Q&A with Danuta Drozdowicz: Understanding the Role of the Energy Commission in Reach Code Implementation
Danuta Drozdowicz is an Energy Specialist in the Efficiency Division at the California Energy Commission (CEC). Her background is in energy efficient construction and building science. Before joining the CEC, she worked as a LEED and green building consultant, first with a Portland, Maine based company, Fore Solutions, and then with her own firm, Context Green. Prior to that she worked for the state of Maine, focusing on energy efficient construction, indoor and outdoor air quality, and clean fuel vehicle testing and demonstration projects.
Drozdowicz is a LEED and a WELL Accredited Professional.
Q: Tell us a little about your role at the Energy Commission, Danuta
A: My primary responsibility is to facilitate and manage the reach code adoption process, from the time an individual application arrives at the California Energy Commission, on through to the Business Meeting where it is considered for approval. Because this is a legal process in which the Commission extends enforcement authority to the local jurisdiction, every aspect of the process must comply with specific procedures.
Q: How long does this process typically take?
A: It can be a lengthy process; until quite recently, it has taken up to four or five months. We have been working very hard to streamline this process without compromising the right of public review and comment. Recently, in some cases, we have been successful in shortening this process to only a few weeks.
Local jurisdictions should recognize that there may be a significant length of time between when they deliver the reach code package to the Commission and when it is ultimately approved. That said, most of the packages we receive are very complete and well-done and we are impressed with the quality and diversity of measures being developed.
Q: What exactly do you mean by diversity, Danuta?
A: In the first place it has to do with the building types the jurisdiction focuses on. For instance, some jurisdictions will focus on single-family residential construction and others on high-rise or nonresidential buildings. We’re also seeing a broad range of efficiency improvements, such as electric-preferred, LEED-certified, and requirements for reflective cool roofs and additional photovoltaic system installations.
Q: Does the Commission provide support or other assistance to jurisdictions?
A: The Commission cannot provide specific content advice in order to avoid creating a conflict of interest, though we are always able to answer questions related to process. There is a wide range of assistance available to local city and county staff when they are preparing a reach code package. For instance, we can recommend third party organizations providing support, such as the Statewide Reach Codes program, as well as the experience of other jurisdictions that are developing similar provisions.
The local ordinance docket is a rich resource for jurisdictions, as this houses all the filed documents from every jurisdiction seeking reach code approval under the 2019 Energy Code. These include staff reports, cost-effectiveness studies, and the complete text of the ordinances themselves. All of these can be extremely valuable to jurisdictions that may be at an earlier point in the process.
Q: What are the biggest obstacles local jurisdictions encounter when developing reach ordinances?
A: There is no one common obstacle, to be honest. Every jurisdiction has unique challenges and because the process is a public one, the community’s stakeholders really guide and influence it. In some cases, a City Council or county Board of Supervisors may review a draft and request the team re-visit certain provisions. If there is one commonality, it would be that the process often takes longer than originally anticipated by local teams.
