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Energy Efficiency

The Climate Protection Campaign in 2009 initiated a countywide program for reducing energy and water use and then worked with county agencies to develop the initiative. In spring 2011, our one-stop-shop approach went statewide with the launch of Energy Upgrade California™, which provides consumer education, qualified contractors, rebates and financing. Participating Sonoma County homeowners reduced their energy use by 38 percent on average.

We are also helping the Town of Windsor pioneer a financing program for measures that reduce water and energy use. The program allows people to pay for the measures via their water bills, in payments that are less than the money they are saving. And we are piloting a neighborhood approach to building efficiency that brings upgrades to entire communities.

The Cheapest, Fastest, Cleanest Energy Option

Universally, experts regard energy efficiency as the most immediate and cost-effective way to decrease energy use and greenhouse gas emissions.

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> 

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

 

Update: The Town of Windsor has been awarded a 2014 Green California Leadership Award for Windsor Efficiency PAYS®, a project that started as a collaboration between the town and Climate Protection Campaign. This water conservation program that has helped Windsor residents install water saving devices and landscaping since October of 2012 saving water and energy. Press Release 04-02-14_PAYS_Green Cal Leadership Award