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Governor Announces Green Building Initiative

Executive Order S-20-04 creates the Green Building Initiative with these goals: Reduce electricity purchased from the grid by existing government and private commercial buildings by 10% per square foot by 2010 and 20% by 2015, and involve state leadership in retrofitting, building and operating the most energy- and resource-efficient public buildings in the country.

Leaders in Energy Efficiency

City of Berkeley: Berkeley's Smart Lights program retrofitted lighting in nearly 900 businesses in 2002 and 2003, saving 4.8 million kWhs and more than $800,000 in energy costs.

California Environmental Protection Agency

The headquarters exceeds California's energy-efficiency building standards by more than 35% as a result of energy-efficient janitorial and maintenance practices and energy-efficient equipment upgrades. The building won the 2004 Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) International Earth Award.

Government Solutions

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.

Take Top-level Action Steps

  • Create an energy management plan and appoint an energy coordinator and team.
  • Implement and enforce a procurement policy for energy-efficient products and appliances. Order the free ENERGY STAR Purchasing Tool Kit, which provides nuts and bolts information geared to large institutional buyers. The kit can be obtained by calling the ENERGY STAR hotline at: 888-STAR-YES (782-7937).
  • For state facilities, follow – and exceed – the protocols of the Department of General Services Management Memo 03-14 (PDF, 768 KB) for state facility managers and employees.
  • Conduct an education and outreach campaign to spread information about smart energy use to residents, businesses and employees.

Apply for Funding and Technical Assistance

  • Energy Partnership Program: California Energy Commission (CEC) helps cities and counties reduce energy use in office buildings, police and fire stations and other buildings. An initial free feasibility study identifies possible energy efficiency projects.
  • Local Government Initiative: Southern California Edison (SCE) provides local governments in its service territory with information and education to improve the efficiency of the residential and nonresidential buildings in their jurisdiction. Call 626-302-3159.
  • Energy Code Training: San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) holds free classes on the more stringent Title 24 requirements, as well as energy software modeling tools.
  • Emerging Technology and Special Rebate Programs: The Center for Emerging Energy Technologies helps cities reduce energy costs by 10% to 30% through energy efficiency technologies. Paybacks typically average 24-36 months and projects can be completed with no cash outlay.
  • More Funding Programs
  • More Rebates, Incentives & Services

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