Birds view of rolling hills and city view.

Wildfire Recovery & Energy Efficiency

Rebuilding after wildfires provides an opportunity to build homes to be more energy efficient, resilient and less expensive to operate.  BayREN has compiled information for local government staff and homeowners to support rebuilding efforts.

Wildfire Whitepaper

Disaster Recovery and Energy Efficiency: Lessons Learned from the North Bay Fires

After the North Bay Fires of 2017, the Bay Area Regional Energy Network (BayREN), and our representatives from Napa and Sonoma Counties, began thinking of ways to improve energy efficiency and energy code compliance during the rebuilding process.

Download Disaster Recovery and Energy Efficiency whitepaper.

This document summarizes what we did and what we learned from that work, so that others can benefit from our experiences when recovering from other fires or disasters.

The intended audience is local government staff, especially those working on sustainability and energy efficiency programs. For more information about anything here, please contact: codes@bayren.org.

Homeowner Resources

Rebuilding for Efficiency, Comfort, and Resilience Consultations |The County of Sonoma’s Energy and Sustainability Division offers no-cost consulting with on-staff energy analysts and helps with developing a plan to make your new home as green as possible. Also reviewed are the building requirements needed to access rebates and incentives.

Free, Easy-to-Permit Landscape Design Templates |Eight scalable front yard landscape design templates are ready-to-permit and in compliance with local Water Efficient Landscape Ordinances. From the Sonoma-Marin Water Saving Partnership

Rebuild Green Expo | Useful articles and educational presentation slides are available online.

Sonoma County Recovers | Guide to help recover after the Sonoma County wildfires.

Napa County Rebuilding | Fire recovery and rebuild information from County of Napa.

FireSafe Sonoma | Information on defensible space, fire safe landscape design, and firewise construction measures

Napa Communities Firewise Foundation |Information on defensible space, fire safe landscape design, and fire hardening.

BayREN Efficient and Resilient Homes Sheet | Download the sheet.

Energy Code Ace Residential Rebuild Fact Sheet | Download the sheet. 

Department of Energy | Visit the website.

Recommended Upgrades

Rebuilding for an Efficient and Resilient Home

Current building codes have created healthier, safer homes that resist extreme weather, are more durable, and are less expensive to operate. The measures identified below can be incorporated into a home’s design to save energy while better withstanding whatever comes its way:

Building Envelope

High performance windows and well-insulated walls and attics will provide more comfort inside your home and reduce noise. High performance windows are often fire rated, meaning they can withstand high temperatures and add protection to your home.

Passive Solar Design

If looking to change the footprint of your home, consider orienting it to use the sun’s energy for heating and cooling. A well-designed passive solar home can reduce or eliminate the need for mechanical heating or cooling. Passive design can save money, provide more comfort, and supply natural lighting during power outages.

Solar or Solar Ready

Consider adding solar or designing for future solar installations. Solar panels harness the energy from the sun to provide power for your home while saving money on utility bills.

Go Electric! 

Ultra-efficient electric appliances (e.g. heat pump water heaters, ovens, ranges, dryers, etc.) can save money, increase your home’s efficiency, and improve safety by eliminating combustion fuels on site. You can ensure your home is ready for 21st century transportation by installing or being ready for a future electric vehicle charging station. Electric appliances and electric vehicle charging are especially worth considering if you are planning to put solar panels on your home.

Energy Storage

Solar panel systems paired with batteries creates the greatest resiliency. Battery backup can be used in emergencies for refrigerators or for select lights and outlets to continue charging cell phones, laptops, and/or power emergency medical equipment. If not ready to install energy storage systems now, consider dedicating space to allow for future installations.

Water-Use Efficiency

Many water-saving measures will also save energy and lower bills. Consider installing high-efficiency fixtures, clothes washers, and toilets. Rainwater and greywater systems can also help, as well as carefully designed low-water landscaping.

Accessory Dwelling Units

An accessory dwelling unit is a small permanent home in addition to the main house on a residential property, often called a granny unit. These can provide extra space or rental income, and because of their small size can also be very energy efficient. Green prefabricated units are available from several companies.