Description
Net-Zero greenhouse gas emissions
By adopting the Climate Equity Plan, we promised to cut greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for all city buildings to net-zero by 2040. Net-zero means lowering our GHG emissions so that we don’t make more than we remove from the air. To do this, we need to support net-zero standards for new buildings and focus on cutting emissions for the buildings already in use. These actions will:
- Lower GHG emissions
- Improve indoor air quality
- Improve comfort
- Make our buildings a healthier place to work and visit
- Reduce utility cost volatility over time
So far, our lower GHG emissions are the result of:
- Energy conservation improvement projects
- A cleaner electricity grid
- Subscribing City buildings to Xcel Energy’s Renewable*Connect program
As of 2024, we've subscribed all City buildings to Xcel's Renewable*Connect program, marking a big step forward. Now, all City buildings use electricity from renewable sources.
Read more about Xcel’s Renewable*Connect program
What we’re doing now
To continue this work, we're focused on lowering our emissions from fossil fuels. To do this, we’re working on:
- Proactive capital planning
- Retrofitting or replacing gas equipment with lower GHG-emitting alternatives
Our Property Services team manages the building and maintenance operations of the City’s 60-plus buildings. But to prioritize efficiency and support these broader efforts, we need everyone's help. This includes help from building occupants and visitors.
To support this goal, Property Services is:
- Starting a new Facility Energy Conservation and Emissions Reduction Program.
- Developing a Building Decarbonization Framework for the City’s owned and managed buildings.
- Updating equipment standards.
- Continuing to conduct energy audits across facilities to identify more energy conservation opportunities.
- Training operations staff to identify and mitigate energy waste.
- Partnering with utilities and leveraging engineering assistance and rebates.