Climate Action Blog Series: Electrify your home, new green building codes & other sustainability news |
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As a continuation of our series on the City’s sustainability conversation, a new community update encourages residents to act locally by switching natural gas appliances to electric appliances and making other adjustments at home that are focused on reducing gas emissions. Learn about tools available for residents to switch to electric appliances, and gain details on new residential Green Building and Local Energy Reach Code requirements in effect as of January 1, 2023. New requirements include no new outdoor gas equipment, expanded EV infrastructure for new projects, and more. Read more here. Did you know you can share ways you and your household are taking climate action? See what neighbors are doing to have a global impact locally on the Climate Action Map at the new Sustainability Hub.
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Advanced Heat Pump Water Heater Pilot Program |
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Switching to electric is better for the environment, your wallet, and your health. When you make the switch to electric, you are drastically decreasing carbon emissions from your home and reducing your environmental impact since electricity in Palo Alto is powered by 100% carbon neutral sources. The new Advanced Heat Pump Water Heater Program, with an expected launch in early 2023, makes switching your water heater to electric simpler and more cost effective than ever.
New options rolling out soon include:
- A full-service solution where a City contractor installs the electric heat pump water heater with two different payment options including an on-bill financing option and a $2,300 rebate.
- A “Do It Yourself” application for a rebate. Qualified residents receive a $2,300 rebate and choose their own contractor to complete the water heater installation.
Learn more and sign up here.
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Track Your Water Use With WaterSmart! |
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The Utilities Department recently launched WaterSmart, an online tool to help residents conserve water and save money. WaterSmart provides access to water use charts, personalized recommendations for water efficiency, information on available rebates, and more. The City’s electric vehicle and solar online calculator tools were also upgraded and accessible on "MyCPAU," your online utilities account. Visit www.cityofpaloalto.org/WaterSmart to learn more.
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Climate Collaboration Summit |
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CDP Climate Action Achievement |
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On November 12, 2022 policy makers, climate activists, and students met to hear climate leaders speak about climate goals and electrification programs.
Thank you to participants and speakers alike who came and supported climate action leaders who are working to drive solutions, create collective action and take the next sustainable step forward.
Well attended by over 200 people, the Climate Collaboration Summit showcased recent major climate initiatives, funding at the federal, state, and local levels, and ways to work together as this important priority continues to evolve.
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The City of Palo Alto has been recognized by environmental impact non-profit CDP as one of 122 cities and counties across the world that is taking bold leadership on environmental action and transparency. Of the over 1,000 local governments scored by CDP one in ten or 12% received an A.
CDP's Cities A List is based on environmental data and is designed to encourage and support local governments to ramp up their climate action and ambition. To score an A, among other actions, a local government must have a community-wide emissions inventory and have a published climate action plan.
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Induction Cooking Class
Wednesday, December 14 | 6 to 7 p.m. | Virtual
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Join Acterra for the final Green@Home workshop of 2022. Presenters from Acterra and Peninsula Clean Energy will present on induction cooking and how it relates to home electrification. You'll learn about the climate and health effects of induction cooking as compared to gas and electric-resistance stoves and how the technology works. They'll give you the details on different kinds of induction stoves you can use in the home, how they're installed, and what challenges you might face when trying to use induction. They'll also discuss programs and rebates that make using induction easier, and what regulations around gas cooking might look like in the future. Register here.
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E-Bike Basics
Thursday, December 15 | Noon to 1 p.m. | Virtual
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Thinking about getting an e-bike? Wondering about what all the fuss is about? Not sure what kind of e-bike might be right for you? We're talking all things e-bikes: types of e-bikes, classifications, things to consider when shopping for one, and how to ride safely! Learn more and register for this workshop hosted by Silicon Valley Bike Coalition and Peninsula Clean Energy.
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EV 102 - New Owner Workshop
Wednesday, January 18, 2023 | 5 to 6 p.m. | Virtual
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Congratulations on your new electric vehicle! We realize that making the switch to electric offers some new opportunities and you may have some questions. At this workshop, we’ll do a deep dive on charging with clean, affordable energy at home, help you plan an EV road trip, and review incentives. Join us and we’ll help make your transition to driving electric smooth sailing. This event is co-sponsored by the City of Palo Alto Utilities and Ride and Drive Clean. Learn more and sign up here.
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