BE-1.3SA-1Implement energy efficiency projects at City facilities to meet zero emissions goals...

The City intends to lead by example by decarbonizing its over 400 existing municipal facilities. Energy efficiency is a key component of decarbonization, as it reduces overall electricity load at the site and on the electricity grid and reduces operating costs. The Zero Emissions Municipal Buildings & Operations Policy (ZEMBOP) provides an implementation framework to help us improve energy efficiency at municipal facilities. As older energy-using systems fail, they will be replaced with more efficient systems. Additionally, in major renovations, the policy requires efficiency improvements that bring the entire facility up to current Title 24, Part 6 (the state of California’s Building Energy Code) standards, in addition to electrification, and installation of solar PV, battery energy storage, and EV charging infrastructure in associated parking lots.

To facilitate these retrofits, City is advancing Energy Savings Performance Contracts (ESPCs). Through this approach, the City enters into a contract with an Energy Service Company (ESCO), which is responsible for developing and implementing an energy savings plan for a building or portfolio of buildings. The ESCOs also present funding and financing options and can assist in securing alternative funding such as grants and rebates, which can reduce or eliminate the incurred capital costs. The resulting energy cost savings are then used to pay back the ESCO’s upfront investment over time. The ESCO guarantees the projected energy savings and provides ongoing verification of energy savings. If guaranteed savings are not achieved, the ESCO provides reimbursement and/or fixes the underperforming systems at no additional cost.

Through this approach, the City is exploring energy efficiency improvements such as energy new heating, ventilation and air conditioning units, efficient lighting and windows, wall and roof insulation, etc., in addition to decarbonization (i.e. removing natural gas systems and replacing with more efficient electric systems), solar photovoltaics, battery energy storage systems, renewable microgrids, and electric vehicle charging for fleet vehicles.

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• The City of San Diego's Municipal Energy Strategy
• The City of San Diego's Municipal Energy Implementation Plan
• The City of San Diego's Zero Emissions Municipal Buildings & Operations Policy (ZEMBOP)
• Staff report for “Update on Energy Savings Performance Contracting (ESPC) at municipal facilities”, presented to Environment Committee on April 11, 2024