Pacific Ridge Electric, IBEW local 332 transform San Jose Union Hall into zero energy building

A collaborative effort between National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) contractor Pacific Ridge Electric and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers local 332 has transformed San Jose, California’s Union Hall into a zero energy structure.

It’s an extension of NECA’s Energy Conservation and Performance (ECAP) program, under which NECA offers skills and services to take electrical contractors into energy service markets with a variety of different types of energy producers afoot. It teaches the basics of prime contracting to participants and pairs NECA staffers with contractors to help them approach new projects in the greater market.

“This project returns Local 332’s building to legendary status within San Jose,” Christopher D. Smith, business developer and alternative energy engineer with NECA and the IBEW, said. “There are few retrofitted Net Zero Energy buildings in the world, and a project of this magnitude demonstrates the enormous capabilities and importance of IBEW electricians and NECA contractors. In the 21st century, the world is looking for answers to how and who will de-carbonize energy, build a decentralized and sustainable grid, construct the Internet of Things, and electrify our roadways.”

Pacific Ridge Electric was first offered the opportunity on Union Hall in early 2016. Working with ECAP, they audited the building, provided economic modeling, conceptual design, IFC drawings, performance bonding and put forth $3.2 million in financing while administering project management services on what was, at one time, the oldest commercial solar array in California. Though that array has since become outdated, the partners worked to install new LED wrapped solar panels on the roof.