19% of potential reductions
Increasing the efficiency of buildings is often the most cost-effective approach for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Energy efficiency upgrades, such as adding insulation and sealing heating ducts, have demonstrated energy savings of up to 20 percent, while more aggressive “whole house” retrofits can result in even greater energy savings. Many “low-hanging fruit” improvements can be made inexpensively and without remodeling yet can be extremely cost-efficient, such as swapping out incandescent bulbs to LED bulbs, sealing air leaks, and installing a programmable thermostat. Energy Star-certified appliances and office equipment, high-efficiency heating and air conditioning systems, and high-efficiency windows not only save energy but reduce operating costs in the long run. Nonetheless, some upgrades can be expensive, particularly for low-income households, so the City participates in programs that provide rebates, free energy audits, and financing options for residents and businesses.
New construction techniques and building materials, known collectively as “green building,” can significantly reduce the use of resources and energy in homes and commercial buildings. Green construction methods can be integrated into buildings at any stage, from design and construction to renovation and deconstruction. The State of California requires green building energy-efficiency through the Title 24 Building codes. The State updates these codes approximately every three years, with increasing energy efficiency requirements since 2001. The State’s energy efficiency goals are to have all new residential construction to be zero net electricity by 2020 and all new residential and commercial construction to be zero net energy by 2030. Local governments can accelerate this target by adopting energy efficiency standards for new construction and remodels that exceed existing State mandates, or by providing incentives, technical assistance, and streamlined permit processes to enable quicker adoption.
The City will take the following actions to reduce emissions in the built environment.
Table 5: energy efficiency measures to reduce community emissions
| ID | Measure | GHG Reduction by 2030
(MTCO2e) |
Share of Reductions |
| EE-C1 | Energy Efficiency Programs | 17,335 | 96% |
| EE-C2 | Energy Audits | 260 | 1% |
| EE-C3 | Cool Pavement and Roofs | 275 | 2% |
| EE-C4 | Green Building Reach Code | 225 | 1% |
| EE-C5 | Streamline Permit Process and Provide Technical Assistance | n/a | n/a |
| TOTAL | 18,095 | 100% | |
What is the City of San Rafael Going to Do to Help?
Promote and expand participation in residential and commercial energy efficiency programs.
- Work with organizations and agencies such as the Marin Energy Watch Partnership, the Bay Area Regional Network, Resilient Neighborhoods, and the Marin Climate & Energy Partnership to promote and implement energy efficiency programs and actions.
- Continue and expand participation in energy efficiency programs such as Energy Upgrade California, California Energy Youth Services, and Smart Lights.
- Promote utility, state, and federal rebate and incentive programs.
- Participate and promote financing and loan programs for residential and non-residential projects such as Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) programs, PG&E on-bill repayment, and California Hub for Energy Efficiency Financing (CHEEF) programs.
Investigate requiring energy audits for residential and commercial buildings prior to completion of sale, including identification of cost savings from energy efficiency measures and potential rebates and financing options.
Use high albedo material for roadways, parking lots, sidewalks and roofs to reduce the urban heat island effect and save energy.
- Evaluate the use of high albedo pavements when resurfacing City streets or re-roofing City facilities.
- Encourage new development to use high albedo material for driveways, parking lots, walkways, patios, and roofing through engagement and behavior change campaigns.
Investigate adopting a green building ordinance for new and remodeled commercial and residential projects that requires green building methods and energy efficiency savings above the State building and energy codes. Consider utilizing the County's green building ordinance as a model and including the use of photovoltaic systems and all-electric building systems as options to achieve compliance.
Analyze current green building permit and inspection process to eliminate barriers and provide technical assistance to ensure successful implementation of green building requirements. Work county-wide to make it easier for contractors and building counter staff to simplify applications and identify incentives.
Complete replacement of inefficient street, parking lot and other outdoor lighting with LED fixtures.
Work with the Marin Energy Management Team to identify and implement energy efficiency projects in municipal buildings and facilities and electrification of existing building systems and equipment that use natural gas.
Reduce energy consumption through behavioral and operational changes.
- Establish energy efficiency protocols for building custodial and cleaning services and other employees, including efficient use of facilities, such as turning off lights and computers, thermostat use, etc.
- Incorporate energy management software, electricity monitors, or other methods to monitor energy use in municipal buildings.
- Investigate 9/80 work schedule for City facilities where feasible and where facilities can be shut down entirely.