Next Generation Modular CO2 Heat Pumps for Multi-Family Buildings
Summary
SCH Number
2026030856
Public Agency
California Energy Commission
Document Title
Next Generation Modular CO2 Heat Pumps for Multi-Family Buildings
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
3/19/2026
Document Description
The purpose of this project is to demonstrate an advanced, cost-competitive CO2-based heat pump system capable of providing simultaneous heating, cooling, and domestic hot water for multifamily buildings, replacing conventional gas-fueled systems with ultra-low GWP refrigerant technology. The project aims to reduce first costs through modular design, validate performance through lab and field testing, and showcase grid-responsive controls for demand flexibility and energy efficiency.
Contact Information
Name
Jason Tancher
Agency Name
California Energy Commission
Job Title
Utilities Engineer
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Name
Doug Davenport
Agency Name
Prospect Silicon Valley
Job Title
Project Manager
Contact Types
Project Applicant
Phone
Location
Coordinates
Cities
Oakland, San Jose
Counties
Alameda, Santa Clara
Regions
Countywide
Cross Streets
Linda Vista St, San Marino Ave
Zip
95127
Other Location Info
3419-3431 San Pablo Ave Oakland Alameda
2048 Corporate Court San Jose Santa Clara County
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Cal. Code Regs., tit. 14, § 15301
Reasons for Exemption
Cal. Code Regs., tit. 14, Section 15301 Existing Facilities provides that the operation, repair, maintenance, permitting, leasing, licensing, or minor alteration of existing public or private structures, facilities, mechanical equipment or topographical features which involve negligible or no expansion of use beyond that existing at the time of the responsible agency's determination, are categorically exempt from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act. This project involves the development and installation of a CO2-based heat pump heating, cooling, and domestic hot water system in an existing laboratory at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. Once laboratory testing has concluded, the system will be installed in a multifamily
building in Oakland in parallel with a standard HVAC and hot water system for purposes of comparison of
the performance of the systems against each other. There will be no expansion of use of the laboratory due to the
installation of the system and minimal expansion of use, and no expansion of structures, the project site beyond
that in existence at the time the standard HVAC and hot water systems are installed. Therefore, this project will
not have a significant effect on the environment and is exempt from CEQA under California Code of Regulations,
title 14, section 15301.
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Cal. Code Regs., tit. 14, § 15306
Reasons for Exemption
Cal. Code Regs., tit. 14, Section 15306, provides that projects which consist of data collection, research,
experimental management, and resource evaluation activities, and which do not result in a serious or major
disturbance to environmental resources, are categorically exempt from CEQA. This project consists of research
and data collection associated with the in-laboratory development and subsequent onsite installation of a CO2-
based heat pump system in parallel with standard HVAC and hot water systems; data and information will be
collected on the performance of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning energy load. For this reason, the
proposed work will not have a significant impact on the environment and is exempt from CEQA under Cal. Code
Regs., tit. 14, Section 15306.
This project does not involve impacts on any particularly sensitive environment; does not involve 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 site is 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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