Measures in the energy sector incentivize the installation of solar photovoltaic panels on residences in the unincorporated area and require an increase in the amount of renewable electricity supplied to unincorporated county residents through the grid. The County also generates renewable energy on-site through solar and renewable electricity installations on County-owned property through power purchase agreements. Measures in this sector will help the County achieve reductions of 125,140 metric tons carbon dioxide equivalent in 2020 and 553,449 metric tons in 2030.

On September 11, 2024, the Board of Supervisors adopted the 2024 Climate Action Plan . The Final 2024 CAP project documents will be posted online soon. This website will be updated to reflect the 2024 CAP. 

MEASURES

Strategy E-1: Increase Building Energy Efficiency

Strategy E-2: Increase Renewable Electricity Use

BACKGROUND

Electricity and natural gas used in buildings contribute 33% of total greenhouse gas emissions in the unincorporated county. The County works to incentivize solar photovoltaic systems and incorporates new technologies and practices that increase energy savings, lower utility costs, and improve air quality in County buildings. The County also strives to increase the generation and use of renewable energy on-site at facilities and across the unincorporated county to reduce emissions from fossil fuel-generated electricity. 

Accomplishments

• Opened the  Santa Ysabel Nature Center in 2020 to be zero net energy (ZNE), which means it produces as much energy as it consumes
• In 2021, the County joined a local Community Choice Energy program to bring renewable energy to the grid in the county’s unincorporated areas in Spring 2023
• Installed solar photovoltaic systems with a total capacity of 18,396 megawatt hours on-site at County facilities from 2015-2023
• Issued residential solar permits for the equivalent of 17,459 homes in 2023, over 90% permitted through the County’s Online Permits platform
• In 2023, achieved a 44% reduction in energy use intensity at County facilities
• The County continues to analyze all new County construction for ZNE potential

Awards

• Received an Achievement Award from the National Association of Counties in 2020 for the Santa Ysabel Nature Center which is designed as a net zero energy facility and is certified as LEED Gold (NACo Category: Parks & Recreation)
• Recognized in 2018 as the first local government in California and second in the nation to receive U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) for Communities Platinum certification
• In 2018, awarded the US Green Building Council San Diego Sustainable Public Organization Award, LEED BD+C Honor Award, and Zero Net Energy Honor Award for Alpine Library
• Designated in 2018 as a SolSmart Gold-level community for stellar solar permitting services