VIG-based Residential Retrofits to Demonstrate Enhanced Efficiency and Comfort
Summary
SCH Number
2026030850
Public Agency
California Energy Commission
Document Title
VIG-based Residential Retrofits to Demonstrate Enhanced Efficiency and Comfort
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
3/19/2026
Document Description
This project will demonstrate the performance and benefits of vacuum insulated glass (VIG) windows via laboratory testing, thermal modeling and field demonstration. The project will also explore improvements in VIG value propositions, address cost and durability concerns, and develop a plan for broad market adoption. The project is partnering with major VIG and window manufacturers to develop and demonstrate high-performance VIG solutions in single-family and multi-family residential buildings. This demonstration will use 2 installation methods, a full replacement and a retrofit using the existing window frame.
Contact Information
Name
Jeanie Mar
Agency Name
Energy Commission
Job Title
Energy Commission Specialist I
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Email
Name
Kaushik Biswas
Agency Name
GTI Energy
Job Title
Project Manager
Contact Types
Project Applicant
Phone
Email
Location
Cities
Rohnert Park, Santa Rosa
Counties
Sonoma, Ventura
Regions
Countywide
Cross Streets
Rutledge Ave
Zip
95404
Other Location Info
Rutledge Ave Santa Rosa 95404 (Sonoma)
Southwood Dr Santa Rosa 95407 (Sonoma)
Franklin Ave Santa Rosa 95404 (Sonoma)
Chico Ave Santa Rosa 95407 (Sonoma)
Emily Ave Rohnert Park 94928 (Sonoma)
TBD (Ventura)
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Cal. Code Regs., tit. 14, § 15301
Reasons for Exemption
This project fits within Cal. Code Regs. tit. 14, sect. 15301, Existing Buildings, because it involves minor retrofit alterations and installations of energy efficient windows in at least 15 existing single and multifamily residential units to improve building performance, with no expansion of capacity. These installations will be in existing, developed sites on land that are not environmentally sensitive. No historical resources or buildings will be affected. Noise and odors will not be generated by these installations in excess of existing permitted amounts. The installation will not increase traffic to these sites and will not require permits for air, water, conditional use, building expansion, hazardous waste or rezoning.
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Cal. Code Regs., tit. 14, § 15306
Reasons for Exemption
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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