Climate Action Plan Goals & Metrics for Building Energy Use
The global warming emissions that result from energy use in Berkeley’s homes, businesses, and institutions represent approximately half of total community-wide emissions. The Climate Action Plan sets the goal of reducing building energy use emissions by 33% below 2000 levels by 2020 and 80% by 2050. Achieving this goal requires unprecedented increases in energy efficiency and renewable energy use.
Check out the Climate Action Plan’s goals for building energy use. Click on links below to review our community’s performance to date and to access other relevant resources and information.
- Increase number of certified green buildings
- Residential: Enhance energy services
- Commercial: Enhance energy services
- Residential & Commercial: Increase renewable energy use
- Municipal: Increase energy efficiency and renewable energy use
Goal 1: Increase green buildings in the new construction & remodel market
To achieve this goal, the City's Green Building Program encourages innovative strategies to minimize energy and water consumption, maximize the recycling of construction debris, and create a healthy and comfortable indoor environment. Click here for more information about green building.
Goal 2: Enhance energy services & standards for existing residential properties
Electricity and natural gas consumption in residential buildings accounts for approximately 26% of Berkeley’s greenhouse gas emissions. Click here for more information and programs on energy efficiency for homes.
Goal 3: Enhance energy services & standards for existing commercial properties
Energy consumption in commercial buildings accounts for approximately 28% of community-wide greenhouse gas emissions.
Goal 4: Increase residential and commercial renewable energy use
The Climate Action Plan not only seeks to remove barriers to increased energy efficiency, but also to “green” the energy supply we consume through increased utilization of renewable energy sources, such as solar. Click here for more information about solar programs.
Goal 5: Increase energy efficiency and renewable energy use in public buildings
The greenhouse gas emissions that result from energy use in municipal buildings account for a small percentage of community-wide emissions - about 1%. Click here to learn more about municipal energy conservation.
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