Since 1991, the PG&E Pacific Energy Center (PEC) has provided architects, engineers, interior designers, and building owners and operators with seminars, design consultations, tool loans, and print resources to reduce the amount of energy used by new and existing commercial buildings.
The PEC provides over 125 seminars annually on new building envelope technologies, renewable energy systems, daylighting, electric lighting, commissioning, and HVAC systems and controls. The goal of these trainings is to help building designers understand how design decisions affect energy efficiency and to guide them in making good choices. Programs typically include a mix of lecture, case studies, hands-on activities, group discussions or exercises, and/or demonstrations of design strategies, equipment, tools, and technologies. When content and learning approach permit, classes are also simulcast over the Internet. The PEC primarily serves the commercial building community, however, its courses, tool lending library, consultations, and other services are available free of charge to anyone working on a project in California.
Energy efficiency forms a strong foundation from which to address other green building issues. In line with its support of an integrated design approach, the PEC offers a number of programs on water use reduction, resource-efficient building materials, and indoor air and environmental quality. In addition, PEC programs aim to expose decision makers to the economic advantages of energy efficiency and green building. This focus helps to bring about permanent changes in design and operations practices and to create more energy efficient buildings within the state of California.
Awards Home