
ENERGY AND WATER
Protecting our resources for future generations.
Energy and Water
Buildings are the single largest contributor to GHG emissions from the County’s operations, accounting for 44.5% of all emissions. These emissions stem primarily from the use of natural gas in County buildings. Transitioning away from natural gas in buildings requires all-electric new construction and electric replacements for existing equipment at the end of its useful life. Presented below are the climate objectives and actions that are designed to reduce emissions from new and existing buildings and reduce water consumption.
Goals:
- 2030: 80% of existing buildings electrified
- 2030: 50% reduction in energy emissions compared to 2005
- 2030: 15% reduction in water consumption compared to 2005
- 2035: 100% of existing buildings electrified
- 2035: 100% reduction in energy emissions compared to 2005
- 2035: 30% reduction in water consumption compared to 2005
Summary of Strategies:
Objective 1: Electrify County-Owned Building Stock
- 1.1 Convene a Green Facilities Workgroup
- 1.2 Plan for the Electrification of Existing Buildings
- 1.3 Prohibit New Natural Gas Infrastructure
- 1.4 Update the Municipal Green Building Policy for New Buildings
- 1.5 Phase-out Natural Gas Cogeneration
Objective 2: Increase Energy Efficiency and Maintain Use of Renewable Energy
- 2.1 Maintain Renewable Energy Procurement
- 2.2 Standardize Energy Management
- 2.3 Install Solar and Battery Storage
- 2.4 Plan for a Microgrid
- 2.5 Explore Green Lease Agreements
- 2.6 Empower Employee Green Champions
- 2.7 Evaluate Back Up Power Options
Objective 3: Reduce Water Consumption
- 3.1 Reduce Water Use in Landscaping
- 3.2 Install Smart Water Meters
- 3.3 Upgrade to High Efficiency Water Fixtures
See Focus Area 1: Energy and Water in the Government Operations Climate Action Plan (PDF) for more details on objectives and actions.
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