Tag Archives: Climate Action Plan
Big changes needed to meet 2020 emissions goals
Berkeley is making progress but still has a long way to go to meet its goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the coming decades, according to a report set to be presented Tuesday night at 5:30 to the City Council. (A live stream of the meeting will be available here.)
In June 2009, the council adopted the Climate Action Plan as a guide for policy decisions to help the community significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions over the next 40 years. The goal is to reach 33% below normal levels by 2020, and 80% below normal levels by 2050.
The plan sets out strategies to reduce emissions, improve public health, drive the creation of green jobs and, not least of all, save money due to reduced energy use.
It won’t be easy. According to the staff report, Berkeley must decrease its community-wide emissions by more than 200,000 metrics tons. That’s the equivalent of removing 35,000 passenger vehicles from the road. (Berkeley’s current vehicle population is about 56,000.) … Continue reading »
More homes in Berkeley, but energy use is down 10%
Despite growing in size, Berkeley is using less energy, according to new data released by the city’s Energy and Sustainable Development department.
Over the past decade, the number of households in Berkeley has increased by around 1,000, but total residential energy consumption in the city between 2000 and 2010 fell by 10%. This is also despite a proliferation of household electronics and portable devices such as smart phones, tablets, and laptops, all of which consume electricity.
Marna Schwartz from the Office of Energy and Sustainable Development, says this is an indication that the city’s Climate Action Plan is working. “We have to be reducing our energy consumption and meet certain goals, so this is encouraging,” she said.
Between 2000 and 2010, residential natural gas consumption went down 11% in Berkeley. This is significant because natural gas, which is used primarily for home and water heating, accounts for nearly 80% of total residential energy consumption. Over the same period, residential electricity consumption decreased 7%. … Continue reading »
Berkeleyans can claim up to $8,500 in energy rebates
Starting on July 6, Berkeley residential and commercial properties will qualify for Federal stimulus funding for energy efficiency. Single-family and duplex homes may qualify for as much as $8,500, including rebates through PG&E. Commercial and multifamily properties may qualify for as much as $30,000.
Rebates can be used to improve comfort, durability and air quality and can work to help you save money on your energy bills.
The ME2 for Berkeley cash incentives … Continue reading »
