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<br />December 21, 2009 Section 3: Building Energy Use <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />Page 17 <br />3. Building Energy Use <br />The State of California has long been a leader in implementing policies aimed at improving <br />energy efficiency of its building stock. The State is committed to first meet its energy needs <br />―through all available energy efficiency and demand reduction resources that are cost effective, <br />reliable and feasible.‖10 Since the 1970s, California has led the nation in developing and <br />implementing successful energy efficiency efforts. <br />A number of recent policies, such as AB 1109, which requires defined reductions in energy <br />usage for lighting and the Federal Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, which <br />contains many provisions for new minimum efficiency standards and research, have <br />dramatically altered the landscape for energy efficiency activities in California. <br />While building energy comprises 36 percent of the City of San Leandro‘s greenhouse gas <br />emissions, it is also the sector with the most immediately achievable and affordable reduction <br />opportunities. Energy efficiency is the most cost-effective measure for greenhouse gas <br />reductions and also has numerous co-benefits such as cost savings over time and promotion of <br />green collar jobs. Along with energy efficiency, California has an abundance of natural <br />resources and a long history of supporting renewable energy generation. With the idea of <br />―Reduce, then Produce‖ a sensible energy policy seeks to first maximize energy efficiency and <br />then look to generate electricity with low carbon fuels and renewable resources. <br />In this chapter we examine existing and proposed City programs and initiatives that will promote <br />energy efficiency and renewable energy in both existing and new buildings, and in residential <br />and non-residential sectors. In identifying components of the plan, we assess a broad array of <br />energy-related authorities and opportunities available to the City. <br />3.1 Goal: Improve energy efficiency and reduce costs of <br />energy upgrades for existing residential properties <br />Although the State of California is committed to taking action to increase investment in cost- <br />effective energy efficiency, the vast majority of San Leandro‘s residential structures were built <br />before State-mandated energy standards for new construction were put in place in 1978. <br />Achieving significant reductions in energy consumption in the residential sector will require both <br /> <br />10 ―Energy Action Plan I‖, California Energy Commission, California Public Utilities Commission and Consumer Power <br />and Conservation Financing Authority. May 8, 2003. Available at: <br />http://docs.cpuc.ca.gov/word_pdf/REPORT/28715.pdf