Energy Efficiency

The two fundamental means for reducing emissions from electricity and natural gas are decreasing consumption through efficiency and switching from fossil to renewable sources. The Sonoma County Community Climate Action Plan goals for the electricity and natural gas sector are to upgrade the efficiency of at least 80 percent of residential and commercial buildings to the highest feasible level and thereby reduce demand for energy in existing buildings, and to lower the carbon footprint of electricity and energy used as cost effectively as possible.

Efficiency rightfully receives much attention because it is the most cost effective approach for reducing GHG emissions. Efficiency lowers energy demand and can be considered “virtual energy.” Reduction in energy demand is equivalent to replacing emitting energy sources with non-emitting sources. Thus, an efficiency retrofit of existing buildings that lowers energy consumption is equivalent to building virtual windmills.

Despite California’s reputation for being very energy efficient, a considerable gap exists between current per capita energy consumption and what is technically or even economically feasible.

Energy Upgrade California: Getting it done in Sonoma County

To reach the ambitious target for energy efficiency upgrades set in the Community Climate Action Plan, the Campaign is working with a number of local and regional partners to implement an aggressive efficiency out reach program.

Energy Upgrade California is your one-stop-shop for home improvement projects that lower your energy use, conserve water and natural resources, and make your home healthier and more comfortable.  The program takes a whole house approach, providing an analysis of the most cost effective interventions for each house.  It also provides thousands of dollars in financial incentives, financing options and contractor quality assurance.  Check out the website>

Energy-Upgrade-New-Rebates_Winter-2011-2012

Here is a short video that explains the multiple benefits Energy Upgrade California program.

 

 

 

 

Comments are closed.

Latest updates:

State Senator Leno Moves to Protect Community Power

In June 2010 PG&E spent millions dollars to pass Prop 16. This initiative was designed to shackle the state law that allows local jurisdictions to establish Community Choice Aggregation. CCA empowers local communities to develop renewable energy and create more competition in the utility market. State Senator Mark Leno has authored SB 790, a bill to strengthen the existing CCA … More >

Poll Finds That Public’s Support for Alternative Energy Transcends Political Boundaries

A new Pew Research Center poll “Beyond Red vs. Blue: The Political Typology” finds strong support for the environment and clean energy across party affiliations. 71% of Americans believe “this country should do whatever it takes to protect the environment.” For the complete poll results. Overall the public prioritizes developing alternative energy over expanding oil, coal, and natural gas by … More >

Ghilotti Goes Green

Ghilotti Construction Company, the largest contractor in Sonoma, Marin and Napa, is a Business for Clean Energy sponsor and is demonstrating leadership in the industry by reducing its environmental impact. Some of the company’s accomplishments: using biodiesel blend for trucks and heavy equipment, recycling jobsite asphalt and concrete materials, construction of a “Green” corporate headquarters, redesign of operations offices using … More >