Future Proof: Scalable, Fire-Resistant Title 24 Opaque Envelope Retrofits for Energy-Efficient Homes
Summary
SCH Number
2026030750
Public Agency
California Energy Commission
Document Title
Future Proof: Scalable, Fire-Resistant Title 24 Opaque Envelope Retrofits for Energy-Efficient Homes
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
3/18/2026
Document Description
The goal of this project is to evaluate, deploy, and demonstrate a high-performance aerogel fiber mat insulation that is easy-to-install, environmentally friendly, non-flammable, and non-toxic. The insulation will be installed in low-income residential retrofits, aiming to reduce space conditioning loads, lower energy bills, and increase building resilience, occupant comfort, health and safety, while supporting California's broader decarbonization efforts
Contact Information
Name
Jackson Thach
Agency Name
California Energy Commission
Job Title
Mechanical Engineer
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Address
Phone
Name
Ammi Amarnath
Agency Name
Electric Power Research Institute, Inc.
Job Title
Project Manager
Contact Types
Project Applicant / Parties Undertaking Project
Phone
Email
Location
Cities
Montclair, Visalia, Yucaipa
Counties
San Bernardino, Tulare
Regions
Statewide
Zip
91763
Other Location Info
Yucaipa 92399 and Visalia 93277
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Cal. Code Regs., tit. 14, § 15301 ; Cal. Code Regs., tit. 14, § 15306
Reasons for Exemption
This project fits within Cal. Code Regs. tit. 14, sect. 15301, Existing Facilities, because it involves simple insulation retrofits and alterations of interior/exterior walls in existing residential structures to improve building performance. The retrofits involve no expansion of existing use.
Additionally, Cal. Code Regs. tit. 14, sect. 15306, Information Collection, applies because this project also involves basic data collection, research, experimental management, and resource evaluation activities which do not result in serious or major disturbance to an environmental resource.
This project does not involve impacts on any particularly sensitive environment; any cumulative impacts of successive projects of the same type in the same place that might be considered significant; does not involve unusual circumstances that might have a significant effect on the environment; will not result in damage to scenic resources within a highway officially designated as a state scenic highway; the project sites are not included on any list compiled pursuant to Government Code section 65962.5, and the project will not cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource. Therefore, none of the exceptions to categorical exemptions listed in CEQA Guidelines section 15300.2 apply to this project, and this project will not have a significant effect on the environment.
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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