Energy efficiency and building electrification lead to healthier, safe, and more resilient homes. For more information about the City's building decarbonization initiatives, visit www.alamedaca.gov/BuildingDecarb
What is building decarbonization?
Building decarbonization is the process of shifting natural gas use in existing buildings toward clean, energy efficient all-electric buildings. With Alameda Municipal Power (AMP) now providing 100% clean electricity, Alameda's greenhouse gas emissions in homes comes from natural gas consumption. Decarbonization is a three step process of decarbonizing the grid, then reducing energy use, and finally electrifying buildings.
- Decarbonize Electric Grid: The first step of building decarbonization is to decarbonize the electric grid. Alameda has already completed this step with AMP providing 100% clean electric energy, beginning in 2020. AMP sources its electricity from a mix of sources such as geothermal, hydroelectric, wind and landfill gas.
- Energy Efficiency: Energy Efficiency entails reducing building energy use, energy bills and emissions through weatherization, building insulation and more efficient appliances.
- Electrify Buildings: Electrifying buildings looks like replacing gas appliances in buildings with electric ones for space heating, water heating, clothes drying, and cooking.
Where to begin?
Building decarbonization can seem like a big undertaking, as there are a multitude of options. First begin with energy efficiency then move onto building electrification.