In Balance Green Consulting

10/21/2026

Join us on Tuesday, November 3rd at 11am to dig into the world of heat pump water heaters as part of California Association of Permit Technicians (CAPT)'s Plan Review Series. Learn what to look for in plan review and inspections, as well as what has changed in the 2025 code cycle specific to installation requirements. Register through the link below:

https://www.capermittechs.com/product-page/plan-review-series-permitting-and-inspections-for-hpwh-s

10/21/2026

Join us tomorrow!

Small changes in water use can make a difference for the climate. 💧

Join CEC, 3c-Ren, AIA Santa Barbara, and the Central Coast Green Building Council for a Carbon-Smart Construction Happy Hour focused on the connection between water use, energy use, and building carbon impacts.

Michelle Zimney of In Balance Green Consulting and Natasha Elliott of Sweet Smiling Landscapes will share practical strategies for reducing water use through efficient fixtures, landscape design, and graywater systems.

Plus, connect with building and design professionals from across the Central Coast, learn about water-saving strategies and recycled water options, and stick around for drinks and networking.

WHEN: Thursday, October 22, 5:30–7 p.m.
WHERE: CEC’s Environmental Hub, 1219 State St., Santa Barbara
REGISTER: cec.pub/energy-water-nexus

09/08/2026

For residential projects, the California Energy Code has long required mechanical system design, including calculations for heating and cooling loads, appropriate equipment selection, and design of ducted distribution systems. Until recently, however, rules of thumb and rough estimates were common practice.

At the same time, contractors needed consistent tools for sizing systems. The Air Conditioning Contractors of America, or ACCA, developed a series of manuals to provide a framework and methodology for contractors.

Check out this article written by In Balance's Jennifer Rennick as part of the 3c-Ren (Tri-County Regional Energy Network) Energy Code Connect Blog to learn more about the ACCA Manuals and tips for residential load calcs.

Back when a barn was a barn, the exemption was more obvious; with so many new uses for a barn-type of building in an agricultural setting, it’s important to review details of energy code exceptions.

08/11/2026

As we adjust to the 2025 code cycle, the 2025 CALGreen Code introduces important changes and clarifications to EV charging requirements. In June, we took a closer look at nonresidential EV charging, including expanded requirements for new construction, parking lot alterations, and readiness for future EV truck charging.

Check out this article written by In Balance's Tatiana Soglin as part of the 3c-Ren (Tri-County Regional Energy Network) Energy Code Connect Blog to learn more about the nonresidential EV charging requirements under the 2025 Code.

Back when a barn was a barn, the exemption was more obvious; with so many new uses for a barn-type of building in an agricultural setting, it’s important to review details of energy code exceptions.

08/04/2026

Here at In Balance Green Consulting, we have received an influx of questions about fire-resistant assemblies for attics, particularly unvented attics. While this is a complex topic with many nuances, we’ll provide an overview of the options and what to look out for.

What’s this stemming from? Unvented attics have been a topic of roof assembly energy performance for a while due to the idea of creating a “conditioned attic” that can benefit the HVAC system and reduce heating and cooling loads. In addition, recent evidence from California wildfires has shown that high winds carry embers across residential areas, sometimes finding eave vent openings, which can contribute to causing the scattered ignition pattern of homes often seen.

Check out our blog article to take a dive into unvented attic assemblies!

Here at In Balance Green Consulting, we have received an influx of questions about fire-resistant assemblies for attics, particularly unvented attics. While this is a complex topic with many nuances, we’ll provide an overview of the options and what to look out for. What’s this stemming from? Un...

07/21/2026

Cal Poly San Luis Obispo recently opened Tech Park 2, a LEED Silver certified building at the Cal Poly Technology Park. According to Cal Poly Partners, the new two-story, 16,200-square-foot facility “is designed to enhance collaboration between Cal Poly students and industry partners while advancing the university’s Learn by Doing mission.”

Tenants in the building include SLO County Fire/CAL FIRE, the Cal Poly Wildland-Urban Interface Fire Institute, the U.S. Geological Survey California Water Science Center, Harrow Services – Career Consulting and The Forward Thinking Company.

Check out our blog article below to learn about the sustainable features that contributed to LEED Silver certification!

https://www.inbalancegreen.com/news/2026/6/16/cal-poly-tech-park-earns-leed-silver?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExY2IzMkplY3FXWVRIbG5UcnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR5v88273JT2r5966_-9aqJ9v2z3YbC8rLOoqZeUvFV3XVliSlIEhm3wZuRilQ_aem_Rpptvtcj1T3jupjR9w4ksw

Cal Poly San Luis Obispo recently opened Tech Park 2, a LEED Silver certified building at the Cal Poly Technology Park. According to Cal Poly Partners, the new two-story, 16,200-square-foot facility “is designed to enhance collaboration between Cal Poly students and industry partners while advanci...

07/08/2026

USGBC California recently honored In Balance's own Andy Pease with a Civic Leadership award. Presented at the 25th annual California Green Building Conference. It highlighted her work both at In Balance and as a City Council Member for San Luis Obispo promoting sustainability, but also housing affordability, bike and pedestrian-focused infrastructure, and an innovative Climate Action Plan targeting climate neutrality by 2035.

Read USGBC-CA CEO Ben Stapleton's comments below, and congratulations, Andy!

On May 28, 2026, at its 25th Annual California Green Building Conference, USGBC California (USGBC-CA) presented their annual Civic Leadership awards, including one to In Balance Green Consulting Principal, and former City Council Member, Andy Pease. USGBC-CA CEO Ben Stap

06/23/2026

We are very excited to announce that In Balance Green Consulting is officially Green Business Certified through the SLO County Green Business Program! The SLO County Green Business Program is part of the statewide California Green Business Network (CAGBN), which aims to recognize small- to medium-sized businesses for implementing business practices that improve operations, cut costs, and reduce their environmental impact. While our day-to-day work typically focuses on green building in a project’s design, going through this certification process helped us assess our current operations, and find some gaps and opportunities for improvement.

Some highlights of our certification process included:
- Using LED lighting, reusable dishware, and upcycled office furniture
- Taking advantage of daylighting over electric lighting
- Signing on for 100% renewable energy through a local provider
- Working with building management to coordinate changing air filters!

Read more about our story below!

We are very excited to announce that In Balance Green Consulting is officially Green Business Certified through the SLO County Green Business Program ! The SLO County Green Business Program is part of the statewide California Green Business Network (CAGBN), which aims to recognize small- to medium-

06/19/2026

Hi friends! I wanted to share this offer with you. That is only available TODAY and it’s FREE. Good for the entire family! I already got mine! Free entry to several ca parks ! To get your free pass…https://parks.ca.gov

05/27/2026

Inbalance Green Consulting Ribbon Cutting with ECOSLO