SV Clean Energy Board Approves $6M for Building Decarbonization Joint Action Plan

Agency targets emission reductions from buildings as critical next step to addressing the climate crisis

Sunnyvale, Calif. – The Silicon Valley Clean Energy (SVCE) Board of Directors adopted the Building Decarbonization Joint Action Plan, which defines a set of prioritized actions for the agency and its members to reduce carbon pollution from buildings. The Plan includes a $6 million budget to be dispersed over three years through a set of building electrification programs and initiatives.

Buildings account for nearly one-third of regional greenhouse gas emissions in the SVCE service territory, and the Plan puts funding and organizational support in place to properly assist communities in the transition to clean, all-electric buildings. The plan was created through a joint process designed to facilitate the emergence of new solutions, cultivate community buy-in, and coordinate peer-to-peer learning.

The Plan centers on three focus areas:

  • New buildings – supporting the transition to all-electric new construction
  • Existing buildings – converting existing buildings that use natural gas to all-electric
  • Market Development – creating a regional network to address the barriers Santa Clara County may face while working towards clean, all-electric buildings

The Plan establishes a set of six prioritized actions that include policy and implementation support for member communities as well as direct financial support for customers. One action is for SVCE to develop a second wave of reach code support for member agencies, to continue to advance building decarbonization at the time of new construction. Another prioritized action is to develop an accessible financing program designed to enable low-income customers to make improvements to their homes and businesses. To view all six prioritized actions, please see the full plan.

“To reach local and state emission reduction goals, we must address natural gas use in buildings,” said Girish Balachandran, SVCE CEO. “Eleven of our thirteen communities have passed reach codes to advance all-electric new construction and electric vehicle readiness. SV Clean Energy wants to further support our communities by providing programs and funding to advance the equitable and cost-effective use of clean electricity in homes and buildings.”

“SV Clean Energy member communities have led the way and set new precedents across the state by prioritizing building decarbonization as a critical component to fight climate change,” said Margaret Abe-Koga, SVCE Board Chair and City of Mountain View Councilmember. “The new Plan builds on this momentum and continues to provide support for local towns and cities to jointly tackle carbon emissions from buildings and achieve our climate goals.”

The Building Decarbonization Joint Action Plan was informed by the 2020 Buildings Baseline Study and the Decarbonization Strategy & Programs Roadmap, adopted in 2018. View the full plan.

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About Silicon Valley Clean Energy
Silicon Valley Clean Energy is a not-for-profit, community-owned agency providing clean electricity from renewable and carbon-free sources to more than 270,000 residential and commercial customers in 13 Santa Clara County jurisdictions. As a public agency, net revenues are returned to the community to keep rates competitive and promote clean energy programs. Silicon Valley Clean Energy is advancing innovative solutions to fight climate change by decarbonizing the grid, transportation, and buildings. Learn more at SVCleanEnergy.org.

Contact
Michaela Pippin, Communications Specialist
O: 408-721-5301 x1020
michaela.pippin@svcleanenergy.org