Energy efficiency and renewable energy
Learn how to plan and implement a PCEF Community Grant project that includes energy efficiency and renewable energy installations.
Eligible measures, requirements, and quality assurance
These documents compile minimum requirements for eligible energy efficiency and renewable energy measures, outline how to access funding for other improvements, and describe the quality assurance process for PCEF-funded clean energy implementation projects.
Participation guidelines
These documents capture processes and considerations for specific project types. The single family document outlines steps for PCEF grantees that have scope focused on home retrofits. The renewables document describes types of renewables projects that PCEF funds, including net zero projects. Please reference the multifamily and commercial eligible measures for participation guidelines for those projects.
Contractor guidance
Installation checklists. The PCEF installation checklists provide critical information regarding the steps required to properly install clean energy measures. These checklists are designed to be used by contractors performing work on PCEF projects. They contain technical- and construction-specific language and information. Contractors on PCEF grants are required to submit relevant checklists to the program’s quality assurance (QA) provider after each installation. Due to the number of documents, these checklists are included at the bottom of this webpage. Spanish versions of the checklists are also included. More will be added once they are available.
Heat pump installation checklists. It is essential that installed heat pumps are properly sizedto ensure utility cost savings. All heat pumps with back-up heat that are installed in single-family homes require a balance point sizing calculation to determine the lock-out temperature; this minimizes use of back-up heat and maximizes use of the heat pump. The system capacity must match the heat load calculation requirements as close as possible. PCEF recommends using the Better Buildings Northwest HVAC sizing tool, or other approved sizing tool.
PCEF has two new ductless and ducted heat pump installation checklists for replacing existing heating with a new heat pump.
Asbestos. Contractors and grantees are required to follow the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) rules and procedures as referenced in Updated Asbestos Rules and Asbestos Survey Requirements.
If asbestos is disturbed without following EPA and DEQ rules and procedures, the following will occur:
- PCEF will report the incident to the DEQ.
- An indoor air quality test will be required to be performed by a certified DEQ Accredited Asbestos Inspector.
- The contractor will be notified, and PCEF’s response will be tailored to the circumstances. This may include not allowing the contractor to work on PCEF-funded projects.
Installation checklists (see section above):