CalBEM 2024 Agenda & Details

The Kimpton Sawyer Hotel

CalBEM 2024 is an in-person event. Only the Working Group breakout sessions may be attended remotely.

Breakfast, lunch, and snacks are provided throughout the event.

Day 1: Wednesday, November 20, 2024

All times are Pacific.

7:30amRegistration and Breakfast
8:15amIntroductions and Opening Remarks
8:30amKeynote: The Role of BEM in Decarbonizing the U.S. Buildings Sector

Eric Wilson
Strategic Advisor, U.S. Department of Energy (on detail from NREL)

Eric Wilson will provide the CalBEM 2024 keynote address, presenting on the recently published National Blueprint for Decarbonizing the Buildings Sector by 2050. As a building energy modeler by training, he will speak to the role that modelers play in achieving this ambitious vision to aggressively reducing building greenhouse gas emissions while delivering equity, affordability, and resilience benefits to communities.
9:30amPre-Panel Presentation: Asset vs. Operational Ratings
Michael Sawford, A2 Efficiency
9:45amPanel + Q&A: The Intersection of Home Energy Labels and Energy Modeling

Moderator: Maddie Koewler, NASEO

Panelists:
Emily Alvarez, StopWaste
Noel Merket, National Renewable Energy Laboratory
Neal Kruis, Big Ladder Software (Representing RESNET)
Mudit Saxena, Xero Home
10:45amBreak
11:00am
Working Group Breakout Session #1
Three breakout sessions are run in parallel, led by the Working Group Co-Chairs. These sessions are interactive discussions, please be ready to engage via video/audio if attending remotely.

12:30pmLunch
1:00pmPower Talks
5 minute “lightning” presentations

Training the Future Workforce of BEM Professionals
Kyle Konis, University of Southern California

Mutual Support of Building Energy Modeling and CalNEXT Projects
Rezvan Mohammadiziazi, Energy Solutions

Compliance Software Update: IESVE-2024
Liam Buckley, IES Ltd.

Why Should We Care About Existing Buildings?
Jared Landsman, E3

GitHub Migration
Rob Guglielmetti, NORESCO

The Future of BEM Reporting
Greg Collins, Zero Envy
1:45pmBreak
2:00pmPanel + Q&A: Energy Modeling for Building Performance: BEM meets BPS

Moderator: Nick Allen-Sandoz, A2 Efficiency

Panelists:
Gabriel Taylor, California Energy Commission
Laurel Schandelmier, Glumac
Sam Mason, Code Green Solutions
Michael Tillou, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
3:00pmBreak
3:15pm
Working Group Session #2
Three breakout sessions are run in parallel, led by the Working Group Co-Chairs. These sessions are interactive discussions, please be ready to engage via video/audio if attending remotely.

5:00pmReception & Closing Remarks
Grab a beverage and enjoy connecting!
6:30pmAttendees Disperse for Organized Dinners* (optional)
Sign up for a meal at a local Sacramento restaurant and continue discussing all things modeling!

*Please note that dinner sign-ups are intended to encourage attendee socialization, but the meal cost is not covered by SCE hosts.

Day 2: Thursday, November 21, 2024

All times are Pacific.

7:30amBreakfast
8:15amWelcome and Recap of Day 1 Progress and Goals for Day 2
8:30 amPlenary

Dr. Amir Roth
Technology Manager, Building Energy Modeling and Control Platforms, U.S. Department of Energy

Dr. Amir Roth will provide a plenary address exploring the benefits and challenges of introducing consensus (interoperability) standards to building energy modeling, and briefly discuss what future standards may be helpful to the industry.
9:15amPresent the Award of Recognition & the Foundational Step Forward Award
9:45amBreak
10:00am
Working Group Breakout Session #3
Three breakout sessions are run in parallel, led by the Working Group Co-Chairs. These sessions are interactive discussions, please be ready to engage via video/audio if attending remotely.

11:45amLunch
12:15pmPower Talks
5 minute “lightning” presentations

Adapting to Climate Change: New Weather Files for a Warming California
Nathan Oliver, Big Ladder Software

Demystifying Heat Pump Performance Data
Neal Kruis, Big Ladder Software
12:30pmSpecial Topic Presentation
We will hear updates from the California Energy Commission, including on the Part 6 Restructured Standards.

Speakers:
Payam Bozorgchami, California Energy Commission
Sally Blair, NORESCO
Additional Speakers TBA
1:15pmPanel + Q&A: Advancing BEM Certifications: Overcoming Barriers in California and Nationwide

Moderator: Dave Intner, Southern California Edison

Panelists:
Gina Rodda, Gabel Energy
Sally Blair, NORESCO
Dimitri Contoyannis, Model Efficiency
2:15pmBreak
2:30pmUpdated Working Group Action Plans: Presentation and Q&A
Working Group Co-Chairs will present plans for 2025 and solicit feedback
3:45pmClosing Remarks
4:00pmAdjourn
The Kimpton Sawyer Hotel, Sacramento CA

CalBEM Key Logistics

Arrival & Departure

  • CalBEM starts bright and early at 8am on Wednesday 11/20, arrive the night before to be ready to join the conversation.
  • CalBEM ends at 4pm on Thursday 11/21.

Where to Stay?

How to Get to the Kimpton Sawyer

  • By Train: Take Amtrak to the Sacramento Valley Station. Exit and walk ~5min to the Kimpton Hotel (walking directions linked here).
  • By Plane: The Sacramento Airport (SMF) is just 11 miles from the Kimpton Sawyer (a 20 minute drive without traffic). Quickest option from the airport is a taxi or rideshare. Buses also run every 20 to 40 minutes from Terminal A. You will take the 42A, get off at the Golden 1 Center stop, and walk a block to the Kimpton Sawyer.
  • By Car: From 1-5, take the “J” Street Exit (Exit 519B) and the hotel is at the corner of “J” Street and 5th Street.

Parking

  • Please note that parking is not covered by our hosts. Valet parking is available at the Kimpton Sawyer for $15 per day (the overnight is only available to hotel guests, and is $40 plus tax, and oversized vehicles are $42 plus tax). Other options include:
    • Parking garages nearby:  Link to map
      • Downtown Commons Central Parking
      • Downtown Plaza – East Garage

Additional questions? Email info@calbem.org