See our model library of policies and programs from San Gabriel Valley cities. Policies, Codes,and Ordinances
Another tool that local governments can utilize for promoting energy efficiency and conservation is the adoption of policies and ordinances. Policies and ordinances can be divided into the following broad policy areas: green building , reach codes, energy conservation, solar power, and environmentally-preferred purchasing. Some examples include:
Green Building Policies Green building policies are those that promote reduction of energy usage, recycle, and incorporate reusable materials in municipal facilities. Examples include office buildings that use smart energy software to regulate the amount of power used at different times of day and days of the week, reducing the amount of water used in restrooms, or using solar reflective film on windows that would reduce cooling costs. - In 2006, the City of Pasadena developed a green building program for new development. The program included a green building ordinance, incentives for developers, and outreach and education. To learn more about their ordinance, click here.
- The County of Los Angeles has more recently adopted a green building program. The County adopted a green building ordinance in November 2008 along with low impact development and drought tolerant landscape ordinances. Download a copy of these ordinances by clicking here.
- The City of San Gabriel has developed its own green building policy as part of its San Gabriel Goes Green initiative.
Reach Codes Reach Codes are those energy codes that go beyond the State of California’s Title 24 standards. For example, this includes requiring energy efficient techniques or materials in new or redeveloped projects. - The City of Santa Monica developed new building standards that requires new construction projects to include energy efficient techniques and materials. A link to their code requirements are here. A list of green building materials here.
Energy Conservation Energy conservation policies include those policies that use energy conservation principles—such as proper insulation, energy efficient air conditioning and lighting systems, or other energy usage reduction techniques—to change city operation and municipal facilities, or aid residents and business owners in upgrading and retrofitting their homes and businesses. - The County of San Diego, as part of their Green Building Program, requires applicants to use energy conservation techniques to qualify.
Solar Power Policies Solar power policies both incentivize investment in solar power generating panels and cells for residents and businesses, or incorporate solar technology in city infrastructure. Examples include fast tracking permitting or waiving certain permitting fees, or using solar panels to light street lamps or garbage compacter units on the street. - In January 2010 the City of West Covina adopted a new policy that waives certain fees for the installation of solar panels.
Environmentally-Preferred Purchasing Policies Environmentally-preferred purchasing policies give extra consideration to environmentally-sustainable products, and environmentally-friendly businesses in the purchasing and procuring goods and services for the city. - The City of Sierra Madre has adopted environmentally-preferred purchasing policy for municipal procurement. Available here.
City Sustainability Plans City Sustainability Plans is a set of policies that keep environmental principles in mind when approaching city operations and city codes. Global environmental challenges require locally-driven responses from across all sectors. Local government leadership is critical to realizing comprehensive change ranging from public policy to personal habits. - The City of Claremont adopted its "Claremont Sustainable City Plan" in October 2008. As stated in the document the vision is that, "A sustainable Claremont is a community that balances social needs, environmental health and economic prosperity while not depleting or degrading its natural resources, creating social inequities, or limiting our prospects for continued economic prosperity."One of the key targets for the city's sustainability plan is to decrease energy consumption is city facilities by 20% of 2003 levels by 2015. This goal is leading the city towards implementing a wide range of strategies to reduce energy consumption throughout the community.
- The City of Monrovia has recognized local government's responsibility, and opportunity, to promote and practice behaviors that support environmental sustainability. In July 2007, the City of Monrovia adopted the Monrovia Environmental Accords. This initiative entails 21 innovative action items centered on energy, waste reduction, urban design, urban nature, transportation, and environmental health, and water. Since that time, the City of Monrovia has worked diligently, drawing on leadership from across city departments, to implement a wide range of strategies that will meet the ambitious targets established in the Accords.The proactive work of the City has already produced results that directly improve the quality of life for its residents and the region at large. Reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, decreased energy consumption, water conservation, and an expanded urban tree canopy are just a few examples of the accomplishments achieved in this relatively short time frame.
Cool Cities Cool cities are cities that have made a commitment to stopping global warming by signing the U.S. Mayors' Climate Protection Agreement. Begun in 2005, the Cool Cities campaign empowers city residents and local leaders to join and encourage their cities to implement smart energy solutions to save money and build a cleaner, safer future. Cities in the San Gabriel Valley who have signed the agreement include: - Claremont
- La Canada-Flintridge
- Monterey Park
- Pasadena
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