Adaptation strategies with energy efficiency
The adaptation strategies below offer possible ways to address anticipated climate risks with energy efficiency.
- Adopt an energy benchmarking ordinance for jurisdictionally-owned and private buildings to allow prospective and current building owners, typically above 50,000 square feet, to compare the energy use of buildings of similar sizes. The data transparency can create an incentive for buildings with higher energy usage to implement energy efficiency upgrades to be more in line with the others. See a database of communities that have adopted benchmarking ordinances.
- Require or encourage third party certification on government-owned or privately-owned building renovations and/or new construction to promote awareness and visibility of efficiency strategies while also encouraging the buildings to reach higher certification levels.
- Take advantage of your state’s Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) program (see if your state has one), which can allow local governments to offer the residential and/or commercial sectors renewable energy, energy efficiency, and water conservation upgrades at no or little up-front cost (installations are paid back through property tax bills or other annual property assessment). PACE programs must be enacted by the state legislature.
- Local governments served by a private utility can implement or increase utility franchise fees on utility bills and direct the revenue towards energy efficiency initiatives. Fees can either be a flat rate or as a percentage of the bill.
- Implement energy efficiency measures on all city facilities through budget-neutral energy savings performance contracts.
- See how Michigan City, Indiana reduced their energy use and saved costs by improving the efficiency of their wastewater treatment plant.
- Note: Local governments in Indiana can use a guaranteed energy savings contract (GESC) to fund the installation. A GESC allows the local government to start the installation without a large upfront cost and payoff the cost over a period of time with the energy savings.
- Replace all public lighting with LEDs through local laws or incentives.
- Update water and wastewater pumps to the most efficient technology available.
- Provide tax credits for buildings that implement energy efficiency measures.
- Reduce permitting fees and/or simplify permitting processes for energy efficiency upgrades.
- Require energy efficiency in rental licensing.
- Adopt the most energy-efficient building code allowed by state law.
- Mandate that all applicable zoning standards related to efficiency apply to all types of dwellings and establishments.
- Address gaps in other utility assistance programs across your jurisdiction by financially assisting underserved communities and by providing energy efficiency education and upgrades.
- Launch a 2030 District, or an organization that facilitates energy efficiency, water, and greenhouse gas emissions goal setting and achievement among a pre-identified group of buildings within a community.
Source Documents
These strategies are adapted from existing federal and other resources. Please view these strategies in the context provided by the primary source document:
- American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy: Indicators for Local Energy Resilience
- ERI Fact Sheet: Energy Efficiency in Your Community
- National Renewable Energy Laboratory: Resilience Roadmap
- Rocky Mountain Institute: Energy Efficiency Five Core Values
- US Department of Energy: Energy Infrastructure Resilience
Disclaimer
The adaptation strategies provided are intended to inform and assist communities in identifying potential alternatives. They are illustrative and are presented to help communities consider possible ways to address current and future climate threats. Read the full disclaimer.
