Hot Topics

Flex Your Power Awards

Past Flex Your Power Award Winners

Other Award Programs

Energy-Saving Tips Cards

Picture of energy tip card

Download our hot weather energy-saving tips cards and reduce electricity costs as well as protect the environment.

3rd Annual Flex Your Power Awards

City of San Jose

City of San Jose has invested in energy efficiency since the mid-1980s. The City saved more than 100 million kWhs and over $13 million in energy costs since 2001 by installing variable speed drives on water pumps, retrofitting lighting and HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) systems, and encouraging city employees to use energy wisely by turning off lights and computers when not in use.

San Jose's energy efficiency and conservation programs have resulted in the following successes since 2001:

  • 107,252,097 kWh saved
  • $13,479,657 saved in avoided energy expenditures
  • The Water Pollution Control Plant saved an additional 11 million kWhs and 1 million therms of gas through Pacific Gas & Electric's Savings by Design program between 2003 and 2004.
  • The Convention, Arts & Entertainment Department has received approval from City Council to replace 1,000 light fixtures that use 175-watt bulbs with fluorescent fixtures that use only 64-watt bulbs in 2005-06. Energy consumption is expected to decrease by nearly two-thirds.

In April 2003, San Jose adopted the Sustainable Energy Policy and Action Plan. The plan set goals to:

  • Serve as a leader in energy-efficient uses in city activities and facilities
  • Improve energy reliability, supply and price stability
  • Promote collaboration on energy issues
  • Improve air quality, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and achieve an overall healthier environment in city facilities
  • Encourage the use of energy-efficient measures, renewable energy and alternative fuels in city facilities

More information: City of San Jose

Clerestory windows and skylights help bring daylight into San Jose's West Valley Library.

A "cool roof" on the West Valley Library building.

The West Valley Library is heated and cooled via a raised floor system.