Goal CN-3: Energy Resources – Implementation Actions [Table CN-3 part 3]:

Ref #

Implementation Action

Agency / Time Frame

GOAL CN-3: Reduce consumption of and reliance on nonrenewable energy, and support the development and use of renewable energy sources.

3.1

CALGreen voluntary measures. Evaluate the feasibility of adopting CALGreen building code nonresidential voluntary measures as mandatory measures by the City.

PBA 2023

3.2

LEED/ENVISION certification. Evaluate the feasibility of requiring all major renovations and new construction of City-owned facilities over 5,000 square feet to earn a LEED New Construction Silver Certification or greater. Evaluate feasibility of requiring all existing City-owned facilities larger than 25,000 square feet to obtain the LEED Buildings: Operations & Maintenance Certification. Evaluate the feasibility of requiring all major renovations and new construction of City-owned infrastructure facilities to earn ENVISION Bronze Certification. Consider providing incentives and recognition for new commercial, multifamily projects, and neighborhoods to obtain LEED certification. Incentives may include expedited permitting, rebates on or reduced building permit fees, and density bonuses.

PBA/PWA 2022

3.3

Green design guidelines. Update Citywide Design Guidelines to incorporate energy conservation principles, including passive heating and cooling, siting, shading, and material choices. Provide examples of site plans that illustrate energy conservation principles.

PBA 2023

3.4

Retrofitting existing buildings. Support and encourage retrofitting existing buildings to achieve energy optimization. Partner with Southern California Edison and other stakeholders to provide incentives, rebates, and expedited permitting for energy retrofit projects and to make residents, property owners, and businesses aware of such programs.

PBA/PWA Ongoing

3.5

Funding energy projects. Partner with local businesses, community organizations, and advocacy groups to seek creative financing sources for renewable energy retrofit and new development projects, including subsidized or other low-interest loans, on-bill repayment, and the option to pay for system installation through long-term assessments on individual property tax bills. For affordable housing projects involving City funds, require and incentivize affordable housing developers to meet energy-efficiency goals.

PBA/CDA 2023 & Ongoing

3.6

Funding mechanism clearinghouse. Establish and maintain a clearinghouse of information on available funding alternatives for renewable energy projects, rates of return, and other information to support developers and community members interested in pursuing renewable energy projects.

PWA/CDA 2022

3.7

Public awareness. Create educational programs to sustain public awareness of the importance of resource conservation (e.g., energy, water, and open space), the continued existence of long-term resource demand challenges, and specific conservation tactics that are recommended.

PWA Ongoing

3.8

Clean electricity. Coordinate with Southern California Edison to expand the availability of clean/renewable energy services throughout the city, and to explore alternative energy technologies.

PWA 2023

3.9

Local solar photovoltaics (PV). Continue to pursue partnerships with government entities and private companies to establish a range of incentive programs to retrofit existing buildings with photovoltaic panels. Incentives could include reduced fees, expedited permit processing, tax incentives, and reduced energy bills. Provide educational resources to residents, property owners, and businesses regarding PV panels and available incentive programs.

PBA 2023

3.10

Electricity storage. Consider partnering with local Southern California Edison and local community organizations to pursue opportunities for electricity storage at the building scale, separate from the utility-scale storage operated by Southern California Edison. As battery technologies improve, promote the use of distributed electricity storage at commercial and residential buildings.

CMO 2022

3.11

Natural carbon sequestration. Reduce the amount of carbon dioxide that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere through the continued maintenance and expansion of the city’s urban forest and development of other green infrastructure. Explore options to include green infrastructure requirements in new public realm plans.

PWA Ongoing