support of the new CEA program.
— CODE OF ETHICS —
Professional Ethics:
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- As a condition of membership in CABEC and/or certification by CABEC, all CEPEs and CEAs agree to: Maintain high professional standards in performing energy related plan review and/or energy compliance calculations and the overall integrity of their work from a technical, legal and ethical standpoint.
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- Provide energy calculations and documentation that are consistent with the plans and specifications used in their preparation and which conform to the energy standards for which they are prepared.
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- Demonstrate unbiased judgment in the performance of my work, including disclosing to a client or employer any circumstance that could be construed as a conflict of interest and ensuring that such conflict does not compromise the interests of the client or employer.
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- Compete fairly with other CEPEs/CEAs, including recognizing and giving credit to others for the professional work they have performed, and not offering or accepting improper contributions or gifts to obtain or grant work or to influence the judgment of others.
- Abide by the decisions of the CABEC Board of Directors with respect to the certification process and any complaint review procedures adopted by the Board.
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